Your new favorite home improvement gadget

4/1/2022 (Permalink)

The MM-2000 Goggles also feature 3 thermal imaging modes, and a 4k Ultra-HD camera.

Have you ever wondered if the walls of your home were hiding a world of water damage? We see cases of it regularly. But sometimes, calling in the pros to answer, “what if?” just isn’t worth it. Well, just in time for the start of Home Health Month, we’re here to announce our first ever direct to consumer at home moisture damage detection solution. Introducing the MM-2000 Goggles, a stylish solution to the question “is now the right time to call SERVPRO?”

Our MM-2000 Goggles are the first and only product like this on the market. A moisture meter, infrared thermometer, thermal imaging sensor, and camera, all wrapped into one unassuming pair of glasses. The glasses will even let you know when they detect levels that warrant calling in the experts. There is a micro-SD card slot on the left temple (or arm) for expandable and removable storage and can be charged via USB-C cable.

If you have the companion app installed on your phone, you can review the levels and live footage recorded form each scan, check mold growth in real time, call to schedule an estimate, and even share your scan results with our team for expert feedback.

No more costly tests, no more “honey, don’t worry, if there was a problem, I’d know about it.” Now you too can know if there is something lurking behind the walls of your home, all for $99.95.

To learn more or order your very own pair of SERVPRO MM-2000 Goggles, give us a call at 1-800-401-FOOLS

Don’t Ignore Spring Weather Alerts!

4/1/2022 (Permalink)

Go ahead and breathe that sigh of relief for weathering winter without incurring any storm damage to your commercial property; however, keep a close eye on any spring weather alerts that might pop up this season.  

Spring storms can really pack a punch when it comes to the structural integrity of your commercial property. Early spring, especially, is notorious for nor’easters, which can deliver heavy snow, rain, and even gale force winds in excess of 58 miles per hour.

Why are these storms called nor’easters? What does that name even mean? 

According to an article published in The Atlantic, “Why Are There Suddenly So Many Nor’Easters?,” the source of the name is attributed to the wind direction. “During a storm event, it’s the northeast wind that brings the strongest gusts and precipitation to New England.” 

Stay ahead of that troublesome northeast wind this spring by listening for spring weather alerts, and take advantage of tools like SERVPRO’s Emergency Ready Profile to help you weather any storm -- whatever its name! 

Consider this your PSA to pay attention to weather alerts in order to prepare your property and staff for a spring weather event. And remember, your local team at SERVPRO of Danvers / Ipswich is always only a call away. 

Will Blustery Weather Bring Corn Snow this Spring?

3/31/2022 (Permalink)

Depending on whether or not you’re a skier, you may be unfamiliar with the term “corn snow.” Corn snow, by definition, is large-grained, rounded crystals formed from repeated melting and freezing of the snow. 

The spring season is prime time for corn snow because of the melt-freeze cycle. Avalanche forecaster, John Snook, explains that “During the day when it gets above freezing, you get liquid water on the snowpack. At night, it re-freezes on the individual grains of snow and creates a larger frozen grain.”

The New York Times offers a simple formula for corn snow: “Spring rains plus freezing plus sunshine equal corn snow, one of the most delightful surfaces for skiing.” 

Skiers love these kinds of snow conditions and our New England ski resorts tend to stretch the season until at least May for these reasons. So, if you didn’t have enough time on the slopes during the winter, keep your eye on the forecast for some fun corn snow conditions this spring!

For any less than fun weather heading our way this season, trust SERVPRO to handle any storm damage or storm remediation issues. Simply contact SERVPRO of Danvers / Ipswich for a fast, reliable response following any spring storm damage.

Not All Kindling is Created Equal -- Avoid These Types of Wood!

3/29/2022 (Permalink)

There is nothing quite as cozy as a crackling fire on a raw, rainy day in early spring. Given that our SERVPRO team is always concerned about fire safety in your home, we want to update you on two types of wood you should never use to start or feed a fire. 

The first -- brushwood -- might seem obvious because you wouldn’t want to pick it up or touch it, anyway. Brushwood includes plants like poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac. 

You already know that contact with this kind of vegetation can result in an itchy rash on your skin. But did you know burning it can actually cause severe allergic respiratory reactions, that can put anyone gathered around to enjoy the warmth of the fire at risk. 

Second -- any type of evergreen tree, like cedar, pine or spruce -- will ignite quickly and burn very hot. They actually ignite so quickly that they fizzle out almost as fast, potentially creating creosote deposits inside your chimney, which can cause a chimney fire. 

In that event -- or the event of any type of fire -- call SERVPRO of Danvers / Ipswich for expert fire restoration services.

Ah, Spring: The Season of Floods

3/29/2022 (Permalink)

Spring is an easy season to love; however, for those of us in New England, springtime can be too short and, often, well… soggy. Some seasons have proven tougher than others, however, and a little perspective can go a long way when it comes to withstanding a few rainy days in a row. 

Take, for example, the Spring Floods of 1936. 

This historic weather event caused serious storm damage across New England, to the tune of $113,000,000, and took the lives of 24 people, leaving 77,000 homeless. When it came to water damage, Hooksett, NH won the “prize” with Main Street drowning under an estimated 18-20 feet of water. 

While it’s hard to imagine what water damage restoration looked like back then, we’ve got all the modern methods, strategies, and equipment to handle any water damage this spring season might deliver.

Contact SERVPRO of Danvers / Ipswich if spring storms put a damper on your plans!

Winter Wreaking Havoc on Your Commercial Property’s HVAC?

2/25/2022 (Permalink)

When you own commercial property, maintenance problems can be a constant worry -- especially during the winter. Unfortunately, your HVAC system, which is so critical to the well-being of your structure and staff, can suffer from the season’s harsh weather patterns. 

In addition to frozen pipes, which can cause significant water damage on-site, you’ll want to avoid these additional issues that can compromise the HVAC system on your commercial property. 

Give Your HVAC a Helping Hand

Mark your calendars with a reminder to have your HVAC professionally inspected next fall, before the winter weather arrives. Doing so could potentially save you all sorts of costly and even dangerous HVAC headaches, like:

• Carbon monoxide leaks
• Malfunctioning pilot lights and/or thermostats
• Filthy filters
• Temperatures that are difficult to control
• Unpredictable airflow

Sometimes, even an inspected HVAC system can surprise you, resulting in flooded basements or even ceiling water damage. 

In that case, and especially if you suddenly find yourself dealing with water damage, contact SERVPRO of Danvers / Ipswich for reliable water damage remediation.

Beware of Increased House Fire Risk During Cold Winter Months

2/25/2022 (Permalink)

With dropping temperatures, snow, and ice come increased reliance on heating systems and even comfort cooking appliances, like crockpots. Thank goodness for these modern conveniences; however, the very equipment that keeps us comfortable on even the coldest days comes with the potential to cause a house fire. 

Here, our SERVPRO MA team shares some common sense, but critical tips to cook your favorite foods safely this winter. 

Cooking: #1 Culprit for House Fires

Did you know that cooking is the number one cause of house fires? 

We would never discourage you from whipping up some crockpot-style comfort food; however, you’ll want to make sure that your crock pot is in good working order. And the same goes for all other appliances, including your kitchen’s stove. Check the wires and look for any faulty switches or buttons, along with loose oven doors or ill-fitting lids on slow cookers. 

Of course, even in perfect condition and optimal working order, you want to take additional precautions like keeping your cooking equipment clear of flammable items like kitchen towels, printed recipes, etc. 

Cleaning your stovetop and oven regularly will also help minimize the accumulation of any flammable food crumbs or grease. 

If your favorite recipe somehow went up in flames, SERVPRO is standing by with fire restoration services to get your kitchen up and running again.

What does winter wind chill actually mean?

2/25/2022 (Permalink)

It can be tough enough to get out of bed on cold winter days. Sometimes, our local meteorologists make it even harder when they mention the wind chill factor, which can make an already cold day suddenly feel that much colder. 

What exactly is wind chill or the wind chill factor? What does it really mean with respect to the forecast and our fashion choices that day? 

Your SERVPRO team is here with the answer and standing by to help clean up any storm damage accompanying that winter wind chill. 

How is the Wind Chill Defined?

The wind chill factor is a feeling defined by a formula. In other words, when we talk about wind chill, we’re referring to just how cold the weather will feel, not just to us, but our beloved pets as well. 

Wind chill is determined by how fast exposed skin loses heat because of the wind. With increased wind your body loses heat reducing skin temperature, followed by your body’s overall internal temperature. 

Here’s an example: on a 35-degree Fahrenheit day with winds of 25 miles per hour, the actual temperature will feel like it’s eight degrees, and that’s how fast your body will lose heat; in other words, much faster than if it was actually 35 degrees

It’s wise to pay attention to wind chill because when the wind chill falls to 40 degrees below zero, exposed skin can freeze in under 10 minutes. 

Winter storms present plenty of hazards. Fortunately, your local SERVPRO MA team is simply a call away. Contact SERVPRO of Danvers / Ipswich when you need storm clean up and storm remediation services.

Is Your Commercial Insurance Up to Date?

2/25/2022 (Permalink)

As a commercial property owner, you understand the value of insurance. At SERVPRO, we understand which types of commercial property damages are filed the most often. Make sure you’ve got the coverage you need to protect your business and bottomline against water damage. 

Check out these commercial property insurance facts, relative to winter storm damage.  

An approximate 15% of small business owners filed insurance claims because of water and freezing damage? The same percentage filed claims for wind and hail damage. For water and freezing damage, a typical claim totaled abou $17,000, while claims related to hail and wind were estimated up to $26,000. 

In other words, as we wrap up winter and its typically snowiest month, it’s not a bad idea to double check your policy and ensure you have the protection you need. 

For any water damage remediation, trust the team at SERVPRO of Danvers / Ipswich. We’re only a call away.

Seriously… Stop Playing with Fire

2/25/2022 (Permalink)

Didn’t your parents ever teach you not to play with fire? According to current research, some of you missed the message. 

Residential or house fires are caused by many things; some are more frequent than others and therefore considered very common causes of house fires. 

For instance, statistics from 2019 show that 50.2% of house fires were caused by cooking, with appliances causing nearly 3%, and for 1.3%, the cause remains under investigation, potentially the result of arson or intentional firesetting. 

For the purposes of this post, we’re not addressing arson, which is a crime. No, when we urge people to stop playing with fire, we’re looking at the fact that 0.3% of residential fires result from “playing with heat source.”  

Sure, that’s a small number, but still… Fires are costly, both to human lives and physical structures. There is no need to put first responders at unnecessary risk or jeopardize the safety of your home and household by playing Jack be Nimble and jumping over candlesticks. 

Practice fire safety year-round to ensure that you’ll never have to call SERVPRO of Danvers / Ipswich for fire restoration services.

Spring Storm Protection Starts with Tree Care

2/25/2022 (Permalink)

As we continue to ride out New England’s snowiest month, it seems premature to talk about spring storm damage prevention. The fact is, spring officially returns next month and with it, the chance to suffer storm damage. Preparing now will help you mitigate the chances -- or, at least, the severity -- of spring storm damage. 

While you might already know to check the condition of your gutters and roof, you should also look at the landscape surrounding your house, focusing specifically on tree branches and their proximity to your home’s structure. 

It’s entirely possible that some of the branches and limbs on your trees did not survive this latest winter, which can result in potentially dangerous branches that might damage your home if blown about by strong spring winds. 

Rather than rely on your own eyes, enlist a professional arborist to evaluate the health of your trees and recommend any that need to be pruned back or possibly taken down altogether. 

According to Scott Humphrey of Travelers, “A good rule of thumb is you want trees and limbs to be about 10 feet away from your home.”

Unfortunately, sometimes all the preparation in the world cannot protect your home from every eventuality. That’s why we invite you to contact SERVPRO of Danvers / Ipswich should you need professional storm clean up and storm remediation services.

That Unsteady Toilet Seat Has a Secret

2/25/2022 (Permalink)

Sure, that sounds silly but the truth is if your toilet seat has started to feel unsteady, there is a good explanation for it… and one you’ll want to remedy right away. 

The fact is, residential water damage comes in many forms. Sometimes, it suddenly appears right above our heads in the form of ceiling water damage, possibly from a rickety roof or from an upstairs bathroom. 

Water damage that begins in the bathroom often results from an overflow of water, typically the bathtub but can also come from the sink. Where it tends to hide, however, is right below your toilet. In this scenario, the wax ring between the base of your toilet and the toilet flange, which is connected to the drainpipe, might weaken and leak. 

A telltale sign might be water pooled around the toilet base; or, even worse, no signs of water at all because it has soaked into the subfloor, out of sight.   

Whatever the cause, clear or concealed, contact SERVPRO of Danvers / Ipswich whenever and wherever you encounter water damage to take advantage of our professional water damage restoration services.

Get Soaked and Celebrate National Bubble Bath Day!

1/31/2022 (Permalink)

Good news! 

New Year’s isn’t the only holiday worth celebrating in January. And it’s certainly not the only occasion that calls for bubbles. 

Did you know that January also marks National Bubble Bath Day? At SERVPRO, we’re on board! After all, what better way to chase away the chills on these cold winter days? 

That said, you’ll want to avoid any water damage that comes from leaky tubs, kids splashing water over the sides, or an accidental overflow, thanks to distractions like an unexpected phone call or delivery at your door. 

You don’t need a designated day to enjoy a luxurious soak in a bubble bath. Just make sure that you pay close attention to the maximum fill line to avoid any water damage in your bathroom or, if you're upstairs, ceiling water damage to your rooms below. 

Make any day or every day bubble bath day and contact SERVPRO of Danvers / Ipswich for any resulting water damage or water damage restoration services.

Should You Use Real Candles on Your Christmas Tree?

12/30/2021 (Permalink)

Decorating your home for the holidays is a fun family tradition, especially with a classic holiday film playing in the background, upstaged by the glow of the Christmas tree.  

Speaking of glow… Have you heard about the traditional decorating trend rumored to make a comeback? 

Unfortunately, this classic and beautiful look presents a potential fire hazard in the form of real candles on your Christmas tree. Yes, we’re talking about those candles that flicker with an actual flame. 

In Favor of Fake (Candles)

As mesmerizing as the glow of a real flame can be, the fact is candles and trees (real or artificial) do not mix. An open flame is unpredictable; therefore, unsafe, particularly in the presence of children or pets.  

At SERVPRO, we urge you to use LED lights for your decorating needs, rather than real candles, which can quickly require fire restoration, extinguishing your holiday festivities. 

Have a lovely and safe holiday season from our team at SERVPRO Danvers / Ipswich. No matter the season, we are standing by and ready for you to contact us with any fire restoration questions or concerns.

Criteria For A Blizzard

12/30/2021 (Permalink)

We New Englanders know the term “blizzard” all too well. In fact, we hear it around this time of year pretty much every year. Besides heavy snow, what does a blizzard actually mean? What makes a blizzard a blizzard and not just your run of the mill snowstorm? Here at SERVPRO Danvers/Ipswich we can answer these questions for you!

What is a Blizzard?

In order for a snow event to be considered a blizzard it must meet three criteria: high winds, low visibility, and last a substantial duration of time. 

• The winds need to be at least 35 mph
• The visibility needs to be less than a ¼ mile in front of you
• These conditions need to last for at least three hours 

Oh yeah, and of course the heavy snow. Where the snow comes from also can vary in a blizzard. Snow that qualifies as a blizzard can either be caused by heavy falling snow, or it might be classified as a ground blizzard, which is blowing snow that has already fallen. 

Whether it is a ground blizzard or freshly fallen snow, if it meets the three criteria above, it’s an official blizzard. In storms like this, it is best to stay inside and leave the sledding and skiing for the next day when conditions are calmer. 

At SERVPRO, we have seen our fair share of storms and are ready to help you prepare for any incoming blizzards and resulting storm clean up! Contact us today for all your winter storm worries.

Fact or Fiction: Draining Your Pipes Protects them from Freezing.

12/30/2021 (Permalink)

Going on vacation this winter? Perhaps you are traveling to see family or just going away for a solo sojourn in search of some much needed rest and relaxation. 

No matter where your winter vacation takes you, make sure your home -- specifically your pipes -- are secure before you go. 

Traveling? Should you Drain your Pipes?

Yes! It is true that draining your pipes helps prevent the freezing effects of a harsh winter. In the winter, water left to build up in your pipes will potentially expand and turn to ice. This can create an expensive water damage repair process, which you certainly don’t want to return home to. 

To avoid the need for professional water damage repair, drain your pipes and keep them warm. You can do this with insulation material or wind heater tape around the pipes. These steps are an extra precaution in order to avoid a water damage nightmare. 

Enjoy your vacation this winter with the knowledge that you were proactive when it came to your pipes. Of course, if you forgot, or somehow the winter elements got the best of your pipes, your trusted team at SERVPRO Danvers / Ipswich is ready to step in and help.

Seasonal Commercial Property Maintenance Tips

12/27/2021 (Permalink)

Now that it is winter, commercial property maintenance has snow and ice written all over it… literally. Being in New England, we know how much snow can affect everything from our commute to even our productivity during the day. As a commercial property owner, part of your job is to make these seasonal challenges easier for your employees! Here are some tips on how to do just that! 

Ice and Snow Removal

Stay one step ahead of the storms this winter. Be prepared to remove snow and then apply adequate amounts of salt to prevent any slip-and-fall accidents. Pay attention to your parking lot, but don’t overlook sidewalks and overhangs as well. Clearing snow from these places regularly can help you avoid needing storm restoration services later. 

Speaking of Salt…

Winter is a good time to invest in a good door mat. This can help prevent ice, snow, and salt from being tracked all over your floor. This helps with cleanliness and also prevents any slipping and falling that could potentially lead to injury. 

Hand Sanitizer

Keep the common cold and other viruses out of your commercial building. Having hand sanitation stations around your office can help keep everyone healthy and serve as a reminder about the importance of routine, thorough hand washing. On that note, make sure your bathroom dispensers are fully stocked with soap. 

This holiday season, make sure your commercial property is ready before the big storms are headed our way! Keep your employees safe, happy, and healthy by committing to seasonal maintenance that might save you from having to contact your local SERVPRO Danvers / Ipswich team!

My Business is Flooded! What Now?

11/29/2021 (Permalink)

Did you know it is actually more common for your business to flood than it is to burn down? Not sure how comforting this news actually is, given that flooding requires water removal and water remediation, along with the possibility of  mold removal.

Floods are Fearsome

Did you know that just 6 inches of flowing water can knock over an adult? That’s why, even the mere threat of a flood is more than enough reason to safely shut down your business and then follow these steps before reopening:

• Ensure everyone’s safety before reentering the building or beginning to clean up.
• Second, secure the building and utilities
• Third, evaluate the amount of damage and be mindful that the water resulting from the flood could have caused significant structural damage, which can threaten the safety of anyone entering the building. 

That’s why, it’s best to partner with the pros when it comes to safe and successful water removal services. At SERVPRO Danvers / Ipswich, we’ve mitigated the damage caused by floods of all sizes in all sorts of commercial properties. 

Let your local SERVPRO team help you get back to business as soon as possible! Contact us today.

Do We Deep Fry Everything Now?

11/23/2021 (Permalink)

Well, what is better than a fried turkey leg? Pretty much nothing as long as you know the proper procedures for using your deep fryer safely! Here at SERVPRO, we want you to cook how you want this holiday season, which means keeping fire safety in mind. 

Gobble Gobble, Get to Know your Fryer!
Here is the 411 from the National Park Service on how to set your cooking situation up for success and prevent any fires and resulting fire damage. 

• Keep that fryer flat! These fryers are known to wobble and spill, causing concern for oil to potentially ignite. 
• Do not overfill! If you have to question it, perhaps don’t fill it that much. It is better to cook a few things separately than burn everything.
• Warning: hot surface! The lid and handles on your fryer are going to heat up. Give it ample time to cool down before serving. Trust that the turkey will not go cold!
• Back up plan! If it is raining or snowing, perhaps this is not the year to deep fry your turkey. Remember, grease fires can spread from water, so if rain reaches the contents of the fryer it could result in burning, scalding steam. 

Damage From the Fryer Fire

Each year, there is more than $15 million in property damage requiring fire restoration and an average 60 injuries due to deep fryer fires. Don’t become a statistic! Stay aware of any warning signs and keep an extinguisher handy at all times! 

If the turkey gets away from you this holiday season, SERVPRO Danvers / Ipswich is here to help! We would like to see your deep frying go off without a hitch, but if it does not, give us a call!

Playing Through the Power Outage

11/22/2021 (Permalink)

Winter storms are inevitable and often result in significant storm damage. Unfortunately we can’t control the weather, but weathering the storm safely indoors can be a lot of fun if you’ve stocked up on some important items.

No, we do not mean batteries and flashlights, although you should certainly have plenty of those on hand. When it comes to indoor fun during a winter storm, we say bring on the board games! 

While we love the classics -- Monopoly, Clue, Trivial Pursuit -- it’s exciting to try something new, which is why we appreciate Wirecutter’s list of the year’s best board games. Stock up on a few and store them near your emergency supplies. 

Winter is Coming. Where are Your Board Games? 

When the power goes out that’s your signal to prove to your family that you are the ultimate board game champion. Here are a few of the top-rated games this year that should make an appearance during the next storm!

1. Scythe: A game to test your strategy and decision skills, Scythe will take you a good chunk of time to complete, perfect for playing by candle or flashlight. 
2. Sherlock Holmes Consulting Detective: Similar to the classic “who done it” game of Clue, this Holmes game will make you and your family feel like true detectives. 
3. Betrayal at House on the Hill: Another mystery game inspired by the one and only, Scooby-Doo! Explore a mansion while playing the role of a character with specific personality traits!

Control what you can this storm season by stocking your home with emergency supplies and entertainment for the whole family. 

What are some of your favorite games to play during a power outage? Once you get done playing, contact SERVPRO Danvers / Ipswich for any necessary storm clean-up service.

My First SERVPRO Thanksgiving

11/22/2021 (Permalink)

Here I am nearing my second month with SERVPRO, and I can truly say it’s different from any company I’ve worked with before. The charity work our franchise does is nothing short of amazing. With seemingly no hesitation, the employees - from our owners to the newest hire rise to the occasion with a donation of time or money to help others. Thanksgiving is no exception, with donations to local food pantries, Veteran Assistance Programs, and the homeless. 

One such example of SERVPRO giving back is when my manager and I connected with a local Veterans Affairs Office Director to donate gift cards for Thanksgiving meals. They were so overwhelmed by the gesture that they asked us to go before the Board of Selectmen to accept a gracious thank you in person. We were happy to oblige.

The holidays can be a very stressful and lonely time for some, so why not take the time to help your fellow neighbors, co-workers, friends, and just about anyone you can. I can now say that I am a part of all of this, and it makes me very proud and honored to be able to help so many people with our time and charity.

I want to say Happy Thanksgiving to you all, and always feel free to reach out to me if you or anyone you know are in need of help.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Written by Roy Moulton

Save Your Sprinklers from Seasonal Freeze

11/21/2021 (Permalink)

It is not just animals that go into hibernation when the ground starts to freeze. Your sprinkler system should, too! There is a whole winterization procedure that should be followed in order to protect your system from the harsh elements. Just turning off the valve or having the system underground is not enough to keep it safe through a long, cold winter.

What Can Happen?

The first freeze comes and the inevitably colder winter weather could lead to an underground rupture of the sprinkler system, specifically the shutoff valve. This could result in damage to your home’s foundation, or even lead to flooding in the basement. 

As a result of this, there could be extensive water damage and the need for some immediate water restoration service. So, how can you avoid this?

Winterize for the Win!

Try the manual drain method, which allows you to winterize your sprinkler system in four steps!

• Shut off the water supply to the system.
• Then, look for the manual valves at the ends and low points of the piping. 
• Open all the valves and drain the water from the system.
• Make sure you also drain the backflow device.

Getting this done before the first freeze could save your sprinkler system and keep your home safe from seasonal water damage. 

As always, never hesitate to contact SERVPRO Danvers / Ipswich for any water damage or water restoration issues.

Autumn Safety Tips

11/16/2021 (Permalink)

As the air turns cooler and leaves drop from trees, keep in mind a few important fall safety tips and proper precautions, and safety awareness so your family can enjoy that crisp Autumn weather while avoiding some of the dangers that comes with the season. When the weather turns cold, most people spend more time inside their homes using fireplaces, furnaces, and heaters to keep warm. There’s nothing quite as cozy as a fire, but it presents some safety hazards. So, keep these tips in mind: 

Service your furnace before the cold Autumn and Winter weather. Call a Heating and Cooling specialist and make sure everything is in order and there are no leaks. If you own a Fireplace, keep the fire in place by using a fireplace screen, and make sure the fire is completely out before going to bed or leave the house. Another way to warm up and get the chills out of the room is using Space Heaters. There are small and convenient but dangerous. Read and follow instructions. 

It is essential to check and replace the batteries in your Smoke Alarms and Carbon Monoxide detectors when you turn back your clocks for Daylight Saving Time. Also, check and replace any home fire extinguishers that have expired. 

Written by Nury Cardoza

Secure Your Commercial Property Before a Storm

11/16/2021 (Permalink)

As New England residents, we weather our fair share of snow storms and know a thing or two about how to prepare for when a storm hits. Considering that we’ve seen snow fall on Halloween the past few years, it’s possible we will start salting the roads in no time!

Before a storm, be sure to check the following boxes. 

• Prepare an emergency kit
• Charge your devices 
• Stay off the roads
• Send your employees home as soon as the weather emergency is announced by your city.

As a property owner, keep in mind the following few tips to make sure your business stays in top condition even in compromising conditions… 

• Keep a consistent temperature inside your building! This will help with pipes and make sure they do not freeze over. 
• Do a routine inspection of the roof! You will not want any cracks or leaks becoming worse or causing water damage, during or following a heavy storm. 
• Keep the gutters clean! Any heavy snow coming your way could overpower the gutters and cause them to collapse. 
• Prevent accidents! Plow your parking lot throughout the stages of the storm and be sure to ice any walkways, steps or staircases to avoid slips and falls.  

Contact SERVPRO Danvers / Ipswich for any questions you may have for how best to prepare your commercial property before our next storm. With winter upon us, keep these storm preparedness tips -- and your emergency kit -- handy.

So, I gotta write a blog? 

11/2/2021 (Permalink)

Hi, I’m Roy and my boss has asked me to start writing a blog for our company SERVPRO. Of course, I immediately explained to her I have not one clue how to do that, so she said I should start by putting words that are in my head on paper and then getting a sense of ideas from there. Her exact words jokingly were “it’s kinda like vomiting on the paper and then molding them together” So, to me, in a weird way made perfect sense. Now with that being said, my blog postings will consist of a mix from the life of Roy, a Key Account Manager for SERVPRO, and Roy, the husband, father, friend, coach, mentor, handyman, and whatever else I can fit in my briefcase of life. I am married to a beautiful woman named Tracy and three stepchildren James, Thomas, and Jillian who keep me very, very, very busy. We also have a lovable rescue cat named Tamworth. I enjoy sports, music, and cooking just to mention a few things. I enjoy spending time with family and friends and I consider myself a funny, good-hearted man with lots of life experiences to share and talk about. I am thriving while fighting prostate cancer and have overcome other health issues and try to live every day always trying to add some fun to the mix. I’m looking forward to meeting new people and helping solve issues you may have and making new friends along the way. My career span has taken me from soda jerk in my teens to a retail store detective and stops along the way in storage, automotive, dental insurance, and others. I’m very happy to have landed here at SERVPRO where I can share all my knowledge with my clients and soon-to-be clients. I plan on writing about all of this and many other things in my future blogs. I look forward to answering questions and welcoming your feedback as we travel through my blogging future. So, get ready as there will be laughs, tears, and plenty of fun and excitement as we take the ride with the life of Roy, SERVPRO Account Manager. 

Written by Roy Moulton

Keep in Control of Your Commercial Property, 24/7

10/21/2021 (Permalink)

At SERVPRO, we understand that emergencies can happen. We are also aware of how devastating something like a fire can be for your business or commercial property. Tragically, there are more than 100,000 fires per year, which cost business owners an estimated 2.5 billion dollars.

As a business, we are committed to supporting businesses. This is why we offer 24 hour emergency services for commercial fire restoration service. 

One of the most important things to do on your commercial property is secure it after a fire in order to prevent further damage from the elements, wildlife, and even trespassers or vandals. This can involve boarding up all access points and using tarps to keep out the rain and wind. 

 At SERVPRO of Danvers/Ipswich our professionals are equipped to secure your commercial property following a fire and before beginning our restoration services. 

Is there fire damage in your commercial building? Emergency or not, we are here for you 24 hours a day at SERVPRO of Danvers/Ipswich! Contact us for more information. 

Chirping or Not, Check Your Fire Alarms!

10/21/2021 (Permalink)

Smoke detectors are commonly known as the ‘set them and forget them’ tool meant to keep you and your family safe from fire. Instantly, we go from appreciation to annoyance the second we hear the loud chirp letting us know it’s time to check the batteries on our fire detectors. 

Consider this post a PSA from your local SERVPRO MA team. 

When to Check Your Smoke Detectors 

Sure, a chirp is a great signal that your smoke detector needs to be checked for something like new batteries, but what if it never chirps? This could mean nothing or it could mean that you have faulty or broken smoke detectors. 

To avoid this worry, smoke detectors should be checked monthly. Just running a quick test will show that your batteries are working and your family is protected. 

Keep in mind, the batteries in your smoke detector should be replaced every year. Even when they are not chirping, it is important to replace the batteries in order to keep the detectors operating as they should. 

In fact, your entire smoke detector system should be replaced every 10 years. This is an inexpensive (usually between $6 and $24) way to keep your house -- and your family -- safe. 

Contact us to chat about any chirps or to schedule any fire restoration service you might need.

So I Hear Your Basement is Flooded…

10/21/2021 (Permalink)

When you are basement-bound to get some laundry done, the last possible thing you could ever want is to descend into shin-deep water. Even though this is a major headache, at SERVPRO Danvers/Ipswich, we’re pros at handling this problem. 

Here’s a little sneak peek of the steps and strategies that should follow a flood in your basement… 

Water Removal is Number One

The most important thing to do is have the water removed as soon as possible. Anything more than a few inches of water will exceed what a wet vac can handle. Removing the water quickly is critical to preventing mildew and mold growth.

Dry and Ditch

Let your floors dry out! Dehumidifiers can help with this process and you should also take care to throw away anything that is completely water damaged, such as cardboard boxes. 

A Clean Start

Cleaning and scrubbing your basement floor is necessary after a flood, even a minor one. Rather than attempt any DIY measures, it’s best to play it safe and reach out to your local leader in water restoration right away. 

Pro Tip

Did the flood waters drench some important documents down in the basement? Try throwing them in the freezer for a little bit, which could help slow the potential growth of mildew. Of course, it is best to avoid this issue altogether by storing important things in large transparent boxes and placing them on shelves, high off of the floor. 

More questions about what to do with a flooded basement or need our services? Contact us so we can help you get this headache under control!

Water Damage and Disaster Caused by Dishwasher

9/27/2021 (Permalink)

It reads like a bad headline, but dishwashers can deliver more than a clean basket of cutlery. The problem with water damage caused by dishwashers is that, in most cases, it was a small leak that was left untreated for too long. 

By design, dishwashers are sealed so that the water stays inside the appliance. It’s not the actual tub itself that is typically the problem, but the water supply lines which can leak, letting water collect in places you cannot see. 

It’s no wonder then that you might discover serious damage to your subfloor in the event that you have to move your dishwasher -- whether to make room for a new model or as part of an overall kitchen renovation project. Ultimately, this discovery can amount to an added expense to replace the floor, as well as the dishwasher. 

Unfortunately, the additional expense doesn’t stop there. In some cases, a leaky dishwasher has also ruined floor tiles, along with electrical wiring connected to other appliances in the kitchen. Wooden baseboards and wall trim can also fall victim to a leaky dishwasher. All good reasons to ensure your dishwasher is maintained for optimal operation and less chance of leaks. 

In the event of a dishwasher leak and resulting damage, your SERVPRO of Danvers / Ipswich is standing by with expert water damage repair and restoration services. 

Contact our team today!

National Preparedness Month Tips

9/27/2021 (Permalink)

Are you prepared in case of an emergency? Image courtesy of usu.edu

September is National Preparedness Month. This year is critical, taking into consideration everyone’s battle with Covid -19 and the Delta variant. Yet, according to FEMA, only 75 % of Americans have disaster supplies in their home, and less than 50% created a household emergency plan. In addition, 2021 has encountered enormous and numerous challenges, like tropical storms, flash floods, earthquakes, and heatwaves. Learning to protect yourself is the wisest step to safeguard the community and recover faster from a disaster. Here are some recommendations: 

A- Talk to your friends and family about how you will communicate before, during, and after a disaster. 

B- Collect and create a paper copy of the contacts information for your family, including doctors and make sure everyone has it with them all the time. You may post on different locations at home.              

C- Chose a safe and familiar place for emergency meetings, not just in the house, in the neighborhood shelter, even outside of the city in case of a significant situation. 

D- Gather supplies that will last for several days for everyone at home, including your pets, water, food, medication, flashlights, First Aid Kit, whistle (to signal got help), and mask. Take into consideration the unique needs each person may have in case of an emergency evacuation. Plan the evacuation route. 

E- Be aware of the risks of disasters in your area, and make your house safe accordingly. 

F- Talk to your kids about preparing for emergencies. And practice what to do if you get separated during any disaster events, selecting a clear meeting place.  

And last, but very important, check your insurance coverage. 

Written by Nury Cardoza

Pro-tip: Check Your P-Trap

9/22/2021 (Permalink)

This illustration provides a visual of what a p-trap full of water looks like.

Just in case your to-do was looking a little short, we’ve got another line item for you. When it comes to commercial cleaning services, MA businesses keep us busy. Experts at all sorts of damage control and remediation, your SERVPRO of Danvers and Ipswich team also offers odor removal and deodorization services. 

Now, there are plenty of reasons why your business might suddenly be suffering from the bane of bad odors. However, a common culprit is a little piece of equipment called the P-trap. Shaped like a U and made of PVC or stainless steel, P-traps are found beneath sinks and inside toilets. Despite their small size, P-traps serve a big purpose. 

Essentially, P-traps prevent clogs from causing problems in your pipes while also keeping sewer gasses from leaking into your office space -- or home, for that matter. 

In order to function properly, it’s important that your P-trap doesn’t dry out, which can happen if a bathroom or sink is unused for a significant length of time. In that case, you might encounter foul odors, like rotten eggs. 

Of course, this is just one example of a bad odor that can compromise an otherwise happy and fragrance-free environment in your commercial building. 

If something stinks in your building, contact us for expert odor removal and deodorization.

What’s in a Name? How We Identify Storms and Hurricanes.

9/10/2021 (Permalink)

The 2021 Atlantic hurricane season spans from May 22, 2021 through November 30, 2021. Between those two dates, we will witness tropical depressions and storms of all sizes, some culminating in hurricanes which may or may not prove costly with respect to lost lives and damaged infrastructure. 

As hurricane season rolls out, we can’t help but take notice of the names assigned to each hurricane, regardless of whether or not it actually makes landfall or leaves much of a mark on those in its path. 

To date, the 2021 hurricane season has featured names like Ana, Claudette, Danny, Elsa, Henri, and, most recently, Hurricane Ida, which took a tremendous toll on human lives and livelihoods. 

While we’ve watched these storms develop, many of which result in significant storm damage, we couldn’t help but wonder, how are storms and hurricanes named in the first place? 

Monikers from the Military

The story of how and where tropical storms and hurricanes get their names starts with the American military. 

According to senior Accuweather meteorologist, Dan Kottlowski, “During World War II, it became highly noticed that [the United States] was losing ships in the west Pacific because of hurricanes. So, coming out of the war, a large amount of research took place to understand these storms and make people more aware of them. As a part of that project, [the military] started naming them.” 

Names are reserved for certain storms; a system requires sustained winds of at least 39 MPH -- anything below that is a nameless tropical depression. Anything above 73 MPH is considered a hurricane and, therefore, named. 

If a hurricane proves particularly damaging, its name is retired and never used again. In other words, we’ve seen the last Hurricane Katrina in our lifetimes and it’s fair to anticipate that Ida will be retired as well.  

In honor of September designated as National Preparedness Month, we urge everyone to embrace this year’s Ready.gov theme: “Prepare to Protect. Preparing for disasters is protecting everyone you love.” As soon as a hurricane is named, that’s your cue that it’s time to plan and prepare!

Whatever the name of your storm, contact your local SERVPRO of Danvers / Ipswich team for expert storm damage cleanup and restoration designed to return your home or business back to its best condition.

Surprising Causes of Fire in Commercial Buildings

9/8/2021 (Permalink)

No matter how cute baby birds might be, it's safer for you and them to remove nests from above lights. Photo from Bird-B-Gone.

When you own or manage a commercial building, you’ve got a laundry list of responsibilities and tasks to take care of. The last thing you need to worry about is a fire, which is why you probably take fire prevention seriously. However, there are some causes of fire in commercial buildings that might surprise you and still require professional remediation by your local SERVPRO MA team.

While it might sound silly, there are two culprits you’ve probably never considered. One is up above your head and the other is, often, right under your nose. 

Nests and Non-dairy Creamer

What do bird’s nests and non-dairy creamers have in common? 

Very little, as it turns out, except for their potential to cause a fire in your commercial building. We’re not kidding. When birds decide to nest on or around light sources, there is a chance that the twigs and combustible materials they used to build their nests can actually ignite, if they get hot enough. 

Add the following item to your list of commercial chores: inspect your exterior light fixtures for nests and remove them for added safety.

Now, you don’t have to nix the non-dairy creamer from your office kitchen and run the risk of angering your employees. However, you do want to ensure that all non-dairy creamers and other power-based materials are stored safely. These are not combustible materials, but they do send fine particles airbound if they are spilled. If those particles encounter static electricity, spark or open flame, they might ignite, causing a fire in your establishment. 

In the event of a fire in your commercial space, contact your local SERVPRO of Danvers / Ipswich team for fire damage repair and restoration and commercial restoration you can count on. 

Back to Basics: A Beginner’s Guide to Water Damage

9/3/2021 (Permalink)

When you’re in an industry like ours, talk of water damage is commonplace around the office, but to anyone else, it can seem like total gibberish. So today we’re taking things back to basics with a beginner’s guide to water damage.

First things first, what IS water damage? Well, it’s exactly what it sounds like; damage caused by water. The most common examples of it are flooded basements and burst pipes, but water damage can come in many different shapes and sizes.

When does water damage occur? It can happen any time but are especially common in colder months and after instances of heavy rain.

When should water damages be repaired? The sooner the better! It may make us sound self-serving, but as experts in water damage, we can tell you that the longer water damage is left untreated, the more damage it can cause. Water damage left untreated has the potential to cause mold, which isn’t healthy.

For tips on how to tell if your home might be experiencing hidden water damage check out this blog post, and for more advice on how to deal with water damage, or to schedule a free estimate with one of our experts, give us a call!

How to Help a Neighbor After a Fire

8/30/2021 (Permalink)

Imagine this. You’re sitting at home relaxing after a long day of work when suddenly you hear the telltale sound that something serious has just happened- firetruck sirens. You get up and look outside to see the engines have stopped in front of your neighbor’s house. What do you do then? Run outside? Go back to what you were doing and ask them or another neighbor about it later? Or do you panic and wonder what you can do to help? Well, here are some quick and easy ways you can help a neighbor after a fire.

• Gather Essentials. If there’s a fire in your home, the last thing on your mind is going to be if you remembered to grab the toothpaste. Raid your stash of minis you took from hotels, and toothbrushes you get every time you go to the dentist and see what you can assemble. Items such as shampoo, conditioner, soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, even extra floss that you have lying around could help someone feel the slightest bit more normal after a fire.
• Bring them some food. A meal, groceries, even some extra nonperishables you have tucked in the cupboard. Anything helps. We know we all can’t be Gordon Ramsay level chefs, so a nice home cooked meal may feel like less of a gift and more of a curse but it’s the thought that counts. If you still aren’t comfortable, there’s always take-out, again, it’s the gesture that’s important.
• Start a fundraiser. It can be anything from going door-to-door asking other neighbors to pitch in supplies, to a GoFundMe to raise money to help offset some of their financial burden. Another great place to get community support, or even ideas on how to help, is through local Facebook groups.
• Check in. Even if you haven’t spoken in ages, a simple “Hey, I’m thinking of you” can go a long way. When you go through a catastrophic, life-changing event, knowing people are there and thinking of you truly makes a world of difference, trust us.
• Offer to listen (and mean it.) No one needs to hear about how your Great-Aunt Helen’s friend’s daughter’s boyfriend’s shed caught on fire 17 years ago, especially if they were just the victim of a fire themselves. Let them talk. Let them cry if they need to. Don’t try to fix everything. Just be there for them. At the end of the day, that’s what counts.
• Give them our number. We know what kind of damage a fire can cause, and our team of trained professionals know what it takes to properly cleanup and restore their home back to normal.

L’Arche Boston North’s The Longest Table

8/25/2021 (Permalink)

A collection of photos taken before, during, and after the event.

On August 19^th L’Arche Boston North hosted its signature event, The Longest Table to a sold-out crowd. Originally planned to mirror its inaugural event held in 2019, The Longest Table was supposed to be just that…a 200-foot table spanning the full length of Wingate Street in Haverhill, MA. with participating restaurants setting up portable kitchens along the sidewalk to serve the guests. However, due to Tropical Storm Fred, a location change was called to avoid cancelling, and the event was held at Bradford Country Club.

Even the last-minute pivots (that we’ve all come to expect) couldn’t derail the dedication and perseverance of Jennifer Matthews and her team at L’Arche Boston North. As the Official Clean-Up/Gold Sponsor, we were lucky enough to be part of the supporting team that made it happen. Ensuring safety and confidence was an important part of the event being a success and our Certified: SERVPRO Clean program contributed to that by disinfecting all the hard surfaces before guests arrived, and again during the breakdown and clean-up of the event.

The group of SERVPRO volunteers included owners, managers, technicians, and admin, all coming together to get the job done to perfection. Going the extra mile to support events in the communities we service is just how we do business. Knowing you were an integral part of bringing community together is the reward. It’s what makes SERVPRO a different kind of restoration company.

#HERETOHELP #STRONGERTOGETHER

Does Your School Have an Emergency Response Plan?

8/23/2021 (Permalink)

Of course your school has a plan for snow days; training for active shooter situations; fire alarm testing; and now a remote learning plan. But do you have a plan in place for what to do during a natural disaster or how to get back into your K-12 school after a natural disaster or other event like a burst water pipe or a caved in roof from a microburst?

First, your school should be ready for anything, and hope that you never have to put any of the emergency readiness plans into action. But in the event that an emergency does occur, like a tornado or a tractor trailer tipping over and releasing chemical fumes into the air, your school administration should be ready to protect and keep your students and workers safe. 

In case an emergency does occur, you also need to know what to do after assuring everyone is safe. And that entails having an Emergency Response Plan. 

Here at SERVPRO of Danvers / Ipswich, we pride ourselves on the work we’ve done with Massachusetts businesses and schools alike to develop an Emergency Response Plan in the form of our SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile. Our Emergency Ready Program includes the following:

• A no-cost assessment of your school. Seriously. There’s no cost. 
• A Profile Document that lists the critical information you need in the event of an emergency. This is something that schools and businesses wish they had put together before a disaster happens, and now you will have it at your fingertips in case of a natural disaster or other emergency.
• A guide to help you get back into your school following a disaster. This guide can help you lessen the amount of time your school is inactive and your students are remote. 
• A listing of the line of command for authorizing work to begin. In case there is an emergency, this saves time for us to have that information determined.
• Crucial facility details such as shut-off valve locations, priority areas, and priority contact information. 

Reach out to the Massachusetts emergency response experts at SERVPRO of Danvers / Ipswich for your Emergency Ready Program no-cost assessment today.

Dealing with Insurance after a Storm

8/23/2021 (Permalink)

After a storm, the last thing you want to do is focus on calling your insurance company. But it’s an important call to make to start the storm damage restoration process. For a stress free claims process, SERVPRO can help manage your insurance paperwork and process after you’ve made your storm damage insurance claim. 

We have a proven emergency storm damage restoration process that works for us and will help you get your home restored quickly and efficiently. Here’s an overview of our 1-4-8 Service Response Guidelines, which help ensure timely communication and response:

• One hour from notice of loss. One of our trained professionals will contact you to arrange for service. 
• Four hours from notice of loss. One of our trained professionals will be on-site at your home to start storm damage mitigation services. 
• Eight hours from on-site arrival. You and your insurance adjuster will receive a verbal briefing of the scope of work.

Insurance companies trust us because our goal is to restore your current possessions and furnishings instead of just replacing them. Restoring items through storm damage mitigation techniques and equipment is less expensive than replacing, and minimizes additional property damage claims for you and your insurance company. 

Throughout the process, we will work with you and your insurance company by providing an itemized room-by-room loss inventory through our Contents Claim Inventory Service (CCIS). CCIS allows your insurance company to document claim items and capture inventory items immediately. You will also receive a full list. 

Your insurance company will also receive online access to all files, information, and proof of results through our Electronic File Documentation. 

When you’re dealing with storm damage, contact our certified and trained Massachusetts storm damage experts at SERVPRO Danvers / Ipswich. We’ll come out and assess your storm damage along with any remediation, restoration, and/or rebuilding (yes, we even rebuild!) that needs to be done to your home.

Is Your Church Ready for an Emergency?

7/30/2021 (Permalink)

Our crew was up on scaffolding cleaning the walls and ceilings of this local church after it suffered from fire damage.

Your church is a place of refuge and peace for your parishioners, and should never be a place of stress. However, we all know stressful situations like a fire, flood, or natural disaster can happen, which takes away from that peace. 

You should have an emergency plan to be prepared in case something happens at your church. As part of that plan, you need to know what to do after a fire or flood has occurred before the cleanup and restoration crew arrives to prevent further damage.

Fire Damage

• Keep people out of your church (or at least the area affected by the fire) to prevent soot particles from being embedded into your church carpets.
• Place dry, colorfast towels on the high traffic areas of your church carpets to prevent further soiling.
• Wipe soot from any chrome trim, and then protect with a light coating of protectant or lubricant. 
• Do not attempt to clean any electrical equipment or appliances at your church that may have been close to fire or water without first consulting a repair service. 

Water Damage

• Shut off the water source (if possible).
• Remove excess water by mopping and blotting. 
• Remove and prop up wet chair cushions for even drying. 
• Place aluminum foil or wooden blocks under furniture legs. 
• Do not use a regular vacuum to remove water. 
• Do not turn on ceiling fixtures, including ceiling fans, if the ceiling is wet. 
• Do not leave church hymnals on wet carpeting. 

When you choose the Massachusetts cleanup and restoration expert, SERVPRO of Danvers / Ipswich, for your church damage restoration, your church is in the good hands of a company that has helped business owners recover from fire and water damage since 1967. Our trained and certified professionals are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year as disasters don’t take a holiday. 

Contact us here at SERVPRO of Danvers / Ipswich for an assessment of your fire or water damage in Massachusetts along with a plan for remediation and rebuilding to bring your church back to its pre-damage state. We are dedicated to making it “Like it never even happened.”

An Overview of Fire Damage Restoration Process

7/25/2021 (Permalink)

After a fire occurs, there’s nothing you’d like more than to go back to a time before the fire happened. We can’t go back in time to before you had a fire in your home and prevent it, but we like to say that we do all we can to make your home be “Like it never even happened.”

How? Our trained Massachusetts fire damage restoration experts at SERVPRO of Danvers / Ipswich have their number one goal as returning your fire damaged areas and items to their preloss condition. 

We have a proven emergency fire damage process that works for us and will help you get your home back to its pre-fire damage state quickly and professionally. Here’s an overview:

• One hour from notice of loss. One of our trained fire damage restoration professionals will contact you to arrange for service. 
• Four hours from notice of loss. One of our trained professionals will be on-site at your home to start fire damage mitigation services. 
• A detailed explanation. You will receive a thorough briefing of the fire damage restoration process, step-by-step, explaining what you can expect and the planned outcome.
• Pre-testing. We will begin pre-testing your home’s surfaces, furnishings, and contents for restorability, working from the source of the fire damage (for example, the outlet if faulty wiring caused a fire) outwards.
• Eight hours from on-site arrival. You (or your insurance adjuster if you’re working with an insurance company on your fire damage claim) will receive a verbal briefing of the scope of work.
• Cleaning, restoration, and deodorization. We will work neatly and efficiently with state-of-the-art fire damage restoration techniques and equipment to ensure your home is taken care of correctly the first time.
• Final walk-through. After the fire damage restoration work has been completed, we will walk you through the work we’ve done to make sure it’s to your approval.

Contact us here at SERVPRO of Danvers / Ipswich for an assessment of your fire damage in Massachusetts along with a plan for remediation and rebuilding to bring your home back to its pre-fire damage state. We are dedicated to making it “Like it never even happened.”

Storm Watch vs a Storm Warning: What’s the Difference?

7/18/2021 (Permalink)

Have you ever watched the news during a lightning storm and heard that your town is under a “tornado watch” or a “tornado warning”? If you don’t know the difference between a watch and a warning, your first instinct on hearing either term may be to head to the basement, right? 

Before you evacuate your house or go to the basement, take a read below on what the difference is between the term, what you should do for each, and what to do after a Massachusetts storm occurs.

Storm Watch versus a Storm Warning

First, let’s understand the terms, with a flood watch or warning as an example. 

• Flood watch: Flooding is possible, but isn’t happening right now, and it might not happen. 
• Flood warning: Flooding is happening or will happen soon. It IS going to happen.

The same definitions hold true for a flash flood watch or warning; an ice storm watch or warning; a tornado watch or warning; a hurricane watch or warning; and a severe thunderstorm watch or warning. 

What to During a Storm Watch

You should pay attention to the local news on the radio or TV for further information. If you have an NOAA weather radio, this is the time to turn it on to stay informed.

What to do During a Storm Warning

Evacuate immediately or seek higher ground on foot if you’re advised to do so. Otherwise, stay in your home, but go into the basement or lowest level of the house, and steer clear of windows. 

What to do After a Storm

After a storm has passed, and you’re safe, it’s time to assess your home and property for any damages. Inspect the outside of your house and your fencing, if applicable, for trees or tree branches that may have fallen, as well as tears or holes in your siding, roof, or fencing that could indicate potential storm damage. 

If you see any storm damage, contact our certified and trained Massachusetts storm damage experts at SERVPRO Danvers / Ipswich. We’ll come out and assess your storm damage along with any remediation, restoration, and/or rebuilding (yes, we even rebuild!) that needs to be done to your home.

Water Damage Restoration: What You Need to Know

7/17/2021 (Permalink)

Unless you live in a known flood zone, or know that your roof should have been replaced about a decade ago, you probably don’t have water damage restoration in your plans for this year. Or any year. And why would you when you could put that money towards a college fund, a vacation, or anything else. Unfortunately, floods, leaks, and other water disasters happen, which will cause you to spend money on a water damage restoration company to repair your home.

How can you find the right Massachusetts water damage restoration company? Here’s what to look for and keep in mind:

Insurance

We work with most insurance companies, and probably work with yours. For a stress-free claims process for your water damage, we can help you manage your insurance paperwork and the process. 

Reviews and recommendations

Talk to your local neighbors and friends and see who they’ve worked with to handle emergency situations. Or go online and look at our Testimonials. Here’s just one happy customer in Barb from Salisbury:

“We had a flooding issue after our toilet overflowed for several hours during the night. My insurance guy recommended SERVPRO and what a Godsend!!!! A team arrived and had our house rocking with dryers and the next day Brian came and started the process rolling. Through everything Chris explained every procedure, answered every question and kept the clean up/demo moving. Chris, along with Justin, Dan, Steve, and Jerry kept the house as clean as possible while they removed ceilings, walls, cleared out our basement and hauled it all away. They were polite, cheerful and I was completely comfortable knowing they were on the job. I have already spread the word and am glad to sing their praises. These guys are the BEST!”

Remediation and Rebuilding in One

Work with a company that can handle your water damage remediation as well as any rebuilding or reconstruction services that you need. Our professional team at SERVPRO of Danvers / Ipswich can simplify your water damage restoration process by helping you with both the remediation and restoration and the rebuild. Using one expert company for all of your water damage restoration needs alleviates your stress of having to find a contractor on top of everything else, saves you time, and keeps your costs low. 

These are just some of the rebuilding and restoration services that our construction division offers to restore your home to its original state: 

• Drywall removal and installation
• Hardwood floor repair
• Tile floor repair
• Painting
• Carpet repair and installation

Contact us here at SERVPRO of Danvers / Ipswich for an assessment of your water damage in Massachusetts along with a plan for remediation and rebuilding to bring your home back to its pre-water damage state.

Four-for-Fore

7/14/2021 (Permalink)

A collection of photos taken at the various golf outings.

After a long year full of cancelled plans, the first half of 2021 was a buzz with golf tournament fundraisers. In June alone, SERVPRO sponsored and participated in a total of four tournaments for different and worthy causes.

First up was the Haverhill Firefighters Relief Association golf outing at the Bradford Country Club, followed by the Stoneham Chamber of Commerce tournament at Indian Ridge Golf Course. The third outing was held at the Renaissance Golf Club for the YMCA of the North Shore. Last but not least was the AHEPA Chapter 39 20^th Annual Greek American Golf Tournament at Apple Hill Golf Course.

 Several staff members played in the tournaments, while members of our sales and marketing team helped fundraise further by selling mulligans, lengths of string, and raffle tickets at registration and on the course.

While it was definitely a busy month, it was well worth it to be able to get back out and interact with people outside of Zoom calls, all while supporting some truly wonderful causes.

Need to Dry Out after Storm Damage? Here's What to Do

7/12/2021 (Permalink)

When you’re dealing with storm damage in your home from a hailstorm, lightning, ice storm, or a heavy rain storm, your immediate focus is the resulting damage to your home like a fire, hole in your roof, or a flooded basement. Once that is over, your thoughts will turn to your belongings, including furniture, rugs, and photo albums.

Your photo albums or loose photos that you have in a box or desk drawer contain years and even decades of irreplaceable memories. The potential for water damaged documents can also include family passports; birth or marriage certificates; and treasured books that can’t be easily replaced if at all. How could you recover those if they were soaked? 

We can help thanks to our state of the art drying technology at SERVPRO Danvers / Ipswich. Our expert document and drying restoration team uses innovative vacuum freeze-drying techniques, including the same freeze-drying methods used by the Library of Congress to dry valuable historic documents and books. In fact, our vacuum freeze-drying process is the only method approved by the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) and the General Services Administration (GSA). 

Depending on the type of documents and the level of water damage, we have five options for the restoration of documents:

• Air Drying
• Dehumidification
• Freezer Drying
• Vacuum Freeze Drying
• Vacuum Thermal Drying

We also use gamma irradiation technology to safely and effectively sterilize and remove any bacteria from water damaged belongings or furnishings that were involved in a flood or septic tank backup.

Our customers rave about our drying technologies. One said: “Ross was straightforward, provided clear explanations about what he was assessing, and had fans set up throughout my ground floor that day. As a result all of the walls that showed moisture were dry by the end of the remediation process, thus the only sustained damage was the carpeting.”

Did you find this blog after a storm resulted in water damaged documents? We’re your local Massachusetts document drying experts. Contact us here at SERVPRO of Danvers / Ipswich for help with your storm damage remediation.

Help Theatergoers Feel Safe Returning

7/12/2021 (Permalink)

In September of 2021, the lights of Broadway in New York City will go back in, bringing musicals and other theatrical performances back and attendees along with it. Locally, Massachusetts theaters like North Shore Music Theatre and others will re-open in October, if not before. 

As you’re planning to open your theater, or other Massachusetts arts and entertainment venue, to the public for live shows, the cast and crew members of your shows and your attendees will be flocking back, but they also might be a bit worried. 

What can you do to help everyone feel safe? Have your theatre or venue professionally pre-cleaned and disinfected with the highest standard of care and clean. 

What’s involved in a theater’s deep cleaning? That depends on the company you hire. We can’t speak for anyone else, but here at SERVPRO of Danvers / Ipswich we offer “Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned,” which is our proactive viral pathogen deep cleaning. This level of cleaning goes beyond standard janitorial cleaning thanks to our over 50 years of experience in biochemical spill remediation and decontamination. 

What’s involved in Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned? Your theatre or other artistic venue will receive a deep cleaning, based on a conversation to determine the level of cleaning and disinfecting that’s needed. Then, using our proprietary EPA-Approved Hospital-Grade cleaning solutions, our certified cleaners will pre-clean the theater, adhering to the leading level of cleaning and decontamination standards set by the CDC.

Our cleaners will also thoroughly disinfect commonly touched surfaces, like entrance doors, ticket stands, bathrooms, and armrests for the highest level of protection. 

Once your theatre has been cleaned, you’ll receive a shield, digital emblems, and other collateral that shows your theatre is Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned. It serves as a beacon to help cast, crew, and attendees feel safe coming into your theatre to be part of or enjoy a show. At the same time, it promotes your theatre as being caring and concerned about the safety of customers and your staff members.

Are you looking for a company to pre-clean your theater before you re-open to the public? Reach out to the Massachusetts commercial cleaning experts at SERVPRO of Danvers / Ipswich. We have state of the art technology that will help you pre-clean your theater and trip the lights fantastic!

Did you find this blog after a storm resulted in water damaged documents? We’re your local Massachusetts document drying experts. Contact us here at SERVPRO of Danvers / Ipswich for help with your storm damage remediation.

Why the Right Fire Damage Equipment is so Important

6/15/2021 (Permalink)

When there’s a fire at your home, your first priority is the fire itself. Once the fire’s out and the fire trucks have left, it’s time to deal with the resulting fire damage. But did you know that you have a higher chance of saving your belongings (including precious documents, like pictures) and preserving your house if you choose the right fire damage restoration company that has the best fire damage equipment for the job? 

Here’s why SERVPRO of Danvers / Ipswich should be your choice for your Massachusetts fire damage restoration. 

Cleaning to Restore vs. Replace

First, we have a “restore” versus “replace” mentality that helps you save money when you need to clean your keepsakes that were damaged in the fire. Our cleaning equipment uses state-of-the-art methods, including:

• Dry Cleaning. Cleaning up light residues or to pre-clean prior to wet cleaning.
• Wet Cleaning. An effective cleaning method for removing moderate to heavy residues.
• Spray and Wipe. Effective for items that can’t withstand wet cleaning.
• Foam Cleaning. Used for upholstery fabrics that might shrink or bleed if wet cleaned.
• Abrasive Cleaning. Involves agitation of the surface being cleaned.
• Immersion Cleaning. Contents are dipped into a bath of the cleaning product.

Cleaning Electronics 

Fire-damaged electronics are best left to professionals like SERVPRO of Danvers / Ipswich. We have the technology and equipment to remove smoke residue and the resulting acids on your fire-damaged electronics.  

Drying Documents and Photographs

When your valuable documents, including photographs, are damaged by water or fire, extreme caution should be taken to help ensure the fire damage does not destroy the document. Although some documents may not be restored to pre-fire damage condition, SERVPRO of Danvers / Ipswich can save a great deal and help minimize additional damage. Learn more about our document restoration services.

Washing Machine Leaking? What to do Next

6/10/2021 (Permalink)

When your washing machine is running, you expect to hear water doing its job mixing with the laundry detergent to create suds and clean your clothes. What you don’t expect to hear or see is water leaking out from your washing machine and hitting the floor, walls around your washing machine, or the rug outside your laundry area.

If you’re lucky enough to be home when your washing machine leaks, you may be able to fend off major water damage and see the cause of the leak, so you can try to repair it yourself or alert your washing machine repair person on the source. Typically, a washing machine leak occurs in the tub, the pump, or the hose. 

Before you do anything, you need to shut off the power to your laundry area and also shut off the water supply at the valve.

If you went out after turning on your washing machine, you may not realize there’s a leak until you return home to a wet floor, at which point you’re in damage control mode and need to clean out the water and dry out what you can before calling for a repair person. 

Once that’s done, your next step to prevent mold and water damage is to get the water out of your laundry area and surrounding areas since mold can grow in just 24 to 48 hours. If it’s a small amount of water, you could use a wet/dry vacuum or a sump pump. 

If you have more than an inch or so of water, hire a local emergency water removal service like SERVPRO of Danvers / Ipswich. We know how to get the water out of your home from your washing machine leak and then dry out your home and even your documents with professional fans, dryers, and dehumidifiers. We will also assess your water damage from the washing machine leak and offer remediation services.

Contact us here at SERVPRO of Danvers / Ipswich for an assessment of your water damage in Massachusetts along with a plan for remediation and rebuilding to bring your home back to its pre-water damage state.

Book More Restaurant Events with Certified Pre-Cleaning

5/28/2021 (Permalink)

Of all industries, the restaurant industry was hit hard by the pandemic. Many restaurants had to close or change their offerings to only be takeout rather than in-person dining, while restaurant events like birthday, anniversary, or company parties, or wedding receptions, fell away completely. Yes, some restaurants made it through by offering outdoor seating under an open tent, but restaurant events are only just now coming back into play with event size restrictions easing in Massachusetts.

As the restrictions lift and events can happen, you want your restaurant to be the one that gets the bookings, right? 

One way to do so is to be certified as having the highest standard of clean by SERVPRO. 

Here at SERVPRO of Danvers / Ipswich, we offer “Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned,” which is our proactive viral pathogen deep cleaning. This level of cleaning goes beyond standard janitorial and carpet cleaning thanks to our over 50 years of experience in biochemical spill remediation and decontamination for porous and non-porous surfaces. 

What’s involved in Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned for your restaurant’s pre-clean? We’ll work with you first during a consultation to discuss the unique level of cleaning your restaurant requires. 

Then, using our proprietary EPA-Approved Hospital-Grade cleaning solutions, our certified cleaners will get to work pre-cleaning your restaurant, adhering to the leading level of cleaning and decontamination standards set by the CDC.

Once your restaurant has been cleaned, you’ll receive a shield, digital emblems, and other collateral. This material shows that your restaurant is Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, which serves as a light in the darkness to help event planners and your diners alike feel safe. 

Are you looking for a company to pre-clean your restaurant before your next event? Reach out to the Massachusetts commercial cleaning experts at SERVPRO of Danvers / Ipswich. We have state of the art technology that will help you pre-clean your restaurant and let your events go off without a hitch.

The Power of Business-to-Business Referrals

5/28/2021 (Permalink)

Did you know, having a partnership with reputable service companies to refer is a win-win for everyone involved! 

Research shows that 84% of Business-to-Business decision makers start the buying process with a referral. To put it differently, 8 out of 10 businesses start out thinking about who a different business professional told them was good when they begin thinking about who they will hire for a job. 

For instance, if a business has a problem and needs mold removal or remediation, has basement flooding or water damage and needs restoration, has fire damage or needs biohazard cleanup, or has the need for emergency cleaning in general, they are most likely to think about who their plumber, electrician, contractor, or regular cleaner has recommended (SERVPRO). 

On the other hand, when an unfortunate event has occurred at a business and they have called SERVPRO to handle it, they are extremely likely to be asking us who we think will be the right plumber, electrician, contractor, cleaner or other service professional to hire once we are finished with our work. 

Because referral?leads have a 30% higher conversion than leads from any other channel, they turn out to be just about the hottest type of lead you can get in any business. When SERVPRO mentions your business on a jobsite, that referral carries a lot of weight and helps bring you real business. When you mention SERVPRO on a job, your referral helps bring us business too. 

If you take an average of all the different types of industries put together, referrals account for?65% of companies’ new deals. Just think of how important it is for SERVPRO and our partners in the service industry to be referring each other. When you look at the facts, referring each other is always a win-win situation!

Written by Lorne Keplar.

How to Find the Right Disaster Recovery Team after a Storm

5/21/2021 (Permalink)

Was your home hit by lightning? A hail storm? An ice storm? A flood? A microburst? These are just some of the reasons why you might need a Massachusetts disaster recovery team for clean up and remediation. But how on earth do you know who to trust with repairing your home, or what to look for? 

We’re here to give you some tips on what to look for in a storm-related disaster recovery team. 

Specialty Areas: When you’re dealing with a disaster, you want to choose a remediation and restoration team that can handle any type of situation. For example, your cleaning and repair service should be able to handle all forms of disasters, from storms to fire, water to mold. Choosing a company that focuses on just one can leave you having to go through the process of finding another disaster recovery service for anything that might crop up in the future at your home.

Availability: Disasters don’t happen on a timetable, so you shouldn’t have to wait until normal working hours to get started dealing with your disaster recovery and cleaning. Look for a service that is available 24 hours a day to get your home back in working order.

Training: Look for a disaster recovery service that is fully trained in property damage restoration. Here at SERVPRO of Danvers / Ipswich , we are certified in and follow the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) best practices and standards for cleaning and restoration. Our Restoration Certifications include Applied Structural Drying (ASD); Applied Microbial Remediation Technician (AMRT); and Carpet Cleaning Technician (CCT).

When you’re dealing with a disaster or damage from fire, water, or mold to your home, you need the right disaster recovery and restoration expert. Contact us here at SERVPRO of  Danvers / Ipswich to discuss your storm damage recovery needs in Massachusetts, and we’ll work with you to develop a plan for remediation and clean up.

How to Rebuild Your Home after Water Damage

5/14/2021 (Permalink)

Noel Torrissi (pictured) and his team are here to help you rebuild after water damage in your home.

In warmer weather, our thoughts turn to taking a dip in a pool or running through a sprinkler on a hot day; trips to the beach or a campground; and lots of outside time taking walks or hikes, and drinking water to stay hydrated. 

Yes, you want to spend a lot of time near or drinking water during the summer, but — unless you’re quite wealthy — the last thing you’re thinking about is an indoor pool, especially in the form of a pool created by a burst pipe or flood. 

Unfortunately, such water damage events do happen, no matter the time of year. You probably already know that SERVPRO can help you with your Massachusetts water damage remediation, like getting the water out of your house; drying your documents (yes, we do that!); and cleaning/sanitizing your belongings.

But did you know that we also have a full construction division, run by Construction Manager Noel Torrissi, that can help you rebuild your home after water damage?

These are just some of the rebuilding and restoration services that our construction division offers to restore your home to its original state: 

• Drywall removal and installation
• Hardwood floor repair
• Tile floor repair
• Painting
• Carpet repair and installation

Our professional team at SERVPRO of Danvers / Ipswich can simplify your water damage restoration process by helping you with both the remediation and restoration and the rebuild. Using one expert company for all of your water damage restoration needs alleviates your stress of having to find a contractor on top of everything else, saves you time, and keeps your costs low. 

Contact us here at SERVPRO of Danvers / Ipswich for an assessment of your water damage in Massachusetts along with a plan for remediation and rebuilding to bring your home back to its pre-water damage state.

Top Tips to Prevent House Fires

5/8/2021 (Permalink)

This kitchen fire spread quickly and damaged multiple floors of the home.

Fire Prevention Month may not be until October, but how to prevent a house fire is something you should be thinking of and know year-round instead of just one month. 

• Test your smoke and fire detectors regularly. Yes, you should change their batteries (if they’re not hard-wired into your house) twice a year when Daylight Savings Time begins and ends. But your smoke alarms need to be tested more than that. In fact, the US Fire Administration (USFA) actually recommends testing smoke and fire alarms monthly. 
• Stay in the kitchen while you’re cooking. This may seem like common sense, but it’s easy to get distracted by a phone call or quickly going to throw on a load of laundry. In that time, a grease fire could start. 
• Don’t charge your phone on your bed. Instead, place it on a flat surface that provides room for any generated heat to release.
• Blow out candles. This should be done before you leave a room, leave your home, or go to sleep for the night to avoid fire damage from a lit candle. 
• Clean your dryer. Specifically, clean out the lint trap after every cycle to prevent a dryer fire from lint build-up. 
• Use space heaters safely. The National Fire Protection Association states that space heaters cause 43 percent of home heating-related fires.
• Look out for faulty wiring. If your lights are flickering, or a light switch feels warm or hot to the touch, turn off the power and call an electrician immediately. 

If a fire does happen, there can be residual soot and smoke damage from the fire to your furnishings, clothes, and possessions that needs to be remediated. Contact the Massachusetts fire damage restoration experts at SERVPRO of Danvers / Ipswich for a fire damage assessment for remediation and rebuilding of your home. 

How to Remove Smoke and Soot from Your Store

4/29/2021 (Permalink)

Unless you sell candles and sometimes light one to provide an extra level of ambiance to your retail store, you don’t expect to see any form of fire in your store. Unfortunately, retail store fires do happen, with the majority occurring due to electricity malfunctions or faulty wiring, but they can also occur due to a candle that’s left unattended or a faulty phone charger.  

Here are some tips for dealing with store fire damage in Massachusetts, specifically for smoke and soot remnants that remain after the fire trucks have left and you’ve called your insurance company: 

Assess the damage. Was the fire damage to your retail store contained to one spot, like the front entrance; your back office; or did it impact your whole store? If it was a small, contained fire, then you may be able to clean it up yourself. If the fire was a larger scale, you may want to contact fire damage restoration pros like us. 

Clean up the soot and smoke in your retail store. We don’t recommend that you do so yourself, as we offer “magic sponges” that remove soot and smoke damage, but if you want to give it a try, consider one of these home remedies. 

• You can use white vinegar or bleach (separately! Do not mix these two items together) to work on removing soot damage to your retail store. Even disinfecting wipes could do the trick depending on the amount of damage. 
• One other option is to use the skunk remover for dogs: a mix of ¼ cup of baking soda, 1-2 teaspoons of a mild dishwashing detergent, and 1 quart of Hydrogen Peroxide solution. This bubbles up and works to remove smoke stains.

If you need help with your store fire damage restoration, contact us here at SERVPRO of Danvers / Ipswich for an assessment of your fire damage in Massachusetts. We have the training, experience, and equipment to handle large and small commercial fire damage emergencies, including removing smoke and soot residue from your retail store.

Earth Day 2021

4/29/2021 (Permalink)

Earth Day 2021 Clean-up Crew!

Only in New England could Earth Day events be conducted in winter coats, hats & mittens! But even the cold temps and wind couldn’t keep us away from helping to clean a small corner of our planet. This year, we had the opportunity to work with Bill Connelly from Friends of Lake Quannapowitt, to clean Lake Quannapowitt in Wakefield MA. The marketing department crew, Lorne Keplar, Nury Cardoza, Stephanie Maglio, and Jodi Feil, donned winter gear and headed out to collect trash along the banks of the lake and grounds of the adjoining parks and playgrounds.  

SERVPRO is a cleaning company at its core, so getting involved in Earth Day only makes sense to us. In years past we’ve cleaned parks, refurbed homes while working with Rebuilding Together, and handed out trees and flowers to help rebuild our ecosystems. It may not be a basement water damage, or soot damage after a fire, but it’s still at the heart of what we do. And don’t we all want to make the ravages to our environment “Like it never even happened.” 

What Can an Ice Storm do to Your Roof?

4/19/2021 (Permalink)

This illustration shows potential damage an ice dam can create.

In the spring, your thoughts turn to gardening, spending more time outside, spring cleaning, and repairing any damage to your home from ice storms. Okay, maybe that last one isn’t exactly on your list, but it should be if your house sustained any storm damage from winter storms and you haven’t yet made those repairs. 

Ice storms can affect your home in a myriad of ways, including causing weak, old tree branches to snap off, hitting a power line or your house itself. If a power line that’s connected to your house comes down, the ice storm repair involves working with your power company to get your power restored. 

If the ice storm caused a tree branch to hit your roof, there are two scenarios. If the tree branch is resting on your roof and hasn’t broken through, the resulting ice storm repair entails getting the tree off your roof without any damage. If your roof has been damaged by the downed tree branch, you need to have it repaired. 

Your roof can also be damaged by ice dams during an ice storm. Accumulated snow that’s left on the roof and doesn’t have a chance to melt can impact older roofs and ones with structural issues, potentially causing part of the roof to cave in. If you see a lot of snow on your roof that you can’t remove with a roof rake, or hear creaking noises from the roof when there’s a lot of snow on it, reach out to us for a structural assessment. Ice dams can also be created and cause your gutters to pull from your house, or damage to your siding. 

Does your roof have signs of ice storm damage? Contact the Massachusetts storm damage restoration experts at SERVPRO of Danvers / Ipswich for a storm damage assessment as well as a remediation plan for water damage restoration.

How to Prevent Bathroom Water Leaks

4/17/2021 (Permalink)

Unless you’re a plumber, you probably don’t think about the various ways water gets into and out of your bathroom toilet, sink, tub, or shower. Why would you? The only time it comes to mind is either as a passing thought or when you realize there’s a leak in your bathroom and investigate the source. 

Here’s how to make sure that your bathroom is as sealed up as possible from the beginning to prevent water leaks and the potential of bathroom water damage: 

• Sink: A bathroom sink is usually part of a bathroom vanity (the cabinet that the sink sits on top of). If there’s a leak in the sink, you generally find out when you open the cabinet door underneath and notice a puddle of water or see water seeping out of the cabinet door. To prevent such leaks, caulk (either silicon-based or latex-based) is applied to seal the gaps around your vanity and the sink itself. The caulk can last for a number of years, but does need to be removed and reapplied at a certain point because it can then break down, letting water get through. 
• Toilet: When the toilet was installed, a wax ring was placed around the hole in the floor to act as a water barrier between the bottom of your toilet and the sewer pipe. If that wasn’t installed properly, it could result in a leak and needs to be replaced.
• Shower: Prevent leaking shower heads and resulting water damage by fully tightening the shower head to the attachment. First, do so by hand and then use a wrench or pliers to ensure the shower head is firmly attached. 
• Tub: To prevent a leaking tub, apply 100% silicone caulk along the edges and sides of your bathtub and the walls/tiles and between the bottom of your tub and your floor. This will serve as a watertight seal. 

Has your bathroom sprung a leak, resulting in water damage or bathroom mold? Contact the Massachusetts water damage restoration experts at SERVPRO of Danvers / Ipswich for a water damage assessment as well as a remediation plan for water damage restoration.

Is Your Phone Charger a Fire Hazard?

4/12/2021 (Permalink)

These photos went viral when Newton NH Fire Department shared them on Facebook back in 2017.

Your phone connects you to family, friends, and all the information in the world. These days, it’s a bit easier to do research for a school paper by googling for information on your phone instead of going to the library and searching through the card catalog for the right books. With all of the connection and information your phone provides, why wouldn’t you want it charged around the clock? The answer: to prevent a home fire.

Some people keep their phone right next to them on their bed, charging while they sleep so they’ll have a fully charged phone when they wake up. In fact, research found that 53% of children/teens charge their phone or tablet on their bed or under their pillow while they sleep. 

If you or a loved one does this, stop doing so immediately to avoid a home fire caused by a phone charger. Phones need to be charged on a hard, flat surface that allows for room for the generated heat to release. If your phone is charging under the pillow, there’s only one place for the heat to go, and that’s onto the bed sheet or pillowcase, neither of which was made for high heat, and will result in a home fire. 

Also, make sure that you’re only using phone-compatible chargers. Yes, the ones you find at the local convenience store or drug store are cheap, but they’re also not specifically made for your phone. These chargers are referred to as “aftermarket” and are cheap for a reason. They don’t meet the basic safety guidelines that the manufacturer chargers follow, and are known for becoming hot and causing fires. 

If your phone charger or anything else, like a space heater, ever causes a fire in your house or apartment, there can be residual soot and smoke damage from the fire to your furnishings, clothes, and possessions that needs to be remediated. Contact the Massachusetts fire damage restoration experts at SERVPRO of Danvers / Ipswich for a fire damage assessment as well as soot, smoke, and fire damage restoration.

Employee Spotlight - Patrick Lavigne

3/29/2021 (Permalink)

Patrick Lavigne Owner and General Manager

As owner, Pat has held almost every position within the company since coming on board in 2010. As a son-in-law to the Harts, Pat joined the family-run business as a trial and has never looked back. Starting on the trucks, Pat learned the nuances and inherent challenges of almost all production positions before settling into his current role as General Manager.

His daily focus of keeping the train on the tracks still allow him to do what he loves most—guiding the growth of his team, both personally and professionally, and helping customers during stressful moments in their lives. “It’s very rewarding when you run into customers years later who still remember the team members that worked in their home or business and want to know how they’re doing. They become like family to each other and it’s incredibly satisfying to be a part of that.”

Pat takes great pride in the franchises’ work ethic and standard of excellence – from customer service to production. He ensures all staff are highly trained and certified for all services provided. “We are a dedicated team that strive for excellence and to show compassion daily. We often meet people after a horrible thing happens in their life or business and hopefully, we are able to put them at ease.”

When Pat isn’t on the job, you can find him spending time with family and friends where he resides in Haverhill with his wife and 2 children. Unless it’s golf season…then you’ll find him on a course anywhere he can play 18!

Certifications:

• IICRC Certified –
  • Water Damage Restoration
  • Applied Microbial Remediation
  • Fire & Smoke Restoration
  • Applied Structural Drying
  • Commercial Drying
  • Odor Control
• Lead Safe Certification
• Unrestricted Construction Supervisors License

Storm Damage Repair for a Real Estate Office

3/22/2021 (Permalink)

Here in Massachusetts, we know how unpredictable the weather can be. We can have a 70 degree sunshiny day one day and then drop down to the 30s with a snow squall the next. Having all four seasons makes New England appealing to many, which is a boon for your real estate office sales. But with the four seasons comes the chance of different types of unsettled weather patterns, which can lead to severe storms and storm damage. 

When it comes to your real estate office, storm damage needs to be repaired quickly to keep your office up and running and prevent potential buyers and sellers from going to your competition if you’re closed. 

So, what can you do to repair storm damage? It depends on the type of storm:

• After a heavy rainstorm, inspect your office for flooding or other water damage. Your first step after a flood or water issue is to shut off the electricity to your office, get the water out, and then dry all of the affected furnishings, paperwork, and equipment. You also need to thoroughly dry your real estate office carpeting to prevent mildew and mold in your office.
• After a windstorm like a microburst, hurricane, or tornado, look up at your real estate office’s roof, and any trees around your office, to ensure wind damage didn’t knock a tree limb or branch onto or through your roof or through a window. If it did, contact the professionals like our commercial storm damage team and a tree removal company to extract the tree from your real estate office and assess and repair the storm damage.

Ready to get your real estate office back into one that will make your clients want to move in? Hire a Massachusetts commercial storm damage remediation expert like our company at SERVPRO Danvers/Ipswich to assess your storm damage and restore your office.

Top Signs of Water Damage in Your Home

3/17/2021 (Permalink)

The paint on this kitchen ceiling started peeling because of a water leak.

There are two types of water damage: the type you can blatantly see (in the form of puddles or floods) and the type you can’t see, in the form of hidden water damage behind your walls, in your rugs, or inside your ceiling. 

But even if you can’t see the water right in front of you, there are ways you can tell if there might be water damage in or underneath your home that needs to be addressed.

• A musty smell that wasn’t there before. If your basement or one of your rooms starts smelling musty, there may be hidden water damage that resulted in mildew or mold. 
• Bubbles in the paint of your ceiling. Yes, these could be just from steam in your bathroom forming a coat of moisture, especially if they’re on top of your shower, but they could also be caused by water that collected in your ceiling and is popping through the ceiling as a bubble. This is particularly bad if it’s not a pin-sized dot of a bubble and is instead the size of a dinner plate or larger. That water damage should be remediated immediately.
• Peeling or stained paint on your wall. This is the same as bubbles on the ceiling, except that in this case, the paint could be flaking off or stained from water that has collected in between your drywall and the layers of paint. 
• An increase in your water bill. Stay on top of what you pay each month. If it has suddenly increased without any uptick in water usage, you could have a hidden water leak. 

Think there’s water damage in your home and you want to be sure? Reach out to the Massachusetts water damage remediation experts at SERVPRO of Danvers / Ipswich. We have state of the art technology to assess and spot the water damage you can’t see and to restore your home to its pre-water damage state.

Mold Testing for Your Warehouse

3/12/2021 (Permalink)

Your commercial warehouse can store boxes on pallets or shelves filled with clothes, technology, food, documents, and other items. But it could also be storing or breeding mold in the boxes, walls, or ceiling of your warehouse.

There are many ways you could wind up with warehouse mold damage, including leaking or damp items in a box, water being spilled, and improper ventilation for moisture caused by humidity or steam. As mold prevention, you’ll want to reduce any humidity in your warehouse with a dehumidifier or heavy-duty fans.

Mold can also be caused by commercial water damage from a burst pipe or other form of warehouse flooding or a poorly maintained HVAC system. 

Have you seen dark spots on the walls in your warehouse and you’re not sure if they’re caused by mildew or mold spores? Or have you smelled a musty aroma in your warehouse and can’t tell if it’s mold or just old boxes? 

If you don’t know, there are do-it-yourself mold tests you can purchase and then pay for analysis by a lab. A note on this option: Before you test, you should close the windows and doors of the room you’re testing (or your warehouse) for an entire 24 hours to prevent any mold spores from moving around by a draft. Yes, this means that you will have to stay out of your warehouse for 24 hours before mold testing with a do-it-yourself kit. 

When you’re doing the mold test, wear protective goggles, clothing, and gloves in case it is mold, and always follow the directions step-by-step on the kit. 

Not sure you want to do it yourself? Hire a Massachusetts commercial mold remediation expert like our company at SERVPRO Danvers/Ipswich to assess and test for mold in your warehouse. We are professionally trained in mold removal and remediation to help you get your warehouse back in action safely.

Spring Cleaning Tips

3/8/2021 (Permalink)

National Cleaning Week is March 28th - April 3rd, 2021. Are you up to the challenge?

Do you know that there is a NATIONAL CLEANING WEEK??? According to Wikipedia, it starts on the fourth week of March, at the beginning of the Spring Season. It is a tradition to clean the house thoroughly before or during the Great Lent. 

Here are some tips to make it easier and less stressful: 

1. Remember it is a week of cleaning, so start with dividing the work by day.  

1. Tackle the seasonal chores first, like putting away all the Christmas and Valentines’ decorations. Decluttering is the first step. 

In each room, start cleaning from top to bottom, including light fixtures, fans, pics on the walls, and those annoying cobwebs that collect in the corners. Move down the walls by cleaning the windowsills and wiping down baseboards. Vacuum the carpets and clean the floors. 

Last but not least, CHECK SMOKE DETECTOR BATTERIES! 

Additional areas to focus on: 

• The Kitchen - clean in and out of the cabinets, fridge, stove, oven, dishwasher, and leave as little item as possible on your countertop. 
• Bathroom - scrub the toilet, the tub, and the sink. 
• Bedrooms - clean the closet (consider donating some items), clean under the bed, polish the furniture. 
• Living Room - vacuum and polish the furniture and decorate for the season. 

Remember, if all these tasks become challenging and overwhelming, you can always consider hiring a professional crew. Here at SERVPRO, with more than 30 yrs in business and experienced technicians, we can provide the best Spring-cleaning service experience.  

WE ARE HERE TO HELP. 

Written by Nury Cardoza

A Day at Sweet Paws Rescue | Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned

3/3/2021 (Permalink)

Thank you again to the team over at Sweet Paws Rescue for letting us come in and film!

Way back in July of 2020, SERVPRO had the pleasure of working with Sweet Paws Rescue to clean their facilities. Our crew spent the day completing our Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned program, which was launched just prior to our visit. The incredible people over at Sweet Paws were kind enough to let our marketing team in to photograph and film the process, and we even got to meet and play with a few of the dogs they had rescued. At the time of our visit, one of the dogs, Molly, had recently had a litter of ten puppies, all of whom already had forever homes lined up and waiting for them when the time came that they could safely leave mom. If you would like to hear more about our day at Sweet Paws Rescue (or just want to see cute clips of puppies), you can click here to watch the video we put together documenting the day. If you are interested in learning more about our Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned program, give us a call anytime at 978-777-3498!

Basement Flooded? Take These Steps

3/3/2021 (Permalink)

If you find your basement is underwater, give us a call. We're here to help 24/7.

No one wants a flooded basement, but they do happen. A basement flood can be caused by seepage through a fieldstone foundation; water gushing in after a heavy rainstorm or from melted snow through a crack in the basement wall, door, or floor; sump pump failure; or a sewer backup. 

The second you realize that your basement has flooded, you need to take action.

First, shut off the power. Do not step foot into the water in your basement with the power on in the basement. You run the risk of an electric shock. If your circuit breaker is in the basement, call a trusted electrician or the electric company to turn off the power at your house.

Once that’s done, your next step to prevent mold and water damage is to get the water out of your basement since mold can grow in just 24 to 48 hours. If it’s a small amount of water, you could use a wet/dry vacuum or a sump pump -- unless you store that wet/dry vac in the basement and the plug has been dangling in the water. 

If you have more than an inch or so of water, hire a local emergency water removal service like SERVPRO of Danvers / Ipswich. We know how to get the water out of your flooded basement and then dry out your basement with professional fans and dehumidifiers while also assessing water damage from the flooding and offering remediation services. 

To air out your basement, if you’re doing it yourself, you can open the basement windows and any doors and strategically set up fans and dehumidifiers to help in the process. 

Contact us here at SERVPRO of Danvers / Ipswich for help with your flooded basement clean up and restoration.

Crime Scene Cleanup: Leave it to the Pros

2/22/2021 (Permalink)

In TV shows like “Homicide Hunter: Lt. Joe Kenda”, which had an impressive 9 seasons, the blood and other substances crime scenes are toned down quite a bit to make them tolerable for viewers.

However, if your facility is unfortunately the site of a real-life crime, you’ll be left with a ghastly scene that needs to be cleaned up before you can re-open. 

What could need to be cleaned up at a crime scene? The possibilities depend on the type of crime and can include:

• Residual fingerprint powder
• Toxic irritants like tear gas residue
• Fire extinguisher residue
• Blood spills
• Biohazard contaminants
• Vandalism
• Bodily fluids
• Tissue fragments if a person was injured or there was a death
• Any drug paraphernalia 

Is any of that something that you really want your usual cleaning staff to have to handle? Do you have the proper covering for them, including shoe covers, clothes covering that’s liquid permeable, goggles, and protective gloves. Standard rubber gloves won’t work due to the potential of blood-borne pathogens on the scene like Hepatitis B or C or HIV or needles that might be hidden at your crime scene. 

Who can you trust? Trust our experts at SERVPRO of Danvers / Ipswich. We have received specialized training in crime scene cleanup and always wear the correct protective equipment along with using state-of-the-art technology and cleaning agents to safely and effectively remove any pathogens. With decades of experience, our trauma and crime scene cleanup professionals will assess the crime scene at your facility and follow OSHA and EPA guidelines and protocols for crime scene remediation to clean up the crime scene and make it safe for you to reopen.

What to do if a Tree Falls On Your House?

2/22/2021 (Permalink)

Trees provide shade from the sun, the beauty of changing leaves in the fall, and oxygen into the air. These are all reasons why you’d want to have trees around your house. But there’s a flipside to that. 

If your tree is old or has very thin branches, a strong wind could cause a branch or even part of the tree to fall. Think about the morning after we have heavy rains and wind, like a microburst or a hurricane. As you’re driving around the next day, you’re likely to see pieces of tree branches (or even a large limb of a tree) on the road or in someone’s yard. 

The destination of the tree branch that falls during a wind storm could be anywhere, and one place it could wind up is on your roof. That thud is not a sound you want to hear in the middle of the night as you’re sleeping, especially if the tree branch has broken through your roof or side of your home and is poking through your ceiling or wall. 

The first thing you need to do, once you’ve determined everyone in your house is safe, of course, is to get that tree branch off your house. If it’s a relatively small tree branch, then you could remove that yourself or with the help of some neighbors. If the tree branch is larger, you’ll need a tree company with their specialized equipment for tree branch or limb removal. 

Once the branch or limb has been removed, it’s time to assess the damage. That’s where our team at SERVPRO Danvers / Ipswich comes in. Contact us and we’ll come out, sometimes with a structural engineer, to offer a tree damage assessment along with the remediation that will be done, which could include repairing the roof, wall, or other parts of your home that have been damaged by a tree during a storm.

Avoid Fire Damage from Candles

2/11/2021 (Permalink)

It only takes a second for a candle flame to catch and spread.

How to Avoid Fire Damage from Candles

There’s nothing like watching the flickering flames of a candle as they dance around a dark room, or just provide an extra flair of light along with the fragrance that scented candles emit. Just think about having a candle lit on the table next to you as you curl up in a chair to read a book on a snowy night. 

While candles are beautiful, they can also be dangerous. From 2014 to 2018, the National Fire Protection Association noted that there were an average of 7,610 home fires that were started by candles each year, resulting in $278 million in fire damage to the properties. 

Don’t stop buying candles, though. As long as you use them properly, you can prevent the fire damage that can be caused by candles. 

First, never leave a candle unattended. Even if you’re just stepping outside to check the mail, blow out the candle first, because you never know if you’ll wind up chatting with a neighbor for a few minutes. This is especially true if you have pets that are prone to knocking things over. That one trip to the mailbox could result in your cat batting at the candle jar and dropping the flame onto your carpet. 

Second, don’t place candles anywhere near dangly items, like window curtains that could waft into the flames in a breeze. 

Next, after you light a candle, run the blown out match under water before you throw it into the trash. This way, you’ll avoid any residual sparks from reigniting on the match when it comes in contact with paper or other objects in the trash.

Lastly, always blow out candles before you go to sleep. The thought of sleeping in candlelight may seem lovely, but the potential for fire damage and injury or loss of life is too high to take the risk. 

Even if a fire from a candle doesn’t burn down your house or apartment, there can be residual soot and smoke damage from the fire to your furnishings, clothes, and possessions that needs to be remediated. Contact the experts at SERVPRO of Danvers / Ipswich for an assessment and soot, smoke, and fire damage restoration.

Employee Spotlight - Stephanie Maglio

2/5/2021 (Permalink)

Meet Stephanie Maglio, our Marketing Support Coordinator. While she didn’t officially join the team until the end of April last year, she has been with us since January, starting as our intern. Prior to working at SERVPRO, she attended North Shore Community College, graduating in June with a degree in Graphic Design. Her daily responsibilities include overseeing our social media accounts, moderating the blog, working on any design projects that may arise, and supporting the marketing department in any way she can.

When she’s not at work, she likes to spend time with her friends and family (as much as she can while staying safe during this pandemic), watch shows and videos on Netflix and YouTube, sing, do art and design projects, and play with animals whenever she has the chance.

Insurance and Water Damages

2/5/2021 (Permalink)

An example of a flooded basement.

In her first blog post, Key Account Manager Nury Cardoza shares some insights about water damages:

Did you know you are more likely to experience floodwater damage than fire damage during your 30-year mortgage? For that and other good reasons, it makes sense to ask for flood insurance. One in every four insurance claims during the last two years was the result of water damage, and not every kind of water damage is covered by insurance. 

 Examples of water damage usually covered by insurance are: 

• ice dams 
• leaking roof 
• frozen burst pipes
• accidental plumbing or appliance issues 
• vandalism. 

Water damage not usually covered by home insurance: 

• groundwater getting into the basement 
• floodwater or rapid- thaw water getting into the basement unless you have flood insurance 
• sewer or water pipes back up unless you have a cover added to your home insurance policy 
• leaks from corroded pipes 
• leaks from an unmaintained roof 
• damage from long term leaky faucets or toilets 
• mold or fungus unless it resulted from covered causes 

Remember that getting a qualified water damage cleanup and restoration company is as essential as obtaining the right insurance coverage.  SERVPRO works with many insurance companies, which makes the whole process less stressful and faster for you. Day or night, 365 days a year, we are here to help. 

Employee Spotlight - Jodi Feil

1/22/2021 (Permalink)

Jodi Feil Marketing Manager

Meet Jodi Feil, Marketing Manager extraordinaire.

If you have worked with us before, there is a high chance you have heard from our incredible Marketing Manager, Jodi Feil. Jodi has been with SERVPRO for 3 years, starting as the Marketing Support Coordinator where she helped build the marketing department from the ground up, and has continued to do so to this day in her current role. As a formally trained graphic designer and photographer, she has been involved in all aspects of the marketing world throughout her professional career. Prior to working with us, she co-owned a photography school, where she developed all the curriculum and taught classes, sharing her wealth of knowledge with her students.

Outside of work, she is constantly busy. In what limited free time she has, you can find her spending time with her family and pets, out in nature, watching Marvel movies, or taking on a new DIY project around her home. Whatever it is she is doing; odds are she has a smile on her face. Her favorite quote is, “What you focus on becomes your reality” and we think she is living proof of that. We’re glad to have her on our team!

Avoid a flooded basement, this year and forever!

1/22/2021 (Permalink)

Follow these tips to help protect your basement from flooding in the future!

Weather in Massachusetts is unpredictable, so even if you don’t have a lot of snow now, you never know what Mother Nature has in store for the rest of the season.

In late winter and early spring, the ground can’t absorb all of the rain and snow melt, so it flows along the foundation. Foundation cracks that weren’t a problem before have the potential to become a huge problem now. A proper drain system, sump pump and sealed cracks will help you avoid problems this spring.

Here are a few simple tips:

• Keep your gutters clean (this will keep rainwater from flowing directly to your foundation)
• Grade landscaping away from foundation (add mulch or soil at an angle, higher at the foundation, slanting away)
• Check your sump pump or purchase a submersible pump and fans.

Move valuables and expensive items you may have in your basement or use pallets and shelves to keep them elevated.

When there is a natural disaster, often the emergency items you need are sold out, so plan ahead.

If you do have a flood

There are still things you can do to mitigate the damage.

• If you can do it safely, turn off the electricity.

But don’t get electrocuted! If you can reach the breaker without standing in water turn it off.  

• If you’ve got just a bit of water in spots consider yourself lucky. If you can clean it up with a wet vac and have fans to dry it afterward you might be all set.
• If your basement has flooded more than an inch, it’s best to call us.

If you have a sump pump and fans, you may still wish to tackle the job by yourself.  Submersible water pumps work best when you place them in the deepest part of the flooded water. If dirt and debris build up and clogs the screen around the pump, clean it out and consider using something like a small tool to prop it up a bit. This will increase the space for water to flow through the pump. Use the widest and shortest hose possible, this will enable the pump to work faster.

When all the water is up, and it appears dry you may still want us simply to treat the previously flooded area to kill any mold before it’s an issue.

To avoid this problem next year, you must identify where the water came in.

• First, seal the cracks.
• Then, dig to avert water flow next time.

Remember water will travel down the path of least resistance. It is strongly advised to dig outside near the foundation and repack the soil. Dig down to where the water came, and then dig out and to the sides a few feet. There is a channel that you may not see but you will disturb and avert if you do this. Next year, water will not flow in that same direction if done correctly.

Last but not least, having a dehumidifier in any basement, old or new, is a must to help reduce the amount of excess moisture in the air.

Recap:

• Clean your gutters.
• Have a sump pump, wet vac and fans.
• Fix lawn grading.
• Seal the cracks.
• Dig to avert water flow next year.
• Have a dehumidifier.

If water comes in and it’s too much to tackle yourself, call us. Mitigating water damage is one of our core competencies. We’ll tackle the job at hand and be sure your water problem doesn’t become a mold problem later.

It's never too early to prepare for winter!

9/22/2020 (Permalink)

Prior to joining the Marketing department, Rich Ciarletta worked with us as a Production Manager and Estimator, which means he's seen a little bit of everything over the years. In his second blog post, he discusses several common problems homeowners face as a result of winter storms. 

Each season has its own form of weather. Here in New England, our winter weather is unpredictable and can create some serious hazards that effect every homeowner differently. Snow can create ice dams on the roof and may cause water to seep into the structure below.  Snow piled against the side of the house can lead to water in the basement.  If a storm is severe enough that the power goes out, then the sump pump, which maintains a dry cellar, is no longer doing its job and flooding can occur.  Flooding in the basement can cause your furnace to stop working, which, in turn, can cause the water pipes to freeze. If these frozen pipes break, they can cause water damage throughout your home.  Generators have become very common in most homes due to the sporadic outages we experience during winter storms. They can be a very useful tool to get you through the winter, just be sure to use them responsibly!

Rich Talks Preparedness

9/22/2020 (Permalink)

PREPAREDNESS:

The definition of the word is, “A state of readiness.”  We spend most of our time in our houses or the buildings we work at, which today are often the same place. These buildings have emergency exit plans, but what about when a fire or water damage occurs? Is there a plan to get you back into the building, going about life as normal? SERVPRO has an Emergency Ready Profile, which highlights any emergency plans already in place for your office, and adds to that restoration information for a faster recovery plan.  Wasted time at the beginning of a loss can have negative effects on the building and down time can spell disaster to the life of your business. Installing drying equipment and beginning to clean are important steps to take immediately. SERVPRO is here for you 24/7 in the event of an emergency and ready to help make it “Like it never even happened.”

Written by Rich Ciarletta

Beware of your Dryer!

9/18/2020 (Permalink)

If someone was to ask you what causes a house fire, what would you say? Odds are you would think it would have something to do with a kitchen appliance, a candle, or maybe even lightning, right? Well there’s another danger that is often forgotten about and can have just as catastrophic results. Clothes dryers, if not properly maintained, can pose a serious risk to your home. Here is a brief checklist that you can follow to lessen the risk of a dryer-related disaster in your home.

Always remember:

1. Clean the lint tray between every load.
2. Do not run the dryer if you are not home.
3. Clean the dryer vent duct work yearly.
4. Check behind the dryer for dust (and be sure to clean it!)

Dealing with Dangerous Weather: Tip 4

9/18/2020 (Permalink)

Dealing with Dangerous Weather

Tip 4: Don't Forget your Pets!

Taking care of yourself and your family members during a storm can be overwhelming in and of itself, and adding pets into the mix probably doesn’t help. Learning what to do to protect and care for your pets in case of an emergency ahead of time will make life easier for everyone involved. Don’t forget to pack extra food, water, and any other essential pet supplies, such as any medicine, treats, etc., when putting together your emergency kit. Maybe include a recent photo of each of your pets to show around in case you get separated amidst any chaos. Make sure your pets have some form of identification, a collar with tags, a microchip, or both, on them to make it easier for you two to be reunited in the unfortunate instance they get lost. If possible, crate your animals before the situation worsens so you know where they are and that they’re safe.

Keep Those Carpets Clean!

9/16/2020 (Permalink)

The appearance of your business speaks volumes to your customers and clients, especially in the current state of the world. Having a clean, fresh-smelling carpet is an important part of keeping your business looking it's best. Foot traffic and airborne impurities such as pollen, dust, and other contaminants can damage your carpet over time.

Tips for taking care of your commercial carpet:

• Frequent vacuuming
  Be sure to vacuum your carpet multiple times a week. This will keep soil and debris from becoming embedded into the carpet fibers. This dirt builds up over time and shortens the life of your carpet. Frequent vacuuming is the best defense against premature damage.
• Removing stains
  Treat spills as soon as possible. Blot the area with a paper towel or cloth. Do not rub or scrub the stain as this can cause more damage by pushing the stain deeper into the carpet fibers. Use a mild, carpet safe cleaner to help remove the stain. 
• Use walk-off mats
  Use walk-off, or entry mats inside and out to keep dirt off the carpeting. Coarse-textured mats outside your doors remove soil and will help to minimize the amount of dirt that is tracked in. Water-absorbent mats inside prevent wet shoes on the carpeting. 
• Have your carpet professionally cleaned 1-2 times a year 
  A professional carpet cleaning will keep your business's carpets looking their best. If you would like to schedule a commercial carpet cleaning with SERVPRO of Danvers/Ipswich, give us a call at 978-777-3498. 

Dealing with Dangerous Weather: Tip 3

9/14/2020 (Permalink)

Dealing with Dangerous Weather

Tip 3: Have an Emergency Kit Ready

You have probably heard this one a thousand times, but how many of us actually have one packed and ready to go? How about one that is up-to-date? When putting together an emergency kit, the general recommendation is to prep enough supplies to last each member of your household 72 hours minimum. Non-perishable foods, such as soup and other canned items, and bottled water are often a smart (and relatively cheap) investment to keep on hand in case of an emergency. To find an extensive list of things to include in your emergency kit, along with other helpful advice, check out Ready.gov and remember to check back often, as they update their list regularly.

Help with Hoarding

9/11/2020 (Permalink)

In his first blog post, our resident hoarding expert, Rich Ciarletta, talks about the beginnings of a disorder that grips many of our elderly population.

LIFE IS MESSY –

I have been to many losses caused by water, fire and natural occurrences. Most of the time the loss occurred due to external circumstances beyond the clients’ control. Hoarding Disorder, on the other hand, is a mental health diagnosis that happens slowly over time and prevents the disposal of items. The severity can be mild or extreme. The client may be somewhat aware that there is a problem according to their definition of what a hoarder is, or in complete denial that a problem exists. My interaction with hoarding clients occurs after an event has uncovered the hoarding.  Their home is now either unsafe or unsanitary and some action is needed.  Each case is different and each has its own unique beginning.

The journey to untangle the causes and aftermath of this disorder, however, is just beginning.  A great resource has been written by Eileen Dacey LCSW, who has vast knowledge on this subject, and works at the North Shore Elder Services in Danvers, Mass.  Her book, Reclaim Your Life from Hoarding, is available on Amazon.com.

We work closely with organizations such North Shore Elder Services, providing the packing and cleaning necessary to make their homes livable, while trained health professionals provide the emotional guidance.  Understanding the emotions behind the disorder can help pave a smoother path to resolution. If you know someone that struggles in this area, getting support is key to a successful transition.

Is Your Business Prepared?

9/11/2020 (Permalink)

Are You Ready?

Preparation is a key component for making it through any size disaster; whether it’s a small water leak, a large fire, or an area flood. The best time for planning for such events is not when the damage occurs, but well before it happens.

No one ever plans on a disaster, but you can plan for it. Now is the time to ask yourself, “Am I ready for what could happen?”

The SERVPRO® Emergency READY Profile, or ERP, is a startup approach that provides the critical information needed to begin mitigation and recovery services. It is designed to serve as a quick reference guide of important building and contact information. By working with SERVPRO’s Emergency READY Profile, your business will receive the benefit of over 40 years of experience in reducing the impact of any natural or man-made disaster. Having an ERP also means our team can get to work faster, putting those precious moments back towards remedying your situation.

SERVPRO® is a leader in water and fire damage response and can help you quickly get your property back in working order.

Call us today for more details!

Hidden Water Damage

9/10/2020 (Permalink)

An example of a Moisture Meter in use.

Even Minor Water Damages Need Major Technology –

Small water damages can sometimes lead to big problems if it’s not handled properly at the onset. The key to avoiding costly restoration is to treat even the smallest of water problems as a real threat to your property. This means adequate technology & equipment should be a priority when mitigating any loss.

Some of these tools are not readily available, or easy to use. SERVPRO of Danvers/Ipswich has the equipment, training and experience to find and dry hidden water before secondary damages occur.

Here are a few of the tools we use:

• Moisture Sensors are used to detect moisture in carpets and baseboards. 
• Moisture Meters (pictured) are used to determine the actual moisture content of various materials. These moisture testers provide accurate readings that allows our trained professionals to monitor the drying process.
• Thermohygrometers measure temperature and relative humidity. When armed with this information, our team can calculate and create an environment most conducive to drying your space.

Contaminated Water

9/10/2020 (Permalink)

A Thermal Fogger in action.

Love that Dirty Water…only in the Song!

When facing a contaminated water loss, it’s important to understand that disinfecting is just as important as drying. There are different levels of contamination, with the highest being a Category Three (or Black Water). According to owner, Pat Lavigne, this level of contamination could be considered a Biohazard and requires a more intensive process.

If you have a contaminated water damage, it’s imperative to pull in a professional remediation company such as SERVPRO of Danvers/Ipswich. In addition to professional training and hospital grade disinfectants, we can also use state-of-the-art technology that is not readily available to the general public.

Two of the tools we use are:

• Ultra-Low-Volume (ULV) Foggers will atomize liquid deodorizing agents, producing a fine mist that can easily penetrate the site where odor-causing residues may accumulate. This device can also be used to inject fungicides and disinfectants into wall cavities and other hard-to-reach places.
• Thermal Foggers (pictured) use heat to vaporize a fogging solution. The fog consists of tiny particles of deodorant solution that attach to and neutralize odor­ causing molecules. Thermal foggers can produce very tiny particles, which range from 0.5 micron to 50 microns, so it is able to permeate even the narrowest of crevices.

If you have a water damage you believe to be contaminated, call in the professionals. We are open 24/7, so if you ever find yourself in hot (or dirty) water, we’ll be there, ready to help make it “Like it never even happened.”

Estimator Tips

9/4/2020 (Permalink)

Example of personal items affected by water damage in a basement.

Storm season in New England is in full swing. Although these storms can move out as swiftly as they move in, we often experience such heavy rains that the ground simply cannot absorb it all quickly enough. When that happens, the water will find the downward path of least resistance, which can often be your basement.

We asked two of our Project Estimators, Brian Carifio and Ross Martin, about their best advice for homeowners after heavy rainstorms. Here is what they had to say:

1. What’s the first place you would advise a homeowner to check after a storm?

Brian Carifio: The Basement. Water will find its way there. Ideally, if they’ve been pre-emptive, they’ll have their contents up off of the floor on plastic shelving and/or in plastic containers. Keeping contents 2–4 inches off the floor will help to avoid most flooding concerns. If the water reaches above that, they have a whole other set of problems. Plus, content damage is not generally covered by insurance when due to flash flooding.

2. Okay, they’ve done that but they still have water in the basement. What should they do next?

Brian Carifio: Call SERVPRO. Not to sound self-serving but the longer the homeowner waits…or tries to resolve it themselves, the greater the probability of mold beginning to grow. Most DIY attempts at mitigating water damage fail simply because the necessary equipment is not available to consumers. You need strong extraction systems, high capacity dehumidifiers, and air movers (not to be confused with oscillating fans).

3. What’s the worst thing a homeowner can do when they find water in their basement?

Ross Martin: Put an oscillating fan on the standing water. First of all, you can run the risk of electrocution. Beyond that, fans only whisk the air off the top of the water’s surface and move it into the air. Doing that without proper dehumidification in place can lead to mold on other surfaces.

4. Can you explain that process more?

Ross Martin: Sure. When you have a flood, if left alone the water will eventually evaporate. But that doesn’t mean it disappears. It simply changes from a liquid to a gas and moves into the air. Moisture in the air is relative humidity. That humid (moisture heavy) air is then able to touch & attach to every single surface in that space and beyond. This is the “perfect storm” for mold growth.

Our process is to first extract the water with truck mounted vacuums, then use our air movers and dehumidifiers simultaneously. The movers circulate the air, keeping it from absorbing into surfaces while the dehumidifiers remove the moisture from the air.

5. Can’t homeowners do this themselves?

Ross Martin: Yes and no. There are several points to consider. First, consider the weight of water (not the movie!). A gallon of water weighs 8.34 lbs and most shop vacs hold 10 gallons. That means you’re carrying 83.4 pounds upstairs, multiple times.

Secondly, most people have fans in their home and will put several on the affected wet areas, thinking this will dry it out. It won’t. Fans are not strong enough and they don’t actually dry anything. They just move the moisture off the top surface, dispersing it throughout the air.

Lastly, most consumer-bought dehumidifiers are too small to effectively dry the air in an average sized basement. Most are purchased rated at 30 PPD (Pints Per Day). That’s how many pints of moisture it can handle per day. Our smallest is 70 PPD and goes up to over 133 PPD.  

There are some steps you can take before help arrives though.

• Remove excess water by mopping and blotting.
• Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removal of lamps and tabletop items.
• Remove and prop wet upholstery and cushions.
• Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting.
• Turn air conditioning on for maximum drying in summer.
• Remove colored rugs from wet carpeting.
• Remove art objects to a safe, dry place.
• Gather loose items from floors.

The Anatomy of Smoke & Fire

9/4/2020 (Permalink)

Smoke and soot are incredibly invasive. They can and will invade all kinds of nooks and crannies within your home, potentially resulting in hidden damage and odor. Our smoke damage expertise and experience allows us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damage and help you develop a comprehensive plan of action.  

Smoke and soot facts:

• Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.
• Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.
• The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.

Different Types of Smoke

Closely Related but Very Different

There are two different types of smoke– wet and dry. Different types of smoke mean different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration can begin, our team will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage has occurred. The information collected during these pretests determine what cleaning procedures we will follow. Here is some additional information:

Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber

• Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.

Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood

• Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke rises.

Protein Fire Residue – Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire

• Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor. 

Getting Back to Normal

Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

SERVPRO of Danvers/Ipswich specializes in fire and water damage restoration, which means we have specific training, personnel, and equipment to get your home back to normal quickly. As a locally owned and operated business, SERVPRO of Danvers/Ipswich is close by and ready to help you out of your emergency. 

Make a Plan

9/2/2020 (Permalink)

It’s September which means it is once again National Preparedness Month. This week’s theme is Make a Plan. In the spirit of planning ahead, we have a few steps you can take to prepare in case you ever find yourself in a fire.

1. Make an exit plan: In the event of a fire, knowing your exit strategy ahead of time is vital. Different rooms in your home or office may require a different plan, so be sure to inform everyone of each different exit strategy.
2. Have a defined meeting place: Establishing a meeting place ahead of time eases anxieties of where to go and allows you to more easily account for everyone who was inside and make sure no one is missing.
3. Keep valuables somewhere safe: By keeping important files and other valuables in a central, safe location, they can be more easily gathered in a short amount of time. Another option to consider is a fire-proof lock box or safe to store valuables.

After a House Fire

9/2/2020 (Permalink)

Often, the hardest part for residents after a home fire is knowing where to begin and who to contact. These tips taken from FEMA provide information on what to do after experiencing a tragic home fire.

Your Next Steps After a Fire

Here are the steps to follow after a fire in your home:

• Contact your local disaster relief service, such as the American Red Cross. This will help you find a place to stay and to find food, clothing and medicine.
• If you have insurance, contact your insurance company. Ask what you should do to keep your home safe until it is repaired. Ask who you should talk to about cleaning up your home. If you are not insured, try contacting community groups for aid and assistance.
• Check with the fire department before entering your home to ensure it is safe. Be very careful when you go inside, floors and walls may not be as safe as they look.
• The fire department will tell you if your utilities (water, electricity, and gas) are safe to use. If they are deemed to be unsafe, firefighters will have them shut off before they leave. Do not try to turn them back on by yourself as this could be very dangerous.
• Contact your landlord or mortgage company to inform them of the fire.
• If you leave your home, call the local police department to let them know that the site will be vacant.
• Begin saving receipts for any purchases made in relation to the loss. These receipts may be needed later by the insurance company and are needed to prove any losses claimed on your income tax.
• Check with an accountant or the IRS regarding special benefits for people recovering from a fire loss.

Prepare for Hurricane Water Damage

9/2/2020 (Permalink)

The eye of a hurricane. Photo courtesy of pexels.com

It should be no surprise that the 2020 Hurricane season is breaking records. According to Wikipedia, the 2020 Atlantic hurricane season is the first on record to tally nine tropical storms formed before August and thirteen before September. So far, a total of 14 tropical depressions, 13 tropical storms, four hurricanes and one major hurricane have developed. The latest, Laura, has just made landfall in LA as a Category 4 hurricane. This means it brings maximum sustained winds of 150 mph or greater and catastrophic storm surges.

Noel Torrissi, our Construction Manager, suggests covering storm and ocean facing windows as the first order of business. “Taping is always an option if boarding isn’t possible. Any way to create a barrier that can hold or stop flying glass should be your first concern. Incomplete, new construction is less of a concern as the materials are always exposed to the elements. Focus on safety first. We can rebuild any structure, but we can’t replace you.”

Secondly, if you have a generator, make sure it works before the storm barrels in. That means starting it up and gassing it up. You could be without power for hours, or days, depending on the severity of the storm. As always, generator safety is a priority. This means keeping it outside, even in a hurricane.

Haverhill Firefighter Relief Golf Outing 2020

9/1/2020 (Permalink)

Thank you Wicked Cornhole for the fantastic job they did on these cornhole boards!

With all the chaos 2020 has brought about, a sliver of normalcy could be found at the Haverhill Firefighter Relief Association Golf Outing. While it did have to be modified a bit to follow the new safety standards, it went off without a hitch. It was a perfect day to be outside at the Bradford Country Club, with not a single cloud in sight.

SERVPRO was there showing our support, as we have many years prior. Several staff members even participated in the tournament, teaming up and teeing off for the cause. The entire marketing team helped to sell mulligans and raffle tickets for a beautiful cornhole board set crafted by Wicked Cornhole in Tewksbury.

A fun time was had by all, and it was a wonderful day raising money for a great cause. We can’t wait to do it again next year!

Get Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned

8/25/2020 (Permalink)

COVID-19 has changed what it means to be clean. Getting back to business relies on getting customers and employees back through your doors. That will only happen if they feel secure that you have provided a safe and healthy space. When the stakes are this high, you want a partner who has developed an industry leading, proprietary training program, cleaning solutions, and remediation processes over decades. From formulating and creating our proprietary cleaning products, like SERVPROXIDE, at our headquarters in Gallatin, TN, to professionally trained technicians, we will get you business-ready as the economy continues to reopen. 

To help quell anxieties of businesses and their customers amidst reopening, we have developed a new service called “Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned”, which consists of a dual defense cleaning protocol and optional testing. Once your business location has been Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, you will gain access to propriety signage, digital emblems, and other collateral that communicates your commitment to a higher standard of clean as well as to the safety of your customers and staff.

If you are interested in learning more about this or any of the other services we offer, give us a call!

Stay Safe While Grilling

8/11/2020 (Permalink)

This grill caught fire and left half of a house and the deck it was placed on utterly destroyed.

Grilling season is back in full swing and so are grill-related disasters. No matter your level of experience, it is important to remember that no one is immune from grill fires. There are, however, some steps you can take to help minimize your chances of ending up in a bad situation.

1. Keep your grill away from the house- This means keeping it off of the deck as well. The general rule is to keep the grill at least 10 feet from a standing structure.
2. Be careful of grass- Grass, especially if it’s dead, can pose a significant fire hazard. If ashes fly out of a grill and land on the grass, the grass could catch and cause serious damage.
3. Pay attention- Don’t leave your grill unattended for extended periods of time. Fires can start in the blink of an eye, so be sure to supervise anytime your grill is on.

Remember to use common sense when using a grill and if you are unsure of something, look it up. Stay safe and enjoy the rest of the summer!

Dealing with Dangerous Weather: Tip 2

8/7/2020 (Permalink)

Dealing with Dangerous Weather

Tip 2: Flood Water isn't Normal Water

If you are driving or walking down a road and encounter flooding, DO NOT try to cross it. When dealing with floods and flood water, it is important to remember not to take them at surface value. Many times, floods occur as a result of a natural body of water overflowing, and often times these bodies of water have a current. This current does not go away when there is a flood, it’s possible it may get stronger as a result of the excess water trying to escape. Flood waters are also often deceptively deep, especially if you’re looking at them from inside of a car. To learn more about the dangers floods present or to learn more about what to do in a flood, check out the National Weather Service’s website.

Dealing with Dangerous Weather: Tip 1

7/31/2020 (Permalink)

Dealing with Dangerous Weather

Tip 1: Drive for Your Safety

It may seem like a given but it’s important to remember none the less. Driving is a big responsibility and if you don’t feel safe behind the wheel, you could be putting yourself and other drivers at risk. According to a study done by the Federal Highway Administration, approximately 21% of auto accidents every year can be attributed to the weather. If you find yourself stuck in bad weather while driving, don’t feel like you have to speed just because everyone around you is doing it. Odds are, the people behind you will be understanding and if they don’t like it, let them pass. Just be careful, going too slow has its own risks as well. Try to avoid driving in stressful situations, including bad weather, if at all possible. However, if you must drive, remember to stay safe!

Dealing with Dangerous Weather: An Introduction

7/30/2020 (Permalink)

In New England, the weather changes at the drop of a hat. When the weather takes a serious turn, the last thing anyone wants is to feel unprepared. To help ease your worries we have put together a list of tips for dealing with dangerous weather. Each week for the next 4 weeks, we will be sharing a new tip that will hopefully leave you feeling a tad more at ease the next time bad weather strikes.

Be sure to head over to our Facebook page (@SERVPRODanvers) after you read each tip to share your thoughts with us. If you have any tips of your own, let us know! We love to talk with our friends in the community and hear what it is you have to say. 

Water Pressure Check

6/8/2020 (Permalink)

With summer right around the corner, it’s time again to turn on outdoor water sources. As you begin to break out the sprinklers and garden hoses, keep an eye out for lowered water pressure. A loss in water pressure may be nothing, but it also could indicate there may be a bigger issue lurking just below the surface. One way you can test for low water pressure is to turn the spigot on and press your fingers against it. The water should spray out through your fingers at a good, steady level. If the water doesn’t spray out, or seems to be flowing at an inconsistent rate, this may be a sign and further investigation should be done to check for leaks. If you do find yourself with water damage, SERVPRO of Danvers/Ipswich is here to help. Call us at 978-356-7077 to schedule an estimate.

We are Cleaning Experts

3/30/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is Here to Help during this time of need

During this unprecedented time caused by the global pandemic of coronavirus, this is a reminder to our customers that we are specialists in cleaning services, and we adhere to the highest cleaning and sanitation standards.

Specialized Training

We are prepared to clean and disinfect your home or business, according to protocols set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We have years of experience in dealing with biological contaminants, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform on a daily basis.

The CDC encourages cleaning of high-touch surfaces such as counters, tabletops, doorknobs, light switches, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets and tables. Other spaces mentioned in the CDC’s guidance for commercial spaces include:

• Kitchen/Food Areas
• Bathrooms
• Schools/Classrooms
• Offices
• Retail Spaces
• Water Fountains
• Shelving/Racks
• Sales Counters
• Carpets and Rugs
• Stair Handrails
• Elevator Cars
• Playground Equipment
• Fitness Equipment

Specialized Products

The CDC recommends usage of a labeled hospital-grade disinfectant with claims against similar pathogens to the coronavirus. Multiple products in the SERVPRO product line carry the EPA-approved emerging pathogens claims. While there is currently no product tested against this particular strain of the coronavirus, we are following all guidelines as provided by the CDC and local authorities.

Call Today for a Proactive Cleaning

If your home or business needs deep cleaning services, call the experts today – SERVPRO of Danvers/Ipswich, (978) 777-3498. 

Commercial Cleaning and Restoration

3/27/2020 (Permalink)

You invest a lot of time energy and resources to maintain, protect and increase the value of your business. Your facility is a central component in achieving success. When you experience a fire, water or mold damage in your commercial facility, you need fast response and the expertise to handle the situation – to get back into operation as quickly as possible.

SERVPRO of Danvers/Ipswich is committed to providing fire and water cleanup and restoration services to reduce business interruptions and recovery costs. Our technicians are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to help get your business back in business. We have the training and specialized equipment to restore your commercial property and make it “Like it never even happened.”

We specialize in:

• Fire, Smoke and Soot Cleanup and Restoration
• Water Removal and Dehumidification
• Mold Prevention and Remediation Services
• Biohazard and Sewage Backups Cleaning
• Carpet and Hard Floor Cleaning and Care
• Upholstery Cleaning

Check out our website today! 

Spring Weather Tips

3/24/2020 (Permalink)

While spring brings the promise of warm weather and longer days, it also brings a variety of conditions that can include heavy rains and severe weather, which can increase your flood risk. Take action to protect yourself, your family, and your business—before a weather event occurs and it’s too late.

April marks the start of the rainy season. Spring storms can bring several inches of rain in only a matter of hours or there can be consistent rainfall for days. These heavy rains can lead to severe flooding by over-saturating the ground, overfilling storm drains, or rivers spilling over their banks.

As one of the most common hazards in the United States, it’s important we prepare for the potential disaster that flooding can cause. Even if you feel you live in a community with a low risk of flooding, remember that anywhere it rains, it can flood. Just because you haven’t experienced a flood in the past, doesn’t mean you won’t in the future.

In order help prepare you for the possibility of a flood, we offer you these tips:

• Build an emergency kit and make a family communications plan
• Avoid building in a floodplain unless you elevate and reinforce your home
• Elevate the furnace, water heater and electric panel in your home if you live in an area that has a high flood risk
• Install check-valves to prevent flood water from backing up into the drains of your home
• Seal basement walls and floor with waterproofing compounds to prevent seepage through cracks
• Always keep your gutters and downspouts clean to allow water to flow freely
• Prepare a flood evacuation plan
• Know how to safely shut-off utilities
• Keep insurance and vital records in a water-proof box
• Have a portable radio to listen for important current information

When your home sustains water damage from flooding, you should call SERVPRO of Danvers/Ipswich

SERVPRO of Danvers/Ipswich has the equipment and experience necessary to handle the most challenging water damage and removal situations and we are available around-the-clock. 

SERVPRO Training Day

3/24/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Danvers/Ipswich is committed to continually delivering high-value services to our customers and believes that all starts with an informed staff. At this full day training, all employees were trained on current commercial & residential cleaning & drying procedures, proper measuring standards and equipment training. 

After an amazing lunch catered by The American BBQ in Rowley, MA, employees were trained on proper driving techniques as well as equipment training.We also rolled out our GEM (Going The Extra Mile) program for our staff. You can see our full album of images on our Facebook Page.

We maintain a rigorous education standard to ensure our employees are bringing the very best knowledge into your home.

Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s Corporate Training Facility to regular IICRC industry certifications, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property. Our training program includes the following:

• IICRC Training
• Employee Certification Training
• Initial Franchise Training
• e-Learnings
• Continuing Education Classes

One & Only Richard Ciarletta

3/20/2020 (Permalink)

Sales Representative Richard Ciarletta

Richard Ciarletta began his career at SERVPRO 26 years ago. Starting as a Production Manager, he advanced to Estimator and is now enjoying his current role of Sales Representative. The practical experience he gained from years in the field has built a deep knowledge that makes him the resident expert on…well, everything SERVPRO.  He has seen and/or worked every type of residential and commercial loss and has grown with the company as it’s evolved. This kind of industry experience makes him a unique brand of sales rep. And his clients have come to trust that when he visits, he isn’t just “selling” a product or service but truly advising and informing on disaster management.

“Rich Ciarletta is a very personable and knowledgeable representative of SERVPRO. When we had water damage from a burst pipe in the building where my office is, the SERVPRO people were very professional and helpful during a trying situation and saved us from a mold problem. I would recommend their service highly.”
- Dr. Ellen Blomerth

After years of being in the field, Rich enjoys meeting new people. “You meet a lot of people in this type of job, and I truly enjoy that. We’re not always meeting on the best of circumstances–some are in a really bad spot when we first meet them. Seeing or hearing the relief on their faces or in their voices once we are there is very rewarding. Our customers are the same or better once our work is completed. It’s a good feeling.”

Outside of work, Rich is just as benevolent. You will find him at his church working on the collector team, teaching middle school Sunday School and singing in the choir. He enjoys playing with his grandkids and anticipating new additions to his ever-growing family.

Certifications & Awards:

IICRC Certified:

• Applied Structural Drying
• Fire & Smoke Restoration
• Water Restoration

2017 NSAR (North Shore Association of Realtors) Affiliate of the Year

Noel Employee Spotlight

3/11/2020 (Permalink)

Let's welcome our newest SERVPRO employee spotlight, Noel Torrissi! Before joining SERVPRO, he was self-employed for 30 years. His title now at SERVPRO is the construction manager and estimating and running the rebuild jobs. His nickname is Roman because he used to own a silver Mercedes like the guy in National Lampoon's Vacation. His proudest accomplishment is raising his two daughters Bailey and Alani. In his free time, you can find him tearing it up on the ice rink playing hockey or on the golf course working on his swing. When he enters the office in the morning he always has a smile on his face and is ready to take on the day. 

We're happy to have Noel join our team! 

What To Do In A Flood Emergency

3/11/2020 (Permalink)

With spring on its way, so is the rain, and house and/or business flooding is a real concern. Luckily, we can step in to help minimize the damage and get you back to normal living conditions, but there are some other important steps to take as well.

Stop The Flow

Your first priority is stopping the flow of water. If the flooding is due to storm surges, you should be seeking safe ground. Your possessions are replaceable. You aren't!

If you have time however, turn off electricity at the fuse box. If you can’t reach the box without wading into water, call an electrician and stay out of the wet areas. Most people don't think of this step during a flood but doing so can save a lot of extra repair once you're back in the house.

Snap It, Document It

Before removing any water, document the damage for your insurance company. Capture the extent of the water damage and all possessions impacted by the flood. Digital photos are best because you can quickly upload them directly to your agent for assessment.

Contact your insurance company as soon as possible and follow their directions. Not all flooding is covered by a basic homeowners policy, so work with your agent to discover the cause and identify coverage you can qualify for. Do not remove any water before talking to them so you don’t accidentally do anything that will decrease the amount of coverage you’ll be able to claim. If the insurance company wants you to wait for an adjuster before making repairs, do so — but make sure you give them a clear picture of the damage and repairs that are immediately needed.

Protect Yourself

You won’t know immediately if the water is contaminated, so take precautions to safeguard your health. Wear protective gear like waders or rubber boots and rubber gloves before delving into the water and removing water-logged possessions. If possible, remove children from the home until the damage is assessed and contained.

We're Here To Help

We are truly "faster to any disaster." When your home or business has water damage, we have the expertise and equipment to properly restore your property. The water removal and water cleanup process is completed by our highly-trained technicians who will document the drying process. This validates that your property has been dried properly and thoroughly.

Please follow the tips outlined in our Water Damage Tips—Until Help Arrives Guide to protect yourself and your property.

Meet Donna Sutherby

3/2/2020 (Permalink)

Meet Donna Sutherby. 

#wonderwoman #SERVPROguru

Donna Sutherby, a veteran of the US Army, has been with SERVPRO for 22 years and counting. As the Office Administrator, she will often be the person who answers your questions when you call. During her tenure, she has juggled most front office functions while fielding calls and handling billings. She is certified through the IICRC in Water Damage Restoration which means she can provide knowledgeable answers, valuable insight and guidance through what can sometimes be a confusing and stressful process for homeowners and business owners after suffering a damage loss. Her depth of knowledge, caring personality and willingness to help make her a vital member of our SERVPRO family.

When asked what inspires her to come to work every day, Donna replied that the office atmosphere, comradery of her co-workers, and family values of the business are at the heart of it. “We are a caring group of people and want to help. That makes me feel good at the end of the day!”

When Donna isn’t working, you will often find her with her family of 4 children & 6 grandchildren.

Examples of Storm Damage

2/25/2020 (Permalink)

Storm Damage can create a variety of problems for homeowners. SERVPRO of Danvers/Ipswich can help restore your home from storm damage. Some examples of storm damage are:

FROZEN PIPES

A frozen pipe can burst at the point where the ice blockage inside the pipe is located, but typically the rupture is caused by the backflow pressure between the water source and the blockage. A burst pipe can cause considerable damage to your property if not addressed quickly.

ICE DAMS

Ice dams can be a major problem during the winter season. They form when heated air melts roof snow downward into water dammed behind the still-frozen ice. When the trapped water cannot safely flow or run into the gutter system, it can backflow under the roof’s shingles and into the structure’s interior areas. We can help mitigate water damage caused by ice dams and help you get your home back to preloss condition.

PUFFBACKS

A puffback is a messy furnace malfunction that occurs when an oil burner backfires, sending soot throughout your home or business. It can happen all at once, covering an interior in grimy soot, or a puffback can leak soot particles more gradually.

If you experience storm damage this winter, call SERVPRO of Danvers/Ipswich at 978-356-7077. We’re here to help.

Be Prepared 24/7

2/13/2020 (Permalink)

In the event of an emergency, the Emergency READY Profile^® or ERP can help minimize business interruption by having an immediate plan of action in place for your facility. Working with SERVPRO® of Haverhill/Newburyport on an ERP will provide you with a comprehensive document containing critical information about your business, including emergency contact information, shut-off valve locations and priority areas.

The ERP also establishes your local SERVPRO^® Franchise Professional as your disaster mitigation and restoration provider, giving you access to over 40 years of experience and a System over 1,600 Franchises strong. The ERP is a no-cost assessment; all it requires is a little time, making it a great value that could save you time and money in the future.

Preparation is the key to making it through any size disaster, whether it is a small water leak, a large fire or an area flood. Having a plan in place may help minimize the amount of time your business is inactive and get you back in the building following a disaster.

Don't wait until disaster strikes. Be ahead of whatever Mother Nature throws your way. Call SERVPRO^® of Danvers/Ipswich at (978) 777-3498 or visit or website to establish your Emergency READY Profile^®, and be "Ready for whatever happens."

Water Damage Prevention Tips

2/13/2020 (Permalink)

Your home's foundation is the glue that holds your house together. Water damage is the number 1 culprit in weakening the foundation of your home. If water damage goes untreated, it can weaken the structure of your house, causing you a lot of money in the long run. Follow these prevention tips below to protect your home from water damage. 

#1 - Endure Good Drainage

• Clean your gutters.
• Direct downspouts 5-10' away from the house.
• Slope your yard away from the foundation.

#2 -Test Your Sump Pump 

• Check your sump pump once a year.
• Test more frequently during the rainy season.

#3 - Fix Water Leaks

• Repair any noticeable dripping pipes.
• Repair any cracked caulking.
• Inspect the roof for missing, loose or damaged shingles. 

If you or anybody you know has water damage that needs assistance, don't hesitate to call SERVPRO of Danvers/Ipwsich. We are available, 24/7! 

Space Heater Safety Tips

2/13/2020 (Permalink)

During the cold New England winters, many homeowners use space heaters to help heat their homes. But space heaters can also cause deadly fires if left unattended or used improperly. To help keep your family safe, follow the mass.gov safety tips listed below.

Using space heaters safely

• Keep space heaters 3 feet away from drapes, furniture or other things that can burn.
• Put heaters on a level surface away from places where someone might bump into it and knock it over.
• Avoid using extension cords. If you must use an extension cord, use a heavy duty one marked with a power rating at least as high as that of the heater itself.
• Never leave a space heater unattended.
• Never leave a space heater on while you sleep.
• Supervise children and pets near space heaters.
• Buy heaters that are tested and labeled by a nationally recognized testing company, such as Underwriter’s Laboratories Inc.(UL).
• Keep electric heaters away from water. Never use them near a sink or in the bathroom.
• Never use an unvented kerosene heater. It is illegal to sell or use them in Massachusetts.

Employee Spotlight - Linda Rousseau

2/6/2020 (Permalink)

Let’s welcome our newest SERVPRO employee, Linda Rousseau! Before Linda joined SERVPRO, she was an office manager at GLX constriction in Somerville Mass. She is continuing her office manager role here at SERVPRO. Her daily duties are to monitor ongoing projects to ensure timeline accuracy relative to execution, follow-up, and billing, work closely with the office team to better understand processes, policies, and procedures, and to educate herself on franchise operating systems and applications.

Her proudest accomplishments in life are a tie between successfully completing 6 years in the USN with an honorable discharge and raising her son Joseph. In her free time, you can find her kayaking, being on or near water or walking her dog Domino. She also loves completing projects around her home and she especially loves gardening.

Checking For Mold

2/3/2020 (Permalink)

We all know Spring is when the real estate market "blossoms" with new listings, all new and sparkling after a long winter. Maybe you've spent time cleaning, painting and otherwise preparing your house for sale. What you may have overlooked though, is the presence of mold and/or moisture stains that can suggest mold is present. This would be a red flag to any buyer and could stop a sale in its tracks, if not handled properly.

Understanding Mold
Mold spores occur naturally almost everywhere, both indoors and outdoors. These microscopic spores float along in the air and can enter a home or business through windows and HVAC systems.

Consider these facts:

-Mold is present almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors.

-Mold spores thrive on moisture.                       

-Mold spores can quickly grow into colonies when exposed to water. These colonies may produce allergens and irritants.

Before mold remediation can begin, any sources of water or moisture must be addressed. Otherwise, the mold may return. Mold often produces a strong, musty odor and can lead you to possible mold problem areas. Even higher-than-normal indoor humidity can support mold growth. Keep indoor humidity below 45 percent.

Our highly trained Project Managers use state-of-the-art technology to take moisture readings that can indicate the likelihood of mold.

Armed with that knowledge, you can then make an informed decision on the next steps for the sale of your home.

If you think you have mold, or have any other mold-related questions, don't hesitate to call SERVPRO of Danvers/Ipswich at 978-356-7077.

Winter Flooding Can Occur

1/29/2020 (Permalink)

Even though we haven't had much snow doesn't mean flooding won't occur. 

Floods rank as one of the most common and widespread natural disasters in the United States. No matter where you live, there is a potential for suffering from flood damage.

Just because you haven't experienced a flood in the past, doesn’t mean you won't in the future. In fact, 20% of all claims paid by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) were for policies in low-risk communities. On average, floods cost $3 billion in annual losses in the United States. Commercial flood claims average more than $75,000.

According to the American Red Cross (ARC), floods cause more damage in the U.S. every year than any other weather-related disaster. The ARC offers the following flood safety tips.

• Stay away from floodwaters. If you come upon a flowing stream where water is above your ankles, stop, turn around and go another Six inches of swiftly moving water can sweep you off of your feet.
• If you approach a flooded road while driving, turn around and go another way. If you are caught on a flooded road and waters are rising rapidly around you, get out of the car quickly and move to higher ground. Most cars can be swept away by less than two feet of moving water.
• Keep children out of the water. They are curious and often lack judgment about running water or contaminated water. Keep your pets out of the water too.

If you do suffer water damage due to a flood or melting snow in your home or business, contact SERVPRO® of Danvers/Ipswich. Even minor floods have the potential to cause major damage to a structure when not treated quickly and properly, and the cleanup is often an overwhelming task. The SERVPRO® System is prepared to handle any size disaster. The sooner work begins, the sooner order can be restored.

Every Second Counts

1/27/2020 (Permalink)

Most people think of escape plans and prevention when they think about fire safety but there is a much neglected and overlooked resource to consider.

The Forgotten Red-Head! 

Prevention and a plan are obviously high priority, but when is the last time you thought about that fire hydrant up the street from your home or business? Keeping it clear of snow can save valuable time when time is of the essence.

If you have thought of it, but your thoughts go something like "It's not my responsibility to clear it of snow" you should reconsider.

Saving Valuable Seconds

Depending on the city or town you live in, keeping the hydrant clear of snow and debris could quite possibly be your responsibility. Check with your local fire department or town hall to find out the laws in your area.  

Beyond that, keeping it clear only benefits you. If you are the victim of a fire, what do you want the firemen spending their time on? Clearing the hydrant or fighting the fire? Be smart. Be a good neighbor. Do what's Right.

After A Fire

If you are the unfortunate victim of a fire, we're here to help. After the fire trucks leave, your home likely suffers from fire and smoke damage and extensive water damage from firefighting efforts. SERVPRO of Danvers/Ipswich has the specialized fire restoration training needed to restore your home to pre-fire conditions.

Have Questions About Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage? Call Today – 978-356-7077

Secondary Water Damage

1/24/2020 (Permalink)

Coming home from a vacation and you realize the basement has 3 inches of standing water. What do you do? First, you need to assess the situation. If a pipe bursts, shut off the water and call your local SERVPRO. If a sump pump failed, call your plumber as soon as possible. A quick response is the key to mitigating, or minimizing, the loss in water damage.

If the cleanup process does not begin immediately and the water begins to evaporate on its own you can begin to suffer the effects of secondary damage, also known as moisture damage. The air will absorb the water and become fully saturated. As the evaporation continues the water can get into things like drywall and ceiling tiles. Here are some tips you can follow that might minimize the amount of damage your house will suffer after a water loss.

• Remove water from flat surfaces by mopping
• Open doors and drawers on furniture for ventilation and drying
• Remove electronics and artwork to a dry area
• Elevate all furniture
• Call SERVPRO of Danvers/Ipswich for assistants. 978-356-7077

Employee Spotlight - Nury Cardoza

1/24/2020 (Permalink)

You might have seen Nury in your home or business doing remediation for the last 27 years, but not anymore! Instead of knocking down walls and cleaning flooded basements, she will be making the rounds as a marketing rep in the Haverhill/Newburyport territory.
When she started at SERVPRO 27 years ago, she was just a helper and worked her way up to the crew chief. Even though most of the time, it's a complicated and sometimes messy job, she says the best part of her career is helping people during a difficult time. Her favorite part about her new position is meeting new faces and building relationships. She is excited about this new role and looks forward to getting out on the road every day. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, outdoor activities, working out, music, and family. Welcome aboard, Nury!

Key to Avoiding Future Mold Problems

1/24/2020 (Permalink)

After you have suffered through the disaster water damage can leave behind, you may sigh a breath of relief and think the worst is over. Unfortunately, if not mitigated correctly, the worst may be yet to come.

When it comes to water damage, the key to avoiding future mold problems is time. The quicker you can get to the source, fix the problem, and begin the drying (or demolition) the better.

Brian Carifio, a Project Estimator here at SERVPRO of Danvers/Ipswich, recommends waiting no longer than 3 days to address the mold risk. 

He also recommends the following steps

Dry out the affected area. Once the water has been extracted, use fans and a dehumidifier to help dry out the area. If possible, open windows to allow for air circulation and faster drying. You want to dry the area out as soon as possible. If you have a finished basement and the drywall was affected, you’ll probably have to cut away the areas that were touched by water as the drywall will crumble and the paper backing is a good source of food for mold. If you have baseboard trim, take it up first, and if it’s made from pressboard it will likely not be salvageable. If it was wood, you might be able to save it.

Disinfect. This is a crucial step that is often overlooked. After the area has dried out, including wood beams, insulation, drywall, etc., use a good disinfectant to get rid of any bacteria that might have come up through sewers, toilets, etc. Disinfect all areas affected by the floodwaters including walls and wood and non-upholstered furniture that sat in floodwater.

SERVPRO of Danvers/Ipswich uses proprietary, OSHA-approved cleaning agents that may be needed to clean and remove odors and/or contaminants on your property.

• Deodorization products control odors from excessive moisture.
• Disinfection products stop the growth of bacteria, fungi, mildew, and other harmful microorganisms.

Dispose of damaged items responsibly: you’ll be tempted to throw everything into a dumpster and send it all away and out of sight. But if you can organize damaged goods into piles and take what you can to recycling centers, you will help alleviate the pressure on your local landfill site. Go to your city or town’s waste management website to find out where to recycle old paints, stains, adhesives and other toxic liquids, any damaged electronics from cell phones to TVs and computers, furniture, and even drywall. 

Mold Prevention

1/21/2020 (Permalink)

Mold in your Home

Mold is a natural part of our environment. It helps our ecosystem function by breaking down organic matter. 

Mold grows best in warm, damp, and humid conditions. Mold can grow in 24-48 hours in the right conditions. There is no way to eliminate mold spores from the air, but there are precautions that can be taken to avoid the growth of indoor mold. Bathrooms are the perfect breeding ground for mold. When the weather permits, keep a window open in the bathroom when using the shower to reduce moisture. Hang towels to dry, and wipe down your tub, shower, and walls after showering. Eliminating moisture is your best defense against mold growth. If your bathroom has an exhaust fan, use it during baths and showers. 

Keep an eye on humidity levels in your home and be sure to check various places in your home for moisture. Mold often grows on foundation walls and surfaces in the basement. It can also grow on carpets, floors, walls, and furniture. Clean up spills immediately and inspect your home for leaks. Be sure to empty drip trays from your appliances such as refrigerators, air conditioners, and dehumidifiers. 

We hope these tips can help keep mold from growing in your home, but if you find yourself with a mold problem, SERVPRO of Danvers/Ipswich is always here to help. We can remediate the mold and bring your home back to healthy living conditions. Give us a call if we can be of assistance. 978-356-7077

Cooking Safety Tips

1/17/2020 (Permalink)

Cooking Fire Preparedness

Cooking fires are the number one cause of home fires and home fire injuries. Home fires are more likely to start in the kitchen than any other room in your house. Here are some facts and tips from mass.gov to help prevent kitchen fires.

Cooking fires are the #1 cause of home fires and home fire injuries according to MFIRS statistics.

Cooking Safety Tips                      

• Put a lid on a grease fire to smother it, then turn off the heat. Baking soda will also work.
• Never move a burning pan. You can be badly burned or spread the fire.
• Never throw water or use a fire extinguisher on a grease fire. Water will only spread the fire and the force of the extinguisher can splash flaming grease out of the pan.
• Stand by your pan. Don’t leave food, grease or oils cooking on the stovetop unattended.
• Wear short or tight fitting sleeves when cooking. Loose fitting clothing can easily catch fire.
• If your clothing catches fire, STOP, DROP & ROLL to put out the flames. Put burns in cool running water. Call 9-1-1 for help.
• Keep pot handles turned inward to prevent accidental spills of hot contents.
• Keep combustible objects such as pot holders, towels, paper or plastic bags away from heating elements.
• For fires inside an oven or microwave, keep the door closed, turn off the appliance, and call the fire department.
• Don’t place any metal inside a microwave. Utensils, aluminum foil or twist-tie wraps can arc and cause a fire.
• Microwaved foods and liquids can become very hot. Use caution to avoid scalds.
• Unplug appliances, such as toasters and coffee makers, when not in use.
• Don’t use the oven to store items.

Following these tips will help you to prevent kitchen fires. However, should your home experience an unexpected disaster, contact us at SERVPRO of Danvers/Ipwich 978-356-7077. We’re here to help restore your property, "Like it never even happened."

Avoid Burst Pipes & Ice Dams

1/17/2020 (Permalink)

Two of the biggest problems our customers encounter are frozen pipes and ice dams. A frozen pipe can burst causing considerable damage to your property if not addressed.  Ice dams cause a back-flow under the roof’s shingles and can affect your structure’s interior areas.  Below are some tips on how to prevent this damage and prepare your home for the winter weather.

Quick Easy Steps to Avoid Burst Pipes & Ice Dams:

• Keep cabinet doors open during cold spells
• Keep a slow trickle of water flowing through faucets
• Consider shutting off outdoor faucets
• Ensure gutters are clean and secure
• Inspect property for proper drainage to alleviate flood hazard potential

SERVPRO® of Danvers/Ipswich is your local fire and water damage restoration company. Servicing the North Shore and Merrimack Valley for over 30 years, SERVPRO® understands the stress and worry that comes with a fire or water damage and the disruption it can cause your life, home or business.  Our goal is to help minimize the interruption to your life and quickly make it “Like it never even happened.” ®

A Bathroom Fan - Helpful or Not?

1/2/2020 (Permalink)

A properly installed vent fan is an essential weapon against bathroom mold.

We all know mold likes moisture. That’s why bathrooms are so vulnerable to mold. Water that gets onto the bathroom floor is an obvious concern. Of even greater concern is moisture in the air –moisture that can permeate wall and ceiling materials because of poor bathroom ventilation.

When the bathroom fills with a fog of moist air while taking a hot shower, thousands of moisture droplets can condense on cool wall, ceiling and window surfaces in the bathroom and also in adjacent rooms. Some of this moist air can even penetrate into unseen building cavities through cracks and gaps around electrical outlets and molding. Because damp organic material (wood, paper-faced wallboard, paint resins, paper-faced fiberglass insulation) makes ideal mold food, we have the makings of a mold invasion.

Vent fan to the rescue–or not?

The bathroom vent fan is a major weapon against bathroom mold. The fan’s job is to move moist air outside the house before it can condense and permeate into mold-prone materials. 

However, some builders mistakenly allow the fan to blow moist air into the attic, a practice that simply moves the mold problem to another part of the house. During cold weather, warm, moist air blown into a cooler attic will deposit its moisture on attic rafters and roof sheathing. Telltale black mold stains typically result from this ventilation error. Eventually, this mold can develop into wood rot.

When you find mold

Mold spreads quickly, so a minor mold infestation can quickly escalate into a major problem. SERVPRO of Danvers/Ipswich is dedicated to responding immediately when you contact us. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces cost.

We specialize in water and mold damage restoration, the cornerstone of our business. We have the training and expertise to safely handle any mold situation.

• Applied Microbial Remediation Specialist
• Water Damage Restoration Technician
• Applied Structural Drying Technician

Our advanced equipment helps to detect and stop the source of water feeding the mold. We then isolate the affected area using a negative air pressure chamber.

Call Us! We Can help! 978-356-7077

Storm Survival Kit

1/2/2020 (Permalink)

Most of the time, winters in New England feel like a full frontal assault and this year will probably be no exception. There are a plethora of resources on preparing for a storm and most of us can recite the bullet list by heart. However, how often do you think of preparing your car? Probably not often.

The National Weather Service offers a great deal of information on their website, including steps on building an emergency supply kit. According to their website, each year, on average, more than 6,000 people are killed and more than 480,000 are injured due to weather-related vehicle crashes. Before you leave the house, make sure all fluid levels are full and ensure that the lights, heater, and windshield wipers are in proper condition. Keep your gas tank near full to avoid ice in the tank and fuel lines. 

Carry a Winter Storm Survival Kit that includes the following:

• Mobile phone, charger, batteries
• Blankets/sleeping bags
• Flashlight with extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Knife
• High-calorie, non-perishable food
• Extra clothing to keep dry
• Small can and waterproof matches to melt snow for drinking water
• Sack of sand or cat litter for traction
• Shovel
• Windshield scraper and brush
• Tool kit
• Tow rope
• Battery booster cables
• Compass and road maps

Mold In Your Home?

12/6/2019 (Permalink)

Mold is one of those words that can strike fear and send you fleeing to pack your bags. Before you send the "We're Moving" postcards, learn the ABC's of mold in your home.

Mold In Your Home

Mold is airborne and can enter your home through open doorways, windows, vents, and heating and air conditioning systems. Mold in the air outside can also attach itself to clothing, shoes, bags, and pets can and be carried indoors.

It will grow in places with a lot of moisture, such as around leaks in roofs, windows, or pipes, or where there has been flooding. Mold grows well on paper products, cardboard, ceiling tiles, and wood products. Mold can also grow in dust, paints, wallpaper, insulation, drywall, carpet, fabric, and upholstery.

What Can You Do?

Inside your home you can control mold growth by:

• Controlling humidity levels;
• Promptly fixing leaky roofs, windows, and pipes;
• Thoroughly cleaning and drying after flooding;
• Ventilating shower, laundry, and cooking areas.

If mold is growing in your home, you need to clean up the mold and fix the moisture problem. 

SERVPRO of Danvers/Ipswich specializes in water and mold damage restoration, the cornerstone of our business. We have the training and expertise to safely handle any mold situation.

• Applied Microbial Remediation Specialist
• Water Damage Restoration Technician
• Applied Structural Drying Technician

To learn more, click here or call 978-356-7077

Meet Raeann Keeley Pellerin

11/14/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO employee Raeann Keeley Pellerin.

Raeann is the newest employee at SERVPRO of Danvers/Ipswich but she has been with the SERVPRO franchise for 5 and half years. Her position as admin is crucial for making the business run smoothly.  She is certified through the IICRC in Water Damage Restoration which means she can provide knowledgeable answers, valuable insight and guidance through what can sometimes be a confusing and stressful process for homeowners and business owners after suffering a damage loss.

If you were to describe Raeann in 3 words it would be hard-working, friendly and energetic. She always come into work with a smile and positive attitude. What keeps her coming to work every morning is   knowing what she is doing is helping the company grow.

On her free time, she likes to spend time with family and friends and has a passion for photography. If she’s not with family and friends, she’s working on her 1905 farmhouse.

Winter Is Coming

11/14/2019 (Permalink)

Can you feel that chill in the air? Now is the time to get your house ready for the cold. 

Trust us. You don't want to discover your furnace is dead on arrival of the first frost. And dealing with those cold air drafts now is a lot more pleasant than waiting until the inside of your house feels like a freezer.

To help, Home Advisor has created the ultimate guide to getting your home ready for winter. Here's a list of what to do and who to hire now, so you're not left shivering through the season.

Outdoors

Gutter Check: Ideally, you'll have your gutters and downspouts cleaned in mid-fall so that you only need to double check them before winter. If you do encounter clogs or leaking in difficult to reach places, now is a good time to call in the professionals.

Water Works: Your sprinkler system should have been winterized in the fall. If you missed this step, get a professional in as soon as possible, so you can avoid frozen pipes or cracks that can ruin the entire system. You should also make sure to disconnect all outside hoses from their spouts and turn off the water.

Seal The Deck: If you have a deck, give it a fresh coat of sealer before the cold hits to protect it from the harsh winter elements.

Roof Inspection: Have a contractor look for damaged roof shingles. A professional can also assess the integrity of your roof by doing something called an infrared roof inspection. This process uses infrared rays to locate the parts of a roof that are at higher or lower temperatures than the rest of it. These "hot spots" can show the roof inspector exactly where heat is escaping.

Weatherproof Windows: If heat is escaping through your windows and the space around them, keeping the rest of your house warm is going to be more difficult and more expensive. You might find installing energy-efficient, double-paned windows will make a noticeable difference in your energy costs and how comfortable your living areas feel. You may not need to install new windows if heat is escaping, though. In some cases, all you need is some caulk or weather stripping to weatherproof the existing windows.

Indoors

HVAC Tuning: Now is the time to replace the filter in your furnace and close any vents in your home that may have been opened for the warm weather. Go ahead and test that your heating system is working properly, too — it's better to find out now if something needs to be fixed before the real cold weather hits.

Chimney Cleaning: Chimneys and wood stoves should be cleaned early in the season. If you own a fireplace, this is not optional — it's a matter of safety. When you have your chimney cleaned, have the furnace flue cleaned at the same time. Make sure to test the flue for a tight seal when closed.

Outlet Inspection: Check electrical outlets and switch plates to see if you feel a draft. Add insulation to prevent warm air from escaping these spaces.

Stock Up: Make sure you have shovels on hand before the first big snow hits. Plus, it's a good idea to get prepared with a supply of extra water, canned food, flashlights and replacement batteries.

If you are in need of assistance this winter give SERVPRO Danvers/Ipswich a call at 978-777-3498.

Article brought to you by: HomeAdvisor.com

Should You Be Tarping Your Roof?

10/29/2019 (Permalink)

We have seen our fair share of Nor'easter's this season causing structural damage from high winds and rain. Tarping is a good way to protect your home from water damage. 

The most recent storm brought hurricane-force winds that downed power lines, lifted shingles like playing cards, ripped gutters off of buildings and sent them blowing down the street like left-over drinking straws.

With more rain still on the way, the main concern is getting the damaged roofs protected. 

If you have missing shingles, your roof is vulnerable to moisture seeping in. Whether it's a downpour of rain or snow that sits on your roof, both will find their way into your house causing additional problems, such as water damage and mold. 

"Tarping your roof is the best advice, says Ross Martin, an Estimator at SERVPRO and our resident roof expert. If you can hire a professional contractor, like the team we work with, that's always best. They use professional-grade materials that will hold up to the worst Mother Nature throws at us." 

If not, be sure to have a plan before you venture onto the roof. There are good DIY videos to watch before that provide a sound set of instructions. 

Give SERVPRO of Danvers/Ipswich a call at 978-777-3498 to learn more about how we can help.  

Smoke and Fire Facts

9/30/2019 (Permalink)

Did you know there are about 355,400 house fires a year causing a lot of smoke and soot.  Smoke and soot are invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your home, causing hidden damage and odor. Our smoke damage expertise and experience allows us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damage to develop a comprehensive plan of action.  

Smoke and soot facts:

• Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.
• Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.
• The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.

Two Different Types Of Smoke

There are two different types of smoke–wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, we will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. The cleaning procedures will then be based on the information identified during pretesting. Here is some additional information:

Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber

• Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.

Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood

• Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke rises.

Protein Fire Residue – Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire

• Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor. 

Who Should You Call?

Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

SERVPRO of Danvers/Ipswich specializes in fire and water damage restoration. We have the specific damage restoration training, personnel, and equipment and can quickly restore your home to pre-fire condition. Moreover, We live and work in this community too; we might even be neighbors. As a locally owned and operated business, SERVPRO of Danvers/Ipswich is close by and ready to respond to your smoke or fire damage emergency. 

A Look Inside The Warehouse

9/30/2019 (Permalink)

Warehouse

Ever wonder what the workplace of the cleaning service you've hired looks like? Are they really closet slobs and just fake it at work? Or is their whole life dedicated to making the world tidy and clean? 

This image shows the steam cleaning area of our 1500 sq. foot warehouse. Dan, our warehouse manager, takes a lot of pride in keeping the warehouse orderly…and if you want to test his commitment just leave something out of place! 

We use this space to steam clean any rugs or upholstery items we receive in-house. We keep the area clean and sanitary so your property doesn't come in contact with any contaminates. The organization is also key to keep track of all items.  

Our professional cleaning can address moderate and heavy soil conditions in your carpets. How often you’ll need professional cleaning depends on soil build-up, traffic, type and color of carpeting. A good rule of thumb would be to professionally clean your carpet every 12 months. The best advice is to clean carpets before they become totally saturated with soil. If you wait until carpets look really dirty, the carpets may never be restored to their former appearance. Dirt builds up in layers, and when a carpet looks dirty you are only seeing the dirt at the tips of the fibers. More dirt is hiding below the surface down near the base of the pile, causing damage to the carpet. When a carpet is saturated with dirt, the soil has penetrated crevices and has become firmly lodged.

We will get the job done right. For a cleaning backed by state-of-the-art equipment, over 40 years of experience and Professionals trained to the highest standards, call SERVPRO of Danvers/Ipswich today!

Halloween Safety Tips

9/30/2019 (Permalink)

Walk Safely

1. Cross the street at corners, using traffic signals and crosswalks.
2. Look left, right and left again when crossing and keep looking as you cross. 
3. Put electronic devices down and keep heads up and walk, don’t run, across the street.
4. Teach children to make eye contact with drivers before crossing in front of them.
5. Always walk on sidewalks or paths. If there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic as far to
   the left as possible.  Children should walk on direct routes with the fewest street crossings.
6. Watch for cars that are turning or backing up. Teach children to never dart out into the street or cross between parked cars.

Trick or Treat With an Adult

1. Children under the age of 12 should not be alone at night without adult supervision. If kids are mature enough to be out without supervision, they should stick to familiar areas that are well lit and trick-or-treat in groups.

Keep Costumes Both Creative and Safe

1. Decorate costumes and bags with reflective tape or stickers and, if possible, choose light colors.
2. Choose face paint and makeup whenever possible instead of masks, which can obstruct a child’s vision.
3. Have kids carry glow sticks or flashlights to help them see and be seen by drivers. 
4. When selecting a costume, make sure it is the right size to prevent trips and falls. 

Drive Extra Safely on Halloween

1. Slow down and be especially alert in residential neighborhoods. Children are excited on Halloween and may move in unpredictable ways.
2. Take extra time to look for kids at intersections, on medians and on curbs.
3. Enter and exit driveways and alleys slowly and carefully.
4. Eliminate any distractions inside your car so you can concentrate on the road and your surroundings.
5. Drive slowly, anticipate heavy pedestrian traffic and turn your headlights on earlier in the day to spot children from greater distances.
6. Popular trick-or-treating hours are 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. so be especially alert for kids during those hours.

Emergency Ready Profile

9/30/2019 (Permalink)

Did you know...As many as 50% of businesses close down following a disaster. The majority of the businesses that survived had a preparedness plan in place. And knowing you are “Ready for whatever happens” speaks trust to your clients and employees that in the event your business is affected by a disaster, they don’t necessarily have to be.

By developing a SERVPRO Emergency Ready Profile for your business, you minimize business interruption by having an immediate plan of action. Knowing what to do and what to expect in advance is the key to timely mitigation and can help minimize how water and fire damage can affect your business.

The Advantages of Having a SERVPRO Emergency Ready Profile: 

• There is no-cost. 
• A Profile Document that contains only the critical information needed in the event of an emergency. 
• Key building contacts. 
• Provides facility details such as shut-off valve locations, priority areas, and priority contact information.

Having a quick reference for what to do, how to do it and who to call provides solutions in advance of an emergency so that during the emergency, you are “Ready for whatever happens.”

If you would like more information or to have an Emergency READY Profile created for your commercial business, call SERVPRO of Danvers/Ipswich at 978-777-3498. We’re here to help.

Clothes Dryer Fire Safety Outreach Material

9/3/2019 (Permalink)

Growing up comes with responsibility, doing your own laundry is one of them. Did your parents ever tell you to clean the lint filter before every use? Well if they did, here is why. 2,900 home clothes dryer fires are reported each year and in some cases are fatal. Failure to clean the dryer is the leading cause of dryer fires and they mostly occur in the fall and winter months. Here are some do’s and don’ts when it comes to clothes dryers.

Do’s

• Have your clothes dryer installed by a professional.
• Clean the lint out of the vent pipe every three months.
• Put a cover on the outside wall dampers to keep out snow, dirt, and rain.
• Make sure the outdoor vent covering opens when the dryer is on.
• Keep the area around the dryer free of items that can burn.

Don’ts

• Do not use a clothes dryer without a lint filter.
• Do not put too many clothes in the dryer at once.
• Do not dry anything containing foam, rubber or plastic.
• Do not dry items that have come into contact with anything flammable.
• Do not leave a clothes dryer running if you leave the house.

5 Most Common Causes Of A House Fire

8/13/2019 (Permalink)

To the hot summer days, to the cold frigged winters, house fires can be started quickly and spread fast. A house can easily catch fire from the misuse of heating equipment, appliances and even smoking in your bedroom. In fact, house fires are the leading cause of all fire deaths in the United States.

Here are 5 of the most common causes of a house fire and some prevention tips.

1. Cooking equipment. Pots, pans, and burning food can easily overheat and catch fire if the person is not paying attention. Stay in the room, or ask someone to watch your food while you are away from the kitchen.
2. Heating. Portable heaters are used a lot during the winter months. Keep portable heaters at least 1 meter away from furniture, laundry, curtains, clothes and anything else that may be a hazard. If you have a furnace, make sure it is inspected once a year.
3. Smoking in bedrooms. Fires started in the bedroom makeup 73% of all house fire fatalities! Bedrooms should be kept off-limits from smoking. Cigarette flames may stay alit for several hours before dying out. It could easily catch fire if it came in contact with flammable materials.
4. Electrical Equipment. Electrical appliances like toasters, microwaves, and skillets should always be double-checked before using. Overloaded adapter plugs can also cause a fire from overuse of electricity. Don’t plug too much in at once.
5. Candles. Who doesn’t love a good smelling candle? If left unattended it could cause your hose to go up in flames! Keep them away from items like tissue boxes, books, and napkins. And of course, always blow them out before leaving a room. 

5 Tips for a Flooded Basement

8/1/2019 (Permalink)

Storm season is upon us! Heavy rain fall can quickly flood your basement and soil your belongings.  Flooded basements are common and if it happens to you act quickly. Be prepared for when a flood does occur. You might be scrambling to figure out what to do so here are 5 tips you can do right away!

1. Remove water. Remove water as quickly as possible. If your water damage is minor, you can use towels to clean it up. Make sure to wash and dry all cleaning material when finished to prevent mold from growing. A few inches of water can be removed with a wet vac. If you don’t have one, you can always buy, borrow or rent one. If you have severe water damage call SERVPRO.
2. Dry it out. Use fans and dehumidifiers to move the air around to prevent mold and mildew. Run your air conditioning constantly and throw out any wet boxes.
3. Scrub flooring. If you have tile, linoleum and other hard surfaces you can scrub them with a solution of one cup of chlorine bleach to one gallon of water. Wear rubber gloves!
4. Examine and clear gutters. Check the basement steps and drain. Make sure to get rid of any twigs, leaves, and mud.
5. Freeze your assets. If any important documents have been damaged by the water, quickly put them in the freezer.

Clean Those Gutters

6/10/2019 (Permalink)

With the rainy season upon us, it is crucial that you keep your gutters clean. Gutters are the exterior protectors of your home. They collect rainwater from your roof and divert it away from the structure and landscaping of your home. But as the storms start to roll in, those gutters may need your assistance.

Do you live in a woodsy area with pine trees? Those pesky needles like to collect in your gutters causing them to clog. Clean those gutters out quarterly with a leaf blower, gutter scoop, or power washer to ensure good water flow.

Make sure to inspect your gutters after a heavy storm! Debris can pile up and decompose after a storm, which can lead to an ant or termite infestation. Heavy rain, wind, and hail can also crack the gutter. So make sure to check on those gutters after a storm.

A neglected clog in the gutter can cause water to pool in your basement. Clean the debris from your gutters immediately after a basement leak. If the damage is severe, you may have to call your local SERVPRO to help repair the damages.

If you do find yourself with water damage, SERVPRO of Danvers/Ipswich is here to help. Call us at 978-777-3498 to schedule an estimate.

Call SERVPRO for Immediate Service in Danvers

3/29/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Danvers/Ipswich provides 24-hour emergency service and is dedicated to being faster to any-sized disaster in Haverhill. We can respond immediately to your emergency and have the expertise to handle your restoration or cleaning needs.

• 24-Hour Emergency Service
• Faster to Any-Sized Disaster
• Highly Trained Restoration Technicians
• A Trusted Leader in the Restoration Industry
• Locally Owned and Operated
• Advanced Restoration and Cleaning Equipment

Commercial Services

There's never a convenient time for fire or Water damage to strike your Danvers commercial property. Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when the need arises for professional cleaning or emergency restoration services we have the training and expertise to respond promptly with highly trained technicians to get your property back to business. Learn more about our commercial services: https://www.SERVPROdanversipswich.com/commercial-restoration-cleaning

• Commercial Water Damage Restoration
• Commercial Fire Damage Restoration
• Commercial Cleaning Services
• Commercial Mold Remediation
• Commercial Storm Damage Restoration

Have Questions? Call Us 24/7 – 978-777-3498

We Are an IICRC Certified Firm

3/28/2019 (Permalink)

Owner, Dave Hart, conducting a training session with our crew.

The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) creates the standards for the restoration industry and provides training and certification to restoration companies. IICRC Certified Firms have the right to display the IICRC Certified Logo.

IICRC Certified Firms must

• Present accurate information to consumers and conduct business with honesty and integrity.
• Require a technician on all jobs who has been formally trained and passed all required tests.
• Require a continuing education program to keep technicians up-to-date on the latest changes in the industry.
• Maintain liability insurance to protect all parties in the event of an accident.
• Maintain a written complaint policy and agree to Better Business Bureau or similar arbitration to resolve disputes, and accept the conclusions and recommendations of arbitration.

The IICRC Develops The Standards For The Restoration Industry

The IICRC has been the driving force in establishing industry standards and reference guides for professional carpet cleaning, water damage restoration, and mold remediation. These standards take years to develop and require the coordination of experts in the field: manufacturers, industry organizations, insurance professionals, training schools, contractors, and public health professionals.

Every five years, the standards are reviewed and updated. The water damage restoration field changes rapidly with advancements in technology and science, and therefore the standards must evolve to keep pace.

Prevent Water Damage This Spring

3/27/2019 (Permalink)

Springtime has arrived and now is a great time to take care of some outdoor maintenance of your home. You can prevent water damage in your home before it happens with a couple of simple tips.

Keep Your Gutters Clean

When leaves and debris clog your gutters, the water can’t drain out the downspouts and away from your property. This lack of drainage can cause the water to come back through the roof or the foundation, resulting in a flooded basement or water  coming through your roof. Keeping your gutters clean is a simple way to prevent unwanted water from entering your home.

Outdoor Faucets

Sometimes outdoor faucet leaks are obvious- you will see the water dripping out. Other times, the leak isn’t visible from the outside. One way you can test for possible leaks is to turn the spigot on and press your fingers against it. The water should spray out through your fingers with good pressure. If the water pressure is low and doesn’t spray out, this maybe an indication of a leak and further investigation should be done to check for leaks.

If you do find yourself with water damage, SERVPRO of Danvers/Ipswich is here to help. Call us at 978-777-3498 to schedule an estimate.

The Science of SERVPRO

3/25/2019 (Permalink)

Production Training Session before the day gets started.

Science Behind SERVPRO

As part of their continued training, our Production staff recently completed a Mold, Asbestos, Lead and Biohazard PPE Safety Certification which taught proper handling techniques when encountering these potentially toxic materials on a job site. This training not only addressed their personal safety when exposed to one (or more) of these materials but how to contain and reduce the possibility of airborne spread.

Biologist and Industrial Hygienist, Regan Yerhot Robins conducted the training and is one of the many industry experts SERVPRO of Danvers/Ipswich can call upon when necessary. This proactive approach to conduct on-site testing within the first couple of days of a claim can help to significantly reduce cross-contamination and ensure the entire claim is mitigated appropriately.

The safety of our employees, as well as environmental concerns, are top priorities for SERVPRO of Danvers/Ipswich. We go above and beyond industry standard to handle all aspects of any damage, commercial or residential, with a level of excellence that is unsurpassed.

You can feel confident that when we walk into your home or business, we bring the strength of advanced technology, equipment, and knowledge to every job.

Earth Day 2019

3/25/2019 (Permalink)

We Care About Our Community

Earth Day is a big event at SERVPRO of Danvers/Ipswich. Last year, we canvased the local area helping out wherever we could – working with towns to clean parks, supplying water to thirsty volunteers cleaning Crane Beach and working with organizations like Rebuilding Together to help out specific individuals.

On a larger scale, we wanted to make a positive impact on the wide-spread loss of trees after a very rough winter so we partnered with the Earth Day Network and committed to 300 Acts of Green. We handed out 300 evergreen saplings to our customers in Danvers, Ipswich, Boxford, Topsfield, Georgetown, Rowley, and Newbury.  

This year, to support the Earth Day Network 2019 campaign “Protect Our Species” which calls attention to endangered and threatened species, including the bumble bee, we’ve partnered with the Sustainable Horticulture department at Essex North Shore School in Danvers, MA to grow 300 flowering plants that we can deliver to our customers. These amazing students have selected 4 varieties of flowers that attract bees and promote pollination. In the long term, increasing our bee population affects us all so we hope you will join us in being a part of the solution.

We will be posting progress reports on the plants, leading up to the delivery so check our Facebook page often to see the latest updates and to enter giveaways that we’ll be announcing throughout the month of April.

Check in with your local town to find out how you can be a part of Earth Day in your community.

Spring Showers Can Cause Flooding in Danvers

3/20/2019 (Permalink)

Photocatalytic Oxidizers remove unwanted odors and clean the air.

Springtime has finally arrived here in Ipswich, bringing longer days, rising temperatures, and yes, you guessed it...rain!  April showers bring May flowers, but they also can bring flooding issues to your home or business. Spring storms can bring several inches of rain in only a matter of hours or there can be consistent rainfall for days. These heavy rains can lead to severe flooding by over-saturating the ground, overfilling storm drains, or rivers spilling over their banks.

Stagnant Water Odors

Untreated water damage from rain flooding can create a pungent, earthy, muddy smell. To prevent unwanted odors in your home or business, it’s best to be proactive and handle the water damage as soon as the flooding occurs. If the odor already exists, SERVPRO of Danvers/Ipswich has specialized equipment to eliminate unwanted odors. Throughout the restoration and water removal process, we can remove odors and clean the air with our Photocatalytic Oxidizers. The oxidizers remove odors, kill germs, and safely clean the air. UV rays emitted from the Titan form electron hole pairs that react with water and oxygen in the air to oxidize and eliminate bad odors. If you find yourself with water damage from rain flooding, give us a call at 978-777-3498.

Preventing Ice Dams in your Ipswich Home

3/4/2019 (Permalink)

Ice dams can cause unwanted water damage to your home. Photo by Matthis from Pexels

Just when we thought spring was around the corner, Mother Nature surprised Danvers and Ipswich residents with almost a foot of snow last night! I think deep down we all knew another storm was in the works...it would be too good to be true to have such a mild winter like the one we’ve had this year in New England. Although it’s beautiful to look at, snow can often cause unwanted problems for home and business owners. Water damage from ice dams is a common issue we’ve seen throughout the years with our customers. There are some preventative measures you can take to help prevent water damage caused by ice dams.

Here are a few tips from “This Old House” to prevent ice dams:

• Cap your Attic Hatch

An unsealed attic hatch or whole-house fan is a massive opening for heat to escape. Cover them with weatherstripped caps made from foil-faced foam board held together with aluminum tape.

• Exhaust to the Outside

Make sure that the ducts connected to the kitchen, bathroom, and dryer vents all lead outdoors through either the roof or walls, but never through the soffit.

• Add Insulation

More insulation on the attic floor keeps the heat where it belongs. To find out how much insulation your attic needs, check with your local building department.

• Seal and Insulate Ducts

Spread fiber-reinforced mastic on the joints of HVAC ducts and exhaust ducts. Cover them entirely with R-5 or R-6 foil-faced fiberglass.

• Caulk Penetrations

Seal around electrical cables and vent pipes with a fire-stop sealant. Also, look for any spots where light shines up from below or the insulation is stained black by the dirt from passing air.

Source: This Old House https://www.thisoldhouse.com/ideas/preventing-ice-dams

If you experience water damage from ice dams, we’re here to help. Call us at 978-777-3498.

Fireplace Safety Tips

3/2/2019 (Permalink)

Keep your fireplaces beautiful and cozy with these safety tips. Image via USFA.FEMA.gov

During the chilly winter months in New England, many Topsfield residents keep warm in front of a cozy fire. Whether you have a gas, wood, or electric fireplace, it’s important to follow a few safety guidelines to ensure that you are keeping your family safe from potential fire hazards.

Wood and Gas Fireplaces

Get an annual fireplace and chimney inspection from a trusted professional to make sure your fireplace and chimney are in good working condition. Be sure that the chimney flue is open before the fire is lit. An open flue will allow the air to feed the flames and allow the smoke to exit. And like any other source of fire, keep your children and pets away from the flames.

 Electric Fireplaces

Many homes have an electric fireplace and although the flame isn’t real, safety precautions still need to be taken. Your electric fireplace is essentially a portable electric heater, and should be treated as such. Be sure that your heat source has enough space around it for the air to flow, and that it isn’t close to curtains or other materials that could potentially burn. Keep your electric fireplace away from any water sources, it should never be used near a washing machine, sink, or other source of water. Lastly, power strips and extension cords are not recommended; plug your fireplace directly in a wall unit.

SERVPRO Spotlight - Sue Hamel

3/1/2019 (Permalink)

Sue Hamel

Meet Sue Hamel.

More than forty years ago, Sue and her husband opened SERVPRO of Danvers/Ipswich and SERVPRO of Haverhill/Newburyport. As the original owners, they began a journey that Sue remains a part of to this day. “It was important to build a reputable company and employ responsible people who do quality work", says Sue, who feels integrity is a key part of the continued success of the franchise.

After many successful years in business, Sue and her husband sold the company to current co-owners, Dave & Maureen Hart to pursue other ventures. A few businesses and several years later, Sue returned to help out and hasn’t looked back. Her current position as Administrative Assistant keeps her busy with scheduling, billing & collections, and inventory. The deep industry knowledge she brings and the ability to wear many hats makes her an invaluable part of the team.   

“The company has changed quite a bit through the years but the core values have not. We still care about the people who live in the towns we service and do everything we can to help them through a difficult time. That’s what I enjoy most about my job.”

When Sue isn’t in the office, you’ll find her traveling, enjoying time with family & friends and taking long walks with her husband and two dogs.

Boxford 24 Hour Emergency Water Damage Service

3/1/2019 (Permalink)

This image shows a hardwood floor that has buckled due to water damage.

SERVPRO of Danvers/Ipswich is available 24 hours a day for water emergencies, large or small. When you are dealing with water damage, immediate action is crucial. A delay of just a few hours can greatly increase the severity of the water damage.

We Answer the Phone Ready to Help
Call Today - 978-356-7077

We understand that when you call us, you may be feeling confused, stressed, and vulnerable. You need an expert to guide you through this crisis. SERVPRO of Danvers/Ipswich has the specific water damage training and experience to help you through this tough time. We specialize in water damage restoration—in fact, it's the cornerstone of our business.

What to Expect

When you call, we will ask several questions regarding your water damage emergency. These questions will help us determine what equipment and resources to bring, including how many trained SERVPRO Professionals may be needed.

Our SERVPRO Representative will ask several questions:

• Your name and contact information
• Your insurance information (if applicable)
• The street address of the water-damaged home or business
• When did the flooding or water damage occur?
• What caused the water damage (if known)?
• Is there electricity available (on-site)?

About SERVPRO of Danvers/Ipswich

SERVPRO of Danvers/Ipswich specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

SERVPRO Spotlight - Richard Ciarletta

2/25/2019 (Permalink)

Resident Expert (and Sales Rep), Richard Ciarletta

Richard Ciarletta began his career at SERVPRO 25 years ago. Starting as a Production Manager, he advanced to Estimator and is now enjoying his current role of Sales Representative. The practical experience he gained from years in the field has built a deep knowledge that makes him the resident expert on…well, everything SERVPRO.  He has seen and/or worked every type of residential and commercial loss and has grown with the company as it’s evolved. This kind of industry experience makes him a unique brand of sales rep. And his clients have come to trust that when he visits, he isn’t just “selling” a product or service but truly advising and informing on disaster management.

“Rich Ciarletta is a very personable and knowledgeable representative of SERVPRO. When we had water damage from a burst pipe in the building where my office is, the SERVPRO people were very professional and helpful during a trying situation and saved us from a mold problem. I would recommend their service highly.” 
- Dr. Ellen Blomerth

After years of being in the field, Rich enjoys meeting new people. “You meet a lot of people in this type of job, and I truly enjoy that. We’re not always meeting on the best of circumstances–some are in a really bad spot when we first meet them. Seeing or hearing the relief on their faces or in their voices once we are there is very rewarding. Our customers are the same or better once our work is completed. It’s a good feeling.”

Outside of work, Rich is just as benevolent. You will find him at his church working on the collector team, teaching middle school Sunday School and singing in the choir. He enjoys playing with his grandkids and anticipating new additions to his ever-growing family.

Certifications & Awards:

IICRC Certified:

• Applied Structural Drying
• Fire & Smoke Restoration
• Water Restoration

2017 NSAR (North Shore Association of Realtors) Affiliate of the Year

We're Here to Help During Storm Season

2/18/2019 (Permalink)

We can help restore your property from storm damage.

Storm Damage can create a variety of problems for Ipswich homeowners. SERVPRO of Danvers/Ipswich can help restore your home from storm damage. Some examples of storm damage are:

FROZEN PIPES

A frozen pipe can burst at the point where the ice blockage inside the pipe is located, but typically the rupture is caused by the backflow pressure between the water source and the blockage. A burst pipe can cause considerable damage to your property if not addressed quickly.

ICE DAMS

Ice dams can be a major problem during the winter season. They form when heated air melts roof snow downward into water dammed behind the still-frozen ice. When the trapped water cannot safely flow or run into the gutter system, it can backflow under the roof’s shingles and into the structure’s interior areas. We can help mitigate water damage caused by ice dams and help you get your home back to preloss condition.

PUFFBACKS

A puffback is a messy furnace malfunction that occurs when an oil burner backfires, sending soot throughout your home or business. It can happen all at once, covering an interior in grimy soot, or a puffback can leak soot particles more gradually.

If you experience storm damage this winter, call SERVPRO of Danvers/Ipswich at 978-356-7077. We’re here to help.

Space Heater Safety Tips

2/18/2019 (Permalink)

Keep your family safe with these space heater safety tips provided courtesy of FEMA.gov.

During the cold New England winters, many homeowners use space heaters to help heat their homes. But space heaters can also cause deadly fires if left unattended or used improperly. To help keep your family safe, follow  the mass.gov safety tips listed below.

Using Space Heaters Safely

• Keep space heaters 3 feet away from drapes, furniture or other things that can burn.
• Put heaters on a level surface away from places where someone might bump into it and knock it over.
• Avoid using extension cords. If you must use an extension cord, use a heavy duty one marked with a power rating at least as high as that of the heater itself.
• Never leave a space heater unattended.
• Never leave a space heater on while you sleep.
• Supervise children and pets near space heaters.
• Buy heaters that are tested and labeled by a nationally recognized testing company, such as Underwriter’s Laboratories Inc.(UL).
• Keep electric heaters away from water. Never use them near a sink or in the bathroom.
• Never use an unvented kerosene heater. It is illegal to sell or use them in Massachusetts.

Bathroom Mold

2/18/2019 (Permalink)

This photo was taken after our crews removed the affected drywall.

Mold in the Shower

When a shower tile popped off of the wall in this homeowner's bathroom, she discovered that there was mold growing behind it. As more tiles were pulled off, mold was discovered on the entire wall behind all of the tiles. She called in the experts from SERVPRO of Danvers/Ipswich to remediate the damage. We specialize in water and mold damage restoration, with advanced training in restoration techniques and the experience and specialized equipment to quickly restore your property.

Another Happy Customer

Here's what she had to say after the job was complete:

"We recently had a small mold issue in our bathroom that we weren't sure would be covered by insurance. Pat Lavigne was incredibly helpful in advising us of the process to get the project underway. Justin, the crewmember that did the remediation, was very respectful and conscientious. He communicated with us every step of the way and his workmanship was almost "surgical" in the way he took care to demo only the affected area."

Conditions in Danvers Might Be Right for Mold

2/15/2019 (Permalink)

An image of mold in a residential home.

It’s estimated that more than 1 million types of mold exist, yet less than 10 percent have actually been named. This means mold is very common in both indoor and outdoor environments. While mold and humans can sometimes co-exist without issue, there are certain species of mold that can cause health effects for some people.

If the right conditions exist, mold will grow.  Those conditions include:

• Water - Different mold types require varying amounts of liquid before growth begins.   
• Temperature - Normal indoor temperatures will promote mold growth.
• Time - Initial mold colonizers can take hold within one day after being exposed to an adequate water supply.

Mold growth can occur in any home, so it’s important to keep an eye out for situations that might promote mold activity. Roof/chimney leaks, wet basements, or condensation from ducts that dampen surrounding insulation are just a few examples of issues that make a house a prime target for mold growth.

If you suspect mold in your home, call SERVPRO of Danvers/Ipswich to assess the situation. We have the knowledge, tools and track record to effectively remediate mold in your home or business.

If you suspect mold, call us today at 978-356-7077.

What to Do:

• Stay out of affected areas.
• Turn off the HVAC system and fans.
• Contact SERVPRO of Danvers/Ipswich for mold remediation services.

Ipswich Residents: We Specialize in Flooded Basement Cleanup and Restoration!

2/13/2019 (Permalink)

This Ipswich home's basement flooded due to heavy rains.

A basement can flood at any time, although flooding most often occurs during heavy rainfall. Basements are inherently prone to flooding because they are the lowest level of a building and are normally built partly or entirely below ground level. There are a number of reasons why your Ipswich basement could flood, including: 

• A blocked or failed sewer lateral pipe
• Heavy rain causes surface water to pool around your home
• Storm sewer backup
• Sanitary sewer backup
• Foundation drainage failure
• Water supply-line break or hot-water tank failure
• And many more

Have Questions about Basement Flooding?

Call Today – SERVPRO of Danvers/Ipswich

If flood water is not handled quickly and properly, it can jeopardize your health and safety, and cause severe damage to your home’s structure. Remember, the longer you wait, the worse the problem will get.

The bottom line: a flooded basement can jeopardize your health, safety, and your home’s integrity. It’s worth making a call to SERVPRO of Danvers/Ipswich trained, professional crews handle the situation safely and correctly. We have earned the trust of hundreds of homeowners, business owners, and property professionals.

We are Flooded Basement Specialists:

• We are Available 24 hours/7 days per week
• We’re a Preferred Vendor to many National Insurance Companies
• We Bill The Insurance Directly – One Less Thing For You To Worry About
• Our Technicians are Highly-Trained  in Water Restoration Techniques
• We use s500 IICRC Restoration Standards
• Advanced Inspection and Extraction Equipment

Basement Flooded? Call Us Today – We’re Ready To Help 
978-356-7077

Danvers Residents: Follow These Mold Safety Tips if You Suspect Mold

2/11/2019 (Permalink)

Be careful, without proper training, you could be spreading mold throughout your home.

If you see visible mold, do not disturb it. You can inadvertently spread the mold infestation throughout your home. When mold is disturbed, the mold can release microscopic mold spores which become airborne and can circulate inside your home.

What to Do:

• Stay out of affected areas.
• Turn off the HVAC system and fans.
• Contact SERVPRO of Danvers/Ipswich for mold remediation services.

What Not to Do:

• Don’t touch or disturb the mold.
• Don’t blow air across any surfaces with visible or suspected mold growth.
• Don’t attempt to dry the area yourself.
• Don’t spray bleach or other disinfectants on the mold.

About Our Mold Remediation Services

SERVPRO of Danvers/Ipswich specializes in mold cleanup and restoration, in fact, it’s a cornerstone of our business.  Our crews are highly trained restoration professionals that use specialized equipment and techniques to properly remediate your mold problem quickly and safely.

If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today – 978-356-7077

SERVPRO Spotlight - Patrick Lavigne

2/11/2019 (Permalink)

Owner, Patrick Lavigne

As co-owner, Pat has held almost every position within the company since coming on board in 2010. As a son-in-law to the Harts, Pat joined the family-run business as a trial and has never looked back. Starting on the trucks, Pat learned the nuances and inherent challenges of almost all production positions before settling into his current role as General Manager.

His daily focus of keeping the train on the tracks still allows him to do what he loves most—guiding the growth of his team, both personally and professionally, and helping customers during stressful moments in their lives. “It’s very rewarding when you run into customers years later who still remember the team members that worked in their home or business and want to know how they’re doing. They become like family to each other and it’s incredibly satisfying to be a part of that.”

Pat takes great pride in the franchises’ work ethic and standard of excellence – from customer service to production. He ensures all staff are highly trained and certified for all services provided. “We are a dedicated team that strives for excellence and to show compassion daily. We often meet people after a horrible thing happens in their life or business and hopefully, we are able to put them at ease.”

When Pat isn’t on the job, you can find him spending time with family and friends where he resides in Haverhill with his wife and 2 children. Unless it’s golf season…then you’ll find him on a course anywhere he can play 18!

Certifications:

IICRC Certified –

• Water Damage Restoration
• Applied Microbial Remediation
• Fire & Smoke Restoration
• Applied Structural Drying
• Commercial Drying
• Odor Control

Lead Safe Certification
Unrestricted Construction Supervisors License

Got Water Damage in your Danvers Home? We Can Help.

2/8/2019 (Permalink)

Call the experts at SERVPRO of Danvers/Ipswich if you find yourself with a household flood.

Flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither does SERVPRO of Danvers/Ipswich. We provide emergency cleaning and restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—including all holidays.

Flooding and water damage is very invasive. Water spreads quickly throughout your home and can absorb into the floors, walls, and furniture. Our crews arrives quickly and start the water extraction process almost immediately.

This immediate response helps to minimize the damage and the cleaning and restoration costs. The water damage timeline below details the damage that occurs if no action is taken.

Within Minutes

• Water quickly spreads throughout your property, saturating everything in its path.
• Water is absorbed into walls, floors, upholstery, and belongings.
• Furniture finishes may bleed, causing permanent staining on carpets.
• Photographs, books, and other paper goods start to swell and warp.

First 24 Hours

• Drywall begins to swell and break down.
• Metal surfaces begin to tarnish.
• Furniture begins to swell and crack.
• Dyes and inks from cloth and paper goods spread and stain.
• A musty odor appears.

48 Hours to One Week

• Mold and mildew may grow and spread.
• Doors, windows, and studs swell and warp.
• Metal begins to rust and corrode.
• Furniture warps and shows signs of mold.
• Paint begins to blister.
• Wood flooring swells and warps.
• Serious biohazard contamination is possible.

More Than One Week

• Restoration time and cost increase dramatically; replacing contaminated materials and structural rebuilding may be extensive.
• Structural safety, mold growth, and biohazard contaminants pose serious risks to occupants.

As leaders in the water damage industry, we have advanced training and expertise, and a tremendous amount of hands-on experience. If you need water restoration services, give us a call. We make it "Like it never even happened."

Call us today at 978-356-7077!

Church Fire Causes Smoke Damage

2/4/2019 (Permalink)

Fire and soot damage caused by a candle that reignited in the windowsill.

Recently, a local church experienced fire damage and called in SERVPRO of Danvers/Ipswich to help. The fire started from a candle burning in the windowsill which spread to a cavity in between the walls. Luckily, a neighbor saw the fire inside of the church and promptly called the fire department. The first responders were quick to arrive, extinguishing the fire and preventing it from spreading throughout the building. Despite their timely response, unfortunately, there was quite a lot of damage to the window and carpet below. Smoke filled the church, resulting in black soot covering the surfaces throughout, including the pews, walls, ceiling, and balcony area.

We began the process by wiping the top layer of contaminants away. Then, using SERVPRO’s time-tested and industry-approved steps, along with our proprietary cleaning products and methods, we restored the walls and surfaces without the need to repaint or refinish.  The cleaning process removed the smell from the fire, returning it to pre-fire condition. We have the training and equipment to identify and eliminate these offensive odors. By identifying the cause of the odor and determining the conditions in which the damage was done, the odor can often be removed over time without a trace. Our technicians have access to several odor removal products capable of penetrating surfaces to neutralize an unpleasant odor thoroughly.

Storm and Frigid Temperatures Can Cause Frozen Pipes

1/21/2019 (Permalink)

As temperatures drop, be aware of what you can do to help your pipes from freezing. Image via Shutterstock.com

Frigid Temperatures Can Cause Frozen Pipes

With temperatures in the single digits today today in New England, Danvers home owners should be alert to the dangers of freezing pipes. As most people know, when water freezes, it expands. This expansion can cause pipes in your home or business to crack and burst. According to State Farm insurance, A 1/8-inch crack in a pipe can spew up to 250 gallons of water a day, causing flooding, serious structural damage, and the immediate potential for mold. The pipes most at risk in your home are located in unheated areas, such as garages, attics, and basements. Pipes running through cabinets and exterior walls are at risk as well. You can prevent your pipes from freezing by following some simple tips.

Tips to Prevent Your Pipes From Freezing

For outside areas, remove hoses from outdoor water faucets, and cover exterior faucets. If your home has a water shut-off valve, turn off the water supply to outside faucets. Keep garage doors closed if there are water supply lines in your garage. For the interior of your home, be sure that your home has proper insulation- especially in basements, attics and crawl spaces. Keep your home warm and open kitchen & bathroom cabinets. This will allow warm air to circulate around the pipes. Turn faucets on and let your water run in extremely cold temperatures. Even a slow trickle can help prevent pipes from freezing.

Mold Prevention in Your Home

1/11/2019 (Permalink)

You can help prevent mold in your home.

Mold in Your Home

Mold is a natural part of our environment. It helps our ecosystem function by breaking down organic matter. However, it is unhealthy to have mold growing inside of our homes. According to the CDC, exposure to damp and moldy environments may cause a variety of health effects or none at all. Some people are sensitive to molds. For these people, molds can cause nasal stuffiness, throat irritation, coughing or wheezing, eye irritation, or, in some cases, skin irritation.

Mold grows best in warm, damp, and humid conditions. Mold can grow in 24-48 hours in the right conditions. There is no way to eliminate mold spores from the air, but there are precautions that can be taken to avoid the growth of indoor mold. Bathrooms are the perfect breeding ground for mold. When the weather permits, keep a window open in the bathroom when using the shower to reduce moisture. Hang towels to dry, and wipe down your tub, shower, and walls after showering. Eliminating moisture is your best defense against mold growth. If your bathroom has an exhaust fan, use it during baths and showers. 

Keep an eye on humidity levels in your home and be sure to check various places in your home for moisture. Mold often grows on foundation walls and surfaces in the basement. It can also grow on carpets, floors, walls, and furniture. Clean up spills immediately and inspect your home for leaks. Be sure to empty drip trays from your appliances such as refrigerators, air conditioners, and dehumidifiers. 

We hope these tips can help keep mold from growing in your home, but if you find yourself with a mold problem, we're here to help. We can remediate the mold and bring your home back to healthy living conditions. 

30 Inches of Snow?!

12/26/2018 (Permalink)

It’s mid-December but rather than gearing up for a snowstorm, we’re preparing for high winds and heavy downpours of rain to sweep through eastern Massachusetts.

But what if the predicted 1-3 inches of rain were snow? Ever wonder how the rain-to-snow conversion is made?

Our friends at Sciencing.com explain it:

Baseline Rain-to-Snow Conversion

Perform the baseline rain-to-snow conversion. The baseline ratio of rain to snow is 1 inch of rain equals 10 inches of snow. For example, to calculate the snowfall equivalent of 3 inches of rain, multiply 3 by 10 to obtain 30 inches of snow as the baseline conversion. This conversion applies for snow falling at temperatures near freezing, between 28 and 34 degrees Fahrenheit.

Identify Temperature

Find the temperature in the location for which you'd like to perform the conversion. You can track down this info via the National Weather Service, for example, or any number of other meteorological sources, such as the Weather Channel. In general, colder temperatures make snow fall less densely and lower the rain-to-snow ratio, resulting in more inches of snow per inch of rain.

For Temperatures At or Below 27 Degrees F

Adjust your conversion to account for temperature if the outside temperature is less than or equal to 27 degrees Fahrenheit. To calculate rain to snow for temperatures between 20 and 27 degrees Fahrenheit, multiply rainfall by 15 instead of 10. For temperatures between 15 and 19 degrees Fahrenheit, multiply rainfall by 20. Between 10 and 14, multiply by 30; between 0 and 9, multiply by 40; between -20 and -1, multiply by 50, and between -40 and -21, multiply by 100. For example, to calculate the snowfall equivalent of 3 inches of rain at 5 degrees Fahrenheit, multiply 3 by 40 to obtain 120 inches of snow. Therefore, if 3 inches of rain are expected but the temperature drops suddenly to 5 degrees Fahrenheit, 120 inches of snow will fall.

Snow to Rain

Perform the calculations in reverse to calculate snow to rain. For example, for 8 inches of snow falling at a temperature of 20 degrees Fahrenheit, divide 8 by 15, since the conversion factor for 20 degrees is 15. The result is approximately 0.53 inches of rain. Therefore, 8 inches of snow that fell at 20 degrees Fahrenheit will melt down to approximately 0.53 inches of rain.

Does your Ipswich Home Have a Mold Problem?

12/26/2018 (Permalink)

Mold was found in this Amesbury office building and SERVPRO of Danvers/Ipswich remediated the mold.

With window and doors open now, with the nice weather, many types of particles have free access to float into your home. Mold can spread through a home in as little as 48 hours.

Microscopic mold spores naturally occur almost everywhere, both outdoors and indoors. This makes it impossible to remove all mold from a home or business. Therefore, mold remediation reduces the mold spore count back to its natural or baseline level. Some restoration businesses advertise “mold removal” and even guarantee to remove all mold, which is a fallacy. Consider the following mold facts:

• Mold is present almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors.

• Mold spores are microscopic and float along in the air and may enter your home through windows, doors, or AC/heating systems or even hitch a ride indoors on your clothing or a pet.

• Mold spores thrive on moisture. Mold spores can quickly grow into colonies when exposed to water. These colonies may produce allergens and irritants.

• Before mold remediation can begin, any sources of water or moisture must be addressed. Otherwise, the mold may return.

• Mold often produces a strong, musty odor and can lead you to possible mold problem areas.

• Even higher-than-normal indoor humidity can support mold growth. Keep indoor humidity below 45 percent.

If your home or business has a mold problem, we can inspect and assess your property and use our specialized training, equipment, and expertise to remediate your mold infestation.

If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today – (978) 777-3498

Employee Spotlight - Donna Sutherby!

11/8/2018 (Permalink)

Image vis Jodi Feil

We're launching our Employee Spotlight Series today and who better to begin with than the person you're most likely to speak with if you call the office?

Meet Donna Sutherby. 

#wonderwoman #SERVPROguru

Donna Sutherby, a veteran of the US Army, has been with SERVPRO for 22 years and counting. As the Office Administrator, she will often be the person who answers your questions when you call. During her tenure, she has juggled most front office functions while fielding calls and handling billings. She is certified through the IICRC in Water Damage Restoration which means she can provide knowledgeable answers, valuable insight and guidance through what can sometimes be a confusing and stressful process for homeowners and business owners after suffering a damage loss. Her depth of knowledge, caring personality and willingness to help make her a vital member of our SERVPRO family.

When asked what inspires her to come to work every day, Donna replied that the office atmosphere, comradery of her co-workers, and family values of the business are at the heart of it. “We are a caring group of people and want to help. That makes me feel good at the end of the day!”

When Donna isn’t working, you will often find her with her family of 4 children & 6 grandchildren.

What Causes a Nor'Easter?

11/1/2018 (Permalink)

Living in New England , we are all too familiar with Nor’Easter storms. But what exactly causes these types of storms that we experience year after year? And why are they unique to the Northeast region of our country? According to weather.com, Nor’Easters form between Georgia and New Jersey within 100 miles east or west of the east coast. They move northeastward near New England, where they reach maximum intensity. They bring with them strong winds, coastal flooding, rough seas, and heavy rain and snow.

Polar jet streams transport cold air southward from Canada in the U.S., then eastward to the Atlantic Ocean. Simultaneously, warm air moves northward from the Gulf of Mexico. Warm waters from the Gulf of Mexico also go into our waters along the northeastern coastline, causing Atlantic ocean water to warm up and acts to warm the cold air above it. This temperature difference between warm air from the water, and cold air over the land provides energy to create a storm.

If a Nor’Easter is coming, it’s best to prepare for the worst. Stock up with at least 3 days worth of food and water and keep plenty of warm clothing and blankets in case you lose heat and power. If you are in need of flood or storm damage restoration, SERVPRO of Danvers/Ipswich has the experience and specialized equipment to restore your home or business to pre-storm condition.

SERVPRO Goes to Danvers Fire Open House!

10/31/2018 (Permalink)

Our SERVPRO duck, Figuero came with us to Danvers Fire's Open House! Isn't he so cute on his little truck?!

Fire Prevention Month

October is Fire Prevention Month and every year, local fire departments host an open house to educate the community about fire safety. It’s a great family event to meet the firefighters and see them demonstrate best safety practices. The smoke house demonstration was a favorite of the children, where they got to walk through a fire and smoke simulation, learning to crawl under the smoke to safety. The firefighters also had a jaws of life demonstration that was really amazing to watch!

SERVPRO of Danvers/Ipswich is always happy to be part of this great event and support our local fire departments. We appreciate the brave men and women that serve our community and help keep us safe. Papa Gino’s generously donated pizza for this event, and we donated lollipops, water and apples from Connor’s Farm.  We also gave out cute little SERVPRO rubber ducks to the children (and some adults too!)

SERVPRO of Danvers/Ipswich specializes in fire and water damage restoration. We have the specific damage restoration training, personnel, and equipment and can quickly restore your home to pre-fire condition.

SERVPRO'S Emergency Ready Profile

10/17/2018 (Permalink)

As many as 50% of businesses close down following a disaster, according to the latest research. Of the businesses that survive, the overwhelming majority of them had a preparedness plan in place. And knowing you are “Ready for whatever happens” speaks trust to your clients and employees that in the event your business is affected by a disaster, they don’t necessary have to be.

By developing a SERVPRO Emercency Ready Profile for your business, you minimize business interruption by having an immediate plan of action. Knowing what to do and what to expect in advance is the key to timely mitigation and can help minimize how water and fire damage can affect your business.

The SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile Advantage:

• A no cost assessment of your facility.

This means there is no need to allocate funds, giving you a great value at no cost.

• A concise Profile Document that contains only the critical information needed in the event of an emergency.

• Provides facility details such as shut-off valve locations, priority areas and priority contact information.

Having a quick reference of what to do, how to do it and who to call provides solutions in advance of an emergency so that during the emergency, you are “Ready for whatever happens.”

If you would like more information or to have an Emergency READY Profile created for your commercial business, call SERVPRO of Danvers/Ipswich at 978-356-7077. We’re here to help.

Restoring Your Commercial Property After a Water Damage Event

10/17/2018 (Permalink)

Commercial Water Damage Events Present Unique Challenges

Flooding and water damage events at North Shore commercial properties are often complex with numerous issues that require a knowledgeable and flexible response. Whether we’re dealing with a relatively small water cleanup scenario or a large scale event, we work quickly to assess each unique situation and isolate the damaged area. In many instances, normal operations can continue in a temporary space while we restore your facility.

Restoring Commercial Properties Presents Unique Challenges

Our professionals are trained to be mindful of legal and environmental concerns and strive to fully restore the damaged area while working within your budgetary constraints. We understand that every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when an emergency situation arises in your business, give us a call and we’ll be there fast with the help you need.

About SERVPRO of Danvers/Ipswich

SERVPRO of Danvers/Ipswich specializes in the cleanup and restoration of commercial and residential property after a water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

We're here to help. Call us at 978-356-7077 for your commercial property water removal and restoration needs.

Commercial Carpet Care Tips

10/17/2018 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of Danvers/Ipswich at 978-356-7077 to schedule a commercial carpet cleaning for your business.

The appearance of your business speaks volumes to your customers and clients. Having a clean, fresh-smelling carpet is an important part of keeping your business looking it's best. Foot traffic and airborne impurities such as pollen, dust and other contaminants can damage your carpet over time.

Tips for taking care of your commercial carpet:

• Frequent vacuuming
  Be sure to vacuum your carpet multiple times a week. This will keep soil and debris from getting embedded into the carpet fibers. Over time, dirt builds up and shortens the life of your carpet. Frequent vacuuming is the best defense against premature damage.
• Removing stains
  Treat spills as soon as possible. Blot the area with a paper towel or cloth, do not rub or scrub the stain. This can cause more damage by pushing the stain deeper into the carpet fibers. Use a mild, carpet safe cleaner to help remove the stain. 
  
  
• Use walk-off mats
  Use walk-off mats inside and out to keep dirt off the carpeting. Coarse-textured mats outside your doors remove soil and will help to minimize the amount of dirt that is tracked in. Water-absorbent mats inside prevent wet shoes on the carpeting. 
  
  
• Have your carpet professionally cleaned 1-2 times a year 
  A professional carpet cleaning will keep your business's carpets looking their best. If you would like to schedule a commercial carpet cleaning with SERVPRO of Danvers/Ipswich, please call us at 978-356-7077. 

What To Do After a Home Fire

9/17/2018 (Permalink)

Our hearts go out to the victims of the Merrimack Valley gas fires that struck the towns of Lawrence, Andover and North Andover last Thursday. Often, the hardest part for residents after a home fire is knowing where to begin and who to contact. These tips taken from FEMA provide information on what to do after experiencing a tragic home fire.

Checklist for Next Steps After a Fire

Here are the steps to follow after a fire in your home:

• Contact your local disaster relief service, such as the American Red Cross. This will help you find a place to stay and to find food, clothing and medicine.
• If you have insurance, contact your insurance company. Ask what you should do to keep your home safe until it is repaired. Ask who you should talk to about cleaning up your home. If you are not insured, try contacting community groups for aid and assistance.
• Check with the fire department to make sure that your home is safe to enter. Be very careful when you go inside. Floors and walls may not be as safe as they look.
• The fire department will tell you if your utilities (water, electricity and gas) are safe to use. If not, firefighters will have your utilities shut off before they leave. Do not try to turn them back on by yourself. This could be very dangerous.
• Contact your landlord or mortgage company about the fire.
• If you leave your home, call the local police department to let the police know that the site will be vacant.
• Begin saving receipts for any money that you spend related to fire loss. The receipts may be needed later by the insurance company and to prove any losses claimed on your income tax.
• Check with an accountant or the IRS about special benefits for people recovering from fire loss.

Preventing Cooking Fires

9/10/2018 (Permalink)

Kitchen fires can be devastating. Prevent cooking fires by following some simple safety tips. Image via Shutterstock.com (copyright free)

Cooking Fire Preparedness

Cooking fires are the number one cause of home fires and home fire injuries. Home fires are more likely to start in the kitchen than any other room in your house. Here are some facts and tips from mass.gov to help prevent kitchen fires.

Cooking fires are the #1 cause of home fires and home fire injuries according to MFIRS statistics.

Cooking Safety Tips                      

• Put a lid on a grease fire to smother it, then turn off the heat. Baking soda will also work.
• Never move a burning pan. You can be badly burned or spread the fire.
• Never throw water or use a fire extinguisher on a grease fire. Water will only spread the fire and the force of the extinguisher can splash flaming grease out of the pan.
• Stand by your pan. Don’t leave food, grease or oils cooking on the stovetop unattended.
• Wear short or tight fitting sleeves when cooking. Loose fitting clothing can easily catch fire.
• If your clothing catches fire, STOP, DROP & ROLL to put out the flames. Put burns in cool running water. Call 9-1-1 for help.
• Keep pot handles turned inward to prevent accidental spills of hot contents. • Create a three-foot “child-free zone” around the stove. Keep children and pets away from the stove while cooking to prevent burns and scalds. Cooking Safety Tips (cont.)
• Keep combustible objects such as pot holders, towels, paper or plastic bags away from heating elements.
• For fires inside an oven or microwave, keep the door closed, turn off the appliance, and call the fire department.
• Don’t place any metal inside a microwave. Utensils, aluminum foil or twist-tie wraps can arc and cause a fire.
• Microwaved foods and liquids can become very hot. Use caution to avoid scalds.
• Unplug appliances, such as toasters and coffee makers, when not in use.
• Don’t use the oven to store items.

Following these tips will help you to prevent kitchen fires. However, should your home experience an unexpected disaster, contact us at SERVPRO of Danvers/Ipswich at 978-356-7077. We’re here to help restore your property, like it never even happened.

When Storms or Floods Hit

9/6/2018 (Permalink)

Our highly trained crews are ready to respond 24/7 to storm or flood damage.

SERVPRO of Danvers/Ipswich specializes in storm and flood damage restoration.  Our crews are highly trained and we use specialized equipment to restore your property to its pre-storm condition.

Faster Response

Since we are locally owned and operated, we are able to respond quicker with the right resources, which is extremely important. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces the restoration cost.

Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today 978-777-3498

September is National Preparedness Month. Devastating storms remind us of the importance of preparing for disasters. You can prepare now in the case of an emergency with these helpful tips from FEMA.

Prepare NOW

• Know types of flood risk in your area. Visit FEMA’s Flood Map Service Center for information.
• Sign up for your community’s warning system. The Emergency Alert System (EAS) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio also provide emergency alerts.
• If flash flooding is a risk in your location, then monitor potential signs, such as heavy rain.
• Learn and practice evacuation routes, shelter plans, and flash flood response.
• Gather supplies in case you have to leave immediately, or if services are cut off. Keep in mind each person’s specific needs, including medication. Don’t forget the needs of pets. Obtain extra batteries and charging devices for phones and other critical equipment.
• Purchase or renew a flood insurance policy. It typically takes up to 30 days for a policy to go into effect and can protect the life you've built. Homeowner’s policies do not cover flooding. Get flood coverage under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)
• Keep important documents in a waterproof container. Create password-protected digital copies.
• Protect your property. Move valuables to higher levels. Declutter drains and gutters. Install check valves. Consider a sump pump with a battery.

Project Estimators Best Tips

6/25/2018 (Permalink)

This is an example of mold damage that occurred after the homeowner suffered water damage on the floor level.

Summer brings lots of outside activities and happy memories, lazy days at the beach and nights by the campfire. But it can also bring severe storms. Although these can move out as swiftly as they move in, we often experience heavy rains that the ground simply cannot absorb quickly enough. When that happens, water will find the downward path of least resistance, which can often be your basement.

We asked our Project Estimators, Brian Carifio and Ross Martin, what their best advice was to homeowners after heavy rainstorms. Here are their top tips:

1. What’s the first thing you would advise a homeowner to check after a storm?

Brian Carifio: The Basement. Water will find its way there. Ideally, if they’ve been pre-emptive, they’ll have their contents up off of the floor on plastic shelving and/or in plastic containers. Keeping contents 2–4 inches off the floor will help to avoid most flooding concerns. If the water reaches above that, they have a whole other set of problems. Plus, content damage is not generally covered by insurance when due to flash flooding.

2. Okay, they’ve done that but they still have water in the basement. What should they do next?

Brian Carifio: Call SERVPRO. Not to sound self-serving but the longer the homeowner waits…or tries to mitigate it themselves, the greater the probability of mold beginning to grow. Most DIY attempts at mitigating water damage fail simply because the necessary equipment is not available to consumers. You need strong extraction systems, high capacity dehumidifiers, and air movers (not to be confused with oscillating fans).

3. What’s the worst thing a homeowner can do when they find water in their basement?

Ross Martin: Put an oscillating fan on the standing water. First of all, you can run the risk of electrocution. Beyond that, fans only whisk the air off the top of the water’s surface and move it into the air. Doing that without proper dehumidification in place can lead to mold on other surfaces.

4. Can you explain that process more?

Ross Martin: Sure. When you have a flood, if left alone the water will eventually evaporate. But that doesn’t mean it disappears. It simply changes from a liquid to a gas and moves into the air. Moisture in the air is relative humidity. That humid (moisture heavy) air is then able to touch & attach to every single surface in that space and beyond. This is the “perfect storm” for mold growth.

Our process is to first extract the water with truck mounted vacuums, then use our air movers and dehumidifiers simultaneously. The movers circulate the air, keeping it from absorbing into surfaces while the dehumidifiers remove the moisture from the air.

5. Can’t homeowners do this themselves?

Ross Martin: Yes and no. There are several points to consider. First, consider the weight of water (not the movie!). A gallon of water weighs 8.34 lbs and most shop vacs hold 10 gallons. That means you’re carrying 83.4 pounds upstairs, multiple times.

Secondly, most people have fans in their home and will put several on the affected wet areas, thinking this will dry it out. It won’t. Fans are not strong enough and they don’t actually dry anything. They just move the moisture off the top surface, dispersing it throughout the air.

And lastly, most consumer bought dehumidifiers are too small to effectively dry the air in an average sized basement. Most are purchased rated at 30 PPD (Pints Per Day). That’s how many pints of moisture it can handle per day. Our smallest is 70 PPD and goes up to over 133 PPD.  

There are some steps you can take before help arrives though.

• Remove excess water by mopping and blotting.
• Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removal of lamps and tabletop items.
• Remove and prop wet upholstery and cushions.
• Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting.
• Turn air conditioning on for maximum drying in summer.
• Remove colored rugs from wet carpeting.
• Remove art objects to a safe, dry place.
• Gather loose items from floors.

Are You Selling A House With Mold?

5/8/2018 (Permalink)

Notice the dark moisture stains on the back wall. This suggested mold was present. We began remediation by drying the air with a dehumidifier.

We all know Spring is when the real estate market "blossoms" with new listings, all new and sparkling after a long winter. Maybe you've spent time cleaning, painting and otherwise preparing your house for sale. What you may have overlooked though, is the presence of mold and/or moisture stains that can suggest mold is present. This would be a red flag to any buyer and could stop a sale in it's tracks, if not handled properly. 

Understanding Mold

Mold spores occur naturally almost everywhere, both indoors and outdoors. These microscopic spores float along in the air and can enter a home or business through windows and HVAC systems.

Consider these facts:

• Mold is present almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors.
• Mold spores thrive on moisture. Mold spores can quickly grow into colonies when exposed to water. These colonies may produce allergens and irritants.
• Before mold remediation can begin, any sources of water or moisture must be addressed. Otherwise, the mold may return.
• Mold often produces a strong, musty odor and can lead you to possible mold problem areas.
• Even higher-than-normal indoor humidity can support mold growth. Keep indoor humidity below 45 percent.

Our highly trained Project Managers use state-of-the-art technology to take moisture readings that can indicate the likelihood of mold. 

Armed with that knowledge, you can then make an informed decision on next steps for the sale of your home. 

If you think you have mold, or have any other mold related questions, don't hesitate to call us. 978-777-3498.

SERVPRO Acts of Green!

4/20/2018 (Permalink)

Blue Spruce saplings packaged and ready to be delivered!

Every year, our franchise,
SERVPRO of Danvers/Ipswich supports Earth Day by volunteering and/or donating resources. This year we'll be cleaning up Lafayette Square in Haverhill, MA with a group of employee volunteers, and donating water to the faithful group cleaning up trash on Crane Beach in Ipswich, MA.

This year we're going above & beyond by committing to 300 ACTS OF GREEN in support of The Earth Day Network's goal of 3 Billion Acts of Green, worldwide! Our sales reps Richard Ciarletta & Mary Ellen Lawlor will be out delivering Blue Spruce saplings, from Rogers Spring Hill Garden and Farm Center, to all our wonderful customers.

Join us and get involved in Earth Day! Make your world a better place to be!

Sewage Cleanup is a Biohazard

4/10/2018 (Permalink)

Sewage Cleanup and Restoration

Water from sewer system backups should be considered very dangerous. The water is grossly unsanitary and may contain bacteria and viruses that could cause serious illness. Special training and equipment are necessary to safely clean this type of contamination. 

When a sewage backup happens, you need to move quickly. Evacuate young children, elderly, people with asthma and weak immune systems first. Then call a plumber to remedy the problem.  

Sometimes you can manage small sewage spills without professional help. Small spills are typically confined to a bathroom or part of a kitchen. Major spills, however, require professional help. Sewage is a natural delivery method for disease and infection.

Sewage Backup or Toilet Overflow? Call Us Today – (978) 374-8555

There are three major types of contaminated water. SERVPRO of Danvers/Ipswich will inspect that contaminated water to determine the type of water and then plan the appropriate response to safely restore your home or business.

SERVPRO of Danvers/Ipswich Supports Earth Day 2018

4/10/2018 (Permalink)

Earth Day 2018 Focuses on Ending End Plastic Pollution

Countdown to April 22!

This year's Earth Day focus is on reducing plastic pollution in our communities and oceans. SERVPRO is proud to be a part of this very important community event! You'll find several of our employees, friends, and family out helping to clean up the city on this very important day.

SERVPRO Committed to 300 "Acts Of Green"!

With the 50th anniversary of Earth Day fast approaching in 2020, Earth Day Network is launching a series of major campaigns to catalyze and channel global collaboration for the health of our planet. 

SERVPRO has committed to 300 Acts of Green by delivering 6" Blue Spruce sapling trees to local businesses. This not only supports this very worthy cause but in light of all the recent tree damage our area has suffered, we are "re-greening" our neighborhoods!

We hope you will join us in supporting your local community on April 22. You can also support the Earth Day Network campaign by creating your own Act of Green, and helping them reach 3 billion.

Frosty's Not The Only One At Risk!

3/26/2018 (Permalink)

The Bathroom Fan - Friend or Foe?

3/8/2018 (Permalink)

Attic mold found due to an improperly vented bathroom fan.

A properly installed vent fan is an essential weapon against bathroom mold.

We all know mold likes moisture. That’s why bathrooms are so vulnerable to mold. Water that gets onto the bathroom floor is an obvious concern. Of even greater concern is moisture in the air –moisture that can permeate wall and ceiling materials because of poor bathroom ventilation.

When the bathroom fills with a fog of moist air while taking a hot shower, thousands of moisture droplets can condense on cool wall, ceiling and window surfaces in the bathroom and also in adjacent rooms. Some of this moist air can even penetrate into unseen building cavities through cracks and gaps around electrical outlets and molding. Because damp organic material (wood, paper-faced wallboard, paint resins, paper-faced fiberglass insulation) makes ideal mold food, we have the makings of a mold invasion.

Vent fan to the rescue–or not?

The bathroom vent fan is a major weapon against bathroom mold. The fan’s job is to move moist air outside the house before it can condense and permeate into mold-prone materials. 

However, some builders mistakenly allow the fan to blow moist air into the attic, a practice that simply moves the mold problem to another part of the house. During cold weather, warm, moist air blown into a cooler attic will deposit its moisture on attic rafters and roof sheathing. Telltale black mold stains typically result from this ventilation error. Eventually, this mold can develop into wood rot.

When you find mold

Mold spreads quickly, so a minor mold infestation can quickly escalate into a major problem. SERVPRO of Danvers/Ipswich is dedicated to responding immediately when you contact us. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces cost.

We specialize in water and mold damage restoration, the cornerstone of our business. We have the training and expertise to safely handle any mold situation.

• Applied Microbial Remediation Specialist
• Water Damage Restoration Technician
• Applied Structural Drying Technician

Our advanced equipment helps to detect and stop the source of water feeding the mold. We then isolate the affected area using a negative air pressure chamber.

Call Us! We Can help! 978-777-3498

Mold Removal vs. Remediation

3/8/2018 (Permalink)

A SERVPRO crew member during the mold remediation process.

Can Mold Be Removed?

Simply put…no. Microscopic mold spores exist naturally almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors, so removing all mold from a home or business is impossible. Any claim otherwise is a fallacy.

Consider the following mold facts:

• Mold is present almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors.
• Mold spores are microscopic and float along in the air, and they may enter your home through windows, doors, or AC/heating systems or even hitch a ride indoors on your clothing or a pet.
• Mold spores thrive on moisture. Mold spores can quickly grow into colonies when exposed to water. 
• Before mold remediation can begin, any sources of water or moisture must be addressed. Otherwise the mold may return.
• Let your nose lead the way. Mold often produces a strong, musty odor, and can lead you to possible mold problem areas.
• Even higher than normal indoor humidity can support mold growth. Keep indoor humidity below 45 percent.

The Remediation Process

Every mold damage scenario is different and requires a unique solution, but the general mold remediation process stays the same. The steps listed below illustrate our “typical” process:

1. Emergency Contact - (978) 777-3498

The mold cleanup and restoration process begins when you call us. Our representative will ask a series of questions to help us determine the necessary equipment, resources, and personnel.

2. Inspection and Mold Damage Assessment

We carefully inspect your property for visible signs of mold. Mold feeds on cellulose and water and can be hidden from plain view. We use various technologies to detect mold and hidden water sources.

3. Mold Containment

Our professionals use various containment procedures to prevent the spread of mold. We may use advanced containment procedures like negative air chambers to isolate the contaminated area with physical barriers and negative air pressure to keep the mold spores from spreading during the cleanup process. All fans and heating and cooling systems will be turned off to prevent the spread of mold.

4. Air Filtration

Our specialized filtration equipment allows our Professionals to capture microscopic mold spores out of the air. We utilize powerful “air scrubbers” and HEPA vacuums to prevent the spread of these mold spores while the mold remediation is in process.

5. Removing Mold and Mold-Infested Materials

The mold remediation process depends on the amount of mold growth and the types of surfaces on which the mold appears. We’ll use antifungal and antimicrobial treatments to eliminate mold colonies and to help prevent new colonies from forming. It may be necessary to remove and dispose of mold-infested porous materials, like drywall and carpeting, to remediate heavy mold growth.

6. Cleaning Contents and Belongings

We clean your furniture, decorative items, curtains, clothing, and other restorable items affected by mold. We use a variety of cleaning techniques to clean and disinfect your belongings. We’re also trained to remove odors and deodorization using fogging equipment.

7. Restoration

Depending on the level of mold damage, drywall, subfloors, and other building materials may have been removed. Restoration may involve minor repairs, such as replacing drywall, painting, and installing new carpet; or it may entail major repairs such as the reconstruction of various areas or rooms in a home or business. The restoration step gets your home or business back to normal.

If you suspect you have mold, call us today. We're here to help! 

Cleanliness = Efficiency

3/7/2018 (Permalink)

Ever wonder what the workplace or home of the cleaning service you've hired looks like? Are they really closet slobs and just fake it at work? Or is their whole life dedicated to making the world tidy and clean? Well, the later is true of SERVPRO!

This image shows the steam cleaning area of our 1500 sq. foot warehouse. Dan, our warehouse manager, takes a lot of pride in keeping the warehouse orderly…and if you want to test his commitment just leave something out of place! 

We use this space to steam clean any rugs or upholstery items we receive in-house. We keep the area clean and sanitary so your property doesn't come in contact with any contaminates. Plus, having the area organized means we can easily keep track of all items. 

Our professional cleaning can address moderate and heavy soil conditions in your carpets. How often you’ll need professional cleaning depends on soil build-up, traffic, type and color of carpeting. A good rule of thumb would be to professionally clean your carpet every 12 months. The best advice is to clean carpets before they become totally saturated with soil. If you wait until carpets look really dirty, the carpets may never be restored to their former appearance. Dirt builds up in layers, and when a carpet looks dirty you are only seeing the dirt at the tips of the fibers. More dirt is hiding below the surface down near the base of the pile, causing damage to the carpet. When a carpet is saturated with dirt, the soil has penetrated crevices and has become firmly lodged.

We will get the job done right. For a cleaning backed by state-of-the-art equipment, over 40 years of experience and Professionals trained to the highest standards, call us today.

When Every Second Counts…

3/7/2018 (Permalink)

Graphic showing snow clearing around fire hydrant. Image via www.woburnma.gov

The National Fire Protection Association's theme for 2017 was "Every Second Counts" and when you think about that statement, it couldn't be more true. Most people think of escape plans and prevention when they think about fire safety but there is a much neglected and overlooked resource to consider.

The Forgotten Red-Head! 

Prevention and a plan are obviously high priority, but when is the last time you thought about that fire hydrant up the street from your home or business? Keeping it clear of snow can save valuable time when time is of the essence.

If you have thought of it, but your thoughts go something like "It's not my responsibility to clear it of snow" you should reconsider.

Saving Valuable Seconds

Depending on the city or town you live in, keeping the hydrant clear of snow and debris could quite possibly be your responsibility. Check with your local fire department or town hall to find out the laws in your area.   

Beyond that, keeping it clear only benefits you. If you are the victim of a fire, what do you want the firemen spending their time on? Clearing the hydrant or fighting the fire? Be smart. Be a good neighbor. Do what's Right.

After A Fire

If you are the unfortunate victim of a fire, we're here to help. After the fire trucks leave, your home likely suffers from fire and smoke damage and extensive water damage from firefighting efforts. SERVPRO of Danvers/Ipswich have the specialized fire restoration training needed to restore your home to pre-fire condition.

Have Questions About Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage? Call Today – (978) 777-3498

Sensing Unseen Water Damage

3/7/2018 (Permalink)

Even small water damages have the potential to cause serious structural and indoor air quality  issues  over time.

The key to avoiding costly future restoration is to handle every water problem as a real threat to your property. SERVPRO of Danvers/Ipswich has the equipment, training and experience to find and dry unseen water before secondary damages occur. The proper equipment makes a measurable difference in reducing the damage expense during a fire or water loss. When time matters, technology and equipment must be counted on to perform. SERVPRO® of Danvers/Ipswich will answer your call with fast action and a full arsenal of drying equipment. Here are a few of the tools used:

• Moisture Sensors are used to detect moisture in carpets, baseboards and Moisture Meters (pictured) are used to determine the actual moisture content of various materials. The moisture tester provides accurate readings, allowing SERVPRO® Franchise Professionals to monitor the drying process.
• Thermohygrometers measure temperature and relative humidity. When armed with this information, SERVPRO® of Danvers/Ipswich can calculate and create an environment most conclusive to drying.
• When facing a contaminated water loss, it is not only important to dry the structure, but the structure must also be disinfected and often deodorized.
• Ultra-Low-Volume (ULV) Foggers will atomize liquid deodorizing agents, producing a fine mist that can easily penetrate the site where odor-causing residues may accumulate. This device can also be used to inject fungicides and disinfectants into wall cavities and other hard-to-reach
• Thermal Foggers dispense solvent-based produces by creating a dense fog. The fog consists of tiny particles of deodorant solution that attach to and neutralize odor­ causing particles.

What is the bottom line? SERVPRO® of Danvers/Ipswich has the training and equipment to help make it "Like it never even happened."

The Anatomy of Smoke & Fire Damage

3/7/2018 (Permalink)

Smoke and soot are invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your home, causing hidden damage and odor. Our smoke damage expertise and experience allows us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damage to develop a comprehensive plan of action.  

Smoke and soot facts:

• Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.
• Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.
• The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.

Different Types of Smoke

Closely Related But Very Different

There are two different types of smoke–wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, we will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. The cleaning procedures will then be based on the information identified during pretesting. Here is some additional information:

Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber

• Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.

Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood

• Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke rises.

Protein Fire Residue – Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire

• Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor. 

Getting Back to Normal

Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

SERVPRO of Danvers/Ipswich specializes in fire and water damage restoration. We have the specific damage restoration training, personnel, and equipment and can quickly restore your home to pre-fire condition. Moreover, we live and work in this community too; we might even be neighbors. As a locally owned and operated business, SERVPRO of Danvers/Ipswich is close by and ready to respond to your smoke or fire damage emergency. 

Recipe For Disaster!

3/7/2018 (Permalink)

More snow and warming temperatures can be a recipe for disaster!

Floods rank as one of the most common and widespread natural disasters in the United States. No matter where you live, there is a potential for suffering from flood damage.

Just because you haven't experienced a flood  in  the past,  doesn’t  mean  you  won't  in  the future.  In fact, 20% of all claims paid by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) were for policies in low-risk communities. On average, floods cost $3 billion in annual losses in the United States. Commercial flood claims average more than $75,000.

According to the American Red Cross (ARC), floods cause more damage in the U.S. every year than any other weather-related disaster.  The ARC offers the following flood safety tips.

• Stay away from floodwaters. If you come up on a flowing scream where water is above your ankles, stop, rum around and go another Six inches of swiftly moving water can  sweep you  off of your feet.
• If you approach  a flooded  road while driving, turn around and go another way. If you are caught on a flooded road  and waters are rising rapidly around  you,  get out of the car quickly and move to higher ground. Most cars can be swept away by less than two feet of moving water.
• Keep children out of the water. They are curious and often lack judgment about run ning water or contaminated water. Keep your pets out of the water too.

If you do suffer water damage due to a flood or melting snow in your home or business, contact SERVPRO^® of Danvers/Ipswich. Even minor floods have the potential to cause major damage to a structure when not treated quickly and properly, and the cleanup is often an overwhelming task. The SERVPRO® System is prepared to handle any sized disaster. The sooner work begins, the sooner order can be restored.

To Tarp Or Not To Tarp?!

3/6/2018 (Permalink)

Graphic showing best practices for tarping a roof. Illustration via https://www.appliedroofingservices.com/

…That is the question!

With the recent "Bomb Cyclones" that have blasted through our region this season, we've seen an excess of structural damage from the high winds that accompanied the rain and snow.

The most recent storm brought hurricane force winds that downed power lines, lifted shingles like playing cards, ripped gutters off of buildings and sent them blowing down the street like left-over drinking straws.

With another Nor' Easter about to hit, and people still scrambling from the damage of the last storm, the main concern is getting the damaged roofs protected. 

If you have missing shingles, your roof is vulnerable to moisture seeping in. Whether it's a downpour of rain or snow that sits on your roof, both will find their way into your house causing additional problems, such as water damage and mold. 

"Tarping your roof is the best advice, says Ross Martin, an Estimator at SERVPRO and our resident roof expert. If you can hire a professional contractor, like the team we work with, that's always best. They use professional grade materials that will hold up to the worst Mother Nature throws at us." 

If not, be sure to have a plan before you venture onto the roof. There are  good DIY videos to watch before that provide a sound set of instructions. 

Give us a call at 978-374-8555 to learn more about how we can help.  

What To Do If Your House Floods

3/2/2018 (Permalink)

Flooded living room. Image via SERVPRO.com (copyright free)

With the crazy weather we've been experiencing lately, house and/or business flooding is a real concern. Luckily, we can step in to help minimize the damage and get your back to normal living conditions, but there are some other important steps to take as well.

Stop The Flow

Your first priority is stopping the flow of water. If the flooding is due to storm surges, you should be seeking safe ground. Your possessions are replaceable. You aren't!

If you have time however, turn off electricity at the fuse box. If you can’t reach the box without wading into water, call an electrician and stay out of the wet areas. Most people don't think of this step during a flood but doing so can save a lot of extra repair once you're back in the house.

Snap It, Document It

Before removing any water, document the damage for your insurance company. Capture the extent of the water damage and all possessions impacted by the flood. Digital photos are best because you can quickly upload them directly to your agent for assessment.

Contact your insurance company as soon as possible and follow their directions. Not all flooding is covered by a basic homeowners policy, so work with your agent to discover the cause and identify coverage you can qualify for. Do not remove any water before talking to them so you don’t accidentally do anything that will decrease the amount of coverage you’ll be able to claim. If the insurance company wants you to wait for an adjuster before making repairs, do so — but make sure you give them a clear picture of the damage and repairs that are immediately needed.

Protect Yourself

You won’t know immediately if the water is contaminated, so take precautions to safeguard your health. Wear protective gear like waders or rubber boots and rubber gloves before delving into the water and removing water-logged possessions. If possible, remove children from the home until the damage is assessed and contained.

We're Here To Help

We are truly "faster to any disaster." When your home or business has water damage, we have the expertise and equipment to properly restore your property. The water removal and water cleanup process is completed by our highly-trained technicians who will document the drying process. This validates that your property has been dried properly and thoroughly.

Please follow the tips outlined in our Water Damage Tips—Until Help Arrives Guide to protect yourself and your property.

Winter Weather Tips

2/13/2018 (Permalink)

Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow and the national weather reporting agencies are predicting cold temps reaching into April, even early May possibly. Don't shoot the messenger!

With that said, two of the biggest problems our customers encounter are frozen pipes and ice dams. A frozen pipe can burst causing considerable damage to your property if not addressed.  Ice dams cause a back-flow under the roof’s shingles and can affect your structure’s interior areas.  Below are some tips on how to prevent this damage and prepare your home for the winter weather.

Quick Easy Steps to Avoid Burst Pipes & Ice Dams:

• Keep cabinet doors open during cold spells
• Keep a slow trickle of water flowing through faucets
• Consider shutting off outdoor faucets
• Ensure gutters are clean and secure
• Inspect property for proper drainage to alleviate flood hazard potential

SERVPRO® of Danvers/Ipswich is your local fire and water damage restoration company. Servicing the North Shore and Merrimack Valley for over 30 years, SERVPRO® understands the stress and worry that comes with a fire or water damage and the disruption it can cause your life, home or business.  Our goal is to help minimize the interruption to your life and quickly make it “Like it never even happened.”®

Mold In Your Home

2/13/2018 (Permalink)

Mold is one of those hot button words that can strike fear and send you fleeing to pack your bags. Before you send the "We're Moving" postcards, learn the ABC's of mold in your home.

Mold In Your Home

Mold is airborne and can enter your home through open doorways, windows, vents, and heating and air conditioning systems. Mold in the air outside can also attach itself to clothing, shoes, bags, and pets can and be carried indoors.

It will grow in places with a lot of moisture, such as around leaks in roofs, windows, or pipes, or where there has been flooding. Mold grows well on paper products, cardboard, ceiling tiles, and wood products. Mold can also grow in dust, paints, wallpaper, insulation, drywall, carpet, fabric, and upholstery.

What Can You Do?

Inside your home you can control mold growth by:

• Controlling humidity levels;
• Promptly fixing leaky roofs, windows, and pipes;
• Thoroughly cleaning and drying after flooding;
• Ventilating shower, laundry, and cooking areas.

If mold is growing in your home, you need to clean up the mold and fix the moisture problem. 

We specialize in water and mold damage restoration, the cornerstone of our business. We have the training and expertise to safely handle any mold situation.

• Applied Microbial Remediation Specialist
• Water Damage Restoration Technician
• Applied Structural Drying Technician

To learn more, click here or call 978-777-3498.

Space Heaters Need Their Space

2/7/2018 (Permalink)

Image via Jodi Feil (copyright free)

During the winters months, many people have the mind set that keeping the overall home or office temperature lower while adding space heaters will save money. Whether that makes fiscal sense depends on several variables. The one thing that does not vary though, is that space heaters, when not used properly can be dangerous.

Space heaters should be kept at a minimum distance of three feet but often are used near beds or under desks, altogether too close to fabrics, papers or other flammable materials. Not considering this hazard can lead to unexpected fires that spread quickly. 

Keeping these tips from DIY Network in mind can avoid potential tragedies:

Simple Steps to Avoid the Risk of Mold After a Water Damage

1/24/2018 (Permalink)

Mold discovered behind the drywall after being cut.

During an exceptionally busy weather pattern, our area of eastern Massachusetts saw several storms back-to-back. Just as you made headway cleaning up after one storm, another would come in to undo all all your progress. Such was the case with a local elementary school when a pipe burst, unleashing 30,000+ thousand gallons of water through the hallways.

As a normal course of our process, once the water is extracted, we cut the drywall above the water line to ensure no moisture continues to spread and lead to the growth of mold.

Unfortunately, upon doing this, we found evidence of old mold in some of the drywall. Although it was not a huge amount, it was enough to shut the school down for several days, displacing the students to temporary housing and causing guaranteed headaches for the parents. 

The moral of this story is to do it the right way every time because in the end, you never avoid the work that needs to be done. SERVPRO of Danvers/Ipswich doesn't cut corners (unless it's wet drywall), when it comes to standards of operation. 

Call the experts when water, fire or mold damage strikes.

Storms Wreak Havoc in Ipswich, MA

1/24/2018 (Permalink)

After a few back-to-back storms blew through Eastern, MA., several residents and businesses found themselves with frozen and/or burst pipes. 

Such was the case at a historic school building, repurposed to a community arts  center when a pipe burst, allowing 15-20 thousand+ gallons of water to rush through the halls and classrooms.

Since this is an historic structure, tearing down walls was not an option. A delicately balanced process referred to as "dry in place" was employed. This is when dozens of high capacity fans, desiccant dehumidifiers and two, 1-million BTU incandescent heaters blowing 200º were staged throughout the building, circulating dry, warm air.

According to Pat Lavigne, owner of SERVPRO of Danvers/Ipswich, this process requires a balance of the moist air being extracted while the fans continually blow at high pressure to break the vapor barrier so the moisture wicks.

This process also helps reduce the risk of damage to the artwork. Many old buildings needs special care, when a crisis hits, in order to maintain the integrity of the structure. Lucky for this local building, we had a plan!

Church Underwater After Bomb Cyclone Storm

1/23/2018 (Permalink)

A well-attended church in Ipswich, MA found their sanctuary underwater after a "100 Year Storm" referred to as a "Bomb Cyclone" hit the east coast in the winter of 2018. 

A pipe burst, sending 10,000 gallons (plus) of water throughout many rooms and levels of the church. SERVPRO of Danvers/Ipswich was called in after hours to to begin the mitigation process. The hope of the congregation was that Sunday services would be able to be conducted despite the event.

With a lot of manpower, hours and equipment SERVPRO of Danvers/Ipswich was able to get the facility back to working order in time for Sunday service. 

When a crisis like this hits unexpectedly, the keys to a quick resolution are having a knowledgeable team in place as well as a plan of action. You want to act quickly before you wind up with more headaches, such as mold. 

Water Damage Can Leave An Unwanted Guest

1/23/2018 (Permalink)

After you have suffered through the disaster water damage can leave behind, you may sigh a breath of relief and think the worst is over. Unfortunately, if not mitigated correctly, the worst may be yet to come.

When it comes to water damage, they key to avoiding future mold problems is time. The quicker you can get to the source, fix the problem, and begin the drying (or demolition) the better.

Brian Carifio, a Project Estimator here at SERVPRO of Danvers/Ipswich, recommends waiting no longer than 3 days to address the mold risk. 

He also recommends the following steps

Dry out the affected area. Once the water has been extracted, use fans and a dehumidifier to help dry out the area. If possible, open windows to allow for air circulation and faster drying. You want to dry the area out as soon as possible. If you have a finished basement and the drywall was affected, you’ll probably have to cut away the areas that were touched by water as the drywall will crumble and the paper backing is a good source of food for mold. If you have baseboard trim, take it up first, and if it’s made from pressboard it will likely not be salvageable. If it was wood, you might be able to save it.

Disinfect. This is a crucial step that is often overlooked. After the area has dried out, including wood beams, insulation, drywall, etc., use a good disinfectant to get rid of any bacteria that might have come up through sewers, toilets, etc. Disinfect all areas affected by the flood waters including walls and wood and non-upholstered furniture that sat in flood water.

SERVPRO of Danvers/Ipswich uses proprietary, OSHA-approved cleaning agents that may be needed to clean and remove odors and/or contaminants on your property.

• Deodorization products control odors from excessive moisture.
• Disinfection products stop the growth of bacteria, fungi, mildew, and other harmful microorganisms.

Dispose of damaged items responsibly: you’ll be tempted to throw everything into a dumpster and send it all away and out of site. But if you can organize damaged goods into piles and take what you can to recycling centers, you will help alleviate the pressure on your local landfill site. Go to your city or town’s waste management website to find out where to recycle old paints, stains, adhesives and other toxic liquids, any damaged electronics from cell phones to TVs and computers, furniture, and even drywall. 

Flooded School in West Newbury, MA

1/10/2018 (Permalink)

Crew members starting to cut back the drywall to limit the mold risk.

Is Your Business Prepared For A Crisis?

Instead of ringing in 2018 with toasts of prosperity and good health, many business found themselves focused on damage control as record low temperatures hit Massachusetts, causing pipes and sprinkler systems to freeze and burst. Such was the case at a beloved, local elementary school in the overnight hours of a very cold January night when a pipe ruptured in a first floor bathroom sending 30,000 gallons of water rushing, unrestrained, through hallways, classrooms, and ceilings of the Page School in West Newbury, MA. 

When a catastrophe such as this occurs, it’s the level of preparedness, training, proper equipment and a plan of action that can make the difference between an inconvenience and a total loss for your business.

Because Page School had the foresight to work with SERVPRO of Danvers/Ipswich to complete an ERP (Emergency Readiness Plan), the maintenance team and first responders were able to quickly locate the shut-off valves, stemming the continued flow of water and therefore, minimizing the loss and environmental risk.

An ERP is a simple preparedness program that is completed at no charge to the customer. It provides a digital blueprint of key information such as location of utility shut-offs, property details, building access, and important contacts that may otherwise be floating in a paper file or on a computer hard drive inaccessible to you. A true game changer during any crisis, right on your phone…in a simple, free app.

When our SERVPRO of Danvers/Ipswich franchise received the call at 1:00 a.m., we were onsite within 30 minutes. The project was assessed, an emergency team was assembled, and mitigation began within 2 hours. No time was wasted in containing necessary areas, extracting water, dehumidifying and drying, disinfecting and removing saturated drywall.

The key to remediation is time…the quicker you start extracting and drying, the less time the water has to saturate and permeate surfaces. Removing drywall above the water line is paramount as mold can start to grow in as little as 3 days. When not correctly managed, it can grow silently, unbeknownst to you, within the drywall as it did at Page School, causing even more problems when it’s eventually discovered.

Disinfecting all areas, from ceiling to floor is also a concern as water can carry bacteria, dirt, and debris, depositing it in areas where you eat, work and play.

The SERVPRO of Danvers/Ipswich emergency crew worked in shifts until the entire school was cleaned and moisture readings were back to an acceptable level. Although crews still remain there to remediate the mold, the original crisis is a memory.

In a press release issued to the media on January 3, Superintendent Mulqueen sites the timely response of West Newbury’s emergency responders, the District’s facilities team, and SERVPRO of Haverhill/Newburyport as the main factors in minimizing damage to the school. 

The moral of this story is preparedness as well as working with trained professionals who make it their job to remain focused and productive during a crisis. You may never need to engage such a system but when & if you do, having a trained response team ready to go will get your life back to working order faster and with less stress.

SERVPRO of Danvers/Ipswich mitigates thousands of  losses each year. If you are interested in insuring your business is prepared for the unexpected, call us to learn more about our Emergency Readiness Program (ERP) at 978-374-8555 or 978-356-7077.

Preparing For The Worst

1/5/2018 (Permalink)

Mother Nature's Icy Grip Threatens Northeastern MA

With record low temperatures the norm this season and significant snowfall in the forecast, it's almost as if Mother Nature has something against us. Most of the time, winters in New England feel like a full frontal assault and this year is no exception. There are a plethora of resources on preparing for a storm and most of us can recite the bullet list by heart. However, how often do you think of preparing your car? Probably not often.

The National Weather Service offers a great deal of information on their website, including steps on building an emergency supply kit. According to their website, each year, on average, more than 6,000 people are killed and more than 480,000 are injured due to weather-related vehicle crashes. Before you leave the house, make sure all fluid levels are full and ensure that the lights, heater, and windshield wipers are in proper condition. Keep your gas tank near full to avoid ice in the tank and fuel lines. 

Carry a Winter Storm Survival Kit that includes the following:

• Mobile phone, charger, batteries
• Blankets/sleeping bags
• Flashlight with extra batteries
• Firstaid kit
• Knife
• High-calorie, non-perishable food
• Extra clothing to keep dry
• Small can and waterproof matches to melt snow for drinking water
• Sack of sand or cat litter for traction
• Shovel
• Windshield scraper and brush
• Tool kit
• Tow rope
• Battery booster cables
• Compass and road maps.

Mother Nature Isn't Fooling Anyone!

11/6/2017 (Permalink)

Can you feel that chill in the air? If not, just you wait — winter will be here before you know it, and now is the time to get your house ready for the cold. 

Trust us. You don't want to discover your furnace is dead on arrival of the first frost. And dealing with those cold air drafts now is a lot more pleasant than waiting until the inside of your house feels like a freezer.

To help, Home Advisor has created the ultimate guide to getting your home ready for winter. Here's a list of what to do and who to hire now, so you're not left shivering through the season.

Outdoors

Gutter Check: Ideally, you'll have your gutters and downspouts cleaned in mid-fall so that you only need to double check them before winter. If you do encounter clogs or leaking in difficult to reach places, now is a good time to call in the professionals.

Water Works: Your sprinkler system should have been winterized in the fall. If you missed this step, get a professional in as soon as possible, so you can avoid frozen pipes or cracks that can ruin the entire system. You should also make sure to disconnect all outside hoses from their spouts and turn off the water.

Seal The Deck: If you have a deck, give it a fresh coat of sealer before the cold hits to protect it from the harsh winter elements.

Roof Inspection: Have a contractor look for damaged roof shingles. A professional can also assess the integrity of your roof by doing something called an infrared roof inspection. This process uses infrared rays to locate the parts of a roof that are at higher or lower temperatures than the rest of it. These "hot spots" can show the roof inspector exactly where heat is escaping.

Weatherproof Windows: If heat is escaping through your windows and the space around them, keeping the rest of your house warm is going to be more difficult and more expensive. You might find installing energy-efficient, double-paned windows will make a noticeable difference in your energy costs and how comfortable your living areas feel. You may not need to install new windows if heat is escaping, though. In some cases, all you need is some caulk or weather stripping to weatherproof the existing windows.

Indoors

HVAC Tuning: Now is the time to replace the filter in your furnace and close any vents in your home that may have been opened for the warm weather. Go ahead and test that your heating system is working properly, too — it's better to find out now if something needs to be fixed before the real cold weather hits.

Chimney Cleaning: Chimneys and wood stoves should be cleaned early in the season. If you own a fireplace, this is not optional — it's a matter of safety. When you have your chimney cleaned, have the furnace flue cleaned at the same time. Make sure to test the flue for a tight seal when closed.

Outlet Inspection: Check electrical outlets and switch plates to see if you feel a draft. Add insulation to prevent warm air from escaping these spaces.

Stock Up: Make sure you have shovels on hand before the first big snow hits. Plus, it's a good idea to get prepared with a supply of extra water, canned food, flashlights and replacement batteries.

Article brought to you by: HomeAdvisor.com

An ERP Can Keep Your Business Running!

11/3/2017 (Permalink)

Are You Ready?

Preparation is a key component for making it through any size disaster, whether it’s a small water leak, a large fire or an area flood. The best time for planning for such events is not when the event happens, but well before it happens.

No one ever plans on a disaster, but you can plan for it. Now is the time to ask yourself, “Are you ready for whatever could happen?”

The SERVPRO® Emergency READY Profile is a start up approach that provides the critical information needed to begin mitigation and recovery services. It is designed to serve as a quick reference of important building and contact information. By working with SERVPRO’s Emergency READY Profile, your business will receive the benefit of over 40 years of experience in reducing the impact of any natural or man-made disaster.

SERVPRO® is a leader in water and fire damage response and can help you quickly get your property back in working order.

Call us today for more details!

Winter Is Coming…maybe!

11/3/2017 (Permalink)

Snowfall predictions by Euro Model via David Epstein for Boston.com

Don’t expect blockbuster snowfall this winter, says David Epstein for Boston.com!

Early predictions for the entire winter are notoriously difficult to compile. These forecasts are also not very reliable, and it’s not prudent to use a single forecast to predict the weather for the next five months. 

However, here are some early predictions to get you thinking:

1. We’ll be impacted by La Niña. 

Perhaps most notably this year, we are looking at a weak or moderate La Niña, which is when the ocean waters off the coast of Peru turn colder than average. 

In this pattern, New England often sees average snowfall totals, but, of course, there are always exceptions. During some La Niña years, New England has received higher-than-average snowfall — but just not as frequently as when snowfall is closer to average.

It’s also worth noting that the National Weather Service predicts a warmer-than-average winter across the eastern United States, largely because of La Niña.

2. We’ve had a warmer-than-average autumn so far.

Another data point to consider is autumn’s weather. A warm or cold fall is an indication of the atmosphere’s state. What happens from Sept. 1 to Nov. 30 can guide the thinking of what type of winter we’ll experience.

September and October 2017 were very warm — in fact, October in Boston came within one-tenth of a degree of tying the warmest on record — so it’s useful to review snowfall after some of the warmest September-October couplings.

3. November could also be warm.

The weather during November is also a good predictor for what will happen from December through March. If a warm November follows a warm October, the odds are high that the winter will be mild.

But if November turns cold after a warm October, then the rest of the winter is often quite snowy and cold.

If you’re rooting for a winter without a lot of snow, you’ll like the European model. It’s forecasting a warmer-than-average November, which would increase the odds of less snow in southern New England.

In addition to the above, forecasters and climatologists are monitoring a slew of other factors, including the snow cover across the Arctic and Canada, the phase of the Arctic Oscillation, the North Atlantic Oscillation, the Pacific/North American pattern, and more. These measurements are based on different pressure setups and, once again, they help to predict the mean storm track as well as how much cold air impacts the weather.

In New England, our winter weather appears to be highly variable with periods of deep cold followed by periods of mild weather. The snow cover may appear and then disappear in a matter of a week or two.

For all of these reasons, I don’t think this winter will be a blockbuster one. Yes, we will get snow and cold — ’tis the season, after all. Stay tuned for additional details and forecasts, which will be more specific and accurate than a long-range forecast is capable of doing.

For the complete article (with pictures!), click here.

Deep Fried Disaster!

11/3/2017 (Permalink)

Although a mighty delicious tradition, deep-frying a turkey on Thanksgiving can be risky. 

Every year deep-fryer fires are responsible for five deaths, 60 injuries, the destruction of 900 homes, and more than $15-million in property damage, according to the National Fire Protection Association. 

So you want to know which state has the most accidents?

For the last seven years, Texas has led the country in most grease- and cooking-related insurance claims on Thanksgiving Day, with 38 according to insurance company State Farm.  Illinois follows, with 27 reports and Pennsylvania and Ohio are tied for third with 23.  New York ranked fourth, with 22 claims and South Carolina and Georgia claimed fifth with 16 claims each. 

Check out State Farm's safety video starring Si and Jase Robertson from "Duck Dynasty" fame.  They give helpful and hilarious tips on how to avoid those nasty shooting flames.

https://youtu.be/ZNPNayJDxIo

SERVPRO Training Day!

10/26/2017 (Permalink)

Start of training for these SERVPRO employees!

SERVPRO of Danvers/Ipswich is committed to continually delivering high-value services to our customers and believes that all starts with an informed staff. At this full day training, all employees were trained on current commercial & residential cleaning & drying procedures, proper measuring standards and equipment training. 

After an amazing lunch catered by The American BBQ in Rowley, MA, employees were trained on proper driving techniques as well as equipment training. You can see our full album of images on our Facebook page.

We maintain a rigorous education standard to ensure our employees are bringing the very best knowledge into your home.

Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s Corporate Training Facility to regular IICRC industry certifications, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property. Our training program includes the following:

• IICRC Training
• Employee Certification Training
• Initial Franchise Training
• e-Learnings
• Continuing Education Classes

Affiliate of the Year goes to SERVPRO of Danvers/Ipswich!

10/26/2017 (Permalink)

Rich proudly displaying his Affiliate of the Year Award.

Congratulations to our own Rich Ciarletta for winning the North Shore Association of Realtors, Affiliate of the Year Award!

Cheers to all the recipients! NSAR REALTOR® of the Year, Dan Bennett,Dan Bennett Real Estate, Rising Star Award, Cynthia Nina-Soto, Nina-Soto & Company, Good Neighbor Award, Bridget Kimball, CENTURY 21 Hughes-Riggs Realty, Inc., Home Ownership Advocate Award, Gardner Trask, Danvers Selectman and Affordable Housing Trust, Rookie of the Year, Linda Turcotte at The Turcotte Group, Keller Williams Realty.

As a member-based trade association, NSAR brings together diverse perspectives from the real estate community across the North Shore of Massachusetts and beyond including buyer and seller agents, appraisers, mortgage brokers, attorneys, home inspectors, property managers and other service professionals. You can visit their website at: http://www.northshorerealtors.com/

SERVPRO Supports Georgetown

9/22/2017 (Permalink)

A donation of apples –and wise advice– at Georgetown Fire Open House.

October is fire safety month. Most fire departments open their doors to the public, welcoming the community in to learn about fire safety, see the cool equipment they use, demonstrate best safety practices and even let the kids climb in and on the trucks. It's just a great family day, all around, to meet the men and women that dedicate their lives to keeping our communities safe.

SERVPRO is always happy to support our local Fire Departments. At the most recent Open House for Georgetown Fire, we donated apples (and some wise advise)!

SERVPRO of Danvers/Ipswich specializes in fire and water damage restoration. We have the specific damage restoration training, personnel, and equipment and can quickly restore your home to pre-fire condition.

SERVPRO Helps RPAC Surpass Goal

9/22/2017 (Permalink)

A happy group at NSAR's FUndraising event.

Our own Rich Ciarletta was in attendance at last night's NSAR's RPAC Fundraising Bowling Event. Even with the smiles and laughter, the lofty goal of 38K was surpassed with last night's efforts! We were happy to donate a basket to raffle and be part of the success! North Shore Association of Realtors.

Every Second Counts! Fire Prevention Month

9/22/2017 (Permalink)

A downloadable graphic to review with family and co-workers.

October is Fire Safety Month 

While it is our job to clean up after the Fire Dept has contained the fire, SERVPRO of Haverhill/Newburyport and SERVPRO of participates in many of the local Fire Department Open Houses during this very important month.

The theme this year is "Every Second Counts" and it couldn't be more true. You can get a head start on fire prevention month by downloading this graphic. This downloadable graphic is a great learning tool to use with your family or in the workplace. They will be on hand for you to take with you and most fire houses.

Print it out and hang it in an area that gets a lot of traffic. A break room or your refrigerator, for instance. Having it in a visible place will keep it "top of mind" in the event it's needed.

Be Ready for Anything Mother Nature Throws at You!

9/21/2017 (Permalink)

With one of the busiest hurricane seasons in recent memory, it's wise to follow these safety tips from National grid minimize any damage to your home and possessions and keep your family safe.

• Remain calm and gather all supplies on our storm kit checklist, including adequate medical/prescription supplies. 
• Establish a “safe room” in a windowless interior room. Keep your storm kit there.
• Before lowering a TV antenna or satellite dish, make sure to turn off and unplug the TV, and avoid power lines.
• Turn off all swimming pool pumps and filters, and wrap them in waterproof materials.
• Turn your refrigerator and freezer to their coldest settings ahead of time to keep food fresh longer in the event of a power outage.
• Turn off and unplug any unnecessary or sensitive electrical equipment.
• Use surge protectors.
• Consider using a UPS (uninterruptible power supply).
• Charge the battery for your cell phone and laptop computers.
• Make sure that your home is secure, shuttered, and able to withstand a hurricane.

Storm Prep for Seniors

If you plan staying home during a storm, be sure to follow the steps above and ask a neighbor for help if necessary. If you plan to stay with family or friends during a hurricane, take these precautions:

• Remain calm. Call them in advance. Make sure they will be ready for you.
• Have a backup plan in case they are out of town.
• Have your emergency checklist completed outlining your needs.
• Bring your own food, water, medicine supply, and important papers with you.
• If you have a loved one with dementia, ask to have a room just for you and your loved one. Ask your hosts to take the same safety precautions you have in your home (e.g., hide sharp objects and poisons, limit access to exits, cover mirrors).
• Notify your friends/family/neighbors of your evacuation plans.

SERVPRO Helps The Hoarding Project

5/5/2017 (Permalink)

Richard Ciarletta of SERVPRO (far right) helped The Hoarding Project with an event on April 29, 2017.

On April 29, 2017 SERVPRO of Danvers/Ipswich's Marketing Representative Richard Ciarletta joined forces with The Hoarding Project to help out on their Safety Day. SERVPRO donated boxes for the event as well.

Safety Day is a term to talk about conducting a "modified clean-out" of a hoarded home. The goal of Safety Day is to ensure safety in a client's home. In other words, The Hoarding Project aims to make sure that a client can use and access his or her home in the way it was intended to be used without significant risk of harm to his or herself. The way they do this is through a carefully planned and structured, team-based approach to clearing "just enough" of the possessions in the home to create a safe living environment. This is done with the client's mental health and stress level during the process as the number one priority.

For more information please contact info@thehoardingproject.org

Mold Remediation Services

5/5/2017 (Permalink)

Mold was found in this Amesbury, MA office building and SERVPRO of Danvers/Ipswich remediated the mold.

Does Your Ipswich Home Have A Mold Problem?

With window and doors open now, with the nice weather, many types of particles have free access to float into your home. Mold can spread through a home in as little as 48 hours.

Microscopic mold spores naturally occur almost everywhere, both outdoors and indoors. This makes it impossible to remove all mold from a home or business. Therefore, mold remediation reduces the mold spore count back to its natural or baseline level. Some restoration businesses advertise “mold removal” and even guarantee to remove all mold, which is a fallacy. Consider the following mold facts:

• Mold is present almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors.

• Mold spores are microscopic and float along in the air and may enter your home through windows, doors, or AC/heating systems or even hitch a ride indoors on your clothing or a pet.

• Mold spores thrive on moisture. Mold spores can quickly grow into colonies when exposed to water. These colonies may produce allergens and irritants.

• Before mold remediation can begin, any sources of water or moisture must be addressed. Otherwise, the mold may return.

• Mold often produces a strong, musty odor and can lead you to possible mold problem areas.

• Even higher-than-normal indoor humidity can support mold growth. Keep indoor humidity below 45 percent.

If your home or business has a mold problem, we can inspect and assess your property and use our specialized training, equipment, and expertise to remediate your mold infestation.

If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today – (978) 777-3498

SERVPRO Attends Speakeasy Event

4/25/2017 (Permalink)

Owner Michelle Lavigne, Peter Carbone of E-Z Way Cleaners, owner Dave Hart, Crew Chief Nury Cardoza and owner Patrick Lavigne attended the event

On April 5th, 2017 SERVPRO of Haverhill/Newburyport attended the Buttonwoods Speakeasy Social 2017 at The Tap in Haverhill, MA. Owners Dave Hart and Michelle & Patrick Lavigne along with Crew Chief Nury Cardoza dressed in their finest 1920's glad rags and went out to support The Buttonwoods Museum.

The Buttonwoods Museum - Haverhill Historical Society is a designated Essex National Heritage Area Visitor Center offering information to residents and tourists about the city and the region beyond. The museum opened in 1904 and is in the middle of hundreds of years of Haverhill and Merrimack Valley history.

The mission of the Buttonwoods Museum is to collect and preserve history, and to educate the community about Greater Haverhill's past and culture.

All proceeds from this event went to help maintain the museum properties, protect the priceless artifacts of Greater Haverhill's history and fund educational programs.

Be Prepared for an Emergency

4/13/2017 (Permalink)

The ERP is a no-cost assessment; all it requires is a little time, making it a great value that could save you time and money in the future.

In the event of an emergency, the Emergency READY Profile^® or ERP can help minimize business interruption by having an immediate plan of action in place for your facility. Working with SERVPRO® of Danvers/Ipswich on an ERP will provide you with a comprehensive document containing critical information about your business, including emergency contact information, shut-off valve locations and priority areas.

The ERP also establishes your local SERVPRO^® Franchise Professional as your disaster mitigation and restoration provider, giving you access to over 40 years of experience and a System over 1,600 Franchises strong. The ERP is a no-cost assessment; all it requires is a little time, making it a great value that could save you time and money in the future.

Preparation is the key to making it through any size disaster, whether it is a small water leak, a large fire or an area flood. Having a plan in place may help minimize the amount of time your business is inactive and get you back in the building following a disaster.

Don't wait until disaster strikes. Call SERVPRO^® of Danvers/Ipswich at 978-777-3498 or visit or website to establish your Emergency READY Profile^®, and be "Ready for whatever happens."

SERVPRO of Danvers/Ipswich - Quick Response for Water Damages

4/13/2017 (Permalink)

Water quickly spreads throughout your home and gets absorbed into floors, walls, furniture, and more. Image via Shutterstock.com (copyright-free)

Flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither does SERVPRO of Danvers/Ipswich. We provide emergency cleaning and restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—including all holidays.

Flooding and water damage is very invasive. Water quickly spreads throughout your home and gets absorbed into floors, walls, furniture, and more. SERVPRO of Danvers/Ipswich arrives quickly and starts the water extraction process almost immediately.

This immediate response helps to minimize the damage and the cleaning and restoration costs. The water damage timeline below details the damage that occurs if no action is taken.

Within Minutes

• Water quickly spreads throughout your property, saturating everything in its path.
• Water is absorbed into walls, floors, upholstery, and belongings.
• Furniture finishes may bleed, causing permanent staining on carpets.
• Photographs, books, and other paper goods start to swell and warp.

First 24 Hours

• Drywall begins to swell and break down.
• Metal surfaces begin to tarnish.
• Furniture begins to swell and crack.
• Dyes and inks from cloth and paper goods spread and stain.
• A musty odor appears.

48 Hours to One Week

• Mold and mildew may grow and spread.
• Doors, windows, and studs swell and warp.
• Metal begins to rust and corrode.
• Furniture warps and shows signs of mold.
• Paint begins to blister.
• Wood flooring swells and warps.
• Serious biohazard contamination is possible.

More Than One Week

• Restoration time and cost increase dramatically; replacing contaminated materials and structural rebuilding may be extensive.
• Structural safety, mold growth, and biohazard contaminants pose serious risks to occupants.

Call us today at 978-777-3498 for more information.

SERVPRO Hosts Haverhill Chamber Event

3/24/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Haverhill hosts the September After Hours Mixer for the Greater Haverhill Chamber of Commerce

Thank you to everyone who came out to the Greater Haverhill Chamber After Hours Mixer at SERVPRO of Haverhill.  The Casino Night was a huge success!  It was wonderful meeting so many business professionals and of course sharing the SERVPRO story and our new building with the local community.  Thank you to the Greater Haverhill Chamber for your help organizing this wonderful event.  Many thanks to Bradford Country Club for providing the food and of course Seacoast Events for all their hardwork running the casino tables.  SERVPRO is proud to be a member of and support such a wonderful community.  We hope that everyone enjoyed themselves and look forward to the Haverhill Chamber's next big event!  And remember, if ever you are faced with a fire or water damage, please don't hesitate to contact us.  We are here to help!   

Severe Spring Weather Tips

3/24/2017 (Permalink)

While spring brings the promise of warm weather and longer days, it also brings a variety of conditions that can include heavy rains and severe weather, which can increase your flood risk. Take action to protect yourself, your family, and your business—before a weather event occurs and it’s too late.

April marks the start of the rainy season. Spring storms can bring several inches of rain in only a matter of hours or there can be consistent rainfall for days. These heavy rains can lead to severe flooding by over-saturating the ground, overfilling storm drains, or rivers spilling over their banks.

As one of the most common hazards in the United States, it’s important we prepare for the potential disaster that flooding can cause. Even if you feel you live in a community with a low risk of flooding, remember that anywhere it rains, it can flood. Just because you haven’t experienced a flood in the past, doesn’t mean you won’t in the future.

In order help prepare you for the possibility of a flood, we offer you these tips:

• Build an emergency kit and make a family communications plan
• Avoid building in a floodplain unless you elevate and reinforce your home
• Elevate the furnace, water heater and electric panel in your home if you live in an area that has a high flood risk
• Install check-valves to prevent flood water from backing up into the drains of your home
• Seal basement walls and floor with waterproofing compounds to prevent seepage through cracks
• Always keep your gutters and downspouts clean to allow water to flow freely
• Prepare a flood evacuation plan
• Know how to safely shut-off utilities
• Keep insurance and vital records in a water-proof box
• Have a portable radio to listen for important current information

When your home sustains water damage from flooding, you should call SERVPRO of Danvers/Ipswich immediately. SERVPRO of Danvers/Ipswich professionals have the expertise to prevent or mitigate the devastating effects that water damage can have.

SERVPRO of Danvers/Ipswich has the equipment and experience necessary to handle the most challenging water damage and removal situations and we are available around-the-clock. Call us at (978) 777-3498, and we’ll return your home back to normal, "Like it never even happened."®

Winter Weather Tips

12/13/2016 (Permalink)

SERVPRO® of Danvers/Ipswich is your local fire and water damage restoration company. Servicing the North Shore for over 30 years, SERVPRO® understands the stress and worry that comes with a fire or water damage and the disruption it can cause your life, home or business.  Our goal is to help minimize the interruption to your life and quickly make it “Like it never even happened.”®

With the cold weather upon us, two of the biggest problems our customers encounter are frozen pipes and ice dams. A frozen pipe can burst causing considerable damage to your property if not addressed.  Ice dams cause a backflow under the roof’s shingles and can affect your structure’s interior areas.  Below are some tips on how to prevent this damage and prepare your home for the winter weather.

• Keep cabinet doors open during cold spells
• Keep a slow trickle of water flowing through faucets
• Consider shutting off outdoor faucets
• Ensure gutters are clean and secure
• Inspect property for proper drainage to alleviate flood hazard potential

SERVPRO along with Local Fire Departments Raise Awareness about Fire Prevention

11/10/2016 (Permalink)

SERVPRO gave away fire truck banks, apples and water at the Danvers Fire Department Open House

October is Fire Prevention Month!  In an effort to raise awareness about fire safety, local Fire Departments throughout Essex County hosted Open Houses at their Fire Stations.  SERVPRO and other local businesses worked in conjunction with the fire departments to provide refreshments, giveaways and most importantly fire safety education!  Fire truck tours, gear demonstrations, Sparky the Fire Dog and the Smoke House were some of the main attractions at these open houses.  Each year fires claim hundreds of lives throughout New England. Fire Safety Open Houses are geared towards educating the community in hopes of saving lives.  Congratulations and thank you to all the fire houses who went above and beyond to educate our community about fire safety and prevention.  SERVPRO is proud to be a part of such wonderful events! 

SERVPRO Attends the NELA Conference

11/10/2016 (Permalink)

Marketing Representatives, Mary Ellen Lawlor and Richard Ciarletta, at the NELA Conference.

11/10/2016

SERVPRO recently attended the New England Library Association's Annual Conference held at the Sheraton Ferncroft in Danvers, MA.  Truly a remarkable event, librarians from throughout New England travelled to this three day conference to attend seminars, meet vendors and learn about ways to enhance their local libraries.  As an exhibitor at the conference, SERVPRO provided information about our 24/7 emergency restoration services for fire and water damage as well as our Emergency Ready Profile (ERP) Program.  The ERP Program encourages customers to take action before a disaster strikes by helping them create an emergency preparedness plan for their property.  The ERP is a quick reference of important building and contact information compiled by your facilities manager along with your local SERVPRO representative.  And the best part is, SERVPRO offers this service free of charge!  This service is available to all business and municipalities.  Please contact our office at (800)621-0022 for further details!