Pop Quiz: How Often Should You Replace Your Home’s Fire Extinguisher?

4/29/2022 (Permalink)

At SERVPRO we spend a lot of time teaching our customers about the importance of fire safety. Not only do we want you and your family to stay safe and steer clear of fire hazards, we also know you want to avoid the expense associated with professional fire restoration. 

In addition to knowing your escape route in the event of a fire, and being able to identify and minimize the fire hazards on your property, can you answer basic but important questions like how often you should replace your fire extinguisher? 

It’s not a trick question, though the answer might surprise you. Most household fire extinguishers should be replaced every 12 years, regardless of their condition; rechargeable varieties should be recharged in half that time, so every six years. 

Can’t remember when you first purchased your fire extinguisher? No worries! 

Simply check the expiration date on the body of the cylinder; sometimes it’s stamped closer to the extinguisher’s neck. If, for whatever reason, you cannot locate the date, it might be best to play it safe and purchase a new one that does have the date listed on it. 

In the event that your fire extinguisher failed to put out a fire and you find yourself in need of professional fire restoration service, contact your team at SERVPRO of Stoneham / Wakefield.

April Marks National Big Wind Day

4/29/2022 (Permalink)

There’s really no shortage of “national” days designed to celebrate everything from the sublime to the ridiculous. While “Earth Day” is associated with April, and observed on April 22, did you know that this month, specifically April 12th, also marks “National Big Wind Day? 

What exactly is National Big Wind Day? 

According to nationaldaycalendar.com, “Observed each year in the United States on April 12th, National Big Wind Day commemorates the recording of the highest natural wind gust measured on the Earth’s surface. On the afternoon of April 12, 1934, the Mount Washington Observatory recorded winds at 231 miles per hour.” 

We don’t even want to imagine the kind of storm damage those wind gusts could bring. 

So, how does one go about celebrating #NationalBigWindDay? 

NationalDayCalendar.com offers some suggestions, like:

• Snap a windblown selfie
• Go fly a kite
• Keep hold of your hat while telling stories about windy days

In honor of National Big Wind Day, we suggest making sure you know how to contact SERVPRO of Stoneham / Wakefield in the event that we encounter out of control wind gusts this spring season!

What Types of Creatures Feature in Flood Water?

4/29/2022 (Permalink)

You’ve heard of the “Creature from the Black Lagoon” and other fictional monsters that emerge from the deep. But what about the creatures that can feature in flood water? 

Fortunately, for those of us in New England, it’s unlikely that a flood would wash dangerous animals onto our properties. However, less than desirable pests like various insects and rodents, specifically rats, can surface from our floodwaters. 

Further south and west of our region, flooding can present the increased risk of encountering snakes, including some poisonous varieties, like water moccasins, as well as venomous insects like fire ants.

While these species might not be as scary as legendary villains like the Swamp Monster, it’s important to keep in mind that floods can carry more than water and debris with them. 

Before venturing out into any flooded area, be sure to take proper safety precautions, like wearing rubber boots and gloves. 

If you do encounter displaced wildlife, whether venomous or not, err on the side of caution and put in a call to your local humane or wildlife conservation society. 

When it comes to water mitigation following flood water damage, put in a call to SERVPRO Stoneham / Wakefield.

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

Does Your Business Need a Custom Weather Forecast?

4/1/2022 (Permalink)

As a commercial property owner, you’re probably constantly fielding calls and emails about the latest product or service your company “needs.” At SERVPRO, we’re not interested in selling you something you don’t need; however, we do suggest that you take advantage of our Emergency Readiness Profile. This free tool gives you access to all of your pertinent contact information and shut off locations -- in one handy spot! 

If weather makes a big difference to your business day, you could also check out the Enterprise Resources from the National Weather Service, which includes solutions around General Weather, Marine and Tropical, Aviation, Winter, and Hydrology. 

You can even opt to create a custom weather forecast for a specific event or location, if you don’t need daily updates. This option might be ideal if you have multiple locations across the country and need to keep up to speed on seasonal storm events, like tornadoes or hurricanes. 

At SERVPRO, we believe in staying ahead of storms and other inclement weather events as much as possible in order to mitigate storm damage or any serious need for storm remediation.

That said, we are standing by with our professional storm clean up services, should you need them! Simply contact us to get started!

Marching Through New England’s Windiest Month

3/31/2022 (Permalink)

It’s no secret that strong winds can cause serious storm damage. Don’t forget that these winds can blow just as fast in the spring as they can during some of our epic winter storms. Our SERVPRO team has seen plenty of storm damage during the spring season. 

In fact, according to Michael Cempa, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service, located in Gray, Maine, “Spring and fall tend to be breezier because there are more temperature contrasts in the atmosphere, which help to produce the wind.”

Speaking of wind, March is typically the windiest month in New England, with winds averaging 7 mph. The good news is these speeds are not fast enough to do any real damage. 

Damaging winds are defined as those which blow in excess of 50-60 mph, often witnessed during some strong thunderstorms. 

Since New England does get its fair share of strong thunderstorms, keep your local SERVPRO team’s number handy in the event of storm damage to your home or business. 

Access professional storm remediation services you can trust by contacting SERVPRO of Stoneham / Wakefield.

Steer Clear of These Springtime Fire Hazards

3/29/2022 (Permalink)

Ah, we’ve made it through winter. It’s time to safely store our holiday lights and space heaters as we make way for the warmer months. As excited as we are for the arrival of longer, brighter days, our SERVPRO team also wants to alert you to a serious springtime fire hazard.

After a long winter indoors, it’s no wonder so many of us are geared up to get outside and grill. We are, too; however, safety should be stressed. Do you know the number of house fires attributed to grills each year? According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), an average of 8,900 fires result from grilling, annually. 

A contributing factor to these grill fires comes down to cleanliness. Before you fire up the grill this spring, ensure that it is thoroughly cleaned first -- almost 20% of grill fires result from grimy grills. 

If, for whatever reason, your next cookout becomes too hot to handle and you find you need an expert fire restoration service, simply contact SERVPRO of Stoneham / Wakefield.

Know Your Flood Facts?

3/29/2022 (Permalink)

You know that SERVPRO is all about safety, which is why we’re here to share some flood facts you should know before the spring rains start to fall here in New England. Knowing how to keep safe and avoid water damage in your home or business is important to sort out ahead of time. 

Floods can be fearsome and are attributed to an estimated $6 billion in damages, along with an average 140 fatalities annually in the United States. 

That’s why you need to know the following four flood facts in order to keep yourself and your family safe.

1. Do not drive through flood waters because an average 66% of deaths due to floods result from drivers trying to drive through deep water. Never worth the risk!
2. Location isn’t necessarily as important as you think. In other words, you don’t need to live on or near a floodplain to be affected by a flood.
3. Building projects can boost the odds of flooding because it can alter natural water runoff patterns.
4. Walking through flood waters can be a fool’s game, given that it takes only six inches of fast-moving water to knock you over. 

Commit these facts to memory in order to stay safe in the event of a flood. 

For expert water mitigation, whether because of a flood or overflowed bathtub, contact SERVPRO Stoneham / Wakefield.

How to Protect Your Commercial Property from Hail

2/25/2022 (Permalink)

In case being a commercial property owner didn’t come with enough stress, add hail protection to your list. Given its rather erratic nature, hail can be tough to predict, which makes protecting your property even trickier. 

However, there are a few tried and true strategies worth considering, which should help mitigate the amount of storm damage your property could incur from our next Nor’Easter. 

A Top-Down Hail Defense Strategy

The following tips all concern the top of your commercial property; in other words, the roof. According to DisasterSafety.org, at the very least, a thorough roof inspection is critical in order to determine its overall condition and whether it needs to be replaced.

Once satisfied with the roof’s condition, the next order of business is to outfit it with equipment designed to withstand impact, like hailstones. This could include installing hail guards or wires around your rooftop HVAC system and investing in impact-rated skylights and solar panels. 

Whether your preparation failed or you failed to prepare, SERVPRO of Stoneham / Wakefield has the expertise and commercial solutions to save the day. Contact us for all your commercial property clean up and restoration needs.

How to Prevent Fires Associated with Static Electricity

2/25/2022 (Permalink)

We’ve all experienced that sudden shock caused by static electricity, which is also known as a stationary electric charge. In most cases, these moments might cause us to giggle in surprise or even make a corny joke about how “shocking” we find whoever just inadvertently zapped us. However, when it comes to fire prevention, static electricity is anything but funny. 

In order to reduce the risk of a fire caused by static electricity, take the following tips into account.

Stay Safe in the Presence of Static Electricity

While it might sound simple enough, the trick to reducing static electricity requires identifying where it accumulates in both our residences and professional environments. 

Certain conditions, like the cold and dry weather we experience during the wintertime, increase static electricity. To combat the dry air, consider using a humidifier at home and work. Some materials cause more static electricity than others; for instance, opting for cotton over wool is a great idea and wearing leather-soled shoes can also help reduce static electricity. 

Minimizing the potential for static electricity to accumulate is the first step in preventing fires associated with it. 

Whether from static electricity or another source, if your home or business has suffered a fire, contact SERVPRO of Stoneham / Wakefield for expert fire restoration service.

Understanding the (Literal) Weight of a Snow Storm

2/25/2022 (Permalink)

You’ve heard about -- or maybe even experienced -- a roof collapsing because of snow accumulation. However, many people struggle to envision just how much (or little) snow it takes for this to happen. 

Your SERVPRO team has sourced some snow statistics that should help you evaluate just how much your home’s roof can take before the snow accumulations become too much for the structure to support. 

Snow Stats

According to FEMA, roof collapses caused by snow build up depend on specific details about the roof like the construction, maintenance, shape, slope, and wind exposure, along with the kind of snow.  

Compare these weights in pounds per square foot, compiled by FEMA:

• New, powdery snow: 3 
• Heavy, wet snow: 21
• Ice: 57

In order to estimate the weight of the snow and/or ice on your roof, you might consider a roof snow load calculator, or you could defer to USA Today, which investigated How much snow is too much snow on your roof? 

The article reports that the average roof can handle approximately 20 pounds per square foot of snow. 

Good to know, considering that “Old snow and new snow combined can easily exceed load capacity. Just two feet of each could collapse a roof. And don't forget to add ice to the equation. An inch of ice is equal to the weight of a foot of fresh snow.”

Don’t let the next snow storm become a weighty issue relative to your roof. However, if you find yourself in need of storm damage remediation, contact SERVPRO of Stoneham / Wakefield.

Commercial Property Insurance: Your First Line of Defense Against Fire

2/25/2022 (Permalink)

Kind of like talking about life insurance, no commercial property owner really wants to think about what might happen to their business in the event of a fire. 

Of course, failing to plan means planning to fail, which is why our SERVPRO team knows that keeping your commercial property insurance current is so critical. 

Aside from potential loss of life or limb, the risk that a fire poses to the structure of your commercial property is immense. It’s not just the damage created by the fire itself, or the water damage that results from fighting it; think of the hit your business could take just by being closed for an unexpected and possibly extended period of time. 

Planning for a fire on your property is really the only way to go, especially when you consider that approximately 10 percent of small business owners found themselves forced to file an insurance claim for fire in the last five years alone. 

And while the expense resulting from fire restoration services varies, depending on the amount of damage and the actual insurance policy, the average totaled $35,000. 

We’re fairly certain you can think of a better way to spend (or save) that money. Even so, as author Maggi Myers cautions, “The best plans have a way of falling apart without warning.” In that case, you’ve got SERVPRO of Stoneham / Wakefield ready to leap into action. 

No matter the element -- fire, water, storm, wind,  contact us when your commercial property needs professional restoration.

Stay Safe While Using Space Heaters

2/25/2022 (Permalink)

Spring is certainly on its way and officially arrives next month. Until then, however, we still have to weather the remainder of February, notorious as New England’s snowiest month. Even if the snow doesn’t return, the colder temperatures will likely linger, leaving many of us to cozy up a home office or three-season sunroom with a space heater. 

While space heaters have evolved into far safer small appliances than their predecessors, the fact is, they do still pose a considerable fire hazard if not operated carefully. 

You certainly don’t want to join the more than a thousand homes that suffer a space heater-related fire. 

A few quick tips to keep in mind, while keeping cozy on the last (hopefully!) of these wintry days… 

1. Space heaters should stay on the floor at all times. 
2. Only operate a space heater while you’re in the room; turn it off before venturing out, tucking in, or zoning out during a Netflix binge.
3. Your third tip? The 3-foot rule, of course. Ensure your space heater has a minimum 3-foot distance from anything flammable. 
4. You know this one: water is a no-no. Keep your space heater (just like any other electric device) away from water sources like sinks, tubs, toilets, etc. 

Space heater or not, contact SERVPRO of Stoneham / Wakefield should you find yourself in need of professional fire restoration service.

Seal Yourself Safe from Springtime Storm Damage

2/25/2022 (Permalink)

As we eagerly await spring’s pending arrival, now is an ideal time to assess the condition of your home to see how it fared against winter’s harsher elements. 

While it’s true that typically winter brings with it more woes for property owners, our  SERVPRO team wants to remind everyone that spring storms can pack a punch of their own… a suckerpunch, if you’re not prepared. 

A quick -- and potentially cost-effective -- step  to do this is to simply seal up spaces where water could blow in on the back of a spring storm. 

Check your doors and windows, looking closely at the condition of the caulking. If any area looks weak, reseal it for stronger reinforcement. This can help keep your home’s energy efficiency in check. 

Take the same approach when evaluating for less obvious spots, like access points for pipes or wires.  

Depending on your location and insurance carrier, opting to install items like storm shutters might give you a break on your policy. Doesn’t hurt to ask and certainly doesn’t hurt to add as much protection as possible to avoid  storm damage.

However, securing expert storm damage remediation is as simple as  contacting SERVPRO of Stoneham / Wakefield.

Checked Your Chimney Lately?

2/25/2022 (Permalink)

When it comes to discussions about residential water damage, the conversations often focus on the condition of a home’s roof. While weak spots on roofs can certainly lead to water damage, it’s important not to overlook your chimney. 

Since we’re on the threshold of changing seasons, it’s a great idea to  evaluate your chimney (hire a pro to do it!), in order to see if it’s suffered any winter-related damage and ensure that it’s strong and secure enough to withstand any rainy or windy spring weather conditions. 

Technically known as a “roof penetration,” similar to exhaust fans and vents, chimneys must be sealed correctly in order to keep water out. 

If a chimney wasn’t sealed properly or, over time, the sealant weakened, then you run the risk of incurring water damage without ever realizing it… until it’s a big problem. 

You can stay on top of this by investing in annual chimney inspections; the purpose here is to find the problem and rectify it before it requires replacing your roof. 

Of course, if you do encounter water damage or need water removal, simply contact SERVPRO Stoneham / Wakefield to access our expert water mitigation services.

Can You Spot these Sneaky Signs of a Leak? 

1/31/2022 (Permalink)

Though they may start out small, leaks in your home can quickly become a big, not to mention costly, problem. Those of us who care about our carbon footprints, will be discouraged to know that an estimated 2,000 - 20,000 gallons of water is leaked by the average American home annually.

Fortunately, you can spot the signs of wasteful leaks sooner than later, if you know where to look. Of course, there are the obvious telltale signs of water damage like watermarks on the walls or ceilings but consider a few of these lesser known clues if you’re concerned about leaks in your home.

The Lowdown on Leaks

The next time you hop in the shower, take a look at the shower head. If it feels loose, the connection between the shower arm and pipe within the wall may be compromised. In that case, you might have a leak behind the wall, which is obviously impossible to spot and therefore could quickly grow worse over time. The result is not only wasted water but potentially costly repairs, too, including water damage restoration.

Another signal that could be a sign of trouble is sudden low water pressure. According to Rick Yohn, senior vice president of franchise at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, “An unexplained drop in water pressure may mean there is a leak in the system.” Though it could be attributed to a malfunctioning water heater valve, it’s best to check and avoid incurring additional damage, if the issue is, in fact, a leak.

Did an undetected leak result in water damage to your home or business? Trust your local SERVPRO MA team to handle any necessary water removal and water damage restoration. Contact SERVPRO Stoneham / Wakefield for all your water mitigation services.

Don’t Let Your Christmas Tree Dry Out!

12/30/2021 (Permalink)

As we all know, the holiday season is about the little things. Whether that means finding the perfect card for a family member, decorating cookies with loved ones, or remembering to water your Christmas tree. A job that often gets overlooked, watering your Christmas tree is extremely important for not only the look of your tree but also fire prevention. 

Care for Your Christmas Tree

A dry Christmas tree has the potential to light a whole room on fire in mere minutes. 

Thankfully, there are a few things to lookout for in order to avoid any need for fire restoration services. 

• Water your tree daily! Keep it hydrated; therefore, less likely to catch fire.
• Check the lights! There might be a kink, break, or fray in the lights that could cause a spark. Check them out while untangling them!
• Candle watch! Keep real candles well away from children and your live Christmas tree, too.

Enjoy the glow of the holiday season but save the sparks for the Fourth of July!

At SERVPRO we wish you a happy and safe holiday season. Don’t hesitate to contact your local fire restoration experts if the holidays get heated!

Snowed In? Get Saved by Screen Time

12/30/2021 (Permalink)

When the snow starts falling the best thing to do is cozy up with your loved ones or besties, stock up on a few seasonal snacks, and tune into a Christmas movie. Where else would you rather be when the roads are unsafe and not yet salted? Whether it’s a family favorite you’ve seen dozens of times or checking out the new cheesy must-see blockbusters, a snowstorm offers the perfect opportunity to savor some screen time!

Top Titles for 2021… According to Netflix

Netflix always seems to come out with endless holiday content for all of us to enjoy. They give us rom-coms and family values -- not to mention sequels that we did not know we needed. 

Some of the best picks for 2021 are as follows:

1. Love Hard: About a girl who meets a man online and flies across the country to meet him. However he is not who she expects… (is he ever?)
2. The Princess Switch 3: Another addition to this cute and ever-popular movie series about a girl who is a look-a-like to an actual princess. 
3. Single All The Way: Your classic friends-who-become-lovers movie with a holiday twist featuring a supportive family. (We know… some of you are thinking “supportive family,” that is the twist!)

Of course, no holiday season is complete with screening beloved classics such as Elf, the Santa Clause movies, and even the Charlie Brown Christmas Special!

With the endless holiday titles Netflix has to offer, we suggest you leave the storm to the plows and the storm clean up to the experts while your family stays warm and safe! No matter how you weather the storm, be sure to contact us at SERVPRO Stoneham / Wakefield for any storm plot twists that require professional attention.

Don’t Forget to Water Your Tree(s)... Even During the Winter

12/30/2021 (Permalink)

Just because it is cold outside doesn’t mean the trees on your property don’t need attention. In fact, trees are susceptible to the same winter woes as the rest of us, namely: dehydration. We typically remember to keep our live Christmas trees watered and doing so should also serve as a reminder to keep an eye on the trees standing up to the winter weather in your yard. 

An obvious perk to winter tree care is that you needn’t water your trees as frequently as you do during the spring and summer months. Check out the following winter tree care tips… which still require a reliable water source and healthy pipes to transport it to your trees. 

Getting on a Schedule 

Consistency is still the name of the game when it comes to watering your trees during the winter months. In order to keep up with a proper, though less frequent, watering schedule, you also need to maintain healthy pipes in your home and prevent them from freezing however possible. 

This is especially true of any outdoor valves and faucets that you might use to connect a hose. It’s a good idea to ensure that you’ve drained the water from any pipes connected to exterior faucets because these connections are short lengths of pipe; therefore, more susceptible to freezing, faster. 

Once you’ve properly protected your pipes, you can take advantage of these tips to quench your thirsty trees outside. 

• Make sure you choose a mild day, with the weather above 40 degrees so that your trees can absorb as much water before the temperature dips back down to freezing. 
• Touch the soil around the tree to ensure it is not frozen. That water will not do any good if it cannot soak through to the tree roots. 
• Only water your exterior trees twice a month from November to April. This is all they need to stay hydrated. 

SERVPRO Stoneham / Wakefield is standing by to ensure your pipes are warm and working properly throughout the winter season. 

In the event of a burst pipe or resulting water damage, contact SERVPRO for expert cleanup and restoration.

Fortify Your Commercial Property Against Frightful Weather

12/27/2021 (Permalink)

No matter how mild the weather was leading up to Thanksgiving, we New Englanders have every confidence that cold weather is on its way. For those of us who own commercial property, it’s smart to stay ahead of any risks associated with the season of snow and ice. 

Check out these 8 Commercial Property Cold Weather Maintenance Tips; we’ve highlighted our top three below!

Rally Around Your Roof

There are two important tasks when it comes to your building’s roof in winter: first, make sure you’re keeping an eye on ice accumulation. Ice dams, which are build-ups of ice, often result in water damage to your property because they restrict the snow from draining properly as it melts. 

The next step really follows the first: always make sure your roof is clear of snow and any debris is removed from your gutters. Doing so will also help reduce your risk of water damage in the (likely) event of a bad storm. 

Prioritize Your Pipes

Do you know what happens when water freezes inside your pipes? Your pipes might actually burst, potentially causing all sorts of water damage beyond a simple leak or two. Avoid this costly scenario by keeping the heat in your building set above 55 degrees Fahrenheit -- whether or not you’re open for business. 

Protect Pathways for Patrons and Employees 

This seems like a no-brainer but did you know that in 2016 The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that 20,520 slip-and-fall workplace injuries involved ice, sleet or snow? That means you can’t be too careful when it comes to safeguarding against wintry conditions on your property. 

It’s important that you make every effort to remove snow and ice, along with taking the time to spread salt and sand in order to lessen the chance that an employee -- or customer -- might slip while on your commercial property. 

Contact your local SERVPRO team for more commercial property expertise -- this season and year-round!

How to Safely Decorate your Business for the Holidays

12/27/2021 (Permalink)

December is an ideal time to get in the spirit by pulling out all the stops when it comes to holiday decorations. Don’t let your office or commercial property be left out in the cold. There are plenty of creative ways to get festive that do not require anyone getting up on the roof. Keeping safety in mind, we have a few suggestions for classy, festive, and beautiful ways to celebrate the season at your commercial building. 

Exterior Enhancements

Who can resist the classic exterior look afforded by festive, twinkling lights? You can still stay off your roof and achieve this kind of illumination by decorating your bushes, shrubs, and trees instead. This winter wonderland touch can make any building look more warm and welcoming.

Why not update your company sign with some ribbon or ornaments? Easy to assemble, and easy to take down, this is a low risk, high reward way to bring some cheer to your employees and those passing by your commercial building!

Interior Improvements

Now that the outside is taken care of, let's take a look indoors. 

It might sound silly, but swapping your computer’s wallpaper with a winter filter to show your holiday spirit is a fun and easy way to celebrate the season right at your desk. 

Find spaces and common areas around your office that could benefit from some perfectly placed holiday figurines, small trees, menorahs, or kinaras. Remember, the best way to be festive is to be inclusive and showcase everyone’s seasonal celebrations.

Lastly, holiday plants like poinsettias are a colorful way to brighten the space on even the coldest or grayest day. 

Once again, keeping safety always at the forefront of all your festive efforts, try to avoid hanging things from the ceiling. Doing so can pose a fire hazard and isn’t worth the risk when you have so many other options to choose from.  

Here at SERVPRO Stoneham / Wakefield, we wish you a wonderful holiday and hope that your commercial building gets in the spirit with these helpful hints! Should anything go wrong this season, contact us for commercial services you can count on.

Got Grease?

11/23/2021 (Permalink)

The leading cause of kitchen fires is quite simply… cooking. Whether you are hosting or contributing this Thanksgiving, your kitchen will be heating up! Just make sure it doesn’t get too hot. SERVPRO wants you to know the warning signs and facts behind a grease fire. Chances are you will be cooking traditional Thanksgiving goodies that require ingredients like butter, extra virgin olive oil, and vegetable oil -- all of which could result in a grease fire.

What Makes a Grease Fire Different?

Grease fires can spark when certain spots of your cooking get too hot, indicated by smoke or bubbling oil. The leading cause of a grease fire is leaving the stove unattended, which can happen especially on a holiday like Thanksgiving when hosts are eager to catch up with relatives. 

If the stove slips your mind and you begin to see this bubble leading to trouble, here is how to defuse the situation. 

Spoiler alert: Water is NOT the answer. A grease fire can spread quickly because oil, grease, and fat are all liquids. Pouring water on a grease fire will not extinguish it, but instead, expand its surface area. 

How to Put it Out

So, if not water, how do you put out a grease fire? Smother the fire with a pot lid, baking soda, or salt. The first is the best option because you may need more baking soda or salt than you have on hand.

Remember, fire burns thanks to three factors: a source of heat, fuel, and oxygen. If you remove one factor, (like oxygen by placing a lid on the pot) you will stop the burn. 

If things get out of hand, don’t wait -- call 911. 

If a grease fire got too hot to handle this Thanksgiving, contact us for information about our professional fire restoration services.

Building a Power Outage Kit

11/22/2021 (Permalink)

Ideally, if the power goes out in your house this storm season you will have thought ahead and already have a well-stocked power outage kit on hand. This kit should be kept in a safe, dry place that is easily accessible and can be found in the dark. 

If you’re blushing right now and wondering what, exactly, your power outage kit should contain, we’ve got you covered and you’ve got a tad more time before the storms start rolling in this winter. 

Start stocking up on the following… 

The Ultimate Kit For No Power

• Battery-operated lantern: This will be helpful to have in a central location that does not have a fireplace. Perhaps a kitchen, dining room, or bedroom?
• Flashlights (and extra batteries!): It is best to have one for every room or two in the house so that you and your family can walk around the house safely.
• Fresh water: Grab a few cases of water in case you are not able to get to the grocery store.
• Non-perishable foods (and can opener!): Ensure you have enough to feed everyone for a minimum of three days.
• First-aid kit: A kit within a kit, how handy and prepared you are!
• Sleeping bags and blankets: Make sure there is at least one of each for everyone in your family! 

How is your kit looking? If you have everything on this list you should be set up to weather any power outage during this storm season. Keep the stress low and the morale high in your household with the proper essential items. 

At SERVPRO, we're always prepared and have all the necessary supplies to help you clean up any storm damage! Contact us to learn more about our services!

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

Give Your Gutters Some Love

11/21/2021 (Permalink)

What comes after fallen leaves? Heavy rain and snow, and if your gutters are not ready for it, this could be a big problem. Ignoring leaf-clogged gutters could cause them to sag or break off from the house. 

This is an important task for both home and business owners and should be considered general upkeep for your residential or commercial building. Here’s why… 

What Happens As the Water Overflows a Gutter?

Water that overflows a gutter could leak down the exterior of the house and fall into any opening it can find. This might result in damage requiring professional water restoration and could even lead to the development of mold damaged window sills. 

How Can You Stay Ahead?

Check your gutters twice a year, especially following a particularly hard winter or heavy storms. This will help you stay ahead of any build up of debris, especially around the fall. The best and only way to check on your gutters and clean them is to stand on a sturdy ladder. Never clean your gutters from the roof. 

At SERVPRO MA, we are prepared for any gutter situation you throw our way. Get in touch with us before the snow gets heavy!

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

Where Does Stormwater Go?

11/16/2021 (Permalink)

After heavy rain following a big storm, you may need to call your local SERVPRO, MA team to bail out your basement. However, in most cases, our city streets stay clear. Even in the midst of vast amounts of rain we are typically able to traverse roads and sidewalks and we have storm drains to thank for that. 

Storm drains stop us from worrying that the water pouring down on us will accumulate on or even flood our streets and sidewalks. 

Once on the ground, rainwater will pool and travel to a storm drain. From there, the stormwater travels to our local reservoirs, streams, creeks, and ponds. 

The trouble is, that water is untreated. 

What’s the problem? What does untreated actually mean?  

When the rain runs through the street, that storm water can pick up oils, trash, and pesticides as it funnels into storm drains. These unwanted substances can wind up dumped into our local bodies of water, potentially impacting water quality, certainly, along with whatever wildlife lives there. 

That’s why it’s critical, especially ahead of a big storm, to always keep storm drains clear of garbage, paint products, pesticides, and anything else that could be harmful to the ecosystem. 

If you find yourself in need of rain damage remediation services after our next big storm, contact SERVPRO Stoneham / Wakefield for expert storm damage solutions.

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

Scared of Some Mold in Your Commercial Building?

10/21/2021 (Permalink)

Mold can be a scary discovery any time of year. Our commercial property owners often find mold in their commercial buildings, due to the build up of moisture. This can mean leaky pipes, window sill water damage, or difficult to control humidity in your building. 

Stop the Spores!

Mold can grow and spread quickly thanks to spores. You could compare a spore to a seed; as more spores are produced, more mold results.

If you detect mold in your commercial building, especially after encountering leaks around your windows and window sills, reach out to us for SERVPRO mold remediation services.  

Don’t fear the presence of mold on your commercial property. No matter the size, shape, or color, at SERVPRO, we're masters at mold remediation. 

Scared of some mold on your commercial property? Our mold removal (Wakefield) services at SERVPRO of Stoneham / Wakefield are top notch for your business. Contact us for reliable mold remediation!

The Phantom Flusher

10/21/2021 (Permalink)

Could there possibly be a playful ghoul in your house that is causing your toilet to run every so often? We love a good ghost story as much as the next person, but in all likelihood the “phantom” may actually be your flapper valve. 

What is a Flapper Valve?

This flapper valve on your toilet connects the tank to the bowl. It is stopped by a somewhat small piece of rubber. As you flush, the flapper valve lifts causing the toilet to flush out from the tank to the bowl. 

As a toilet gets older and/or is used more often, this piece of rubber can get worn out, making it hard for the flapper valve to completely shut, allowing water to get through slowly but surely. This causes the running sound that you hear every few minutes coming from your bathroom. Eventually, enough water will get through to cause a phantom flush.

Stay Alert

Spooky jokes aside, pay close attention to any running water and phantom flushing issues in order to avoid water damage and potential toilet flooding. The process of replacing a flapper valve is fairly simple as well as inexpensive, making this issue easy to alleviate. 

As always if you have any questions at all, feel free to contact us at SERVPRO Wakefield! We are always available to decipher the difference between a playful ghoul and a flapper valve.

Know the Signs: Electrical vs. Regular Fires

10/21/2021 (Permalink)

In the ‘heat’ of the moment we are not going to stop and analyze a fire to find its source or research how best to extinguish it. Different kinds of fires require different solutions and service master strategies. Knowing which type of fire you’re dealing with can help put a stop to the problem faster. 

How to Identify An Electrical Fire

The thing about electrical fires is they will let you know they are coming. If an outlet feels warm, you have a frayed wire, or you blow fuses regularly, these could all be signs that an electrical fire is likely to happen. 

In addition to this, an electrical fire has a certain odor that is pungent and unmistakable, often compared to fish or something rotten. 

Expert Electrical Fire Tip

A “regular” fire is also known as a class A fire, which is caused by everyday items such as wood, cloth, and paper catching fire. The best way to put out this type of fire is to smother it. You can do this by dousing the heat with water. 

For an electrical fire, DO NOT use water! This is a sure(fire) way to get electrocuted. 

Instead, use a fire extinguisher or baking soda. This will smother the fire the same way water would a regular fire. 

In either case, always call 911 so that the fire department can follow up and inspect the property, even if the flames are already extinguished. 

Noticing some possible warning signs of an electrical fire?  Your local SERVPRO MA team is standing by for any fire restoration service you might need.

Do You Have Water Damage Hiding in Plain Sight? 

9/27/2021 (Permalink)

Word to the wise: check your window air conditioning unit. Now that summer is officially over, it’s time to remove the window units from your home or office and start bracing for cooler weather. Unfortunately, some of us may discover that the window unit we relied on all season was leaking water, resulting in water damage beneath or behind it. 

Unfortunately, there are plenty of places where water damage can hide in your home or office. The trouble with a leaky window unit is often attributed to age. If the tubing that directs the air from the outside to the inside of your home or business becomes clogged or loosens up completely, the condensation it has collected can leak from the unit and spill into spaces beneath it, resulting in issues like window sill water damage, as well as rotted wooden sheathing and studs. 

If you discover water damage when you remove your window air conditioning unit, don’t panic. Contact your SERVPRO Wakefield team to remediate the problem and ensure your home or office is ready for fall.

National Preparedness Month Tips

9/27/2021 (Permalink)

Are you prepared in case of an emergency?

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

Are Your Carpets Really Clean Enough for Customers?

9/22/2021 (Permalink)

From wall-to-wall carpeting to area rugs, our team can help get your carpets clean and ready for your staff and customers.

We’re not judging but the answer is probably “no,” and for no other reason than the nature of carpets and what they can… contain. Let’s take a look at some of the more insidious villains likely lurking in your carpet. Each one is reason alone to connect with your SERVPRO Wakefield team for commercial cleaning you -- and your customers -- can count on. 

What’s Concealed in Your Carpet?

For starters, there’s the usual grit and grime that results from people coming and going, especially in high traffic areas like hallways. However, your carpet can also contain, well, creatures. 

Consider this fun (and freaky!) fact from Scientific Reports: “We found that indoor arthropod diversity is strongly influenced by access to the outdoors and carpeted rooms hosted more types of arthropods than non-carpeted rooms.”   

Translation: carpeted homes are home to a greater variety of insects, compared to homes without carpets. To really up the ick factor, these are dead bugs we’re talking about, having gotten caught in the fibers of the carpet.  

Plenty of Pathogens

And allergens! In addition to pollen and mold, which can aggravate allergy-sufferers and those with respiratory conditions, your carpet might also contain as many as 200,000 bacteria per square inch, which puts your toilet seat to shame. These can include illness-causing germs like E. coli, salmonella, and staphylococcus. 

Now that we’ve sufficiently grossed you out, consider contacting your local SERVPRO of Stoneham / Wakefield team for commercial carpet cleaning worthy of your clientele.

5 Fascinating Facts About Thunderstorms

9/10/2021 (Permalink)

Love them or hate them, the fact is thunderstorms are fascinating. That’s why our SERVPRO Wakefield team thought it would be fun to highlight some facts about thunderstorms in this week’s storm-themed blog post. 

Our friends over at The Weather Channel have published 13 Things You Might Not Know About Thunderstorms and from that list we picked our five favorites to feature here. 

1. There are an average of 2,000 thunderstorms happening right now all over the globe.
2. Planet Earth hosts approximately 16 million thunderstorms annually, with about 100,000 occurring in the United States. 
3. And we’re not alone. Planets like Jupiter also experience lightning and NASA research has shown possible evidence of lighting on the Red Planet, Mars. 
4. A typical thunderstorm measures about 15 miles in width and has an average duration of 30 minutes. 
5. Thunder means it’s time to move inside ASAP, as there is no safe shelter from lightning outdoors. Don’t risk becoming a statistic (about 26 people die due to lightning every year in this country). 

Keep calm during a storm and know that professional Storm Damage Cleanup and Restoration is just a call away. Contact your SERVPRO Wakefield team to take care of any storm damage on your residential or commercial property.

Adding to Insult to Injury: When Fire Follows a Hurricane

9/8/2021 (Permalink)

Candles are a great source of light when the power goes out, just be sure to watch them while they're burning!

As if the damage resulting from the high winds and rain of a hurricane wasn’t devastating enough, there’s also good reason to be concerned about fire while sheltering in place. Right now, more than one million people are still without power in Louisiana, following Hurricane Ida. Many of them are likely turning to flashlights and candles while they wait for the power to come back on. 

And this is where the threat of fire comes in… 

The National Association of State Fire Marshals advises that “As Hurricane Activity Increases, So Does the Importance of Fire Safety,” citing an approximate 26% of fires attributed to candle use result from loss of electrical power during or following severe weather activity. 

That’s why the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission urges people to observe these key candle safety rules:

1. Do not leave a burning candle unattended.
2. Keep lit candles away from anything that could catch fire.
3. Make sure pets and children cannot reach candles.

Taking these suggestions seriously could help you avoid becoming one of the estimated 8,200 residential fires resulting from candles each year, according to the National Fire Protection Association. 

Of course, house fires can also be caused by factors completely out of your control and especially during severe weather events. In fact, according to NOLA.com, “The National Weather Service reports that lightning starts about 4,400 house fires each year, causing around $283 million in damages.” 

Following a fire at your residential or commercial property, contact your SERVPRO Wakefield team for professional fire restoration services.

What NOT to do after a Water Damage

9/3/2021 (Permalink)

If you go through our past blog posts, you will find a myriad of tips and tricks on how to deal with water damages. Today, however, we wanted to change things up a bit. So, without further ado, we present What NOT to do after a Water Damage.

1. DON’T leave water damage untreated. Water damage, if left untreated, can lead to collapsed ceilings/walls, musty odors, and often times mold. Not a fun time, 0/10 would recommend.
2. DON’T use an oscillating fan to try and dry the water. A fan can keep the air circulating, but it can also spread any lingering moisture particles in the air onto other surfaces throughout the room. These little bits of moisture may seem harmless at first glance, but they have the opportunity to cause mold to grow. If a fan is oscillating, the particles aren’t just going in one direction, but in several different directions, and thus, more possible surfaces for mold to grow.
3. DON’T believe everything you see or read online. Everyone loves a good life hack, but some of those life hacks may end up doing you more harm than good when it comes to cleaning up after a water damage. We have a whole team of industry trained professionals who know how to properly remediate water damages. Your home means too much to risk damaging it with unproven life hacks, trust the experts to care for it right.

L’Arche Boston North’s The Longest Table

8/25/2021 (Permalink)

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

As the official Clean-Up Sponsor of L’Arche Boston North’s The Longest Table, we were lucky enough to be part of this incredible event as it brightened a stormy and steamy August night, delivering everything it promised – good food, a common purpose, and community.

The best efforts of a pandemic unwilling to release its grip and a tropical storm with its sights on New England couldn’t derail the single-minded determination of Jennifer Matthews and the team at L’Arche Boston North. The Longest Table was a huge success with a last-minute location change to Bradford Country Club and the unfailing support of Kristen Murphy.

We were there from beginning to end. Literally. Ensuring safety and confidence was an important part of the event being a success and our Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned program contributed to that by disinfecting all the hard surfaces before guests arrived, and again during the breakdown and clean-up of the event.

Going the extra mile is what we do at SERVPRO and we take pride in doing so. We genuinely care about the communities we service and do everything we can to support the people that live and work in them.

#HERETOHELP #STRONGERTOGETHER

How Insurance Companies Benefit from Disaster Mitigation

8/23/2021 (Permalink)

When you think of disaster recovery and mitigation, you probably think about how expensive it’s going to be covering the insurance claims for your customers. But when you refer your policyholders to the right disaster mitigation company, your insurance company also benefits in the following ways:

• Save money. The disaster response company you refer to your customer should provide your policyholder with the highest level of care AND work to save you money through timely restoration.
• Keep claim costs down. The right disaster response company knows that restoring your insurance customer’s property and belongings is less expensive than replacing it. So they should pre-test each surface to assess which of your customer’s belongings can be restored to their preloss condition. 
• Be available around the clock. Disasters don’t happen on a timeline and neither should the recovery. Choose a disaster response company that offers a 24/7 National Call Center. 
• Provide an inventory service. The disaster response company should provide an itemized room-by-room loss inventory, which allows your insurance company agents and adjusters to document claim items and capture inventory items immediately in one place. 
• Offer electronic files at no cost. We live in a paperless society, and file access should be no exception. Choose a disaster response company that offers online access, at no additional cost, to all files, information, and proof of results. 
• Handle loss of all sizes. Refer your insurance policyholder to a disaster response company that can handle any size loss from the small to the vast in any part of the country within hours. 

What Massachusetts disaster response company can offer all of the above, and more? Trust the recognized national leaders in cleanup and restoration -- SERVPRO of Stoneham / Wakefield. 

Contact us here at SERVPRO of Stoneham / Wakefield for an assessment of your policyholder’s fire, water, storm, or other disaster damage along with a plan for remediation and rebuilding. We are dedicated to making it “Like it never even happened.”

Emergency Fire Damage Restoration: An Overview

8/23/2021 (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 Stoneham / Wakefield 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 deck if your grill 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 Stoneham / Wakefield 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 Damage: Why a Fast Response Matters

8/23/2021 (Permalink)

After a severe thunderstorm, ice storm, or flood has passed and everyone is safe, your next priority is to get your house and life back to normal. You might think that you have time to deal with storm damage, and any resulting water damage, but the quicker you take action, the less money you’ll spend. 

Why? Emergency storm damage restoration services help you minimize your property damage, and can mean the difference between restoring your home furnishings or items to their preloss condition and having to replace your furnishings or even rebuilding your home. 

In fact, the faster that a Massachusetts storm damage restoration expert arrives on-site at your home to perform your storm damage cleanup and restoration, the better the results for you, including lower insurance claim costs. 

At SERVPRO of Stoneham / Wakefield, we pride ourselves in our fast response time. When you reach out to notify us of your storm damage, within just one hour, one of our SERVPRO franchise professionals will contact you to arrange for service. Plus, within four hours of that notification, we will be on-site to start storm damage restoration services, which can include:

• Structural cleaning
• Contents cleaning
• Deodorization

See what our happy customers say about their storm damage mitigation experiences with SERVPRO, including this one from Albert L. in Lynn:

“Due to a storm in the area my basement flooded. The staff at SERVPRO was very polite and professional. I am very impressed with the level of service.”

Here at SERVPRO of Stoneham / Wakefield, we are professionally trained in storm damage restoration and can assess your storm damage both safely and effectively with our over 140,000 pieces of cleaning and restoration equipment.

Prepare for a Flood at Your Restaurant

7/30/2021 (Permalink)

Our team was able to make the water damage in this kitchen "like it never even happened."

At your restaurant, you’re used to the sound of water coming from the faucets, being poured into glasses, or boiling on the stove. What you’re not used to is the sound of water gushing from a busted pipe, an HVAC system, a busted roof, or a broken dishwasher. 

Unfortunately, floods do happen at food service facilities, like fast food restaurants, fine dining restaurants, senior living facility kitchens, and school cafeterias. So you need to be prepared for what to do if you have a restaurant flood. 

If you’re in the restaurant when the flood occurs, shut off the power and get everyone outside, or at least away from the area of the flood. If you’ve come into the restaurant in the morning to find a flood, shut off the power (or call the electric company to shut it off) before you walk inside to ensure water and electricity won’t be mixing.

What’s next? Contain and then get rid of the water. That could be as simple as putting a tarp over a roof that needs to be repaired, or turning off the water main to stop more water from soaking into your restaurant carpet, causing mildew or mold. 

To get rid of the water, your best bet is a Massachusetts cleanup and restoration company like SERVPRO of Stoneham / Wakefield that is certified and trained in water restoration. Our most effective method of removing moisture and water from any structure, including a restaurant, is extraction. Our extractors are used in cleaning carpets and removing water from floors following water damage. They can be truck-mounted or are portable, allowing for greater access inside your restaurant. 

Along with extractors, we use air movers to reduce drying time, and dehumidifiers to pull in moist, humid air and release dry, warm air, which acts like a sponge to absorb moisture from wet materials. 

Here at SERVPRO of Stoneham / Wakefield, we pride ourselves on our fast response time and our emergency mitigation system that helps lower water damage recovery costs and minimize additional property damages. Reach out to the Massachusetts water damage restoration experts at SERVPRO of Stoneham / Wakefield to get your restaurant back to its preloss condition.

Fire/Smoke/Soot Restoration Process Tips

7/25/2021 (Permalink)

Dealing with smoke or fire damage in your house? If there’s a lingering fire or smoke aroma, spraying an air freshener around is just going to cover the smell momentarily. It won’t take care of the underlying issue. That’s when you need to call in the fire and smoke damage restoration experts.

What are some services offered by a Massachusetts smoke and fire damage restoration company to help with fire, smoke, and soot damage? 

• Structural cleaning. After your fire damage event, your home may need a thorough cleaning, involving the ceilings, walls, woodwork, carpets, and flooring. An experienced fire damage restoration professional will pre-test your home’s surfaces to determine the extent of the damage and then use the state-of-the-art equipment and cleaning products to clean and protect those surfaces. In some cases -- depending on the amount of soot, a fire damage professional can remove the need for repainting or refinishing your home, or they will clean to deodorize and prepare the surface for painting.
• Contents cleaning. You may not even think about it, but your curtains, furniture upholstery, furniture, area rugs, and even your kitchen appliances, electronics, and art can also contain soot or smoke residue and need to be cleaned. Fire damage restoration professionals will inspect and test all of the fabrics in your home to determine which need to be cleaned and the most appropriate cleaning methods for each fabric. This can include both wet or dry cleaning services for fabrics, and a cleaning and deodorization for the other restorable contents of your home. 
• Deodorization. It’s not enough to just cover up lingering fire or smoke odors with an air freshener or candle. Instead, fire damage professionals will look for the sources of the odor and remove them through various deodorization methods.

Here at SERVPRO of Stoneham / Wakefield, we pride ourselves on our fast response time and our emergency mitigation system that helps lower fire damage recovery costs and minimize additional property damages. Reach out to the Massachusetts fire damage restoration experts at SERVPRO of Stoneham / Wakefield to get your home back to its preloss condition.

Emergency Supply Kit: What Do You Need?

7/18/2021 (Permalink)

Hail, thunder and lightning, a tornado, or a flood could hit at any time. Are you ready in case of an emergency in the form of a natural disaster or storm? One way to be ready for any Massachusetts emergency is to have an emergency supply kit handy in your home and a smaller version in your car, along with a family communication plan.

Here’s what you should include in your emergency supply kit:

• Water (one gallon per person per day — for about a three to five day supply)
• Non-perishable food (a three day supply)
• Manual can opener for the food
• Battery operated radio (we recommend a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries)
• Batteries
• Flashlight
• First aid kid
• Whistle to signal for help if needed
• Extra clothing
• Masks
• Plastic sheeting or garbage bags and duct tape to cover any tears or holes in your home
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
• Local maps in case the internet is down and GPS doesn’t work
• Toiletries/hygiene items
• Copies of important documents (insurance policies, identification, bank account information)
• Cash
• Fire extinguisher
• Matches in a waterproof container

If your home has been hit by a storm or other emergency, you need to take immediate action once the storm is past. A quick response is essential to mitigating storm damage to your home. 

Here at SERVPRO of Stoneham / Wakefield, we follow our 1-4-8 Service Response Guidelines, which are as follows (note: exceptions may apply under certain conditions):

• We will contact you within 1 hour from being notified of your damage to arrange for service
• We will be on-site within 4 hours of notification to begin storm damage mitigation services
• We will provide a verbal briefing of the scope within 8 business hours of our on-site arrival

Are you looking for a company to help restore your home after storm damage? Reach out to the Massachusetts storm damage remediation experts at SERVPRO of Stoneham / Wakefield, who specialize in storm and flood damage restoration. Our team is highly trained and certified and we use state-of-the-art equipment to restore your property to its pre-storm condition.

Document Drying: Use the Right Technology

7/17/2021 (Permalink)

When you’re dealing with a burst pipe or a broken window from a storm, your first priority is either turning off the water or boarding up that window. Once you’ve done that, it’s time to deal with getting the water out of your home and the resulting water damage, which can include damage to paperwork that you have out, like a marriage or birth certificate, insurance policy, or even letters from long ago that you’ve been saving to re-read. 

You may have heard that you can dry out paper by leaving it in the sun. In reality, that only works when you get a little bit of water on a book, and even then, the pages could wind up sticking together.

You also shouldn’t use a dehumidifier to dry out your documents. That does work to suck out the moisture from a room, but it doesn’t work on documents. Instead, the dehumidifier can instead cause your water-damaged documents to become even more brittle than if they were left to dry out in the sun.

So, what can you do to save your water-damaged documents? Turn to the Massachusetts document restoration team at SERVPRO of Stoneham / Wakefield. We use state-of-the art technology in the form of vacuum freeze drying to dry your precious documents. In fact, it’s the same technique that the Library of Congress uses to dry out water-damaged books. 

What’s Vacuum Freeze Drying?

With vacuum freeze drying, an item (your document or documents) that contains moisture is frozen and dried using various vacuums and pressures to achieve sublimation. What’s sublimation? That is the direct conversion of a solid (ice) into a gas (water vapor) without going through the liquid stage, which would cause further damage to your documents.

Our document drying technology is the only method approved by both the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) and the General Services Administration (GSA). 

Here at SERVPRO of Stoneham / Wakefield, our standard document drying time is seven to ten days, although time frames may vary based on the moisture content and any backlog. Reach out to the Massachusetts document restoration experts at SERVPRO of Stoneham / Wakefield to save your water-damaged documents.

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.

How to Find the Right Storm Damage Recovery Team

7/12/2021 (Permalink)

When you think of states that suffer from intense storms and natural disasters, you probably think of tornadoes in the midwest (thanks, “Wizard of Oz”); hurricanes in the south; and earthquakes out in California. However, here in Massachusetts, we can also fall victim to storms. They might not be as prevalent as other states, but they are certainly intense.

Just think back to when Halloween was cancelled in many states thanks to a blizzard, or that microburst that caused power to be out for over a week for many across the state. Not to mention the hailstorms that can hit even in summer.

When a storm hits and your house suffers storm damage, you don’t want to leave the cleanup, restoration, or rebuild to just anyone. Yes, there’s some storm damage cleaning and repair work you can do yourself, like replacing a screen window that gets torn from a tree branch during a windstorm. That’s easy enough. Right?  

Stop for a moment. Was your glass window open at any time when the screen window was torn? If water got into your home through the tear in your window screen, you could have resulting water damage that leads to mildew or mold.

In order to not make things worse during your storm damage repairs and clean up, you should hire a trained storm damage remediation specialist, including one that has certified employees.

Here at SERVPRO of Stoneham / Wakefield, our water and storm damage specialists have the advanced training, certification, and knowledge to restore your property quickly. We use scientific drying principles and provide validation and documentation that your property is dry and the job is complete.

What does our employee certification entail? The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) sets the certification standards for the cleaning and restoration industries. Our trained storm damage professionals study IICRC standards and best practices in water and storm restoration, fire restoration, mold remediation, carpet and upholstery cleaning, and other cleaning and restoration courses.

Looking to see what our customers have said about our storm damage remediation? Diane B in Reading, MA noted, “When our home was damaged from an ice storm in January, SERVPRO was there to resolve the issues.  The crew was able to isolate the damage and dry the areas quickly.  SERVPRO was very professional, prompt and polite.”

Are you looking for a company to help restore your home after storm damage? Reach out to the Massachusetts storm damage remediation experts at SERVPRO of Stoneham / Wakefield. We have state of the art technology that will help you clean up after a storm and restore your house to its pre-storm glory.

Prep for Your Next Open House with a Pre-Clean

7/12/2021 (Permalink)

Help make your listing stand out and ensure potential buyers feel safe with a preemptive cleaning from SERVPRO!

The Massachusetts housing market remains on an upwards climb, with the number of sales of single-family homes climbing 12 percent from last year and currently five percent ahead of the figure for two years ago, according to the Greater Boston Association of Realtors. With the real estate boon, real estate companies are finding themselves busier than ever. 

However, when you’re planning an open house for your latest sellers, you might want to consider that people may still be antsy about being inside a house and touching surfaces that have been touched by people they don’t know. 

What can you do? If your sellers are okay with it, consider having their house professionally pre-cleaned and disinfected with the highest standard of care and clean. As a plus side, this is also something you can offer as a selling point to sellers when you’re describing why they should choose your real estate company. 

What’s involved in an open house pre-clean and disinfectant? Well, we can’t speak for anyone else, but here at SERVPRO of Stoneham / Wakefield, 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 seller’s home 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 home, adhering to the leading level of cleaning and decontamination standards set by the CDC.

Our cleaners will also thoroughly disinfect commonly touched surfaces, like doors, refrigerator doors, and countertops, while making sure to use cleaning products that won’t mar stainless steel surfaces. 

Once your seller’s home has been cleaned, you’ll receive a shield, digital emblems, and other collateral that shows the home is Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned. It serves as a beacon to help potential buyers feel safe coming into the home to see if it’s their perfect next home. At the same time, it promotes your real estate company as being one that is concerned about the safety of customers.

As an added bonus, you could also offer to have the seller’s home disinfected and cleaned after the open house so they’ll feel better coming back into their home after strangers have been there. 

Are you looking for a company to pre-clean a home before your next open house? Reach out to the Massachusetts commercial cleaning experts at SERVPRO of Stoneham / Wakefield. We have state of the art technology that will help you pre-clean your seller’s home and make it the best on the block!

Grilling Safety Tips

6/15/2021 (Permalink)

When this grill caught fire on a deck, it nearly burned down the entire house. Remember to stay safe and alert while grilling!

“Hot girl summer” may be a popular term right now, but it’s “hot GRILL summer” that’s always in style. To that end, let’s talk about how to grill safely to prevent house fires. 

Did you know that 10,600 home fires are caused by a grill each year, on average, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)? Many of these house fires could have been prevented. Here’s what you need to know about grilling safely.

• Although they take more time to grill, charcoal grills only accounted for 12% of the grill house fires, while gas grills caused 84% of the fires. 
• For gas grill fires, a common denominator was a leak or break in the gas line. Make sure that you examine your grill’s gas line for any tears (possibly by hail damage) before you start it for the first time in the grilling season.
• Keep your grill clean. Grills that had not been cleaned resulted in 29% of the house fires. 
• Your grill should always be placed away from your house, and certainly not right next to the side of your house. The last thing you want is a grease fire or explosion to occur on your grill, which then quickly engulfs your home.

If you’ve unfortunately had to deal with grill fire damage, you probably know that SERVPRO can help you with smoke and soot cleanup. But did you know that we also have a full construction division, run by Construction Manager Noel Torrissi, that can help you rebuild after you’ve gone through the checklist of after the fire tasks. 

Our professional team at SERVPRO of Stoneham / Wakefield can simplify your grill-caused fire damage restoration process by helping you with the remediation and rebuilding. Using one expert company for all of your fire damage rebuilding 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 Stoneham / Wakefield for an assessment of your grill fire damage in Massachusetts along with a plan for remediation and rebuilding to bring your home back to its pre-grill fire state.

How to Find Hidden Water Damage in Your Home

6/10/2021 (Permalink)

TLC advised us all to not chase waterfalls. That advice should be ignored when the waterfalls are outside because they’re picturesque and should be visited. However, you do not want to see waterfalls in your home in the form of a leaking ceiling. 

That’s a clear sign of water damage that you can see, and you know that you need to take care of it. However, there’s another form that isn’t as obvious as a waterfall in your living room. That type is hidden water damage behind your walls, in your rugs, or inside your ceiling. 

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 Stoneham / Wakefield. 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, including drying out precious documents.

Help Parishioners Feel Safe Attending Church Services

5/28/2021 (Permalink)

People have always wanted a sense of community and to be around other people, and nowhere is that more true than gathering for a church service. However, the pandemic changed that quite a bit. According to the Q3 UnStuck Church Report, attendance is back at only 36% of what attendance numbers were pre-pandemic. 

In-person church services provide more of a sense of community and belonging than virtual services, but the fears can outweigh those benefits, prompting people to stay home. 

How can you help your church parishioners feel safe attending church services in person? One way to do so is to have your church deep cleaned and certified as having received a thorough preventative deep cleaning. 

At SERVPRO Stoneham / Wakefield we offer “Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned,” which is our proactive viral pathogen deep cleaning. This level of cleaning goes beyond standard janitorial or carpet cleaning thanks to our over 50 years of experience in biochemical spill remediation and decontamination. 

What’s involved in Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned? Your church administrator will meet with us for a consultation to discuss your church’s cleaning needs. Then, using our proprietary EPA-Approved Hospital-Grade cleaning solutions, our certified cleaners will clean your church, adhering to the leading level of cleaning and decontamination standards set by the CDC.

Once your church has been thoroughly cleaned, you’ll receive a shield, digital emblems, and other collateral that shows your church is Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned. This material will help you bring parishioners back safely into your church’s flock.

Are you looking for a company to professionally clean your church? Reach out to the Massachusetts commercial cleaning experts at SERVPRO of Stoneham / Wakefield. We have state of the art technology that will be used to deep clean your church and help your parishioners feel better about attending in-person church services.

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.

Repairing and Rebuilding after Hail Damage

5/21/2021 (Permalink)

If you’re new to Massachusetts, you probably think hail only falls in the winter. That would make sense since it’s made of ice and water, right? Yes, hail storms can happen in the winter, but they can also happen in the summer. We even had hail, and reported hail damage to homes, last August. 

Has a hail storm hit recently and that’s why you were looking for and found this blog? Consider this your action item to get up and walk around the outside of your house, looking closely for these indicators of hail damage:

• Holes or gaps in your vinyl siding
• Dents, chips, or cracks on your roof
• Holes in your gutters
• Dents or holes on your deck

Unless you get up on a ladder, you’re not going to be able to see hail damage to your roof. But you can tell if there’s been major hail damage if pieces of your roof’s shingles are lying on the ground. 

Why is this so important? Any hail damage holes, either in your siding or in the roof of your home, can become entry points for rain water to cause water damage and mold. They’re also entryways for bugs or creatures to get inside your home. 

If the only damage is small holes in your vinyl siding, you could try your hand at repairing that yourself with a vinyl siding repair kit or exterior caulking that matches the original siding color. 

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

Our professional team at SERVPRO of Stoneham / Wakefield can simplify your hail damage restoration process by helping you with the remediation and rebuilding. 

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

How to Dry Out Water Damaged Documents

5/14/2021 (Permalink)

When you’re dealing with water damage in your home from a basement flood; a burst pipe; or a busted washing machine, your immediate focus is how to get the water to stop and get it out of your home. 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 Stoneham / Wakefield. 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). 

We also use gamma irradiation (no, it’s not the same thing as gamma radiation that you probably first learned about due to the Incredible Hulk) technology to safely and effectively sterilize and remove any bacteria from water damaged documents that were involved in a flood or septic tank backup.

Thinking ahead and you want to ensure you have copies of your priceless photos and documents? We also offer the creation of digital versions of your documents that you can access at the touch of a button.

Did you find this blog after a flood or burst pipe that resulted in water damaged documents? We’re your local Massachusetts document drying experts. Contact us here at SERVPRO of Stoneham / Wakefield for help with your water damage remediation.

Fireworks Safety Tips for Your Home

5/8/2021 (Permalink)

Treat used sparklers and firecrackers like matches. Don't leave them lying around, and douse them with water to be sure they won't relight.

The Fourth of July is a time to spend time outside with family and friends, celebrate America’s freedom, enjoy delicious food and drinks (while grilling safely!), listen to music, and watch the brilliant fireworks explode in the air. 

Are you planning on foregoing town fireworks and shooting off fireworks or using sparklers in your own backyard? Be careful. According to the National Safety Council, fireworks start an average of 18,500 fires each year, including 1,300 home fires.

Yes, some of these fires were caused by people using illegal or professional fireworks, but others were due to sparklers or small firecrackers. In the wrong hands, even safe sparklers can wreak havoc with your home and cause fire damage.

The first rule of thumb should be to not use illegal or professional fireworks in your home or backyard. Period. Leave the professional fireworks to the professionals. 

Regarding small firecrackers or sparklers, here are some tips to keep your home safe from fireworks (or gender reveal pyrotechnic devices) fire damage:

• Don’t let young children use them at all. Older children should be supervised by a sober adult. 
• Yes, you shouldn’t drink and drive, but you also shouldn’t drink and firework, as your judgment and vision can both be impaired, which can lead to a fire disaster. 
• Set firecrackers and sparklers off away from the direction of your home or anyone else’s home.
• Don’t use firecrackers and sparklers inside as your curtains and other furnishings could catch fire.
• Keep a bucket of water nearby. That way, when you’re done with the sparklers and firecrackers, you can douse them in the water rather than just leaving them around your backyard, where they could reactivate and set fire to brush or your home.

If your Fourth of July fireworks caused fire damage in your home, you need the help of your local Massachusetts fire damage restoration experts. Contact us here at SERVPRO of Stoneham / Wakefield for help with your fire damage remediation and rebuilding.

Biohazard Cleanup for Your Medical Office

4/29/2021 (Permalink)

In a medical office, you have to deal with and dispose of biohazardous waste and objects every day, in the form of tubes of blood; bodily fluids; used syringes and needles; contaminated gloves and other Personal Protective Equipment (PPE); drugs; used specimen slides; and more. 

You have procedures and policies for disposing of these biohazardous substances, but accidents can happen in your medical office that lead to a biohazard emergency. 

If that happens, there are cleaning and disinfection steps you need to follow (as well as having employees tested for potential exposure) to reduce further biohazard exposure to your medical staff and anyone who visits your medical office. 

First, immediately block off or close the area where the biohazard incident happened and provide medical attention to any members of your medical staff or patients that were impacted by the biohazard. 

Then, reach out immediately to a biohazard clean up specialist, who’s trained in OSHA guidelines on how to clean up blood, infectious substances, and other materials that could spread pathogens if they’re left alone, or only wiped up with a paper towel. 

Is biohazardous waste or a biohazard spill really something that you really want your usual staff to have to clean? Do you have the PPE 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 part of the biohazard incident. 

Who can you trust for your medical office biohazard clean up? Trust our disaster recovery experts at SERVPRO of Stoneham / Wakefield. We have received specialized training in hazardous 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 biohazard cleanup professionals in Massachusetts will assess your medical office and follow OSHA guidelines and protocols for biohazardous remediation and clean up to make it safe for your medical office to reopen.

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.” 

Lightning Strikes: Damage Repair Tips

4/24/2021 (Permalink)

This photo of Wakefield's First Baptist Church from The Boston Globe shows the true extent of the damage a lightening strike can do.

A rain, lightning, and thunderstorm can be soothing and peaceful to watch, but that sense of peace can quickly leave if a bolt of lightning strikes your house. You’ll hear it with a sound that’s akin to an explosion, and your power will most likely go out. 

What do you do after lightning strikes your house and you’ve ensured that no one in your house has been hurt? The first thing you need to do is see if that lightning storm has caused a fire in your house. You’ll either see the fire or smell smoke or a burnt, charred smell. 

If either is the case, get out of your house safely and call the fire department to handle the situation. Once you’re able to be safely back in the house, you’ll want to take care of the resulting smoke and soot damage by hiring a fire damage restoration expert, like SERVPRO. 

If there isn’t a fire, there may still be an impact to the wiring in your house from the bolt of lightning. Look for any of these issues of wiring issues in your house, and have an electrician take a look ASAP to prevent a house fire: 

• A burning smell, electronic burning odor, or odd odor near your outlets. This is one of the primary warning signals of faulty wiring. If you smell a pungent burning aroma, turn off the power immediately and call an electrician. The electricity may have arced inside the panel, causing a scorched electrical outlet. 
• Flickering or dimming lights. 
• An outlet that’s hot to the touch. Your electrical outlet and light switch should never be hot when you touch it. 

If you need help with your lightning storm damage restoration, especially if it resulted in a fire, take a look at the steps of our fire damage restoration process, which includes removal of soot and smoke from all surfaces. Contact us here at SERVPRO of Stoneham / Wakefield for an assessment of your fire damage in Massachusetts.

Is Your Ceiling Damp? What to Do?

4/17/2021 (Permalink)

This local homeowner recently found themselves with a damp ceiling in their kitchen and called our team to help with the restoration process.

Have you recently glanced up at your ceiling and seen what looks like a shadow and touched it only to realize it’s a damp spot? Or wondered when one spot of your ceiling transformed into a popcorn ceiling with little dots or bubbles all over it? 

We hate to be the bearer of bad news, but either of those are signs that you have water in your ceiling, or too much moisture in the room that has nowhere to escape. The moisture issue typically happens in a room with a lot of humidity, like your bathroom or a closet that has an outside wall. 

Note: If your damp ceiling is due to a leak in your roof, or a burst pipe, your first priority should be to fix that by calling a roofer or plumber because that’s not an issue of moisture not being able to escape the room. You don’t want to leave it and have to deal with unrepaired water damage. 

Here’s what you should do if you think it’s a moisture issue before calling in your local Massachusetts water damage restoration pros to evaluate and remediate your water damage situation. 

• Invest in a dehumidifier for the room and leave it running (emptying it frequently) to dry out the room
• Aim a fan directly at the spot on the ceiling where you’ve seen moisture
• Do you keep the door of this room closed most of the time? Open it more often to let the air and moisture circulate instead of getting stuck in the room
• Open the windows of the room when you can for further air circulation and moisture reduction 
• Does this room have an outside wall? Add further insulation to the room above and below the room 

Have you not noticed the moisture or damp ceiling until it became a mold or water damage issue? Contact us here at SERVPRO of Stoneham / Wakefield for an assessment of your water damage in Massachusetts. We offer a six-step water damage restoration process.

How to Remove Smoke and Soot After a Fire

4/12/2021 (Permalink)

Our team of certified professionals know how to clean smoke and soot damage that result from a fire. Look at those results!

When there’s a fire inside your home, you want it to be one that you know about, such as a fire flickering in your fireplace on a snowy day, a three-wick candle wafting a pleasant aroma (maybe cinnamon or lemon) into the air, or on a match as you light a birthday cake. Those fires are all fine inside your house. But, unfortunately, home fires do happen and can occur by many different causes, like a kitchen fire or your dryer. 

Here are tips for home fire damage clean up in Massachusetts, specifically for smoke and soot remnants, after the fire trucks have left and you’ve called your insurance company: 

• Assess the damage. Was the fire damage to your home contained to one spot, like the stove; one room; an entire floor; or your entire house? 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 home. 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 home. 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 home fire damage restoration, take a look at the steps of our fire damage restoration process, which includes removal of soot and smoke from all surfaces. Contact us here at SERVPRO of Stoneham / Wakefield for an assessment of your fire damage in Massachusetts.

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

How to Fix Cracked Office Complex Windows

3/22/2021 (Permalink)

Have you ever been driving and had a rock hit your windshield, resulting in a crack that’s smaller than a quarter? This happens often, especially on our construction-heavy Massachusetts roads. Once there’s a small crack in your windshield, it’s just a matter of time before that crack spreads like a spider web across your windshield, so it’s best to get it replaced as soon as possible. 

The same is true if there’s a wind or hail storm that causes tiny specks of damage or cracks to a window in your office complex. If you don’t take care of that commercial storm damage when you see a crack, you run the risk of rain getting into your office through the window, causing water or flood damage, along with mold and mildew if the water isn’t taken care of quickly. 

Another risk from cracked office windows comes in the form of safety, as it’s a lure to burglars looking to break into your office. If the crack spreads overnight and shatters your window, that provides an easy entryway for anyone that wants to gain access to your office’s records, computers, and other items. 

So, what can you do if you see a crack and can’t get it repaired right away? Here are some options:

• Place a tarp securely over the window on the outside
• Place thick packing tape over the crack on each side of the window
• Board up the window with a large piece or pieces of plywood
• Use a windshield adhesive that you can purchase at a store

In order to fix the cracked office window completely, you’ll need an epoxy solution with hardener and resin. It’s recommended to leave replacing a cracked window to a professional, as you don’t want to make the crack worse or damage the frame of your window in any way.

Need help with your commercial storm damage that resulted in a cracked window? Trust our Massachusetts commercial storm damage experts at SERVPRO Stoneham/Wakefield to help you with storm remediation, including an assessment and restoration.

What Can Unrepaired Water Damage do to Your House?

3/17/2021 (Permalink)

The paint on this kitchen ceiling started to peel as a result of water damage.

If your house is hit by a flood, burst pipe, clogged drain, or water overflow from clogged gutters, the water damage can range from a small leak to a true flood in your basement, laundry room, kitchen, or bathroom. For a flood, it seems obvious that the water damage needs to be repaired. However, if it’s a small leak, you might think you can just wipe up the water and that it will be fine. 

Here’s what you need to know about what the water damage from “just a small leak” could do to your house?

• Mold damage. Any water residue that’s left behind after a water event can quickly become mold. 
• Ceiling damage. Did a pipe burst and water dripped into a downstairs room? Even when the pipe is fixed, the water can still affect the ceiling, causing mold inside the ceiling, bubbles to appear in the paint of the ceiling from where the water is trying to come through, or part of the ceiling to cave in due to the water damage. 
• Electrical damage. Just like water and oil don’t mix, water and electricity sure don’t mix. Instead, they can spark disaster if they come into contact with each other. If there’s water inside your walls, you won’t know what electric wires are nearby until you have a professional assessment.
• Wood and drywall damage. Just because you can’t see what’s happening inside your wall, that doesn’t mean the water damage hasn’t occurred. 
• Foundation damage. That leftover puddle in your basement isn’t just a pool for mosquitoes. Instead, it can also erode the concrete foundation of your home over time, slowly eating away at the floor and causing a hole or holes. These holes can impact the structural foundation of your house. 

Need some help with your water damage remediation in Massachusetts from a company you can trust? Contact our restoration experts at SERVPRO Stoneham/Wakefield for a water damage assessment. We have the technology to see water and water damage in your home that isn’t visible to your eye.

What to do After a Flood in Your Municipality Office

3/12/2021 (Permalink)

Water is a welcome sound, and can be soothing, when it’s raining outside your City Hall municipal office window. It’s not so soothing, though, when you hear water dripping from your government office’s sprinkler system or a burst pipe in the ceiling or wall. 

If the flood occurs while you’re in the office, shut off power and get everyone in the office outside, or at least away from the flooded room or rooms. Then, it’s time to deal with the commercial flood damage in your government office.

What’s first? Handle the water. This could be as simple as putting down a bucket, if there’s a leak in the ceiling, or turning off the main water valve to as much as needing to clean up water that has seeped into carpeting through your whole office. 

In a municipality office, flood damage could also impact government records that are still in paper form sitting in filing cases or cardboard boxes. Your next step after shutting off the water valve is to get paper documents out of the way of the water and move them to a dry space. If any papers have been exposed to the water, try to set them out in the sun to dry them out, or you can talk to a flood damage remediation company in Massachusetts like us that have the latest in drying technology.

Reaching out to a commercial flood damage restoration company is your best choice to remediate a large flood in a timely manner, as any moment that your government office is closed is a time that you can’t aid your city or town. In order to deal quickly with a municipality office flood, contact our commercial flood damage experts at SERVPRO Stoneham/Wakefield. We can help you get your municipal offices back in working order, and remediate flood damage to your office walls, carpeting, or ceilings.

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 781-245-0011!

How to Waterproof Your Basement

3/3/2021 (Permalink)

If you find yourself underwater, give us a call today!

Fieldstone foundations are prevalent here in Massachusetts, especially in older homes, and add a rustic New England touch to a home. However, the spaces between the stones as a foundation also serve as a good entryway to your home for mice, pests, and the dreaded foe of basements: water. 

Keep in mind, though, that water can also get into a basement that doesn’t have a fieldstone foundation. Causes for this can include cracks in the walls and basement windows with wells that spring a leak. 

Should you sell your house for one with a sturdier foundation? Not at all! What you do need to do is shore up your basement to prevent water damage from leaks or floods. 

First, assess the outside of your home. Do you have flowers planted along the sides of your house that you water often? The soil of those pretty flowers could be taking the water and letting it nourish the stems while also directing the water down into the foundation of your home. 

Second, inspect your gutters and drains. They should be taking any run-off water away from your home instead of straight down or worse, tilted towards the side of your house.

Third, look at any basement windows. Is the window flat against the wall, or is there a window well there in the ground? Unless you have piping taking water away from the wells, they can easily collect water, which could seep into your basement over time. Consider adding stones or gravel into the well for a pretty display and something to fend off water. 

Lastly, for a fieldstone foundation or cracks in your walls, consider purchasing water-stop cement that you can mix to a putty and then apply it (using gloves or a knife, please) wherever there’s an open spot or crack. 

If you wind up with water damage in your basement from a cracked wall or a fieldstone foundation, contact our restoration experts at SERVPRO Stoneham/Wakefield for a water damage assessment.

Flood Restoration Basics

2/22/2021 (Permalink)

This kitchen recently experienced a flood that could have been a lot worse if they hadn't caught it before going to bed.

Hearing the sound of water gushing is great when you’re in the shower. It means your plumbing is working properly and you should be hearing it then. When you hear water gushing in your basement, or anywhere else in your house if you live in a flood zone or pipes have frozen and burst, that’s the sign of disaster in the form of a flood. 

If the flood is in your basement, you need to immediately shut off the power to the basement. Don’t have an emergency switch? Call an electrician; the electric company; or our team at SERVPRO Stoneham / Wakefield for help with getting your power shut off before you step foot into the basement to assess the flood damage. 

Next, remove as much of the water as you can. This can be done with a wet/dry vacuum, pails, a mop, cloths, or paper towels depending upon the amount of water. As you’re removing the water, open up any doors that can be opened without more water coming in to help the water get out of the room and aid in drying out the room. 

Does the room have carpeting or a rug? Take that off the floor and set it outside to dry, unless it’s raining outside. If that’s the case, set it in a non-flooded room like the bathroom so it won’t damage anything else and attend to that after the water has been removed. 

You also want to remove any furniture or clothing that’s in the flooded room to get that dried and assessed for damage before mildew or mold sets in.

In order to deal quickly with flood damage assessment and restoration, contact our flood damage experts at SERVPRO Stoneham/Wakefield. We can help you get your home back to its dry state, and remedy any flood damage that has occurred to walls, flooring, or ceilings.

How to Handle Mold in Your Warehouse or Office

2/22/2021 (Permalink)

You may think of mold as something you have to worry about in your house, but it can also show up where you work. 

Even if you don’t see spots of mold anywhere, it could be hiding in your office or warehouse’s HVAC system; ceiling tiles; carpet; or wallboard. 

What could cause mold in your facility? If the mold is in your carpet, it could be caused by something as simple as someone dropping their coffee or water onto the carpet and thinking that just patting it with a paper towel will clean it all up. 

Other sources for an office or warehouse mold outbreak are plumbing issues; leaks in your roof or windows; a flood; and kitchens that don’t have proper ventilation to release steam from cooked foods. 

In a warehouse, you have the added issue of items being stored that may have been exposed to moisture before they were put into a storage box and then grow mold that seeps into the air. 

For hidden mold, you’ll be able to detect it by the strong smell of must or mildew in the air, which is one sure sign that you need mold removed.

If you want to take care of the mold remediation yourself, use a cleaning solution that is made for mold, like bleach or an anti-fungal spray. You should also use disposable cloth to dry the area and then safely dispose of that cloth immediately. 

Make sure that the room you’re cleaning is well-ventilated with open windows and doors, and that you’re wearing a mask, eye protection, and rubber gloves.  

What should you do if you see or smell mold and don’t want to handle it yourself? Contact our mold remediation and mold removal experts SERVPRO Stoneham/Wakefield. We are professionally trained in mold removal and can effectively assess the mold damage in your warehouse or office. After our assessment, we will move on to mold containment, air filtration, cleaning and sanitizing, and then mold restoration.

How to Prevent Kitchen Fires

2/11/2021 (Permalink)

Think about the last party you attended, back when we could safely have parties. If you’re like most people, you probably spent it mingling near the food, so you were in the kitchen. Kitchens are one of the most often visited rooms of a house for a reason. They’re homey and are where the delicious food is, so why wouldn’t you spend time there creating meals or grabbing a snack? 

However, the kitchen is also where things could go wrong in a flash. The National Fire Incident Reporting System states that there are roughly 188,800 kitchen fires every year. The majority of those fires were preventable. 

What can you do to protect your home from the soot and smoke of a kitchen fire? 

First, make sure that you have a working fire extinguisher and a fire/smoke alarm near or right in your kitchen. Yes, you’ll wind up with what we call the “dinner’s ready bell” of the smoke alarm going off sometimes while cooking, but it’s far better to be safe than sorry. 

Second, never leave food unattended while you’re cooking. It’s too easy for something to char in the oven if you’re baking at high heat, or grease to splatter when you step away. As a side note, if you have a grease fire, do NOT throw water at it. Cover the flame with a metal lid and, only if it’s small, pour baking soda or salt on it to end the fire. 

Third, never use your oven as a storage unit for anything but cookie sheets. There have been too many stories of new parents putting plastic toys away in an oven to hide them from sight when people visit, only to forget when they turn on the oven -- or worse when a toddler is learning to walk and turns the knobs in the process. 

Do you have residual smoke and soot from a kitchen fire? Contact us here at SERVPRO of Stoneham / Wakefield for an assessment on 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)

A local basement that experienced flooding as a result of a water damage.

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)

An example of a flooded basement.

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 Stoneham/Wakefield, please call us at 781-245-0011. 

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 Stoneham/Wakefield 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 use.

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 Stoneham/Wakefield. 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 Stoneham/Wakefield 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 Stoneham/Wakefield 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 Saffir-Simpson Scale is used to measure the size and effects of hurricanes on the Atlantic. The qualifying factors are illustrated above.

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 (@SERVPROStoneham) 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 Stoneham/Wakefield is here to help. Call us at 781-245-0011 to schedule an estimate.

Meet Sue Hamel

4/6/2020 (Permalink)

More than forty years ago, Sue and her husband opened SERVPRO of Haverhill/Newburyport and SERVPRO of Danvers/Ipswich. 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.

Commercial Cleaning & Restoration

4/2/2020 (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 Stoneham/Wakefield 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

Give us a call at 781-245-0011 for a free estimate!

Every Second Counts

4/2/2020 (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 Stoneham/Wakefield 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 – (781) 245-0011

5 Tips for a Flooded Basement

4/2/2020 (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.

Spring Weather Tips

4/2/2020 (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 Stoneham/Wakefield immediately. SERVPRO of Stoneham/Wakefield 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 (781) 245-0011, and we’ll return your home back to normal, "Like it never even happened."

Meet Donna Sutherby

4/2/2020 (Permalink)

#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.

Meet Linda Rousseau

4/2/2020 (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.

Noel Employee Spotlight

4/1/2020 (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! 

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 Stoneham/Wakefield, (781) 245-0011. 

Your Guide to Roof Repair After Hail & Heavy Winds Damage Your Shingles

9/23/2019 (Permalink)

Hail damaged shingles.

Everyone loves a good end-of-summer storm, but when the nights grow cool and the winds grow stronger, those nice summer storms turn into damaging tempests. Hail, heavy winds and torrential rains may be exciting to watch from within, but they're harmful to a home's structure. If your roof was recently the victim of hail and wind damage, you may be able to get away with a small roof repair—or you may be forced to invest in roof replacement. A quality inspection can give you an indication of which you will need:

• Have your roof tested to determine its existing condition and life expectancy.
• Have a moisture survey of your roof done.
• Let a professional roofer assess the extent of the damage—is it just a patch or it is the entire roof?
• Request a weather impact condition report to see if your roof was even subject to the hail.

When searching for a roofing company, make sure that it offers each of the above services.

Sensing Water in Your Home That You Can't See

9/23/2019 (Permalink)

The proper equipment makes a measurable difference in reducing the damage expense during a fire or water loss.

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 Stoneham/ Wakefield 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 Stoneham/ Wakefield will answer your call with fast action and a full arsenal of drying equipment. Here are a few of the tools used by your local SERVPRO® Franchise Professionals.

• Moisture Sensors are used to detect moisture in carpets, baseboards and Moisture Meters 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 Stoneham/ Wakefield 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 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 spots.
• 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 Stoneham/ Wakefield (781-245-0011) has the training and equipment to help make it "Like it never even happened."

When Disaster Strikes, SERVPRO Strikes Back With Solutions

9/23/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Stoneham/Wakefield professionals put you back in control of your business after water, mold or fire damage.

When a disaster strikes, it is never welcomed. Such an event can disrupt business and ruin the lives of those involved. SERVPRO of Stoneham/Wakefield can provide immediate response. Our plan of action for you is already in place. The faster we arrive on site to perform water and smoke clean-up, the better your results and the lower your costs.

Immediate response time is important. SERVPRO of Stoneham/Wakefield professionals will contact you or your insured to arrange for service within one hour. Within four hours of loss notification, we will be on site to start mitigation services. A preliminary report of the loss will be given to the appropriate person within eight business hours.

SERVPRO offers:

• 24 Hours A Day, 365 Days A Year
• Over 35 Years Years Experience
• Dehumidification Services
• Deodorization and Odor Removal
• Contents and Structural Cleaning
• Electronics and High Tech Equipment Restoration
• Immediate Disaster Response
• Standardized Documentation
• Electronic Claims Handling
• HVAC and Ductwork

Does Your Company Have an Evacuation Plan for Employees?

9/20/2019 (Permalink)

Universal symbol of Evacuation

On their website, The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) provides important safety information as well as life saving tips for employers to share with their employees should it be necessary to evacuate a building in the event of an emergency. It is worth taking a look, you will be surprised at what you learn! Check it out.  https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/etools/evacuation/evac.html

  And although an emergency escape plan is not required for all businesses, OSHA highly recommends that you provide an emergency action plan to protect yourself, your employees, and your business space during an emergency situation. Here are some tips:

  A disorganized evacuation can result in confusion, injury, and property damage. When developing your emergency action plan, it is important to determine the following:

• Conditions under which an evacuation would be necessary.

• Conditions under which it may be better to shelter-in-place.

• A clear chain of command and designation of the person in your business authorized to order an evacuation or shutdown.

• Specific evacuation procedures, including routes and exits.

• Specific evacuation procedures for high-rise buildings.

• For Employers

• For Employees

• Procedures for assisting visitors and employees to evacuate, particularly those with disabilities or who do not speak English.

• Designation of what, if any, employees will remain after the evacuation alarm to shut down critical operations or perform other duties before evacuating.

• A means of accounting for employees after an evacuation.

• Special equipment for employees.

• Appropriate respirators.

During development and implementation of your draft plan, think about all possible emergency situations and evaluate your workplace to see if it complies with OSHA's emergency standards.

    Emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we. SERVPRO of Stoneham/ Wakefield  provides emergency cleaning and restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—including all holidays. You can expect an immediate response time, day or night.

Need Emergency Service? Call Us 24/7 – (781) 245-0011

Smoke Alarms

9/19/2019 (Permalink)

When there is a fire, smoke spreads fast. Working smoke alarms give you early warning so you can get outside quickly.

Smoke alarms save lives. Smoke alarms that are properly installed and maintained play a vital role in reducing fire deaths and injuries. If there is a fire in your home, smoke spreads fast and you need smoke alarms to give you time to get out. 

Here's what you need to know!

• A closed door may slow the spread of smoke, heat and fire. Install smoke alarms in every sleeping room and outside each separate sleeping area. Install alarms on every level of the home. 
• Smoke alarms should be interconnected. When one sounds, they all sound. 
• Large homes may need extra smoke alarms.
• Test your smoke alarms at least once a month. Press the test button to be sure the alarm is working.
• There are two kinds of alarms. Ionization smoke alarms are quicker to warn about flaming fires. Photoelectric alarms are quicker to warn about smoldering fires. It is best to use of both types of alarms in the home.
• When a smoke alarm sounds, get outside and stay outside.
• Replace all smoke alarms in your home every 10 years.

More about installation and maintenance of home smoke alarms.

Classes of Mold

9/18/2019 (Permalink)

Not all forms of mold are harmful. However, excessive amounts of mold, or exposure to mold by some people may present health problems.

Like we always say, mold is everywhere and not all molds are harmful to us! Molds are often found in wet, damp places and can vary in color and smell. Mold is put into different categories based on their hazard:

Hazard Class C: While this group of molds are not health hazards – they can cause structural damages, and are recommended to be removed.

Hazard Class B: These are molds that if endured over long periods of time can cause allergic reactions

Hazard Class A: These are the molds we want to identify and remove immediately! These molds create toxins and if not handle correctly the air quality of a structure with steadily decline.

If you feel like your home or business might be affected by mold, give us a call at 781-245-0011. While we cannot determine what type of mold it may be – we can remediate it with no worry!

Commercial Water Damage

9/17/2019 (Permalink)

Water damage remediation in a commercial setting.

Sprinkler systems can be a common source of water damage in commercial facilities. While their benefits far outweigh their cons, both properly and improperly working sprinkler systems can contribute to a flooded facility. In this case, a fire in an adjacent building caused the sprinkler system in this building to go off over the weekend. The sprinkler shut-off was eventually found but not until the damage had affected 36,000 sq ft of the facility. If this was your facility, what would you do?

Choose a Trained Professional

When your facility is affected, it is important to call a commercial drying specialist such as SERVPRO of Stoneham/ Wakefield.  At SERVPRO of Stoneham/ Wakefield, we understand that every hour closed leads to an hour lost of productivity and potential revenue. Commercial damage restoration produces unique challenges so it is very important to choose a trained professional with a proven track record. At SERVPRO of Stoneham/ Wakefield, we will respond immediately to your damage regardless of size or scope. When your facility is affected, no job is too big or too small. If your find yourself in this situation, call SERVPRO of Stoneham/ Wakefield at 781-245-0011.

Facts About Flooding in Your Wakefield Area

9/15/2019 (Permalink)

Even minor floods have the potential to cause major damage to a structure when not treated quickly and properly, and the cleanup is often overwhelming

Floods rank as one of the most common and widespread natural disasters in the United States. Whether you live near a coastline, along city streets, in the mountains, near a river or even in the desert, 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 stream where water is above your ankles, stop, run around and go another way Six inches of swiftly moving water can  sweep you off 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 a flood does strike your home or business, contact SERVPRO® of Stoneham/ Wakefield. 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.

When fire and water take control of your life, SERVPRO® of Stoneham/ Wakefield will help you take it back.

How to Prevent Attic Fires

9/15/2019 (Permalink)

Attic Fire

Did you know that more than 40% of attic fires are the result of electrical malfunctions?

So how do we help prevent an attic fire? Here are three things firefighters suggest you hire a professional to do:

1. Have your chimney inspected by a professional who will check the interior and exterior of the chimney, including the part running through the attic
2. Check the wiring in your attic, preferably by an electrician, looking for signs of damage, cracked insulation (wire sheathing), and exposed or disconnected wires
3. Look for signs of burning and charring in the insulation and wood

A common mistake is that everybody typically plugs in their space heaters to help supplement their heat. And then, they'll put them on a long extension cord so that they are able to reach areas with less heat. So, the longer the extension cord is, the more amperage it will draw on the circuit.

Another common fire hazard is when homeowners choose incandescent light bulbs in ceiling fixtures that is a higher voltage than required is also a fire hazard. That heat that is trapped within the light fixture goes straight up into the attic and in the wires and essentially cook the wires, starting a fire.

SERVPRO Here to Help

9/14/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Stoneham/Wakefield professionals are here to help with all of your water, fire and mold damage needs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Flooding and water damage events at Stoneham, Wakefield, Reading and North Reading 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 Stoneham/ Wakefield

SERVPRO of Stoneham/ Wakefield specializes in the cleanup and restoration of commercial and residential property after a damaging 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.

Fed Up With Foul Smelling Clothes?

9/13/2019 (Permalink)

Fed up with foul smelling clothes?

Do you store your warm weather clothes away during Autumn?  If so, this can help!

Clothes with a musty smell can usually be taken care of by using one of these common household products.

• Baking soda
• White vinegar
• Borax

Just fill your washing machine with clothes, hot water and your normal detergent. Once full, pour a cup of your selected product in and agitate to ensure it’s mixed properly. You can use a mixture of vinegar and baking soda, a half cup each.

For best results dry the clothes outside. A sunny breezy day is best. A place that gets both wind and sun is ideal.

Keep in mind, if your clothes smell musty, it’s because of mold. Our team at SERVPRO of Stoneham/Wakefield is here to help!

Will you be Ready if a Disaster Strikes?

9/11/2019 (Permalink)

It is important to prepare before a disaster occurs.

It is important to prepare before a disaster occurs. Consider the following steps to help you better prepare for an emergency situation.

• Sign up for local alerts and warnings, download apps and/ or check access for wireless emergency alerts.
• Develop and test emergency communication plans.
• Assemble or update emergency supplies.
• Learn about local hazards and conduct a drill to practice emergency response actions.
• Participate in a preparedness discussion, training or class.
• Collect and safeguard critical documents.
• Plan with neighbors to help each other and share resources.
• Document property and obtain appropriate insurance for relevant hazards.
• Make property improvements to reduce potential injury and property damage.

Emergencies can happen anytime to anyone. Take action now to protect yourself and your property.

Insurance Claims

9/11/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is the trusted choice of hundreds of insurance companies because they know we have the experience to do the job right.

What homeowners in New England need to know!

Don’t make the mistake of assuming that you and your house or condo is adequately covered. If you’re anything like the average American, you likely have less homeowners (or condo) insurance than you need to weather the storm.

According to the non-profit advocacy organization, United Policyholders, about two-thirds of U.S. homeowners would be underinsured if they were to find themselves on the wrong end of some sort of adverse weather event.

Northeast

Do you own property in New England? If so, the biggest threats—from a weather or natural disaster standpoint are floods, snow/cold temperatures, and strong winds.

If you reside in a Northeastern you will want to make sure your homeowners insurance provides for you if your home becomes a casualty of flood, snow, or wind damage. Below is a bit more about each.

Floods

Homeowners insurance usually doesn’t cover damage caused by flooding. Many Americans wrongly believe their basic home policy protects them from flood damage.

Floods are the most common of all the natural disasters in the U.S., so that could be a problem for homeowners who live in flood-prone regions.

If you reside in a high-risk area, and you obtained your mortgage from a federally regulated or insured lender, you’ll be required to buy flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program. (If you live in a moderate- or low-risk area, the government won’t force you to purchase it. Still, you can do so if your community participates in the NFIP.)

Snow

If a large amount of snow is dumped onto your roof, it very well could cause it to collapse if it doesn’t melt or isn’t removed fairly quickly.

Luckily, even if all you have is a barebones homeowners policy, you should be well protected from an insurance perspective when you go to pay for any related repairs.

Your bank account also should be safe if you’re hit by a blizzard and the strong winds that often are associated with it somehow damages your house or surrounding property. (Ripping shingles from your roof or toppling a tree that destroys your garage are two examples.)

What are some wintry situations that could prompt you to have to pay for home repairs or replacements out of your own pocket if you haven’t invested in extra endorsements or stand-alone policies? One possibility is if your pipes burst because you failed to keep your house warm enough. Another is if your basement (or some other part of your dwelling) floods after all of the snow that’s currently blanketing your lawn inevitably melts.

In the latter instance, an actual flood insurance policy—again, purchased through the NFIP—is going to be the only thing (outside of your own hard-earned cash) that will come to your rescue, so if that’s a real concern for you, you should consider going that route as soon as possible.

Cold Temperatures

When the temperature drops below the freezing point, and especially when it dips below zero degrees, it can cause pipes to burst.

High Winds

This region rarely has to deal with hurricanes but it’s no stranger to strong winds—up to 60 miles per hour, especially during the winter months. These winds can cause significant damage to dwellings and property.

The question is, is the damage produced by these winds protected by your standard homeowners policy? For the most part, it is-under the broad “windstorm peril” section of your plan, according to “If Disaster Strikes, Will You Be Covered?”

Specifically, if strong winds blow off part (or all) of your roof, or knock down a fence, or drop a tree onto your house, most of the resulting repair and replacement costs will be covered—to some extent, of course—by that form of insurance.

There are some exceptions to this rule. For example, if a particularly harsh wind storm fells one of the trees in your yard and it doesn’t damage your home or other structures in any way, you’ll have to pay to have it and any related debris removed from your property.

The above segments were adapted from the writings of Bryan Ochalla and www.upheld.org, a resource for US policy holders.

SERVPRO of Stoneham/ Wakefield reminds you to double check your policy to be sure you’re covered. Let us know how we can help. Enjoy this beautiful time of year and stay safe.

Fire Damage-What to do.

9/8/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Stoneham/Wakefield is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to clean up the aftermath of fire in your home or business.

What Can Someone Do When They Experience a Fire Loss?

Getting life back to normal when someone’s home or business has been affected by fire damage is extremely stressful. An individual may experience emotional as well as financial hardship. Loss of valuables and family keepsakes may leave a person feeling helpless. Fire in their home or a fire in their business is a terrible site for an owner to encounter.

The property owner experiencing the fire loss may find it necessary to seek help from a professional fire cleanup company. The owner may not be able to enter the property when faced with a fire in their home or a fire in their business. The strong odors from smoke damage can be harmful to their health. 

What Types of Damages Can a Fire in a Home or a Fire in a Business Cause?

Coming up against a fire in the home may become an extremely difficult situation. Types of damages an owner can expect include soot damage, smoke damage, and the air quality in the home is affected. Overall a fire loss can be an upsetting -as well as costly- experience. 

Soot damage on rugs, upholstery, and curtains may be more costly to clean. In some cases, it may be easier to replace these items. Air quality may not improve until fire cleanup begins, and odors from smoke damage are removed. Fire damage to a home or business can seem like a nightmare.

Known Dangers of Commercial Fire Damage

All fires to any structure can be dangerous. A fire in a business can spread quickly to nearby areas. Commercial fire damage may involve dangerous gasses leaking and even explosives depending on the type of business in place. If not handled quickly a commercial fire damage can result in a long-term loss. Certain substances, like combustible metals often in industrial locations can emit undesirable chemicals making the air quality problematic. 

Dealing with the aftermath of a fire in the business property can also put a dent on the finances for an owner. Especially when they solely rely on income produced from their business. 

Not only can a commercial fire damage result in the destruction of items they have invested in, but also dealing with the repairs can be extremely costly. Heavy soot damage on clothing in retail shops, for instance, cannot be sold and is a complete loss to the owners. 

Certain types of commercial fire damage may be compensated by an insurance company to help owners recover from a fire loss, however, it will likely not happen as quickly as they would like. The same can be said for homeowners that need to recover from the effects of a fire in their home. Beginning the fire cleanup process is imperative to prevent further destruction from fire damage. 

What Does a Fire Cleanup Professional Do?

Fire cleanup professionals provide a variety of services to those that have experienced a fire loss. They have the equipment to clean areas affected by soot damage, and machines that improve air quality by eliminating pervasive odors due to smoke damage. Fire damage can go beyond what a home or business owner may see. 

Visual inspection can show the soot damage around the structure, and the odors from smoke damage will affect the air quality, and the odors can linger on. An important step taken by a fire damage restoration company is to inspect behind walls and under flooring for additional fire damage. Working with a trusted company can help owners get their life back in order.

SERVPRO of Stoneham / Wakefield is here to help! For more information, please contact us at (781) 245-0011.

24 Hour Water Damage

9/6/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Stoneham/Wakefield professionals are highly trained in water removal, dehumidification and remediation.

SERVPRO of Stoneham/ Wakefield 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 - 781-245-0011

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 Stoneham/ Wakefield 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 Stoneham/ Wakefield

SERVPRO of Stoneham/ Wakefield 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.

Sewage Cleanup and Restoration

9/4/2019 (Permalink)

This bathroom was flooded with water and sewage. It is in the process of being cleaned and dried professionally.

Sewer backups should be considered an emergency since the water may contain viruses, bacteria, and other microbes that cause serious illnesses. SERVPRO of Stoneham/Wakefield have specialized training and equipment to quickly and safely clean contaminants like sewage.

Toilet Overflow or Sewer Backup?

Call Today 781-245-0011

Water damage can be classified by the three types of contaminated water. SERVPRO of Stoneham/ Wakefield will inspect your home or business to determine the appropriate plan of action for the type of water encountered.

The Three Types of Contaminated Water:

Category 1: "Clean Water"

Category 1 water is from a clean source like a broken water supply line or leaking faucet. If not treated quickly, this water can turn into category 2 or 3, depending on length of time, temperature, and contact with surrounding contaminants.

• Water from a clean source like a broken water line
• If left untreated, can degrade into category 2 or 3

Category 2: "Gray Water"

Category 2 water is contaminated and could cause discomfort or illness. Examples include washing machine overflow; toilet overflow with some urine, but no feces; or dishwasher overflow.

• May contain bacteria and viruses
• Can quickly degrade into category 3 if left untreated

Category 3: "Black Water"

Category 3 water is grossly contaminated and could cause severe illness or death if ingested and any contact should be avoided. Examples include flooding from rivers or streams, water from beyond the toilet trap, water from the toilet bowl with feces, or standing water that has begun to support microbial growth.

• May contain untreated sewage, harsh chemicals, and microbes
• Water from flooding rivers or sewer backup

24 Hour Emergency Service

Water contaminated with sewage backup should be considered an emergency situation and dealt with as quickly as possible. SERVPRO of Stoneham/ Wakefield are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. They are water damage restoration specialists with specialized training, equipment and protective gear to safely restore your home or business

Emergency Tips If You Have Fire Damage

9/3/2019 (Permalink)

Fire Damage Emergency Tips

What you can do until help arrives

After any fire damage situation, your primary focus should be safety:

• Is it safe to stay in the house?
• Electrical and "slip and fall" hazards are some of the most prevalent concerns.
• Only do activities that are safe for you to perform.
• Wet materials can be VERY heavy. Be careful!

Have A Fire or Smoke Damage Emergency? 

Call SERVPRO of Stoneham/Wakefield 781-245-0011

What To Do After A Fire

• Limit movement in the home to prevent soot particles from being embedded into upholstery and carpets.
• Keep hands clean so as not to further soil upholstery, walls and woodwork.
• Place clean towels or old linens on rugs, upholstery and carpet traffic areas.
• If electricity is off, empty freezer and refrigerator and prop doors open.
• Clean and protect chrome with light coating of petroleum jelly or oil.
• Wash houseplants on both sides of leaves.
• Change HVAC filter.
• Tape double layers of cheesecloth over air registers.

What NOT To Do After A Fire

• Don't attempt to wash any walls or painted surfaces or shampoo carpet or upholstery without contacting your SERVPRO Franchise Professional.
• Don't attempt to clean any electrical appliances that may have been close to fire, heat or water without consulting an authorized repair service.
• Don't use any canned or packaged food or beverages that may have been stored near the fire, heat or water.
• Don't turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet. The wiring may be damaged.
• Don't send garments to an ordinary dry cleaner. Improper cleaning may set smoke odor.

Emergency Ready Profile - Fire Damage

9/3/2019 (Permalink)

A fire in your home or business is nothing you ever planned on. But it is something you can plan for by calling on the fire and water, cleanup and restoration specialists at SERVPRO of Stoneham/ Wakefield at 781-245-0011. That’s where you’ll find a team of professionals who are committed to helping you develop a plan to make sure you’re ready for whatever happens. With an Emergency Ready Profile from SERVPRO of Stoneham/ Wakefield you’ll take confidence in knowing that when the things that matter most are on the line they will be too because you can’t keep fire damage from taking control of your home or business. But with an Emergency Ready Profile, you can make sure it doesn’t take control of your life. So before fire or water damage strikes, make sure you’re ready for whatever happens with SERVPRO of Stoneham/ Wakefield at 781-245-822. Helping make fire and water damage “Like it never even happened."

When Storms or Floods hit the area, SERVPRO is Ready

9/2/2019 (Permalink)

When storms hit, SERVPRO of Stoneham/Wakefield is ready.

SERVPRO of Stoneham/ Wakefield 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.

We're Highly Trained Storm Damage Specialists

As a leader in storm and water damage restoration, SERVPRO of Stoneham/ Wakefield has the specialized training and expertise to restore your home back to its pre-storm condition. Our restoration process puts an emphasis on scientific drying techniques, progress monitoring and documentation.

• Water Damage Restoration Technician
• Applied Structural Drying Technicians

Resources to Handle Floods and Storms

When storms hit the area, we can scale our resources to handle a large storm or flooding disaster. We can access equipment and personnel from a network of Franchises across the country and elite Disaster Recovery Teams that are strategically located throughout the United States.

Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today 781-245-0011.

Unexpected Water Damage Can Be Frightening

9/1/2019 (Permalink)

Imagine it is 7:00 a.m. on a Tuesday, and you walk into your office after a relaxing long weekend expecting to switch on the lights, start the coffee pot, and check your emails.

The only problem? A water pipe has burst over the weekend, dumping thousands of gallons of water over your floor, down the walls, and affecting most of the furniture in the office. You realize this problem is far beyond the reach of your shop vac.  What do you do now?

When it's your home or business that's underwater, mitigation can't wait. You need mitigation to begin yesterday. If water damage strikes you or your customers, give SERVPRO of Stoneham/ Wakefield a call immediately.

The cost of water damages can increase exponentially with time.   Wood floors warp, drywall soaks in moisture and mold develops in hard to reach areas of your home or business. The benefits of rapid mitigation by a SERVPRO® Technician are two-fold: Your costs go down as potential hazards may be avoided, and your peace of mind goes through the roof.

So if the unthinkable happens to your home or business, allow SERVPRO of Stoneham/ Wakefield to help quickly turn your "before" into a "happily ever after." Call today at (781) 245-0011.

Flood Warnings What Do They Mean?

8/30/2019 (Permalink)

Flood warnings-what do they mean?

Lately there has been flooding all over the United States: if you are unfamiliar with the difference between a flash flood warning, flood warning, and flood advisory; then read below! 

What is the difference between a Flood Watch and a Flood Warning issued by the National Weather Service?

• Flash Flood Warning: Take Action! A Flash Flood Warning is issued when a flash flood is imminent or occurring. If you are in a flood prone area move immediately to high ground. A flash flood is a sudden violent flood that can take from minutes to hours to develop. It is even possible to experience a flash flood in areas not immediately receiving rain.

• Flood Warning: Take Action! A Flood Warning is issued when the hazardous weather event is imminent or already happening. A Flood Warning is issued when flooding is imminent or occurring.

• Flood Watch: Be Prepared:A Flood Watch is issued when conditions are favorable for a specific hazardous weather event to occur. A Flood Watch is issued when conditions are favorable for flooding. It does not mean flooding will occur, but it is possible.

• Flood Advisory: Be Aware: An Flood Advisory is issued when a specific weather event that is forecast to occur may become a nuisance. A Flood Advisory is issued when flooding is not expected to be bad enough to issue a warning. However, it may cause significant inconvenience, and if caution is not exercised, it could lead to situations that may threaten life and/or property.

Information from http://www.floodsafety.noaa.gov/

Best Practices for Dealing with Contaminated Water

8/28/2019 (Permalink)

An example of contaminated water.

Do’s & Don’ts: Damage From Contaminated Water

Do:

                Avoid all contact with sewage and items and contaminated by sewage.

                Wash your hands thoroughly after contact with contaminated items.

Don’t:

                Spread contaminated water by walking unnecessarily on damaged or wet areas.

                Turn on the HVAC system if there is a possibility of spreading contaminated air.

                Use household fans to dry the structure and spread contaminants.

                Use products for personal hygiene and cleanliness if exposed to the contaminated areas.

However if exposed to harmful waste, OSHA recommends a post-exposure medical evaluation.  Consult your local health department or physician.

When you are dealing with water damage, immediate action is crucial, contact SERVPRO of Stoneham/ Wakefield 781-245-0011 Our response is immediate and we use advanced equipment and techniques to remove the water quickly.  We closely monitor and document the drying process to verify your property is dried properly and thoroughly. The main goal of SERVPRO of Stoneham/ Wakefield is to help minimize the interruption to your life and as quickly as possible make it "Like it never even happened." 

Common Causes of Wildfires

8/27/2019 (Permalink)

Common causes of wildfires.

A wildfire is the potentially deadly catalyst that starts as an uncontrolled fire in a large undeveloped and un-populated area. If the response to these fires is not timely they can quickly get out of control and end up destroying homes and agriculture and killing animals and human life in their path. As many as 90 percent of wildfires in the United States are caused by human carelessness or criminal intent. An unattended campfire, the burning of debris, negligently discarded cigarettes as well as intentional acts of arson are some of the ways that people cause tragedy. Wildfires can also be caused by an accumulation of dead matter (leaves, twigs, and trees) that create enough heat in some instances to spontaneously combust and ignite the surrounding area. Man-made combustion from arson, carelessness and lack of fire safety cause wildfire disasters every year. However, weather conditions contribute to the occurrence of wildfires as well. Lightning strikes or extended dry spells causing drought are weather related agitators. Lightning strikes the earth over 100,000 times a day and 10% to 20% of these lightning strikes can cause fire. An average of 1.2 million acres of US woodland burn every year. And sadly a large wildfire is even capable of modifying the local weather conditions and producing its own weather.

Summer is coming and many of us will be camping in the woods. We have known Smokey the Bear all our lives and have the responsibility to share his critical message with the next generation of campers. I love the commercial where Smokey comes out of the woods and gives a young camper a hug for carefully putting out his campfire. You can't help but smile. The message is stated subtly but is a good reminder of the detailed instructions Smokey has provided for years on how together we can prevent forest fires. As Smokey advises,keep campfires at a manageable size, allow wood to burn to ash completely, and pour a substantial amount of water on all embers until hissing sound stops. If you do not have water, stir up the dirt or sand into the embers with a shovel and bury the fire making absolutely sure no embers are exposed and still smoldering. One last word of caution from the Bear who knows,“If it’s too hot to touch, it’s too hot to leave.”

Commercial Mold Damage

8/26/2019 (Permalink)

Remediation of mold damage in a commercial building.

Besides causing a major business interruption, a mold problem can present a serious health risk for people exposed at your commercial property. Mold infestations can be caused by minor water intrusions, like a slow roof leak or loose plumbing fitting. Mold can also grow as a result of improper drying when you have a water leak that was not properly dried.  Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. If you suspect your property has a mold problem, call SERVPRO of Stoneham/ Wakefield, who will respond quickly and work fast to manage the situation.

SERVPRO of Stoneham/ Wakefield is locally owned and operated, so we’re already close by and ready to respond immediately when you need us. We make disaster "Like it never even happened." Give us a call today at (781) 245-0011.

Here to Help

4/1/2019 (Permalink)

Flooding and water damage events at Stoneham, Wakefield, Reading and North Reading 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 Stoneham/ Wakefield

SERVPRO of Stoneham/ Wakefield specializes in the cleanup and restoration of commercial and residential property after a damaging 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 are HERE to Help, Call Us Today – 781-245-0011.

If you see mold, Contact us Today

3/30/2019 (Permalink)

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 Stoneham/ Wakefield 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 Stoneham/ Wakefield 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 – 781-245-0011

Flooded Basement Tips

3/27/2019 (Permalink)

Avoid a flooded basement, this year and forever!

Normal spring thaws can cause a small trickle to become a bigger issue. Foundation cracks that weren’t a problem before have the potential to become a huge problem now.

This year’s sudden spring thaw could exacerbate any issues that were not taken care of in the past.

In late winter and early spring, the ground can’t absorb all of the rain and snow melt, so it flows along the foundation. 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 rain water 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 builds 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 in order 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, our friends at Signature Page Real Estate in Woburn, suggest having a dehumidifier in any basement, old or new.

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: "Like it never even happened."

Mold Damage Emergency Tips

3/26/2019 (Permalink)

What you can do until help arrives

In as little as 48 hours, mold can quickly become a problem in your home or business when there’s a water intrusion, like a roof leak or leaking water line. Mold can cause health effects and can also cause significant damage to your property. SERVPRO of Stoneham/ Wakefield have the training, protective gear, and specialized equipment necessary to handle your mold problem.

Have a Mold Problem? Call Today 781-245-0011

If you have a mold problem in your home or business, your primary focus should be safety:

• Significant mold growth can occur in 48-72 hours.
• Mold may present a greater risk to children, the elderly, and anyone with respiratory problems.
• A strong, musty odor may indicate hidden mold behind drywall or under carpeting.

What to Do:

• Stay out of affected areas.
• Turn off the HVAC system and fans.
• Contact a SERVPRO Franchise Professional 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.

Sewerage Clean Up

3/25/2019 (Permalink)

Sewer backups should be considered an emergency since the water may contain viruses, bacteria, and other microbes that cause serious illnesses. SERVPRO of Stoneham/Wakefield have specialized training and equipment to quickly and safely clean contaminants like sewage.

Toilet Overflow or Sewer Backup?
Call Today 781-245-0011

Water damage can be classified by the three types of contaminated water. SERVPRO of Stoneham/ Wakefield will inspect your home or business to determine the appropriate plan of action for the type of water encountered.

The three types of contaminated water:

Category 1: "Clean Water"

Category 1 water is from a clean source like a broken water supply line or leaking faucet. If not treated quickly, this water can turn into category 2 or 3, depending on length of time, temperature, and contact with surrounding contaminants.

• Water from a clean source like a broken water line
• If left untreated, can degrade into category 2 or 3

Category 2: "Gray Water"

Category 2 water is contaminated and could cause discomfort or illness. Examples include washing machine overflow; toilet overflow with some urine, but no feces; or dishwasher overflow.

• May contain bacteria and viruses
• Can quickly degrade into category 3 if left untreated

Category 3: "Black Water"

Category 3 water is grossly contaminated and could cause severe illness or death if ingested and any contact should be avoided. Examples include flooding from rivers or streams, water from beyond the toilet trap, water from the toilet bowl with feces, or standing water that has begun to support microbial growth.

• May contain untreated sewage, harsh chemicals, and microbes
• Water from flooding rivers or sewer backup

24 Hour Emergency Service

Water contaminated with sewage backup should be considered an emergency situation and dealt with as quickly as possible. SERVPRO of Stoneham/ Wakefield are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. They are water damage restoration specialists with specialized training, equipment and protective gear to safely restore your home or business.

24 Hour Emergency Service

3/20/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Stoneham/ Wakefield 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 - 781-245-0011

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 Stoneham/ Wakefield 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 Stoneham/ Wakefield

SERVPRO of Stoneham/ Wakefield 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.

Fire Damage Emergency Tips

3/19/2019 (Permalink)

What you can do until help arrives

After any fire damage situation, your primary focus should be safety:

• Is it safe to stay in the house?
• Electrical and "slip and fall" hazards are some of the most prevalent concerns.
• Only do activities that are safe for you to perform.
• Wet materials can be VERY heavy. Be careful!

Have A Fire or Smoke Damage Emergency? 
Call 781-245-0011

What To Do After A Fire

• Limit movement in the home to prevent soot particles from being embedded into upholstery and carpets.
• Keep hands clean so as not to further soil upholstery, walls and woodwork.
• Place clean towels or old linens on rugs, upholstery and carpet traffic areas.
• If electricity is off, empty freezer and refrigerator and prop doors open.
• Clean and protect chrome with light coating of petroleum jelly or oil.
• Wash houseplants on both sides of leaves.
• Change HVAC filter.
• Tape double layers of cheesecloth over air registers.

What NOT To Do After A Fire

• Don't attempt to wash any walls or painted surfaces or shampoo carpet or upholstery without contacting your SERVPRO Franchise Professional.
• Don't attempt to clean any electrical appliances that may have been close to fire, heat or water without consulting an authorized repair service.
• Don't use any canned or packaged food or beverages that may have been stored near the fire, heat or water.
• Don't turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet. The wiring may be damaged.
• Don't send garments to an ordinary dry cleaner. Improper cleaning may set smoke odor.

We are an IICRC Certified Firm

3/19/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Stoneham/ Wakefield is an IICRC firm. 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 the main industry standards and reference guides for professional carpet cleaning, water damage restoration and mold remediation. These IICRC 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.

About SERVPRO of Stoneham/ Wakefield

SERVPRO of Stoneham/ Wakefield 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 and we are an IICRC Certified Firm. We believe in continuous training: 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.

When Mold Invades Your Home or Business

3/19/2019 (Permalink)

Why SERVPRO?

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 or Smell Signs of Mold, Call Us Today – (781) 245-0011. 

Your Guide to Roof Repair After Hail and Heavy Winds Damage Your Shingles

9/21/2018 (Permalink)

Hail Damaged Shingles

Everyone loves a good end-of-summer storm, but when the nights grow cooler and the winds grow stronger, those nice summer storms turn into damaging tempests. Hail, heavy winds and torrential rains may be exciting to watch from within, but they're harmful to a home's structure. If your roof was recently the victim of hail and wind damage, you may be able to get away with a small roof repair—or you may be forced to invest in roof replacement. A quality inspection can give you an indication of which you will need:

• Have your roof tested to determine its existing condition and life expectancy.
• Have a moisture survey of your roof done.
• Let a professional roofer assess the extent of the damage—is it just a patch or it is the entire roof?
• Request a weather impact condition report to see if your roof was even subject to the hail.

When searching for a roofing company, make sure that it offers each of the above services.

Adding Duct Cleaning to Your House Cleaning List

9/21/2018 (Permalink)

Very often, when a fire or smoke damage occurs, the air ducts in your home can be affected. Here is some information on getting them cleaned from Home Advisor: The cost of cleaning your air ducts is determined by the size of your air duct system and the extent of contamination. On average, homeowners spend between $265 and $471, with $352 being the national average.

Did you know that cleaning your ducts and vents can help airflow and increase energy efficiency? According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), keeping your air ducts and vents clear can increase energy efficiency and indoor air quality. While the cost to clean ducts and vents might sound high, the benefits to homeowners?especially those sensitive to allergens?is worth considering.

When looking to have your ducts cleaned, or any other part of your home, for any reason, give SERVPRO^® of Stoneham/ Wakefield a call (781-245-0011)! We are here to help you make it "Like it never even happened."

What to Do if You Find Mold

9/21/2018 (Permalink)

Mold on Walls

When there's a water intrusion, like a roof leak or leaking water line, mold can quickly become a problem in your home or business. Mold can cause health effects and can also cause significant damage to your property. Fortunately, your SERVPRO® of Stoneham/ Wakefield has the training, protective gear, and specialized equipment necessary to handle your mold problem. Although every mold damage scenario is different requiring a unique solution, the general mold remediation process stays the same. The following steps illustrate a "typical" mold removal process.

Call 781-245-0011 for help with your mold remediation needs.

The mold cleanup and restoration process begins when you call SERVPRO of Burlington/ Woburn. A representative will ask a series of questions to help determine the necessary equipment, resources, and personnel needed.

Inspection and Damage Assessment

Your property will be carefully inspected for signs of mold using technology designed to detect mold and hidden water sources. Mold feeds on cellulose and water and can be hidden from plain view.

Mold Containment

Various containment procedures will be placed to prevent the spread of mold and isolate the contaminated area with physical barriers and negative air pressure to keep the mold spores from spreading during the cleanup process.

Air Filtration

Specialized filtration equipment captures microscopic    mold spores out of the air. SERVPRO® technicians utilize powerful air scrubbers and HEPA vacuums to prevent the spread of these mold spores while the mold remediation is in progress.

Sensing Water In Your Home That You Can't See

9/21/2018 (Permalink)

The proper equipment makes a measurable difference in reducing the damage expense during a fire or water loss.

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 Stoneham/ Wakefield 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 Stoneham/ Wakefield will answer your call with fast action and a full arsenal of drying equipment. Here are a few of the tools used by your local SERVPRO® Franchise Professionals.

• 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 Stoneham/ Wakefield 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 Stoneham/ Wakefield (781-245-0011) has the training and equipment to help make it "Like it never even happened."

Make Sure This Fun Night Is Safe For Kids!

9/21/2018 (Permalink)

HALLOWEEN SAFETY TIPS

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 Fire Tips

9/4/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO® of Stoneham/ Wakefield will work neatly and efficiently to help you regain control of your property when a damaging event has taken over

The first 48 hours after fire damage can make the difference between restoring versus replacing your property and personal belongings. SERVPRO of Stoneham/ Wakefield can help prevent fire damage from creating long-term problems. We provide timely response with mitigation services ranging from fire, smoke and soot removal to contents claims inventory and document restoration. These services help ensure your property, belongings and memories are restored to preloss condition when possible.

• Limit movement to prevent further damage
• Place clean towels or old linens on carpeted traffic areas to prevent more soiling
• If electricity is off, empty freezer and refrigerator and prop doors open
• Clean and protect chrome on kitchen and bathroom faucets and appliances with light coating of petroleum jelly
• Don’t attempt to wash any walls or painted surfaces without first contacting SERVPRO^®
• Don’t attempt to shampoo carpet or upholstered furniture without first consulting SERVPRO^®
• Don’t attempt to clean any electrical appliances that may have been close to fire or water damage without consulting a repair service.
• Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpet
• Do not send clothing to a dry cleaner since improper cleaning may set smoke odor.

So before you risk doing further damage by attempting to clean up the damage yourself, call the fire damage cleanup and restoration professionals at (781) 245-0011. SERVPRO of Stoneham/ Wakefield has worked for over 40 years to help make fire damage “Like it never even happened."

Wildfire Tips

9/4/2018 (Permalink)

Wildfires can occur at any time throughout the year, but the potential is always higher during periods with little or no rainfall.

A wildfire can occur anywhere-in fact, in 2014, wildfire occurrences were  recorded in all 50 states. What is a wildfire? It is an unplanned, unwanted fire burning in a natural area, such as a forest, grassland, or prairie. A wildfire can destroy homes, businesses, agriculture, and damage natural resources while threatening the safety of the public and the firefighters who protect our forests and communities.  Wildfires can occur at any time throughout the year, but the potential is always higher during periods with little or no rainfall, which make brush, grass, and trees dry and burn more easily. High winds can also contribute to spreading the fire.

If you live or work in an area prone to wildfires, consider the following safety tips to help prevent the spread of wildfire.

Wildfire Safety Tips

• Clear leaves and other debris from gutters, eaves, porches and decks. Remove dead  vegetation from under your deck and within 10  feet  of the  house.  This  prevents  embers from igniting your home.
• Remove anything stored underneath decks or porches. Screen or box-in areas below patios and decks with wire mesh to  prevent debris from accumulating.
• Ensure flammable materials (firewood stacks, propane tanks, dry vegetation) are more than 30 feet from your home or business's foundation and outbuildings.
• Wildfire can spread to tree tops. If you have trees on your property, prune so the lowest branches are 6 to 10 feet from the ground.
• Keep your lawn hydrated and maintained. If it is brown, cut it down to reduce fire intensity. Dry grass and shrubs are fuel for wildfire.

How to Prevent Attic Fires

9/4/2018 (Permalink)

Attic Fires

Did you know that more than 40% of attic fires are the result of electrical malfunctions?

So how do we help prevent an attic fire? Here are three things firefighters suggest you hire have a professional to do:

1. Have your chimney inspected by a professional who will check the interior and exterior of the chimney, including the part running through the attic

1. Check the wiring in your attic, preferably by an electrician, looking for signs of damage, cracked insulation (wire sheathing), and exposed or disconnected wires

1. Look for signs of burning and charring in the insulation and wood

A common mistake is that everybody typically plugs in their space heaters to help supplement their heat. And then, they'll put them on a long extension cord so that they are able to reach areas with less heat. So, the longer the extension cord is, the more ampage it will draw on the circuit.

Another common fire hazard is that homeowners choose voltage incandescent light bulbs in ceiling fixtures that is a higher voltage than required is also afire hazard. That heat that is trapped within the light fixture goes straight up into the attic and in the wires and essentially cook the wires, starting a fire.

If a Disaster Strikes, Will You Be Ready?

9/4/2018 (Permalink)

It is important to prepare before a disaster occurs.

t is important to prepare before a disaster occurs.

It is important to prepare before a disaster occurs. Consider the following steps to help you better prepare for an emergency situation.

• Sign up for local alerts and warnings, download apps and/ or check access for wireless emergency alerts.
• Develop and test emergency communication plans.
• Assemble or update emergency supplies.
• Learn about local hazards and conduct a drill to practice emergency response actions.
• Participate in a preparedness discussion, training or class.
• Collect and safeguard critical documents.
• Plan with neighbors to help each other and share resources.
• Document property and obtain appropriate insurance for relevant hazards.
• Make property improvements to reduce potential injury and property damage.

Emergencies can happen anytime to anyone. Take action now to protect yourself and your property

When Disaster Strikes Your Business

5/29/2018 (Permalink)

When disaster threatens a community, it is often too late to take the necessary steps to prepare homes, businesses and family members for the situation. Whether it's a blizzard, flood, hurricane or wildfire, disasters of all types often give little to no warning before they strike. The time to prepare for a storm is not as it approaches-the time to prepare is now.

No matter what part of the country you call home, we want to ensure you are prepared for any type of disaster. Whether you have damage caused by a hurricane, tornado, flash flood, or any other reason, SERVPRO® of Stoneham/ Wakefield have the resources, experience and training to help get your doors reopened for business as soon as possible.

If your property suffers a fire or water damage, SERVPRO® of Stoneham/ Wakefield will be ready to help you make it "Like it never even happened."

Items To Help You Build Your Own Emergency Kit

• Water (one gallon per person per day)
• Food (non-perishable 3-day supply)
• Manual can opener
• Battery operated radio, preferably a NOAA Weather Radio
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Whistle to signal for help
• Clothing
• Dust masks or bandanas
• Plastic sheeting, garbage bags and duct tape
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
• Hygiene items
• Important documents; copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account information
• Cash
• Fire extinguisher
• Matches in a waterproof container

Commercial Water Damage

5/23/2018 (Permalink)

Water damage remediation in a commercial setting.

Sprinkler systems can be a common source of water damage in commercial facilities. While their benefits far outweigh their cons, both properly and improperly working sprinkler systems can contribute to a flooded facility. In this case, a fire in an adjacent building caused the sprinkler system in this building to go off over the weekend. The sprinkler shut-off was eventually found but not until the damage had affected 36,000 sq ft of the facility. If this was your facility, what would you do?

Choose a Trained Professional

When your facility is affected, it is important to call a commercial drying specialist such as SERVPRO of Stoneham/ Wakefield.  At SERVPRO of Stoneham/ Wakefield, we understand that every hour closed leads to an hour lost of productivity and potential revenue. Commercial damage restoration produces unique challenges so it is very important to choose a trained professional with a proven track record. At SERVPRO of Stoneham/ Wakefield, we will respond immediately to your damage regardless of size or scope. When your facility is affected, no job is too big or too small. If your find yourself in this situation, call SERVPRO of Stoneham/ Wakefield at 781-245-0011.

Commercial Mold Damage

5/23/2018 (Permalink)

Besides causing a major business interruption, a mold problem can present a serious health risk for people exposed at your commercial property. Mold infestations can be caused by minor water intrusions, like a slow roof leak or loose plumbing fitting. Mold can also grow as a result of improper drying when you have a water leak that was not properly dried.  Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. If you suspect your property has a mold problem, call  SERVPRO of Stoneham/ Wakefield, who will respond quickly and work fast to manage the situation.

SERVPRO of Stoneham/ Wakefield is locally owned and operated, so we’re already close by and ready to respond immediately when you need us. We make disaster "Like it never even happened." Give us a call today at (781) 245-0011.

Common Causes of Wildfires

5/12/2018 (Permalink)

A wildfire is the potentially deadly catalyst that starts as an uncontrolled fire in a large undeveloped and un-populated area. If the response to these fires is not timely they can quickly get out of control and end up destroying homes and agriculture and killing animals and human life in their path. As many as 90 percent of wildfires in the United States are caused by human carelessness or criminal intent. An unattended campfire, the burning of debris, negligently discarded cigarettes as well as intentional acts of arson are some of the ways that people cause tragedy. Wildfires can also be caused by an accumulation of dead matter (leaves, twigs, and trees) that create enough heat in some instances to spontaneously combust and ignite the surrounding area. Man-made combustion from arson, carelessness and lack of fire safety cause wildfire disasters every year. However, weather conditions contribute to the occurrence of wildfires as well. Lightning strikes or extended dry spells causing drought are weather related agitators. Lightning strikes the earth over 100,000 times a day and 10% to 20% of these lightning strikes can cause fire. An average of 1.2 million acres of US woodland burn every year. And sadly a large wildfire is even capable of modifying the local weather conditions and producing its own weather.

Summer is coming and many of us will be camping in the woods. We have known Smokey the Bear all our lives and have the responsibility to share his critical message with the next generation of campers. I love the commercial where Smokey comes out of the woods and gives a young camper a hug for carefully putting out his campfire. You can't help but smile. The message is stated subtly but is a good reminder of the detailed instructions Smokey has provided for years on how together we can prevent forest fires. As Smokey advises,keep campfires at a manageable size, allow wood to burn to ash completely, and pour a substantial amount of water on all embers until hissing sound stops. If you do not have water, stir up the dirt or sand into the embers with a shovel and bury the fire making absolutely sure no embers are exposed and still smoldering. One last word of caution from the Bear who knows,“If it’s too hot to touch, it’s too hot to leave.”

Best Practices for Dealing with Contaminated Water

5/11/2018 (Permalink)

Do’s & Don’ts: Damage From Contaminated Water

Do:

                Avoid all contact with sewage and items and contaminated by sewage.

                Wash your hands thoroughly after contact with contaminated items.

Don’t:

                Spread contaminated water by walking unnecessarily on damaged or wet areas.

                Turn on the HVAC system if there is a possibility of spreading contaminated air.

                Use household fans to dry the structure and spread contaminants.

                Use products for personal hygiene and cleanliness if exposed to the contaminated areas.

However if exposed to harmful waste, OSHA recommends a post-exposure medical evaluation.  Consult your local health department or physician.

When you are dealing with water damage, immediate action is crucial, contact SERVPRO of Stoneham/ Wakefield 781-245-0011 Our response is immediate and we use advanced equipment and techniques to remove the water quickly.  We closely monitor and document the drying process to verify your property is dried properly and thoroughly. The main goal of SERVPRO of Stoneham/ Wakefield is to help minimize the interruption to your life and as quickly as possible make it "Like it never even happened." 

Flood Warnings What do they mean?

5/10/2018 (Permalink)

Lately there has been flooding all over the United States: if you are unfamiliar with the difference between a flash flood warning, flood warning, and flood advisory; then read below! 

What is the difference between a Flood Watch and a Flood Warning issued by the National Weather Service?

• Flash Flood Warning: Take Action! A Flash Flood Warning is issued when a flash flood is imminent or occurring. If you are in a flood prone area move immediately to high ground. A flash flood is a sudden violent flood that can take from minutes to hours to develop. It is even possible to experience a flash flood in areas not immediately receiving rain.

• Flood Warning: Take Action! A Flood Warning is issued when the hazardous weather event is imminent or already happening. A Flood Warning is issued when flooding is imminent or occurring.

• Flood Watch: Be Prepared:A Flood Watch is issued when conditions are favorable for a specific hazardous weather event to occur. A Flood Watch is issued when conditions are favorable for flooding. It does not mean flooding will occur, but it is possible.

• Flood Advisory: Be Aware: An Flood Advisory is issued when a specific weather event that is forecast to occur may become a nuisance. A Flood Advisory is issued when flooding is not expected to be bad enough to issue a warning. However, it may cause significant inconvenience, and if caution is not exercised, it could lead to situations that may threaten life and/or property.

Information from http://www.floodsafety.noaa.gov/

When Storms or Floods hit the Area, SERVPRO is Ready!

5/10/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Stoneham/ Wakefield 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.

We're Highly Trained Storm Damage Specialists

As a leader in storm and water damage restoration, SERVPRO of Stoneham/ Wakefield has the specialized training and expertise to restore your home back to its pre-storm condition. Our restoration process puts an emphasis on scientific drying techniques, progress monitoring and documentation.

• Water Damage Restoration Technician
• Applied Structural Drying Technicians

Resources to Handle Floods and Storms

When storms hit the area, we can scale our resources to handle a large storm or flooding disaster. We can access equipment and personnel from a network of Franchises across the country and elite Disaster Recovery Teams that are strategically located throughout the United States.

Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today 781-245-0011.

Classes of Mold

5/8/2018 (Permalink)

Like we always say, mold is everywhere and not all molds are harmful to us! Molds are often found in wet, damp places and can vary in color and smell. Mold is put into different categories based on their hazard:

Hazard Class C: While this group of molds are not health hazards – they can cause structural damages, and are recommended to be removed.

Hazard Class B: These are molds that if endured over long periods of time can cause allergic reactions

Hazard Class A: These are the molds we want to identify and remove immediately! These molds create toxins and if not handle correctly the air quality of a structure with steadily decline.

If you feel like your home or business might be affected by mold, give us a call at 781-245-0011. While we cannot determine what type of mold it may be – we can remediate it with no worry!

What is Lurking in Your Air Ducts?

5/8/2018 (Permalink)

Since the ventilation system is often the biggest culprit in poor indoor air quality, inspecting the ductwork should be a high priority.

In most cases, the HVAC system has been operating for some time without much attention. Dirt ducts can circulate odors, contaminants such as mold and irritating dust throughout your building or home. In some circumstances, such as after a fire, smoke or suspected mold growth, duct cleaning becomes an essential part of the cleanup process. 

Keeping the HVAC system and ductwork clean can potentially extend the life span of the equipment by allowing it to operate at peak condition, which may save you money. SERVPRO can often restore the HVAC system and ductwork to pre-damage conditions. 

• We provide free written inspections and estimates
• Eliminate offensive odors
• Restore peak energy efficiency
• Reduce potential for mold growth
• Remediate bacteria, fungi and mold

Call us at 781-245-0011 to see how we can best improve your home or businesses air quality. We can make it "Like it never even happened."

Does Your Company Have an Evacuation Plan for Employees?

5/7/2018 (Permalink)

On their website, The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) provides important safety information as well as life saving tips for employers to share with their employees should it be necessary to evacuate a building in the event of an emergency. It is worth taking a look, you will be surprised at what you learn! Check it out.  https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/etools/evacuation/evac.html

     And although an emergency escape plan is not required for all businesses, OSHA highly recommends that you provide an emergency action plan to protect yourself, your employees, and your business space during an emergency situation. Here are some tips:

     A disorganized evacuation can result in confusion, injury, and property damage. When developing your emergency action plan, it is important to determine the following:

• Conditions under which an evacuation would be necessary.

• Conditions under which it may be better to shelter-in-place.

• A clear chain of command and designation of the person in your business authorized to order an evacuation or shutdown.

• Specific evacuation procedures, including routes and exits.

• Specific evacuation procedures for high-rise buildings.

• For Employers

• For Employees

• Procedures for assisting visitors and employees to evacuate, particularly those with disabilities or who do not speak English.

• Designation of what, if any, employees will remain after the evacuation alarm to shut down critical operations or perform other duties before evacuating.

• A means of accounting for employees after an evacuation.

• Special equipment for employees.

• Appropriate respirators.

    During development and implementation of your draft plan, think about all possible emergency situations and evaluate your workplace to see if it complies with OSHA's emergency standards.

    Emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we. SERVPRO of Stoneham/ Wakefield  provides emergency cleaning and restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—including all holidays. You can expect an immediate response time, day or night.

Need Emergency Service? Call Us 24/7 – (781) 245-0011

Protective Measures for Thunderstorms

5/6/2018 (Permalink)

Protective Measures for Thunderstorms

In the United States, an average of 300 people are injured and 80 people are killed each year by lightning. Although most lightning victims survive, people struck by lightning often report a variety of long-term, debilitating symptoms.

Before Thunderstorms and Lightning
To prepare for a thunderstorm, you should do the following:

• Remove dead or rotting trees and branches that could fall and cause injury or damage during a severe thunderstorm.
• Remember the 30/30 lightning safety rule: Go indoors if, after seeing lightning, you cannot count to 30 before hearing thunder. Stay indoors for 30 minutes after hearing the last clap of thunder.

The following are guidelines for what you should do if a thunderstorm is likely in your area:

• Postpone outdoor activities.
• Get inside a home, building, or hard top automobile (not a convertible). Although you may be injured if lightning strikes your car, you are much safer inside a vehicle than outside.
• Remember, rubber-soled shoes and rubber tires provide NO protection from lightning. However, the steel frame of a hard-topped vehicle provides increased protection if you are not touching metal.
• Secure outdoor objects that could blow away or cause damage.
• Shutter windows and secure outside doors. If shutters are not available, close window blinds, shades, or curtains.
• Avoid showering or bathing. Plumbing and bathroom fixtures can conduct electricity.
• Use a corded telephone only for emergencies. Cordless and cellular telephones are safe to use.
• Unplug appliances and other electrical items such as computers and turn off air conditioners. Power surges from lightning can cause serious damage.
• Use your battery-operated NOAA Weather Radio for updates from local officials.

Avoid the following:

• Natural lightning rods such as a tall, isolated tree in an open area
• Hilltops, open fields, the beach, or a boat on the water
• Isolated sheds or other small structures in open areas
• Anything metal—tractors, farm equipment, motorcycles, golf carts, golf clubs, and bicycles

During a Thunderstorm if you are:

In a forest:  Seek shelter in a low area under a thick growth of small trees.

In an open area:  Go to a low place such as a ravine or valley.  Be alert for flash floods.

On open water: Get to land and find shelter immediately.  

Anywhere you feel your hair stand on end (which indicates that lightning is about to strike) squat low to the ground on the balls of your feet.  Place your hands over your ears and your head between your knees.  Make yourself the smallest target possible and minimize your contact to the ground.  DO NOT lie flat on the ground.

In the event you experience storm damage please contact your restoration specialists at SERVPRO of Stoneham / Wakefield 781-245-0011.

Mold Remediation Containment

5/1/2018 (Permalink)

This information was taken fromRestoration and Remediation, an online magazine. It is beneficial to share information with you regarding mold and why we use containment in the remediation process.

"The great mold warriors we meet and work with on a daily basis all have a common advantage- like the greatest generals in history, they know their enemy. More specifically these mold warriors know and understand that the greatest strength of their enemy is its invisibility.

Begin your battle by heeding the current Nobel Laureate for literature:  "The answer my friend, is blowing in the wind, the answer is blowing in the wind." [Of course that was an anti-war song…but let's not get too hung up in details…]

Since we know our enemy, we know it's greatest weakness - it cannot move on its own accord.  It is entirely dependent on air currents to power its invasion. Manage the skies, and you will win the war.

Erecting containment and generating and directing the air flow within that containment will enable us to win the air war, by controlling the enemy's movement. 

Where is the most strategic location of this containment?  It should be placed as close to the source of invasion as possible while still permitting us to gain access and accomplish our work.

One of the most common flaws in mold remediation projects is a containment structure that is larger than it needs to be:  Larger containments require more equipment for managing airflow, have more possible leak points, and require more time and effort to decontaminate prior to de-mobilisation. While erecting a containment, one must carefully balance the trade-offs between size and work access. 

To do so, one can rely on the knowledge of experienced mold warriors and follow the established principles." 

SERVPRO of Stoneham/ Wakefield can be your warrior when it comes to mold. To learn more, please call us at (781) 245-0011. We will help guide you through this process.

Mold Remediation Process

5/1/2018 (Permalink)

This Wakefield family discovered extensive microbial growth in their home, thanks to a leaking pipe that went undetected for months. Believe it or not, mold problems like this can be mitigated with the right expertise and equipment. SERVPRO of Stoneham/ Wakefield has trained technicians that were able to remove the mold growth, and then restore the space to a preloss conditions. The family was very grateful that we were able to recover their home and protect them from any potential health effects. 

The Mold Remediation Process

Every mold infestation is different, from the extent and type of growth, to the variety of materials affected. Each scenario requires a unique solution, but the general process stays the same. When you discover mold, call us at 781-245-0011 and we will go through our standard mold remediation process: 

• Inspection and Mold Damage Assessment
• Mold Containment
• Air Filtration
• Removing Mold and Mold-Infested Materials
• Cleaning Contents and Belongings
• Restoration

If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today – 781-245-0011

Unexpected Water Damage can be Frightening

5/1/2018 (Permalink)

Imagine it is 7:00 a.m. on a Tuesday, and you walk into your office after a relaxing long weekend expecting to switch on the lights, start the coffee pot, and check your emails.

The only problem? A water pipe has burst over the weekend, dumping thousands of gallons of water over your floor, down the walls, and affecting most of the furniture in the office. You realize this problem is far beyond the reach of your shop vac.  What do you do now?

When it's your home or business that's underwater, mitigation can't wait. You need mitigation to begin yesterday. If water damage strikes you or your customers, give SERVPRO of Stoneham/ Wakefield a call immediately.

The cost of water damages can increase exponentially with time.   Wood floors warp, dry wall soaks in moisture and mold develops in hard to reach areas of your home or business. The benefits of rapid mitigation by a SERVPRO® Technician are two-fold: Your costs go down as potential hazards may be avoided, and your peace of mind goes through the roof.

So if the unthinkable happens to your home or business, allow SERVPRO of Stoneham/ Wakefield to help quickly turn your "before" into a "happily ever after." Call today at (781) 245-0011.

Facts About Flooding

5/1/2018 (Permalink)

Floods rank as one of the most common and widespread natural disasters in the United States. Whether you live near a coastline, along city streets, in the mountains, near a river or even in the desert, 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 stream where water is above your ankles, stop, run around and go another way 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 a flood does strike your home or business, contact SERVPRO^® of Stoneham/ Wakefield. 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.

When fire and water take control of your life, SERVPRO^® of Stoneham/ Wakefield will help you take it back.

What to do if you suffer from a Fire Loss

5/1/2018 (Permalink)

What Can Someone Do When They Experience a Fire Loss?

Getting life back to normal when someone’s home or business has been affected by fire damage is extremely stressful. An individual may experience emotional as well as financial hardship. Loss of valuables and family keepsakes may leave a person feeling helpless. Fire in their home or a fire in their business is a terrible site for an owner to encounter.

The property owner experiencing the fire loss may find it necessary to seek help from a professional fire cleanup company. The owner may not be able to enter the property when faced with a fire in their home or a fire in their business. The strong odors from smoke damage can be harmful to their health. 

What Types of Damages Can a Fire in a Home or a Fire in a Business Cause?

Coming up against a fire in the home may become an extremely difficult situation. Types of damages an owner can expect include soot damage, smoke damage, and the air quality in the home is affected. Overall a fire loss can be an upsetting -as well as costly- experience. 

Soot damage on rugs, upholstery, and curtains may be more costly to clean. In some cases, it may be easier to replace these items. Air quality may not improve until fire cleanup begins, and odors from smoke damage are removed. Fire damage to a home or business can seem like a nightmare.

Known Dangers of Commercial Fire Damage

All fires to any structure can be dangerous. A fire in a business can spread quickly to nearby areas. Commercial fire damage may involve dangerous gasses leaking and even explosives depending on the type of business in place. If not handled quickly a commercial fire damage can result in a long-term loss. Certain substances, like combustible metals often in industrial locations can emit undesirable chemicals making the air quality problematic. 

Dealing with the aftermath of a fire in the business property can also put a dent on the finances for an owner. Especially when they solely rely on income produced from their business. 

Not only can a commercial fire damage result in the destruction of items they have invested on, but also dealing with the repairs can be extremely costly. Heavy soot damage on clothing in retail shops, for instance, cannot be sold and is a complete loss to the owners. 

Certain types of commercial fire damage may be compensated by an insurance company to help owners recover from a fire loss, however, it will likely not happen as quickly as they would like. The same can be said for homeowners that need to recover from the effects of a fire in their home. Beginning the fire cleanup process is imperative to prevent further destruction from fire damage. 

What Does a Fire Cleanup Professional Do?

Fire cleanup professionals provide a variety of services to those that have experienced a fire loss. They have the equipment to clean areas affected by soot damage, and machines that improve air quality by eliminating pervasive odors due to smoke damage. Fire damage can go beyond what a home or business owner may see. 

Visual inspection can show the soot damage around the structure, and the odors from smoke damage will affect the air quality, and the odors can linger on. An important step taken by a fire damage restoration company is to inspect behind walls and under flooring for additional fire damage. Working with a trusted company can help owners get their life back in order.

SERVPRO of Stoneham / Wakefield is here to help! For more information, please contact us at (781) 245-0011.

Flooded Basement? What type of water?

5/1/2018 (Permalink)

Early spring brings melting snow and heavy rains, all which could potentially pose a threat to flooding your basement.  We get a lot of questions on the types of water.  To help you understand what kind of water could potentially be in your basement there are (3) categories:

Category 1:  Known as "clean water" which is clean at the releasing source and does not pose a hazard if consumed by humans.  Most of the water that comes into your home will be Category 1 until it leaves its source, either a supply line, an appliance, or melting snow or rain.  The water in this category may become cotaminated as it mixes with soils on or within floor coverings, walls, subfloors, etc..  

Category 2:   Water that begins with some degree of contamination and could cause sickness or discomfort if consumed by humans.  Also know as "gray water"  is typically overflow water from an appliance, toilet, or aquarium.  

Category 3:Water which is highly contaminated and could cause death or serious illness if consumed by humans. Also know as "black water" examples are sewage, rising flood water from rivers and streams, ground surface water flowing horizontally into homes.

Classes of Mold

5/1/2018 (Permalink)

Like we always say, mold is everywhere and not all molds are harmful to us! Molds are often found in wet, damp places and can vary in color and smell. Mold is put into different categories based on their hazard:

Hazard Class C: While this group of molds are not health hazards – they can cause structural damages, and are recommended to be removed.

Hazard Class B: These are molds that if endured over long periods of time can cause allergic reactions

Hazard Class A: These are the molds we want to identify and remove immediately! These molds create toxins and if not handle correctly the air quality of a structure with steadily decline.

If you feel like your home or business might be affected by mold, give us a call at 781-245-0011. While we cannot determine what type of mold it may be – we can remediate it with no worry!

Mold Damage Emergency Tips

3/23/2018 (Permalink)

What you can do until help arrives

In as little as 48 hours, mold can quickly become a problem in your home or business when there’s a water intrusion, like a roof leak or leaking water line. Mold can cause health effects and can also cause significant damage to your property. SERVPRO of Stoneham/ Wakefield have the training, protective gear, and specialized equipment necessary to handle your mold problem.

Have a Mold Problem? Call Today 781-939-6990

If you have a mold problem in your home or business, your primary focus should be safety:

• Significant mold growth can occur in 48-72 hours.
• Mold may present a greater risk to children, the elderly, and anyone with respiratory problems.
• A strong, musty odor may indicate hidden mold behind drywall or under carpeting.

What to Do:

• Stay out of affected areas.
• Turn off the HVAC system and fans.
• Contact a SERVPRO Franchise Professional 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.

Sewage Cleanup and Restoration

3/23/2018 (Permalink)

Sewer backups should be considered an emergency since the water may contain viruses, bacteria, and other microbes that cause serious illnesses. SERVPRO of Stoneham/Wakefield have specialized training and equipment to quickly and safely clean contaminants like sewage.

Toilet Overflow or Sewer Backup?
Call Today 781-939-6990

Water damage can be classified by the three types of contaminated water. SERVPRO of Stoneham/ Wakefield will inspect your home or business to determine the appropriate plan of action for the type of water encountered.

The three types of contaminated water:

Category 1: "Clean Water"

Category 1 water is from a clean source like a broken water supply line or leaking faucet. If not treated quickly, this water can turn into category 2 or 3, depending on length of time, temperature, and contact with surrounding contaminants.

• Water from a clean source like a broken water line
• If left untreated, can degrade into category 2 or 3

Category 2: "Gray Water"

Category 2 water is contaminated and could cause discomfort or illness. Examples include washing machine overflow; toilet overflow with some urine, but no feces; or dishwasher overflow.

• May contain bacteria and viruses
• Can quickly degrade into category 3 if left untreated

Category 3: "Black Water"

Category 3 water is grossly contaminated and could cause severe illness or death if ingested and any contact should be avoided. Examples include flooding from rivers or streams, water from beyond the toilet trap, water from the toilet bowl with feces, or standing water that has begun to support microbial growth.

• May contain untreated sewage, harsh chemicals, and microbes
• Water from flooding rivers or sewer backup

24 Hour Emergency Service

Water contaminated with sewage backup should be considered an emergency situation and dealt with as quickly as possible. SERVPRO of Stoneham/ Wakefield are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. They are water damage restoration specialists with specialized training, equipment and protective gear to safely restore your home or business.

Fire Damage Emergency Tips

3/23/2018 (Permalink)

What you can do until help arrives

After any fire damage situation, your primary focus should be safety:

• Is it safe to stay in the house?
• Electrical and "slip and fall" hazards are some of the most prevalent concerns.
• Only do activities that are safe for you to perform.
• Wet materials can be VERY heavy. Be careful!

Have A Fire or Smoke Damage Emergency? 
Call 781-939-6990

What To Do After A Fire

• Limit movement in the home to prevent soot particles from being embedded into upholstery and carpets.
• Keep hands clean so as not to further soil upholstery, walls and woodwork.
• Place clean towels or old linens on rugs, upholstery and carpet traffic areas.
• If electricity is off, empty freezer and refrigerator and prop doors open.
• Clean and protect chrome with light coating of petroleum jelly or oil.
• Wash houseplants on both sides of leaves.
• Change HVAC filter.
• Tape double layers of cheesecloth over air registers.

What NOT To Do After A Fire

• Don't attempt to wash any walls or painted surfaces or shampoo carpet or upholstery without contacting your SERVPRO Franchise Professional.
• Don't attempt to clean any electrical appliances that may have been close to fire, heat or water without consulting an authorized repair service.
• Don't use any canned or packaged food or beverages that may have been stored near the fire, heat or water.
• Don't turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet. The wiring may be damaged.
• Don't send garments to an ordinary dry cleaner. Improper cleaning may set smoke odor.

Flooded Basement Tips

3/1/2018 (Permalink)

Flooded Basement

Avoid a flooded basement, this year and forever!

Normal spring thaws can cause a small trickle to become a bigger issue. Foundation cracks that weren’t a problem before have the potential to become a huge problem now.

This year’s sudden spring thaw could exacerbate any issues that were not taken care of in the past.

In late winter and early spring, the ground can’t absorb all of the rain and snow melt, so it flows along the foundation. 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 rain water 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 builds 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 in order 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, our friends at Signature Page Real Estate in Woburn, suggest having a dehumidifier in any basement, old or new.

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: "Like it never even happened."

Pipe Freeze Tips

12/4/2017 (Permalink)

When temperatures get below 20 degrees you should flush your toilets and run hot water through your pipes every 4 hours. When it’s extremely cold let cold water slowly drip from faucets served by exposed pipes and pipes particularly close to the foundation.

The lines going to your toilets are more susceptible because they have only cold water running through them. The lower the temperature the more crucial it is to flush toilets regularly. If the toilet sounds irregular or makes a crackling sound while filling up the tank or tank and bowl, or is slow to fill, you have a problem. It’s important to remedy it quickly.

Identify the line in the basement. You can often pin point exactly where it’s frozen because it will be colder to the touch.

Set up a space heater and aim it directly at the frozen area of the line for at least an hour, or until tank and bowl fills at the normal rate. With old style heaters, be careful of a potential fire hazard. Give the space heater space. Do not have flammable materials within several feet of the heater and be certain it’s standing or balanced securely.

Check for drafts. You may find a draft that is aimed directly at the line. These lines are often very close to the foundation. You can identify the draft by simply using your hand or a candle.

Cover up the drafty area. This can be a quick fix by adhering plastic or even a towel over the draft, or you could use caulk or spackle from the inside. Just stop that draft from aiming at your pipe. Suring up drafty areas from the outside and inside is ideal, but at least tackle the problem from the inside for now.

If it’s too late and your pipe has burst, shut off the main water supply, crank up the heat and call a plumber. We’re here if you need us for clean up afterward. We’ll clean up all water, leave fans and dehumidifiers behind until it’s thoroughly dry and be sure your water problem doesn’t turn into a mold problem.

We are a Certified IICRC Firm

11/16/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Stoneham/ Wakefield is an IICRC firm. 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 the main industry standards and reference guides for professional carpet cleaning, water damage restoration and mold remediation. These IICRC 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.

About SERVPRO of Stoneham/ Wakefield

SERVPRO of Stoneham/ Wakefield 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 and we are an IICRC Certified Firm. We believe in continuous training: 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 Here to Help

11/16/2017 (Permalink)

Flooding and water damage events at Stoneham, Wakefield, Reading and North Reading 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 Stoneham/ Wakefield

SERVPRO of Stoneham/ Wakefield specializes in the cleanup and restoration of commercial and residential property after a damaging 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.

When mold invades your home or business

11/16/2017 (Permalink)

When mold invades your home, make sure you know who to call

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 or Smell Signs of Mold, Call Us Today – (781) 245-0011. 

When You See Mold, Call Us Today

11/16/2017 (Permalink)

Mold Can Spread and Multiply Faster than You Realize

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 Lawrence 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 Stoneham/ Wakefield 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 – 781-245-0011

Surprise Snow Storms Tips for Your Home!

11/16/2017 (Permalink)

When it comes to life’s emergencies, it isn't a matter of if they will occur, it's a matter of when they will occur

The potential for surprise snow storms as Winter approaches can be very real. They can also be beautiful to see as the snow sticks to trees. But they can be dangerous to your home and office. In order to stay safe, SERVPRO of Stoneham/ Wakefield wants you to please follow these and other safety tips for your home.

Before the Storm

• Have an emergency supply kit on hand
• Develop a communication plan with all members of your family

After the Storm               

• If wires come down due to the weight of the snow, do not touch them
• Do not drive on roads that haven't been cleared

Keep you and your family safe through a storm. When in doubt, stay away from anything that may look suspicious or anything that may be break due to the weight of the snow. 

If the snow starts melting and it comes into your home, SERVPRO of Stoneham/ Wakefield is here to help! We can remove any affected materials and dry out the structure. For more information, please visit us at www.SERVPROofstonehamwakefield.com or call (781)-245-0011.

Choosing the Right Roof For Your Home

11/16/2017 (Permalink)

Knowing the damage that can occur in your region will help determine the type of roof that belongs on your home.

The right roof for your home can not only look good, but always can protect your home during a storm. Here, we share a blog from Budget Dumpster on how to pick the right roof for you.

Types of Roof Shingles

Asphalt

Of all the different types of shingles, these are the most commonly used because they’re the least expensive and relatively easy to install. These shingles are made of fiberglass mats coated with asphalt containing sand-like granules.

The downside: Asphalt shingles have a relatively short life span of 20 to 30 years, and they don’t fare well in areas where the temperature fluctuates unexpectedly, such as the Midwest.

Why choose asphalt roofing shingles? They’re the most economical of roofing options and come in plenty of styles and color selections.

Metal

This type of roof is made with many different materials – aluminum, steel, copper, zinc and titanium. If properly maintained, your metal roof could last as long as 50 years. You may want to consider metal if your home’s roofline is flat or steep.

The downside: Metal roofing can become noisy whenever it’s hailing or raining.

Why choose metal roofing shingles? They’re durable, fireproof and good at shedding snow and ice.

Slate

Not only are slate shingles durable – lasting anywhere from 80 to 100 years – they are also highly resistant to water and physical damage.

The downside: In addition to their high price tag, slate is expensive to repair because very few roofing companies specialize in this particular type of shingle. Furthermore, slate is rather heavy and may not be a good fit if your home can’t handle the weight.

Why choose slate roofing shingles? They’re one of the longest-lasting types of roofing material you can choose, and on the right style of home, adds a nice visual appeal.

Wood

Aside from being durable and having a lifespan of 30 to 50 years, wood shingles are more environmentally friendly than other types. This type of roof shingle is usually made of cedar, but can also be made of other rot-resistant woods, such as redwood.

The downside: Although energy-efficient and long-lasting, wood shingles are less fire-resistant than other types. They’re also more susceptible to termites and mold.

Why choose wood roofing shingles? They’re visually appealing and generally cooler than other types of shingles that are darker in color.

For more information on your roof or Budget Dumpster, please visit their blog.

If your roof doesn't hold up in a storm and you are a victim of water damage, please call us at 781-245-0011, to make it "Like it never even happened."

24 Hour Water Damage Service

11/10/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Stoneham/ Wakefield 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 - 781-245-0011

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 Stoneham/ Wakefield 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 Stoneham/ Wakefield

SERVPRO of Stoneham/ Wakefield 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.

Fire Damage - Emergency Ready Profile

9/29/2017 (Permalink)

A fire in your home or business is nothing you ever planned on.  But it is something you can plan for by calling on the fire and water, cleanup and restoration specialist at SERVPRO of Stoneham/ Wakefield at 781-245-0011. That’s where you’ll find a team of professionals who are committed to helping you develop a plan to make sure you’re ready for whatever happens.   With an Emergency Ready Profile from SERVPRO of Stoneham/ Wakefield you’ll take confidence in knowing that when the things that matter most are on the line they will be too because you can’t keep fire damage from taking control of your home or business.  But with an Emergency Ready Profile, you can make sure it doesn’t take control of your life.  So before fire or water damage strikes, make sure you’re ready for whatever happens with SERVPRO of Stoneham/ Wakefield at 781-245-8222.  Helping make fire and water damage “Like it never even happened”.

Insurance Claim

9/28/2017 (Permalink)

What homeowners in New England need to know!

Don’t make the mistake of assuming that you and your house or condo is adequately covered. If you’re anything like the average American, you likely have less homeowners (or condo) insurance than you need to weather the storm.

According to the non-profit advocacy organization, United Policyholders, about two-thirds of U.S. homeowners would be underinsured if they were to find themselves on the wrong end of some sort of adverse weather event.

Northeast

Do you own property in New England? If so, the biggest threats—from a weather or natural disaster standpoint are floods, snow/cold temperatures, and strong winds.

If you reside in a Northeastern you will want to make sure your homeowners insurance provides for you if your home becomes a casualty of flood, snow, or wind damage. Below is a bit more about each.

Floods

Homeowners insurance usually doesn’t cover damage caused by flooding. Many Americans wrongly believe their basic home policy protects them from flood damage.

Floods are the most common of all the natural disasters in the U.S., so that could be a problem for homeowners who live in flood-prone regions.

If you reside in a high-risk area, and you obtained your mortgage from a federally regulated or insured lender, you’ll be required to buy flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program. (If you live in a moderate- or low-risk area, the government won’t force you to purchase it. Still, you can do so if your community participates in the NFIP.)

Snow

If a large amount of snow is dumped onto your roof, it very well could cause it to collapse if it doesn’t melt or isn’t removed fairly quickly.

Luckily, even if all you have is a barebones homeowners policy, you should be well protected from an insurance perspective when you go to pay for any related repairs.

Your bank account also should be safe if you’re hit by a blizzard and the strong winds that often are associated with it somehow damages your house or surrounding property. (Ripping shingles from your roof or toppling a tree that destroys your garage are two examples.)

What are some wintry situations that could prompt you to have to pay for home repairs or replacements out of your own pocket if you haven’t invested in extra endorsements or stand-alone policies? One possibility is if your pipes burst because you failed to keep your house warm enough. Another is if your basement (or some other part of your dwelling) floods after all of the snow that’s currently blanketing your lawn inevitably melts.

In the latter instance, an actual flood insurance policy—again, purchased through the NFIP—is going to be the only thing (outside of your own hard-earned cash) that will come to your rescue, so if that’s a real concern for you, you should consider going that route as soon as possible.

Cold Temperatures

When the temperature drops below the freezing point, and especially when it dips below zero degrees, it can cause pipes to burst.

High Winds

This region rarely has to deal with hurricanes but it’s no stranger to strong winds—up to 60 miles per hour, especially during the winter months. These winds can cause significant damage to dwellings and property.

The question is, is the damage produced by these winds protected by your standard homeowners policy? For the most part, it is-under the broad “windstorm peril” section of your plan, according to “If Disaster Strikes, Will You Be Covered?”

Specifically, if strong winds blow off part (or all) of your roof, or knock down a fence, or drop a tree onto your house, most of the resulting repair and replacement costs will be covered—to some extent, of course—by that form of insurance.

There are some exceptions to this rule. For example, if a particularly harsh wind storm fells one of the trees in your yard and it doesn’t damage your home or other structures in any way, you’ll have to pay to have it and any related debris removed from your property.

The above segments were adapted from the writings of Bryan Ochalla and www.upheld.org, a resource for US policy holders.

SERVPRO of Stoneham/ Wakefield reminds you to double check your policy to be sure you’re covered. Let us know how we can help. Enjoy this beautiful time of year and stay safe.

Water Damage

9/28/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Stoneham/ Wakefiled 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 - 781-245-0011

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 Stoneham/ Wakefiled 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 Stoneham/ Wakefield

SERVPRO of Stoneham/ Wakefield 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.

Fire Prevention Week

9/28/2017 (Permalink)

he National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) holds their Fire Prevention Week activities in October; this year it’s October 8th-14th.

SERVPRO is proud to announce our sponsorship and participation during this time. Our local fire fighters visit children at school and hold open houses. The kids enjoy these visits and learn the basics of fire prevention.

SERVPRO has provided fire safety coloring books and crayons to the communities of North Reading, Wilmington, Winchester and Stoneham. The fire fighters will distribute these gifts during their visits. It’s a fun way to support our local fire fighters and give back to the community.

In winter, we see an increased risk for household fires. Below are four of the top six causes of fires. Notice the presence of danger increases in winter, due to an increase of usage in these categories:

• Candles 
• Cooking 
• Electrical 
• Heating 

In the spirit of fire prevention, we’d like to remind you to:

• Replace smoke detector batteries.
• Replace smoke alarms every 10 years.
• Have an escape plan and meeting place.
• Space heaters need adequate space around them. Don’t place objects to close.
• Thoroughly clean your dryer of lint.
• Never use a candle if an oxygen tank is used in the home.

Smoke Alarms

9/28/2017 (Permalink)

Smoke alarms save lives. Smoke alarms that are properly installed and maintained play a vital role in reducing fire deaths and injuries. If there is a fire in your home, smoke spreads fast and you need smoke alarms to give you time to get out. 

Here's what you need to know!

• A closed door may slow the spread of smoke, heat and fire. Install smoke alarms in every sleeping room and outside each separate sleeping area. Install alarms on every level of the home. 
• Smoke alarms should be interconnected. When one sounds, they all sound. 
• Large homes may need extra smoke alarms.
• Test your smoke alarms at least once a month. Press the test button to be sure the alarm is working.
• There are two kinds of alarms. Ionization smoke alarms are quicker to warn about flaming fires. Photoelectric alarms are quicker to warn about smoldering fires. It is best to use of both types of alarms in the home.
• When a smoke alarm sounds, get outside and stay outside.
• Replace all smoke alarms in your home every 10 years.
• More about installation and maintenance of home smoke alarms.

Fire Damage in Home

9/11/2017 (Permalink)

Here at SERVPRO of Stoneham/ Wakefield we understand how badly some fires can affect our customers. Not only do they do damage to the homes and businesses to so many individuals but they also cause a tremendous amount of stress.  We are here to alleviate that stress and restore your home back to the way it once was prior to damage.  This job classifies as fire damage as you can see the amount of debris on the floor when looking at the picture. Our crew went in with the proper tools to get rid of all the garbage and debris the fire left behind to make this house look like a home again. Our customer was very happy with the level of professionalism we provided. It’s easy to get worked up when something like this happens to you but don’t worry SERVPRO is #heretohelp.

Emergency Fire Tips for Homeowners and Business Owners

9/8/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Stoneham/ Wakefiled will work neatly and efficiently to help you regain control of your property when a damaging event has taken over.

The first 48 hours after fire damage can make the difference between restoring versus replacing your property and personal belongings. SERVPRO of Stoneham/ Wakefield can help prevent fire damage from creating long-term problems. We provide timely response with mitigation services ranging from fire, smoke and soot removal to contents claims inventory and document restoration. These services help ensure your property, belongings and memories are restored to preloss condition when possible.

• Limit movement to prevent further damage
• Place clean towels or old linens on carpeted traffic areas to prevent more soiling
• If electricity is off, empty freezer and refrigerator and prop doors open
• Clean and protect chrome on kitchen and bathroom faucets and appliances with light coating of petroleum jelly
• Don’t attempt to wash any walls or painted surfaces without first contacting SERVPRO^®
• Don’t attempt to shampoo carpet or upholstered furniture without first consulting SERVPRO^®
• Don’t attempt to clean any electrical appliances that may have been close to fire or water damage without consulting a repair service.
• Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpet
• Do not send clothing to a dry cleaner since improper cleaning may set smoke odor.

So before you risk doing further damage by attempting to clean up the damage yourself, call the fire damage cleanup and restoration professionals at (781245-0011. SERVPRO of Stoneham/ Wakefield has worked for over 40 years to help make fire damage “Like it never even happened.

5 Wildfire Safety Tips

9/8/2017 (Permalink)

Wildfires can occur at any time throughout the year, but the potential is always higher during periods with little or no rainfall

A wildfire can occur anywhere-in fact, in 2014, wildfire occurrences were  recorded in all 50 states. What is a wildfire? It is an unplanned, unwanted fire burning in a natural area, such as a forest, grassland, or prairie. A wildfire can destroy homes, businesses, agriculture, and damage natural resources while threatening the safety of the public and the firefighters who protect our forests and communities.  Wildfires can occur at any time throughout the year, but the potential is always higher during periods with little or no rainfall, which make brush, grass, and trees dry and burn more easily. High winds can also contribute to spreading the fire.

If you live or work in an area prone to wildfires, consider the following safety tips to help prevent the spread of wildfire.

Wildfire Safety Tips

• Clear leaves and other debris from gutters, eaves, porches and decks. Remove dead  vegetation from under your deck and within 10  feet  of the  house.  This  prevents  embers from igniting your home.
• Remove anything stored underneath decks or porches. Screen or box-in areas below patios and decks with wire mesh to  prevent debris from accumulating.
• Ensure flammable materials (firewood stacks, propane tanks, dry vegetation) are more than 30 feet from your home or business's foundation and outbuildings.
• Wildfire can spread to tree tops. If you have trees on your property, prune so the lowest branches are 6 to 10 feet from the ground.
• Keep your lawn hydrated and maintained. If it is brown, cut it down to reduce fire intensity. Dry grass and shrubs are fuel for wildfire.

How To Prevent Attic Fires

9/8/2017 (Permalink)

How to Prevent Attic Fires

Did you know that more than 40% of attic fires are the result of electrical malfunctions?

So how do we help prevent an attic fire? Here are three things firefighters suggest you hire have a professional to do:

1. Have your chimney inspected by a professional who will check the interior and exterior of the chimney, including the part running through the attic

1. Check the wiring in your attic, preferably by an electrician, looking for signs of damage, cracked insulation (wire sheathing), and exposed or disconnected wires

1. Look for signs of burning and charring in the insulation and wood

A common mistake is that everybody typically plugs in their space heaters to help supplement their heat. And then, they'll put them on a long extension cord so that they are able to reach areas with less heat. So, the longer the extension cord is, the more ampage it will draw on the circuit.

Another common fire hazard is that homeowners choose voltage incandescent light bulbs in ceiling fixtures that is a higher voltage than required is also afire hazard. That heat that is trapped within the light fixture goes straight up into the attic and in the wires and essentially cook the wires, starting a fire.

Flood Warnings What to they mean?

5/12/2017 (Permalink)

Lately there has been flooding all over the United States: if you are unfamiliar with the difference between a flash flood warning, flood warning, and flood advisory; then read below! 

What is the difference between a Flood Watch and a Flood Warning issued by the National Weather Service?

• Flash Flood Warning: Take Action! A Flash Flood Warning is issued when a flash flood is imminent or occurring. If you are in a flood prone area move immediately to high ground. A flash flood is a sudden violent flood that can take from minutes to hours to develop. It is even possible to experience a flash flood in areas not immediately receiving rain.

• Flood Warning: Take Action! A Flood Warning is issued when the hazardous weather event is imminent or already happening. A Flood Warning is issued when flooding is imminent or occurring.

• Flood Watch: Be Prepared:A Flood Watch is issued when conditions are favorable for a specific hazardous weather event to occur. A Flood Watch is issued when conditions are favorable for flooding. It does not mean flooding will occur, but it is possible.

• Flood Advisory: Be Aware: An Flood Advisory is issued when a specific weather event that is forecast to occur may become a nuisance. A Flood Advisory is issued when flooding is not expected to be bad enough to issue a warning. However, it may cause significant inconvenience, and if caution is not exercised, it could lead to situations that may threaten life and/or property.

Information from http://www.floodsafety.noaa.gov/

When Storms or Floods hit the Area, SERVPRO is Ready!

5/12/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Stoneham/ Wakefield is here to HELP

SERVPRO of Stoneham/ Wakefield 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.

We're Highly Trained Storm Damage Specialists

As a leader in storm and water damage restoration, SERVPRO of Stoneham/ Wakefield has the specialized training and expertise to restore your home back to its pre-storm condition. Our restoration process puts an emphasis on scientific drying techniques, progress monitoring and documentation.

• Water Damage Restoration Technician
• Applied Structural Drying Technicians

Resources to Handle Floods and Storms

When storms hit the area, we can scale our resources to handle a large storm or flooding disaster. We can access equipment and personnel from a network of Franchises across the country and elite Disaster Recovery Teams that are strategically located throughout the United States.

Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today 781-245-0011.

Commercial Water Damage

5/12/2017 (Permalink)

Sprinkler systems can be a common source of water damage in commercial facilities. While their benefits far outweigh their cons, both properly and improperly working sprinkler systems can contribute to a flooded facility. In this case, a fire in an adjacent building caused the sprinkler system in this building to go off over the weekend. The sprinkler shut-off was eventually found but not until the damage had affected 36,000 sq ft of the facility. If this was your facility, what would you do?

Choose a Trained Professional

When your facility is affected, it is important to call a commercial drying specialist such as SERVPRO of Stoneham/ Wakefield.  At SERVPRO of Stoneham/ Wakefield, we understand that every hour closed leads to an hour lost of productivity and potential revenue. Commercial damage restoration produces unique challenges so it is very important to choose a trained professional with a proven track record. At SERVPRO of Stoneham/ Wakefield, we will respond immediately to your damage regardless of size or scope. When your facility is affected, no job is too big or too small. If your find yourself in this situation, call SERVPRO of Stoneham/ Wakefield at 781-245-0011.

Commercial Mold Damage

5/12/2017 (Permalink)

GOT MOLD?

Besides causing a major business interruption, a mold problem can present a serious health risk for people exposed at your commercial property. Mold infestations can be caused by minor water intrusions, like a slow roof leak or loose plumbing fitting.Mold can also grow as a result of improper drying when you have a water leak that was not properly dried. Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. If you suspect your property has a mold problem, call  SERVPRO of Stoneham/ Wakefield, who will respond quickly and work fast to manage the situation.

SERVPRO of Stoneham/ Wakefield is locally owned and operated, so we’re already close by and ready to respond immediately when you need us. We make disaster "Like it never even happened." Give us a call today at (781) 245-0011.

Our Standard Process for Mold

5/11/2017 (Permalink)

Believe it or not, mold problems like this can be mitigated with the right expertise and equipment.

This Wakefield family discovered extensive microbial growth in their home, thanks to a leaking pipe that went undetected for months. Believe it or not, mold problems like this can be mitigated with the right expertise and equipment. SERVPRO of Stoneham/ Wakefield has trained technicians that were able to remove the mold growth, and then restore the space to a preloss conditions. The family was very grateful that we were able to recover their home and protect them from any potential health effects. 

The Mold Remediation Process

Every mold infestation is different, from the extent and type of growth, to the variety of materials affected. Each scenario requires a unique solution, but the general process stays the same. When you discover mold, call us at 781-245-0011 and we will go through our standard mold remediation process: 

• Inspection and Mold Damage Assessment
• Mold Containment
• Air Filtration
• Removing Mold and Mold-Infested Materials
• Cleaning Contents and Belongings
• Restoration

If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today – 781-245-0011

Containment During a Mold Remediation: How Important is It?

5/11/2017 (Permalink)

This information was taken from Restoration and Remediation, an online magazine. It is beneficial to share information with you regarding mold and why we use containment in the remediation process.

"The great mold warriors we meet and work with on a daily basis all have a common advantage- like the greatest generals in history, they know their enemy. More specifically these mold warriors know and understand that the greatest strength of their enemy is its invisibility.

Begin your battle by heeding the current Nobel Laureate for literature:  "The answer my friend, is blowing in the wind, the answer is blowing in the wind." [Of course that was an anti-war song…but let's not get too hung up in details…]

Since we know our enemy, we know it's greatest weakness - it cannot move on its own accord.  It is entirely dependent on air currents to power its invasion. Manage the skies, and you will win the war.

Erecting containment and generating and directing the air flow within that containment will enable us to win the air war, by controlling the enemy's movement. 

Where is the most strategic location of this containment?  It should be placed as close to the source of invasion as possible while still permitting us to gain access and accomplish our work.

One of the most common flaws in mold remediation projects is a containment structure that is larger than it needs to be:  Larger containments require more equipment for managing airflow, have more possible leak points, and require more time and effort to decontaminate prior to de-mobilisation. While erecting a containment, one must carefully balance the trade-offs between size and work access. 

To do so, one can rely on the knowledge of experienced mold warriors and follow the established principles." 

SERVPRO of Stoneham/ Wakefield can be your warrior when it comes to mold. To learn more, please call us at (781) 245-0011. We will help guide you through this process.

Unexpected Water Damage in Your Reading Home or Business Can Be Frightening

5/11/2017 (Permalink)

A water pipe has burst over the weekend, dumping thousands of gallons of water over your floor and affecting most of the furniture.

Imagine it is 8:00 a.m. on a Tuesday, and you walk into your office after a relaxing long weekend expecting to switch on the lights, start the coffee pot, and check your emails.

The only problem? A water pipe has burst over the weekend, dumping thousands of gallons of water over your floor, down the walls, and affecting most of the furniture in the office. You realize this problem is far beyond the reach of your shop vac.  What do you do now?

When it's your home or business that's underwater, mitigation can't wait. You need mitigation to begin yesterday. If water damage strikes you or your customers, give SERVPRO of Stoneham/ Wakefield a call immediately.

The cost of water damages can increase exponentially with time.   Wood floors warp, dry wall soaks in moisture and mold develops in hard to reach areas of your home or business. The benefits of rapid mitigation by a SERVPRO® Technician are two-fold: Your costs go down as potential hazards may be avoided, and your peace of mind goes through the roof.

So if the unthinkable happens to your home or business, allow SERVPRO of Stoneham/ Wakefield to help quickly turn your "before" into a "happily ever after." Call today at (781) 245-0011.

Facts About Flooding in Your Wakefield Area

5/11/2017 (Permalink)

Even minor floods have the potential to cause major damage to a structure when not treated quickly and properly, and the cleanup is often overwhelming

Floods rank as one of the most common and widespread natural disasters in the United States. Whether you live near a coastline, along city streets, in the mountains, near a river or even in the desert, 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 stream where water is above your ankles, stop, run around and go another way 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 a flood does strike your home or business, contact SERVPRO^® of Stoneham/ Wakefield. 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.

When fire and water take control of your life, SERVPRO^® of Stoneham/ Wakefield will help you take it back.

What Can Someone Do When They Experience a Fire Loss?

5/11/2017 (Permalink)

What Can Someone Do When They Experience a Fire Loss?

Getting life back to normal when someone’s home or business has been affected by fire damage is extremely stressful. An individual may experience emotional as well as financial hardship. Loss of valuables and family keepsakes may leave a person feeling helpless. Fire in their home or a fire in their business is a terrible site for an owner to encounter.

The property owner experiencing the fire loss may find it necessary to seek help from a professional fire cleanup company. The owner may not be able to enter the property when faced with a fire in their home or a fire in their business. The strong odors from smoke damage can be harmful to their health.

What Types of Damages Can a Fire in a Home or a Fire in a Business Cause?

Coming up against a fire in the home may become an extremely difficult situation. Types of damages an owner can expect include soot damage, smoke damage, and the air quality in the home is affected. Overall a fire loss can be an upsetting -as well as costly- experience.

Soot damage on rugs, upholstery, and curtains may be more costly to clean. In some cases, it may be easier to replace these items. Air quality may not improve until fire cleanup begins, and odors from smoke damage are removed. Fire damage to a home or business can seem like a nightmare.

Known Dangers of Commercial Fire Damage

All fires to any structure can be dangerous. A fire in a business can spread quickly to nearby areas. Commercial fire damage may involve dangerous gasses leaking and even explosives depending on the type of business in place. If not handled quickly a commercial fire damage can result in a long-term loss. Certain substances, like combustible metals often in industrial locations can emit undesirable chemicals making the air quality problematic.

Dealing with the aftermath of a fire in the business property can also put a dent on the finances for an owner. Especially when they solely rely on income produced from their business.

Not only can a commercial fire damage result in the destruction of items they have invested on, but also dealing with the repairs can be extremely costly. Heavy soot damage on clothing in retail shops, for instance, cannot be sold and is a complete loss to the owners.

Certain types of commercial fire damage may be compensated by an insurance company to help owners recover from a fire loss, however, it will likely not happen as quickly as they would like. The same can be said for homeowners that need to recover from the effects of a fire in their home. Beginning the fire cleanup process is imperative to prevent further destruction from fire damage.

What Does a Fire Cleanup Professional Do?

Fire cleanup professionals provide a variety of services to those that have experienced a fire loss. They have the equipment to clean areas affected by soot damage, and machines that improve air quality by eliminating pervasive odors due to smoke damage. Fire damage can go beyond what a home or business owner may see.

Visual inspection can show the soot damage around the structure, and the odors from smoke damage will affect the air quality, and the odors can linger on. An important step taken by a fire damage restoration company is to inspect behind walls and under flooring for additional fire damage. Working with a trusted company can help owners get their life back in order.

SERVPRO of Burlington/ Woburn is here to help! For more information, please visit our website at www.servrpoburlingtonwoburn.com or call (781) 935-8222.

Flooded Basement? What type of water could be in your basement.

5/11/2017 (Permalink)

Flooded Basement? What is in the water?

Early spring brings melting snow and heavy rains, all which could potentially pose a threat to flooding your basement.  We get a lot of questions on the types of water.  To help you understand what kind of water could potentially be in your basement there are (3) categories:

Category 1:  Known as "clean water" which is clean at the releasing source and does not pose a hazard if consumed by humans.  Most of the water that comes into your home will be Category 1 until it leaves its source, either a supply line, an appliance, or melting snow or rain.  The water in this category may become cotaminated as it mixes with soils on or within floor coverings, walls, subfloors, etc..  

Category 2:   Water that begins with some degree of contamination and could cause sickness or discomfort if consumed by humans.  Also know as "gray water"  is typically overflow water from an appliance, toilet, or aquarium.  

Category 3:Water which is highly contaminated and could cause death or serious illness if consumed by humans. Also know as "black water" examples are sewage, rising flood water from rivers and streams, ground surface water flowing horizontally into homes.

Do's & Don'ts: Damage from Contaminated Water

5/11/2017 (Permalink)

Do’s & Don’ts: Damage From Contaminated Water

Do:

                Avoid all contact with sewage and items and contaminated by sewage.

                Wash your hands thoroughly after contact with contaminated items.

Don’t:

                Spread contaminated water by walking unnecessarily on damaged or wet areas.

                Turn on the HVAC system if there is a possibility of spreading contaminated air.

                Use household fans to dry the structure and spread contaminants.

                Use products for personal hygiene and cleanliness if exposed to the contaminated areas.

However if exposed to harmful waste, OSHA recommends a post-exposure medical evaluation.  Consult your local health department or physician.

When you are dealing with water damage, immediate action is crucial, contact SERVPRO of Stoneham/ Wakefield at 781-245-0011. Our response is immediate and we use advanced equipment and techniques to remove the water quickly.  We closely monitor and document the drying process to verify your property is dried properly and thoroughly. The main goal of SERVPRO of Stoneham/ Wakefield is to help minimize the interruption to your life and as quickly as possible make it "like it never even happened." 

Common Causes of Wildfires

5/11/2017 (Permalink)

 A wildfire is the potentially deadly catalyst that starts as an uncontrolled fire in a large undeveloped and un-populated area. If the response to these fires is not timely they can quickly get out of control and end up destroying homes and agriculture and killing animals and human life in their path. As many as 90 percent of wildland fires in the United States are caused by human carelessness or criminal intent. An unattended campfire, the burning of debris, negligently discarded cigarettes as well as intentional acts of arson are some of the ways that people cause tragedy. Wildfires can also be caused by an accumulation of dead matter (leaves, twigs, and trees) that create enough heat in some instances to spontaneously combust and ignite the surrounding area. Man-made combustion from arson, carelessness and lack of fire safety cause wildfire disasters every year. However, weather conditions contribute to the occurrence of wildfires as well. Lightning strikes or extended dry spells causing drought are weather related agitators. Lightning strikes the earth over 100,000 times a day and 10 to 20% of these lightning strikes can cause fire.  An average of 1.2 million acres of US woodland burn every year. And sadly a large wildfire is even capable of modifying the local weather conditions and producing its own weather.

     Summer is coming and many of us will be camping in the woods. We have known Smokey the Bear all our lives and have the responsibility to share his critical message with the next generation of campers. I love the commercial where Smokey comes out of the woods and gives a young camper a hug for carefully putting out his campfire. You can't help but smile. The message is stated subtly but is a good reminder of the detailed instructions Smokey has provided for years on how together we can prevent foret fires. As Smokey advises, keep campfires at a managemable size, allow wood to burn to ash completely, and pour a substantial amount of water on all embers until hissing sound stops.  If you do not have water, stir up the dirt or sand into the embers with a shovel and bury the fire making absolutely sure no embers are exposed and still smoldering. One last word of caution from the Bear who knows, “If it’s too hot to touch, it’s too hot to leave.”

Protective Measures for Thunderstorms

5/11/2017 (Permalink)

Protective Measures for Thunderstorms

In the United States, an average of 300 people are injured and 80 people are killed each year by lightning. Although most lightning victims survive, people struck by lightning often report a variety of long-term, debilitating symptoms.

Before Thunderstorms and Lightning
To prepare for a thunderstorm, you should do the following:

• Remove dead or rotting trees and branches that could fall and cause injury or damage during a severe thunderstorm.
• Remember the 30/30 lightning safety rule: Go indoors if, after seeing lightning, you cannot count to 30 before hearing thunder. Stay indoors for 30 minutes after hearing the last clap of thunder.

The following are guidelines for what you should do if a thunderstorm is likely in your area:

• Postpone outdoor activities.
• Get inside a home, building, or hard top automobile (not a convertible). Although you may be injured if lightning strikes your car, you are much safer inside a vehicle than outside.
• Remember, rubber-soled shoes and rubber tires provide NO protection from lightning. However, the steel frame of a hard-topped vehicle provides increased protection if you are not touching metal.
• Secure outdoor objects that could blow away or cause damage.
• Shutter windows and secure outside doors. If shutters are not available, close window blinds, shades, or curtains.
• Avoid showering or bathing. Plumbing and bathroom fixtures can conduct electricity.
• Use a corded telephone only for emergencies. Cordless and cellular telephones are safe to use.
• Unplug appliances and other electrical items such as computers and turn off air conditioners. Power surges from lightning can cause serious damage.
• Use your battery-operated NOAA Weather Radio for updates from local officials.

Avoid the following:

• Natural lightning rods such as a tall, isolated tree in an open area
• Hilltops, open fields, the beach, or a boat on the water
• Isolated sheds or other small structures in open areas
• Anything metal—tractors, farm equipment, motorcycles, golf carts, golf clubs, and bicycles

During a Thunderstorm if you are:

In a forest:  Seek shelter in a low area under a thick growth of small trees.

In an open area:  Go to a low place such as a ravine or valley.  Be alert for flash floods.

On open water: Get to land and find shelter immediately.  

Anywhere you feel your hair stand on end (which indicates that lightning is about to strike) squat low to the ground on the balls of your feet.  Place your hands over your ears and your head between your knees.  Make yourself the smallest target possible and minimize your contact to the ground.  DO NOT lie flat on the ground.

In the event you experience storm damage please contact your restoration specialists at SERVPRO of Stoneham/ Wakefield at 781-245-0011.

Does Your Company Have an Evacuation Plan for Employees?

5/11/2017 (Permalink)

On their website, The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) provides important safety information as well as life saving tips for employers to share with their employees should it be necessary to evacuate a building in the event of an emergency. It is worth taking a look, you will be surprised at what you learn! Check it out.  https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/etools/evacuation/evac.html

     And although an emergency escape plan is not required for all businesses, OSHA highly recommends that you provide an emergency action plan to protect yourself, your employees, and your business space during an emergency situation. Here are some tips:

     A disorganized evacuation can result in confusion, injury, and property damage. When developing your emergency action plan, it is important to determine the following:

• Conditions under which an evacuation would be necessary.

• Conditions under which it may be better to shelter-in-place.

• A clear chain of command and designation of the person in your business authorized to order an evacuation or shutdown.

• Specific evacuation procedures, including routes and exits.

• Specific evacuation procedures for high-rise buildings.

• For Employers

• For Employees

• Procedures for assisting visitors and employees to evacuate, particularly those with disabilities or who do not speak English.

• Designation of what, if any, employees will remain after the evacuation alarm to shut down critical operations or perform other duties before evacuating.

• A means of accounting for employees after an evacuation.

• Special equipment for employees.

• Appropriate respirators.

    During development and implementation of your draft plan, think about all possible emergency situations and evaluate your workplace to see if it complies with OSHA's emergency standards.

    Emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we. SERVPRO of Stoneham/ Wakefield provides emergency cleaning and restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—including all holidays. You can expect an immediate response time, day or night.

Need Emergency Service? Call Us 24/7 – (781) 245-0011

Classes of Mold

5/11/2017 (Permalink)

Like we always say, mold is everywhere and not all molds are harmful to us! Molds are often found in wet, damp places and can vary in color and smell. Mold is put into different categories based on their hazard:

Hazard Class C: While this group of molds are not health hazards – they can cause structural damages, and are recommended to be removed.

Hazard Class B: These are molds that if endured over long periods of time can cause allergic reactions

Hazard Class A: These are the molds we want to identify and remove immediately! These molds create toxins and if not handle correctly the air quality of a structure with steadily decline.

If you feel like your home or business might be affected by mold, give us a call at 781-245-0011. While we cannot determine what type of mold it may be – we can remediate it with no worry!

What is Lurking in Your Air Ducts?

5/11/2017 (Permalink)

Since the ventilation system is often the biggest culprit in poor indoor air quality, inspecting the ductwork should be a high priority.

In most cases, the HVAC system has been operating for some time without much attention. Dirt ducts can circulate odors, contaminants such as mold and irritating dust throughout your building or home. In some circumstances, such as after a fire, smoke or suspected mold growth, duct cleaning becomes an essential part of the cleanup process. 

Keeping the HVAC system and ductwork clean can potentially extend the life span of the equipment by allowing it to operate at peak condition, which may save you money. SERVPRO can often restore the HVAC system and ductwork to pre-damage conditions. 

• We provide free written inspections and estimates


• Eliminate offensive odors


• Restore peak energy efficiency


• Reduce potential for mold growth


• Remediate bacteria, fungi and mold

Call us at 781-245-0011 to see how we can best improve your home or businesses air quality. We can make it "Like it never even happened"

Flooded Basement Tips

3/1/2017 (Permalink)

Flooded Basement

Avoid a flooded basement, this year and forever!

Normal spring thaws can cause a small trickle to become a bigger issue. Foundation cracks that weren’t a problem before have the potential to become a huge problem now.

This year’s sudden spring thaw could exacerbate any issues that were not taken care of in the past.

In late winter and early spring, the ground can’t absorb all of the rain and snow melt, so it flows along the foundation. 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 rain water 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 builds 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 in order 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, our friends at Signature Page Real Estate in Woburn, suggest having a dehumidifier in any basement, old or new.

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: Like it never even happened.

Frozen Pipes

12/30/2016 (Permalink)

Frozen Pipe

When temperatures get below 20 degrees you should flush your toilets and run hot water through your pipes every 4 hours. When it’s extremely cold let cold water slowly drip from faucets served by exposed pipes and pipes particularly close to the foundation.

The lines going to your toilets are more susceptible because they have only cold water running through them. The lower the temperature the more crucial it is to flush toilets regularly. If the toilet sounds irregular or makes a crackling sound while filling up the tank or tank and bowl, or is slow to fill, you have a problem. It’s important to remedy it quickly.

Identify the line in the basement. You can often pin point exactly where it’s frozen because it will be colder to the touch.

Set up a space heater and aim it directly at the frozen area of the line for at least an hour, or until tank and bowl fills at the normal rate. With old style heaters, be careful of a potential fire hazard. Give the space heater space. Do not have flammable materials within several feet of the heater and be certain it’s standing or balanced securely.

Check for drafts. You may find a draft that is aimed directly at the line. These lines are often very close to the foundation. You can identify the draft by simply using your hand or a candle.

Cover up the drafty area. This can be a quick fix by adhering plastic or even a towel over the draft, or you could use caulk or spackle from the inside. Just stop that draft from aiming at your pipe. Suring up drafty areas from the outside and inside is ideal, but at least tackle the problem from the inside for now.

If it’s too late and your pipe has burst, shut off the main water supply, crank up the heat and call a plumber. We’re here if you need us for clean up afterward. We’ll clean up all water, leave fans and dehumidifiers behind until it’s thoroughly dry and be sure your water problem doesn’t turn into a mold problem.

Trade Show

11/4/2016 (Permalink)

Trade Show

SERVPRO exhibited at the Community Associations Institute-New England Chapter. The event was held Saturday, October 22’nd at the Burlington Marriot Hotel.

The association serves and educates officers of various Condominium Associations and Property Management Personnel alike. Approximately 1000 were in attendance. CAI is a great resource for local condominium board officers and property management companies. It gives them ideas on how to better serve the local residents of our community.

Some of the sessions included “Transition from Developer to Unit Owner Control” and “Energy Efficiency”. Experts on these subjects serve to enhance the condominium ownership experience and help the environment.

SERVPRO is proud to have been a part of the event. We were happy to have run into many whom we have served over the years. It’s very satisfying to hear the personal stories of local residents and business owners. They recalled how we were there for them immediately following a fire or flood and helped them get back in their homes and businesses as soon as possible.

Weather it’s a catastrophe like fire and water or a service call for mold or duct cleaning, we constantly strive to live up to our motto “Like it never even happened”.

Fire Prevention Week

10/13/2016 (Permalink)

October Is Fire Prevention Month

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) holds their Fire Prevention Week activities in October; this year it’s October 9th-15th.

SERVPRO is proud to announce our sponsorship and participation during this time. Our local fire fighters visit children at school and hold open houses. The kids enjoy these visits and learn the basics of fire prevention.

SERVPRO has provided fire safety coloring books and crayons to the communities of North Reading, Wilmington, Winchester and Stoneham. The fire fighters will distribute these gifts during their visits. It’s a fun way to support our local fire fighters and give back to the community.

In winter, we see an increased risk for household fires. Below are four of the top six causes of fires. Notice the presence of danger increases in winter, due to an increase of usage in these categories:

• Candles 
• Cooking 
• Electrical 
• Heating 

In the spirit of fire prevention, we’d like to remind you to:

• Replace smoke detector batteries.
• Replace smoke alarms every 10 years.
• Have an escape plan and meeting place.
• Space heaters need adequate space around them. Don’t place objects to close.
• Thoroughly clean your dryer of lint.
• Never use a candle if an oxygen tank is used in the home.

Stoneham/ Wakefield 24 Hour Emergency Water Damage Service

9/26/2016 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Stoneham/ Wakefield 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 - 781-245-0011

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 Stoneham/ Wakefield 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 Stoneham/ Wakefield

SERVPRO of Stoneham/ Wakefield 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.

Networking Event

9/14/2016 (Permalink)

Multi-Chamber Event, Chamber of Commerce

On August 24’Th SERVPRO of Burlington/Woburn attended and displayed at the Multi-Chamber event in Burlington.

SERVPRO is proud to be active members of the NSCC, North Suburban Chamber of Commerce. The NSCC serves the communities of Bedford, Billerica, Burlington, Carlisle, Concord, Lexington, Lincoln, North Reading, Reading, Stoneham, Wakefield, Wilmington, and Woburn as well as Hanscom Air Force Base.

The event was held at the Café Escadrille. They provided a great evening, delicious appetizers and a fantastic venue. Several hundred were in attendance.

Many local businesses as well as non-profits joined us. As always, these events are a good chance to network with local businesses, but more importantly, they provide a great opportunity for charitable groups to make enormous strides in their fund raising efforts.

Community News

9/14/2016 (Permalink)

128 Business Expo

On September 7’Th SERVPRO of Burlington/Woburn attended the 128 Business Expo in Waltham. It was an event for local businesses to meet and greet fellow Chamber of Commerce members and others in the business community.

Approximately 400 people were in attendance. Among them were many not-profits and charitable foundations as well. These groups do a great deal of fund raising at such events through the local business community. SERVPRO was one of the participating companies.  The expo was a great way to network with other business owners in our area. We at SERVPRO also appreciate the opportunity to educate the group on our services and community involvement.  

Thank you to the Westin Waltham-Boston Hotel for providing a great evening and a lovely venue. We look forward to future events.

Here to Help

8/31/2016 (Permalink)

Help

If you’re a home or business owner the day will most likely come when you need help with an emergency. It may be a flood, fire, burst pipe or faulty sprinkler system.

Your first action in many instances should be to call 911. Your towns’ finest (fire, ambulance and police personnel) are trained to help in an emergency; this much we know.

But, what can you do yourself? How can you prepare? September is national preparedness month. Visit https://www.ready.gov/september It’s filled with useful tips, lists of items everyone should have on hand, and so much more.

There’s more that you can do. SERVPRO is serious about helping local home and business owners. We’re so serious that we put our own resource together. It’s a free, very useful phone application that can be found at https://ready.SERVPRO.com/

It holds all your critical contacts (water, fire, electric, insurance and more) in one place. You can locate, photograph and tag things like water and electric shut offs. Home owners and business owners alike can access and use this free tool. It can be a bit more involved for a commercial building so call and we’ll assist you for free.

Fire Warning

8/31/2016 (Permalink)

FIRE!

We all know that we’re in the middle of one of the worst local droughts on record. This blog is just a friendly reminder to be extra careful.

I’m sure you’re all familiar with Smokey the Bear and his fire danger meter. One fire fighter told me that it’s at “Extreme” right now. That’s as high as you can get, and it’s rare in this area.

 Your town may have ordinances (temporary or otherwise) against outdoor fires. Check with your local authorities.

http://www.mass.gov/eopss/agencies/dfs/ (The “dfs” stands for Department of Fire Services)

Even some camp grounds in New England have a temporary moratorium on fires. Check locally about that as well.

There is so much more to say about fire safety. October 9-15 is national fire prevention week and we’ll have more then. In the meantime feel free to check out the following sites.

http://www.nfpa.org/public-education/resources/safety-tip-sheets

http://www.nfpa.org/public-education/campaigns/fire-prevention-week

Fed Up With Foul Smelling Clothes?

8/26/2016 (Permalink)

Fed Up With Foul Smelling Clothes?

Do you store your cool weather clothes away during summer?  If so, this can help!

Clothes with a musty smell can usually be taken care of by using one of these common household products.

• Baking soda


• White vinegar


• Borax

Just fill your washing machine with clothes, hot water and your normal detergent. Once full, pour a cup of your selected product in and agitate to ensure it’s mixed properly. You can use a mixture of vinegar and baking soda, a half cup each.

For best results dry the clothes outside. A sunny breezy day is best. A place that gets both wind and sun is ideal.

Keep in mind, if your clothes smell musty it’s because of mold. Our team at SERVPRO are here to help