Recent Posts

Give Your Home a Seasonal Tune-up!

4/21/2023 (Permalink)

Give your home a seasonal tune-up! When disaster strikes, SERVPRO can help make it “Like it never even happened.”

Local SERVPRO® franchise professional says routine maintenance can help prevent the common sources of fire and water damage in homes and businesses

Worcester, MA (Grassroots Newswire) April 2023 - Spring is the perfect time to assess the maintenance of your home after the long, cold, brutal winter months. A checklist from the National Center for Healthy Housing (NCHS) outlines what it takes to help ensure your home is healthy – such as keeping it dry, clean, well-ventilated, free from contaminants, pest-free, safe, and well-maintained.

As the disaster remediation specialists at SERVPRO know, unexpected issues can quickly turn your dream home into a nightmare. “While we specialize in cleanup, restoration, and construction after a fire or water loss, we think it’s even more important to do what you can to help prevent these losses in the first place,” says Donny McKendall of SERVPRO of Worcester. “Routine and effective maintenance will help you meet all these healthy home criteria and serves as one of your best defenses against the curveballs that can be thrown at your home.”

While catastrophic events like storm-related wind, water, and hail damage are usually covered by most standard homeowner’s insurance policies, many maintenance-related claims are not – such as leaks over time or mold from lack of ventilation.1 So, on top of suffering a loss to property, there is a good chance the property owner will be on the hook for the entire cost of remediation and repairs.

To help pinpoint common areas of concern for routine home maintenance, the NCHH developed a Healthy Homes Maintenance Checklist. 

“We deal with the consequences of unfortunate disasters that negatively impact the lives of property owners every day,” says McKendall. “The routine and simple spring maintenance tasks on this checklist can help minimize the types of hazards we specialize in remediating, and they can preempt many of the bigger problems that can cause significant damage to your property.”


Fire

  • Clean dryer vents and screens.
  • Check electrical equipment for damaged cords.
  • Test all ground fault circuit interrupters.

Water and Mold

  • Clean downspouts and gutters and ensure they direct water away from your home.
  • Look for damaged or failing waterproofing, often caused by storms, such as lifting shingles, loose siding, or leaks around doors and windows.
  • Test your sump pump, including the check valve. Clear out floor drains.
  • Check hoses for leaks under sinks and on your water heater, washer, and refrigerator water dispenser.

“As a leader in fire and water cleanup and restoration services, SERVPRO understands that there are some things we simply can’t control,” says Rick Isaacson, CEO of SERVPRO Industries, LLC. “The weather is certainly one of those things. In spring, storms may bring flooding rain, lightning-sparked fires, and high winds, all of which can wreak havoc on homes and businesses. That’s why it’s important to take control where we can. Performing timely spring maintenance could be one small step to helping prevent a larger disaster that could permanently impact your family or property.”

SERVPRO specializes in disaster cleaning, restoration, and construction services, helping to remediate damage, making it “Like it never even happened” for both commercial and residential customers.

1 https://www.ready.gov/sites/default/files/2020-03/ready_document-and-insure-your-property.pdf

SERVPRO Urges Worcester Property Owners to Focus on Disaster Readiness as Spring Approaches

2/23/2023 (Permalink)

Be Prepared Before Disaster Strikes Text over lightning storm photo & SERVPRO logo The importance of advance planning grows as severe weather and climate events become more frequent

Property damage remediation specialist says the importance of advance planning grows as severe weather and climate events become more frequent

Worcester, MA (Grassroots Newswire) February 9, 2023 - Since Fall 2022, the United States has experienced extreme weather from coast to coast ranging from major rain and flood events to hurricanes and tornadoes to extreme freezing conditions including a “once in a generation blizzard.” As catastrophic weather events impact property owners more frequently, it magnifies the need for disaster readiness ahead of this spring’s storm season.

The National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), reports that from 1980-2022, there were, on average, 7.9 “billion-dollar” events each year. In 2021, there were 20 “billion-dollar” weather or climate disaster events, and 2022 delivered another 18 – each year more than doubling the previous multi-year average.1

“These statistics are revealing,” says Donny McKendall of SERVPRO® of Worcester, “but not surprising to businesses like SERVPRO who specialize in disaster response and remediation. SERVPRO franchise owners experience the real-life impact of events like these as home and business owners reach out for help after flooding, fire, wind, and other natural disasters wreak havoc on their properties. That’s why we continue to emphasize the importance of preparing in advance before disaster strikes.”

Because spring weather can be particularly unpredictable, McKendall urges property owners in the Worcester area to take advantage of state, federal and other online resources now to prepare for a possible severe weather event. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) offers tips here2 for preparing an emergency kit to have on hand. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) offers an emergency preparedness checklist here3, and more ideas and tools are available from sources like the Red Cross, the AARP, and others.

According to Rick Isaacson, CEO of SERVPRO Industries, LLC, the number of calls for help and web traffic to SERVPRO.com increased more than 300% after the most recent winter storm event in late December 2022 over the same period last year (12/22/22 – 12/28/22).

“Advance preparation might have helped some of these property owners literally weather the storm with less damage,” said Isaacson. “And for those whose homes or businesses were severely damaged or destroyed in spite of efforts to avoid damage, advance preparation would mean that critical papers, contact numbers, insurance information, and recovery plans would be close at hand. Time spent improving your disaster readiness is time well spent.”

SERVPRO specializes in disaster cleaning, restoration, and construction services, helping to remediate damage, making it “Like it never even happened,” for both commercial and residential customers.

1 https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/billions/

2 https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/features/springweather/index.html

3 https://www.energy.gov/sites/prod/files/FEMA_Red-Cross_Emergency_Preparedness_Checklist.pdf

About SERVPRO

For more than 50 years, SERVPRO has been a trusted leader in fire and water cleanup and restoration services, construction, mold mitigation, biohazard and pathogen remediation. SERVPRO’s professional services network of more than 2,000 individually owned and operated franchises spans the United States and Canada, responding to property damage emergencies large and small – from million-square-foot commercial facilities to individual homes. When disaster strikes, homeowners, business owners and major insurance companies alike rely on SERVPRO to make it “Like it never even happened.”

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Extreme Temperatures Have Led to a Record Number of Burst Pipes and Water Damage Calls

2/9/2023 (Permalink)

Storm Damge icon over the image of a frozen pipe The SERVPRO Storm Team is Here to Help!

SERVPRO would like to remind residents and business owners that we are “Here to Help.” Serving the people of this community is our number one priority. Due to the recent frigid cold snap and wave of burst pipes/ water damage it has caused, our current call volume is at a record high. Our goal is to complete each job safely and quickly and get to the next family or business owner in need as soon as we can. To do this, the SERVPRO Storm Team has been activated, it consists of several SERVPRO franchises from different areas of the country who have stepped in to help meet demand. The SERVPRO Storm Team has deployed additional crews and equipment to the most heavily impacted areas.

Please know we are experiencing higher than normal call volumes. Calls will be addressed in the order they were received and we are working to connect you with a local storm team crew as soon as possible.

Is Your Worcester Property Protected from Freezing Pipes?

2/3/2023 (Permalink)

close up of green frozen pipe with orange words frozen pipes If you do find yourself facing water damage due to frozen or burst pipes SERVPRO is Here to Help®.

When faced with artic temperatures it’s important to protect your pipes from freezing. Frozen pipes can lead to a rupture and we all know even the smallest of cracks in a pipe can gush hundreds of gallons of water causing flooding, water damage, structural damage and potential mold issues.

Quickly falling temperatures and inadequate insulation are key contributors  to frozen pipes.

The following preventative measures can help reduce your risk of frozen water pipes this winter:

  • Seal any cold air leaks. These can often be found around dryer vents, electrical wiring, dryer vents or pipes. You can use caulk or insulation to keep the cold air out.
  • Insulate your pipes. The more exposed the pipes are, the greater the risk for freezing.
  • Let it drip. Let warm water drip from a faucet.
  • Leave cabinets open to allow heat to circulate around pipes.
  • Turn off outside faucets and remove garden hoses.

Here are some tips to follow if your do freeze :

  • Open your faucets all the way to encourage water flow.
  • Make sure you know where your water shut off valve is.
  • Remove the insulation around pipes and gently heat with a hair dryer or wrap with warm soaked towels. NEVER use an open flame or blow torch to defrost your pipes!

If you  do find yourself facing water damage due to frozen or burst pipes SERVPRO is Here to Help®.
When water damage strikes, a fast response is critical. You can reach us 24/7. Day or night, Worcester residents and business owners can rely on  the #1 Brand in the industry to respond immediately to your water emergency and work to make it Like it never even happened.®

When it Comes to Water Damage in Worcester, There’s No Such Thing as a Small Disaster!

7/27/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Techs Standing with van & equipment Call today 508-757-7885 SERVPRO of Worcester can help ensure the value of your property.

There is no such thing as a small disaster- especially when a small leak now could blossom into a big claim later. Unseen water can soak through walls, seep through carpet and pool on sub-floors, causing major problems over time. You need help fast.

SERVPRO® of Worcester is Here to Help.

No matter the time of day or night, the professionals of SERVPRO of Worcester are available to begin emergency mitigation. Emergency mitigation means under normal circumstance, a SERVPRO franchise professional can be on-site within four hours to begin drying your building and restoring contents. The faster the water is removed, the less chance of serious damage to your facility.

Every SERVPRO professional is trained and understands how to manage the drying process. By utilizing state -of-the-art equipment and the latest technology, your structure will be quickly and thoroughly dried, which helps prevent secondary water damages. SERVPRO will remove moisture and any contaminants by disinfecting and deodorizing to safely clean and dry your building and contents.

Call today 508-757-7885 SERVPRO of Worcester can help ensure the value of your property.

SERVPRO of Worcester Offers Fast, Reliable, Biohazard & Crime Scene Cleanup And Restoration Services.

7/26/2022 (Permalink)

Recognized as a leading fire and water cleanup and restoration provider by hundreds of insurance companies, SERVPRO of Worcester also offers fast, reliable, biohazard and crime scene cleanup and restoration services to residential and commercial property owners.

Exposure to biological and chemical contaminants can pose serious health consequences for building occupants, employees, customers, and owners. A failure to properly handle and safely remove such hazardous substances can contribute to unhealthy and even dangerous environments.

The SERVPRO of Worcester professionals are trained to safely and effectively remove biohazardous substances and prepare waste for proper disposal according to OSHA, EPA, and state and local health regulations. SERVPRO can remove and dispose of bodily fluids, tissue, and other potentially pathogenic substances resulting from an accident, trauma, crime, or death. Equipped with the necessary safety equipment and cleaning products, SERVPRO professionals help turn unsafe environments into clean, safe homes and buildings by thoroughly cleaning, disinfecting, and deodorizing the structure. SERVPRO of Worcester professionals can help with the following issues: bloodborne pathogens, methamphetamine labs, crime scene residues, arson, vandalism, sewage backups, black water intrusions, and mold mitigation and remediation. There is a lot we can do! From fingerprint powder and evidence gathering chemicals to tear gas and pepper spray residues, SERVPRO can clean and restore your property and contents. We can also provide general cleaning and/or deodorization services for situations resulting in graffiti, eggs, spoiled food, and human or animal waste. State and local regulations vary.

HERE TO HELP. 508-757-7885
Contact your local SERVPRO of Worcester  today for 24-hour emergency services. 

Celebrate Summer Safely

7/1/2022 (Permalink)

Celebrate Summer Saefely wrtten in night sky with fireworks If your property suffers from structural fire damage, call SERVPRO of Worcester to help make it "Like it never even happened." 508-757-7885

Summer is synonymous with barbecues, parades, and firework displays; but along with all the festivities are plenty of visits to the emergency room?especially during the month of July.

Each year, around 230 people are injured badly enough to require medical treatment after fireworks related incidents, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. In addition to causing injury, fireworks are also responsible for thousands of house fires each year with millions of dollars in property damage.

There is nothing like firing up the grill during the summer months! Did you know, July is the peak month for grill fires? A backyard barbecue can become dangerous quickly if proper safety precautions aren't considered. SERVPRO wants you to have an enjoyable and safe summer.

Consider the following tips to help ensure your summer celebrations are disaster-free:

  • Propane and charcoal barbecue grills should only be used outdoors.
  • The grill should be placed well away from the home, deck railings, and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.
  • Keep children and pets away from the grill area.
  • Keep your grill clean by removing grease or fat buildup from the grill and in trays below the grill.
  • Never leave your grill unattended.
  • When using a charcoal grill, let the coals completely cool before disposing in a metal container.
  • Anyone using fireworks or standing nearby should wear protective eyewear.
  • Do not try to re-light or handle malfunctioning fireworks. Keep a bucket of water nearby to fully extinguish fireworks that don't go off or in case of fire. Children should never pick-up fireworks that may be left over as they may still be active.
  • The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend a public display conducted by trained professionals.

If your residential or commercial property suffers from structural fire damage, call SERVPRO of Worcester to help make it "Like it never even happened." 508-757-7885

How Clean Are Your Worcester Property’s Ducts?

6/28/2022 (Permalink)

An interior view of dirty air ducts Call SERVPRO of Worcester to help protect your health and your property from ventilation and air quality issues. 508-757-7885

Did you know your ventilation system is often the biggest culprit in poor indoor air quality? Inspecting the ductwork in your facility or home should be a high priority. In most cases, the HVAC system has been operating for some time without much attention. Dirty ducts can circulate odors, contaminants such as mold, and irritating dust throughout your home or office.

Keeping your HVAC and ductwork clean can potentially extend the life-span of the equipment by allowing it to operate at peak condition, which may help you save money. Duct cleaning may not always be necessary. Let SERVPRO inspect your HVAC system and ductwork and make the proper recommendations about the best way to address any indoor air quality concerns.

In some circumstances, such as after a fire, smoke, or suspected mold growth, duct cleaning becomes an essential part of the cleanup process. In these cases, SERVPRO can often times restore

the HVAC system and ductwork to pre-damage condition. SERVPRO uses a portable ventilation and air duct cleaning system to examine ductwork and make a clean sweep, removing years of dust and grime.

  • The process begins by using patented equipment, including a roto-scraper, which automatically adapts to the duct's shape and diameter while traveling through the duct, removing debris and filth before the vacuuming begins.
  • Next, a powerful push-pull air delivery and collection system transfers the debris from the ductwork to a container.
  • Air is filtered through a HEPA filtration system, removing 99.97% of the particles in the airstream.
  • Filters will either be cleaned or replaced to remove odor and dirt.

Call SERVPRO of Worcester to help protect your health and your property from ventilation and air quality issues. 508-757-7885

SERVPRO's Disaster Recovery Team Is Ready Whenever & Wherever You Need Us!

6/28/2022 (Permalink)

Faster to any size disaster. This is not just another catchy line for SERVPRO. It is a commitment from each SERVPRO franchise professional to be there when you need them most.

Whether you are a small business or homeowner facing water or fire damage, or you are a property manager dealing with a widespread disaster, the SERVPRO franchise system has the resources (equipment, products, fleet, people) to respond quickly and efficiently. The sooner

help arrives, the sooner restoration begins and the sooner you can resume life and business as usual.

Your local SERVPRO franchise is just the tip of the iceberg! Should a major disaster occur, such as a flood or wildfire, SERVPRO's Disaster Recovery Team is always poised and ready to go where they are needed.

So no matter the size, call your local SERVPRO franchise professionals today! Backed by a system of franchises more than 2,000 strong, we'll help make your property disaster, "Like it never even happened."

Managing Mold? Yes, We’ve Got A Pro For That.

6/1/2022 (Permalink)

In less than 48 hours, mold can quickly become a problem in your home or business when there is 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. Fortunately, your local SERVPRO franchise professionals have the industry training, certifications, protective gear, and specialized equipment necessary to handle your mold problem.

Although every mold scenario is different requiring a unique solution, the general mold remediation process stays the same. Your local SERVPRO understands mold and mold growth and has what it takes to remediate the mold that happens to show up in your home or business.

Learn more about mold and what to do until help arrives by reviewing these mold damage tips.

We’re Here to Help protect your health and your property. If you think  you may have a mold problem call the Pros at SERVPRO of Worcester 508-757-7885.