Water Damage Restoration 101 | SERVPRO® of Lebanon County (717)-273-MOLD

10/10/2023 (Permalink)

When experiencing water damage in your home call | SERVPRO® of Lebanon County (717)-273-MOLD

When your home is being threatened by water damage from flooding or leaks, SERVPRO of Lebanon County Professionals have the expertise to prevent or mitigate the devastating effects water damage can have in order to help preserve and restore your property.

Our Professionals have the equipment and experience necessary to handle the most challenging water damage and removal situations and are available around-the-clock.  We concentrate on safely drying, deodorizing and disinfecting the areas flooded or damaged by water, utilizing the following:

Water Removal Equipment

• Moisture detectors, hygrometers and other meters measure the extent of moisture saturation.
• Infrared camera may be used to identify water location for thorough water removal.
• Submersible and gas-powered pumps for continuous pumping of high-level water.
• Truck mounted and portable extraction units perform efficient water removal.

Sanitizing Agents, Germicides, & Anti-Microbial Treatments

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

Hi-Tech Drying Equipment

• Drying equipment helps prevent property water damage like swelling and warping of floors, walls and furniture.
• Industrial grade dehumidifiers minimize secondary water damage.
• High-speed air movers create airflow across walls, carpets, pads and furniture, evaporating moisture.
• Some situations call for special drying techniques that require state of the art equipment and training.

Our Professionals are ready to respond 24/7 to mitigate any size loss in the Lebanon area call 

(717)-273-MOLD

How We Price Our Services | SERVPRO® of Lebanon County (717)-273-MOLD

10/10/2023 (Permalink)

| SERVPRO® of Lebanon County (717)-273-MOLD

When providing estimates - people often want to know how we come-up with the price for the restoration services we provide.  We utilize Xactware to determine our pricing for the restoration services we provide. Xactware is an independent, third-party company that researches and reports on industry pricing. Currently, 21 of the top 25 property insurance companies in the U.S. and 10 of the top 10 Canadian insurers use Xactware property insurance claims tools

Xactware uses pricing information from general contractors, subcontractors, insurance carriers, insurance adjusters, and a host of other industry professionals as we research and report on the average market price for each price-list item. Xactware goes to great lengths to ensure that no one party or industry segment has any undue influence on the pricing data that we research and report on.

In order to provide the most accurate and defensible pricing information available, Xactware takes a unique, scientific approach to researching and reporting on market pricing for the insurance repair industry. This approach is based on a proven five-phased, iterative process.

• Phase 1: Conduct market pricing research.
• Xactware currently researches and analyzes millions of market price points each year from multiple, third-party sources. These include:
• Thousands of in-field estimates that are submitted to Xactware every day (i.e. estimates actually used to settle claims)
• Market surveys of industry professionals
• Retail pricing research
• Unit-price research based on surveys with over 100,000 contractors, insurance carriers, and independent adjusters
• Pricing feedback from in-field users
• Independent pricing verification requests
• Customer-specific cost data
• Catastrophe-specific pricing research
• Additional research surveys
• Multiple third-party sources for data such as worker’s comp, federal taxes, state taxes, local taxes, and so on
• Many other research initiatives
• Phase 2: Review and verify all the market research gathered; conduct data integrity checks.
• Phase 3: Analyze all the pricing research and perform a proprietary cluster analysis on various subsets of that research to identify the mid-range market price points. This proprietary process was designed by Brigham Young University Ph.D.’s and is monitored by an econometrician. (An econometrician holds a master’s degree in statistics and a doctorate in economics.)
• Phase 4: Report on and publish market pricing research results.
• Phase 5: Evaluate and refine our pricing research and reporting methodology.

For example, the building cost data used in Xactware’s products comes from:

• Time and materials costs
• Over 40,000 providers of materials, equipment and labor
• Over 84,000 surveys each year*
• Analysis of actual damage repair estimates (transaction-based research)
• Over 3 million estimates each year*
• Over 6 million data points each month*
• Direct surveys of construction market costs
• New construction/remodeling
• General contracts and sub-contractors
• Approximately 2,000 surveys each month*

For more details - visit http://www.xactware.com/en-us/resources/pricing-data-services/methodology/

Five Steps to Avoid Mold Growth After a Flood | SERVPRO® of Lebanon County 717-273-MOLD

9/14/2023 (Permalink)

| SERVPRO® of Lebanon County (717)-273-MOLD

Flooding is the leading natural disaster in the U.S and flooding can wreak havoc on a home or building that lasts long after waters recede. Over the past five years, the average paid flood insurance claim was more than $35,000, according to the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). From damaged personal items to the growth of mold spores that can impact the health of a home and its inhabitants, taking the proper steps to restore a property after a flood can limit the extent of the damage incurred.

To help direct home owners and businesses during cleanup efforts, the Institute of Inspection Cleaning Restoration and Certification (IICRC) and the Healthy House Institute (HHI) share the following five steps for preventing mold growth after a catastrophic flood.

Step One: Check it out!

• Once a building is flooded from a river, lake, stream, hurricane or rainstorm, inspecting and documenting damage is very important for several reasons, including insurance and tax purposes. Electrical, gas, structural and other safety hazards present must be eliminated "before" assessing physical damage to the building and contents.
• Once health and safety hazards have been eliminated, inspect the building and all contents. Generally, the rule of thumb is that everything below the water line gets thrown out. Building materials and contents above the water line should be inspected for discoloration, odor and damage.

Step Two: Get it out!

• Extract standing water with a pump or wet vacuum from slabs, basements, crawlspaces, heating systems and anywhere water could be sitting. Shovel or flush out remaining silt and sand with water.
• Next, remove all wallboard material (e.g., plaster, drywall, paneling), finished flooring (e.g., carpet, hardwood, vinyl flooring), insulation and any other wet materials that are below the water line.
• Remove contents damaged by floodwater. Keep a record of your activities before, during and after cleanup. Take photo or video recording inventory of discarded material.

Step Three: Clean it up!

• Start with vacuuming as much loose debris and soil as possible. It is preferable to use a HEPA vacuum, but a simple wet/dry vacuum can work. When using a wet/dry vacuum, attach a hose to the exhaust and vent the exhaust air to the outside. This keeps dust, spores and other fine particles from being suspended in the air and settling back on clean surfaces.
• Clean framing with a pressure washer or low-pressure flushing. Scrub framing with a mild detergent (e.g. dish soap) to remove embedded soils. Wipe all adjacent surfaces with a mild detergent. Rinse by low-pressure flushing or wiping with clean water. Vacuum all remaining moisture using a wet/dry vacuum.
• If mold is visible and remains after cleaning, additional scrubbing or multiple rounds of cleaning may be necessary. If significant mold growth is present, or if occupants have immune deficiencies, are elderly, pregnant, or if there are young children present.
• After all surfaces are clean, wipe surfaces with a sanitizer such as a solution of up to ¼ cup of bleach to one gallon of water. After 20 minutes, wipe surfaces using clean water. This step helps neutralize remaining or embedded contaminants.
• For those with chemical sensitivities, perform multiple rounds of cleaning as an alternative to using bleach.

Step Four: Dry it out – quickly!

• Mold spores are everywhere, and it is impossible to remove all spores and potential contaminants. All spores need to grow is moisture. To inhibit future mold growth, dry affected areas as quickly as possible, preferably within 24 to 48 hours from the completion of cleaning and sanitizing.
• The key is directing warm, dry air across wet surfaces. This directed airflow should be exhausted outside or collected using dehumidification equipment. Take care to not spread contaminants. Properly directing airflow may require putting up barriers or containing the affected areas to prevent the spread of contaminants to unaffected areas.
• Drying a wet building correctly is an art as well as a science. IICRC trained and certified experts know how to use state-of-the-art moisture detection and monitoring equipment that identifies hidden moisture in building materials, ventilation systems, flooring and walls. Certified restorers also understand and use the equipment necessary to dry buildings, while preventing the spread of contaminants.
• In a community-wide flood, the availability of power and rental equipment to complete structural drying can be a challenge. If drying cannot be properly initiated, contact an IICRC Certified Firm.

Step Five: Keep it dry

• The cardinal rule for preventing mold growth is to keep surfaces dry. Strive to ensure your home stays dry and you will be following industry best practices for preventing mold growth and protecting the health of others in your home. It’s also a way to protect the investment of your home, since excess mold growth and moisture will damage the structure. Try to keep indoor humidity below 50 percent using air conditioning or a dehumidifier.
• Tip: Use a water-sensing alarm (battery-operated) in moisture-prone areas such as next to the washer, hot water heater, in the basement and other possible wet zones, so you are alerted to the accumulation of excess moisture.

No one wants to experience the devastation of a flood, but by keeping mold outside where it belongs, you can limit its impact on the health of your family and home.

At SERVPRO of Lebanon County we are ready and able to address any and all water damage issues that you may have in your home or business.  We have the resipources and the capabilities to remediate any size loss.  Give us a call at 717-273-MOLD

Note: the source of the above information is http://www.healthyhouseinstitute.com/a-1328-Five-Steps-to-Prevent-Mold-Growth-after-a-Catastrophic-Flood

What To Do AFTER The Fire | SERVPRO® Lebanon County (717)-273-MOLD

9/14/2023 (Permalink)

| SERVPRO® of Lebanon County (717)-273-MOLD

A fire will change your life in many ways that you cannot imagine. Knowing where to begin and who can help you is important.

Put Safety First

The safety of you and your family must be the first priority.Follow the advice and directions issued by local authorities. If the authorities ask you to evacuate, do not return until they report that it is safe and secured.

Contact Your Insurance Company

The typical homeowners policy will provide reimbursement for Additional Living Expenses (ALE) such as the cost of hotels and food when a covered loss to your home makes the residence uninhabitable.

If you do not have insurance, your family and community might help you get back on your feet. Organizations that might help include:

• American Red Cross (717) 234-3101;

• Salvation Army (717) 233-6755 ;

• religious organizations;

• public agencies, such as the public health department;

• community groups;

• State or municipal emergency services office; and

• nonprofit crisis-counseling centers.

What To Expect

A fire in a home, whether you live in an apartment, a single family, or multifamily home, can cause serious damage. The building and many of the things in your home may have been badly damaged by flames, heat, smoke, and water. You will find that things the fire did not burn up are now ruined by smoke and soggy with water used to put out the flames. Anything you want to save or re-use will need to be carefully cleaned. The firefighters may have cut holes in the walls of the building to look for any hidden flames. They may even have cut holes in the roof to let out the heat and smoke. Cleanup will take time and patience.

Restoration Services

You do not need to make a quick decision on who will perform the restoration services.  You will, however  need to have someone perform board-up services to secure the property. Many restoration companies - including SERVPRO of Hershey / Swatara perform board-up services.  You are not required to use the same company to provide mitigation and restoration services.  Take you time to decide after consulting with your insurance adjustor and do some of your own research before you decide.

Restoration and Mitigation Services Include:

Restoration companies like SERVPRO of Hershey/Swatara provide services that include the following:

• Documenting all items affected and items to be removed for cleaning / restoration
• Removing unsalvageable items and material
• Storing and cleaning contents and personal items
• Restoring furniture and other personal property
• Cleaning clothes, linens, etc
• Drying the structure and contents
• Deodorizing the structure and content
• Preparing the structure for rebuild

Once the structure has been miigated for the fire damage - the home owner can negotiate with contractors to rebuild. SERVPRO of Lebanon County can help the homeowner with the rebuild process as well.

What to do AFTER the Hurricane| SERVPRO® of Hershey/Harrisburg East (717)-533-FIRE

9/14/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO® of Lebanon County (717)-273-MOLD

See graphic below for what to do after the devastation of a hurricane hits your home. 

Flood Watch vs Flood Warning | SERVPRO® of Lebanon County 717-273-MOLD

9/13/2023 (Permalink)

| SERVPRO® of Lebanon County 717-273-MOLD

Know the difference in flood prediction terminology - especially if you love in an area that is prone or susceptible to periodic flooding.

Don’t Try This at Home/Call a Pro

7/6/2023 (Permalink)

Biohazard symbol

SERVPRO of Lebanon Cleaning Services:

Exposure to biological and chemical contaminants can pose serious health consequences. A failure to properly remove such substances can contribute to unhealthy and dangerous environments.

SERVPRO Franchise Professionals are trained to safely remove biohazardous substances and dispose of them properly in accordance with OSHA and health regulations.

Equipped with the necessary safety apparatus and cleaning products, SERVPRO Franchise Professionals help turn unsafe environments into clean, safe homes and offices.

Biohazard
Sewage Backups
Sewage backups and dark water intrusions are more than nasty, smelly deposits – these damages also introduce harmful microorganisms into a structure. SERVPRO Franchise Professionals remove the sewage, contaminants, and moisture, and help ensure the structure is properly cleaned, disinfected, and deodorized.

Bloodborne Pathogens
SERVPRO Franchise Professionals remove and dispose of bodily fluids, tissue and other potentially pathogenic substances resulting from accident, trauma, crime or death. Trained SERVPRO Franchise Professionals clean, disinfect and deodorize the structure.

Methamphetamine Labs
SERVPRO realizes many of the chemicals used in the production of illegal drugs such as methamphetamine are volatile and can leave harmful residues throughout a structure. SERVPROFranchise Professionals follow federal and state guidelines to properly clean all surfaces.

Crime Scene and Vandalism
Crime Scene Residues
From fingerprint powder and evidence-gathering chemicals to tear gas and pepper spray residues, SERVPRO Franchise Professionals can clean and restore your property after a crime scene investigation.

Vandalism
SERVPRO Franchise Professionals also provide general vandalism cleanup for graffiti and deodorization services for situations involving spoiled foods and human and animal waste.

Add Creativity to Your Fire Safety Strategy | SERVPRO® of Lebanon County

6/10/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Lebanon County is here for you and your family if you experience a fire in your home or business.

Parenting comes with its fair share of challenges, and as you foster your children’s imagination and creativity, you also bear the responsibility of educating them about more serious subjects. Among these important topics is fire safety, which plays a vital role in ensuring the long-term safety of your family.

No matter how old your children are, they must be taught about the importance of fire safety. As a parent, you need to convey these concepts in a way that is accessible to everyone in your home.

Although broaching the subject with young children might seem daunting, there are effective ways to share the information without making it scary.

Explain the Dangers of Fire

Children learn best through hands-on experiences, making it important to provide them with direct interactions to grasp certain topics. To make your fire safety lessons interactive, take a walkthrough of your home and point out potential fire hazards that they should be aware of, such as the stove or a fireplace.

Emphasize the dangers posed by fire-starting items such as matches and lighters, too, stressing that playing with even a small match can lead to a devastating house fire. Teach them that these items are not toys and should always be handed over to you if found.

Familiarize Them With Authority

Firefighters decked out in their full uniforms, complete with firefighting gear, can be quite scary. To help your children overcome fears, consider taking them to local events where they can interact with your community’s firefighters. In addition, share books and videos that make these heroes less intimidating.

To ensure that your children trust firefighters during emergencies like fires, educate them about the vital roles these professionals play on a daily basis. Transform learning about fire safety into a fun activity by competing to see who can escape the house the quickest or practicing the stop, drop and roll technique to determine who can reach the ground the fastest.

Make a Game Plan Together

In order to ensure the safety of the entire family in the event of a fire, it is crucial to establish a plan of escape. Include your kids in the planning process to aid in their retention of the crucial elements of the escape route and to make them feel included.

In addition to developing an escape strategy, show your children two other evacuation routes out of each room in the house. This will be lifesaving knowledge if flames block your primary exit in the event of a fire. They should know how to open the window to escape, but they also need to know it should only be done during a true fire emergency.

After getting all the other details out of the way, decide on a place everyone can reach once they’ve escaped your home. If your kids have grasped the strategy, make sure they are aware of who to call once they have successfully escaped a fire.

Fires can cause widespread damage. Call us for a thorough and efficient restoration.

Be Prepared For Flood Damage! | SERVPRO® Lebanon 717-273-MOLD

6/8/2023 (Permalink)

| SERVPRO® of Lebanon County at 717-273-MOLD

Many people deal with the ravages of flood damage in our region.

Our partners at the Red Cross have prepared a very helpful list of action items to follow before and after you are impacted by flood damage.

When flood damage threatens to take-over your life - we at SERVPRO of Lebanon County are here to help you take back control.  Our hero's are ready to help 24/7.

Stay Safe When Severe Winds Strike Lebanon | SERVPRO of Lebanon County

6/5/2023 (Permalink)

If you've suffered from storm-related damage to your home or business, make SERVPRO of Lebanon County your first call.

During the warm and muggy season, a gust of wind can be a sweet, unexpected escape from the scorching sun. Even though we cannot see it, wind is always present, and we can depend on it, even if it is not exactly what we had hoped for.

When it’s at its worst, though, wind can create a path of destruction that is impossible to avoid. You might think these conditions wouldn’t affect you on a clear day, but wind has the power to wreak havoc on your property during any kind of weather!

Take necessary precautions to ensure your safety and the safety of your home when strong winds blow.

The Different Kinds of Wind

About half of the most hazardous wind incidents are caused by severe thunderstorms, making them an inescapable risk. Winds that come with thunderstorms can lead to winds that are just as destructive as tornadoes.

Wind speeds of up to 60 miles per hour can be produced by thunderstorms, which can lead to flying debris and inescapable damage to homes and businesses.

One form of thunderstorm wind, known as straight-line wind, can reach speeds of up to 100 miles per hour and can cause harm even in areas where it doesn’t rain, unlike tornadoes, which are associated with rotation.

Tornadoes are renowned for their capacity to cause destruction, which is attributed to the diverse types of winds they produce. Lebanon is at high risk for tornadoes, and it’s around this time of year that they most often blow our way. Even when we aren’t visited by tornadoes, the extreme winds from severe storms are enough to leave a mark on local homes and businesses.

Wind Damage and Prevention

The destruction that deadly winds create can quickly lead to downed trees, flying debris and downed power lines. Winds above 80 miles per hour are capable of picking up anchored mobile homes or even ripping off your roof!

One of the most effective ways to stay safe during high winds is to know the different weather alerts and prepare your property accordingly by securing loose outdoor objects and debris that can become dangerous projectiles.

To prevent wind damage, it’s important to keep your trees trimmed and remove any loose branches or debris from your yard. Additionally, invest in storm shutters or other protective measures to safeguard your home during high wind events.

Once the winds have subsided, search your entire property to make sure there’s no damage. Climb up to your roof to fix any missing or damaged shingles before water finds its way into your home. Give our team at SERVPRO a call when you’re left with damage, and we’ll swiftly restore the aftermath of a severe Lebanon storm.

Has your home been damaged by wind? Call us and get things cleaned up fast.