How To Prepare For Days Without Power

12/7/2022 (Permalink)

How To Prepare For Days Without Power

If you live in an area that experiences frequent power outages, storms, or other emergencies, you may know the feeling of waking up in the middle of the night and wondering if the power will come back on. Your mind races through all sorts of questions: Is my neighborhood affected? Will I need to evacuate? How long will it take for my home to be repaired? If you're someone who experiences these moments of panic caused by a lack of electricity, there are several things you can do now to prepare yourself so that when an outage occurs, your family won't find themselves without access to food and water. 

Put together an emergency kit.

An emergency kit is a must if you live in a place prone to natural disasters. It can also be useful if you live in an area that experiences regular power outages due to weather, or if you're someone who tends to lose electricity more often than most people. To avoid accidents and keep yourself safe, it's important that your emergency kit be easy to carry with you wherever your travels may take you. This means picking one that's lightweight and portable enough so as not to hinder your mobility should the need arise. 

Create a storm preparedness plan for your family.

You should plan to be without power for at least 72 hours. During this time, you’ll need to rely on your emergency kit and supplies as well as any items you have in your home. 

Keep in mind that while this list of items is meant to provide basic comfort, it is not intended as an exhaustive list of everything needed for disaster survival. As such, consider adding additional supplies based on the needs of members of your household who may have special requirements such as infants or elderly adults.

Charge cell phones BEFORE a power outage or storm.

It's important to charge your phone before the storm hits. While traditional outlets won't work during a power outage or natural disaster, there are other options available so that your device is ready when the lights come back.

One option is to use a power bank (or portable charger). These devices allow you to charge your phone on-the-go without having access to an outlet or laptop. However, they don't hold an endless supply of juice—so it's best if you have at least one full battery life left in case of emergency needs.

Have flashlights and extra batteries ready in case the power goes out.

If you plan to be without power for an extended period of time, it's important that you have flashlights and extra batteries ready. Flashlights are useful because they allow you to navigate in the dark and also save your phone battery so that it doesn't die. It's a good idea to keep at least one flashlight on hand with a long battery life, such as LED ones, as well as extra batteries. 

Have at least a three-day supply of nonperishable food available.

The most important thing you can do to prepare for a power outage is to keep your food and water supply on hand. In the event that you are home when the power goes out, having nonperishable food and bottled water will help ensure that your family has enough to live on until their power comes back. Make sure all of your stored foods are kept in a cool, dry place—the refrigerator or pantry—to prevent spoilage.

Keep in mind that canned goods are an excellent option because they won't spoil as quickly as other foods like milk or produce. Remember that you should have 3 days worth of food ready at all times; this includes canned goods as well!

There are plenty of things that you can do to prepare for a power outage. We hope these tips will help make your next storm a little less stressful!

Mold Prevention Strategies

8/26/2022 (Permalink)

Mold can grow almost anywhere

Black mold, or mold of any variety, growing in your Philadelphia, PA, commercial building can cause major problems. Fortunately, a little preventive maintenance can help your business stay mold-free.

Mold Growth Conditions

Although mold spores are nearly everywhere, there are specific conditions that must be met before mold can grow. Here are three things that mold needs in order to thrive:

1. Warmth
2. Food
3. Moisture

Most indoor locations are sufficiently warm for mold to grow. Mold feeds on organic materials, such as dust, paper products, and food. Mold also needs moisture. This can come from spills, leaks, or even high humidity.

Mold Growth Prevention

Because most commercial buildings will have adequate warmth and sufficient food available for black mold and other fungal growth, the key to preventing an infestation is minimizing the water available. Try to keep the indoor humidity below 50% if possible. You may need to run a dehumidifier in particularly humid areas, such as kitchens.

If you detect a moisture problem, address it immediately. Clean up spills and repair leaks as soon as possible. In addition to keeping the building dry, you can also minimize the likelihood of a mold infestation by decreasing the number of mold spores present.

An air purifier with a HEPA filter can trap mold spores before they have a chance to begin growing. Keeping the building, especially the carpets, clean can also keep the number of mold spores down. Unfortunately, it may be impossible to prevent all mold growth. However, it can be caught early.

Perform routine inspections of humid areas, places where mold has grown before and anywhere else susceptible to an infestation. With proper mold cleanup, you can likely solve the problem before major damage occurs.

Even the most conscientious business owner can discover black mold. If you need help getting your property back to normal, a certified restoration service can help you do so quickly and safely.

3 Mold Prevention Tips for Your Commercial Property

7/23/2022 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of South Philadelphia / SE Delaware County to help with the proper mold remediation

Here Are Some Other Mold Prevention Tips

Mold is not something to be taken lightly. The fungus can appear on paper, carpets and other parts of your Folcroft, PA  commercial building. Mold can even grow above ceiling tiles and behind walls. The fungus can cause extensive harm to your property that necessitates professional mold remediation services.

Mold is especially common in moist areas. You can thus reduce mold by limiting the amount of water damage to your building. Here are some other mold prevention tips.

1. Ventilate Properly
Commercial kitchens and laundry rooms can release moisture into the air that encourages mold growth. Make sure that any stoves and dryers are vented outdoors. You may also want to purchase dehumidifiers for your property. Clean these dehumidifiers regularly so they do not produce any additional moisture.

Energy-efficient buildings, in particular, may trap moisture in the air. If your property has energy-efficient appliances, consider running an exhaust fan or opening the window when they are being used.

2. Dry Wet Spots

Ideally, you should prevent leaks and other causes of water damage to your property. However, accidental floods may still occur. If you do discover standing water in your building, you need to address it within 48 hours. Any equipment or furniture that cannot be completely dried should be removed from the premises. Mold can even grow on wet clothes, so hang them to dry outside if possible.

3. Reduce Humidity

Humid locations are particularly vulnerable to mold. Keep the indoor humidity between 30 and 60 percent at all times. You can purchase a moisture meter at a hardware store to make sure you are staying within this recommended guideline. Keep an eye out for condensation and other signs of humidity.

Since mold appears naturally in the environment, you cannot completely eradicate it from your property. However, by reducing moisture and immediately addressing any water damage, you can prevent excessive mold growth that could destroy your building.

Why Do Insurers Prefer To Work With Certain Vendors?

6/9/2022 (Permalink)

Why Do Insurers Prefer Certain Vendors To Work With?

Insurance companies tend to rely on the same vendors to do restoration work. An insurance agent can connect with restoration professionals who are qualified, proven, trusted, and verified. Learn more about a few reasons why it is worthwhile for restoration franchises to comply with the 21 requirements of the National Account Participation Agreement.

Preferred Vendors are Proven and Trusted
One of the main reasons why insurers prefer certain vendors is that they get the job done right the first time, every time. Here are a few reasons insurance companies appreciate working with franchisees that meet the terms of the SERVPRO National Account Participation Agreement:

• High standards for restoration work
• Regular employee background checks
• Transparent pricing

An insurance agent can appreciate the high standards that a major restoration company maintains across franchise locations. Rather than relying on limited information and dubious guarantees from independent service providers, a national franchise can guarantee the highest level of service.

Vendor Program Participation Agreements

A restoration franchise must meet 21 requirements in order to participate in a national referral program and work on insurance claims. This voluntary compliance measure opens up a regional franchise to more clients and preferred vendor status.
Preferred Vendors Make Accurate Estimates

The main reason insurers prefer some vendors over others is that skilled restoration firms excel at the task. From making estimates that account for the full extent of damage to staying on schedule to limit temporary displacement or business disruption, insurance representatives and policyholders both stand to benefit from using a preferred restoration vendor.

Whether you are an insurance agent or restoration professional based in Folcroft, PA, it can be worthwhile to work with a franchise that is part of a national network. Insurers rely on preferred vendors to complete mitigation, cleanup, and restoration work on budget and on schedule.

3 Steps to Take in Case of a Leak

5/1/2022 (Permalink)

If your building has water damage from an active leak, contact your local SERVPRO to help.

Three Steps To Take In The Event Of A Leak

Water damage from broken pipes can mean costly repairs for business owners in Sharon Hill, PA. Some leaks can go unnoticed for months before they become visible on walls or ceilings. Leaks can be caused by:

• Broken pipes
• Broken water heaters
• Loose water supply lines

Business owners should know what steps to take in case of a leak to prevent worse damage from developing on their property. Here are 3 steps to take in case of a leak.

1. Stop the Leak

The first action you should take is to locate the leak. This will help you identify the type of water you will be cleaning and the repairs you will need. When you know the source, shut off the main water supply line to stop water from leaking into the building. Empty the plumbing system of the remaining water by opening as many faucets as possible.

2. Clean Up As Much of the Water As Possible

Before you sop up the water, make sure it is safe for you to handle this job. Some leaks are sourced from toxic wastewater and should be handled by professionals. If it is safe, clean the water with any towels or rags you have on hand. A water vacuum is a handy tool for leaks and floods from damaged pipes. Water cleanup will prevent damage to floors and walls.

3. Contact Your Insurance Company

Most insurance companies will cover water damage from a broken pipe. Contact your insurance company before settling on fixing water damages yourself. Making a list of local companies that help with cleanup and repairs is helpful for quick response in emergency water situations. SERVPRO is a preferred vendor for many insurance companies and will aid in water cleanup and restoration of your property.

If your building has water damage from an active leak, contact your local SERVPRO to help. Business owners in Sharon Hill, PA, can prevent panic in a water damage emergency by being prepared and knowing their cleanup and restoration options.

Trust SERVPRO To Help With Your Home Emergency Claims

2/4/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Is Here To Assist You With Your Home Emergency Claims

As you go throughout your days, you may not think much about your insurance coverage or which company you would hire in the event of a disaster at home. But if something unfortunate happens and you need competent help, it’s nice to know SERVPRO is there for you. This trusted emergency cleanup and response company will not only handle the restoration dirty work, but the team can assist with insurance claims as well.

How They Work With Insurance Companies

Good insurance coverage will protect you from heavy losses following a disaster at your Collingdale, PA, home that requires emergency response. When the insurance company and SERVPRO work together, you can expect a smooth and effective process while you recover from the incident.

• Recommends restoration instead of replacement when possible.
• Keeps a detailed inventory of losses.
• Has convenient electronic claim services.
• Experienced, highly qualified, professional

The Company Strives to Save Money in the Process

Following a flood or other disaster at a home, it may be impossible to salvage or repair much of anything. However, SERVPRO will do all in its power to ensure your home and belongings are restored. The company will pretest everything to evaluate what it can restore, thus saving money on the insurance claims process.

Inventory

To make a claim with the insurance company, it’s best to provide the agent with a detailed list of everything you lost in the disaster or everything that sustained damage. SERVPRO offers superior claim services by listing everything in an itemized, organized manner so the insurance company can get a full picture of the extent of the damages. This process can be done electronically for speed and efficiency purposes.

Professional Company

For a seamless process in making a disaster claim, you need a competent, multi-faceted restoration team on your side. This company will communicate with the insurance team to help ensure you get the coverage you need.

You don’t have to clean up after a disaster, and you shouldn’t have to work with the insurance company on your own either. SERVPRO can also work with you on claim services to give you the peace of mind that you’ll get the insurance benefits you expect.