Is that a SPIDER Web??

5/25/2022 (Permalink)

Soot Webs in Hallway in a house fire in Newport News, VA

Being fire restoration specialists, we have seen a lot of fire damaged homes and businesses in our area over the years.

Fires create heat and release both smoke and soot. Smoke is a vapor made up of very fine particles, while soot is a solid made from powdery or oily carbon and tar.

One of the most common visible instances of fire damage are the black spider webs that seem to spring out of nowhere after a fire.

Soot tags are thread-like chains made from carbon and tar released as a fire burns. They are also called soot webs because they look so similar to spider webs or cobwebs. In fact, most people assume they actually are spider webs covered in soot.

Call SERVPRO of New Kent, Williamsburg & Northern Neck for any and all fire needs at 804-966-1400 or toll free at 1-800-889-5002

Be prepared for the worst

5/16/2022 (Permalink)

Cone Tornado

Tornadoes are one of Mother Nature’s most destructive forces and can come in all shapes and sizes.

There are 5 different types of Tornadoes.

Rope tornadoes

Cone tornadoes

Wedge tornadoes

 Multi-vortex and satellite tornadoes

Waterspouts and landspouts

Regardless of the type, each and every tornado can be dangerous with destructive winds that could put lives and property in danger.

When you hear an alert whether it be a watch or warning be prepared

Tornado Watch - issued when conditions are favorable for tornado development. People located in and around the watch area should keep an eye to the sky and listen to their NOAA weather radio all hazards or tune to local broadcast media for further weather information. The watch is intended to give you time to prepare and time to review your safety rules.

Tornado Warning - issued when a developing tornado has been detected by National Weather Service doppler radar or a reliable report of a tornado has been reported. A tornado warning is usually issued for portions of one or two counties, for an hour or less. The storm could also produce large hail and destructive straight line winds. If the tornado warning includes your neighborhood or work place, you should seek safe shelter immediately.

Check out the National Weather website for more tips on safety and tornadoes https://www.weather.gov/bmx/sps_torsafetyrules

If you have storm damage at your home call SERVPRO of New Kent to help

804-966-1400

Reference: https://www.accuweather.com/en/weather-news/identifying-natures-dangerous-whirlwinds-a-guide-to-5-types-of-tornadoes-2/432293

How to Prepare Your Home For A Storm

5/13/2022 (Permalink)

How to Prepare Your Home for a Storm

While summer typically means warmer weather, it can also bring a variety of harsh weather conditions, sometimes leading to severe storms.

Homeowners can take preventative measures to help reduce damage if and when a severe storm hits. 

Clear limbs and trim trees

During a storm, dead tree limbs can get loose and cause damage to a home’s exterior or even puncture a window. Heavy rain can also cause trees with shallow root systems to pull out of the ground.

Secure fences

Ensure that your fences are properly secured so to help prevent them from being lifted up and thrown against the house by heavy winds.

Secure furniture

Heavy winds can cause items like patio furniture and large toys to damage the exterior of your home. It’s a good idea to anchor outdoor furniture or bring it indoors before a storm hits. You should also move anything in your yard that can become flying debris inside your house or garage.

Check gutters

Help prevent damage inside your house by having downspouts drain away from your home and clear your gutters of any debris.

Protect the critical areas

Wind is a major threat to your roof, windows, doors and garage doors. Either you or a building contractor can build and install temporary protection, such as approved wind shutters or plywood on windows and coverings for patio and entry doors, strengthen and stiffen garage doors, and install heavy-duty door hardware.

Protect your valuables

Protect mementos in waterproof containers and/or take the items with you if you evacuate. Inventory valuables and contents in the home with pictures or video. Note the approximate value of each item and the date of purchase. You can also send an inventory to a family member outside your region for safekeeping. Also, make sure important documents, such as an insurance policy or mortgage papers, are stored in a safe deposit or fire safe box.

Stock a basic emergency kit

A true emergency can leave you without basic services, including electricity, water, gas or sewage, for a few hours or a few days. Stock your family’s emergency kit with enough food, water and supplies to carry all of you through at least three days—and restock your kit once the emergency has passed. Be sure to include:

• Water: One gallon per person per day to cover drinking and sanitation
• Food: At least a three-day supply of food per person
• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio
• Hand-crank flashlight
• First aid kit
• Cell phone with charger
• Local maps

Create a family emergency plan

Staying connected is of the utmost importance during an emergency. Designate an out-of-town family member or friend to be your check-in person in case local phone lines are down. Make sure every member of your family knows that contact’s number and has a way to reach him or her—ideally a cell phone and charger or a prepaid calling card.

Choose a local place where your family members should meet if they are separated when an emergency strikes and your home is unsafe. This might be a landmark or even a parent’s workplace.

Know your policy

It’s critical to read and understand your insurance policy. Then, examine your property to ensure there are no physical or liability hazards.

Reference: https://news.nationwide.com/how-to-prepare-your-home-for-a-storm/

Don't Worry, We Got It

5/12/2022 (Permalink)

It hard to predict when disaster can happen. With that being said, it is always a good idea to have a backup plan OR you can always give SERVPRO of New Kent  a call to take care of it for you. We are always ready to help, even if it is a few days after a storm and tragedy doesn't happen until after. Doesn’t matter is you call us the day of or a few days later, SERVPRO of NEW KENT is always prepared and here to help make sure things are back to normal for our customers. Give us a call today at 804-966-1400 or toll free at 1-800-889-5002

What should I do if Lighting Should Strike?

5/12/2022 (Permalink)

After a storm has passed through our community or neighborhood - especially a strong one that causes damage it can take you off guard. After the storm has passed and when it is safe it is important to assess the property to determine if damage has occurred and get started with any potential cleanup and restoration. SERVPRO of NEW KENT is here to help with your Storm Damage Repair.

Below is some helpful information about different types of storms that can bring on damage to your property and how you may be able to protect its value.

Lighting Storm Damage

Lighting can be so pretty to look at  from the comfort of your home but oh so dangerous at the same time, there are three common types of lightning: cloud to ground, cloud to cloud and cloud to air. Cloud to ground lightning is the most dangerous. The ground is mainly consisted of positively charged particles while the bottom of violent storm clouds have negative charged particles.

Winter Storm Damage

Winter Storms not only wreak havoc but also can cause the formation of Ice Dams. Ice dams are caused by heavy snowfall or ice build-up on your roof. These can go undetected and cause many problems, not the least of which is water damage in addition to structural deterioration and leaks. When water builds up in an ice dam, it backs up under shingles, leaks into a house, and causes major water damage to your property.

Frozen Pipes

Frozen pipes are a problem for several different reasons. While not only creating an inconvenience - more seriously it can cause major damage to your home or business. If you see visible frost on the outside of your exposed pipes, detect slow or uneven water flow across your property, or feel your walls getting damp, it's critical that you act fast. Even if your pipes haven't entirely burst, it's a good idea to reach out to a restoration expert to prevent any further damage.

Best Equipment

5/12/2022 (Permalink)

When we are called to a flooded space, it is essential to be able to rapidly determine the extent of water damage in the home or business.

Getting your home or business dry is imperative in the aftermath of water damage. With excess moisture mold and mildew can develop and bacteria can multiply. That’s why SERVPRO of NEW KENT  uses moisture meters during and after completion of water remediation work to ensure that structures are properly dried.

Moisture meters can reach areas that may be overlooked or not considered as being affected by moisture. These include areas such as basement walls, spaces between layers of drywall, concrete subfloors, and beneath carpet and tile. Identifying potential damage to these lesser-suspected areas can save thousands of dollars in reconstruction later.

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

Be prepared, Know the warning signs of mold in your home

5/6/2022 (Permalink)

As summer weather continues to heat up in our area, you may begin to notice signs of mold in your home. Read below to get a step ahead of these signs and stop mold growth before it becomes a major, and costly problem.

Leaks or Past Water Damage

If you have experienced recent or past water damage, or if you notice there is a current leak in your home, mold growth may have taken place. Mold grows in dark; moist environments and a leak can provide enough moisture for mold growth. Additionally, past floods can contribute to mold growth. To prevent water damage from turning into mold, act quickly to dry up any leaks or spills and if it is major damage, contact a professional remediation company, such as SERVPRO, to clean it up fast.

Smell

If you notice a musty odor, especially one coming from a basement or crawlspace, this is a very good indicator of mold. Even if you can’t see any discoloration, the smell could be coming from behind the flooring or walls where you can see it. By the time you can smell it, steps should be taken to inspect for mold and then clean or remove and affected materials.

5 Water Damage Tips, While you wait

5/4/2022 (Permalink)

There is only so much water damage mitigation you can do on your own. At the end of the day, when water damage is causing you problems, you need professional help FAST to get it cleaned up and your property restored. If you are in need of water mitigation, contact SERVPRO of New Kent for the high-quality water damage cleanup and restoration services you need. Our number is 804-966-1400, and we are available for 24/7 emergency services. 

When your property has suffered a burst sewer line, a pipe that is leaking, or a natural disaster, it can often leave your home severely water damaged. In such situations, it is critical to identify the cause and act quickly to prevent further destruction. 

It can be enormously stressful to deal with water damage, with it potentially leading to all other sorts of problems down the line. While it’s important to get repairs done by professionals, there are a few things you can do to help limit water damage where possible as well. In today’s blog, we’ll be discussing five DIY water damage restoration tips you can use to immediately begin addressing water damage in your home. 

What Can Water Damage Impact?

Water is crucial for life, but when it gets somewhere it’s not meant to be, it can cause all sorts of destruction. As a homeowner, you should understand what parts of your property are most at risk for water damage. After a storm, flooding, or other type of water damage, always be sure to inspect the following components:

• Drywall
• Insulation
• Wood
• Framing
• HVAC
• Pipes
• Floor coverings
• Etc.

How Severe Are the Damages?

To determine if it’s a water cleanup job you can do by yourself or you should hire a specialist for can be determined by evaluating a number of key factors:

• Water Volume — If you have the right tools, when there is only a small amount of water, you can often manage it on your own. Significant flooding, on the other hand, means it’s time to call a professional. 
• Source of Damages — Certain types of water, such as blackwater and gray water, need to be handled with care, as they may contain contaminants or other health hazards. 
• Severity of Damages — Light damage can generally be handled by homeowners, while significant damage can require more expeditious care and accurate repairs. For example, flooding on an upper floor can lead to water seeping through the floor and into the ceiling in the floor below, causing greater and greater damage the longer it goes unmitigated. 

5 Tips for DIY Water Damage Restoration in Your Home

After getting a picture of the situation, consider the following tips to ensure repairs are done quickly. Be aware that wet materials can start developing mold growth in a day, so there’s little time to wait!

#1: Disconnect Outlets

One of your first priorities after water damage in your home has occurred is to unplug all electronics in the vicinity immediately. You may not yet see the full extent of the water damage, and it’s important to be careful. If electronics become damaged, repairs will generally take longer and be more expensive, with the need for hiring an electrician.

#2: Start Addressing Mold

If you see mold starting to form, there are a few things you can do right away to mitigate it. When it’s a small area, you can cut it out of the wall and dispose of it. It’s also important to stop any air flow in the area to prevent further spread before a mold specialist can stop the contamination. 

#3: Start the Drying Process

While you may not have access to industrial fans, dehumidifiers, and other dry-out equipment that water damage cleanup companies such as SERVPRO do, you can start the dry out process right away. Properly drying out an area will help lessen the damage.

#4: Remove Damaged Materials

Avoid mildew by removing materials such as rugs and insulation that have become waterlogged. Consider focusing on floors and ceilings first, as these areas are the most at risk of causing serious structural damage. 

#5: Disinfect the Area

Water in your home is an open invitation for bacteria and other microorganisms to thrive. Once you remove the damaged materials, disinfecting the area is important to prevent mold and other potentially health-damaging issues before the restoration process fully commences. Spray surfaces with bleach and wipe them down. 

Get Professional Water Damage Restoration Services in New Kent

If you are looking for guidance or professional help with water damage beyond what you can handle on your own, contact the professional SERVPRO of New Kent for 24/7 support. When your property has suffered water damage, we’re here to get it cleaned up and restored ASAP, saving you on stress and expenses. Don’t wait — get started today! 

With proper care, we can restore your home back to normal. We follow the comprehensive SERVPRO Method for water restoration. Don’t let the expenses or the health hazards become too great — call us now to get the support you need for your home!

804-966-1400 or toll free at 1-800-889-5002

Mold Present at your Business

5/4/2022 (Permalink)

Williamsburg businesses and locals face the challenge of living  where mold is a constant battle. Microscopic mold spores float around in the Earth’s atmosphere, waiting for the perfect warm and moist conditions. Once these conditions present themselves, mold will spread quickly through a commercial building. First, we will inspect and locate the source of the excess moisture and make repairs to minimize the potential for the mold to return.

What to Do:

• Stay out of affected areas
• Turn off the HVAC system and fans
• Contact us at 804-966-1400 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.

We are highly trained  professionals

• Applied Microbial Remediation Specialist
• Water Damage Restoration Technician
• Applied Structural Drying Technician
• Odor Control Technician
• Upholstery and Fabric Cleaning Technician

We have experience working in all kinds of buildings and workplaces, including:

• Small Office Buildings
• Large Office/High-Rise Office Buildings
• Apartment Buildings
• Restaurants
• Hotel/Motels
• Small Retail Stores
• Large Retail/Big-Box Stores
• High-Rise Residential
• Manufacturing and Industrial
• Government/Military

Call Us!

Williamsburg commercial businesses and locals can trust us to mitigate and remediate the mold  “Like it never even happened.” Call us at 804-966-1400

Commercial Loss

4/28/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO cares for your business

The SERVPRO Commercial Large Loss Division is composed of our best of the best in restoration. Our elite large-loss specialists are prequalified and strategically positioned throughout the United States to handle any size disaster.

Every large loss is supervised by a commercial operations manager to help ensure seamless communication and timely mitigation.

At SERVPRO, the difference is our ability to dispatch trained production professionals and cut costs through the strategic placement and oversight of temporary labor. Get the professionals, call SERVPRO.

Clients for the Commercial Large Loss program include the following:

• The Hospitality Industry
• Property Managers
• Municipalities
• Warehouses
• Office Buildings

The SERVPRO Disaster Recovery Team can provide help whether you're dealing with a tornado, hurricane, blizzard or flood. The SERVPRO System has a network of strategically positioned storm teams on standby should a disaster strike near you. Available 24 hours a day and 365 days a year, we are prepared for the unpredictable.

Should a storm or major event strike, call SERVPRO Of New Kent, Williamsburg & Northern Neck at 804-966-1400 or toll free at 1-800-889-5002

Catastrophic Storm and Major Event Response

SERVPRO cares and are here to help!