Commercial Fire? SERVPRO of Laurel & Greenbelt/Beltsville is 'Faster to Any Size Disaster!'

8/25/2023 (Permalink)

Our crews recently provided cleanup & restoration services to a local condo building that suffered a fire on its top floors.

Has your commercial property recently experienced a fire?

Whether you manage or own commercial property, you know that fire loss can be extremely devastating. Not only does fire destroy property, furnishings, flooring and much more, but smoke also damages the property, leaving behind soot and strong, fiery odors.

Water damage is an additional loss after a fire. Firefighters must use significant amounts of water to extinguish such a fire. With water damage comes the chance of mold growth. This is why it’s important to have the water completely dried as soon as possible.

Whether you own an office building, shop, car garage, museum, etc., dealing with the aftermath of a fire places a lot of responsibility on you, not to mention the stress. At SERVPRO of Laurel & SERVPRO of Greenbelt NE/Beltsville E, our technicians are highly-trained in all the areas aforementioned: fire, water and mold remediation & restoration. Our tried-and-trued process and equipment ensure that your property will be restored and made “Like it never even happened.”

We also realize how stressful losses can be. When choosing SERVPRO of Laurel & SERVPRO of Greenbelt NE/Beltsville E, you can rest assured you are in good hands. Our crew chiefs communicate very closely with clients to answer any questions they may have.

We also realize you are anxious to return to your business. Lost time is lost revenue. We will make sure your business is up and running as soon as it possibly can be. If your business has experienced a fire, call SERVPRO Team Gutierrez 24/7 at 301-323-8862 and we will be there "faster to any size disaster!" 

Are your classrooms, daycares safe for back to school? SERVPRO of Laurel & Beltsville can help!

8/25/2023 (Permalink)

Our SERVPRO crews can deep clean & sanitize classrooms, hallways & other rooms on campuses and daycares to provide safe places for returning students.

Most area school students & staff, including those in Prince George's County & Montgomery County Public Schools in Maryland, return to class at the end of August. 

For facilities managers, it's still important to make schools, daycares and places where students and faculty & staff will be spending their daytime learning and teaching and interacting with one another safe places.

SERVPRO of Laurel & SERVPRO of Greenbelt NE/Beltsville E offer a variety of cleaning services, including fogging, electrostatic disinfectant spraying, and proactive cleaning. We have been helping businesses and residences stay safe and protected throughout the COVID-19 crisis and will continue to do so. Sanitized spaces give everyone a peace of mind.

Our services can be recurring, too! Get scheduled for a one-time cleaning, or make services recurring. To learn more about our services, or to schedule a cleaning, call us today at 301-323-8862.

Our Promise: We're Here to Help 365 Days, 24 Hours!

6/26/2023 (Permalink)

Disasters don't wait. But our crews are here 24/7, 365 days to respond to any property damage emergencies.

Let's be real: Emergencies don’t wait to happen on a day that’s convenient for you. A house fire or an office flood won’t wait until your birthday is over or until Christmas Day comes to an end.

It's why we at SERVPRO of Laurel and SERVPRO of Greenbelt NE/Beltsville E have to stand ready for when tragedy strikes, whenever that may be. It doesn’t matter if it’s Easter morning or New Year’s Eve. Life happens, and both the good and the bad come along with it.

At SERVPRO, we want to make sure whatever nature might throw your way, that we are here to help with the cleanup & restoration of your property! Whether it’s water damage, fire damage, storm damage, or an issue with mold, we are ready to help, and “Faster to any size disaster” at that!

That’s why we are here for you 24/7, 365 days a year. Facing a disaster can be terrifying, and dealing with its effects is very stressful. We hope to diminish some of that stress.

We know the importance of reliability. We are a very trusted and widely known company in Prince George's County, as well as Montgomery County, and have been in business for 43+ years. As a family-owned business, we pride ourselves on fast response, quality service and excellent customer care!

If you ever face a water or fire disaster, day or night, we are here to help, 365 days a year! 301-323-8862.

Clean Facilities Still Important to Keep All Safe

6/26/2023 (Permalink)

Give your customers the high level of clean they expect. SERVPRO of Laurel & Greenbelt-Beltsville can help!

It's safe to say the majority of businesses and corporations small and large in Maryland have returned to operation at full capacity, though a number of federal agencies still allow employees t work from home. While that is great news for all, business owners and patrons are encouraged to continue to take safety measures and common sense when among large gatherings.

Owners and property managers of business shops and larger facilities may consider a professional, deep sanitization to further protect your customers and patrons. Our Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned program is a defensive cleaning program that gives your business a way forward by providing your employees & customers ongoing safety and assuredness. Our proactive viral pathogen cleaning program will help your business meet a higher standard of clean.

It's always important to keep public facilities safe for not only employees, but patrons and other visitors to your buildings.

Call SERVPRO of Laurel & Greenbelt NE/Beltsville E today at 301-323-8862 to schedule a free consultation. 

Be Prepared for Those Unpredictable Summer Storms

6/26/2023 (Permalink)

Follow these tips to secure your property for those unexpected storms in Maryland.

Summer in Laurel, Beltsville and other parts of Maryland brings lots of sunshine and pleasant warm weather. It also offers a fair share of storms.

The NOAA (National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration) predicts a 30% chance of an above-normal Hurricane 2023 season, which runs June 1 to November 30.

Our Maryland region has seen recent storms with heavy rain and strong winds, causing trees and powerlines to fall in some counties including Prince George's & Montgomery counties. Lightning, thunder, flying debris and hail can also occur during these storms.

Just last week our emergency services team responded to a residential loss pertaining to a tree that fell on the side of a townhome during a thunderstorm. Our team tarped the affected area to prevent further damage to the home. This emergency tarping prevented other elements, such as rain and dust, from entering inside the cracks and openings of the siding, which the fallen tree caused.

Here are a few tips to make your property more secure during a storm:

Get your roof and foundation checked out. Are there any cracks in your roof? If so, call a professional to have it repaired ASAP.

Remove any tree branches that pose risk to breaking a window, for example. Getting a tree trimming before the summer storm season begins is a wise idea.

Invest in storm windows.

Bring all patio furniture, grills, etc. indoors before the storm hits.

Tightly secure outdoor items you cannot bring indoors.

Bring potted plants inside until the storm passes over.

If you have a garage, park your vehicle inside it before the storm hits.

If you must evacuate due to the storm, secure and board up windows.

We hope you find these tips helpful and wish you an enjoyable and safe summer!

SERVPRO® of Laurel & Greenbelt NE/Beltsville E is a full-service restoration company that specializes in the cleanup, restoration & reconstruction of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage. We also mitigate mold & mildew, and biohazards from your home or business.

Call us 24/7 at 301-323-8862 and let us help make it "Like it never even happened."

Enjoy the BBQs, Fireworks & Fun, But Be Safe!

6/26/2023 (Permalink)

A backyard fireworks show may seem fun, there are many risks and possible fines.

Summer is traditionally known for fireworks, barbeques and picnics – all musts for major celebrations especially July Fourth!

While putting on a firework show at your own home may seem fun, there are many risks. If lighting fireworks is not legal in your residential area there could be a large fine. Moreover, keep in mind the potential dangers that could occur as a result of fireworks, such as severe burns, blindness and scars.

Kids should not be near or handling the firecrackers or rockets. Supervise children around fireworks at all times. To avoid the dangers of fireworks, enjoy a public fireworks display conducted by professionals.

If you choose to give your children sparklers, never leave children unattended with these. It is possible to get burned by the tip of the sparkler. Make sure your children do not point the sparklers towards themselves or others. Keep a bucket of water nearby for when your child is finished with the sparkler to ensure that the sparkler is no longer lit.

Take precaution for your pets, too! Leave your pets inside your home so there are no risks. Loud fireworks and unfamiliar places can be scary to pets.

Remember these tips when grilling:

• Never grill in an enclosed area, as carbon monoxide could be produced.
• Use caution when using lighter fluid on a barbeque. Do not add fluid to an already-lit fire, as the flame can flash back into the container and explode.
• Make sure children are away from the grill.

Have fun this summer and stay safe!

Know who to call in the event you have fire or water damage in your home or business. Our emergency response teams at SERVPRO® of Laurel & Greenbelt NE/Beltsville E are here 24/7 to help! 301-323-8862.

Tips for returning to a flood-damaged home

5/11/2023 (Permalink)

Beware that your house may be contaminated when returning home after a flood or other natural disasters.

Water – one of life’s essentials, for without it, we simply cannot survive.

But flood and contaminated water – water from natural disasters, and from contaminated sources like sewage and overflowed toilets & such – are toxic and can cause numerous health hazards and diseases that can be fatal, if exposed.

With Spring in full swing and the Summer months just ahead, families will be vacationing and traveling away from home. Suppose there was a big storm with heavy flooding while you were away, and your home was flooded and you’ve returned to face standing water throughout the home.

It’s many homeowners’ worst nightmare. What to do?

For starters, the Centers for Disease and Control advises that, if possible, try to return home during the daytime so that you do not have to use any lights. Use battery-powered flashlights and lanterns, rather than candles, gas lanterns, or torches.

The agency also offers the following:

• If you have standing water in your home and can turn off the main power from a dry location, then go ahead and turn off the power, even if it delays cleaning. If you must enter standing water to access the main power switch, then call an electrician to turn it off. NEVER turn power on or off yourself or use an electric tool or appliance while standing in water.
• Have an electrician check the house’s electrical system before turning the power on again.
• If you smell gas or suspect a leak, turn off the main gas valve, open all windows, and leave your house immediately. Notify the gas company or the police or fire departments or State Fire Marshal’s office, and do not turn on the lights or do anything that could cause a spark. Do not return until you are told it is safe to do so.
• If the house has been closed up for several days, enter briefly to open doors and windows to let the house air out for a while (at least 30 minutes) before you stay for any length of time.
• If your home has been flooded and has been closed up for several days, assume your home has mold.
• If your home has been flooded, it also may be contaminated with sewage. Call a professional home inspector to check for contamination. If confirmed, have a licensed company remove & remediate mold and sewage. Our certified crews from SERVPRO of Laurel & SERVPRO of Greenbelt NE/Beltsville E are especially trained for such work, and are available 24/7 to help!

FOOD. The next step is to go through your home to discard perishable items and anything that has been contaminated with standing water. On top of that list is food; throw away food that may have come in contact with flood or storm water; perishable foods that have not been refrigerated properly due to power outages; and those with an unusual odor, color, or texture. Unsafe food can make you sick even if it looks, smells and tastes normal. When in doubt, throw it out!

WATER. Food water can contaminate drinking water from your home’s faucets. Until the water is tested, use bottled or water that has been properly boiled to kill any contaminants.

Some contaminants from surface water can get into the groundwater and affect private drinking water wells and municipal water systems that use groundwater. The CDC suggests the following steps:

• Follow local guidance on whether your water is safe to drink.
• If you have a private well and live in an area with flooding, get your water tested before you use it.
• Do not use water you suspect or have been told is contaminated to wash dishes, brush your teeth, wash and prepare food, wash your hands, make ice, or make baby formula. Safe water for drinking, cooking and personal hygiene includes bottled, boiled, or treated water.
• Your state, local, or tribal health department can make specific recommendations for boiling or treating water in your area.

Until your power is restored after dryout, use generators and other electrical sources and equipment safely. Talk to your utility company about using electrical equipment, including power generators. Be aware that it is against the law and a violation of electrical codes to connect generators to your home’s electrical circuits without the approved, automatic-interrupt devices. If a generator is on line when electrical service is restored, it can become a major fire hazard. In addition, the improper connection of a generator to your home’s electrical circuits may endanger line workers helping to restore power in your area.

• All electrical equipment and appliances must be completely dry before returning them to service. Have a certified electrician check these items if there is any question.
• Never use a generator, pressure washer, or any gasoline-powered engine inside your home, basement, or garage or less than 20 feet from any window, door, or vent.

The next step is to prevent MOLD from the flood or storm water, by drying out your home. Follow these steps from the CDC:

• If you have electricity and an electrician has determined that it’s safe to turn it on, use a “wet-dry” shop vacuum (or the vacuum function of a carpet steam cleaner), an electric-powered water transfer pump, or sump pump to remove standing water. If you are operating equipment in wet areas, be sure to wear rubber boots.
• If you do not have electricity, or it is not safe to turn it on, you can use a portable generator to power equipment to remove standing water. Note: If you must use a gasoline-powered pump, generator, pressure washer, or any other gasoline-powered tools to clean your home, never operate the gasoline engine inside a home, basement, garage, carport, porch, or other enclosed or partially enclosed structures, or less than 20 feet from any door, window, or vent, even if the windows and doors are open. Such improper use can create dangerously high levels of carbon monoxide and cause carbon monoxide poisoning.
• If weather permits, open windows and doors of the house to aid in the drying-out process.
• Use fans and dehumidifiers to remove excess moisture. Fans should be placed at a window or door to blow the air outwards rather than inwards, so not to spread the mold.
• Have your home heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning (HVAC) system checked and cleaned by a maintenance or service professional who is experienced in mold cleanup before you turn it on. If the HVAC system was flooded with water, turning on the mold-contaminated HVAC will spread mold throughout the house. Professional cleaning will kill the mold and prevent later mold growth. When the service determines that your system is clean and if it is safe to do so, you can turn it on and use it to help remove excess moisture from your home.
• Prevent water outdoors from reentering your home. For example, rainwater from gutters or the roof should drain away from the house; the ground around the house should slope away from the house to keep basements and crawl spaces dry.
• Ensure that crawl spaces in basements have proper drainage to limit water seepage. Ventilate to allow the area to dry out.

The CDC and the American Red Cross offer great resources for storm and fire prevention and response. Visit their webpages for more information:

https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/floods/

https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/flood

Finally, when you are ready for that monstrous task of cleanup and remediation, you can rely on SERVPRO of Laurel and SERVPRO of Greenbelt NE/Beltsville E. We are the area’s water & storm damage experts, as well as mold remediation and restoration. Large or small, we will restore your water-damaged property, residential or commercial, with efficiency and detail.

Call us 24/7 at 301-323-8862 or 301-615-4884.

Plan now for those unexpected Summer storms

5/11/2023 (Permalink)

Summer storms can be unpredictable. Best to be prepared!

SERVPRO® of Laurel and SERVPRO of Greenbelt NE/Beltsville E want you to be ready for summer storms. While we hope that summer just consists of vacations and sunny days, that is not always the case.

A summer storm happens quite often in Maryland. There are many possibilities of damage from summer storms, whether from wind, heavy rain, or lightning. Wind causes constructional damage to your home, heavy rain can lead to flooding and if lightning strikes on your home or business, it is at risk of a fire.  

If you know a storm is coming, take these initiatives to ensure safety:

• Secure outdoor objects that could blow away or cause damage.
• Shutter windows and secure outside doors.
• Unplug any electronic equipment.

During the storm, remain calm and be aware.

• Use your battery-operated NOAA Weather Radio for updates from local officials.
• Avoid contact with cords.
• Stay away from windows and doors.

After the Storm, BE SAFE! It may not be storming anymore but the damage can still affect you.

• Never drive through a flooded roadway.
• Stay away from storm-damaged areas to keep from putting yourself at risk.
• Stay away from downed power lines and report them immediately to 911.

If you are caught off-guard to a dangerous storm during the night, don’t stress, we have an Emergency Response Team 24/7 and will make your home look “Like it never even happened.” Our team is specially-trained to deal with the mess of a storm. Let us be the experts that you need in your time of crisis. Give us a call at 301-323-8862 or 301-615-4884.

Tips on how to recover flood-damaged items

5/11/2023 (Permalink)

Follow these tips to help dry out your flood-damaged items quickly.

If you’ve ever experienced a house flood, you might have lost a few items, or maybe you lost most of your possessions depending on the extent of the waters and how long you waited to dry your furnishings, accessories and trinkets.

If you want to salvage your goods after experiencing a flooding, it’s essential to dry items within a 48-hour time frame.

We offer some tips to help save your items:

• Improve air circulation! Don’t contain the moisture. Instead, open windows and doors. If there are no windows or doors leading outside in the particular room, open closet and cabinet doors.
• Turn on a fan! It can either be a ceiling fan, a floor fan, or both. However, please do not plug a fan into an outlet attached to a wall that is wet or has water behind it. That’s an easy way to get electrocuted.
• Use a dehumidifier. These remove water vapor from the air. To be effective, it must be used in a contained area. Be sure to shut all doors and windows during use to prohibit more humidity from entering.
• Use a sump pump. These remove water out of house or office through a hose or pipe. They’re useful when the floodwater level is more than a couple inches deep. 
• Got soaked items? Quickly take them out of your house and allow them to dry off in the sun. Keeping them indoors will ensure nothing ever dries up as their excessive moisture will travel to surrounding objects.
• Try a wet-dry shop vacuum. Never use a regular vacuum cleaner. A shop vac is specifically made for wet conditions.

At SERVPRO of Laurel and SERVPRO of Greenbelt NE/Beltsville E, we are water damage cleanup & restoration experts. With well-trained technicians and the latest state-of-the-art equipment, you can trust us to clean up and restore your property "Like it never even happened."

You can review our water damage restoration process here:

https://www.SERVPROrockvillesilverspringnorth.com/water-damage-restoration

Give us a call today at (301) 323-8862 if you have any questions or need water damage restoration. We are open 24/7 and here to help!

Clean dryer vents often to prevent a fire

5/11/2023 (Permalink)

Clean your dryer vent after each load for optimal performance and to prevent a fire.

It can take minutes, but can prevent a fire that may cost a life or more.

Some 34% of home fires are caused by failure to clean the vent in a clothes dryer. A lint fire is a dangerous possibility. To avoid the hazard on lint buildup, occasionally pull out the vent and clean. Thoroughly dry the lint screen with a clean towel. You can also use a vacuum to clean the lint trap filter. SERVPRO® of Laurel & Greenbelt NE/Beltsville E can help clean dryer vents and ducts that may have lint buildup.

The National Fire Protection Agency gives us advice on how to keep your vents clean. Clean the lint filter before and after each load. It is vital to clean your dryer vents every so often to ensure your safety.

Here are some signs that your dryer vent may need to be cleaned:

• Drying times are taking longer.
• Your dryer is getting hot when you’re using it and your clothes are being damaged.
• You can’t see any steam or head any noise outside your house at the wall vent when you run the dryer.

At SERVPRO of Laurel & Greenbelt NE/Beltsville E, we want to make sure you are taking the right precautions to avoid a house fire. If you do experience a fire caused by your dyer or any other appliances in your home call us today! 301-323-8862 or 301-615-4884.