Recent Posts

Improve Your Air Quality!

2/26/2020 (Permalink)

Duct cleaning can help!
The ventilation system is often the biggest culprit in poor indoor air quality, but you can help change that! Inspecting the ductwork in your 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, contaminates such as mold and irritating dust throughout your home. 

Keeping the HVAC and ductwork clean can potentially extend the life-span of the equipment by allowing it to operate at peak condition, which may help save you money. Duct cleaning may not always be necessary. SERVPRO of Crofton/Odenton/Severn professionals will inspect your HVAC system and ductwork and make recommendations about the best way to address any indoor air quality concerns. This inspection can help save you money and provide peace of mind on the health of your HVAC system and ductwork. 

Over time, different contaminants or foreign objects can enter and collect in your air ducts that may diminish your indoor air quality; such as Rodents, Insects or pest, Dust, Dirt, Debris, Bacteria, Mold and Pollen. 

The SERVPRO duct cleaning system is proven and cost-efficient . Unlike the majority of the duct cleaning services, SERVPRO professionals use a portable ventilation and air duct cleaning system to examine ductwork and make a clean sweep, removing years of dust and grime. 

To schedule an appointment contact SERVPRO of Crofton/Odenton/Severn today. 

Generator Safety

1/28/2020 (Permalink)

Generator Generator

If you have a generator on hand for power outages during severe weather, follow the safety tips below provided by the American Red Cross. 

  • Never use a generator, grill, camp stove, or other gasoline, propane, natural gas, or charcoal burning device inside a home, garage, basement, crawl space, or any partially enclosed area. 
  • To avoid electrocution, keep the generator dry and do not use it in wet conditions. Operate it on a dry surface under an open canopy like structure, such as under a tarp help up by poles. Do not touch the generator with wet hands. 
  • Opening doors and windows or using fans will not prevent carbon monoxide build up in the home. Although CO can't be seen or smelled, it can rapidly lead to full incapacitation and death. Even if you cannot smell exhaust fumes, you may still be exposed to CO. If you start to feel sick, dizzy, or weak while using a generator, get fresh air immediately. 
  • Install CO alarms in central locations on every level of your home or property and outside sleeping areas to provide early warnings. 

2022 Plan Ahead with ERP

12/26/2019 (Permalink)

ERP ERP

With each new year, many people resolve to better themselves or some part of their life. This year, make a resolution to be READY. No one ever plans on a disaster or a water or fire damage to strike, but you can prepare for it. The SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile (ERP) will help ensure your business is " Ready for whatever happens" in 2022.

In the event of an emergency, the ERP can help minimize business interruption by having an immediate plan of action in place for your facility. The ERP is a comprehensive document containing critical information about your business, including emergency contacts, shut off valve locations, and priority areas. The ERP also establishes your local SERVPRO franchise professional team as your disaster mitigation and restoration provider. The ERP is a no-cost assessment; all it requires is a little time, making it a great value that could save you time and money in the future. By downloading the free SERVPRO READY mobile app, this important information is stored electronically and can be accessed using your mobile device putting immediate help right at your fingertips. 

Preparation is key to making it through any size disaster, whether it is a small water leak, a large fire, or an area flood.  Having a plan in place may help minimize the amount of time your business is inactive and get you back in your building faster following a disaster. Don't wait until disaster strikes-resolve to be READY by contacting SERVPRO of Crofton/Odenton/Severn to establish your Emergency READY Profile and be "Ready for whatever happens" in 2022.

Keep Fall Fire-Free

10/2/2019 (Permalink)

pumpkins and jack o lanterns Halloween Safety

The fall season brings cooler temperatures, beautiful colors, and an abundance of outdoor activities. Plan ahead this season to help ensure it is safe and fire-free. 

  • Fall decorations, like dried flowers and cornstalks, are highly flammable. Keep these and other decorations away from open flames and heat sources, including light bulbs and heaters. 
  • Keep emergency exits clear of decorations so nothing blocks escape routes
  • Teach children to stay away from open flames. Be sure they know how to stop, drop and roll if their clothing catches fire
  • Remember safety first when choosing a Halloween costume. Consider avoiding billowing fabric. If you are making your costume, choose material that won't easily ignite if it comes into contact with heat or flames.
  • It is safest to use a flashlight or battery operated candle in a jack-o-lantern. Use extreme caution if using a real candle. Place lit pumpkins away from anything that can burn and out of the way of doorsteps, walkways, and yards. 

If Disaster Strikes!

8/30/2019 (Permalink)

If disaster strikes, will you be ready?

It is important to prepare before a disaster occurs. Consider the following steps to better prepare for an an emergency situation. 

  • Sign up for local alerts and warnings. Download apps, check access for wireless emergency alerts.
  • Develop and test emergency communication plans
  • Assemble or update emergency supplies.
  • Learn about local hazards, and conduct a drill to practice emergency response actions. 
  • Participate in a preparedness discussion, training and class
  • Collect and safeguard critical documents.
  • Plan with neighbors to help each other and share resources. 
  • Document property and obtain appropriate insurance for relevant hazards.
  • Make property improvements to reduce potential injury and property damage. 

Emergencies can happen anytime to anyone. Take action now to protect yourself and your property. 

CARBON MONOXIDE: A Silent Killer

7/29/2019 (Permalink)

You can't see or smell carbon monoxide, but at high levels, it can kill a person in minutes. Carbon Monoxide is an invisible, odorless, colorless gas created when fuels, like gasoline, wood, coal, natural gas, and propane burn incompletely. 

An excess of CO, leading to CO poisoning, can result from faulty furnaces or other heating appliances, portable generators, water heaters, clothes dryers or idling cars left running in garages.  Take some basic, precautionary steps can help eliminate the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. 

  • Have fuel burning appliances, like oil and gas furnaces, gas or kerosene heaters, fireplaces, and wood stoves inspected by a trained professional every year. 
  • Open the damper for proper ventilation before using a fireplace. Never use your oven or stovetop to heat your home. 
  • Make sure all fuel-burning equipment is vented to the outside to avoid CO poisoning. 
  • If you need to warm a vehicle, remove it from the garage immediately after starting it. Never run a vehicle indoors. Make sure the exhaust pipe of a running vehicle is not blocked with snow, ice, or other material. 
  • Make sure vents for dryer, furnace, stove, and fireplace are clear of snow and other debris. 
  • Only use barbecue grills outside, away from all doors, windows, vents, and other building openings. Some grills can produce CO gas. 

Celebrate Safely

7/2/2019 (Permalink)

The fourth of July is a time to celebrate with friends and family at a barbeque or picnic. With traditions of fireworks and bonfires, there may be some potential dangers along the way. In order to celebrate safely when it comes to these events, consider the following tips provided by the U.S. Fire Administration. 

  • The best way to enjoy fireworks is to view public fireworks displays put on by professionals. 
  • If you plan to use fireworks, ensure they are legal in your area.
  • Always read the directions and warning labels on fireworks. If a device is not marked with the contents, directions and a warning label, do not light it. 
  • Supervise children around fireworks at all times.
  • Stand several feet away from lit fireworks. If a firework does not go off, do not stand over it to investigate. Pour water over it and dispose of it. 

FASTER TO ANY SIZE DISASTER

6/4/2019 (Permalink)

There is no disaster that hits home quite like a disaster to your property, home or business. When you have suffered a fire, water, or mold damage, you don't have time to waste searching for a company to fix your property. When disaster strikes, depend on SERVPRO of Crofton/Odenton/Severn. 

Keep updated with our blogs to get some great tips and tricks for home & business owners as well as fun facts that is good to know. 

SHOCKING FACTS ABOUT LIGHTNING 

  • Be aware. Check the forecast before participating in outdoor activities. If it calls for thunderstorms, postpone your trip or activity. 
  • Go indoors. Remember the phrase, " When thunder roars, go indoors. " Find a safe enclosed shelter when you hear thunder. Shelter includes homes, offices, shopping centers, and hard top vehicles. 
  • Avoid windows, doors, porches, and concrete. Do not lie on concrete floors and avoid leaning on concrete walls. Lightning can travel through any metal wires or bars in concrete walls or flooring. 
  • Avoid water. Do not bathe, shower, wash dishes, or have any other contact with water during a thunderstorm because lightning can travel through a buildings plumbing. 

Biohazard Cleanup

5/21/2019 (Permalink)

Recognized as a leading fire and water cleanup and restoration provider by hundreds of insurance companies, SERVPRO also offer fast, reliable biohazard and crime scene cleanup. Exposure to biological and chemical contaminants can pose a 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. 

Equipped with the necessary safety equipment and cleaning products, SERVPRO of Crofton/Odenton/Severn Professionals help turn unsafe environments into clean, safe homes and offices. 

SERVPRO of Crofton/Odenton/Severn can help with the following issues: 

  • Bloodborne Pathogens
  • Crime Scene Residues 
  • Arson
  • Vandalism 
  • Sewage Backups
  • Black Water Intrusions
  • Mold Mitigation and Remediation 

Contact SERVPRO of Crofton/Odenton/Severn today for 24-hour emergency service. 

DO YOU HAVE DIRTY DUCTS?

4/24/2019 (Permalink)

Improve your indoor air quality with duct cleaning. 

Inspecting the duct work in your home or facility should be a high priority. Dirty ducts can circulate odors, contaminants such as mold and irritating dust throughout your building or home. 

SERVPRO of Crofton/Odenton/Severn are your local professionals for all your cleaning needs. Spring is in the air which means maybe it is time to get those ducts cleaned out and deodorized. 

While you are in the Spring Cleaning mood don't forget SERVPRO of Crofton/Odenton/Severn can also preform many other spring cleaning tasks for you as well. Such as carpet cleaning, upholstery cleaning, ceiling and wall cleaning and hard floor cleaning. 

Leave it up to the SERVPRO Professionals to help you this Spring season!