Storm Emergency Kit

8/1/2023 (Permalink)

Hurricane season is upon us. Living in the metropolitan region, sudden summer thunderstorms are a common occurrence. It is never too early to prepare your family and home for hurricanes, severe weather, or natural disasters. Use this guide to help you prepare a basic storm kit, to survive for 48 hours to 1 week or more without electricity. Getting prepared is as simple as getting a plastic tote, filling it with these items, and tucking it away until the day comes that you need it. Your basin emergency kit should include, but is not limited to, these items: 

• Water (one gallon per person per day for at least three days) 

• Food (at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food)  
• Battery-powered radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert  
• Flashlight and/or light sticks  
• First aid kit  
• Extra batteries  

• Whistle (to signal for help)  
• Dust mask (to help filter contaminated air)  
• Plastic sheeting and duct tape (to shelter in place)  
• Blankets or sleeping bags  
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties (for personal sanitation)  

• Basic tools - a hammer, screwdriver, and a wrench or pliers  
• Manual can opener   
• Cell phone chargers - including a car charger 

If a storm does cause damage to your property, SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park will be here to help. Call us any time day or night 410-647-8181.  

Post Construction Cleaning Experts

8/1/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park are experts in Post-Construction Cleaning. Interior and exterior cleaning is needed after construction services. We provide debris removal services to prepare the building for interior design. Commercial property owners have trusted us with the dirty work before a grand opening, after an accident or even a renovation, we are #here2help.

We provide cleaning services to your building. Want to make an office space or classroom look brand new? Bring in our professionals to clean your carpets, upholstery, ceilings, walls, fixtures, deodorization, air duct cleaning, debris removal, and window cleaning. No job is too big or small for us.

If your Severna Park property is in need of Post-Construction Cleaning or just a General Deep Cleaning, give SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park a call at 410 647 8181

The Importance of Chimney Servicing

9/26/2022 (Permalink)

The seasons are finally changing. Summer is leaving us and the cool fall breeze is in the air. During this time of the year, homeowners start using their chimneys to heat their homes. Unfortunately, many homeowners in the Annapolis area forget to have their chimney inspected or serviced, leading to unforeseen challenges. 

With over 45 years of experience in the restoration industry, our SERVPRO franchise has seen its fair share of fire damage restoration work from chimney issues. The most common cause of chimney fires is ignited creosote inside your chimney flue or smoke chamber. Flammable creosote is produced by smoke during wood combustion, so it’s impossible to completely prevent it from getting into your chimney system. 

One way to effectively prevent fire, smoke or soot damage is by having a licensed chimney sweep clean your chimney once a year. Another is to burn only dry (seasoned) wood, which emits much less smoke than damp (unseasoned) wood. 

Smaller chimney fires, over time, can cause serious damage inside your flume and to the smoke chamber, which is the drafting portal that sits just above your fireplace. The most common types of damage include: 

• Cracked or broken chimney liner that puts the bricks and mortar of your chimney’s masonry at risk 
• Cracked smoke chamber bricks that allow intense heat to spread to vulnerable building materials of your home 
• The escape of toxic gases such as carbon monoxide, which is known to be potentially fatal to people and pets 
• Water damage that results from compromises in the masonry 

The worst part about a relatively small chimney fire is that it can be highly destructive, and most homeowners never even know when they happened. For this reason, the most efficient way to reduce the likelihood of chimney fires happening is by having your chimney cleaned and inspected on a regular basis. 

If you experience any fire, soot or smoke damage as a result of a chimney malfunction, call your experts over here at SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park at 410-647-8181.  

Commercial Water Damage is No Joke

9/21/2022 (Permalink)

Annapolis and Severna Park businesses can be affected by storms, just like homes. Most flooding and other damage comes from more common threats like a broken pipe or toilet malfunction. In a few cases, sprinkler systems fail and cause even more problems when they soak merchandise, blueprints and books. 

 
Tourists flock to Annapolis so when water damage happens to a small business, of course it is best to dry things out as quickly as a restoration team can be called in. SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park’s restoration teams are on-call seven days a week to help business owners reopen their doors to customers and prevent as much damage to merchandise. 

 
In smaller water-front shops like in downtown Annapolis, SERVPRO’s response time is critical. Technicians use extraction equipment to draw water out of carpets and/or from concrete and wood floors.  One advantage for a commercial or government facility is that if commercial carpet is in place, there is usually no padding underneath, so our teams will not necessarily need to lift them to remove padding. 

 
In cases with a water-soaked commercial property, SERVPRO can bring commercial-grade drying equipment and dehumidification to the structure.  Even if the electrical power is affected by the water damage, teams utilize a variety of generators that best suit the condition of the loss. 

Our goal at SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park is to help our fellow business owners reopen for service as quickly as possible. If you are dealing with flooding or another water issue, call us today at (410) 647-8181 for help! 

Prepare for the Worst!

9/21/2022 (Permalink)

Did you know dogs can sense a drop in barometric pressure? Have you noticed that your furry friend knows it’s going to storm before you do? A sudden thunderstorm can be terrifying for your dog. September is National Preparedness Month and SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park wants to make sure your dog is safe. 

Veterinarians don't know all the triggers but suspect the dogs are set off by some combination of wind, thunder, lightning, barometric pressure changes, static electricity, and low-frequency rumbles preceding a storm that humans can't hear. 

Here are some tips you should consider: 

• Bring your dogs inside at the first sign of danger. Disasters can be disorienting for dogs, and they could run away or hurt themselves reacting to loud noises and strange changes to their landscape. Also, rain, flying debris and high winds pose a danger. If you need to leave, keep your dog with you.  

• Pack a dog emergency bag. You’ll want emergency provisions packed for your dog well in advance of a catastrophe so you can evacuate your home quickly if needed. Choose an easy-to-carry bag, label it and keep it where everyone in the family can find it quickly. The bag should include a dog first aid kit; enough food and bottled water for a week (rotate this every couple of months to keep it from going bad); medications (check periodically to ensure medicines in your emergency bag don’t expire); cleanup supplies; food and water dishes; bags (or litter for cats) for collecting waste; an extra collar and leash; photocopies of medical records; towels; recent photos of your furry friend; and a favorite toy or chewy for comfort.  
• Create a dog-friendly resource list. Not all emergency shelters will accept dogs, so you need a Plan B. Develop a list of the dog-friendly hotels outside your immediate area. Research a list of veterinarians in the area should your dog need medical care (your regular vet may have some recommendations).  

Disasters such as severe thunderstorms, hurricanes, and fires can strike quickly. Your dog is part of your family and should be part of your preparedness plan. Disasters don’t wait; make your dog’s plan today. 

Post Construction Cleaning by the PROs

9/9/2022 (Permalink)

Have you made some modifications to your business post-pandemic? Added some walls or changed out the carpet? Do you need some post construction cleaning done? Once the floors are down and the drywall is painted, it is time to remove the debris and dust to prepare the building to welcome your customers and employees back.   

SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park professionals provide cleaning services to give that building that extra shine. Services can include:  

• Carpet/Floor prep and cleaning  
• Ceiling, walls and fixture cleaning  
• Deodorization   
• Air Duct Cleaning   
• Debris Removal (if necessary)  
• Window Cleaning  

SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park can help you meet your deadlines by providing thorough post construction services in a timely manner. Our post-construction cleaning services can make any mess look “Like it never even happened.” Call us to schedule a walk-through of your business to review recommendations at 410-647-8181. We are here to help!

Commercial Duct Cleaning

9/9/2022 (Permalink)

Since the ventilation system is often the biggest culprit in poor indoor air quality, inspecting the ductwork should be the highest priority. In most cases, the HVAC system has been operating for some time without much attention or maintenance. Dirty ducts can circulate odors, contaminants and irritating dust throughout the building or home.  

A routine part of our services here at SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park is inspecting the heating, ventilation and air conditioning unit (HVAC). Keeping the HVAC system and ductwork clean can potentially extend the life span of the equipment by allowing it to operate at peak condition, which can help save money.  

The SERVPRO Duct Cleaning Process 

• The process begins by using patented equipment including a roto-scraper, which automatically adapts to the duct’s shape and diameter while traveling through the duct, removing debris before vacuuming begins. 
• Next, a powerful push-pull air delivery and collection system transfers the debris from the ducting to a 16-gallon container.  
• Air is filtered through a HEPA filtration system, removing 99.97 percent of particles in the airstream.  
• A sealant or coating product may be sprayed to address odor or microbial concerns. 
• Filters with either be cleaned or replaced after the process.  

In some circumstances, such as a fire, smoke or suspected mold growth, duct cleaning becomes an essential part of the cleanup process. In these cases, our uniformed professionals can often restore the HVAC system and ductwork to pre-damage condition. 

COVID Lingering in Your Business?

8/8/2022 (Permalink)

Did you know that our professionals here at SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park professionals are uniquely prepared during this unprecedented time to clean and sanitize your business?  We have years of experience in dealing with biological contaminants, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform daily.  

IICRC Certified. The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) is the non-profit certifying body for the cleaning and restoration industry. Not only is SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park IICRC certified as a firm, but most members of our staff carry several IICRC certifications.  

Cleaning Experts. The CDC encourages cleaning of high-touch surfaces such as counters, tabletops, doorknobs, light switches, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets, and tables at a minimum. Most of our cleaning tactics will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform daily.  

The CDC also recommends regular cleaning of the following areas/items:  

• Kitchen/Food Areas 
• Bathrooms in Schools/Classrooms 
• Offices 

• Retail Spaces 
• Water Fountains 
• Shelving/Racks  
• Sales Counters 
• Carpets and Rugs 

• Stair Handrails 
• Elevators and Escalators 
• Playground Equipment 
• Fitness Equipment 

Cleaning Products. Multiple products in the SERVPRO product line meet this standard and carry the EPA-registered emerging pathogens claims.  

Our proprietary cleaning agents, Benefect and Shockwave, are EPA-certified, hospital-grade disinfectants that have demonstrated effectiveness against viruses like Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19) on hard, non-porous surfaces.  

We carry multiple hospital-grade disinfectants and provide our personnel with proper PPE. Not only does this protect everyone, but it also protects the building and people in it.    

Cleaning Procedures. SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park technicians are experts in infectious disease cleanup and bio-hazard cleaning. Our proven cleaning procedures and protocols have been used to clean and sanitize rhinovirus and norovirus in the past.  

Bring the professionals in! Call SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park (410) 647-8181. 

Do You Hear Something Dripping? Leaky Roofs Spell Problems

8/8/2022 (Permalink)

Do you hear that? That quiet dripping noise? Yep, that would be your roof leaking. Roof leaks can be detrimental to your home and if left untreated, can cause extensive damage and costly repairs. By being proactive, homeowners in the Severna Park area can prevent these damages or address them before they become major. Here are some ways untreated roof damage can cause issues for your home:  

Rotting Frames/Structural Damage 

Even the strongest, most durable homes are susceptible to the rot that follows any water damage. What starts as a small leak in the roof can develop into an alarming concern for your home’s foundation. Water is persistent and WILL find its way to your foundation causing rot. Stop roof leaks in their tracks before it becomes an overwhelming issue.  

Leaky Roofs Can Cause Mold 

A leak in your roof can inevitably lead to issues with mold or mildew growth. Mold spores in water damage can pass through HVAC systems, leading to serious health and safety concerns. Mold acts fast, so should you. 

Damaged Insulation  

As water leaks or pours through your roof, it can seriously damage any insulation you may have inside your roof or attic. The water causes the insulation to clump, making it essentially ineffective in insulating warm or cool air inside your home. Be sure to have your roof professionally expected in order to avoid damaged insulation. 

Sagging Drywall/Ceilings 

Drywalls are very commonly used to divide spaces within homes during the construction process. Drywall exposed to water can hold and trap moisture causing it to sag, buckle, crumble and fall apart. Water can even travel through drywall, causing more damage to surrounding areas.  

Flash Storms In Annapolis

8/8/2022 (Permalink)

If you have lived in the Annapolis area during the summertime, then we’re sure that you’re aware of the severity and suddenness of flash storms rolling through the skies. What was once a calm summer afternoon with clear skies and cool breeze quickly turns into dark ominous clouds with high winds and heavy rain. Just on Friday, August 5th, Annapolis saw 0.37 inches of rain in just under a couple of hours.  

 Thunderstorms move swiftly and even more so does water damage. Water damage can often be sudden so knowing how to react can help save your business. When storms roll out, know how to protect your business with these preventative measures! 

• Clean leaves out of your gutters  
• Ensure downspouts are pointed away from the foundation 
• Clean your roof if it is a flat roof or call a professional 
• Know where your emergency water shut offs are 
• Have your HVAC unit inspected by a professional 
• Schedule an ERP with SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park! 

When water damage acts fast, use these tips to act faster! If you have water damage in your home or business, call the experts over here at SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park at 410-647-8181! 

Water Acts Fast - Act Faster!

8/8/2022 (Permalink)

Water damage does not wait for resolution patiently. It has a destructive timetable that is as predictable for water restoration professionals as it is devastating for Annapolis homeowners. Some of the damage occurs just minutes to hours after the water event, and the severity of the consequences increases exponentially. Experts recommend contacting water restoration professionals immediately after the discovery of a water loss to arrange for swift removal of the damaging fluids and application of the industry’s best practices supporting structural drying. 

How Fast Damage Occurs 

First minutes to a few hours 

• Documents, pictures, books, and other papers become soggy, with pages weakening and sticking together, bindings and glues loosening, inks spreading, and images blurring. 
• Stain, varnish, and paints can transfer from wooden furniture legs and supports to carpeting, rugs, and floors. 

• Textiles stretch or shrink, depending on composition, and dyes can run and stain adjacent surfaces. 
• Electronics and electrical cords short out and expose occupants to the risk of shock. 

Up to 24 hours 

• Pressed wood and particle board furniture and supports swell and warp. 
• Hardwood frames on furniture swell and distort. 

• Metal fasteners tarnish. 
• Drywall and ceiling tiles bulge and begin to crumble, increasing personal safety and property damage risk when significant quantities of collected water force a structural breakdown. 
• Insulation compresses, packing down between walls. 
• Carpets stretch and become prone to rips and delamination. 
• Laminate flooring peels and disintegrates. 

48-72 hours to a week 

• Mold growth commences on all surfaces and contents. 
• Water quality deteriorates, with pathogen growth possible. 
• Door and window frames swell, preventing security issues due to improper closure. 
• Metals corrode, and fasteners break down. 

• Hardwood floors cup or crown, and planks or strips can buckle, pulling up from the subfloor. 

7 days or more 

• Structural supports can fail. 
• Molds, mildews, and other hazards proliferate, affecting air quality and infecting surfaces. 

When you notice water in your home, call the water restoration professionals, SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park. We have over 40 years’ experience and we can make it “Like it never even happened. 

Condensation on the Ducts

6/15/2022 (Permalink)

Who doesn’t love the summer? With the warm weather, constant sunshine, trips to the beach and so much more, summer seems like a great time. What people forget to mention about the summer is the amount of water damage insurance claims that are made in the Metropolitan area. A large portion of these water damage claims are a result of an accumulation of condensation on ductwork. If you see bubbling or staining in your ceiling or roof, that may be a sign of condensation forming on your ductwork. This can lead to several problems, such as:  

• Damage to insulation  
• High indoor humidity levels 
• Mildew and mold growth  
• Water damage to structural elements  

Typically, “sweating” ductwork is caused by improper insulation around or from an outside source. If a home’s siding is exposed, warm or hot air can seep into spaces around the ductwork. When the hot and cold air mix, condensation forms. To avoid this, have your ductwork properly insulated to avoid the mixing in air temperature. Additionally, HVAC units that have not been inspected in some time can add to this issue. Have your HVAC unit professionally inspected and request a new filter to be installed. A dirty HVAC filter can cause the unit to freeze up which can contribute to the ductwork condensation. 

If you see bubbling or staining from water damage in your home, don't wait! Call us at SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park at 410-647-8181!

Summertime Water Damage

6/15/2022 (Permalink)

Summertime is great for fun vacation days and relaxing “chill by the pool” days. However, summer is also the peak time for water damage. Naturally, summer puts strain on your home’s plumbing with the more water you use. Whether it is taking that extra shower to cool off, watering the plants around the house or trying to drink more water to stay hydrated, chances are, your plumbing is being put under more stress. In fact, 30% of all homeowner insurance claims are because of water damage. So that begs the question, what are the most common causes of water damage during the summer? We got you covered: 

Summer Rainstorms  

Living in Maryland, we are accustomed to huge thunderstorms throughout the year, especially in the summer. These thunderstorms can cause power outages and debris to fall on or around your home. This, along with heavy rain, can spell problems for your basement or roof.  

Mold  

Water works fast once it is in homes. Mold can grow in as little as 24 hours so being alert to water damage in your home. Poor air quality along with humidity can help create a breeding ground for mold as well. If you spot mold in your home, act quickly and call us! 

Flooding  

One of the most common forms of water damage in residential homes is flooding. With houses close to the water, some being below sea level, and massive thunderstorms, Anne Arundel County homes are extremely susceptible to flooding damage. Ensuring your sump pump is running and having a backup battery is crucial to avoid flood damage. 

Leaking/Broken Pipes  

Your plumbing is under more stress than usual during the summer. Heavier use equals more wear and tear on your plumbing systems. Typically, pipes are in constant use in the summer for the reasons mentioned above. Whether leaks are obvious or hidden in your foundation or crawlspace, water damage is always a threat.  

If your home has experienced water damage, act fast and call the PROs over at SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park at 410-647-8181. 

When the Storm Rolls out, We Roll in

6/1/2022 (Permalink)

It is OFFICIALLY hurricane season! Hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30. During this time, it is crucial for home and business owners to know how to prepare their property to prevent disaster. Luckily, SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park has tips from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to help keep your property safe from hurricane damage. 

Tips for Preparing Your Home for a Hurricane  

• Cover all your home’s windows with precut plywood or hurricane shutters to protect them from high winds 
• Plan to bring in ALL outdoor furniture, decorations, garbage cans and anything else not tied down 
• Keep all trees and shrubs well-trimmed  
• Turn off utilities and turn the refrigerator thermostat to its coldest setting 
• Turn off any propane tanks 
• Ensure a supply of water for sanitation purposes, such as cleaning and flushing toilets 

Tips for Preparing Your Business for a Hurricane 

• Carefully assess how your company functions, both internally and externally, to determine which materials and procedures are necessary to keep the business operating 
• Identify operations critical to recovery 
• Plan what you will do if your business is not accessible  

• Consider if you can run your business from a different location or at home 
• Develop relationships with other companies to use their facilities in case a disaster makes your location inaccessible 

When the storm is a major event, you need more comprehensive restoration support. SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park is ready to make any size disaster “Like it never even happened.”  

COVID-19 Cleaning, by the Pros

5/20/2022 (Permalink)

Since the beginning of the pandemic, SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park has been working with our local officials and small business owners to ensure the proactive cleaning and sanitizing of many facilities throughout Anne Arundel County. We have worked in schools, government facilities, as well as general offices to sterilize and disinfect their spaces. The “official” pandemic may be over, however COVID-19 cases have been spiking in recent weeks.  

As cleaning experts, we are often asked, how are janitorial cleaning services different from our commercial cleaning services? Well, here are four ways in which our professional cleaning services differ from regular janitorial cleaning services:  

Here are 4 things that show how our cleaning is different than janitorial cleaning:  

IICRC Certified. The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) is the non-profit certifying body for the cleaning and restoration industry. Not only is SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park IICRC certified as a firm, but most members of our staff carry several IICRC certifications.  

Cleaning Experts. The CDC encourages cleaning of high-touch surfaces such as counters, tabletops, doorknobs, light switches, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets, and tables at a minimum. Most of our cleaning tactics will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform daily.  

The CDC also recommends regular cleaning of the following areas/items:  

• Kitchen/Food Areas 
• Bathrooms in Schools/Classrooms 
• Offices 
• Retail Spaces 
• Water Fountains 
• Shelving/Racks  
• Sales Counters 
• Carpets and Rugs 
• Stair Handrails 
• Elevators and Escalators 
• Playground Equipment 
• Fitness Equipment 

Cleaning Products. Multiple products in the SERVPRO product line meet this standard and carry the EPA-registered emerging pathogens claims. We follow all guidelines as provided by the CDC and local authorities.  

Our proprietary cleaning agents, Benefact and Shockwave, are EPA-certified, hospital-grade disinfectants that have demonstrated effectiveness against viruses like Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19) on hard, non-porous surfaces.  

We carry multiple hospital-grade disinfectants and provide our personnel with proper PPE (Personal Protective Equipment). Not only does this protect everyone, but it also protects the building and people in it.  

Cleaning Procedures. SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park technicians are experts in infectious disease cleanup and bio-hazard cleaning. Our proven cleaning procedures and protocols have been used to clean and sanitize rhinovirus and norovirus in the past. We are implementing similar protocols, and we are "battle tested" regarding virus cleanup. 

Keeping Your Property Safe from Mold

4/18/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park specializes in mold remediation. It’s common for us to get called to commercial buildings with mold problems. Even small water damages have the potential to cause poor indoor air quality over time.

As a property manager/homeowner, here are a few things you can do to keep mold away:

- Keep the humidity between 30-50 percent.

- Provide for proper drainage away from the building foundation.

- Regularly inspect plumbing and appliances for leaks.

- Keep gutters and drains clear of debris.

- Inspect the roof, windows and other areas where water might enter the building and perform necessary maintenance.

- Respond to all water intrusions immediately.

Got mold? Contact us, SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park at (410) 647-8181 for assistance after a water damage or if you discover mold

Can My Property be Restored?

4/18/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park works with business and homeowners when disaster strikes. If there is a storm, a basement may flood. We strive to restore items instead of replace.  

SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park specializes in restoring contents damaged by storms. Our expertise and our “restore” versus “replace” mentality can help you save money while preserving precious keepsakes that can’t be replaced. Our IICRC technicians pretest your contents to determine what items can be restored back to their condition before the water damage. We utilize several methods of cleaning your contents, including: 

• Dry Cleaning - Used for cleaning light residues  
• Wet Cleaning - An effective cleaning method for removing moderate to heavy residues. 

• Spray and Wipe -Effective for items that can’t withstand cleaning. 
• Abrasive Cleaning - Involves agitation of the surface being cleaned.  
• Immersion Cleaning - Contents are dipped into a bath of the cleaning product. 

There's no such thing as a small disaster. Storms can hit at any time. Trust SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park, because we are open 24 hours a day 365 days a year. We are faster to any size disaster. 

Certified to Help any Home or Business!

4/7/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park carries various certifications and has been around for over 40 years. We have the right trusted professionals for you to get your home or business to preloss condition! 

The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) is the non-profit certifying body for the cleaning and restoration industry. Not only is SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park IICRC certified as a firm, but most members of our staff carry several IICRC certifications. 

SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park Certifications 

• AMRT - Applied Microbial Remediation Technician 
• ASD - Applied Structural Drying Technician 
• CCT - Carpet Cleaning Technician 
• CMR - IAQC Certified Mold Remediator 
• CMT - Certified Mold Technician 
• CMT - Commercial Carpet Maintenance Technician 
• CPM - IAQC Mold Certified Project Manager 
• CRMR - Council-certified Residential Microbial Remediator 
• ECTP - Employee Certification Training Program 
• FSRT - Fire & Smoke Damage Restoration Technician 
• HST - Health and safety Technician 
• IICRC Certified Firm 
• OCT - Odor Control Technician 
• OSHA - 10-hour General and/or Construction Industry Training Program 
• OSHA - 30-hour General and/or Construction Industry Training Program 
• RRRP - Lead-Based Paint Activities and Renovation 
• RRT - Carpet Repair & Reinstallation Technician 
• WRT - Water Damage Restoration Technician 

Trust an industry leader at the local level. Call SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park for all of your expert cleaning needs at (410) 647-8181! 

Staying Safe on St. Patty's

3/16/2022 (Permalink)

St. Patrick’s Day is right around the corner and what better way to celebrate than by going out with some friends to Downtown Annapolis and grabbing some drinks? Did you know that over a third of adults admit to drinking on St. Patrick’s Day? And that every year beer sales increase by over a hundred percent?  

Unfortunately, a holiday that celebrates drinking brings many alcohol-related incidents. Although we may be a water, fire, mold and biohazard restoration company, here at SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park, we want the community to stay safe and enjoy the day! That is why we have gathered some tips for you and your friends to safely enjoy the day! 

Designate a driver – Never a bad idea to do when going out! 

Have a back-up driver plan – you never know if the DD changes their mind. 

Do not bring valuables with you – just bring your wallet, not a pot of gold. 

Watch your friends and your drinks – look out for one another and have fun! 

Host the party – we know the nightlife in DTA can be too good to pass up, but hosting has its benefits! 

Let friends stay the night – slumber party! 

Stay safe Annapolis and enjoy St. Patty’s Day! 

How Soot Affects Areas of Your Home or Business

3/1/2022 (Permalink)

Soot can permanently damage walls and ceilings if not handled properly.

Fire can cause several issues that extend beyond the initial loss. When firefighters come to put out a fire, water can also damage areas of the home. In addition, soot affects several areas of the home beyond the location of the initial fire. How does soot, specifically, affect your home or business after a loss? Here’s how:  

Within minutes 

• Plastic surfaces discolor and turn yellow 

Within hours  

• Tile grout stains 
• Fiberglass yellows 
• Metals tarnish 
• Appliances, countertops and furniture turn yellow  

Within days  

• Walls can become yellow  
• Materials corrode, pit and rust 
• Clothing and upholstery can be permanently stained 
• Electronics corrode and fail 
• Vinyl floors MUST be replaced 

Within weeks 

• Class, crystal and china etch and pit 
• Audio and video tapes distort  
• Carpet fibers are permanently discolored  

Acting swiftly after a fire can help save so many items in your home or business. At SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park, we offer content cleaning and restoration services to make any size disaster “Like it never even happened.”  

Our 1-4-8 Service Response Guideline

1/27/2022 (Permalink)

From a burst pipe in an office to faulty wiring in an apartment building, fire and water losses are never planned, but they do occur. Our professionals at SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park know there is no such thing as a small emergency when it threatens the welfare of the tenants and the revenue of the property owner. With over 40 years of business in the cleanup and restoration industry, and over 1,500 franchises serving 48, SERVPRO is the leader in all types of restoration services.  

Serving as a SERVPRO franchise, we hold ourselves to the standard of being faster to any size disaster. We do this through strictly following our 1-4-8 Service Response Guideline. 

1 – Within one hour from notice of loss, a SERVPRO Franchise Professional will contact you to arrange for your service.  

4 – Within four hours of a loss, a SERVPRO Franchise Professional will be on-site to start mitigation services. 

8 – Within eight business hours of on-site arrival, a verbal briefing of the scope will be communicated to the appropriate person.  

 We understand that quick response times may help avoid revenue loss for property managers and minimize inconvenience for tenants. Using professional equipment and industry-approved techniques, our restoration services can help you resume normal business functions quickly while avoiding costly construction downtime!  

Water Damage? Act Fast!

1/13/2022 (Permalink)

When it comes to water damage in an Annapolis home or a Severna Park building, it is crucial to remove the water as quickly as possible to avoid additional damage to the structure. Water damage can quickly lead to mold growth, especially if combined with heat and humidity. Unfortunately, we see this all too often due to the climate in Anne Arundel County.  

SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park is the cleanup team that arrives faster to any size disaster. No matter what time of day, or night, water damage is an emergency. Under our emergency mitigation guidelines, our franchise, trained professionals will be onsite at your home or business within 4 hours to begin drying your building and restoring any damaged contents.  

Any water from the recent winter weather surges, whether from a pipe leak or failed sump pump, needs to be mitigated quickly. Trust our team of local experts to ensure your properly is taken care of immediately.  

Thundersnow

1/6/2022 (Permalink)

Living in Maryland, residents typically see some unpredictable and random weather events occur. This past Monday was no exception. Being a warm sixty degrees on Sunday, very few realized what was coming. The biggest snowstorm in the Atlantic since 2019 kicked off the new year with a bang.  

Areas of Maryland saw more than a foot of snow. On top of that, thundersnow was also reported throughout the state. Thundersnow is simply a thunderstorm with snow instead of rain as the main precipitation that occurs in regions of strong upward motion with the cold sector of an extratropical cyclone.  

Hundreds of thousands of people in the Metropolitan region have reported losing power. Both North and South Carolina saw tornado watches go into effect because of the storm. In Maryland, the cold temperatures have heavily affected residents and will continue to throughout the week. These temperatures have caused slick, icy roadways in the Annapolis area.  

Freezing temperatures and melting snow cause trouble for homeowners. Ice dams, flooded basements, sump pump failures and frozen pipes are the most common winter-related losses we see. If you or someone you know was affected by the thundersnow storm this weekend, contact our experts at SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park at 410-647-8181! 

Overloaded Outlets

12/30/2021 (Permalink)

December is the season of lights, candles and food.  Driving around Millersville, Ben Oaks, Shipley’s Choice, and Chartwell neighborhoods; looking at all the holiday lights and seeing all the extension cords gave us pause.  Are those cords rated for outside use, are they all hooked to the same outlet? 

There are some safety tips to follow when using lights outside:

1. Purchase certified and lab tested cords
2. Make sure they are rated for outdoor use
3. Do not use multiple plug outlets chained together

Inside the home you may add some lights, your tree and maybe even some cooking appliances.  Using certified and lab tested cords inside is important as well.  Overloading outlets is the biggest issues that can lead to a fire.  Checking connections for fraying wires, limiting the number of units per outlet and unplugging items when not in use are best practices we should all follow.

The Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) has other great safety tips that will help limit your holiday fire risk.  SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park will have crews working throughout the holiday if you find yourself in need of smoke, soot or fire damage repair.

Here to Help

12/23/2021 (Permalink)

Did you know that SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park is open 24/7/365? With the holiday season approaching, we want everyone in the Anne Arundel County area to know SERPVRO of Annapolis/Severna Park has emergency services  

Homeowners and property managers work with SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park because of our response time. SERVPRO Industries requires each franchise to respond quickly to any size disaster. 

We care about readiness for our community and are faster than our competition. We are the trusted leader with a Here to Help customer service philosophy that involves listening to our customers and providing solutions in a variety of ways.  

We validate industry standards through DryBook™. The SERVPRO® DryBook™ is a proprietary tool that manages industry requirements on drying to validate your restoration is done to standard. This improves results, restores your property at a faster rate, getting you back in your home or business sooner. 

SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park has more ways to be contacted than any other cleanup and restoration company, meaning whatever the situation, help is just a few clicks away. However, if an emergency strikes, the easiest way to reach us would be to call 410-647-8181 

When fire damage puts the things that matter most to you on the line, you want to contact the team that is Faster to Any Size Disaster. 

When Winter Weather Strikes!

12/14/2021 (Permalink)

Don't let winter weather affect your business!

Are you prepared for the cold Maryland weather? Cold weather can have a huge impact on your Annapolis home or business if you’re not ready for it. From freezing rain and low temperatures, to damaging winds, sleet or snow, can all cause serious and costly property damage. While you cannot control the weather, you can take steps to prepare your Severna Park home or business. 

To help prevent costly winter storm damage, consider taking the following precautions to protect your property before winter weather hits: 

• Check your Annapolis business property for downed tree limbs and branches. Wind, heavy rain, ice and snow can cause branches to fall, which could cause damage to your property and potentially cause personal injuries. 
• Inspect your roof, pipes, and gutters, downspouts should be directed away from your building. Clear gutters of debris that may have gathered during the fall. Winter starts on the 21st and if your house is not prepared, fallen leaves can cause a damming effect, which can lead to roof damage. 
• Inspect all handrails, stairwells and entryways to address and correct potentially slippery or hazardous areas. Install mats or non-slip surfaces and post caution signs where water or ice could be present. 

When winter weather strikes, call SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park to strike back. 

National Brand, Small Business Feel

12/10/2021 (Permalink)

If your home or business suffers from a water or fire loss, SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park is here to help. With over 18,000 square feet of warehouse space, we have the capacity to handle any size disaster.  Our experience and proven leadership (46 years!) in the restoration industry with mold remediation, fire and water damage and biohazard recovery along with our large facility make us your local restoration leader.        

There are several reasons why a large facility is important when selecting an emergency cleanup company.  At SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park we have the capability to store (and clean if necessary) your belongings while your home or business is being repaired.  Our experienced crew will inventory and pack-out your property carefully and efficiently.  Our content clean-room houses state of the art ultrasonic equipment that works miracles on soot damaged items. 

From air scrubbers to dehumidifiers and air movers, we have the right equipment to get the job done.  The proper equipment allows a structure to dry properly and reduce further contamination and damage. 

Your Fire Safety Checklist - from, SERVPRO

12/8/2021 (Permalink)

Don't let this be your tree this year!

Oh Christmas tree, Oh Christmas tree! Please do not be a fire hazard for my family!

Happy Holidays! We want to give you and your family the gift of fire safety during this holiday season. Even though most house fires are started by some form of cooking, the winter season introduces even more hazards. According to the American Red Cross, there are about 47,000 house fires in the United States annually, resulting in millions in damage.  

Many winter fires are caused by Christmas trees, candles, lights, space heaters and more. Luckily for homeowners in the greater Annapolis area, SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park has a holiday fire safety checklist for you. Here are just a few things you can do to ensure you are not one of the 47,000 this year! 

• Test your smoke alarms monthly. Batteries should be replaced on Day Light Savings days. 
• Create a fire escape plan and walk through it with your family. Always be prepared! 
• Keep flammable or decorations away from heat sources. It is always a clever idea to move decorations away from fireplaces and space heaters.  
• Do not use candles in bedrooms and remember to put them out, even try setting an alarm to remember. Candles are dangerous items in the winter and can be forgettable when going to bed.  
• Never leave a space heater running unattended. We see this all the time! And do not use it for a prolonged period of time! 
• Choose flame retardant decorations whenever possible. This limits the chances of faulty decorations starting fires in your home.  
• Check all electrical cords and do not overload sockets! We know how tempting it can be to load up all your cords into one power strip.  
• Stay in the kitchen and COOK whenever guests are over. We want everyone to mingle safely too but remember you have food on the stove or in the oven! 
• Do not forget to move items like kitchen mitts away from your stove. These items can catch fire fast! 

We hope everyone enjoys their holiday season and time with family and friends. If you happen to experience a fire loss, or any type of loss, in your home or your business call SERVPRO of Annapolis at 410-647-8181.  

Get Your Commercial Property Ready for Winter

12/3/2021 (Permalink)

Is your office winter ready? Temperatures are dipping in Anne Arundel County. December 21 is the first day of winter. To help prevent costly damages due to weather, consider taking the following precautions to protect your property:  

• Check your business property for downed tree limbs and branches. Wind, heavy rain, ice, and snow can cause branches to fall, which could cause damage to the property and potentially cause personal injuries.  
• Roofs, water pipes, and gutters should all be inspected to help ensure they are in proper order. Gutter downspouts should be directed away from your building. Clear gutters of debris that may have gathered during the fall. Leaves and other obstructions can cause a damming effect, which can lead to roof damage and interior water problems  
• Inspect property, especially walkways and parking lots, for proper drainage to alleviate a potential flood hazard.  
• Inspect all handrails, stairwells, and entryways to address and correct potential slippery or hazardous areas. Install mats or non-slip surfaces and post caution signs where water could be present.  
• Protect water pipes from freezing by simply allowing water to drip when temperatures dip below freezing. If pipes are under a cabinet, leave the cabinet doors open, allowing warm inside air to circulate around the pipes. If the building has outdoor faucets, consider shutting water off at the main valve in the basement or crawl space. Once the valve is off, open the outdoor faucet to ensure it drains, preventing any remaining water from freezing in the pipe.  

When winter weather strikes, call SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park professionals to strike back and help make it “Like it never even happened.”   

Water In the Attic? Call SERVPRO!

11/22/2021 (Permalink)

This diagram depicts how water can flow back into the shingles of a roof and cause water damage to your interior.

We see it all the time. One morning, you wake up and there’s water leaking from your ceiling, and you have no clue what happened. Come to find out, your attic is leaking water and you have no idea how. With winter weather approaching, our trained professionals see this problem all too often. Here are some tips we gathered to help protect your attic and home from water damage this winter.  

Check your attic insulation! 

Ensuring your attic is properly insulated is one of the most important things you can do to protect your home from not only the cold and humidity, but also to prevent mold, dust, dirt, and mildew from spreading in your home. Inspecting your insulation for any cracks or seams where water can enter is a great preventative measure you can take before the severe winter weather hits.  

Stay wary of ice dams forming over your gutters! 

Ice dams can be a major problem during the winter. They form when heated air melts roof snow downward into water dammed behind still-frozen ice. When the trapped water cannot flow into the gutter, it can flow back into the roof’s shingles and into the structure's interior. Our professionals can help mitigate water damage caused by ice dams and get your home back to preloss condition.  

Our SERVPRO professionals understand just how disruptive water in your home can be to you, your family and everyday life. That’s why we offer 24-hour emergency response by trained, uniformed professionals. SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park has top-of-the-line equipment and time-tested cleanup and restoration techniques to make your house feel like a home again.  

Grease Fire Safety

11/2/2021 (Permalink)

Did you know that October is Fire Prevention Month? With the holiday season approaching, it is extremely important to know how to handle a grease fire or any type of fire in the kitchen. Grease fires especially can get out of hand quickly. Here at SERVPRO of Annapolis, we have some fire safety tips to help you and your family during the holiday season: 

If an unexpected grease fire occurs in your home: 

• Protect your skin – grab any nearby oven mitts to protect your skin from burns 

• Turn off the heat source – if early enough, you can limit the fire by turning the heat source off quickly 
• Cover the pot – use a metal lid, not glass, to cover the flame and prevent it from growing 
• Extinguish the flame – of course, if possible, use a fire extinguisher to put out the flame. If you do not have access to one, substantial amounts of baking soda and salt can help extinguish the flame 

NEVER do any of the following in the event of a grease fire:  

• Pour water on it – water and oil do not mix, adding water will only grow the flame  

• Move the flame – never move a burning pot as you could risk injury to yourself 
• Pour baking products on the fire – products like flour and sugar will only make the fire worse. Instead, use only baking soda and salt to smother the flame 

Remember to always stick in the kitchen to monitor your cooking items. It is easy to get distracted during the holiday season and forget about what you are doing. SERVPRO of Annapolis wants you and your family to stay safe during the holidays.  

Fire Prevention Week

10/6/2021 (Permalink)

Since 1922, the National Fire Prevention Association has sponsored the observance of Fire Prevention week. This public observance was made official by President Calvin Coolidge in 1925, making it the longest running public observance in the United States. This year, Fire Prevention Week begins on Sunday, October 3rd and runs until Saturday, October 9th. During this week, people of all ages learn about the measures they should take to both prevent and in case of a fire.  

This year’s campaign is “Learn the Sounds of Fire Safety!” works to educate people about the different sounds smoke and carbon monoxide alarms make. The National Fire Prevention Association has a handful of articles on its website explaining what to do in case of emergency, what actions to take to prevent emergencies, and even what kinds of alarms you can get for family members who are deaf or hard of hearing.  

SERVPRO of Annapolis wants you and your family to stay safe and know what to do in case of emergency.  

Be Prepared!!

9/27/2021 (Permalink)

Do not forget that September is National Preparedness month! Whether it’s a flood, wildfire or extreme weather, be prepared and join your community in participating in National Preparedness month. If disaster strikes in your life, contact SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park and speak to local professionals who can help make it “Like it never even happened.”  

Home fires can be extremely dangerous and devastating if you are not prepared for this type of emergency. As per The American Red Cross, nearly 7 people die and 36 people are injured every day from home fires. An estimated $7 billion in property damage occurs every year as a result from home fires.  

Is your home prepared for an unexpected disaster? When was the last time you or someone in your family checked your smoke alarm? These are questions you should be asking yourself now in order to help prevent and avoid these emergencies.  

Get Your Property Ready for Listing

9/22/2021 (Permalink)

Everyone knows that a fresh, clean home sells faster. Unfortunately, not all homes have the luxury of being so clean. Nearly every realtor is faced with a listing that is difficult to show. Realtors need to maintain clean homes for a variety of reasons such as:  

• Increased market value 
• Reduced list to sale conversion time 
• Enhanced reputation of quality listings and quick sales 

At SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park, our franchise professionals offer a variety of services to help improve your listings to top condition like:  

• Carpet, upholstery, drapery, and blind cleaning 
• Ceiling, wall, and hard floor cleaning 
• Deodorization 
• Duct & HVAC cleaning 
• Mold mitigation and remediation  

With over 40 years of experience in the restoration industry and more than 1,700 franchises serving all 50 states, choose SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park for all your restoration needs.  

Winter Weather is on the Way

9/22/2021 (Permalink)

Winter is on the Way

With the Winter storm season approaching our area, be prepared for an array of adverse weather conditions. Several weather predictions are calling for above-average snowfall in most places as well as frigid cold temperatures. As a result, damaging winds, freezing rain, and sleet or snow can cause severe damage to your house or building if not properly monitored.  

 To help prevent winter weather damage, consider taking these precautions to protect your property before the winter weather hits. Be sure to inspect your roof, pipes, gutters before this winter season comes. Your gutter should be cleaned thoroughly to avoid any flooding. In the coming months, freezing temperatures could lead to frozen and busted pipes. If your property has any water damage, it should be handled quickly to minimize damage.  

When winter weather arrives, be sure to call SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park at 410-647-8181 to help protect your home. 

Commercial Post Construction Cleaning

9/5/2021 (Permalink)

Building Debris

SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park are experts in Post-Construction Cleaning. Interior and exterior cleaning is needed after construction services. We provide debris removal services to prepare the building for interior design. Commercial property owners have trusted us with the dirty work before a grand opening, after an accident or even a renovation, we are #here2help.

We provide cleaning services to your building. Want to make an office space or classroom look brand new? Bring in our professionals to clean your carpets, upholstery, ceilings, walls, fixtures, deodorization, air duct cleaning, debris removal, and window cleaning. No job is too big or small for us.

If your Severna Park property is in need of Post-Construction Cleaning or just a General Deep Cleaning, give SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park a call at 410 647 8181

National Preparedness Month

9/5/2021 (Permalink)

September is National Preparedness Month, an annual observance to remind all Americans how important it is for individuals, families, businesses and communities to be prepared for disasters and emergencies that can happen at any time.

This year’s theme is Prepare to Protect and highlights how preparing for disaster is to protect everyone you love. The theme “Prepare to Protect” which carries universal meaning and significance, was established based on research as the idea of protecting one’s family is a prime motivator to prepare for a disaster. Now is the time that everyone should have a conversation with their family, neighbors an co-workers to discuss what you would do in the event of a disaster in your area.

If your home or business suffers a natural disaster or emergency call SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park, 410-647-8181, we can help.

Post Construction Cleaning

8/9/2021 (Permalink)

Renovation finishing up with a fresh coat of paint

Have you made some modifications to your business during the Pandemic? Added some walls or changed out the carpet. Do you need some post construction cleaning done? Once the floors are down and the drywall is painted, its time to remove the debris and dust to prepare the building to welcome your customers and employees back.  

SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park professionals provide cleaning services to give that building that extra shine. Services can include: 

• Carpet/Floor prep and cleaning 
• Ceiling, walls and fixture cleaning 
• Deodorization  
• Air Duct Cleaning  
• Debris Removal (if necessary) 
• Window Cleaning 

SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park can help you meet your deadlines by providing thorough post construction services in a timely manner.  Call us to schedule a walk through of your business to review recommendations, 410-647-8181. We are #Here2Help 

SHOCKING FACTS ABOUT LIGHTNING

8/9/2021 (Permalink)

Lightning Bolts in the Sky Above a Home

Lightning is one of the leading causes of weather related fatalities. Though the odds of being struck by lightning in any given year are only around 1 in 500,000, some factors can put you at greater risk. Here are some lightning safety tips to follow during a storm. 

• Be Aware - If thunderstorms are expected postpone your outdoor activity or make sure you know where safe shelter is located 
• Go indoors – Remember the phrase When Thunder roars, go indoors. Find a safe, enclosed shelter when you hear thunder 
• Avoid Windows, Doors, Porches and Concrete. Why Concrete? Lightning can travel through any metal wires or bars in concrete walls and flooring. 
• Avoid Water. Do not bathe, shower, wash dishes or have any contact with water during a thunderstorm because lightning can travel through a buildings plumbing. 

Knock Knock Who's There

8/9/2021 (Permalink)

Knock Knock

Do you like Knock Knock Jokes? Here's a good one you can share. 

CHRIS: Knock, knock.  

NICK: Who’s there? 

CHRIS: Water. 

NICK: Water, who? 

CHRIS: Water you doing in there? Open the door, please. SERVPRO is here to help!  

When you discover a water damage in your home or business, whether it is from a leaking pipe, a malfunctioning appliance, a busted water heater or excessive water from heavy rains, if you have to much water, call the professionals at SERVPRO Annapolis/Severna Park to help, 410-647-8181.

We have the knowledge, skills and equipment to thoroughly dry out your home. We will use drying equipment to control temperature and humidity to minimize secondary damage and in most cases save the structural items in your home. Prompt action is the key call SERVPRO Annapolis/Severna Park at 410-647-8181 at the first sign of damage. 

Sea Levels are Rising and Annapolis City Dock is in the Line of Fire

8/9/2021 (Permalink)

Annapolis City Dock

Sea levels are rising, and Annapolis is caught in the line of fire. As a waterfront town, the city is at increased risk for flood damage. City Dock flooded 65 times in 2019. By 2040, that number could double if sea levels continue to rise, and nothing is done. 

Though Annapolis cannot prevent these floods, it can adapt to them. One recommendation includes the demolition and reconstruction of the Noah Hillman Garage, located on Gorman Street. The city said the property is regularly flooded and needs to be rebuilt. 

In the second half of the construction window, attention would turn to City Dock. The city plans to install flood gates, water pumps and sea walls around town.  This would be the largest and most expensive construction project in Annapolis history. Still, the city thinks redevelopment is necessary to protect its low-lying infrastructure and historical properties.  

The town expects that the threat will only grow worse with time if nothing is done. We here at SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park are here to support and assist the historic downtown area until such time as these changes have been implemented. 

Water and Sediment Clean Up

6/16/2021 (Permalink)

Sediment left Behind After Flooding

Sometimes the biggest challenge with a water damage is what you find after the water has been removed.  Most often its mold, but in some cases flood waters leave behind a layer of sediment on the floor after the water has been extracted. This most often occurs when storm waters come so fast that the sump pump cant keep up and the water overflows into the basement of the home.

When this happens it almost always requires a second visit with the pressure washer and extractor to re-saturate the area and extract the water as the sediment loosens. It often takes technicians several hours working after the initial mitigation services are complete to remove the fine sandy sediment, that can often be present in these Annapolis communities. Never fear when you call SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park we have the knowledge and equipment to do the job right. We are #HeretoHelp, 410-647-8181.

Thanks for Leading the Way

6/16/2021 (Permalink)

Nick in the crawl space with and employee wearing PPE

When you call SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park to come to your home for a water damage don’t be surprised if the operation manager himself shows up to assist. 

This job in a Cape Saint Claire neighborhood presented trouble to the service team, they were having difficulty getting into the crawl space because of the limited size of the area.  Once Nick arrived and gave the crew some pointers, he decided to take a tour of the crawl space himself.  

Although some employees are worried about being in a restricted space as well as the critters that might be inhabiting the space our fearless leader led the way and showed these guys how to get the job done regardless of the obstacles you encounter.  

Thanks Nick for leading the way!!

Is There Water in Your Basement?

6/1/2021 (Permalink)

water in block wall

Anne Arundel County is fairly used to water damage and mold since the area tends to be low lying and humid. SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park recently did a water remediation job in Millersville.

With a lot of rain in the previous month, water seeped into a Millersville basement, when the homeowner went downstairs to do laundry they noticed several puddles of water around an exterior wall. Thinking the water had come in through a casement window they simply cleaned it up and went on with their day. A few weeks later after some heavy rains the customer again found puddles in the basement. This time they were extensive and she could still see water seeping in through the block wall.

What a mess and potential health problem this could have been. Fortunately, the homeowners called SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park to come out and evaluate the home. That evening our trained technicians used specialized equipment to properly dry the structure and move the unaffected contents to another area of the home.

If you find a water damage in your home call us, SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park at 410-647-8181, we will be there fast to help and solve your problem. #Here2help

Got Mold?

5/21/2021 (Permalink)

Building Picture - Got Mold?

Got Mold? The nose knows!! If you encounter a musty, damp smell in your home you might have a mold problem.

Much of the time mold grows out of sight: behind drywall or in your crawlspace or attic. The cause of mold is almost always a hidden moisture source. The key to long term mold control is finding and eliminating the source of the moisture within your home.  Once the water intrusion has been taken care of and you have the existing mold issue addressed you should have eliminated the odor that goes along with it as well. Whether it’s a leaky pipe, backed up gutters or water coming in through doors or windows, we at SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park will put together an estimate to get your home dried out and smelling as fresh as a spring daisy in no time.

Don’t delay call SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park at 410-647-8181, we will be happy to send out one of our trained and knowledge experts to diagnose your problem and put together an estimate for service.

The Challenges of Reopening your Business After Covid

4/19/2021 (Permalink)

The front door hinges may make a squeaky protest as you open them; but it's time to get back to the business of doing business. Everyone is excited to be reopening, but you’re also apprehensive. What has changed, what will be done differently, how can I adjust my business to these new ways?   

Some of the challenges when we reopen will be:   

• Reluctant employees - can I count on old employees to return or will I need to start training a whole new team? 

• Social distancing adjustments - do I need to adjust the location of employee desks, or customer tables, add dividers to respect social distancing guidelines? 

• Will Your Customer Base Return - Should I consider marketing to different base of customers? 

• Supply Chain disruptions – Can I get what I need to start doing business again? 

One of the challenges you don’t need to worry about is cleanliness . The world has changed what it means to be clean and we have adapted to that change. SERVPRO is the nation’s #1 choice in cleanup and restoration. Call SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park at 410-647-8181 to discuss new cleaning needs for your business. We proudly support our local businesses and would be honored to assist you in re-opening your business. Hold us to a higher standard of clean, we will proudly accept the challenge.

April Showers Bring May Flowers

4/19/2021 (Permalink)

rain drops

April showers bring May flowers or do they bring flooded basements? The old saying holds true but heavy rains can lead to water in your basement, as well as beautiful flowers gracing your landscaping. There are many things that lead to flooded basements, but heavy rains are what we find to be the most prominent culprit. When you hear that we are expecting heavy or long lasting downpours of spring rains some things to check that could prevent basement flooding are: 

• Is your sump pump working? 

• Is the drain at exterior basement entry door clogged?  

• Are your gutters and downspouts overflowing with leaves and debris? 

• Is you spring mulch piled up on the foundation wall causing window and foundation seepage?  

We love the smell after a nice spring rain just like everyone else but if you find yourself with enough water in your basement to grow flowers give SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park a call to get things dried out 410-647-8181. We are the experts and can have things “Like it never even happened," super quick.

Hope You Never Need Us, But if You Do We’re Here For You!

4/8/2021 (Permalink)

We offer services to customers that most hope they will never need.  We’re kind of like Insurance, until you make the call you don’t really know if you have the BEST TEAM at your disposal to help.  

SERVICES WE OFFER 

• We provide water remediation services to dry your home and business.  
• Carpet Cleaning services that are often requested in the spring to freshen up your home or business after a winter of snow and salt.  
• Fire, soot and smoke clean up to allow your life or business to return to normal as quickly and smoothly as possible after a fire event.  
• Duct cleaning is often done during the season change when we switch from heating to air conditioning.  
• Mold remediation services have been offered in Anne Arundel County for over 40 years.   
• Trauma and crime scene clean up are often one of our toughest assignments, but a necessary service, we provide it with as much care and respect for family members as possible.   

If the day arrives, make sure you call the BEST and MOST experienced in the business SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park, 410-647-8181. We will offer aid for whichever situation you find yourself in. 

Locals Count on SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park

3/17/2021 (Permalink)

A local Anne Arundel County dental office called SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park to remediate the mold in their office crawlspace. The insulation throughout the crawlspace was removed and discarded. All visible framing and masonry walls were HEPA Vacuumed and washed with an EPA registered disinfectant.

The heavily contaminated floor joists were sanded down to expose the clean framing and finally, encapsulated. During the cleaning process SERVPRO installed multiple HEPA filters to remove contaminants from the air to maintain a clean environment. The tiniest amount of water or condensation can quickly (24-48 hours) create mold growth.

When managing a commercial property, it is important to remember to look for moisture problems, listen to building occupants reporting moldy or musty odors and notice any visible signs on building materials and furnishings. For more information call us at 410-647-8181 or visit us at our website; www.SERVPROannapolis.com.

If Mold is Everywhere, What’s the Big Deal?

3/10/2021 (Permalink)

Moldy basement wall

Mold is a fungus and it is a natural part of both our indoor and outdoor environments. There are hundreds of different types of molds, all of which thrive in moist environments. In nature mold plays an important part in breaking down organic matter, indoors such a role is not needed.  

Three important things to remember  

• Not all molds are created equal 
• Not everyone is affected in the same way 
• With more exposure you are more likely to develop mold-related symptoms 

The key to mold growth indoors is to control the amount of moisture in the air. Dehumidifiers and air conditioners will help. The humidity needs to be below 60%, between 35% and 50% is even better. Mold thrives in warm damp bathrooms, humid kitchens and damp cellars. If you think you have mold in your home or business and would like to schedule an appointment for an inspection by a professionally trained and experienced staff member call us at SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park.  We will be happy to do a moisture check of your home, don’t delay call 410-647-8181. 

Electrical Fires and What you Need to Know

2/27/2021 (Permalink)

The majority of home fires are caused by electrical failures or malfunctions. These fires result in billions of dollars in property damage each year. Overloaded electrical circuits are a major cause of residential fires. Don’t become one of the statistics, know the warning signs of an overloaded electrical circuit:

• Flickering, blinking, or dimming lights
• Frequently tripped circuit breakers or blown fuses
• Warm or discolored wall plates
• Cracking, sizzling, or buzzing from receptacles
• Burning odor coming from receptacles or wall switches
• Mild shock or tingle from appliances, receptacles, or switches

Help lower your risk of electrical fires by not overloading your electrical system. If you do experience a fire in your home or business call the trained professionals at SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park to help. We have the training and specialized equipment necessary to clean effectively and quickly.

What Does It Mean To Be An IICRC Certified Firm?

1/27/2021 (Permalink)

IICRC Certified Firm

IICRC stands for the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification. When your Annapolis property suffers fire or water damage, SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park recommends you hire an IICRC certified firm.  

IICRC is an international non-profit organization for the Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Industries that was founded in 1972. The organization provides professional training in 25 different areas including: Applied Microbial Remediation Technician, Applied Structural Drying Technician, Commercial Drying Specialist, and more. The standards developed by IICRC are implemented so that SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park provides the highest quality concepts, terminology, and procedures recognized in the cleaning and restoration industry. 

Not sure if your company is a Certified Firm? Click here to search. 

There are many benefits to being an IICRC Certified Firm. We feel the most important benefit is the investment in education for our employees. As an IICRC Certified Firm, SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park is recognized an industry leader in Anne Arundel County. 

How Property Managers Handle Water Damage

1/13/2021 (Permalink)

Working With Property Managers

When property managers need to get water damage removed quickly, SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park is here to make it “Like it never even happened.” Our team of quality technicians who focus on excellent service can help mitigate the damages. 

Property Management companies are a top priority for water mitigation services. Here’s an overview of our Emergency Damage Process Overview: 

One Hour: Within one hour from notice of loss, a SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park professional will contact you and let you know help is on the way. 

Four Hours: Within four hours of loss notification, one of our professionals will be on-site to start mitigation. 

Detailed Explanation: A trained, uniformed and equipped crew chief will walk you through the job process explaining what to expect. 

Pretesting: A SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park will pretest for restorability, working from the source of the damage outward. 

Cleaning and Restoration: Our team will work neatly and efficiently to help you regain control of your property when a damaging event has taken over. They will use state-of-the-art restoration techniques to ensure the property is taken care of the first time. 

Final Walkthrough: After the work is completed, a final walk-through will be conducted to help ensure satisfaction. 

When it comes to water mitigation and property management, SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park will do what you need to get you back to business quickly.  

Winter Storm Hazards

1/6/2021 (Permalink)

Winter Storm

Did you know that there are normally 5 hours of bright daylight during January in Anne Arundel County? With decreased sunlight and decreased temperatures, January in Annapolis is typically filled with winter weather property hazards such as frozen pipes, winter precipitation, and ice damns. 

The average low temperature for Anne Arundel county in January is 29.1°.  With temperatures below freezing, it’s important to prepare your property for winter, especially your pipes. Did you know water expands when it freezes? Click here to learn how to prepare your pipes for winter weather. 

Precipitation is part of the water cycle. During the cold weather months, Anne Arundel County sees of sleet, freezing rain, and snow. If temperatures sit below 30° for several days, there are dangers for ice dams.  

If winter weather causes water damage to your property, call the Annapolis water mitigation professionals at SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park. We can make it “Like it never even happened.”

How to Prevent a Chimney Fire

12/31/2020 (Permalink)

Chimney Fire

Many Annapolis homes suffer chimney fires every year. Chimney fires start for a variety of reasons: bird’s nest, creosote, or leaf debris. SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park wants you to know how prevent a chimney fire as well as know the signs of a chimney fire. 

Your chimney–and the flue that lines it–adds architectural interest to your home, but its’ real function is to carry dangerous flue gases from your fireplace, wood stove or furnace safely out of your home.  The best was to prevent a chimney fire is to get an annual inspection.  

Slow-burning chimney fires happen when the flammable substances on the sides of the chimney flue become hot enough to catch fire but don’t have enough oxygen or fuel to be visible or audible from outside. You can also help to reduce creosote buildup by: 

• Burning smaller, hotter fires of appropriate size for your fireplace 
• Burning only properly seasoned, untreated wood 
• Making sure your chimney has sufficient draft while you burn 

Chimney fires can be fast-burning or slow-burning. Fast-burning chimney fires are obvious. These fires rapidly consume flammable residue on the inside of the chimney flue. You may detect: 

• A loud, crackling or popping noise from the chimney flue. 

• A lot of dense, thick smoke coming into the fireplace or chimney. 
• Flames from the top of the chimney. 
• A roaring sound often described as being like a freight train. 

Keep your Annapolis home safe from chimney fires, get your fireplace inspected annually. 

SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park Facility

12/23/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park Facility

When disaster strikes your home or business, SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park is here to help. With over 18,000 square feet of warehouse space, we have the capacity to handle any size disaster. Our experience and proven leadership in the restoration industry with mold remediation, fire and water damage and biohazard recovery along with our large facility make us your local restoration leader.

There are several reasons why a large facility is important when selecting an emergency cleanup company. We are a lot more than just the lime green building on Ritchie Highway. At SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park we have the capability to store (and clean if necessary) your belongings while your home or business is being repaired. Our experienced crew will inventory and pack out your property carefully and efficiently. Our content clean-room houses state of the art ultrasonic equipment that works miracles on soot damaged items.

From air scrubbers to dehumidifiers and air movers, we have the right equipment to get the job done. The proper equipment allows a structure to dry properly and reduce further contamination and damage.

By the way, we’ve been in business for 45 years.

Can My Property Be Cleaned Instead of Replaced?

12/14/2020 (Permalink)

Storm Damage

SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park works with business and homeowners when disaster strikes. If there is a storm, a basement may flood. We strive to restore items instead of replace.  

SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park specializes in restoring contents damaged by storms. Our expertise and our “restore” versus “replace” mentality can help you save money while preserving precious keepsakes that can’t be replaced. Our IICRC technicians pretest your contents to determine what items can be restored back to their condition before the water damage. We utilize several methods of cleaning your contents, including: 

• Dry Cleaning - Used for cleaning light residues  
• Wet Cleaning - An effective cleaning method for removing moderate to heavy residues. 

• Spray and Wipe -Effective for items that can’t withstand cleaning. 
• Abrasive Cleaning - Involves agitation of the surface being cleaned.  
• Immersion Cleaning - Contents are dipped into a bath of the cleaning product. 

There's no such thing as a small disaster. Storms can hit at any time. Trust SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park, because we are open 24 hours a day 365 days a year. We are faster to any size disaster. 

Large Sewage Contamination

12/10/2020 (Permalink)

Sewage Extraction

When a government building downtown Annapolis experienced a main sewage line break, they called the team at SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park to clean up. The 6-inch pipe ran for about 45 seconds in a utility hallway and contaminated 2 floors in the building. Damage spread amongst a library, cubicle farm, hallway, main storage area, and more.   

Sewage cleanup is considered emergency service.  This water is grossly unsanitary and could cause severe illness or death if ingested, and any contact should be avoided.  Our 15-member crew worked for 5 days removing sewage, gravel, and contaminated contents. Contaminated building materials, including drywall and baseboards were also removed, and contaminated documents were disposed of.  

Disinfecting begins after contaminated contents and structural materials are removed. Our IICRC trained technicians have the expertise to properly clean and remove any odors. We disinfected the remaining structural material and removed the residual odor from the premises.  

As an extra precaution, SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park installed air scrubbers ensuring safe air quality. Sewage intrusions are more than nasty, smelly deposits – these damages also introduce harmful microorganisms into a structure. You can rely on SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park to ensure your property is cleaned, disinfected, and deodorized. 

Types of Smoke

12/8/2020 (Permalink)

Kitchen Stove

In the restoration business, SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park gets called to building fires on a regular basis. Did you know that smoke damage is treated differently? There are 4 main types that we treat: 

• Wet Smoke. (Plastic and Rubber) Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, and smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.  
• Dry Smoke. (Paper and Wood) Fast-burning, high temperatures; heat rises; therefore, smoke rises.  
• Protein Fire Residue. (Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire) Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor.  
• Fuel Oil Soot. (Furnace puff backs) While “puff backs” can create havoc for homeowners, SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park can, in most cases, restore the contents and structure quickly.  

• Other Types. (Tear gas, fingerprint powder, and fire extinguisher residue) Special loss situations require special care.  

SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park technicians are IICRC trained to handle even the toughest of losses. The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process, but trust professionals to make it “Like it never even happened.” 

Get Your Property Winter Ready

12/4/2020 (Permalink)

Winter Weather

Is your office winter ready? Temperatures are dipping in Anne Arundel County. December 21 is the first day of winter and even though the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts a warmer than normal winter, make sure you take precautions for freezing temperatures. 

To help prevent costly damages due to weather, consider taking the following precautions to protect your property: 

• Check your business property for downed tree limbs and branches. Wind, heavy rain, ice, and snow can cause branches to fall, which could cause damage to the property and potentially cause personal injuries. 
• Roofs, water pipes, and gutters should all be inspected to help ensure they are in proper order. Gutter downspouts should be directed away from your building. Clear gutters of debris that may have gathered during the fall. Leaves and other obstructions can cause a damming effect, which can lead to roof damage and interior water problems 
• Inspect property, especially walkways and parking lots, for proper drainage to alleviate a potential flood hazard. 
• Inspect all handrails, stairwells, and entryways to address and correct potential slippery or hazardous areas. Install mats or non-slip surfaces and post caution signs where water could be present. 
• Protect water pipes from freezing by simply allowing water to drip when temperatures dip below freezing. If pipes are under a cabinet, leave the cabinet doors open, allowing warm inside air to circulate around the pipes. If the building has outdoor faucets, consider shutting water off at the main valve in the basement or crawl space. Once the valve is off, open the outdoor faucet to ensure it drains, preventing any remaining water from freezing in the pipe. 

When winter weather strikes, call SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park professionals to strike back and help make it “Like it never even happened.”  

Record Rainfall for Anne Arundel County

11/25/2020 (Permalink)

Greek Storm Names

Like many things in 2020, the 2020 Atlantic hurricane season has astounded meteorologists around the globe.  With all the Atlantic hurricanes hitting the east coast, Anne Arundel County has shattered rainfall records. And, SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park has been called to many properties suffering water and mold damage from all the moisture and precipitation. As we like to say, we are “Ready for whatever happens.” 

In 2020, the Atlantic Ocean has seen 30 tropical storms! This is more storms than meteorologists predicted for the season, and the reason storms were given Greek Names like Hurricane Eta. Our globe hasn’t seen such a number of storms since 2005. CBS News just published a scientific piece on why this hurricane season has been so severe.  

This hurricane season has dumped record-breaking rainfalls in Anne Arundel County.  Click here to see specific measurements for these record –breaking days.  So, what happens when Annapolis gets torrential rainfall in one day? Properties get sump pumps that can’t keep up and other mechanical plumbing mishaps that cause flooded basements and more. 

At SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park, we are here to help. During these historic times, our team remained available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If your property suffers water damage, you can always count on us. 

Can Mold Grow in My Car?

11/10/2020 (Permalink)

Car Mold

This short answer is yes. Mold can grow anywhere, even in your car! Not only is mold, smelly and gross, but it can cause permanent damage and can be hazardous to your health. 

At SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park we have a cleaning process scientifically developed to clean automobile mold infestations. The general process is as follows:

• Analyze mold and damage
• Cleaning process:
• HEPA Vacuum
• Wipe down vehicle with EPA Registered Disinfectant
• HEPA vacuum again to remove any remaining spores
• Deodorize
• Dehumidify vehicle
• Eradicate mold spores

On a scale of gross things that can happen to your car, mold ranks way up there.

The main cause of mold is damp conditions mixed with a warm environment, which can easily occur in your car if you leave your window cracked or your sunroof open on a rainy day, or even spill some liquid on the floor.

Our team at SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park works with car dealerships, auto repair shops, as well as automobile owners to mitigate mold. 

If you go into your car and ask yourself, “What is that smell?”, your car may have mold.

Property Attic Fire

11/2/2020 (Permalink)

Attic Fire

Recently, SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park worked with a Middle River homeowner whose property suffered an attic fire. What surprised the homeowner was the water damage that came with extinguishing the fire. For homeowners, putting out a fire can be worse than the fire itself.

After any fire, limit movement in the home to prevent soot particles from spreading and additional damage from occurring. If you can, place clean towels or old linens on rugs and high traffic areas and upholstery.

With this particular fire, our IICRC certified fire restoration team was at the property 2 hours after the fire occurred. As a trusted leader in the fire restoration industry, our Crew Chief went to work on assessing the fire, soot, smoke, and water damage.

When fire and water damage strikes, a fast response is critical. SERVPRO OF Annapolis/Severna Park is dedicated to responding immediately, day or night, to your Annapolis home or business. A faster response helps to prevent secondary damage and to reduce cost.

Fire Prevention Week October 4-10, 2020

10/5/2020 (Permalink)

Kitchen Fire

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) sets aside a designated week each October to focus on fire prevention. Fire Prevention Week is October 4-10, 2020. The 2020 theme is, “Serve Up Fire Safety in the Kitchen!” This topic works to educate everyone about the simple but important actions they can take to keep themselves, and those around them, safe in the kitchen. Does your family have a fire evacuation plan? 

To ensure the fastest emergency evacuation plan, consider the following:

1. Start your fire evacuation plan with a map. This map should include locations of exits, assembly points, and equipment (such as fire extinguishers) that may be needed in an emergency. Households with children should consider drawing a floor plan of your home, marking two ways out of each room, including windows and doors. Also, mark the location of each smoke alarm.
2. A closed door may slow the spread of smoke, heat and fire. Install smoke alarms in every sleeping room, outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home.
3. When you walk through your plan, check to make sure the escape routes are clear and doors and windows can be opened easily.
4. Choose an outside meeting place (i.e. neighbor's house, a light post, mailbox, or stop sign) a safe distance in front of your home where everyone can meet after they've escaped. Make sure to mark the location of the meeting place on your escape plan.
5. Go outside to see if your street number is clearly visible from the road. If not, paint it on the curb or install house numbers to ensure that responding emergency personnel can find your home.
6. Have everyone memorize the emergency phone number of the fire department. That way any member of the household can call from a neighbor's home or a cellular phone once safely outside.

Now that you have your plan in place, make sure you practice it every year.

How to Clean Up After a Fire at Your Business

9/22/2020 (Permalink)

Fire Damage

When a fire occurs at your Annapolis business, the aftermath can be difficult to endure. Smoke damage, standing water from fire hoses, and charred building materials may make cleanup feel overwhelming. While the process can be daunting, there are a few actions you can take that may put you and your business on the path to recovery.

• Limit movement in your office to prevent soot particles from spreading and additional damage occurring. 
• Place clean towels or old linens on rugs and high traffic areas.
• Coat chrome faucets, trim and appliances with oil.

Once you call SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park, we will assess the situation, damage from fire, soot, and water. We provide 24 hour emergency service and We are FASTER TO ANY SIZE DISASTER. This is important because a faster response is the key to help prevent additional damage and reduce the restoration cost.

Before you risk doing further damage to your Annapolis business, call the fire damage cleanup and restoration specialists at SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park. 

Does Your Preparedness Plan Include Your Dog?

9/16/2020 (Permalink)

Storm is Coming

Did you know dogs can sense a drop in barometric pressure? Have you noticed that your furry friend knows it’s going to storm before you do? A sudden thunderstorm can be terrifying for your dog. September is National Preparedness Month and SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park wants to make sure your dog is safe.

Veterinarians don't know all the triggers but suspect the dogs are set off by some combination of wind, thunder, lightning, barometric pressure changes, static electricity, and low-frequency rumbles preceding a storm that humans can't hear. Click here to learn more about Storm Phobia.

Here are some tips you should consider:

Bring your dogs inside at the first sign of danger. Disasters can be disorienting for dogs, and they could run away or hurt themselves reacting to loud noises and strange changes to their landscape. Also, rain, flying debris and high winds pose a danger. If you have to leave, keep your dog with you. 

Pack a dog emergency bag. You’ll want emergency provisions packed for your dog well in advance of a catastrophe so you can evacuate your home quickly if needed. Choose an easy-to-carry bag, label it and keep it where everyone in the family can find it quickly. The bag should include a dog first aid kit; enough food and bottled water for a week (rotate this every couple of months to keep it from going bad); medications (check periodically to ensure medicines in your emergency bag don’t expire); cleanup supplies; food and water dishes; bags (or litter for cats) for collecting waste; an extra collar and leash; photocopies of medical records; towels; recent photos of your furry friend; and a favorite toy or chewy for comfort. 

Create a dog-friendly resource list. Not all emergency shelters will accept dogs, so you need a Plan B. Develop a list of the dog-friendly hotels outside your immediate area. Research a list of veterinarians in the area should your dog need medical care (your regular vet may have some recommendations). 

Disasters such as severe thunderstorms, hurricanes, and fires can strike quickly. Your dog is part of your family and should be part of your preparedness plan. Disasters don’t wait; make your dog’s plan today.

What's in Your Emergency Plan?

9/10/2020 (Permalink)

Planning Session

A workplace emergency is an unforeseen situation that threatens your employees, customers, or the public; disrupts or shuts down your operations; or causes physical or environmental damage. Natural emergencies may include the following:

• Floods
• Hurricanes
• Tornadoes
• Fires

SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park recommends your company emergency plan contain the following:

Stay in business. Recently, COVID-19 forced businesses to quickly shift from office-work environment to work-from-home. Was your business prepared? Were you able to continue operations? One thing that may help you plan for this type of environment is setting up a Virtual Private Network (VPN). This technology allows employees to access the company network from home.

Emergency communications. How will you communicate important information to your employees? Consider setting up a telephone calling tree, a password-protected page on the company website, an email alert or a call-in voice recording to communicate with employees in an emergency.

Evacuation Plan. If there is a fire in your building, what is the evacuation plan? Create a site map and determine several evacuation routes based on office locations. Set up an off-site safe meeting location where employees can gather.

Click here to access FEMA’s Emergency Plan Guide.

During September (National Preparedness Month), we urge you to train and educate internal personnel on your emergency response plan.

How to Make an Emergency Plan

9/8/2020 (Permalink)

Tree Down

September is National Preparedness Month.  Join Anne Arundel County in preparing

for emergencies and disasters of all types, and leading efforts to encourage the community as a whole to become more prepared.

SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park works on commercial properties that suffer storm damage. What we often notice is the property as well as the personnel do NOT have an emergency plan. In September 2020, a tornado wreaked havoc on certain parts of Anne Arundel County. And, once again, some businesses and properties were not prepared.

 “Disasters happen” and not only devastate individuals and neighborhoods, but entire communities. We recommend you make a plan and practice it with your employees.

Here are several things you should include in your preparedness plan:

• An evacuation and shelter-in-place plans 
• A plan to communicate with your employees and their families
• An emergency supply kit
• Practice your emergency plan

Be sure to sign up for alerts and warnings for Anne Arundel County, and download other necessary apps to stay informed, such as the FEMA app.

Keep SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park’s contact information on your cell phone and in your plan. Our team is always here to help and make it “Like it never even happened,” if disaster strikes in your life.

National Preparedness Month in Anne Arundel County

9/1/2020 (Permalink)

Annapolis Water

The act of being prepared took on new meaning this year as the coronavirus pandemic challenged every part of our lives. In the beginning, the basic necessities we take for granted became scarce quickly, shining a spotlight on the need to be prepared in the event of an emergency. 

September is National Preparedness Month (NPM). National Preparedness Month and SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park wants your business to be prepared. This means, both your employees and personnel as well as your property and equipment.

Click here to register to receive emergency notifications from Anne Arundel County. This year for National Preparedness Month, join your community in preparing for emergencies and disasters of all types. Click here for more information on what’s happening in Anne Arundel County this month.

Whether its flood, fire or extreme winter weather, we must work together as a team to ensure our families, businesses, places of worship and neighborhoods are prepared. 

What is a Flash Flood?

8/12/2020 (Permalink)

Turn around, don't drown!

Annapolis, Maryland is in the middle of Hurricane Season 2020 and the National Weather Service predicts we will have an extremely active season. One hazard Anne Arundel County often sees is flash floods.

Flooding from heavy rains is the second leading cause of fatalities from landfalling tropical cyclones. Widespread torrential rains associated with these storms often cause flooding hundreds of miles inland. This flooding can persist for several days after a storm has dissipated.

Flash floods are the most dangerous kind of floods, because they combine the destructive power of a flood with incredible speed. Flash floods occur when heavy rainfall exceeds the ability of the ground to absorb it.

If your area is under a Flash Flood Warning or a Flood Warning, you need to take action. This means a flash flood is imminent or occurring. If you are in a flood prone area move immediately to high ground.

Water moving at 9 feet per second is a common speed for flash floods. At this speed, water can move rocks weighing almost a hundred pounds. Flash floods carry debris that elevate their potential to damage structures and injure people.Most fatalities in the US from flash flooding are from vehicles driving into flooded roadways.

Turn around, don’t drown! 

Does Water Need To Be Removed Immediately?

8/5/2020 (Permalink)

Water Damage in Annapolis

When it comes to water damage in an Annapolis home or a Severna Park building, it’s important to remove the water as quickly as possible in order to avoid additional damage. Water damage can quickly lead to mold damage within 48 hours, especially when combined with the heat and humidity that we experience here in Anne Arundel County.

SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park is the cleanup team that is faster to any size disaster. Recently, Hurricane Isaias dumped up to 6 inches of rain on Maryland. A small leak from flood waters now could blossom into a big claim later.

No matter what time of day or night, water damage is an emergency. Emergency mitigation means under our SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park can be onsite within 4 hours to begin drying your building and restoring contents.

Water from a hurricane or from a pipe leak needs to be mitigated quickly, trust our SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park team to ensure your property is taken care of in a timely manner.

Is Annapolis Prepared for Hurricane Season?

8/5/2020 (Permalink)

Faster to any Size Disaster

We are in the middle of the Atlantic Hurricane Season, are you prepared? Is your property prepared? 

Anne Arundel County provides a step-by-step guide to help you get prepared. Click here to access the guide.

The Anne Arundel County Office of Emergency Management has published it’s Hurricane Outlook for 2020. Click here to access their predictions.

At SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park, we recommend you pay attention to the weather and should the unexpected water intrusion happen, we want you to keep the following in mind:

• Remove excess water by mopping and blotting.
• Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removal of lamps and tabletop items.
• Remove and prop wet upholstery and cushions.
• Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting.
• Turn air conditioning on for maximum drying in summer.
• Remove colored rugs from wet carpeting.
• Remove art objects to a safe, dry place.
• Gather loose items from floors.

Be proactive, not reactive! Identify your facility’s greatest threats in order to assess the overall severity of the event.

For a business owner or a homeowner, a worst-case disaster scenario involving water damage can seem unthinkable until it suddenly becomes a reality.

How to Protect Your Building From Mold

8/4/2020 (Permalink)

Faster to any Size Disaster

SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park specializes in mold remediation. It’s common for us to get called to commercial buildings with mold problems. Even small water damages have the potential to cause poor indoor air quality over time.

As a property manager/homeowner, here are a few things you can do to keep mold away:

- Keep the humidity between 30-50 percent.

- Provide for proper drainage away from the building foundation.

- Regularly inspect plumbing and appliances for leaks.

- Keep gutters and drains clear of debris.

- Inspect the roof, windows and other areas where water might enter the building and perform necessary maintenance.

- Respond to all water intrusions immediately.

Got mold? Contact us, SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park at (410) 647-8181 for assistance after a water damage or if you discover mold

Where is all This Water Coming From?

6/19/2020 (Permalink)

Water Damage

We get these calls all the time. Help! There’s water all over my basement. Or, there’s water coming from my ceiling. It doesn’t matter if it’s 1:00 in the afternoon or 1:00 in the morning, but water causes damage to your property when it wants to, especially in Severna Park, Maryland. 

SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park sees water damage mostly from:

• Ice-Maker Water Line. This is the water line that connects to your refrigerator to provide cold water and ice.
• Toilet. Whether it’s a sewage backup or broken pipe, we often get calls to clean dirty water from bathrooms.
• Storm. Basement sump pumps often experience problems during rain, thunderstorms, and hurricanes. 
• Roof. Most homeowners don’t know they have problems with their roof until water is coming from their ceiling.

The first step to resolving the water problem is to determine what is causing the intrusion. Call us at (410) 647-8181 24 hours a day/7 days a week. We will help you stop the flow of water immediately, and SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park can mitigate and restore your property. We will make it “Like it never even happened.”

Eliminating the Harmful Microbes and Odor from Water Damage

6/16/2020 (Permalink)

Annapolis Water Damage

SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park knows how to get you back to normal in no time when you have flood/storm water damage in your Annapolis home or business. Don’t let a flood in your Annapolis property get you down! We will be there to help 24 hours a day 7 days a week.

There are many potential issues left behind after flood water enters and damages your home. Once the water enters, the ?damage begins almost immediately and compounds from there. Flood water is never clean and often has toxins, sludge, and sewage.

SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park technicians understand the importance of testing the Annapolis, Maryland flood waters. The tests will point them in the right direction so they can properly apply chemical treatments to neutralize different types of bacteria and microbes correctly.? We use moisture meters to detect moisture in materials. 

Moisture Supports Microbial Growth

The removal of moisture is crucial in stopping the spread and growth of harmful bacteria and microbes. Mold spores germinate quickly, and colonies spread unless dealt with swiftly. Because the technicians hold IICRC certifications, they know the early warning signs. Technicians use a combination of extraction and dehumidification to remove moist air and replace it with warm, dry air. The use of air movers works to pull moisture up and out of walls and flooring and used in tandem with dehumidifiers.

When water damage is the problem in your home, contact SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park as soon as possible. The technicians will arrive quickly and clean up the mess along with offering their reconstruction services.

SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park will make the incident "Like it never even happened."

How Quickly Can Water Cause Permanent Damage to My Annapolis Home?

6/1/2020 (Permalink)

Water Damage

Water damage does not wait for resolution patiently. It has a destructive timetable that is as predictable for water restoration professionals as it is devastating for Annapolis homeowners. Some of the damage occurs just minutes to hours after the water event, and the severity of the consequences increases exponentially. Experts recommend contacting water restoration professionals immediately after the discovery of a water loss to arrange for swift removal of the damaging fluids and application of the industry’s best practices supporting structural drying.

How Fast Damage Occurs

First minutes to a few hours

• Documents, pictures, books, and other papers become soggy, with pages weakening and sticking together, bindings and glues loosening, inks spreading, and images blurring.
• Stain, varnish, and paints can transfer from wooden furniture legs and supports to carpeting, rugs, and floors.
• Textiles stretch or shrink, depending on composition, and dyes can run and stain adjacent surfaces.
• Electronics and electrical cords short out and expose occupants to the risk of shock.

Up to 24 hours

• Pressed wood and particle board furniture and supports swell and warp.
• Hardwood frames on furniture swell and distort.
• Metal fasteners tarnish.
• Drywall and ceiling tiles bulge and begin to crumble, increasing personal safety and property damage risk when significant quantities of collected water force a structural breakdown.
• Insulation compresses, packing down between walls.
• Carpets stretch and become prone to rips and delamination.
• Laminate flooring peels and disintegrates.

48-72 hours to a week

• Mold growth commences on all surfaces and contents.
• Water quality deteriorates, with pathogen growth possible.
• Door and window frames swell, preventing security issues due to improper closure.
• Metals corrode, and fasteners break down.
• Hardwood floors cup or crown, and planks or strips can buckle, pulling up from the subfloor.

7 days or more

• Structural supports can fail.
• Molds, mildews, and other hazards proliferate, affecting air quality and infecting surfaces.

When you notice water in your home, call the water restoration professionals, SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park. We have over 40 years’ experience and we can make it “Like it never even happened.”

What Does Opening Your Office Look Like?

5/21/2020 (Permalink)

Here to Help

SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park has been sanitizing facilities that are getting ready to reopen. From restaurants to retail locations, business owners are following guidelines set forth by our local government. Are you ready?

Since the beginning of the pandemic, SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park has been working with our local officials to insure the proactive cleaning and sanitizing of many facilities throughout Anne Arundel County. We’ve worked in schools, government facilities, as well as general office spaces.

On Monday, May 18, Anne Arundel County Executive Stuart Pittman provided us with guidelines for reopening. Since then, we’ve received numerous requests to sanitize different commercial properties. Click here to read more about our COVID-19 cleaning process.

Take a look at how Zachary’s Jewelers plans to reopen.

SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park professionals are uniquely prepared during this unprecedented time to clean and disinfect your business according to the protocols set forth by the CDC. We have years of experience in dealing with biological contaminants, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform on a daily basis. We are cleaning experts.

Be Prepared for Spring/Summer Thunderstorms

4/23/2020 (Permalink)

Storm Preparedness

Being prepared for a storm usually means you need to know when a storm is coming. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has the best storm prediction system in the country. The Storm Prediction Center is part of the National Weather Service. mission is to provide timely and accurate forecasts and watches for severe thunderstorms and tornadoes over the contiguous United States. The SPC also monitors hazardous winter weather and fire weather events across the U.S. and issues specific products for those hazards.

SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park recommends the following tips for thunderstorm preparedness:

• Know your area’s risk for thunderstorms. In most places, they can occur year-round and at any hour.
• Sign up for your community’s warning system. The Emergency Alert System (EAS) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio also provide emergency alerts.
• Identify nearby, sturdy buildings close to where you live, work, study, and play.
• Cut down or trim trees that may be in danger of falling on your home.
• Consider buying surge protectors, lightning rods, or a lightning protection system to protect your home, appliances, and electronic devices.

At SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park we see a lot of water damage and fires from thunderstorms. We hope these tips will keep you safe and prepared.

What are the Differences Between Janitorial Services and Commercial Cleaning for COVID-19?

4/15/2020 (Permalink)

Here to Help

SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park is being called on by numerous business and community leaders to perform the necessary bioremediation services to clean and sanitize their properties for COVID-19.  

SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park professionals are uniquely prepared during this unprecedented time to clean and sanitize your business according to the protocols set forth by the CDC. We have years of experience in dealing with biological contaminants, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform on a daily basis. 

Here are 4 things that show how our cleaning is different than janitorial cleaning: 

IICRC Certified. The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) is the non-profit certifying body for the cleaning and restoration industry. Not only is SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park IICRC certified as a firm, but most members of our staff carry several IICRC certifications. 

Cleaning Experts. The CDC encourages cleaning of high-touch surfaces such as counters, tabletops, doorknobs, light switches, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets, and tables at a minimum. Most of our cleaning tactics will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform on a daily basis 

The CDC also recommends regular cleaning of the following areas/items: 

• Kitchen/Food Areas
• Bathrooms n Schools/Classrooms
• Offices
• Retail Spaces
• Water Fountains
• Shelving/Racks 
• Sales Counters
• Carpets and Rugs
• Stair Handrails
• Elevators and Escalators
• Playground Equipment
• Fitness Equipment

Cleaning Products. Multiple products in the SERVPRO product line meet this standard and carry the EPA-registered emerging pathogens claims. While there is currently no product tested against this particular strain of the coronavirus, we are following all guidelines as provided by the CDC and local authorities.  

Our proprietary cleaning agents, Benefect and Shockwave, are EPA-certified, hospital-grade disinfectants that have demonstrated effectiveness against viruses similar to Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19) on hard, non-porus surfaces. 

We carry multiple hospital-grade disinfectants and provide our personnel with proper PPE. Not only does this protect everyone, but it also protects the building and people in it.   

Cleaning Procedures. SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park technicians are experts in infectious disease cleanup and bio-hazard cleaning. We are a member in American Bio Recovery Association (ABRA). Our proven cleaning procedures and protocols have been used to clean and sanitize rhinovirus and norovirus in the past. We are implementing similar protocols, and we are "battle tested" in regards to virus cleanup. 

Bring the professionals in! Call SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park (410) 647-8181. 

Certifications and Longevity

4/9/2020 (Permalink)

IICRC Certificates

With the world going through a global pandemic, the last thing you want to do is vet cleaning companies. SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park carries various certifications and has been around for over 40 years.

The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) is the non-profit certifying body for the cleaning and restoration industry. Not only is SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park IICRC certified as a firm, but most members of our staff carry several IICRC certifications.

SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park Certifications

• AMRT - Applied Microbial Remediation Technician
• ASD - Applied Structural Drying Technician
• CCT - Carpet Cleaning Technician
• CMR - IAQC Certified Mold Remediator
• CMT - Certified Mold Technician
• CMT - Commercial Carpet Maintenance Technician
• CPM - IAQC Mold Certified Project Manager
• CRMR - Council-certified Residential Microbial Remediator
• ECTP - Employee Certification Training Program
• FSRT - Fire & Smoke Damage Restoration Technician
• HST - Health and safety Technician
• IICRC Certified Firm
• OCT - Odor Control Technician
• OSHA - 10-hour General and/or Construction Industry Training Program
• OSHA - 30-hour General and/or Construction Industry Training Program
• RRRP - Lead-Based Paint Activities and Renovation
• RRT - Carpet Repair & Reinstallation Technician
• WRT - Water Damage Restoration Technician

Yesterday, we heard from a past client that we are “good people”. This client used our franchise in 1988 and is still calling on us to provide cleaning services for his business. As a business that’s been around since 1967, we rely heavily on our community reputation. We’re not just the lime green building on Ritchie Highway, we are a business that has been through many ups and downs with our customers.

Trust an industry leader at the local level. Call SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park expert cleaning needs (410) 647-8181

We are Cleaning Experts

3/17/2020 (Permalink)

Here to Help

SERVPRO is Here to Help during this time of need

During this unprecedented time caused by the global pandemic of coronavirus, this is a reminder to our customers that we are specialists in cleaning services, and we adhere to the highest cleaning and sanitation standards.

Specialized Training

We are prepared to clean and disinfect your business, according to protocols set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We have years of experience in dealing with biological contaminants, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform on a daily basis.

The CDC encourages cleaning of high-touch surfaces such as counters, tabletops, doorknobs, light switches, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets and tables. Other spaces mentioned in the CDC’s guidance for commercial spaces include:

• Kitchen/Food Areas
• Bathrooms
• Schools/Classrooms
• Offices
• Retail Spaces
• Water Fountains
• Shelving/Racks
• Sales Counters
• Carpets and Rugs
• Stair Handrails
• Elevator Cars
• Playground Equipment
• Fitness Equipment

Specialized Products

The CDC recommends usage of a labeled hospital-grade disinfectant with claims against similar pathogens to the coronavirus. Multiple products in the SERVPRO product line carry the EPA-approved emerging pathogens claims. While there is currently no product tested against this particular strain of the coronavirus, we are following all guidelines as provided by the CDC and local authorities.

Call Today for a Proactive Cleaning

If your home or business needs deep cleaning services, call the experts today SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park (410) 647-8181.

How Does Mold Effect Indoor Air Quality?

3/11/2020 (Permalink)

Mold

SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park performs mold remediation and restoration services. When we get calls regarding odor, allergies, and respiratory issues, we may recommend Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) testing. With any health issues, it’s important to contact your physician first. Allergy testing, for example, should reveal specific allergies.

Molds can be found almost anywhere. They can grow on virtually any substance, providing moisture is present. Outdoors, molds play a part in nature by breaking down dead organic matter such as fallen leaves and dead trees, but indoors, mold growth should be avoided. There is no practical way to eliminate all mold and mold spores in the indoor environment; the way to control indoor mold growth is to control moisture.

Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) is a measure of how clean the air is inside the buildings where we live, work, and play. IAQ is affected by many different things:

• a building’s ventilation system (HVAC)
• chemicals or microbes (such as mold) that enter the building
• chemicals like cleaning products and art supplies that are used in the building
• chemicals that are created by activities inside the building

Click here to review the Environmental Protection Agency’s Guide to Indoor Air Quality.

If you have concerns about mold or IAQ, contact us or contact Environmental Solutions Inc.

Did you Know That Smoke From Candles is Toxic?

2/20/2020 (Permalink)

Candles

The cheapest and most widely used candle is made of paraffin—which is derived from petroleum. When burned, it releases a toxin called toluene, which has been found to cause DNA strand breakdown, affecting the nervous system.

Smoke from candles is actually soot. Smoke is just soot and other particulates carried on the hot air rising off the flame. When you put the top on a jarred candle and trap the smoke, it cools. And, the particulates in the candle settle onto the candle and the inside walls of the jar.

If you notice your candle is burning lots of black smoke, cut the wick. It is recommended that cut your wicks down to no longer than 0.6 cm

Fireplaces, cigarettes and the burning of candles can all result in soot stains on walls. Though soot collects on other surfaces in the home, soot stains are easy to spot on light-colored walls. Aside from being unattractive, soot can create a health hazard.

In general, candles won’t set off your smoke alarm. However, they can cause a fire. SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park has provided fire damage remediation and reconstruction to several properties where candles were the cause of the fires.

How big is SERVPRO?

2/3/2020 (Permalink)

How big is SERVPRO?

SERVPRO Industries has more than 1,700 franchises that are operating nationwide, and SERVPRO continues to grow. The need for experienced, IICRC certified, trained, and professional cleanup and restoration experts is recession resistant, and the growth potential inside of a proven system presents an opportunity for prospective franchisees.

SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park currently employs 22 people that operate out of a 10,000 square foot facility in Arnold, Maryland. SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park was one of the first SERVPRO Industries franchises in the United States.

Our facility is so vast that we store and restore property right on location. For example, if your dining room set has smoke/soot damage, SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park can restore the damage and store your furniture while your home is being mitigated and restored.

Being the largest restoration company in the industry provides SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park with all the resources to necessary to leave your property “Like it never even happened.”

Prepare Your Pipes for Winter

1/14/2020 (Permalink)

Faucet

SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park wants to help you prepare your property to prevent any water damage. Here are some simple tips to keep water flowing the way it should through the winter months.

Know the location of the water shut off valve.

If you were to have a major incident with your home’s plumbing this is the number one thing to know. Typically, shut off valves are outside about 4 feet from your home and can be hidden beneath landscape. Occasionally, it can be beside the water meter. It is crucial to know where the shut off valve is in case you have a pipe burst and need to cut off the water supply to your home to prevent further damage.

Turn off outside spigots to prevent them from freezing.

Did you know the average homeowner spends $10,000 for a pipe rupture? Having an emergency plumber fix the plumbing, and then, SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park dry your home and replace flooring, walls etc. is a huge expense. Take a few minutes and disconnect garden hoses from the spigot and purchase a cover from your local hardware store to protect the outdoor spigots. Plumbing pipes, like all materials, deteriorate overtime. Along comes old man winter, and the water in that thin pipe freezes and burst. As it begins to thaw you are left with a plumbing emergency.

Look for pipes in uninsulated areas of your home.

Pipes running on the outside edge of your home’s exterior are most susceptible to freezing. They should be covered with towels or foam to protect them from cold temperatures. Allowing your faucets to drip water slowly to encourage water flow is another good winter weather tip.

Preparation is the key to make it through any type of disaster, whether it is a small water leak or a ruptured pipe. Review these tips with everyone in your home to ensure safe water flow throughout your property.

How to Keep Your Kids Winter Safe at the Bus Stop

1/10/2020 (Permalink)

Bundle Up

Anne Arundel County Public Schools are often open despite cold temperatures, snow, and other winter storm hazards. Before you bundle the kids up for the school bus, keep the following in mind.

Don’t Rush to Catch the Bus. When roads and walkways are slippery, rushing to catch the bus or driving faster to make it to your destination can have disastrous results. Children need extra time to get to the bus stop in cold, windy or snowy conditions. Encouraging them to leave a few minutes early and take their time can reduce the number of falls on slick pavement.

Bundle Up. Students need to keep warm at the bus stop, but they also must still be able to see and hear what’s going on around them. When bundling up your child in the morning, make sure he or she still has an adequate line of sight and can hear traffic and other noises. And make sure your student can put his arms down.

Put Down the Phone. Not looking where you are walking can have disastrous results. When walking on snow or ice covered surfaces, watch where you are walking, take shorter, more deliberate steps or do the “penguin shuffle.”  

Get a Grip. Wear footwear appropriate for conditions. Avoid footwear with slick (no-tread) soles when walking on wet surfaces, snow or ice.

Just a Little Patience. School bus drivers are very well trained on driving in inclement weather; however, snow and icy roads can slow down even the most experienced driver. Safety is each driver’s top priority and extra time may be needed to get from stop to stop.

The Last Step. The seemingly simple task of getting on and off the bus can be taken for granted. Always use the handrails!

Pay Attention to Weather Alerts and School Messages. As hectic as mornings can be, parents should be aware of weather alerts and school cancellations or delays. Bad weather also can lead to early dismissals or a change in bus routes. Make sure your school has your contact information to receive late-breaking alerts, and be sure to check your school website or local media when inclement weather is expected.

Fire Ready

12/30/2019 (Permalink)

1 Clean Tile

The mission of the Anne Arundel County Fire Department is to stand ready as an all-hazards organization to assure the safety of our communities. We respond to calls for service, fires, medical and other emergencies as well as promote fire prevention strategies and life safety programs. The Anne Arundel County Fire Department enforces fire code compliance to ensure that buildings and properties are safe.

At SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park we are ready to respond after the fire department leaves. We work with your insurance company to resolve your fire damage needs. Here’s a look at what we do to help:

• Reduce expenses by cleaning lighter soot from ceilings and walls.
• Clean and protect all types of flooring using the experience, equipment and professional cleaning products available to our Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) certified technicians.
• Clean and deodorize the HVAC and duct system.
• Assist with filing insurance claim by providing a detailed, room-by-room inventory of contents, including digital photographs for each item.

SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park recently worked in a property that had extensive smoke and soot damage. This picture shows 1 fireplace tile cleaned.

Our staff is training to restore items to preloss condition. Whatever property can be restored to preloss condition saves the expense of costly replacement. When fire, soot, and water damage take control of your life, we help you take it back.

Faster to any Disaster

12/26/2019 (Permalink)

Contact SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park

Homeowners and property managers work with SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park because of our response time. SERVPRO Industries requires each franchise to respond quickly to any size disaster.

We care about readiness for our community, we are faster than our competition, we are the trusted leader with a Here to Help customer service philosophy that involves listening to our customer and providing solutions in a variety of ways, and we validate industry standards through DryBook™. The SERVPRO® DryBook™ is a proprietary tool that manages industry requirements on drying to validate your restoration is done to standard. This improves results, restores your property at a faster rate, getting you back in your home or business sooner.

Did you know that SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park is open 24/7/365?

SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park has more ways to be contacted than any other cleanup and restoration company, meaning whatever the situation, help is just a few clicks away.

Our key differentiators include: services, tools, training, skill sets. Recently, SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park was called to perform fire damage at an apartment building. Our crew was there before the fire trucks left. We often arrive while emergency responders are still on scene.

When fire damage puts the things that matter most to you on the line, you want to contact the team that is Faster to Any Size Disaster.

Great Customer Service

12/13/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park Production Crew

Did you know each SERVPRO franchise is independently owned and operated? Our franchise is owned by Diane Whittles. Diane has spent her entire life in Anne Arundel County, and is proud of the business she created.

Diane became the owner of SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park after her husband passed away in 2012.  Our franchise is a woman-owned minority business enterprise and certified by the state of Maryland.  Since Diane’s time at the helm, she has grown the business exponentially. In 2018, she purchased her third SERVPRO franchise, SERVPRO OF Pasadena/Gibson Island/Lake Shore.

SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park has been so successful because of the team Diane has put together. The team is well-trained and highly educated. Team members communicate well with each other and work hard to ensure customer satisfaction. This is why our customers work with SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park.

Get Winter Ready!

12/12/2019 (Permalink)

Winter Weather

Maryland weather can be very unpredictable and winter is on its way. Are you winter and snow ready? Here are some tips to keep your pets safe:

• Repeatedly coming out of the cold into the dry heat of your home can cause itchy, flaking skin. Keep your home humidified and towel dry your pet as soon as he comes inside, paying special attention to their feet.
• Bring a towel on long walks to clean off stinging, irritated paws. After each walk, wash and dry your pet’s feet and stomach to remove ice, salt and chemicals—and check for cracks in paw pads or redness between the toes.
• Remember, if it’s too cold for you, it’s probably too cold for your pet, so keep your animals inside.

According to the Anne Arundel County Office of Emergency Management (OEM), the Winter outlook says that “temperatures are favored to be above average with no parts favored to be colder than average; precipitation includes wetter-than-average conditions; and drought conditions will continue to improve….” Click here to read more.

• Here are a few tips to consider for your family:
• Make a family communications plan while together for the holidays.
• Travel safely, well-rested, and during daylight hours.
• Keep space heaters on a single electrical cord and at least 3 feet away from flammable objects.

Anne Arundel County has a mass notification system. Click here to learn more.

SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park wishes you a safe winter.

Fire Safety Tips for the Holidays

12/3/2019 (Permalink)

Emergency Ready Profile

SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park is a leader in giving control back to homeowners, property managers, and even entire communities after the ravaging effects of a fire. A fire is always difficult and especially during the holiday season. Here’s a few holiday season tips to keep your property safe:

• Before guests arrive for the holidays, check your smoke alarm batteries.
• Get your chimney checked by a professional before lighting the fireplace.
• Keep candles away from flammable materials, better yet use flameless candles.
• Unattended cooking is the leading cause of house fires.
• Keep an eye on what you fry! Most cooking fires start when frying food.
• During the holidays, do not overload extension cords.
• Keep space heaters on a single electrical cord and at least three feet away from flammable objects.
• Always turn off holiday lights at night or when you leave your home or office.

Be fire smart as you deck the halls this season! Give the gift of emergency preparedness, develop a SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park Emergency Ready Profile (ERP).

How to Prepare Your Business for Winter

12/2/2019 (Permalink)

Winter Weather

December 21 is the first day of winter, is your business ready? SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park can help prepare your business with an Emergency Ready Profile (ERP). Here are 3 tips you can implement yourself:

1. Check your business property for downed tree limbs and branches. Weather, such as wind, heavy rain, ice and snow, can cause branches to fall, which could cause damage to the property and potentially cause personal injuries.
2. Inspect property, especially walkways and parking lots, for proper drainage to alleviate flood hazard potential.
3. Inspect all handrails, stairwells and entryways to address and correct potential slippery or hazardous areas. Install mats or non-slip surfaces and post caution signs where water could be present.

SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park can provide you assistance by developing an ERP. As part of a well thought-out Contingency Plan, your ERP will contain information you need in the event an emergency situation occurs. You can see how this is done, by watching this video.

Preventing Contaminated Water From Intrusion

11/18/2019 (Permalink)

Splash

SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park receives several calls a week regarding overflowing toilets or other intrusions of contaminated water. The questions most property management companies ask is how do we prevent this.

According to Anne Arundel County Public Works:

“All homeowners, business, and facilities are required to install a backflow prevention assembly on point of use water supply lines where deemed necessary. Classification of hazard (low or high) will be determined to establish the type of backflow prevention assembly to be installed. All installation procedures and assemblies will have to meet definitions of certification and be approved. All testing of assemblies will also need to be performed by certified and County approved testers with an initial test after installation then annually or more frequently if deemed necessary (with relation to hazard) by Anne Arundel County. Proper maintenance and replacement of faulty assemblies will also be the responsibility of the business/homeowner.”

Click here to view Anne Arundel County’s Department of Public Works Sanitary Sewer Overflow Data.

If you have any questions regarding water line flushing, you may contact the Systems Evaluation and Rehabilitation Division at (410) 222-8407.

For more facts about Anne Arundel County water, click here.

The most important fact to understand about contaminated water is that is must be cleaned quickly and properly.

Water that is grossly contaminated could cause severe illness or death if ingested and any contact should be avoided. Examples include flooding from rivers or streams, water from beyond the toilet trap, water from the toilet bowl with feces, or standing water that has begun to support microbial growth.

• May contain untreated sewage, harsh chemicals, and microbes.
• Water from flooding rivers or sewer backup.

Sewage cleanup must not be taken lightly. Serious long term health issues to adults, children and even pets may occur due to bacteria, viruses and even parasites. Don't delay. Take immediate action. Call SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park today at (410) 647-8181.

2019 Community Involvement

11/15/2019 (Permalink)

Fortune Teller Phil

There are many reasons why you may need SERVPRO, but one reason to call SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park is because of our involvement with the community. In 2019, our team has donated time and resources to the following organizations:

• United States Naval Academy Alumni Association
• Chesapeake Hospice Cup
• Mary’s Annapolis School
• Banneker Douglas Museum
• 100 Club of Anne Arundel County
• Light House Shelter
• National Night Out
• Burgers and Bands
• Fight Colorectal Cancer
• Severna Park High School Boosters
• Greater Severna Park and Arnold Chamber of Commerce
• Anne Arundel Economic Development Corporation
• Anne Arundel County Volunteer Fire Department
• Lustgarten Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer

You may see us on the golf course, sailing at boat races, glowing with glow sticks, collecting food for the homeless, dancing at fundraisers, walking for cures, or telling fortunes at Shoptoberfest, or helping you clean up your wet basement!

But, wherever you see us, we are ALWAYS here to help.

How Do I Detect Mold?

11/4/2019 (Permalink)

Mold

Microscopic mold spores naturally occur almost everywhere, both outdoors and indoors. This makes it impossible to remove all mold from a home or business. Therefore, mold remediation reduces the mold spore count back to its natural or baseline level. Some restoration businesses advertise “mold removal” and even guarantee to remove all mold, which is a fallacy. Consider the following mold facts:

• Mold is present almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors.
• Mold spores are microscopic and float along in the air and may enter your home through windows, doors, or AC/heating systems or even hitch a ride indoors on your clothing or a pet.
• Mold spores thrive on moisture. Mold spores can quickly grow into colonies when exposed to water. These colonies may produce allergens and irritants.
• Before mold remediation can begin, any sources of water or moisture must be addressed. Otherwise, the mold may return.
• Mold often produces a strong, musty odor and can lead you to possible mold problem areas.
• Even higher-than-normal indoor humidity can support mold growth. Keep indoor humidity below 45 percent.

If you suspect your home or business has a mold problem, SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park can inspect and assess your property and use our specialized training, equipment, and expertise to remediate your mold infestation.

Can Mold Affect My Health?

11/4/2019 (Permalink)

Sneeze

Molds spores are everywhere. Many different kinds of molds are present in buildings, and not all molds are as a risk to your health. Molds affects people differently.

Chemical Compounds

Molds produce two types of chemical compounds to which occupants of water-damaged buildings may be exposed:
• Mycotoxins are known to cause health problems in humans.
• Microbial Volatile Organic Compounds (mVOCs) result in unpleasant smells in our
homes.

Mycotoxins are poisonous substances. (“Myco” means fungus, so think of mycotoxins as “fungi toxins.”) They are designed for chemical warfare against other organisms, even against other types of molds. Living molds may produce mycotoxins to discourage other molds or bacteria from growing in the same territory. Unfortunately, humans who inhale, ingest, or touch mycotoxins may have a toxic reaction. Not all molds produce mycotoxins; furthermore, molds that can produce mycotoxins do not produce them in all situations.

Microbial Volatile Organic Compounds are called mVOCs. mVOCs are produced by chemical changes that take place during the mold life process. They are waste products given off by actively growing molds. Some mVOCs produce musty and moldy odors. Research has not proven that exposure to mVOCs causes health effects, but the odors from mVOCs may indicate a level of mold contamination requiring remediation. Research is ongoing as to how chemical compounds from mold relate to health effects in humans.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has stated that more studies are needed to understand the relation between mycotoxins and health. Also according to EPA, research in mVOCs is still in an early phase.2 Perhaps one of the most extensive studies on mold’s health effects is the report by the Institute of Medicine.

Click here to read how the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention defines how mold and dampness affects your health.

How Does Smoke and Soot Damage my Property?

10/29/2019 (Permalink)

Fire Smoke and Soot Damage

SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park has the specialized fire restoration training needed to restore your home to pre-fire condition. Click here to review our complete fire damage restoration process. Every fire is different, and smoke and soot creates a unique type of damage.

Smoke and soot damage is created after a fire has been extinguished in a home or a business, soot residue settles into the property. Soot is a very fine, black powder substance (0.25 µm in size) which binds to walls and fabric.

Like soot, smoke damage can be problematic, and it can cause serious health damage. It will cause discoloration of walls and it will sink into all property contents, causing smoke odor to linger for long periods of time.

This is why it is extremely important to hire a professional fire mitigation company to restore the damage.

The type of smoke or soot damage will define how we clean and treat the affected areas, but our process has several steps. We are trained extensively on all types of soot or smoke damage and if you contact as quickly enough, we will be able to restore most items. We also use Personal Protective Equipment as per Health and Safety regulations.

Fires can happen at any time, day or night. The most important thing is quick response time that’s why SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park is available 24 hours a day/7 days a week.

Smoke Alarm Law

10/7/2019 (Permalink)

Smoke Detector

October 6 – 12, 2019 is National Fire Prevention Week. Are you aware of the Smoke Alarm Laws in Anne Arundel County?

Every home is now required to have a 10-year tamper-proof smoke alarm with a hush feature. Please check your smoke detectors and replace old models right away. Click here to view Maryland’s Smoke Alarm Laws.

The National Fire Protection Week 2019 Campaign is “Not Every Hero Wears a Cape. Plan and Practice Your Escape!” There are 4 planning tips to incorporate in your fire plan:

1. Draw a map of your home and identify 2 ways to escape from every room.
2. Test your fire alarms.
3. Establish a safe meeting place outside.
4. Post the plan in your home.

In a typical home fire, you may have as little as one to two minutes to escape safely from the time the smoke alarm sounds. For more information on Fire Prevention Week, visit www.nfpa.org.

In a fire, mere seconds can mean the difference between a safe escape and a tragedy. Fire safety education isn’t just for children. Teenagers, adults, and the elderly are also at risk in fires, making it important for every member of the community to take some time during Fire Prevention Week to make sure they understand how to stay safe in case of a fire.

Fire Prevention Week

9/20/2019 (Permalink)

Fire Evacuation

October 6 – 12, 2019 is National Fire Prevention Week. SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park performs fire damage remediation and, unfortunately, sees too many properties and lives go up in smoke. We urge you to take some time NOW to prepare.

The National Fire Protection Week 2019 Campaign is “Not Every Hero Wears a Cape. Plan and Practice Your Escape!” There are 4 planning tips to incorporate in your fire plan:

1. Draw a map of your home and identify 2 ways to escape from every room.
2. Test your fire alarms.
3. Establish a safe meeting place outside.
4. Post the plan in your home.

In a typical home fire, you may have as little as one to two minutes to escape safely from the time the smoke alarm sounds. For more information on Fire Prevention Week, visit www.nfpa.org.

In a fire, mere seconds can mean the difference between a safe escape and a tragedy. Fire safety education isn’t just for children. Teenagers, adults, and the elderly are also at risk in fires, making it important for every member of the community to take some time during Fire Prevention Week to make sure they understand how to stay safe in case of a fire.

6 Tips To Keep Your Pet Safe During a Storm

9/16/2019 (Permalink)

Keep Your Pets Safe

A sudden thunderstorm can be terrifying for a pet. While no one is immune from the devastation of a natural disaster, preparing before a storm hits is key to keeping everyone in your family, including your pets, safe. September is National Preparedness Month. SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park has developed the following 6 tips to keep your pets safe.

Have your pet microchipped. In the event of an emergency, natural or otherwise, you want to ensure your pet can get back to you if you’re separated. Collars and ID tags, though important, can break or detach. Microchips, computerized and scannable implants about the size of a grain of rice, are more fool-proof since they’re inserted under your pet’s skin. 

Bring your pets inside at the first sign of danger. Disasters can be disorienting for pets, and they could run away or hurt themselves reacting to loud noises and strange changes to their landscape. Also, rain, flying debris and high winds pose a danger. If you have to leave, keep your pet with you. 

Leaving your pets behind during a natural disaster is never a good idea because they could escape or become exposed to a number of life-threatening hazards. Keep them on a leash or in a pet carrier so they don’t escape even in a “familiar” neighborhood.  Determine where you’ll go. Coordinate, in advance, to stay with friends or family members, or find a pet- friendly hotel outside the disaster area. Have those conversations and do your research well ahead of time so you have a plan in place when needed. 

Create a pet-friendly resource list. Not all emergency shelters will accept pets, so you need a Plan B. Develop a list of the pet-friendly hotels outside your immediate area. Research a list of veterinarians in the area should your pet need medical care (your regular vet may have some recommendations). Also, figure out which boarding facilities are nearby in case you need to separate from your pet for a time.  

Pack an emergency bag. You’ll want emergency provisions packed for your pet well in advance of a catastrophe so you can evacuate your home quickly if needed. Choose an easy-to-carry bag, label it and keep it where everyone in the family can find it quickly. The bag should include a pet first aid kit; enough food and bottled water for a week (rotate this every couple of months to keep it from going bad); medications (check periodically to ensure medicines in your emergency bag don’t expire); cleanup supplies; food and water dishes; bags (or litter for cats) for collecting waste; an extra collar and leash; photocopies of medical records; towels; recent photos of your pets; and a favorite toy or chewy for comfort. 

It’s also a good idea to have a sturdy carrier or crate for each pet. “What’s good for us is good for our pets,” said Kris Kiser, president and CEO of the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI), an international trade association representing power equipment, small engine, utility vehicle, golf cart, and personal transport vehicle manufacturers and suppliers. “My dog is a member of the family, so we have a plan for keeping him safe in the event of an emergency, and we encourage all pet parents to do the same.”  By having all this in place, you can immediately put your pet preparedness plan into action when you know a storm is coming instead of spending valuable time trying to determine what needs to be done to best protect your pet.

Fighting Back-to-School Illnesses

9/9/2019 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park

It’s back-to-school time! Teachers are working on lesson plans. Parents are buying school supplies. Did you know the classroom can be a breeding ground for organisms that cause illness in students?

Here is a list of the most common back-to-school illnesses to look out for:

• Most commonly spread by direct contact with the hair.
• Hand-Foot-and-Mouth-Disease (HFMD). HFMD is an acute virus that typically affects children younger than 5. Transmission occurs via contact, cough and sneezes as well as contaminated surfaces.
• Scarlett Fever. Usually effects children ages 5 – 12 and comes from strep throat.
• Pink Eye. Bacterial conjunctivitis that is highly contagious. Pink eye is an airborne viruses can be spread through sneezing and coughing. Viral conjunctivitis can also accompany common viral upper respiratory infections such as measles, the flu or the common cold.

When a child comes home from school sick, it’s affects the family. Parents miss work and students miss out on learning.

SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Parks is helping schools provide clean, healthy environments for our community’s children. Over the Summer, we’ve worked with several educational facilities sanitizing classrooms. Our team cleaned and sanitized building materials, surfaces and contents using professional cleaning products as well as EPA registered cleaners and disinfectants.

We would be remiss if we didn’t mention the flu virus when writing about back-to-school. There are many different types of flu and the CDC has scientific-based prediction tools to help prevent and contain the spread of the flu. Last year, SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park helped several schools in our community by disinfecting after flu and virus outbreaks.

Making Schools Safer

9/6/2019 (Permalink)

Safe Schools Maryland

A safer school begins with you. It’s back-to-school time and teachers are all too familiar with active shooter drills. Anne Arundel County Public Schools (AACPS) has a Crisis and Emergency Management Plan in place that provides basic guidelines and procedures to be followed in the event of an emergency or crisis incident.

The Anne Arundel County Office of Emergency Management posted to following regarding active shootings:

• Sign up to receive local emergency alerts and register your work and personal contact information with any work sponsored alert system
• Be aware of your environment and any possible dangers
• Remember during an active shooting, RUN. HIDE. FIGHT. 

You can also sign up for active shooter training with the Department of Homeland Security.

You could save a life by reporting an anonymous tip to Safe Schools Maryland 833-632-7233. The Safe Schools Maryland Tip Line is an anonymous reporting system used to report threats to the safety and/or well-being of students.

Students, parents, faculty, staff, and members of communities throughout Maryland may use this anonymous, app- and web-based reporting system to share their concerns, such as:

• Mental health crises
• Bullying
• School and community violence
• Drug activity
• Abuse
• Harassment
• Other issues affecting our Maryland students

The Safe Schools Maryland Tip Line is a tool for proactively addressing harmful situations and helping students who need it. By using a variety of communication modes to support the reporting and routing of tips, The Safe Schools Maryland Tip Line empowers the citizens of Maryland to create a culture of preparedness, prevention, and school safety for our students.

Do you have a concern you want to share? Report an anonymous tip now. SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park wants you to be prepared and stay safe.

4 Tips to Ensure Your Property’s Electrical is in Top Shape

8/30/2019 (Permalink)

Electric Outlet

In the past year, SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park has seen numerous electrical fires. One fire in Severna Park was caused by a cell phone charger and the entire single-family home burned to the ground.

SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park recommends the following tips to make sure you are protected:

1. Electrical Extension Cords. If you have tenants regularly using extension cords, you may need additional outlets installed in some units. Extension cords are always meant to be a short-term solution.
2. Tamper Resistant Outlets. Install tamper resistant outlets for day care centers or schools to ensure no one gets shocked or no inappropriate objects are put into outlets.
3. GFCI Outlets. Inspect GFCI outlets to reduce risk of electrical shock to your tenants. National Code requires them in all kitchens, bathrooms, garages, and outdoor areas.
4. Panel and AFCI Receptacles. Be sure to inspect your electrical panels and AFCI receptacles. Both work to ensure safe conditions if an arc fault is detected. An arc fault is when damaged wiring or a device creates a hot or unsafe situation.

Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions. When various materials burn, the soot and residue they create differs greatly and requires a specific cleaning procedure. The steps listed below illustrate our process for the “typical” fire damage restoration. Learn more about our fire damage restoration process.

• Emergency Contact
• Inspection and Fire Damage Assessment
• Immediate Board-Up and Roof Tarp Service (if needed)
• Water Removal and Drying (if water damage is present)
• Removal of Smoke and Soot from All Surfaces
• Cleaning and Repair
• Restoration

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage? Call Us Today – (410) 647-8181

How To Prevent Mold Growth

8/14/2019 (Permalink)

Mold

Mold growth is a common problem for homeowners. SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park knows how to stop mold growth effectively and from returning to your home. Mold can occur from moisture, warmth, and a food source. We’re going to share with you some ways to control the moisture that comes into your home which leads to mold.

Tips for Mold Prevention

• If you see water, inspect the area to make sure there is no continuous drip or leak.
• Check your pantry cabinets to make sure you have no damp food. Check fruits often to make sure there is no fuzzy mold.
• Make sure your exhaust fan is clean and working. Turn on the phone every time someone showers or uses the bath to reduce the moisture left in the air and on the walls.
• Keep your home clean and disinfected.
• Allow air to circulate within your home.
• If you keep your AC cool this will make mold less likely to form due to the temperature.

If you do find Mold within your home, Call us SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park at (410) 647-8181.

4 Ways to Keep Your Property Safe During a Power Outage

8/8/2019 (Permalink)

Lightening

Summer thunderstorms can be fun to watch from a safe distance. The warm air, the rolling sound of the thunder in the background and the streaks of lightning light up the night sky is like natures version of fireworks. However, with every thunderstorm, there is the probability of a power outage. Here are 4 things SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park recommends in the event of a power outage:

Be Prepared. The best way to ensure business continuity is by being prepared. SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park can help you develop an Emergency Readiness Plan (ERP). Subscribe to the Annapolis city CivicReady program to get emergency alerts.

Install Surge Protectors. Install a plug-in, point-of-use electrical surge protector. You plug this device into a grounded electrical outlet and plug your appliances and computers into the surge protector.  

Battery Backups. If your property has a sump pump in the basement or crawl space, make sure the sump pump has a battery backup. Battery backsups are also important for network servers.

Contact Utility Company. When your office or home loses power, be sure to contact BGE, which provides power to most of Anne Arundel County, Maryland. Visit www.bge.com or call to report outages at 877-778-2222. If you see sparking power lines, immediately call 9-1-1.

Normally, a short power outage is no big deal, but the longer the power is out the potential for damage to a home or business increases.

How to Identify Water Damage

8/5/2019 (Permalink)

Wallpaper with Water Damage

Mold can grow in as little as 24 to 48 hours. Stop mold growth, by identifying water damage fast. Here are some simple tips to help you identify water damage:

Identifying water in walls and ceilings may be obvious sometimes. However, it can be easy to overlook the most common signs. The early warning signs of water damage are peeling or bubbling paint or wallpaper. As more water comes into the property, walls and floors become bloated or swollen and may even warp. In severe cases, walls and ceilings may feel spongy to the touch.

You may be able to see water spots on walls and ceilings. Stains and possible mold are other ways to identify water damage.

Floors and carpets often hide water when the water is located in a corner. Many property owners often overlook the corner when looking for water damage. Floors can obviously be seen as wet, but carpet can hide water more easily. If the carpet feels spongy or soggy, you need to identify the source of that water.

Identifying water quickly is the best way to reduce damage. SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park usually gets a call for mold damage after water was undetected by a slow leak. Protect your property. Identify Water Damage Fast!

Ridoizio Grill is Coming to Annapolis

8/1/2019 (Permalink)

Concept from The Capital Gazette

News hit recently that a new restaurant is coming to Annapolis. Did you know that SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park works with restaurants on a regular basis to ensure cleanliness?

According to The Capital Gazette, “Rodizio Grill, a Utah-based chain, said it will open its first Maryland location this fall, bringing the first ‘currasco’-style steakhouse to the Annapolis area”. The restaurant can seat 350 and will be in Annapolis Mall.

Our SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park team works with many food service facilities throughout the Anne Arundel County area. With this experience in the food service industry, we have variety of detailed services for the following types of facilities:

• Food manufacturing facilities
• Food distribution centers
• Fast food restaurants
• Fine dining restaurants
• Senior living facility kitchens
• School cafeterias

We provide a variety of services to restaurants, including: post-commercial cleaning, carpet, upholstery, drapes, deodorization, water removal, mold mitigation, and more.

SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park strives to be the one number restaurants call when help can’t afford to wait.

Summer Storms

7/28/2019 (Permalink)

Lightening

A combination of moisture in the air with rising warm air leads to lots of summer storms in Maryland. Our SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park team is specially trained to deal with the mess a storm can leave behind. Not only does our franchise have you, but our whole company does. SERVPRO has mobilization teams across the country to travel as needed to support large storm events. No matter what, you can always count on us to be faster to any size disaster.

After the Summer storm, check your home or building of damage. Make sure all electricity and outlets are working. Be aware if there is water damage by sinks pipes or toilets. There could be many possible damages after a storm. Below are a few of the types to look for:

Lightning Damage

If the home is hit by lightning during a storm it can burn through roofs, shingles, or gutters from the building and even tear into attics. Electrical damage can happen if appliances such as refrigerators were plugged into an outlet during the storm.

Wind Damage

Roof damage is possible with heavy winds or even worse a missing roof. Wind damage is seen the most when it comes to the after effects of storm damage. High winds can be anywhere from 50-60 mph and can ruin homes. Roof damage can lead to a roof leak which leads to bigger problems… water damage.

Flood Damage can be Typically the water that floods into your home is not clean. The water has sediment that will contaminate whatever touches your home. Water damage is not an easy task to clean on your own. It should be cleaned up with more than just a mop to make sure there is no left over residue that could grow mold.

SERVPRO® of Annapolis/Severna Park wants you to stay safe from Summer storms.

Annapolis Water Damage

6/14/2019 (Permalink)

Water Damage

Recently, SERVPRO® of Annapolis/ Severna Park provided water damage restoration at a property in Annapolis. The cause of the water was a toilet leak and led to water damage on the top floor and the dining room ceiling. The leak on the ceiling then leaked to the first floor of the home. The carpet was affected tremendously and had to be removed from the first floor.

When your home is damaged by water, uniformed SERVPRO® of Annapolis/Severna Park professionals will arrive on-site usually within four hours of notification to begin providing a resolution to the water damage situation. Technicians will communicate with the homeowner in detail before beginning the cleanup and restoration process.

Our restoration services include moisture detection, water extraction, dehumidification and contents inventory. Franchise Professionals identify the source and type of water, which determines the proper course of action. Drying equipment controls temperature and humidity, minimizing secondary damage. SERVPRO® is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Tips for Client:

• Do not use a regular vacuum to remove water.
• Do not turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet, and keep out of areas where ceilings are sagging from retained water.
• Do not leave books, magazines or other colored items on wet carpeting.

SERVPRO® of Annapolis/ Severna Park is here to help you during a crisis. You are our priority and we know that your emotions are everywhere when you have a water leak. Don’t stress, we will make your home look “Like it never even happened.”  

Annapolis Building Water Damage

6/12/2019 (Permalink)

Commercial Building Basement Water Damage

The basement is a known hot spot for water damage to occur. Basements can flood day or night, on weekends and even holidays, and that’s why SERVPRO® of Annapolis/ Severna Park offers 24 hour emergency service, 365 days a year. You can expect an immediate response time, day or night. Immediate action is crucial when dealing with flooded basements. As water damage specialists, we have the advanced training that enables them to get your basement dried properly and any affected belongings cleaned and dried. 

Recently, SERVPRO® of Annapolis/Severna Park was called to a commercial property in Annapolis with water in the basement. The first thing our team does is ask the property owner where they think the water came from. Then the team will identify the source to make sure it is stopped before any restoration or drying of the building. Next, we will continue with our inspection and use of equipment to make sure the area is completely dry. Specialized air movers/fans and dehumidifiers were used to draw the remaining moisture out of the basement. The faster the water is removed, the less chance of serious damage to your facility.

After any water damage situation, your primary focus should be safety first:

• Is it safe to stay in the building?
• Electrical and “slip and fall” hazards are some of the most prevalent concerns.
• Wet materials can be very heavy. Be careful.

The sooner we arrive, the better the chance we can reduce damage and save money.

What Happens When Water Sits?

5/31/2019 (Permalink)

Water Damage

Water is so powerful that it can form mountains. But, when water is left sitting in your property it can become hazardous to your health. SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park restored a property where a basement leak left standing water in a home for 2 weeks untreated. SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park employees IICRC Water Mitigation Technicians that can properly treat a property with stagnant water.

Standing water is a breeding ground for bacteria, mold, and parasites that can be harmful to your health. While contaminated water poses a bigger health risk, bacteria will even grow in clean water. Mold can begin to grow and spread in as little as 48 hours.

In Arnold, Maryland, a home experienced a basement water intrusion that went undetected for 2 weeks while the homeowner was hospitalized. Based on the insurance adjuster’s suggestion, the homeowner contacted SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park when he witnessed the amount of stagnant water as well as mold in the property. The complete basement and first level of the home, up to the ceiling, was covered in mold. This included couches, kitchen cabinets, flooring, and walls…everything you can think of. Our team provided water extraction, drying, dhimmification, as well as mold mitigation. They use a variety of cleaning techniques to clean and sanitize your belongings.

SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park is highly qualified to handle stagnant water. Our team members are certified and well-trained in water damage and mold mitigation. When standing water is found in your property, remember the team that is faster to any sized disaster, SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park.

Is Your Property Storm Ready?

4/18/2019 (Permalink)

Thunderstorm

Maryland has recently seen different storms wreak havoc on our community. SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park can handle large and small storm damage cleanup.

As Spring rain and Summer thunderstorms head toward Anne Arundel County, get your property, team, and family prepared in case an emergency happens. A great resource for information is the Anne Arundel County Office of Emergency Management. Click here to sign up for their Emergency Notifications. This valuable system alerts the public of emergencies and disasters, safety measures to be taken, and information pertaining to government operations. 

Click here to see what’s in store for our area for Spring 2019.

TIP: If you own a commercial property, contact us and we will help you create a FREE Emergency Ready Profile (ERP). An ERP is a disaster plan to help your business be ready for whatever happens.

At SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park we have a team of professionals that can handle water, sewage, and storm cleanup. If your property has a water emergency, it’s important to act quickly to minimize damage. Our team can work with your insurance professionals to make sure your property gets restored properly. SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park has a reconstruction crew that can install drywall, baseboards, and flooring to ensure your property looks like a storm never even happened.

For major storms and disasters, SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park can call upon special Disaster Recovery Teams strategically located throughout the country. We are ready to handle any-sized disaster. Make sure you are ready too!

Commercial Spring Cleaning

4/15/2019 (Permalink)

Bacteria

Are you ready to tackle Spring cleaning in your facility? It seems like every year there are serious viruses or fungi that cause panic. SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park has performed a variety of commercial cleaning projects to tackle many serious health crises including the flu and bio hazard cleanup.

There is a deadly superbug known as Candida auris (C. auris) that was found recently in New York as well as Maryland and over 600 cases were reported in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recently added C. auris to its list of “urgent threats”. Almost half of the individuals infected with C. auris die within 90 days.

Did you know the flu can live on hard surfaces for up to 24 hours? Could you imagine how many individuals are exposed to the flu at a school with 500 students? In 2017, the CDC reported that 80,000 people died from the flu.

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. Equipped with the necessary safety apparatus and cleaning products, SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park can help transform these unhealthy environments back into clean, safe offices. Call the cleanup team that is faster to any size disaster.

Is Your Business Prepared for a Disaster?

4/3/2019 (Permalink)

Emergency Ready Profile

There are many qualities that separate SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park from the competition. But, one major difference is we help your business put together a disaster plan called an Emergency Ready Profile (ERP).

Did you know that as many as 50% of businesses close down following a disaster? The businesses that do survive have some type of preparedness plan in place. At SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park we take this statistic seriously. That’s why we provide this free ERP service that prepares your business for whatever happens.

The ERP is a concise profile document that contains only the critical information needed in the event of an emergency. It lists specific contact information for your insurance carrier, HVAC company, and other critical points of contact. In addition, the ERP identifies the location for emergency shut off valves, like water and gas. The ERP can also be accessed through a mobile application. Everyone always has their phone on them; now, they can have the plan right at their fingertips.

No one plans on a disaster, but you can plan to be “Ready for whatever happens.”

Philanthropic Endeavors

4/2/2019 (Permalink)

National Night Out

SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park just celebrated 44 years in business in March. It has always been important to our business that we support the community that supports us. Throughout the years, SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park has donated and supported many charities including:

• US Naval Academy
• Hospice Cup
• Mary’s Annapolis School
• Banneker Douglas Museum
• Anne Arundel Medical Center
• 100 Club of Anne Arundel County
• Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
• Samaritan House of Annapolis
• Burgers and Bands
• National Night Out
• Arnold Volunteer Fire Department
• Fight Colorectal Cancer
• Anne Arundel County Food Bank
• Severna Park and Arnold Shop Local

It means so much that SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park can give back to the community we serve. Our donation is staying local in our community. Giving is a big part of our franchise culture. When a local business succeeds, the community succeeds.

Gardening to Prevent Flood Water in Your Home

3/11/2019 (Permalink)

Water Garden

It’s that time of year! Spring is teasing you with warmer temperatures and you are ready to get your hands in the soil and start your Summer garden.  What kind of plants can you use and how can you layout your flowerbeds to prevent water from getting into your home?  Gardening doesn’t have to be all about “curb appeal”, it can also be functional.  Here are a some quick tips to help prevent water from getting into your home.

Create a water garden. A natural-looking water garden should have sloped sides with planting terraces that step down toward the deepest area of the pond. This allows you to plant a diversity of plant material and create different habitats and keeps water drainage to one area.

Plant native.  Using native plants can help prevent soil erosion.  Here are a list of wild flowers you might consider: black-eyed Susan, Foxglove Beardtongue, Cardinal Flower, and Butterfly Weed.  

Use mulch. Covering the bare areas in your lawn or garden with mulch or straw is an effective method for preventing erosion from rain. Mulch spread over the surface of the soil reduces the impact of raindrops striking the soil.  Using mulch in landscaping and on bare spots near your home keeps water away from your foundation.

TIP: Always wear a mask when spreading mulch. It contains mold spores that can irritate your throat, nasal passages, and lungs.

Install rain barrels. Did you know that up to 40% of total water use during the summer can come from watering lawns and gardens? Rain barrels are an effective way to capture rain water to use in lawns and gardens.  Rain barrels can be attached to storm drains to catch runoff from your roof.  The water you collect can then be reused to water your lawn and garden. For more information on rain barrels, contact The Chesapeake Bay Foundation.

Grade your yard. To avoid incoming water, the ground should always slope away from your home in all directions surrounding your perimeter. You’ll need to understand the high and low points of your home, and use extra dirt to slope accordingly. Have a plan in place or work with a professional to make sure vents, basement windows, pipes, drains, and other areas aren’t negatively impacted during the grading process. 

The first day of Spring is March 20, 2019. Be ready for April showers by landscaping your lawn to prevent water damage to your home.

Why are Space Heaters so Dangerous?

2/21/2019 (Permalink)

Prevent Space Heater Fire

When the cold winter weather hits, many people turn on space heaters. Generally speaking, space heaters are safe to use.  Fires occur mostly when space heaters are used improperly.  According to the National Fire Protection Association, space heaters account for 43% of home heating fires.  Here are some tips to ensure you use your space heater properly:

Use an electric space heater.  Iowa State University Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering warns that space heaters that use kerosene, propane, and natural gas pose an additional risk of releasing carbon dioxide (CO2), carbon monoxide (CO), and nitrogen dioxide into the air if they aren't properly vented, which can lead to serious health problems and even death.  Electric space heaters (when used properly) are always a safer device for indoor heating.

Plug your space heater directly into the wall outlet.  Never plug your electric space heater into an extension cord or power strip.  Space heaters are often the cause of electrical fires because they overload a circuit.

Move your space heater away from clutter.  Always keep your space heater at least 3 feet away from any furniture or combustible items (including bedding and curtains). Remember to instruct children to remain 3 feet away from the heater too.

Turn your space heater off.  Whenever you leave the room or go to sleep, it is important to turn your space heater off.  Unplug the heater when it’s not in use by pulling the plug straight from the outlet. Check the cord for damage periodically, and don’t use it if it’s frayed or worn.

Space heaters are not dangerous if they are properly used.  Keep these safety tips in mind to prevent fire in your property.

We’ve Got Credentials

1/30/2019 (Permalink)

Teamwork

When a disaster strikes your property, the last thing you want to do is vet remediation companies. Trust a national brand with local presence, SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park. Our team caries various certifications and our General Manager, Chris Goedeke, has more certifications than another other remediation specialist on our team.

SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park Certifications

• AMRT - Applied Microbial Remediation Technician
• ASD - Applied Structural Drying Technician
• CCT - Carpet Cleaning Technician
• CMR - IAQC Certified Mold Remediator
• CMT - Certified Mold Technician
• CMT - Commercial Carpet Maintenance Technician
• CPM - IAQC Mold Certified Project Manager
• CRMR - Council-certified Residential Microbial Remediator
• ECTP - Employee Certification Training Program
• FSRT - Fire & Smoke Damage Restoration Technician
• HST - Health and safety Technician
• IICRC Certified Firm
• OCT - Odor Control Technician
• OSHA - 10-hour General and/or Construction Industry Training Program
• OSHA - 30-hour General and/or Construction Industry Training Program
• RRRP - Lead-Based Paint Activities and Renovation
• RRT - Carpet Repair & Reinstallation Technician
• WRT - Water Damage Restoration Technician

Chris is the GENERAL MANAGER of SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park. Chris is an ACAC Certified Microbial Remediation Supervisor and a Certified Commercial Drying Specialist with 11 years of emergency response experience. He is IICRC certified in Water Damage Restoration, Applied Structural Drying, Fire and Smoke Restoration, Carpet Cleaning, Odor Control, Carpet Repair and Installation. He recently became an IICRC Master Water Restorer. Chris oversees all construction projects following a loss and heads up the Carpet and Hard Floor Sales Division.

Trust an industry leader at the local level. Call SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park for any restoration needs (410) 647-8181

When Winter Weather Strikes, We Strike Back

1/14/2019 (Permalink)

Ice Dam

SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park wants your home or business to be prepared for winter weather.  Water damage can occur for different reasons during cold winter months.  Follow these winter weather tips to prevent water from damaging your property.

TIPS FOR PREPARING YOUR HOME FOR WINTER WEATHER

Keep cabinet doors open during cold spells. This allows warm air to circulate around pipes.

Keep a slow trickle of water flowing through faucets, especially if the pipes for faucets run through unheated or uninsulated areas of your home.

Consider shutting off outdoor faucets. Find the shut-off valve in the basement or crawl space and turn it to “off”.

Ensure gutters are clean and secure. Leaves and debris accumulate, causing a damming effect on gutters, which could lead to roof problems and water damage.

Proper maintenance of your furnace can help reduce the risk of puffbacks.

TIPS FOR PREPARING YOUR BUSINESS FOR WINTER WEATHER

Check your business property for downed tree limbs and branches.  Weather, such as wind, heavy rain, ice and snow, can cause branches to fall, which could cause damage to the property and potentially cause personal injuries.

Inspect property, especially walkways and parking lots, for proper drainage to alleviate flood hazard potential.

Inspect all handrails, stairwells and entryways to address and correct potential slippery or hazardous areas. Install mats or non-slip surfaces and post caution signs where water can be present.

Contact SERVPRO of Annapolis/Serverna Park for an Emergency Ready Profile for your business.

When water damage puts the things that matter most on the line, you need the very best help on the line as well. That’s why knowing the easiest ways to contact SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park is so important. Just go to www.SERVPROannapolis.com on your mobile phone or call (410) 647-8181.

Winter Weather and Your Pets

1/9/2019 (Permalink)

Protect Your Pet From Winter Weather

It’s no surprise that Marylanders love their pets.  Your furry family members need to be safe during the winter just like humans.  At SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park we know that your pets are an important part of your family. Most pets in Anne Arundel County are indoor animals and those animals are prone to the same winter hazards as humans.  Here are a few quick tips to keep in mind for your furry friend.

Limit outdoor time on bitter cold days. Try to go out when the sun is shining. If you have a dog with fur, they can still suffer from hypothermia.  Hypothermia is when your body temperature falls to an abnormally low temperature, caused from long exposure to cold weather.  Dogs with long or short hair should have winter sweaters or coats to help them maintain their body temperature.

Avoid the ice. Animals can slip and fall just like you. More importantly, animals cannot recognize the danger of breaking through thin ice on frozen water. It is always better to keep your pet on a leash during the winter to help them steer clear of hazards.

Wipe their paws when you come inside. The streets and sidewalks of you neighborhood are often treated with salt or other de-icers. These substances can irritate your animal's paws. Some can be toxic, which is especially dangerous if your pet licks its paws.

People and pets want a safe place inside for the cold months. If a winter emergency, like a burst pipe, makes your home unsafe, contact SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park. We are here to help the residents of Anne Arundel County recover when winter storms hit. 

How to Train Employees for Fire Safety

12/28/2018 (Permalink)

Practice Fire Safety

At SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park we restore buildings after fires have taken place.  We encourage you to train your employees on some basic fire safety techniques on an annual basis.

Here’s a quick list of some techniques you should use.

Fire extinguisher training should be done on an annual basis, at least, and should also be part of the initial training for new employees.

The P.A.S.S Technique

If employees aren't confident they can safely put out a fire, they should evacuate instead. The acronym P.A.S.S. helps employees remember each step of using an extinguisher to reduce fire damage.

1. Pull the pin. Find the pin at the top of the canister and pull it out to break the tamper seal.
2. Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire. When the source of water is doused, the flames should die down.
3. Squeeze the handle to release the pressurized chemicals inside the canister.
4. Sweep the spray from side to side, maintaining your focus at the base of the fire. 

After working through the steps, keep your eye on the area. If flames reappear, repeat steps 2 to 4.

Annual Fire Response Drills

Use the following steps in case of a fire (and during yearly drills.)

Pull the fire alarm and alert the fire department.

Protect the designated evacuation path. If fire, heat, or smoke threatens to come between employees and the exit, personnel should evacuate instead of fighting the fire.

Choose an appropriate extinguisher.

Complete the P.A.S.S. technique.

Observe the location of the fire to catch any flames that may reignite. 

Evacuate immediately if the fire is too big, if the air isn't safe to breathe, if the room is too hot or smoky, and/or if the evacuation path is compromised.

Once the ability to use the fire extinguisher has been mastered and employees have been trained in the fire response routine, schedule opportunities for employees to practice their responses to a fire.

Practice Safety

It doesn't take long for a kitchen fire to pop up in a restaurant or flames to appear in an industrial setting. Protect your employees with training on how to use a fire extinguisher and regular drills in fire safety techniques.

SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park Facility

12/21/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park Facility

If your home or business suffers from a water or fire loss, SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park is here to help. With over 18,000 square feet of warehouse space, we have the capacity to handle any size disaster.  Our experience and proven leadership (43 years!) in the restoration industry with mold remediation, fire and water damage and biohazard recovery along with our large facility make us your local restoration leader.                                    

There are several reasons why a large facility is important when selecting an emergency cleanup company.  At SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park we have the capability to store (and clean if necessary) your belongings while your home or business is being repaired.  Our experienced crew will inventory and pack out your property carefully and efficiently.  Our content clean-room houses state of the art ultrasonic equipment that works miracles on soot damaged items.

From air scrubbers to dehumidifiers and air movers, we have the right equipment to get the job done.  The proper equipment allows a structure to dry properly and reduce further contamination and damage.

SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park Tackles Large Commercial Losses

12/13/2018 (Permalink)

High Rise Fire

When your Anne Arundel County business suffers a large loss from water, fire or natural disaster, you can count on SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park to restore your facility.  Our project management staff is well-qualified to handle any disaster. Plus, we own the equipment needed to mitigate large loss fire and flood restoration.

As an employer in your community, having a business continuity plan can help protect your company, its employees, and its infrastructure, and maximizes your chances of recovery after an emergency or disaster.  You can do this by taking three simple steps:

• Plan to stay in business
• Encourage your employees to become ready
• Protect your investment

At SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park we employee experienced leaders in the restoration industry that specialize in all varieties of emergency cleanup with the capacity for any size job.  Our team includes IICRC certified technicians.  The IICRC certification is the highest standard of cleaning and remediation.  We are American Bio Recovery Association certified in biohazard recovery/infectious disease and blood-borne pathogens.  Our crew chiefs provide complete job file maintenance and electronic communication protocols. And, as a service to SERVPRO nationwide, we are part of the SERVPRO Industries traveling “STORM” team.

SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park owns a variety of specialized mitigation equipment, including testing and monitoring equipment.  Our 18,000 square foot warehouse facility houses over 45 warehouse crates providing extra-large storage capacity.  Our Ozone Room eradicates odor from business property and our clean room dedicated to content cleaning only.

When fire or water damage puts things that matter most on the line, you need the very best help on the line as well.  That’s why knowing contacting SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park is so important.

Are You Winter Weather Ready?

12/12/2018 (Permalink)

Winter Weather

Are you prepared for the cold Maryland weather? Cold weather can have a huge impact on your Annapolis home or business if you’re not ready for it. From freezing rain and low temperatures, to damaging winds, sleet or snow, can all cause serious and costly property damage. While you cannot control the weather, you can take steps to prepare your Severna Park home or business.

To help prevent costly winter storm damages, consider taking the following precautions to protect your property before winter weather hits.

Check your Annapolis business property for downed tree limbs and branches. Wind, heavy rain, ice and snow can cause branches to fall, which could cause damage to your property and potentially cause personal injuries.

Inspect your roof, pipes, and gutters, downspouts should be directed away from your building. Clear gutters of debris that may have gathered during the fall. Winter starts December 21, 2018 and leaves can cause a damming effect, which can lead to roof damage.

Inspect all handrails, stairwells and entryways to address and correct potentially slippery or hazardous areas. Install mats or non-slip surfaces and post caution signs where water or ice could be present.

When winter weather strikes, call SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park to strike back.

Christmas Tree Safety

12/3/2018 (Permalink)

Annapolis and Anne Arundel County has seen it’s share of tragedies caused by Christmas tree fires.  As your family decks the halls this holiday season, SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park encourages you to consider the following Christmas tree safety tips.

Selecting your Christmas Tree. Pick a tree with fresh, green needles that do not fall off when touched.

Setting up the tree.  Before placing the tree in the stand, cut 2” from the base of the trunk.  Make sure the tree is at least three feet away from any heat source, like fireplaces, radiators, candles, heat vents or lights.  Make sure the tree is not blocking an exit.  Add water to the tree stand and be sure to add water daily.

Lighting the tree.  Use lights that have the label of a recognized testing laboratory. Some lights are only for indoor or outdoor use.  Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections. Read manufacturer’s instructions for number of light strands to connect.  Never use lit candles to decorate the tree.  Always turn off Christmas tree lights before leaving home or going to bed. 

Additionally, after Christmas, get rid of your tree! Dried-out trees are a fire danger and should not be left in the home or garage, or placed outside against the home.  Christmas trees must be free from all lights, ornamentation and tree bags in order to be picked up by Anne Arundel County Waste Management. Only natural trees will be collected and tall trees should be cut in half in order to fit into the collection truck.  Click here for more information on Anne Arundel County Yard Waste.

Mold Found in Severna Park Home

11/29/2018 (Permalink)

Mold caused by hot water heater

Mold found in Severna Park home basement was caused by a hot water heater leak.  The SERVPRO Annapolis/Severna Park team arrived after the homeowner replaced the hot water heater.  However, the area in the basement was still wet despite the homeowner’s efforts to dry it out.  Our team dried the area around the hot water heater as well as the hallway for 3 days and treated it with an anti-microbial.  It was determined that the mold was caused by a pin-hole leak in the hot water heater that occurred months before the actual unit was replaced.

Water heaters that are not cleaned out periodically can build up sediment in the tank. Here are some hot water heater maintenance tips you can use

Salt and other chemicals in the sediment may lead to premature rusting or corrosion inside of a water heater and eventually cause pinhole leaks to form. Once a pinhole leak is opened up, the pressure of the water inside the tank forcing its way through the opening will cause the leak to get larger over time.

The best solution for this problem is to replace the tank with a new unit. A leaking tank is an obvious sign of a water heater needing to be replaced. Normally, replacing a water heater should be done by a professional.

Another tip, to prevent the pink-hole leak is to test the pressure-relief valve located on the top or side of the water heater. Click here to read more tips by The Family Handyman.

Bottom line, mold can grow on almost any surface. Mold likes moisture and heat. This makes the hot water heater and surrounding area the perfect environment for mold. Take some time to maintain your hot water heater.

Is Your Business Prepared for Winter?

11/28/2018 (Permalink)

Emergency Ready Profile

Even the best-run businesses face risk of water, fire, natural disasters, and other damage during the winter season. SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park can help your business prepare with an Emergency Ready Profile which can act as your business Disaster Recovery Plan.

First, here are some tips to get your building winterized. Allow cold water to drip from a faucet. Running water through a pipe—even at a trickle—helps prevent pipes from freezing. If a pipe has broken, turn off the water at the main shutoff valve, which is usually at the water meter or where the main line enters the building. Remember to turn off office space heaters in the evening to reduce your fire risk.  To reduce heating costs, invest in air conditioner covers so cold air doesn’t come into your building where the in-take is located. Use weather strips and draft blockers to keep cold air out. SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park recommends you take the time to winterize your building before the freezing weather settles in.

But even with all the winterization, building damage may be inevitable and that’s why we encourage you to create a plan to assist your team in an emergency event. The SERVPRO Emergency Ready Profile is a no-cost assessment of your facility that contains only the critical information needed in the event of an emergency.  Things like insurance information, shut off valve locations with clearly identified photographs and emergency contact and account numbers are just a few of the components of a SERVPRO ERP.   It also serves as a guide to help you get back into your building following a disaster faster.  The ERP establishes SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park as your disaster mitigation and restoration provider.

While an ERP won’t completely insulate businesses from risks, a well-thought-out strategy can help minimize the impact.  Call SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park for your FREE Emergency Ready Profile today.

Sump Pump Failure Leads to a Flooded Basement

11/15/2018 (Permalink)

Sump Pump

During a recent rain event, SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park went to a home in Anne Arundel County to handle a sump pump failure.  Sump pump failures happen for a variety of reasons including power failure, stuck switch, overwhelmed pump and more.  For this specific home owner, there was a problem with their battery backup.

When SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park assessed the water damage, our water damage and restoration team determined that the effected areas included the storage/sump pump room, the recreational room and a basement bathroom. 

In the recreational room, the laminate floor was removed because there was bound water underneath. Air movers and de-humidifiers were set up to dry the concrete subfloor. The bathroom tile is adhered to concrete subfloor and won’t facilitate mold growth.  The SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park crew treated any effected areas with an anti-microbial and set air movers for a three day dry out.  Lastly, the storage/sump pump room was also treated with an anti-microbial and air movers were set for drying. Our crew removed all furniture during the cleanup process.

After 3 days of drying, the team monitored the effected materials and determined everything was dry.  All equipment was removed and the homeowners are ready to start with their reconstruction.

Bad weather storms and power failures often coincide to make one deadly combination that often results in flooded basements across Anne Arundel County.  This is due to the fact that the heavy rain storms result in excess water and a power outage completely immobilizes your sump pumps ability to drain water.

This problem can be avoided by simply purchasing and installing a backup generator for your sump pump. If you ever lose power during a bad storm, you can manually turn this generator on to ensure your basement does not flood.

Who is SERVPRO Annapolis/Severna Park?

11/14/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park

Standing knee deep in a flooded basement, the last thing you may be considering is what clean-up company can provide you with an accurate scope of work to present to your insurance company.  So, before you select the company that is going to extract the water, you might want to know who SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park is.

SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park is a woman-owned business, owned by Severna Park native Diane Whittles.  Did you know she has owned this franchise for 42 years?  SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park employees around 25 Anne Arundel County residents, including some of Diane’s family members.

Craig Dellagatta, has been with SERVPRO for nearly two years.  Craig is a lead estimator specializing in mold remediation.  He served as a local police officer before joining our team.

You can read more about the team on the SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park employee page.

Most of our employees have worked with SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park for years.  Diane insists and provides continuing education for all technicians throughout the year, ensuring that they are up do date on all the latest industry trends in remediation.  This is perhaps one of the reasons SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park is a local leader.

Record Rainfall for Anne Arundel County

11/9/2018 (Permalink)

Water Damage

Did you know 2018 has been one of Anne Arundel County’s wettest years on record? So far in 2018, Annapolis, Severna Park, Edgewater, and other areas in the county have seen 60 inches of rain.  That means 2018 will go down in record books in the top 10 wettest years in history.  Anne Arundel County’s rainfall average is typically 42 inches.

So, what happens to your home or business when we get all this rain? You see water damage, flooded basements, sewer backups, flood damage and more.  SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park has been working with Anne Arundel County business and residents to help cleanup water damage for over 42 years. Throughout the years we have seen lots of water damage.  Here are a few tips to help you keep water away from your structure:

Safety First.  Make sure it is safe for you to enter the wet area. Be sure to check for electrical hazards.  Only do activates that are safe to perform.

• Remove excess water by mopping and blotting.
• Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removal of lamps and tabletop items.
• Remove and prop wet upholstery and cushions.
• Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting.
• Turn air conditioning on for maximum drying in summer.
• Remove colored rugs from wet carpeting.
• Remove art objects to a safe, dry place.
• Gather loose items from floors.

SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park is your emergency contact when you need water damage restoration. We answer the phone ready to help 24 hours a day/7 days a week.

House Overcome With Mold

11/5/2018 (Permalink)

Severe Mold Case

After a long hospital stay, an elderly home owner returned to his home to find it filled with mold.  Unfortunately, there was a water leak in the basement that sat for approximately 2 months.  SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park was called to remove the water and mold.

When our SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park team first arrived to assess the flooded basement, we provided water removal.  However, removing the water was just the first step.  There entire basement and main level of the house was covered with surface mold. There was mold on the furniture, walls, and ceilings.

In order for the mold remediation to be effective, our team removed all porous materials, including drywall, carpet, flooring, insulation and more.  The first floor contents, including the kitchen cabinets and wall studs, will be treated as well. This process includes pre-treating the contents with a hepa vacuum which removes 99.97% of all particulates including mold, sewage, and soot.  Next, the contents are disinfected with an anti-microbial, and then, treated again with the hepa vacuum.

To insure that mold spores are removed from the air, air scrubbers will run for approximately 3 days to clean any mold spores in the air.

This is a severe case of sitting water that resulted in a mold infestation.  If you ever find flood water in your basement or have water damage, it’s important to stop the flow of water and get it removed right away.

How Can I Protect My Property From Mold?

11/5/2018 (Permalink)

Mold in Home

One of the most frequently asked questions SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park hears from Anne Arundel County homeowners, landlords, and tenants is, “How can I protect my property from mold?” We’ve come up with a top 5 list of mold prevention tips.

Tip 1. Get to Know Your Weaknesses. Look around your home or office and identify areas where moisture comes in or collects. Frequently, we see moisture near/around windows.

Tip 2. Dry Wet Areas Immediately. If you see water collecting in your office or any other rooms, clean it up immediately. After a heavy rainfall, you may find some water in your basement. Dry that water up with towels and call us to make sure we get the area completely dry so mold doesn’t become a problem.

Tip 3. Direct Water Away from Your Home. There are many landscaping tricks you can install to track water away from your home. Installing something as simple as a French drain can reduce the amount of water coming near your house.

Tip 4. Prevent Mold with Proper Ventilation. It may be that your routine activities are encouraging the growth of mold in your home. Make sure an activity as simple as cooking dinner, taking a shower, or doing a load of laundry doesn't invite mold by providing proper ventilation in your bathroom, kitchen, laundry room, and any other high-moisture areas. Vent appliances that produce moisture — clothes dryers, stoves — to the outside (not the attic). Use AC units and dehumidifiers (especially in Maryland), but make sure they don’t produce moisture themselves by checking them periodically and cleaning them as directed by the manufacturer.

Tip 5. Clean or Repair Roof Gutters. A mold problem might be a simple matter of a roof that is leaking because of full or damaged gutters. Have your roof gutters cleaned regularly and inspected for damage. Repair them as necessary and keep an eye out for water stains after storms that may indicate a leak.

Does Your Insurance Cover You in the Event of a Fire?

10/27/2018 (Permalink)

Fire Damage

Hopefully, you’ve never been through a home or office fire in Annapolis, Maryland. However, as part of being prepared for the unexpected, it’s important to make sure your insurance (home or renters), can protect your family and business in care of a fire.

You probably know someone who has been through a home fire.  They are eager to share lessons learned the hard way. One of those lessons is that insurance can help protect your family financially if a fire should affect your home.

Here are a few ways renter’s insurance can help protect you from fire damage:

1. Protect personal property. Your landlord’s insurance will cover the building and items that belong to the landlord, but your items are not included in that coverage. As a renter, you need a policy to provide replacement value of personal property lost from fire damage.
2. Prevent financial destruction from liability. Most renter’s insurance policies include protection in case you accidentally start the fire. Of course, this doesn’t cover intentional or criminal conduct.
3. Provide money for accommodations. Make sure your policy includes this coverage, which provides for hotel fees or the expense of relocation. A loss of use can help pay for you to live somewhere else if your current space becomes uninhabitable from a disaster, like fire.

Renters insurance is affordable, costing around $30 per month. It provides coverage of your belongings no matter where they are damaged or stolen, and it covers a variety of different types of disasters. Be sure to remember that flood damage still requires separate coverage, but fire and other disasters, such as wind, lightning, theft and vandalism, are usually covered. Coverage may have some limits, so consider getting a rider for special items that may be very valuable. It’s up to the landlord to have adequate coverage for the building and any furnishings that are included. Fire restoration can encompass many different types of damage including water, smoke and soot. A good restoration company will be able to handle all types of damage, working with you to minimize loss and clean your belongings when it is possible to do so.

Fire Prevention Week (October 7 – October 13, 2018)

10/5/2018 (Permalink)

Fire Prevention Week

SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park often receives calls to help when a fire occurs in Anne Arundel County Maryland. So, we thought we should take the time to talk about Fire Prevention Week. The purpose of Fire Prevention Week is to bring awareness to the risk of death in case of a fire and provide educational resources to people of all ages, races and socioeconomic status in order to keep everyone safe. This year’s campaign, “Look. Listen. Learn. Be aware. Fire can happen anywhere,” works to educate people about three basic but essential steps to take to reduce the likelihood of having a fire––and how to escape safely in the event of one:

• LOOK for places fire could start. Take a good look around your home. Identify potential fire hazards and take care of them.
• LISTEN for the sound of the smoke alarm. You could only have minutes to escape safely once the smoke alarm sounds. Go to your outside meeting place, which should be a safe distance from the home and where everyone should go to meet up.
• LEARN two ways out of every room and make sure all doors and windows leading outside open easily and are free of clutter.

We hope your home and/or business never suffers from a fire, but if you do, we are here to help. Contact SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park at (410) 647-8181.

Pasadena Home Fire

9/19/2018 (Permalink)

Pasadena Home Fire

On August 18, 2018, a homeowner in a Pasadena neighborhood contacted SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park about a house fire. The source of was caused by a grease fire that started in the kitchen.

The homeowner mistakenly attempted to extinguish the fire with water rather than with a kitchen rated fire extinguisher or baking soda. Once the fire department saved the day, further clean-up was required because the product and water used to put the fire out.  The home was severely damaged and required boarding up the door and windows. 

Our SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park team immediately began working on both the fire and water damage. Itemizing each affected item or structural damage, we removed all unsalvageable items from the property and the items that could be salvaged were packed and moved to our warehouse in Arnold. 

Our crew at the warehouse has been working on cleaning the items that were salvaged utilizing ultrasonic machine cleaning methods. Using both wet and dry-cleaning techniques to clean contents, upholstery and furniture, we have been able to restore most materials to their preloss condition. 

Storm Preparedness Important County Numbers

9/14/2018 (Permalink)

Important County Numbers

In the event of a storm, it’s important for our community to know how to get help they need. Anne Arundel County has many resources available and our citizens. We encourage you to sign up for the CodeRED systems and print this list of Important Numbers you should have in the event of a storm.

Did you know that Anne Arundel County and the City of Annapolis utilize and emergency notification system called CodeRED? The CodeRED system contacts citizens and businesses quickly in the event of an emergency.  To sign up for CodeRED, visit: www.aacounty.org/OEM or call (410) 222-0600.

As SERVPRO Annapolis/Severna Park takes the month of September to engage with National Preparedness Month, we feel it’s important to provide our customers with important phone numbers they can use.

How Prepared are you for Hurricane Florence?

9/11/2018 (Permalink)

Hurricane Florence

As a business owner, insurer or property manager, you are a leader in your community and have the opportunity to set an example for your employees, customers and community to follow. Although, Maryland is not in the direct path of Hurricane Florence, many businesses will feel the effects from this storm via heavy rain, storm surge, and high winds.

As a business, you want to ensure you have a plan to help you:

• Stay in business
• Encourage employees to become ready
• Protect your investment

SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park can serve your business by creating an Emergency READY Profile (ERP). The ERP will help ensure you and your business are “Ready for whatever happens.”

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. This is a no-cost assessment.
Contact us today to establish your ERP.

Commercial Water Damage

9/7/2018 (Permalink)

Annapolis Waterfront water damage

Annapolis and Severna Park businesses can be affected by storms, just like homes. Most flooding and other damage comes from more common threats like a broken pipe or toilet malfunction. In a few cases, sprinkler systems fail and cause even more problems when they soak merchandise, blueprints and books.

Tourists flock to Annapolis so when water damage happens to a small business, of course it is best to dry things out as quickly as a restoration team can be called in. SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park’s restoration teams are on-call seven days a week to help business owners reopen their doors to customers and prevent as much damage to merchandise.

In smaller water-front shops like in downtown Annapolis, SERVPRO’s response time is critical. Technicians use extraction equipment to draw water out of carpets and/or from concrete and wood floors.  One advantage for a commercial or government facility is that if commercial carpet is in place, there is usually no padding underneath, so our teams will not necessarily need to lift them to remove padding.

In cases with a water-soaked commercial property, SERVPRO can bring commercial-grade drying equipment and dehumidification to the structure.  Even if the electrical power is affected by the water damage, teams utilize a variety of generators that best suit the condition of the loss.

Our goal at SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park is to help our fellow business owners reopen for service as quickly as possible. If you are dealing with flooding or another water issue, call us today at (410) 647-8181 for help!

Commercial Response Time

8/29/2018 (Permalink)

Water in Hotel

When water is spilling in your building, it’s an emergency. It doesn’t matter if it’s 2:00 in the morning or 2:00 in the afternoon. SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park prides itself on a rapid response time.

Recently, we received a call from a hotel in Annapolis at 2:30 am and we were onsite cleaning up the water within 1 hour. The hotel had water leaking from a shower pipe that ruptured on the 4^th floor of their facility. Unfortunately, water flowed through 3 levels and effected 11 hotel rooms. Thankfully, the on-site staff were able to stop the flow of water, and SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park was able to swiftly attack the cleanup.

The client was so happy he gave us the following review:

SERVPRO  was very quick and efficient when we had a major leak at our property. Their response time, to our property which was many miles away was within 1.5 hours (at 2:30am we called them). Their team and supervisors were quick to assess and start the clean-up processes so that no major damage occurred and they had the best attitude and hustle to get the job recovered from the flooding water leak. My hat is off to Trish Turner and her team for being OUTSTANDING in every aspect of cleaning, recovery and communication! Thanks and you all are 5 Stars.

We appreciate the kind review the client left online and we pride ourselves on being available 24-7 to help in any disaster.

Are you Prepared for a Flash Flood?

8/21/2018 (Permalink)

Annapolis Flash Flood

While Summer is an exciting time of year, Summer storms can create flood conditions faster than you may realize. Knowing the difference between a flood warning and flood watch is important. A Flash Flood Watch means there is possible flooding in Anne Arundel County. A Flash Flood Warning means flooding is already occurring or will occur soon in the county.

Preparing Your Family for a Flood

Your family will be better prepared to withstand a flood if you have the following items available, packed and ready to go in case you need to evacuate your home.

3 day supply of water, 1 gallon per person per day  3 day supply of non-perishable food items  Flashlights, extra batteries and multi-purpose tools  A first aid kit and a extra medications “ Sanitation and person hygiene items Extra pet supplies, food, ID and vet records. Extra clothing, blankets, sturdy shoes and rain gear Sunscreen and bug repellent - Emergency contact information and copies of important person documents. A camera to take photos of flood damage. Extra charges for electronic devices.

Annapolis Red Cross Emergency Number - (410) 952-8940

Baltimore Gas and Electric – 1-800-685-0123

SERVPRO Annapolis/Severna Park – (410) 647-8181

Storm Damage Cleanup and Restoration: What to do after a Flood or Water Damage

Floods and water damage often occur with little warning and can be devastating to homes, business and entire communities. Taking immediate action after a disaster is vital. Communicating with your insurance company and calling upon the emergency response restoration experts at SERVPRO Annapolis/Severna Park will help you move forward faster. Taking pictures, collecting items, extracting water and starting the dry-out process can be helpful, but safety must come first. If your home or business is not sturdy, do not go in. Leave that to us!

What to Do After a Flood or Water Damage

• Remove excess water by mopping and blotting.
• Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removal of lamps and tabletop items.
• Remove and prop wet upholstery and cushions.
• Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting.
• Turn air conditioning on for maximum drying in summer.
• Remove colored rugs from wet carpeting.
• Remove art objects to a safe, dry place.
• Gather loose items from floors.

What NOT to Do After a Flood or Water Damage

• Don't leave wet fabrics in place. Hang furs and leather goods.
• Don't leave books, magazines or other colored items on wet carpet or floors.
• Don't use your household vacuum to remove water.
• Don't use television or other household appliances.
• Don't turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet, and keep out of rooms where ceilings are sagging. 

Does Your Home or Business Have a Mold Problem?

8/15/2018 (Permalink)

Is this mold or mildew?

Microscopic mold spores naturally occur almost everywhere, both indoors and outdoors, in Maryland. This makes it impossible to remove all mold from a home or business. Therefore, mold remediation reduces the mold spore count back to its natural or baseline level. Some restoration businesses advertise “mold removal” and even guarantee to remove all mold, which is a fallacy. Consider the following mold facts:

• Mold is present almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors.
• Mold spores are microscopic and float along in the air and may enter your home through windows, doors, or AC/heating systems or even hitch a ride indoors on your clothing or a pet.
• Mold spores thrive on moisture. Mold spores can quickly grow into colonies when exposed to water. These colonies may produce allergens and irritants.
• Before mold remediation can begin, any sources of water or moisture must be addressed. Otherwise, the mold may return.
• Mold often produces a strong, musty odor and can lead you to possible mold problem areas.
• Even higher-than-normal indoor humidity can support mold growth. Keep indoor humidity below 45 percent to minimize the chances of mold growth.

If your home or business has a mold problem, we can inspect and assess your property and use our specialized training, equipment, and expertise to remediate your mold infestation.

If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today – 410-647-8181

Water and Sewage Damage

8/8/2018 (Permalink)

Basement water damage

SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park is committed to educating our customers. As soon as you realize there is a water issue in your home or business, you need to call us for help and here’s why. There are different types of water and sewage damage and the sooner you fix the problem the better.

The three types of contaminated water:

Category 1: "Clean Water"

Category 1 water is from a clean source like a broken water supply line or leaking faucet. If not treated quickly, this water can turn into category 2 or 3, depending on length of time, temperature, and contact with surrounding contaminants.

• Water from a clean source like a broken water line
• If left untreated, can degrade into category 2 or 3

Category 2: "Gray Water"

Category 2 water is contaminated and could cause discomfort or illness. Examples include washing machine overflow; toilet overflow with some urine, but no feces; or dishwasher overflow.

• May contain bacteria and viruses
• Can quickly degrade into category 3 if left untreated

Category 3: "Black Water"

Category 3 water is grossly contaminated and could cause severe illness or death if ingested and any contact should be avoided. Examples include flooding from rivers or streams, water from beyond the toilet trap, water from the toilet bowl with feces, or standing water that has begun to support microbial growth.

• May contain untreated sewage, harsh chemicals, and microbes
• Water from flooding rivers or sewer backup

Sewage cleanup must not be taken lightly. Serious long term health issues to adults, children and even pets may occur due to bacteria, viruses and even parasites. Don't delay. Take immediate action. Call SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park today at (410) 647-8181.

Commercial Fire Safety

8/2/2018 (Permalink)

Emergency Ready Profile

Commercial fire is one of the common issues during the summer months. Smoke alarms are a key part of a commercial as well as a well-rehearsed fire escape plan. When there is a fire, smoke spreads fast. Working smoke alarms give you early warning so you can get outside quickly. Here are a few fire safety tips you can implement in your building.

SAFETY TIPS

• Install smoke alarms in every room. They should also be outside each area and on every level of the building. Install alarms in the basement.
• Large commercial property may need extra smoke alarms in large, open rooms.
• It is best to use interconnected smoke alarms. When one smoke alarm sounds, they all sound.
• Test all smoke alarms at least once a month. Press the test button to be sure the alarm is working.
• Current alarms on the market employ different types of technology including multi-sensing, which could include smoke and carbon monoxide combined.
• Today’s smoke alarms will be more technologically advanced to respond to a multitude of fire conditions, yet mitigate false alarms.
• A smoke alarm should be on the ceiling or high on a wall.
• People who are hard-of-hearing or deaf can use special alarms. These alarms have strobe lights and bed shakers.
• Replace all smoke alarms when they are 10 years old.

SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park provides a free Emergency Ready Profile, which includes a telephone application. This powerful resource is available to property managers, building owners, and company safety representatives.

5 Tips on Preventing Storm Damage

7/23/2018 (Permalink)

Summer thunderstorms can wreak havoc on Maryland.  Almost every other day we hear about how weather is affecting people around the country. The good news is you can prepare for severe weather and help prevent storm damage.

Here are some quick tips from SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park.

• Remove dead branches from trees and remove dead trees. Dead trees and tree branches can fall on cars, damage your roof, or cause major destruction. Be sure to remove all dead wood.

• Dirty or cluttered gutters are a common cause of drainage problem. However, make sure you fix drainage problems with patios and landscaping too. Do you see any puddles in your yard? This can be a sign of drainage problems. To avoid water damage, get those drainage problems addressed before a storm.

• When was the last time you had your roof inspected? Ideally, your roof should be inspected and maintained on a yearly basis.

• Sump Pump. Ensure you have a sump pump battery backup in place. These batteries can save you from having a real mess on your hands. A batterybackup system is needed most often when heavy rains have resulted in a power outage, or the primary sump pump is overwhelmed by heavy water volumes during a rain event. 

• Shut Off. Know where your shut off valves are for your utilities. If you have a flood, for your safety, it is important to know where the shut off valves are locating both inside/outside your home.

If you have concerns with a commercial property having an emergency plan, please let us know. SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park can develop an Emergency Ready Profile (ERP) for your building and provide your facilities staff with a telephone application that will keep them prepared for severe weather. Call us for more information (410) 647-8181.

Women in Restoration

6/25/2018 (Permalink)

Diane with her award!

The Recognizing Women in Restoration was launched in 2016, and celebrates its third year in 2018. This year, more than 40 women were nominated for the award by fellow industry peers and colleagues. Each boasts at least a decade of experience in the industry, which is the only requirement to be considered for the award – position with a restoration company, title, etc. do not matter. Entries are accepted each year starting in early February, through March. Four industry judges, including myself, carefully read and judge each nomination on six criteria:

• Thoroughness of the entry
• Supporting documentation
• Journey/experience in the industry
• Job growth and future reach
• Worthiness of recognition
• Industry awards and certifications

This year’s award will be presented on Friday, June 22 at the Violand Executive Summit in Canton, Ohio. All ladies involved in this year’s campaign are invited to attend the Summit itself, as well as a very special half-day Women in Leadership event leading into the Summit on Wednesday, June 20, facilitated by R&R Editor-in-Chief, Michelle Blevins.

First Runner-Up

Diane Whittles

Diane Whittles

Owner  |  SERVPRO of Annapolis  |  Annapolis, MD

Diane’s journey in the restoration industry began in 1986 when, as she puts it, she “married into it.” For many years, she acted as bookkeeper and helped her husband with administrative tasks. This allowed her to follow the calling on her life in those years - to be very present in raising their three children, until the unexpected happened several years ago, and her calling shifted.

“When my husband passed away from cancer a few years ago, I had some choices to make,” Diane explained.  “While some colleagues may have been surprised that I decided to maintain and operate the business, they soon realized I intended to grow the business as well.  My daughter, her husband and my son pitched in to help me and I am pleased to say that I have not looked back. I took the basic knowledge I had and built on that by getting all the training I could find.”

As a strong and fruitful leader, Diana has carefully surrounded herself with a very strong team of managers who have years of experience in their fields. She calls them one of the keys to her success.

Here is her advice to fellow ladies in restoration:

“Learn what you can about the industry, watch for new trends in restoration.  Invest in equipment, infrastructure and education. Most importantly, empower your employees and support your community.”

Click here to read the full article.

Toilet Tank Water Damage

6/11/2018 (Permalink)

Ceiling Damage

During the recent rain storms, SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park was inundated with requests for help. However, even though most calls were about storm damage, some were routine water issues.  One such call came from Severna Park.

When this commercial building owner called us to attend to his three-story office building that was flooded, we discovered the loss occurred from a broken toilet tank on the third level.  The water ran all weekend long and the by the time Monday morning rolled around, all three levels were affected.  Most of the carpet was ruined, drywall was wet, and even the ceilings suffered from water damage. Nothing SERVPRO hasn’t seen before and within hours, 50 air movers and a 1200 CFM desiccant dehumidifier were installed, working off 55 KW generator to quickly dry the structure with as much minimum damage as possible.  Upon removing the carpet, we discovered asbestos tiles which no one wanted to disturb.  Being able to dry the structure so quickly and efficiently saved a lot of time and money for both the property owner AND the insurance company.  SERVPRO turned the building back over to the owner in under 96 hours!

May 2018 Record Breaking Rainfall in Anne Arundel County Maryland

6/1/2018 (Permalink)

Rainfall in Annapolis

Wow! Have we seen rain or what?! During the first 3 weeks of May, Anne Arundel County, Maryland has seen record-breaking rainfall.

SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park and SERVPRO of Edgewater/Deale-Churchton and Lothian were inundated with requests to assist with flooded basements, leaks in roofs from fallen trees and more. Our crews worked around the clock and provided outstanding service to residents and business owners in Anne Arundel County.

When you suffer a water emergency, we will do our best to get to you as soon as possible. However, there are a few things you can do to make sure you are safe and to prevent additional damage. Here’s a list of questions you can ask:

• Is it safe for you to stay in your house?
• Are there any electrical risks? Is the water near an outlet?
• Is it possible someone can fall in the water?
• Can you move materials to dry areas?

Safety is our top priority. Always make sure you and your home are safe first. Wet items can be dried or replaced.

SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park and SERVPRO of Edgewater/Deale-Churchton and Lothian is strategically located to provide rapid response to water emergencies. We are water removal and cleanup specialists and are ready to service your home when flooding or water leaks cause water damage. We quickly dry your property using state-of-the-art water removal equipment and advanced drying techniques, documenting the drying process to make sure your property is dry and the job is done right.

If you have concerns with water damage, call us (410) 647-8181

Spring Storms are good for Something

4/18/2018 (Permalink)

Spring storms in Arnold helped relieve allergies by washing away the pollen.

The recent spring rain storms that have passed through brought more colder air and rain than anyone wanted in April.  The long cold and dark winter has many people on edge and willing to do just about anything to get some sun.  I am with them, but I did find some comfort in the rain. Wait, what?

Yes, comfort. Comfort for my allergies.  Leading up to the weekend the dry windy air was spreading pollen all over the place.  The cars and patio furniture were coated in green pollen and my eyes were red and itchy. Then the rain came and there was some relief. 

The National Institute of Health recommends saving outside activities for late afternoon or after a heavy rain, when pollen counts are lower. This is a great tip, but I am still in the camp that wants the sun and real spring weather to head our way.

How much is on your facility managers plate?

4/13/2018 (Permalink)

Let us take care of your commercial water, fire and mold restoration.

Annapolis facility managers have a lot of responsibilities. At one local Class A building I have seen the facility manager change lightbulbs, check on the cleanliness of the ladies’ room, head to the roof and check the systems, check the air flow in various locations of an office space, work with window washing vendors and talk the firemen at a fire drill.  That was all in one morning.

One thing I did learn over the years in that building was that as talented as our facility manager was, he was smart enough to have good help.  He was aware that he was not able to manage every type of situation himself so he would call in experts for each area. 

Their commercial water restoration company on call was SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park.

Their commercial fire restoration company on call was SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park.

Their commercial bio-hazard company on call was SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park.

Their commercial mold mitigation company on call was SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park.

Trust our team with your commercial space and take something off your facility managers plate.

Are you drinking mold in Crownsville?

4/4/2018 (Permalink)

Have you seen mold in your coffee? If so call SERVPRO.

I was away on Spring Break in North Carolina when someone began talking about mold in coffee.  Those two words together caught me by surprise because I LOVE coffee and I work in the mold remediation industry. The story that was being shared was about mycotoxins that can be present in coffee, which can come from molds found in the coffee beans before processing.  Most of us would agree that the thought of ingesting mycotoxins, mold or any chemicals can be harmful, so I did a little digging when I got home.

There are several websites that say any amount of any toxin is harmful to humans.  Many other websites debunk this as a myth, explaining that many foods have insignificant amounts of “toxins” in them and coffee is no different.  My take away was that, I will keep drinking my coffee unless I see Green fuzzy mold on top!!  You can research the web and decide for yourself.

If there is mold in your home, car or office you should just call SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park at 410.647.8181

Cleaning Deeper in Annapolis

3/27/2018 (Permalink)

Germs can be spread during our daily activity in Annapolis.

Businesses all around the Annapolis/ Severna Park area should be thinking deeper about cleanings.  Most companies have nightly cleaning service or even day porters, but with the increase of infectious diseases, everyone should be thinking DEEPER CLEAN. 

Some interesting facts to back up this notion:

Fact: C. Diff has killed more people than Ebola and can live outside the body for 70-90 days.

Fact: Tuberculosis is one of the fastest growing communicable diseases in the world.

Fact: This flu season 48 states had high levels of flu activity

Locals are concerned about staying healthy and thinking about all the places that germs might be lurking.  Where do you go on a daily basis? The grocery store, work, restaurants, the gym, movie theater, schools or the mall might be a part of your travels.  These busy populated places can be breading grounds for infectious diseases. 

If you work or own a business in the area you can call SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park for a deep clean/sanitization estimate.  Our services can get to that deeper level than surface clean.

Mold Madness in Severna Park

3/8/2018 (Permalink)

Sinks, washing machines,and ice makers are just a few places slow leaks can lead to mold growth in your Severna Park home.

We hear about mold all the time on the news, on buildings (got mold?) and after all the major flooding incidents.  You might be wondering if it really matters to you.  The answer is YES! 

Mold or fungi are microscopic organisms that can be found just about anywhere and everyone is exposed to natural mold daily. Molds are usually not a problem indoors unless mold spores land on damp or wet surfaces and begin to grow.

Your home, office and schools all have water sources that can create extra moisture and allow mold to grow.  Dishwashers, refrigerators, leaking water pipes, hot water heaters, toilets, sprinkler systems,  can all be quick or slow culprits that create an environment ripe for mold growth.  Checking your appliances and potential water sources regularly can help find moisture situations before they get out of control. 

This kitchen sink is a perfect example of a slow leak that allowed for mold growth all the way under the flooring and down to a basement wall.  If you suspect water damage, it is best to call a local professional who can mitigate to prevent this situation from happening to your Severna Park or Crownsville home.

Creosote can cause chimney fires in Severna Park and area homes

2/16/2018 (Permalink)

The black and white flaky soot is creosote. This was taken in an employees chimney right before a cleaning.

The groundhog saw his shadow calling for six more weeks of winter and it might even snow this weekend.  Keeping warm is on many local’s minds, so heating up that fire place is on the top of the list. Do you know the last time you had your chimney cleaned?  If it is too long to remember or over 2 years, call a chimney sweep now. 

After burning wood on a regular basis, the byproduct of it all can form in to a residue called creosote.  It is the blackish crusty, flaky tar- like soot that is seen in the picture.  This material is flammable and can catch fire inside the chimney.  These fires can be small and go unnoticed until they break through the wall or surrounding area.  Most importantly these fires are preventable with proper chimney maintenance and inspections.

If you find you have smoke or soot damage from a fire our IICRC trained technicians are available 24/7/365 to assist.

Heating Safety Reminders for February

2/6/2018 (Permalink)

FEMA is a great resource for safety tips for everyone in the Annapolis/Severna Park area.

Temperatures in the Annapolis and surrounding area still hover around freezing throughout February.  For many of us we are just about done with the cold and snow.  I am done with my electric bill being so expensive, due to increased gas use to heat the house.   Weather your heating unit has failed, you are tired of paying the expensive bill or you have spaces in the home that do not heat well, here are some winter heating safety tips to prevent fires.

• Never use an oven or stove top to heat your home
• Always use a metal or heat tempered glass screen when using a fireplace
• All heater should have 3 feet on each side

Our IICRC certified technicians are available now to help with frozen pipes, water or fire damage at 410.647.8181.

We are off, thanks to Runway to Success

1/12/2018 (Permalink)

Our team is going to Orlando, thanks to Runway to Success powered by Southwest Airlines.

Building a business in Annapolis has been a terrific opportunity for our owners.  It has been over 40 years and there are still new opportunities that become available to help small companies like ours.  We found out today that we have been awarded a round trip ticket to attend a conference this summer.  Anne Arundel County Economic Development Corporation and Southwest Airlines teamed up to host Runway to Success for local businesses. 

SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park submitted an application in 2017 in the hopes of funding the travel for a conference that will enhance our teams knowledge of trends in the water damage, fire restoration and mold remediation arenas.  

You can see what other local companies were awarded tickets from Southwest here.

We will be sure to share everything we learn with you and our crews this summer. 

Our IICRC certified techs are available now to help with frozen pipes, water or fire damage at 410.647.8181.

Bottles Bottles all around Arnold

12/22/2017 (Permalink)

Plastic Bottles around Severna Park will take over 400 years to naturally decompose.

The ball fields, the lunch rooms, the playgrounds and even the side of the roads.  There are water bottles everywhere we turn.  Statistics show globally we buy a million plastic bottle per minute. Now that we know we are the cause of all these bottles, what can we do to help eliminate them?

Our family recently purchased a bottle less water cooler similar to those at bottleless.com.  We had been using the 5 gallon jugs but felt bad even about that.  So now we are bottle less and we use refillable water bottles or glasses, which makes us feel like we are doing our part.  This did come with the concern of having a water line installed and running.  Which could leak and cause water damage to the kitchen or the basement below. 

Using a professional plumber to help us install the water line and verify all the connections were sealed, we felt very comfortable that we are doing the best thing for the environment.  We do check our lines once a month when we change our filter to make sure we spot any small leaks ahead of time.  So far so good! 

If you find yourself with any type of water damage or in need of water restoration services, call SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park 410.647.8181 anytime.

Storms could cause Holiday Travel Delays

12/21/2017 (Permalink)

Holiday travel around Annapolis could include rain or snow!

Holiday Travel is upon us! Whether you are traveling by car, air or boat you need to be aware of what the weather will be in your area of travel.  Winter storms can come in the shape of snow, wind, rain and even fog.  These conditions can cause travel hazards and delays.

Keeping your phone charged, having a charger on hand or back up battery is important in case your area loses power.  Adding some key phone numbers to car rentals, airlines, and hotels in your zone of travel will help should storms change your initial plan.  Airline passengers recently learned that when all the power at the Atlanta airport went out, they could not scan their boarding passes.  Call me old school but I still print directions for long trips and print my boarding passes!

Checking the weather before you leave is the first step in being prepared for travel this holiday season.  Stay Safe and Happy Holidays!

Overloaded Outlets Can lead to Fires

12/20/2017 (Permalink)

ESFI has great tips for Millersville residents about outlet safety this holiday season.

December is the season of lights, candles and food.  Driving around Millersville, Ben Oaks, Shipley’s Choice, and Chartwell neighborhoods; looking at all the holiday lights and seeing all the extension cords gave us pause.  Are those cords rated for outside use, are they all hooked to the same outlet? 

There are some safety tips to follow when using lights outside:

1. Purchase certified and lab tested cords
2. Make sure they are rated for outdoor use
3. Do not use multiple plug outlets chained together

Inside the home you may add some lights, your tree and maybe even some cooking appliances.  Using certified and lab tested cords inside is important as well.  Overloading outlets is the biggest issues that can lead to a fire.  Checking connections for fraying wires, limiting the number of units per outlet and unplugging items when not in use are best practices we should all follow.

The Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) has other great safety tips that will help limit your holiday fire risk.  SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park will have crews working throughout the holiday if you find yourself in need of smoke, soot or fire damage repair.

Ice Dams can cause water damage to Millersville homes

12/11/2017 (Permalink)

Millersville and area residents should know that icicles are a good sign there is ice damming on their roof.

We Marylander’s can to be somewhat unprepared for freezing temperatures and having sixty degree temperatures in December does not help!  But in SERVPRO’s line of business, ice damming and broken pipes can wreak havoc on a home or commercial facility during a snow storm.

It is interesting to note that water damage restoration companies in the New England area have fewer freeze related losses than we do in Maryland!  New Englander's know the importance of proper ventilation, insulation and controlling heat loss. 

When parts of a snowy roof surface become warm enough, ice damming can occur.  This occurs when part of your roof on your Millersville home warms above 32 degrees F.  The melted snow runs down the roof under existing snow cover and refreezes as temps go down or the roof edge temperatures remain below freezing.  The melted snow becomes trapped behind the ice dam and if it has nowhere to go and that can create leaks as melting snow can back up under shingles!    If you currently have an ice dam you can gently break free the ice chunks or use calcium chloride ice melter to slowly break up the dam. Prevention is key, keep ceilings air tight so no warm air from the structure can travel into attic space and keep the insulation dense.  Strive for temperatures on a roof deck to be similar to those in an attic space.

It is a best to check attic space in the winter to make sure you have no minor leaks that can potentially turn into larger issues.  SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park has technicians available who can assist if you find the water damage is too much to handle.

Tips to avoid Christmas Tree Fires in Annapolis

12/4/2017 (Permalink)

Water your Annapolis Christmas tree everyday.

Thanksgiving, Black Friday, Cyber Monday, Giving Tuesday have all come and gone. It is now December and officially the holiday season.  Many people are out shopping for Christmas trees and putting up holiday lights.  This is a festive time of year, but also a time to remember some safety tips.

At SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park we rely on the National Fire Protection Association for key fire safety tips. They recommend the following:

1. Keep tree at least 3 feet from a heat source
2. Be sure to add water to tree daily
3. Make sure lights are not broken or have frayed cords
4. Turn off holiday lights before bed or when leaving the home

Most importantly is to get rid of the Christmas tree once it is dried out.  Removing the dead tree from the home and garage is the best prevention for accidental holiday fires.

SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park will be available all holiday season to assist with any smoke, fire or water damage needs.  Call 410-647-8181 anytime!

Old vs. New Homes and Mold in Annapolis

11/17/2017 (Permalink)

Restoring historic properties is important to our team.

SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park recently worked with the City of Annapolis and its KEEPING HISTORY ABOVE WATER conference in October and continues to support the City of Annapolis and its Weather It Together initiative.

Part of SERVPRO’s involvement with Weather It Together (and I urge you to visit their website) is because, of course, we love the history and community that is Annapolis but mostly, as a SERVPRO owner, I am keenly aware of preservation and restoration.  After all, our motto is, “Like it never even happened.” ... not tear it down and start over. 

 As we got more involved in the conference, my staff and I learned a few things.  My team researched building materials and recreated structural samples spanning from pre-Civil war to the present day and how they have changed.  A question presented itself.   Why, for example, is mold so much more of a problem now with assumingly better modern-day materials?

In the 1920’s, indoor plumbing was introduced (great source of moisture).  Builders moved from plaster and lath to drywall and from solid lumber to composites.  In the 50’s, along comes air conditioning and the 60’s brought us updated HVAC systems.  Buildings became more comfortable and energy consumption increased and we end up with an energy crisis in the 70’s!  Energy efficiency became a priority and building design changed to reduce energy consumption.  Construction became “tighter” reducing heat flow and air movement and more importantly, reducing drying potential of a commercial building or home.  In the early 80’s, energy efficient structures were being built in quantity and by the late 80’s, health complaints start being connected to tight buildings and interest in mold problems began to grow.

So, for those of you who love vintage and historical properties, commercial or residential, you will be happy to know that older structures typically dry out better with less demolition than modern structures.

Calling SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park when your commercial or residential structure needs attention is your best bet!

Where did mold come from?

11/10/2017 (Permalink)

Mold under the microscope can look pretty. Not in your Cape Saint Claire home.

Molds or fungi are microscopic organisms that can be found just about anywhere and anyone can be exposed to mold almost daily.  Molds are usually not a problem indoors UNLESS mold spores land on damp or wet surfaces and begin to grow.  Elevated moisture/humidity levels create a flourishing breeding ground for molds to produce the allergens and irritants that can make a person sick.  As long as moisture is not present, mold cannot grow.  You must discover the reason for elevated moisture levels (leaking pipe, hot water heater, toilet, etc.).  When water leaks indoors – respond quickly!  If you can dry the affected area within 24-48 hours, in most cases mold will not grow.

If you “SMELL” mold, remember that the mold may be hidden atop ceiling tiles, or by wallpaper or paneling or inside ductwork.  Use caution if you are investigating the “Smell/Odor” yourself as the simple act of pulling away wallpaper can release spores and NEVER turn a fan on to hasten drying as it will most likely blow those pesky spores around, causing more damage.

The area SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park services is surrounded by water!  We’ve remediated hundreds if not thousands of mold projects over our 40 plus years.  Most property managers or homeowners call us frantically when they believe they may have a mold problem but it is not alarming to us as we are educated and trained.  A mold situation is fixable if properly remediated. 

Freezing Temperatures Getting Ready to hit Anne Arundel County

11/9/2017 (Permalink)

Frozen pipes can cause major water damage to local homes. We are here to help 24/7/364.

The weatherman is telling us that freeze warnings are going into effect as of tomorrow.  The next week or so is going to be colder than average for November in Maryland. Are you and your home ready? 

If you have not checked your heating units, gotten out your gloves and scarves now is a good time to do that.  One thing many people do not think of when doing winter preparations is freezing pipes. Pipes that are exposed to the cold on the exterior of your home, near your pool or garage and interior pipes with little insulation are all at risk.

Draining outdoor water lines, insulating attic and crawl space pipes and keeping indoor temperatures to above 55 degrees, even if no one is home, are simple steps to help prevent frozen pipes.  The American Red Cross has a full guide to winter preparations for your pipes.

Should you get caught with a burst pipe and have water running everywhere, you need to call SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park to mitigate the water quickly. Our professionals are available 24/7/365 even holidays.

Just woke up and there is water everywhere, Now What?

11/9/2017 (Permalink)

Find the water shut off then call SERVPRO!

First thing is to find the source of the water and stop the flow if possible.  If you need to, turn off the water shut off for the whole house. Usually located in the basement. 

Now take a deep breath and make sure any electrical or trip hazards are addressed.  You can now call SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park who will arrive and use advanced equipment and techniques to remove the water quickly. They closely monitor and document the drying process to verify your property is dried properly and thoroughly.

Our content cleaning division is capable of sanitizing items, drying documents and photos, and electronic cleanup.  We understand that your personal belongings are an important part of any restoration job. The entire team will be with you from beginning to end when you suffer an unexpted water loss.

Have A Water Damage Emergency? 
Call 410-647-8181

Cooking Fires are the #1 Cause of Home Fires

11/7/2017 (Permalink)

Crews are in Millersville, Arnold, Davidsonville 24/7/365.

The holiday season is upon us and that means an increase in kitchen fires.  Thanksgiving is the peak day for home cooking fires, followed by Christmas Day and Christmas Eve.  Leaving items unattended, or forgetting items in the oven are the top causes of these incidents.

Top Safety Tips Include:

• Stay in kitchen when cooking on stove top
• Set timer on phone and kitchen to alert before completion
• Keep kitchen towels and oven mitts away from fire source
• Never leave lit candles unattended

SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park wants you to have a happy and healthy holiday.  Our neighbor’s safety is important to us.  If you find yourself or a friend in need of fire or water remediation we are available 24/7/365 to assist.  Call 410.647.8181 anytime.

Gobble Gobble!

Fast, Professional Restoration for Storm Damage to your Annapolis Home

11/7/2017 (Permalink)

We can restore your home and contents, "Like it never even happened."

Rain, Snow and Wind are a bad combination for Maryland residents.  Winter Storm season is approaching our area and the predictions are for more precipitation than last year.  Temperatures are expected to be lower than normal which can lead to frozen and busted pipes.  All these predictions mean is that it is time to get prepared! 

Shovels, Generators, Clean Gutters, Roof Patches and saving SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park’s number (410.647.8181) to your cell are the most important steps. It is unrealistic to think storm damage cannot affect you. If it does you need to act fast for a better chance of restoring your home and possessions. Our IICRC-Certified technicians come equipped to extract water and assess the damage to the structure.  We understand that getting your home dry and your belongings restored is your number one priority. We are here to help!

Hiring a Professional for Mold Remediation is Essential

11/7/2017 (Permalink)

We can treat residential and commercial mold in Anne Arundel County.

Once you suspect you have mold you should call the SERVPRO professionals who have a proven process when dealing with mold infestation. Containment is the first step to prevent mold spores from cross contamination into other areas of the home. Air ducts need to be sealed as well since they are pathways to other rooms.  Once sealed off our crews remove all active mold by cleaning the surfaces and using HEPA vacuums to extract the spores.  Industrial sir scrubbers are used to cleanse the air.

Maintaining a low humidity and dry environment is the key to keeping mold growth from forming.  We can show you how to do this using dehumidifiers and air movers.

Our commitment to returning you to a clean and safe home is what drives each step of the process.  If you have any questions about our process or suspect you have mold, call 410.647.8181 today. 

Paper, Paper Everywhere

10/10/2017 (Permalink)

Document Restoration is possible when you call SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park.

How much paper do you think your office uses in a day?

In a month?

In a year? 

Many businesses have made efforts to go “paperless” but paper is still a large part of many commercial businesses.  Law firms, education institutes, accountants, and medical offices all have important documents that, if lost, would devastate the business. 

Did you know there is a way to restore those documents if damaged?

SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park has the capability to restore important documents using different restorative drying processes. In many water damages there is bacteria introduced to the environment. The latest vacuum freeze-drying method, as well as gamma irradiation technology for sterilizing allow us to preserve and sanitize the documents most important to you. The technology we use is the only method approved by the National Archives and Records Administration and General Services Administration. For your home or office document needs call 410.647.8181.

Fire Prevention Week

10/10/2017 (Permalink)

Emergency Fire Planning saves lives.

National Fire Protection Association has offered these tips during Fire Prevention Week, October 8-14,2017. Fire moves very fast, estimates say you have less than 2 minutes to get out safely.

1. Draw a map of your home including all windows and doors
2. Find two ways out of every room
3. Clear path from all windows and doors
4. Choose an outdoor meeting place away from the structure & Call 911
5. Test your smoke alarm
6. Practice your drill with the whole family
7. Fine tune the plan based on the practice run

Remember that people cannot be replaced, nothing is as important as getting out safely. Once you can safely return to the home you can then think about calling for assistance with smoke, fire or water damage. The sooner you have SERVPRO professionals on site, the sooner they can begin the restoration process.

Who cleans those cushions?

10/10/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park cleans those cushions.

Do you ever think about what you are sitting on? In the hotel lobby, on the bus, in a conference room, or auditorium where hundreds of people have been before you.  You do not need to be a germaphobe to know that all those people have left behind something,and germs can cause health effects.

As individuals, we can wash our hands or use sanitizer to combat these leave behinds.  As commercial businesses, you too can do something to keep your property clean, Call SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park for a cleaning estimate. We have been cleaning commercial upholstery, carpets and train cushions for years to minimize visual dirt as well as those pesky germs.  These cleanings are a value add to your guests and enhance the longevity of your property.  For a free estimate call 410.647.8181 now.

What will your sign say?

9/12/2017 (Permalink)

Don't let a disaster close your doors.

Almost forty percent of business do not reopen after a disaster per FEMA . Of the businesses that survive, the overwhelming majority of them had a preparedness plan in place.   By developing a SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile for your business, you minimize business interruption by having an immediate plan of action. Knowing what to do and what to expect in advance is the key to timely mitigation and can help minimize how water and fire damage affect your business.

Would staff know where to direct first responders?

Do your employees know your chain of command?

Do your managers know where water shut off valves are?

Thankfully, SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park can help with getting your plan underway.  Not only do we offer a FREE customized Emergency Ready Profile, we have Pre- Disaster Agreements that set us up to be on call for your fire, water, and mold damages.   

Creating a plan now is what will make the difference in what your sign will say. Call 410.647.8181 to schedule your FREE planning appointment.

Diane Whittles helps keep local businesses doors open

9/12/2017 (Permalink)

Diane helps local historical sites, businesses and residences to stay open after a disaster.

Whether it's a coastal storm, tidal flooding or the long-term reality of sea level rise, properties and public spaces within the flood hazard area are at risk.  Even the most conservative projections indicate that we might anticipate an increase in sea level and flood elevations of nearly 4 ft. by 2100. Annapolis and the surrounding area have many historical buildings,commercial businesses and monuments in these zones.  Area leaders are working on plans to minimize the effect on our local history. Weather It Together is the Annapolis community-based planning initiative designed to adapt communities to minimize the risks associated with flooding.

Diane Whittles, owner of SERVPRO® of Annapolis/Severna Park and SERVPRO® of Edgewater/Deale-Churchton/Lothian has over 40 years of experience with flooding and the effects it can have on individuals, businesses and cities.  She has seen the devastation and financial toll that water damage can have. Making every effort to help people prepare for these situations is a key component of Diane’s messaging, she would like to help people avoid disasters.   This fell right in line with the Weather It Together initiative. Each month WIT hosts a guest speaker that shares research, experiences or strategies they have been a part of.  Ellicott City leaders, Office of Emergency Management, FEMA, DNR, Historic Preservation Council and many more have all participated and collaborated to educate our community.

The collaboration doesn’t stop locally, Keeping History Above Water will be hosting its second annual conference in Annapolis, October 29-31 to share best practices, promote dialogue and engage new audiences.  Session speakers will include Dr. David Guggenheim, President, Ocean Doctor Inc., James B, Balocki, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy (Installations and Facilities), and Annapolis’s very own, Lisa Craig, Chief of Historic Preservation. Mrs. Whittles choose to be a sponsor of the conference to help spread awareness of flooding issues and be a resource for those who are effected by flooding and water damage.  SERVPRO has been a unique added value to WIT and the KHAW group. Their experience in post disaster assistance has helped people understand the long-term effects from flooding and the cost to recover. In partnership with KHAW and WIT Diane and her team are continuing to serve the community in which they hold so dear.

Help for Sandwich Generation is right here in Annapolis/Severna Park

8/10/2017 (Permalink)

Boxes can get wet and grow mold. Let SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park help with that.

Sandwich generation is the term for people who are raising their own kids and caring for their aging parents. 47% of those ages 40-50 fall into this category.  Caregivers are dealing with health issues, financial issues and many times a second home to take care of if the parent is aging in place.  

Many aging parents are not able to maintain the home and can end up with mold, water damage or hoarding. These are all additional stressors for caregivers.

SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park can help take some stress away for the sandwich generation.  Our team is trained to mitigate water damages, mold and the biohazards that can be associated with hoarding.  Not all hoarding looks like what you see on the TV show "Hoarders".  Basements, attics or spare rooms can become overrun with boxes and with any bit of moisture, fungi, mold and other bacteria can begin to grow.  Our franchise is ARBA certified and will use proper protective gear to assess the situation, decontaminate and restore the property so it is safe for you and your family member.

If you are stuck in the middle and need help call 410.647.8181.

Revised Tropical Storm and Hurricane Forecast has impact on Anne Arundel County

8/10/2017 (Permalink)

Millersville, is your disaster kit ready?

Forecasters have recently increased their forecast of named storms and major hurricanes. Predictions from May of 2017 were much lower, but due to current conditions in the Atlantic we are in for an “extremely active season”.  What does that mean for residents of Arnold, Severna Park and Annapolis?

Peak season is Mid-August through late October.  Preparation starts NOW! 

1. Download a weather or local emergency operations app that will send alerts to your cell phone when there are weather alerts for your location.
2. Pack a Disaster Kit -details here
3. Know your plan for the family if you need to evacuate, power goes out or what to do if your home is effected by storm damage
4. Prepare your home
   1. Tree limbs cut back
   2. Secure loose rain gutters, clean debris and leaves from them
   3. Purchase, check and gas up generator
5. Add SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park to your cell phone 410.647.8181

Once a weather alert is issued make sure to stay tuned to radio for local announcements for updates and instructions.  Safety is the most important thing during storm cleanup.  Avoid down power lines, standing water and debris fields.  Calling SERVPRO to help after a storm, and letting our trained professionals help is what we are here for.

For more information about the forecast and preparedness visit the National Hurricane Center.

For assistance with storm damage, flooding, mold or fire restoration call 410.647.8181 for the fastest response.

Waterspout spotted near Annapolis/Severna Park

7/20/2017 (Permalink)

Waterspouts have recently been spotted near Annapolis/Severna Park.

On Saturday July 15^th, around lunchtime, witnesses say a waterspout was seen on the Chesapeake Bay moving east towards the Shore.  You can see video HERE. This experience caught many boaters by surprise and brought to light how quickly the weather can change while out on the water.  Waterspouts can be difficult to predict like much of the Annapolis areas weather.  Here are several suggestions to follow when heading out on the water.

1. Check the National Weather Service before you leave
2. Install a weather alert app on your phone
3. Let someone know what waterway you will be on
4. Make sure flares are not expired

Once you are out on the water and encounter bad weather, you should immediately return to land. The closest land may not be your original destination but it is important to return to shore. During the trip to shore you should put on personal flotation devices as a precaution. Returning safely is the most important part of the boating trip.

SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park is your local fire, water and mold restoration company.

Available 24/7/365 at 410.647.8181

National Night Out

7/20/2017 (Permalink)

National Night Out event held in Severna Park.

National Night Out is an annual community-building event created to promote relationship between neighborhoods and law enforcement.  The ability to bring police and communities together under positive circumstances is one of the greatest benefits to this event.  Local communities can register to host a NNO event that is FREE to the public.  Residents from around Annapolis, Millersville, Severna Park and Arnold can participate on August 1, 2017 at Earleigh Heights VFD from 5:30-8pm.  Families will enjoy lite fare, beverages, ice cream, giveaways, police demonstrations and vehicles on display.  Local business will be supporting these efforts as well.  Keep an eye out for the green cars and shirts of SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park! Supporting our local police and fire departments is a top priority for our company, as is supporting residents when fire, flooding or mold situations arise.

Anne Arundel County Eastern District: National Night Out full details HERE

Annapolis/Severna Park offering Summer Cleaning Special

7/10/2017 (Permalink)

Carpet Cleaning Special is available until September 1st.

It is mid-July and the kids have been out of school for almost 6 weeks!  A lot of dirt can build up over that time and the good news is SERVPRO® of Annapolis/Severna Park has the answer.

Our Summer Cleaning Special offers 10% OFF Carpet Steam Cleaning Service*.

Services Include:

• Vacuum
• Pre-Treatment
• Spot Treatment

*Minimum service call of $225.00 applies.  Offer Expires September 1, 2017.

The SERVPRO® carpet and upholstery cleaning service will not only get out the dirt you see, but will also remove the unwanted dust you don’t. Professionally cleaned carpet and furniture will allow you to enjoy the spirit of summer while you let us do the dirty work.

It is not too late to have the Air Ducts cleaned. All that great AC blowing through the house can also be sending dust and bacteria along with it.  The kids are home for another 7 weeks, call now to have the cleaned to improve the air quality for everyone in the home.

Summer specials are not only for your home, but also for offices, daycare , businesses, and warehouses. Let us help you get over the mid-summer hump.

Call us today to schedule a cleaning service, 410-647-8181.

Anne Arundel Residents battling dampness and mold- You are not alone!

7/10/2017 (Permalink)

Mold growth after a small bathroom leak. High humidity in an un-ventilated bathroom can lead to this.

Summer humidity in our area can lead to a constant battle against dampness in your home.  As the peak of summer hits and temperatures in the high nineties and one hundreds, with humidity levels over 80% this is the time to make sure you are on top of the situation.   Failure to control the moisture in your Annapolis, Arnold, Severna Park or Millersville home can lead to ideal conditions for mold to grow.

 Steps to Control Moisture

1. Air Conditioning the home
2. Dehumidifiers in basements, that are particularly damp
3. Promptly fixing any leaky roofs, windows or pipes
4. Thoroughly cleaning and drying after flooding
5. Ventilating showers, laundry and cooking areas

If you suspect that you have mold SERVPRO of Annapolis/ Severna Park is available to help remediate, you are not alone!

Call 410.647.8181 to schedule our IICRC Certified technicians.

Learn more about our mold services HERE

County Parks and Recreation has a lot to offer Annapolis/Severna Park Residents

7/3/2017 (Permalink)

Kinder Farm Park offers trails, playgrounds and the 4-H livestock.

July, starts Parks and Recreation Month. Anne Arundel County Parks and Recreation offer an array of activities for people of all ages.  Getting out and being a part of your community has benefits ranging from easing stress to increasing physical activity which can lead to health improvements. . In July you can visit the Blacksmith Shop at Kinder Farm Park on Sunday July 2^nd or the Sawmill on July 5^th from 9 am-noon. If music is more your speed Sweet Leda will be performing at Quite Waters Park in Annapolis on July 15^th at 6 pm.  For those looking to get active this summer The Hope, Skip and Jump 5K is on July 29^th in Annapolis.  All these events and more can be found at http://www.aacounty.org/departments/recreation-parks/.  SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park would like to also invite you to the Greater Severna Park & Arnold Chamber of Commerce July 4^th parade which is always a summer favorite. Enjoy the amazing activities in our county and do not forget to call SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park for your water and fire restoration needs.

Get our READY PLAN app today!

6/20/2017 (Permalink)

Be READY should a water damage happen with our SERVPRO READY APP.

Annapolis/ Severna Park residents can get help faster and easier by downloading the SERVPRO® Ready Plan app, for FREE.  This easy to use application allows you to create a SERVPRO® Emergency Ready Profile for your home or business.  You will take a few minutes to enter critical property details that you might need following a loss.  Easy to follow prompts will guide you through the short process.  These important details will be at your fingertips should you suffer a water damage or fire loss in the future. 
The App contains weather updates as well as steps to take during a water, fire, mold or vandalism damage while you wait for the SERVPRO team to arrive. 

SERVPRO® of Annapolis/Severna Park is happy to assist commercial property owners/managers through the Emergency Ready Profile creation.  Call us today at 410.647.8181 and ask to speak with a sales and marketing representative.

You can download the app from iTunes HERE  

or for android phones HERE

SERVPRO supports Mens' Health Month

5/4/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Crew rocking the blue!

April is national Testicular Cancer awareness month. Our team has joined Anne Arundel County Professional Firefighters, Local 1563 who have been selling t-shirts since 2013, and raised over $26,000 for the DeCesaris Cancer Center at Anne Arundel Medical Center in Annapolis. The Geaton and JoAnn DeCesaris Cancer Institute is a comprehensive, regional leader in cancer care that includes the latest in prevention, screening, diagnosis and treatment. Many different types of cancer specialists collaborate and contribute to the care of the patients.  SERVPRO of Annapolis/ Severna Park supported the cause by wearing the blue shirts on Fridays in April. 

It is not talked about often but, testicular cancer, the leading cancer in men 15-44, can strike at any age, yet it's hardly talked about. When detected early, it has a survival rate of over 95%.  It is important to raise awareness to help save lives.  For more information check out DeCesaris Cancer Institute.

Annapolis/Severna Park Smoke and Soot Cleanup

9/6/2016 (Permalink)

Smoke and Soot Damage Can Cause a Pervasive Odor in Your Annapolis/Severna Park Home.

Smoke and soot is very invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your home, causing hidden damage and odor. Our smoke damage expertise and experience allows us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damage to develop a comprehensive plan of action.  

Smoke and soot facts:

• Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.
• Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.
• The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.

Different Types of Smoke

There are two different types of smoke–wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. The cleaning procedures will then be based on the information identified during pretesting. Here is some additional information:

Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber

• Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.

Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood

• Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke rises.

Protein Fire Residue – Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire

• Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor. 

Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions.  We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage.  We will also treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care.

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?

Call Us Today –  410-647-8181

Hurricane Preparedness - Be Ready

8/17/2016 (Permalink)

With Hurricane season approaching, there are two keys to weather safety that everyone should know.  That is to PREPARE for the risks and to ACT on those preparations when alerted by emergency officials.

Before a Hurricane:

Call SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park – 410-647-8181

Annapolis/Severna Park Residents:  Follow These Mold Safety Tips If You Suspect Mold

7/21/2016 (Permalink)

Be careful! Without proper training, you could be spreading mold throughout your home.

If you see visible mold, do not disturb it. You can inadvertently spread the mold infestation throughout your home. When mold is disturbed, the mold can release microscopic mold spores which become airborne and can circulate inside your home.

What to Do:

·         Stay out of affected areas.

·         Turn off the HVAC system and fans.

·         Contact SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park 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.

About Our Mold Remediation Services

SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park specializes in mold cleanup and restoration, in fact, it’s a cornerstone of our business.  Our crews are highly trained restoration professionals that use specialized equipment and techniques to properly remediate your mold problem quickly and safely.

If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today – 410-647-8181

For Immediate Service in Annapolis, Arnold, or Severna Park, Call SERVPRO

7/12/2016 (Permalink)

Annapolis, Severna Park and Arnold residents, we provide immediate service day or night!

SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park provides 24-hour emergency service and is dedicated to being faster to any-sized disaster in Anne Arundel County. We can respond immediately to your emergency and have the expertise to handle your restoration or cleaning needs.

·         24-Hour Emergency Service

·         Faster to Any-Sized Disaster

·         Highly Trained Restoration Technicians

·         A Trusted Leader in the Restoration Industry

·         Locally Owned and Operated

·         Advanced Restoration and Cleaning Equipment 

Have Questions? Call Us 24/7 – 410-647-8181

Residential Services

Whether your Annapolis or Severna Park home needs emergency flood damage or your upholstery cleaned, you can depend on us.  Our technicians have extensive cleaning and restoration training and can make your property look its best. Learn more about our residential services:

·         Water Damage Restoration

·         Fire Damage Restoration

·         Mold Remediation

·         Storm Damage Restoration

·         Cleaning Services

·         Building/Reconstruction Services

Commercial Services

There's never a convenient time for fire or Water damage to strike your Annapolis commercial property. Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when the need arises for professional cleaning or emergency restoration services we have the training and expertise to respond promptly with highly trained technicians to get your property back to business. Learn more about our commercial services.  

·         Commercial Water Damage Restoration

·         Commercial Fire Damage Restoration

Anne Arundel County Residents: We Specialize in Flooded Basement Cleanup and Restoration!

6/24/2016 (Permalink)

This Annapolis home’s basement flooded due to heavy rains.

A basement can flood at any time, although flooding most often occurs during heavy rainfall. Basements are inherently prone to flooding because they are the lowest level of a building and are normally built partly or entirely below ground level. There are a number of reasons why your Annapolis basement could flood, including: 

·         A blocked or failed sewer lateral pipe

·         Heavy rain causes surface water to pool around your home

·         Storm sewer backup

·         Sanitary sewer backup

·         Foundation drainage failure

·         Water supply-line break or hot-water tank failure

·         And many more

Have Questions about Basement Flooding?

Call Today – 410-647-8181

If flood water is not handled quickly and properly, it can jeopardize your health and safety, and cause severe damage to your home’s structure. Remember, the longer you wait, the worse the problem will get.

The bottom line: a flooded basement can jeopardize your health, safety, and your home’s integrity. It’s worth making a call to SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park and let our trained, professional crews handle the situation safely and correctly. We have earned the trust of hundreds of homeowners, business owners, and property professionals.

We are Flooded Basement Specialists:

·         We are Available 24 hours/7 days per week

·         We’re a Preferred Vendor to many National Insurance Companies

·         We Bill The Insurance Directly – One Less Thing For You To Worry About

·         Our Technicians are Highly-Trained  in Water Restoration Techniques

·         We use s500 IICRC Restoration Standards

·         Advanced Inspection and Extraction Equipment

Basement Flooded? Call Us Today – We’re Ready To Help 410-647-8181

American Bio Recovery Association

6/9/2016 (Permalink)

Diane Whittles

Diane Whittles of SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park and SERVPRO of Edgewater/Deale-Churchton/Lothian has just been accepted into ABRA (American Bio Recovery Association).

This affiliation means that SERVPRO has been approved and acknowledged for it’s expertise in Bio Recovery, Crime Scene Clean-Up, Hoarding Clean-up, as well as unexpected death situations.  

Faster to your Annapolis Water Damage Event

6/2/2016 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park provides 24 hour fire and water damage restoration service in Annapolis, Severna Park, and Arnold.

Flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we. SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park provides emergency cleaning and restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—including all holidays.

Faster To Any Size Disaster

Flooding and water damage is very invasive. Water quickly spreads throughout your home and gets absorbed into floors, walls, furniture, and more.  SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park arrives quickly and starts the water extraction process almost immediately. This immediate response helps to minimize the damage and the cleaning and restoration costs.

Need Emergency Service? Call Us 24/7 – 410-647-8181

Water Damage Timeline

Within Minutes

·         Water quickly spreads throughout your property, saturating everything in its path.

·         Water is absorbed into walls, floors, upholstery, and belongings.

·         Furniture finishes may bleed, causing permanent staining on carpets.

·         Photographs, books, and other paper goods start to swell and warp.

Hours 1 - 24:

·         Drywall begins to swell and break down.

·         Metal surfaces begin to tarnish.

·         Furniture begins to swell and crack.

·         Dyes and inks from cloth and paper goods spread and stain.

·         A musty odor appears.

48 Hours to 1 Week:

·         Mold and mildew may grow and spread.

·         Doors, windows, and studs swell and warp.

·         Metal begins to rust and corrode.

·         Furniture warps and shows signs of mold.

·         Paint begins to blister.

·         Wood flooring swells and warps.

·         Serious biohazard contamination is possible.

More Than 1 Week:

·         Restoration time and cost increase dramatically; replacing contaminated materials and structural rebuilding may be extensive.

·         Structural safety, mold growth, and biohazard contaminants pose serious risks to occupants.

About SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park

SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Restoring Your Annapolis/Severna Park Commercial Property after A Water Damage Event

5/24/2016 (Permalink)

Commercial Water Damage Events Present Unique Challenges

Flooding and water damage events at Annapolis or Severna Park commercial properties are often complex with numerous issues that require a knowledgeable and flexible response. Whether we’re dealing with a relatively small water cleanup scenario or a large scale event, we work quickly to assess each unique situation and isolate the damaged area. In many instances, normal operations can continue in a temporary space while we restore your facility.

Restoring Commercial Properties Presents Unique Challenges

Our professionals are trained to be mindful of legal and environmental concerns and strive to fully restore the damaged area while working within your budgetary constraints. We understand that every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when an emergency situation arises in your business, give us a call and we’ll be there fast with the help you need.

About SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park

SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park specializes in the cleanup and restoration of commercial and residential property after a water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Have water damage in your business? Call us today! 410-647-8181

Annapolis/Severna Park Residents: We provide immediate service day or night!

5/10/2016 (Permalink)

We serve Annapolis, Severna Park, Arnold, Crownsville, and Millersville.

SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park provides 24-hour emergency service and is dedicated to being faster to any-sized disaster in Annapolis, Severna Park, and Arnold. We can respond immediately to your emergency and have the expertise to handle your restoration or cleaning needs.

·         24-Hour Emergency Service

·         Faster to Any-Sized Disaster

·         Highly Trained Restoration Technicians

·         A Trusted Leader in the Restoration Industry

·         Locally Owned and Operated

·         Advanced Restoration and Cleaning Equipment 

Have Questions? Call Us 24/7 – 410-647-8181

Residential Services

Whether your Annapolis or Severna Park home needs emergency flood damage or your upholstery cleaned, you can depend on us.  Our technicians have extensive cleaning and restoration training and can make your property look its best. Learn more about our residential services:

·         Water Damage Restoration

·         Fire Damage Restoration

·         Mold Remediation

·         Storm Damage Restoration

·         Cleaning Services

·         Building/Reconstruction Services

Commercial Services

There's never a convenient time for fire or Water damage to strike your commercial property. Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when the need arises for professional cleaning or emergency restoration services we have the training and expertise to respond promptly with highly trained technicians to get your property back to business. Learn more about our commercial services.

 ·         Commercial Water Damage Restoration

 ·         Commercial Fire Damage Restoration

The 3 Categories of Water Damage

5/3/2016 (Permalink)

In the event of a water damage, We will identify the category and classification of water damage to ensure our professionals restore your property based on industry guidelines. The level of contamination of the water will affect the specific restoration processes we use.

Category 1 Water Damage

That which is clean at the releasing source and does not pose a hazard if consumed by humans. Category 1 water may become progressively contaminated as it mixes with soils on or within floor coverings or building assemblies (walls, decking, subflooring). Time and temperature, which promote the growth and amplification of microorganisms in water can cause Category 1 water to degrade. Examples: burst water pipes, failed supply lines on appliances, vertically falling rainwater.

Category 2 Water Damage

That which begins with some degree of contamination and could cause sickness or discomfort if consumed by humans. As with Category 1 water, time and temperature can cause Category 2 water to become progressively more contaminated.

Category 3 Water Damage

That which is highly contaminated and could cause death or serious illness if consumed by humans. Examples: sewage, rising flood water from rivers and streams, ground surface water flowing horizontally into homes. There are two ways in which water enters a building as a result of wind storm damage:

The first involves falling or windblown rainwater that enters as a result of damage to roof components or wall assemblies. The second involves horizontally traveling ground surface water (Category 3) containing silt and soil contaminants that infiltrate into structures, generally through doors or around foundation walls. This ground surface water (storm surge) may accumulate to a depth of several inches or several feet. When structures are partially submerged or remain substantially flooded for weeks, far more elaborate procedures usually are required.

Have a water damage emergency? Call us today, 410-647-8181

2016 Public Safety Awards Ceremony

4/26/2016 (Permalink)

2016 Public Safety Awards Ceremony

SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park Commercial Marketing Rep, Trish Turner was in attrendence at the 2016 Public Safety Awards Ceremony. The 100 Club of Anne Arundel County provides supplemental benefits to the families of Law Enforcement Officers, Firefighters and Emergency Medical Personal who have lost their lives in the Line of Duty in service to Anne Arundel County. 

Thank you for your service. We proudly support you .  

Annapolis Residents: We Specialize in Flooded Basement Cleanup and Restoration!

4/25/2016 (Permalink)

Basement Flooding

A basement can flood at any time, although flooding most often occurs during heavy rainfall. Basements are inherently prone to flooding because they are the lowest level of a building and are normally built partly or entirely below ground level. There are a number of reasons why your Annapolis basement could flood, including: 

·   A blocked or failed sewer lateral pipe

·   Heavy rain causes surface water to pool around your home

·   Storm sewer backup

·   Sanitary sewer backup

·   Foundation drainage failure

·   Water supply-line break or hot-water tank failure

·   And many more

Have Questions about Basement Flooding?

Call Today – SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park

If flood water is not handled quickly and properly, it can jeopardize your health and safety, and cause severe damage to your home’s structure. Remember, the longer you wait, the worse the problem will get.

The bottom line: a flooded basement can jeopardize your health, safety, and your home’s integrity. It’s worth making a call to SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park and let our trained, professional crews handle the situation safely and correctly. We have earned the trust of hundreds of homeowners, business owners, and property professionals.

We are Flooded Basement Specialists:

·  We are Available 24 hours/7 days per week

·  We’re a Preferred Vendor to many National Insurance Companies

·  We Bill The Insurance Directly – One Less Thing For You To Worry About

·  Our Technicians are Highly-Trained  in Water Restoration Techniques

·  We use s500 IICRC Restoration Standards

·  Advanced Inspection and Extraction Equipment

Basement Flooded? Call Us Today – We’re Ready To Help 410-647-8181

Annapolis Regional Library

4/12/2016 (Permalink)

Annapolis Regional Library reopened today! SERVPRO Owner, Diane Whittles, and General Manager, Chris Goedeke are pictured with library staff Rudy Rodela, Maribel Ibrahim, and Gloria Harbertz.  SERVPRO of Annapolis was thrilled to be a part of the process, drying out an essential county facility!  Whittles said, “We perform restoration services daily but to work with such a cooperative and cohesive team at the library made our job that much easier.  I hope county residents realize how fortunate we are to have the plentiful resources provided by county libraries and their dedicated staff!”  

What's Lurking in your ducts?

4/4/2016 (Permalink)

Dust, pet dander, and other containments from everyday living are circulated through your ducts and can decrease the efficiency of your HVAC heating and cooling system causing it to work much harder. Keeping the ductwork clean can extend the life span of the equipment by allowing it to operate at peak condition, which saves you money.

Duct Cleaning Can:

• Remediate Bacteria, Fungi and Mold
• Reduce Potential for Mold Growth
• Restore Peak Energy Efficiency
• Eliminate Offensive Odors

Since the ventilation system is often the biggest culprit in poor
indoor air quality, keeping your ductwork clean 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, contaminants such as mold and irritating dust throughout your building or home. These Contaminants from day to day living are sucked into your HVAC system and recirculated throughout your home over and over. This causes a buildup over time inside the ductwork. This buildup can cause problems for people with asthma and other respiratory health conditions, auto immune disorders, and environmental allergies.

The EPA’s website states: “In the last several years, a growing body of scientific evidence has indicated that the air within homes and other buildings can be more seriously polluted than the outdoor air in even the largest and most industrialized cities. Other research indicates that people spend approximately 90 percent of their time indoors. Thus, for many people, the risks to health may be greater due to exposure to air pollution indoors than outdoors.” Cleaning your ducts can sweep away years of dust and dirt, helping to reduce potential for damage and health risks.

In some circumstances, such as after a fire, smoke or suspected mold growth, duct cleaning becomes an essential part of the cleanup process. This includes certain odors as well. In these cases a Duct Cleaning Professional can often restore the ductwork to pre-damage condition. It is also recommended that you have the ductwork cleaned after buying a home or after a renovation.  Just like carpet cleaning, having your ductwork cleaned should be part of your home maintenance routine. 

Call us today to schedule your duct cleaning! 410-647-8181

Spring Cleaning

3/23/2016 (Permalink)

Spring is here, it’s finally here! Now it’s time to get started on your spring cleaning “to do list”. Spring cleaning is a tradition that allows us to freshen up our homes after a long winter. So open up those windows, let the fresh air in, and call SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park to help you with those deep cleaning tasks!

 We offer a variety of services to get your home spring ready including:

Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning:
The SERVPRO carpet and upholstery cleaning service will not only get out the dirt you see, but will also remove the unwanted dust you don’t. A professionally cleaned carpet and furniture may make all the difference in brightening up a room and freshening up your home.

Hard Floors:
Months of salt and dirt tracked into your home and onto your tiled floors? Our technicians can clean the tile and grout and make it like winter never even happened.

Air Duct Cleaning:
We all have tasks around the house that don’t make it to the top of our priority list. Properly maintaining your home’s air ducts should not be one of them. Regular duct cleaning can increase your home’s heating and cooling efficiency and improve the quality of the air you and your family breathe.

Odor Removal:
Your basic cleaning service is not going to have the expertise to effectively deodorize your home. Take advantage of SERVPRO’s residential cleaning services to remove unwanted odors.

Remember, spring cleaning isn’t only for your home, but also for offices, daycares, businesses, and warehouses. Let us help you get ready for warm weather.

Call us today to schedule a cleaning service, 410-647-8181!

Take Action after a Natural Disaster

3/17/2016 (Permalink)

If your property has been damaged in a natural disaster—hurricane, tornado, flood, earthquake or fire—there are some important steps you can take in the immediate aftermath to ensure your safety and minimize financial loss. Consider the following actions:

Enter with caution. Damaged homes or buildings could be structurally unsafe; use extreme caution when navigating those areas, and don’t enter unless absolutely necessary. Debris and other hazards are unsafe.

Secure the property. In cases of significant structural damage or security concerns, determine whether the damaged area needs to be secured with temporary fencing or another type of barrier to keep out unwanted guests.

Notify your insurer. Call your insurance company to inform them there’s been a disaster and to file an official claim. Take down the claim number and any relevant contact information for whomever will handle your claim. If your vehicle sustained damage, contact your automobile insurer.

Notify utility companies. If property damage includes disruption to water, gas or electric utilities, contact the companies right away to shut off service. Failing to do so could pose a safety risk to you or emergency responders in and around the disaster area.

Take photos of the damage. Beginning with the property’s exterior, take photographs of the damage. If it’s safe to enter the structure, take photographs of interior damage as well. These will come in handy for insurance purposes.

Take inventory of your damaged belongings. Make a list of your damaged personal items and ensure you have photographs. Include the price of large appliances or valuable items with your list and, if possible, surviving receipts.

Do You Have Flood or Storm Damage? Fire damage? Call Us Today 410-647-8181

Positions Available

3/3/2016 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park is hiring! Join our team today!

About the Position:

We are currently interested in selecting a Water Restoration Tech and Production Helpers to join our team.  The details for this positions are as follows:

Responsibilities:

·         Perform disaster restoration services in accordance with SERVPRO Production Guidelines

·         Comply with safety practices

·         Job-site management

·         Job file documentation

·         Monitor, communicate and respond to customer needs

·         Communicate job-site details to Production Manager

·         Participate in maintenance of equipment, vehicles and facilities

·         Other responsibilities as assigned

Requirements:

·         Valid driver’s license

·         Excellent communication and organizational skills

·         Availability to work beyond standard operating hours (evenings, weekends, etc.) when needed

·         Ability to be on-call for emergency services (on rotation)

·         Must pass criminal background check

Bonus Points:

·         IICRC Certifications

Perks:

·         Aggressive benefits package

·         Excellent opportunity for advancement

·         Opportunity to earn pay increases, bonuses and promotions based on exceptional performance rather than seniority

Email Resume to Brittany@SERVPROannapolis.com

Storm Damage Cleanup and Restoration

2/24/2016 (Permalink)

Storm and flood damage require specialized restoration techniques and equipment. When a storm hits your home, you need the company with storm damage experience and expertise. SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park can respond immediately to storm and flooding conditions.

 SERVPRO is faster to any disaster. We’re dedicated to responding immediately to water and storm damage emergencies. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces cost. As leaders in the storm and water damage industry, we have advanced training and expertise, not to mention a tremendous amount of hands-on experience. We use this training and experience to quickly dry your home and restore it back to pre-storm condition.

What you can do until help arrives:

After any water damage situation, your primary focus should be safety first:

• Is it safe to stay in the house?
• Electrical and "slip and fall" hazards are some of the most prevalent concerns.
• Only do activities that are safe for you to perform.
• Wet materials can be VERY heavy. Be careful!

What To Do After Flooding

• Remove excess water by mopping and blotting.
• Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removal of lamps and tabletop items.
• Remove and prop wet upholstery and cushions.
• Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting.
• Turn air conditioning on for maximum drying in summer.
• Remove colored rugs from wet carpeting.
• Remove art objects to a safe, dry place.
• Gather loose items from floors.

What NOT To Do After Flooding

• Don't leave wet fabrics in place. Hang furs and leather goods.
• Don't leave books, magazines or other colored items on wet carpet or floors.
• Don't use your household vacuum to remove water.
• Don't use television or other household appliances.
• Don't turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet, and keep out of rooms where ceilings are sagging.

Do you have a water emergency? Call us today at 410-647-8181

Sewage Cleanup

2/17/2016 (Permalink)

Water from sewer system backups should be considered very dangerous. The water is grossly unsanitary and may contain bacteria and viruses that could cause serious illness. Special training and equipment is necessary to safely clean this type of contamination.

Sewage Backup or Toilet Overflow? Call Us Today – (410) 647-8181

There are three major types of contaminated water. SERVPRO of Annapolis / Severna Park will inspect that contaminated water to determine the type of water and then plan the appropriate response to safely restore your home or business.

The three types of contaminated water:

Category 1: "Clean Water"

This is water from a clean source, such as a broken clean water supply line or faucet. If left untreated, category 1 water can quickly degrade into category 2 or 3 water depending upon such factors as time, temperature, and contact with contaminants.

• Water from a clean source like a broken water line
• If left untreated, can degrade into category 2 or 3

Category 2: "Gray Water"

This water has a significant level of contamination that could cause discomfort or illness if ingested. Sources for category 2 water may include washing machine overflow; toilet overflow with some urine, but no feces; or dishwasher overflow.

• May contain bacteria and viruses
• Can quickly degrade into category 3 if left untreated

Category 3: "Black Water"

This water is grossly unsanitary and could cause severe illness or death if ingested, and any contact should be avoided. Sources for category 3 water could include flooding from rivers or streams, water from beyond the toilet trap, water from the toilet bowl with feces, or standing water that has begun to support microbial growth.

• May contain untreated sewage, harsh chemicals, and microbes
• Water from flooding rivers or sewer backup

24 Emergency Service

Sewage backup should be considered an emergency and dealt with as quickly as possible. We are the water damage restoration specialists with specific training and expertise to safely restore your home or business.

Freezing Pipes

2/11/2016 (Permalink)

One of the most common things to happen to a home during a cold snap is water damage caused by frozen pipes, especially if your pipes aren't insulated. Even where extremely cold weather is normal in winter, pipes freeze and cause all kinds of problems. Pipes freeze when they're exposed to freezing weather for a few days. Problems come up when frozen pipes thaw; cold weather makes pipes brittle and frozen water has less volume than running water. The pipe breaks due to the cold, water starts running and then you've got a mess on your hands.

Pipes can freeze in 2 main areas – water coming in and water going out. You know water coming in is frozen because nothing comes out the tap. Frozen outgoing pipes from showers, toilets and sinks are a bigger problem because these will back up into the house; that's the reason it's always recommended to keep a little water dripping into the sinks and opening the cabinet doors under the sink ... running water doesn't freeze as easily as standing water.

     Every winter season, the pipes in your home are at risk of damage from freezing conditions. Low temperatures can cause your water pipes to freeze, and in some cases burst. Here in Maryland, we can go days with temperatures in the teens. The following tips can help you safeguard your home before, during and after a pipe freezes.

Prevent Your Pipe From Freezing

Monitor Freezing Pipe Conditions

If a Pipe Bursts 

Emergency Ready Profile

1/28/2016 (Permalink)

GIVE YOUR BUSINESS A SECOND CHANCE

The SERVPROEmergency READY Profile Advantage

As many as 50% of businesses close down following a disaster, according to the latest research. Of the businesses that survive, the overwhelming majority of them had a preparedness plan in place. Pre-planning can serve as an insurance policy aimed at peace of mind. And knowing you are “Ready for whatever happens” speaks trust to your clients and employees that in the event your business is affected by a disaster, they don’t necessarily have to be.

By developing a SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile for your business, you minimize business interruption by having an immediate plan of action. Knowing what to do and what to expect in advance is the key to timely mitigation and can help minimize how water and fire damage can affect your business.

Call 410-647-8181 today for your free Emergency Ready Profile! 

Do you have water damage from the storm?

1/27/2016 (Permalink)

Winter Storm Jonas.

When you are dealing with water damage, immediate action is crucial. SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park Professionals respond immediately and use advanced equipment and techniques to remove the water quickly. They closely monitor and document the drying process to verify your property is dried properly and thoroughly.

Check out the tips below on what to do until help arrives.

What you can do until help arrives

After any water damage situation, your primary focus should be safety:

Have A Water Damage Emergency? 
Call 410-647-8181

What to Do After Flooding

What NOT To Do After Flooding

Employee Spotlight

1/21/2016 (Permalink)

Congratulations to our Production Manager Nick Whittles, he is now certified in Applied Structural Drying! The IICRC-approved Applied Structural Drying (ASD) course is designed to teach the effective, efficient and timely drying of water-damaged structures and contents, using comprehensive classroom and hands-on training, in order to facilitate appropriate decision making within a restorative drying environment. 

How much snow is to much?

1/19/2016 (Permalink)

Stressing about the amount of snowfall your roof is equipped to handle? Check out this informative read and make sure you're taking the proper steps to keep your home safe. http://bit.ly/22IY6nU

Emergency Ready Profile

1/14/2016 (Permalink)

Are you “Ready for whatever happens?”

Preparation is a key component for making it through any size disaster, whether it’s a small water leak, a large fire, or an area flood.  The best time to plan for such events is not when the event happens, but well before it happens.

The SERVPRO® Emergency READY Profile serves as a quick reference of important building and contact information or can be an ideal supplement to any well-designed emergency preparedness or existing contingency program.  Rather than simply reacting to disaster situations, most prefer proactive measures to establish a relationship with a restoration services company.  

By working with SERVPRO® of Annapolis/Severna Park to develop your personalized Emergency READY Profile your business will receive the benefit of over 40 years of experience in reducing the impact of any natural or man-made disaster.  SERVPRO® is a leader in water and fire damage response and can help you quickly get your property back in working order.

Call Us at 410-647-8181 Today for a No Cost Assessment 

of Your Facility!

Before a Winter Storm

1/14/2016 (Permalink)

Winter Storms & Extreme Cold