Actions to take with a Gas Leak

2/12/2023 (Permalink)

Identifying a gas leak can be tricky. If you suspect a gas leak turn off the source immediately. You may want to call the A gas leak can cause an explosion and fire to your property. . You should never light a match or turn on any electrical switches in the vicinity of a suspected gas leak.

Identify the source of the leak.

If you suspect a gas leak, the first step is to identify the source of the leak and avoid it. If you smell gas, get out of the building immediately. If you hear a hissing sound, it's likely that there is a natural gas leak in your home or business.

Do not light a match.

Do not light a match or turn on any electrical switches in the vicinity of the leak. The ignition of natural gas is extremely dangerous and can result in an explosion that could cause serious injury or death. If you suspect you have detected a gas leak, leave immediately and contact emergency services from outside your home or office building.

Basement and crawl spaces.

Because natural gas is heavier than air, it tends to settle in low spots like basements and crawl spaces where there are cracks in foundations, making these areas more likely places where leaks can occur. This means that if there's a leaking pipe underfoot while walking through those areas inside a house then this could cause serious injury if someone steps on it accidentally while going about their daily routine without knowing anything was wrong beforehand.

Never attempt to turn off gas by yourself if there's an odor in your home, follow the gas company's emergency procedures and wait for them to arrive before entering your home again.

Although natural gas is a safe and efficient fuel source for your home, it can be dangerous if not handled properly. If you suspect a gas leak in your home or business, act quickly by following these steps. If your in need of professional help give SERVPRO a call immediately.

Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Mold Damage?

8/29/2022 (Permalink)

Homeowners insurance can protect your residential property from a lot of different disasters and types of damage. Despite how common residential fungus growth is, many insurance policies still don't cover mold damage directly. Read on to see whether your home in Woburn, MA, is protected against mold damage.

When You Are Covered

The majority of insurance policies cover mold damage if, and only if, the damage was caused by a covered peril. A covered peril is essentially any type of disaster or damage that the insurance policy already covers. Here are a few examples:

• Falling objects
• Frozen pipes
• Damage caused by vehicles
• Vandalism or other types of malicious mischief
• Lightning Strikes
• Theft
• Fire Damage

Because each insurance policy is different, it's important to check yours to see which types of accidents are actually covered. If the fungus growth is a direct result of any covered perils in your policy, then you're covered. However, if the mold is a result of your personal carelessness, or if you leave it unreported for too long, then you have to pay for the damage yourself.

When You Aren't Covered
There are a few loopholes you can employ if your specific policy doesn't cover mold damage. If you want to be absolutely safe, you always have the option to purchase a separate mold insurance policy. This is a separate policy endorsement that adds mold coverage to your existing homeowner's insurance policy. Depending on your home's specific mold risk -- this is determined by where you live, how often you typically deal with mold damage, and other various factors -- you may end up paying between $500 and $1,500 annually for separate mold coverage.
Fungus growth is a very common occurrence that the majority of homeowners do have to handle at some point. It may be beneficial to purchase a separate policy endorsement to make sure that your property is covered, just in case your existing policy is reluctant to protect you. If you do discover mold damage in your home, you should contact mold remediation experts immediately.

IICRC Certification for Restoration Professionals

6/28/2022 (Permalink)

Water cleanup in a commercial building in Winchester, MA.

IICRC Certification for Restoration Professionals

Extreme weather, equipment malfunctions and accidents can damage property and interrupt business. When these events happen, business owners seek help and want the best but may not know whom to call. Fortunately, the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) sets the standards for excellence in the restoration industry and certifies cleanup professionals. Here is an example of the 3-step training progression SERVPRO restoration technicians and firms can complete.

1. Restoration Certificates
First, the IICRC aims to provide an industry-standard mitigation certificate for professional restoration companies. They offer twenty-six different certificates that cover the range of cleanup scenarios. Certificate holders receive thorough instruction and benefit from industry-wide recognition of their skills. This prestige attracts business and instills confidence in customers needing restoration services in Winchester, MA.

2. Specialty Masters
Second, restoration technicians certified for three consecutive years who want to further their education can enroll in one of three master’s designations. The three specializations are Textile Cleaner, Fire and Smoke Restorer and Water Restorer. Technicians earn these master’s designations when they complete bundles of certifications relevant to each area.

3. Trained Professionals
After receiving their master’s designation, cleanup professionals will have reached the apex of restoration training. There is no higher or more valued credential in the restoration industry; these professionals join a global directory, attract employees who want to improve their cleanup skills and raise the profile of their restoration company.
And not only individuals but also firms can gain certification. To become certified, a firm must have at least one accredited technician, insurance and a business license. In addition, accredited businesses receive Google verification and may advertise their status with a badge for their website and social media.
So, when companies need restoration services in Winchester, MA, they turn to SERVPRO, an IICRC-certified firm and approved training center. Simply put, SERVPRO’S restoration professionals get businesses back to work.

Preventing Secondary Mold Damage Following a Fire at Your Business

6/20/2022 (Permalink)

Understanding the Relationship Between Fire, Water and Mold 

Following a fire at your business in Wilmington, MA, black mold can form due to the high humidity levels resulting from the accumulation of water that extinguishes the flames. Standing water often causes more significant secondary damage than fire when it leads to mold formation. However, you can prevent or minimize your losses by understanding the relationship between fire, water and mold.

Why You Should Dry Your Space Immediately
Firefighters' main goal is to extinguish flames as quickly and efficiently as possible. Therefore, they may use powerful hoses that deposit large volumes of water throughout your business's interior.  However, after a fire is no longer a threat, you will need to take measures to dry out your space. Part of the drying process involves removing standing water within 48 hours when it becomes a breeding ground for mold that can contaminate:

• Air and ventilation systems
  
• Floorboards
  
• Spaces behind walls
  
• Furnishings
  
  

It is essential to contact a reputable disaster recovery company that uses industrial-grade water vacuums and dehumidifiers to remove water quickly. 

Why You Need Professional Help To Address Toxic Black Mold
Promptly drying your space can minimize but not necessarily prevent mold formation. Therefore, it is vital to remove mold spores quickly before they spread. SERVPRO professionals apply various technologies to detect and contain toxic mold spores in places where they are invisible. They also use negative air chambers to isolate and contain spores and prevent further contamination. In addition, they rely upon air filtration machines to remove toxic mold from the air. However, widespread mold infestations may require removing and replacing structural elements and furnishings.
Standing water after a fire at your business in Wilmington, MA, can lead to toxic black mold formation that can prevent you from resuming normal operations. Fortunately, you can count on SERVPRO to restore your space to pristine condition, "Like it never even happened."

How SERVPRO Makes the Insurance Process Easier

2/27/2022 (Permalink)

When you have the appropriate people on the job, storm restoration can be a lot easier and faster.

How SERVPRO Simplifies the Insurance Process

In the event of a serious storm, flooding and other damage to your home can occur. In the most serious circumstances, you’ll need to hire the right company to provide storm restoration. SERVPRO is your top choice for a trusted, competent group of professionals. In addition, you need to work closely with your insurance company to make a claim and ensure that you don’t have to shoulder the financial burden of the disaster. SERVPRO will provide the support you need in this process as well.

Why Call the Professionals

After a major storm, even moderate flood damage requires immediate attention. SERVPRO should be your first choice when you have cleanup and repair needs in your Burlington, MA, home. Here’s why:

• They have experience.
• They have the skill.
  
• They use the best equipment and employ industry-leading techniques.
  
  

Working Hand in Hand With the Insurance Company

After you get in touch with SERVPRO for storm response help, you’ll contact your insurance agent. The two professionals will exchange information to help ensure you get full coverage. SERVPRO is accustomed to partnering with insurance companies at the beginning of storm restoration all the way to the end. SERVPRO will respond quickly to your needs, which will in turn speed up the claims process so you don’t have to wonder and wait for what type of service your agent will provide.

Peace of Mind

There’s a lot to worry about in the storm restoration process. Not only do you have concerns about what the company can repair and salvage, but you need the confidence that your insurance provider will cover damages and approve your claim in a timely manner. The team at SERVPRO will do its part and won’t bog down these important matters.

Storm restoration can be easier and faster when you get the right team on the job. SERVPRO also knows how to make things go smoothly with the insurance company.

3 Common Causes of Mold Growth

1/30/2022 (Permalink)

Black mold can be caused by broken pipes, high levels of humidity, flooding and other factors.

Mold Growth: 3 Common Causes

Black mold can take a great deal of time and effort to remove from a home in Winchester, MA. However, knowing what issues are associated with mold growth can help you prevent mold growth in your home.

1. Broken Pipes

Even minor issues in a home can cause mold to grow. Though a broken or leaking pipe may seem like a small problem, it can turn into a major issue if it is not fixed in a timely manner. Since mold needs some amount of moisture to grow, mold is likely to grow around a broken or leaking pipe and on areas where water has dripped. Generally, fixing the damaged pipe swiftly can keep mold from growing.

2. High Levels of Humidity

In areas that experience high levels of humidity, such as kitchens or bathrooms, mold is more likely to occur. An environment that is damp and has a moisture problem will allow mold to grow within days. If mold is not noticed quickly or is left alone, black mold, which can be hazardous and more difficult to remove, can grow in as soon as a week. Keeping areas in your home as dry as possible can assist in mold prevention.

3. Flooding

When major water damage occurs, mold commonly follows. Whether a flood is caused by a natural disaster or by a broken appliance, floodwater inside the home can create the perfect environment for mold to grow. The longer water stays in a home, the more likely mold will be present. Often, it is wise to have your home aired out after a flood occurs in order to decrease the likelihood of mold growth.

Black mold can be caused by broken pipes, high levels of humidity, flooding and other factors. Taking preventative steps to keep your home from experiencing mold growth can save you time, money and frustration. However, homeowners whose homes are affected by mold may find it helpful to work with mold cleanup and remediation experts.