Types of Smoke and Soot Damage

8/12/2022 (Permalink)

Structural damage and charred walls are unfortunately not the only problems that come following a fire in your home. Smoke and soot travel through the air and can leave an awful smell and damaging residue behind. Since smoke travels through the air, it can easily travel throughout the entire home even to places where the fire may not have affected including behind walls, inside your HVAC system, and other cavities in your home.

While the smell that smoke causes is definitely a huge issue, the biggest problem that soot causes is because of its acidic nature. If left unaddressed the particles of soot can start to break down structural components of your home and damage your belongings, drastically increasing the costs of your home’s restoration.

Facts about smoke and soot:

• Hot smoke rises into cooler areas of the home, getting into the upper levels even if they aren’t affected by the fire itself.
• Smoke and soot particles are actually made up of bits of carbon and unburned materials that were consumed by the fire.
• There are different kinds of soot particles depending on the fuel of the fire, and these differences can drastically change the restoration process.

Kinds of smoke:

• Wet Smoke – This kind of smoke is from low heat, smoldering fires. Typically fueled by plastics, rubber, or oils. The soot particles left behind by this kind of smoke are typically sticky, and difficult to clean, with a very pungent odor.
• Dry Smoke – This smoke is usually fueled by fast burning materials like wood and paper that burns at high temperatures. This smoke tends to spread more because of the high temperatures but is usually a bit easier to clean up because it is less sticky and prone to smearing.

Regardless of the kind of smoke that has affected your home, clean up after a fire is no easy task. SERVPRO of Chesterfield and SERVPRO of Tri-Cities, Plus can help you to decide the best course of action, take care of cleaning your items, and even rebuild your home after cleaning up the damage. We specialize in turnkey service, meaning that we can be your “one stop shop” to getting your life back on track after a fire without having to deal with multiple contractors and companies. We’ll even work directly with your insurance company to help make the process as easy as possible for you.  Remember that when it comes to fire, smoke, and soot damage, the longer you wait to clean it up the more damage that can be caused. That’s why our teams are available 24/7, 365 days a year to help you get your home back to “Like it never even happened.”

The Importance of Using a Restoration Company

8/11/2022 (Permalink)

When it comes to property damage from a storm, it’s important to stress that it’s likely not something that you should address on your own. There are many factors that go into restoring a building after it’s been damaged by a storm that are often not considered or something that your average person is unable to do themselves. Here are some of the reasons why you should consider a professional restoration company like SERVPRO of Chesterfield and SERVPRO of Tri-Cities, Plus if your building has suffered damage.

• Stopping Continued and Secondary Damage – Unfortunately when it comes to water damage, it’s not over once the rain stops falling. Water will travel anywhere it can and will continue to cause increased damage to your home or business until it is dried. Often water will get behind walls and under cabinets where someone without professional equipment would be able to spot it. Additionally, our team’s equipment will be able to help dry out your home or business faster than you could on your own, helping to reduce repair costs.
• Growth–  If water is not properly or quickly cleaned up, it creates a breeding ground for growth to form. Our team uses specialty cleaners and is trained to help ensure that growth won't appear the first time, and won't have the opportunity to spore.
• Equipment – When dealing with flood waters, typical household equipment just doesn’t make the cut. Here at SERVPRO, our teams are constantly training in the latest techniques and in the best equipment to get the job done fast and get it done right. With industrial air movers and dehumidifiers, we’re able to better control the conditions in your home to make the drying process go as smoothly as possible.

Hopefully, this helps you to better understand the need for a professional restoration company in the event of a flood in your home or business. Our teams are available 24/7, 365 days a year for all of your emergency service needs. Please give us a call and let us know how we can make your home or business “Like it never even happened.”

Looking for Hidden Damages After a Flood

7/25/2022 (Permalink)

After a heavy storm, many of the signs that your home has sustained flooding or other water damage are typically pretty obvious, however, there are some places that could have hidden pockets of water that may not be quite as obvious.

Crawl spaces are the area of your home that typically separates the first floor of a home from the ground. It also is typically where you would find the essential structural materials like plumbing and electrical wiring. Because this area is on the ground it is more susceptible to water damage during storms. If not properly dried, this can lead to structural deterioration, mold issues, and damage to your plumbing, wiring, and insulation as well. A professional restoration company like us here at SERVPRO of Chesterfield and SERVPRO of Tri-Cities, Plus will be able to enter your crawlspace and identify any areas of hidden moisture that you might otherwise not be able to see.

Attics are another area often forgotten about after storms. Heavy storms have the potential to damage your roof and allow moisture to enter your attic. Because attics are often not climate controlled like the rest of your house is, they are typically areas of large temperature swings, and higher humidity, so when additional moisture is present and not addressed it can be incredibly problematic. Be sure to check out your attic regularly and inspect for any signs of water damage and moisture buildup, especially after any heavy storms. If you’re ever unsure of an area our team is trained to identify problem areas and have special equipment that helps us spot moisture in hidden spots.

Once any issues have been identified the first step is to remove the damaged materials and begin to dry it out. Our team will place air movers and dehumidifiers to help reduce moisture in the air as well as pull it out of your structural materials. Once it is dry, we can address any issues with damaged components that may need either repaired or in some cases replaced.

Remember that water damage will continue to get worse the longer that it sits on your property so it is imperative to act quickly and address any issues you may have. Please don’t hesitate to call us and let us know how we can help get your home back to “Like it never even happened.”

SERVPRO Can Fix Commercial Building Damage

7/8/2022 (Permalink)

Flooding and other water damage events in a commercial building often present unique and complex challenges. From figuring out how to remain operational, product loss, and information security, solving these problems requires a flexible company that understands that every water damage event is different. Here at SERVPRO of Chesterfield and SERVPRO of Tri-Cities, Plus, our team is constantly training to help ensure that we're able to address every water damage as efficiently and effectively as possible.

As IICRC certified water damage restoration professionals, if possible, we have the knowledge necessary to properly contain an area so that you can continue your business's operations safely. If needed, we're able to perform our work after-hours as well. Additionally, we offer contents restoration and are often able to help reduce your losses by drying and cleaning the items damaged in the water, including your important paper documents. Replacing items and building materials can be costly, which is why we always focus on repairing rather than replacing them wherever possible.

In some cases, water damage can span thousands or even hundreds of thousands of feet of building space. We have a large loss division to address these events that are trained in the logistics of restoring large buildings like dorms, hotels, warehouses, and large offices spanning multiple floors. There is truly no job too large for us to handle.

With over three decades in the restoration industry, you can count on SERVPRO of Chesterfield and SERVPRO of Tri-Cities, Plus to make your commercial water damage, "Like it never even happened."

How Does a Hurricane Form?

7/5/2022 (Permalink)

Anyone who’s experienced one before knows that hurricanes can be one of the most damaging and dangerous storms that you can have in the U.S. While you may already know this, and maybe when to most expect them to occur, how familiar are you with the process of how hurricanes form? Knowing what causes hurricanes can help you to better prepare and keep your family safe during these severe weather events.

Hurricanes and other tropical storms form in the same way. Out in the ocean, near the equator where the water is warm. When the ocean water evaporates this moist air rises, as it goes higher and cools it condenses into water droplets, which is how storm clouds are created. The winds over the Atlantic Ocean are very strong and as they blow across the waters, when combined with these storm clouds, they can begin blowing into a circular pattern. This is the beginnings of a tropical cyclone. These cyclones have four stages of growth ending at a hurricane.

1) Tropical Disturbance – This is characterized by a mass of storm clouds that has begun to pick up circulation and a slight potential for damage. Winds in a tropical disturbance do not exceed 24mph.

2) Tropical Depression – Once wind speeds have reached between 25-39mph a cyclone depression can form. As warm air rises from the storm and cools, this release of heat causes the top level of storm clouds to warm. This increases air pressure and shifts the winds outward from the center of the storm. As the winds move away and the air pressure drops, more warm air from the ocean’s surface rises. As this cycle continues the storm begins to spin faster and increase in wind speed.

3) Tropical Storm – Past 39pmh, this is now considered a tropical storm. The winds are spinning fast enough now that the clouds start to gather into the telltale circular shape we’ve all seen on the weather channel. This is when a storm is given a name. These storms can grow quickly and are definitely a sign that you should begin storm preparations should you find one is forecasted to head your way.

4) Hurricane – Once a tropical storm reaches 74mph wind speeds it is considered a hurricane. These storms are typically around 300 miles wide but can grow vastly larger. The largest to date is Hurricane Sandy which reached as wide as 1,150 miles or about half the length of the east coast.

Now that you know how these hurricanes form, you’ll hopefully be able to better understand how to best keep your family safe during these storms. Our SERVPRO of Chesterfield and SERVPRO of Tri-Cities, Plus is a proud member of the SERVPRO Disaster Recovery Team. With strategic placement all over the United States the SERVPRO Disaster Recovery Team is equipped to help with any size disaster and has participated in the recovery efforts in storms like Hurricane Katrina, Harvey, and Sandy. We’re here to help get you and your family back on track after a natural disaster.

Check for Moisture in Your Home

6/27/2022 (Permalink)

Moisture in your property is never a good thing, however if you have an older property, it is much more susceptible to damage from unwanted issues. As your property ages it’s ability to keep moisture out lessens, so when you experience things like heavy rainfall or high levels of humidity water can leak in where it shouldn’t be such as your windows, doors, crawlspace, and attic. Small amounts of moisture may not do any noticeable damage, but if left untreated it can begin causing serious issues to your home or business. Proper and regular maintenance of your home can help to prevent this. For example, you should check the seals around your doors and windows every Spring after it starts to warm up to ensure that the cold weather did not do any damage to them.

If you do however find that there is moisture in your home or business, SERVPRO of Chesterfield and SERVPRO of Tri-Cities is available to help! Our team of highly trained technicians will be able to use specialized equipment to help ensure that we locate the source of the moisture and that everything is properly dried out. Using things like hygrometers and moisture sensors allows us to ensure that the drying process is going as efficiently as possible and that there aren’t any hidden pockets of moisture that were missed.

Water damage can happen quickly and it’s important to take care of it as fast as possible to avoid any secondary damages. That’s why our team is available 24/7, 365 days a year for all of your emergency water damage needs. Please give us a call and let us know what we can do for you!

Prepare Your Home for Summer Showers

6/16/2022 (Permalink)

Summer is almost here! The sun is shining, and the temperature is warming up, but this also means that it’s time for the summer rain! It’s important to take some time and make sure that your home is ready for the wet weather and also that the harsh winter hasn’t caused any damage. Here are a few things that you should look out for:

• Gutters – With potentially lots of rain on the horizon, your gutters are one of the main defenses you have at keeping water away from your home. Be sure to clean them out and clear any clogs. The heavy weight of snow and ice could have also caused some damage so you should also check to see if there are any leaks or cracks that need to be fixed. Finally, make sure that your downspout is properly aimed so that water coming from your gutters flows away from the home and doesn’t puddle near it.
• Windows – The winter weather can be brutal on the fixtures of your home. You should check the screens and make sure they aren’t damaged. Additionally, you should make sure there are no signs of leaks in the seals/caulking of your window to help prevent water damage and drafts.
• Roof – Look over your roof for any damaged or missing shingles that need replaced. You should also go into your attic and check for any signs of moisture or leaks.
• Siding – Cold temperatures and ice can cause damage to your siding. Walk around the outside of your house and look for any siding that may be extra worn or cracked and needs to be replaced.
• Foundation – Check the foundation of your home for any cracks that may have formed or gotten worse from the cold. A good rule of thumb is if you can fit a coin into the crack you might want to consider having someone come and inspect it to make sure it doesn't need to be repaired.

While this is no means an exhaustive list it’s a good place to start when making sure your home is ready for summer. Proper home maintenance goes a long way in preventing your house from being damaged by the elements, but sometimes things happen. Should you find your home struck by water damage from a summer rainstorm SERVPRO of Chesterfield and SERVPRO of Tri-Cities, Plus is here to help. Our team of professionals are available to help get your home back to “Like it never even happened.” Give us a call and let us know what we can do for you!

Protect Your Business From Floods

6/8/2022 (Permalink)

Floods cause more damage to homes and businesses every year than any other natural disaster. They can happen almost anywhere and are especially prevalent in places that are situated near bodies of water. Floods can move quickly, be widespread, and leave a wake of severe property damage, mud, and debris in their path. Even if your business is not near a body of water you can still fall victim to flooding from big storms, snow melt or storm drain failure. You can check with your local zoning administrator to find out if your business is situated within a special flood zone or not and decide the level of risk your business has for flooding. Whether your risk is small or large, it’s still important to keep potential flooding in mind when considering how to protect your business from natural disasters. Here are a few things that you should think about regarding your business and flood protection:

Basements – Basements are often one of the first places that experience flooding during a storm. You should consider what would happen should water enter that space. If you use that space as storage, consider using waterproof storage containers. If you have equipment there you should consider keeping it on platforms, so they’re protected. Additionally, you should also be sure that your building has a sump pump installed and it is functioning correctly, as this will be your first line of defense from flood/groundwater intrusion. At the very least, be sure to keep an accurate inventory and photos of all items in the basement for insurance purposes. You can also consider including an area in your emergency plans that outlines the proper steps to ensure the safety of those items if flooding is expected.

Utilities – If you’re in a flood prone area, if feasible you should consider keeping utilities such as your HVAC systems on upper levels or even the attic to protect them. Check your local flood map information and be sure that your electrical utilities are raised above the base flood level in your local area. This includes fuses, meters, breaker boxes, switches, and outlets, all of which are easily damaged by flood waters and additionally can pose serious fire risks with prolonged water exposure. If you have a fuel tank, take precautions to make sure that it is sufficiently anchored in place. It takes less than a foot of water to float most cars, so fuel tanks are definitely not out of the question. Should they get moved around and become disconnected you run the risk of contaminating everything with oil, or worse a huge fire hazard due to the spilled fuel.

Drains and Sewage – Again, your sump pump is one of the most crucial items you can have in protecting your business from flood/groundwater. Be sure that it is functional with regular inspections and that there is a source of backup power for it should the electricity go out. If there is a floor drain in your building, you can install a floating plug. In areas where flooding is prevalent, it’s also not uncommon for sewer and storm drains to become overwhelmed and back up into homes and businesses through the sewer lines. To help prevent this you can install backflow valves in your drainpipes.

Exterior - The landscape around your building can also play a role in helping to prevent flooding. Make sure that there are no areas where water can pool around the property and that the land is properly graded so that water flows away from your building. Check the seals around doors and windows for any cracks or other damage yearly after the winter months in preparation for the warmer, wetter weather. Your gutters should also be inspected and cleaned regularly, along with ensuring the downspouts are aimed properly, away from the building.

Other Preparations – You should have an emergency action plan that includes what to do during natural disasters and make sure that this is properly communicated to all relevant team members. SERVPRO offers a free service to businesses called the Emergency Ready Program, that helps with creating documentation of all important areas and contact information should an emergency happen in your building. Give us a call if you’d like to learn more and set this up for your business! You should also have flood protection for your business, which can be purchased through the federal National Flood Insurance Program.

As you can see, there’s quite a few things that you can do to help limit your risks of serious damage during a flood. Unfortunately, there’s always the possibility that flooding in your business is unavoidable, but you can still take steps to help reduce the amount of damage the water can cause which will in turn help you get your business back up and running faster. If you’ve suffered from water damage of any kind you should always contact a professional company for help with resolving the issue. SERVPRO of Chesterfield and SERVPRO of Tri-Cities, Plus is a leader in the water damage restoration industry, and our highly trained team is available 24/7, 365 days a year for emergency service.

Pests and Water Damage

6/7/2022 (Permalink)

It should come as no surprise that water is one of the biggest causes of costly damage to homes. From heavy rainfall due to storms, to sewage backups, and appliance leaks there’s no shortage of potential water damage dangers. One potential way your house might get water damaged that is not often thought about is from pests.

Animals like rodents and racoons often seek shelter in openings in people’s homes and get into areas they should not be in like your attic or in the walls. On top of the obvious damage they can cause from chewing on your home's structure and leaving waste behind, these pesky animals also love to chew on plastic pipes. These animals include:

• Squirrels
• Racoons and opossums
• Mice and rats
• And any other animals that can fit into the small openings in your home

When these animals decide to eat away at your pipes it can cause some serious leaks in your home, and if not caught early enough, thousands of dollars in damage.

The best way to prevent this is with regular inspection and maintenance of your home. Check to make sure that there are no exposed openings to your home from the outside like holes around vents, your crawlspace, or in your roof. Typically, these are the areas where you will likely see animals trying to get in. You should also regularly inspect all of your visible pipes in your home for leaks. While they may start out small and unnoticeable, even just a small amount of water can slowly turn into a big problem.

If you notice water damage during your regular home inspections give us a call here at SERVPRO of Chesterfield and SERVPRO of Tri-Cities, Plus. Our team is constantly working to help ensure that they are using the best techniques and equipment available to make your water loss, “Like it never even happened.”

Tips to Prevent Water Flooding Your Restaurant

6/3/2022 (Permalink)

Flooding and water damage can be devastating to any business, but for restaurants, where margins are already paper thin it can be even harder to recover from major property damage. We wanted to share a few tips with you that can help prevent flooding from happening in your restaurant.

• Teach employees proper equipment use and make sure that everyone is following those rules. Dishwashers are one of the most common things to cause water damage in a restaurant. Be sure that all employees know the correct chemicals to use and how much of them to prevent damage. Another common source of dishwasher leakage is when the dishwasher is over filled with dishes. While it’s understandable to want to get as many dishes done as fast as you can, having too many in the washer all at once can cause problems.
• Make sure that all water sources like sinks, toilets, water fountains and others are properly maintained and regularly inspected. Things like gaskets around the doors of a washer, and the water line to a water fountain are frequent areas of neglect that can often lead to a leak.
• Employees should understand the importance of not leaving running water unattended. It’s easy to get sidetracked while working in a fast-paced environment like a restaurant and the risks of coming back to a floor full of water aren’t worth the few seconds you’d save by just waiting.

If you do unfortunately find yourself stuck in a scenario with water damage in your restaurant, our team of highly trained professionals is awaiting your call. We have the skills to tackle jobs of any size and caliber and would love to help make your water damage “Like if never even happened.

What Causes a Sewer Backup?

6/1/2022 (Permalink)

Of all the different water damages that could occur to your property, one of the worst is a sewer backup. Sewage is considered black water, or highly contaminated, and requires professionals to clean up properly and help ensure there is no bacteria or other harmful contaminants left behind. Continue reading to find out how these events occur and what you can do to help prevent them.

Sewage backups are typically caused when wastewater cannot properly flow away from your home due to some kind of damage or obstruction in the pipes. Some of the potential culprits are:

Causes

Tree Roots – The roots from trees are able to reach out far past where the actual tree is growing. These roots are strong, and overtime can push into the pipes and break them or grow into them. This can cause some serious damage to your pipes, from leaks due to the holes, or if the roots are inside of the pipe, they can clog it and cause a backup. You’ll need to cut out the roots and replace the damaged sections of pipe.

Cracked Pipes – Home sewer lines, while durable, do not last forever. Over time the structural integrity of the pipes will lessen, and they can potentially crack or completely collapse. Newer materials used for pipes can last longer, but some of the older materials have a lifespan of between 30 and 60 years.

Clogged Lines - It’s important to remember that our wastewater lines are not meant to just handle anything we put down the drains. Fats and waste from foods, hair and flushable wipes are some of the worst culprits of clogs but you should never try and put anything down the drain, no matter the size, that’s not meant to be there.

Signs

There are a few signs that you may be having issues with your sewer lines. While some are obvious signs of a serious issue, others may not be. If you have more than one of the following you may want to get your sewer lines inspected to make sure they aren’t damaged.

• Yard constantly swampy or smells bad
• You can hear different drains, like the sink, gurgling when you use the shower or flush the toilet
• Multiple drains are draining very slowly or starting to back up
• Drains constantly smell bad, particularly when you use a different drain in another area of the home

Prevention

Unfortunately, some of causes of sewer backups are not something you can prevent, but there are a few things that you can do to help reduce the likelihood of these events from happening.

• Do not use flushable wipes, contrary to their name these are some of the main culprits of sewage backups and cause many problems
• Use hair catchers in the showers and bathtubs. Hair is slow to breakdown and if it gets caught in your pipes, over time it can create a blockage
• Never pour fats down the drain. While they are liquid when hot, as fats cool the can congeal again and clog up your drains
• Have your pipes inspected for damage and cleaned regularly to help prevent clogs and address any pipe damage as quickly as possible

Sewer backups can cause a large amount of damage to your home and contaminate everything that the dirty water touches. It is important to have a professional company come in to take care of the damage and make sure that everything is cleaned to the proper standards. SERVPRO of Chesterfield and SERVPRO of Tri-Cities, Plus is IICRC certified and can take care of any kinds of damage that you may encounter due to a sewage backup. Give us a call or fill out a form on our website and let us know what we can do for you.

What to Do if Your Business Has a Fire

5/31/2022 (Permalink)

Commercial building fires are a serious disruption to any business. While product damage or service disruptions are inevitable, proper emergency preparation and response after the event can help to lower the impact a fire has on your business.

Preparation

First and foremost, your best protection from the effects of a fire in your business is making sure that you take the proper safety precautions as well as have a plan for what should happen after the fact.

• Regularly inspect your smoke detectors and fire suppression systems
  • These systems are your first line of defense when it comes to keeping your business safe for employees and customers, as well as helping to prevent even more damage to your property.

• Have a plan in place in case of emergency and make sure that it is communicated to and understood by all of your employees
  • Consider having a safety meeting with your staff to discuss emergency preparedness. Your plan is only helpful if everyone knows what to do.
  • SERVPRO offers a free program for businesses called the Emergency Ready Profile that documents and puts all of the important contact information and need to know items such as your gas shut off and water main shut off locations in a single place for ease of access. If you would like to take advantage of this service, please reach out to us!

• Take record via photo or video of your business’s assets for insurance purposes
  • The more detail you have in your documentation the easier it will be to make sure you get proper reimbursement for your insurance claims
  • It’s also important to keep accurate and regularly updated records of your product inventory

• Regularly back up your important computer data
  • Having backups of your data offsite or in cloud backups can significantly decrease the amount of time it takes for your business to become operational again

Response

• After you’ve evacuated and the fire department has arrived, it’s important to make sure that no one enters the scene until firefighters have deemed it safe to do so.
  • Fires can cause significant damage to your businesses structure that can create unsafe conditions that may be hidden or otherwise unapparent.
  • On top of the safety issues, you should not move or touch anything inside until you’ve spoken with your insurance. It’s possible that disturbing the scene before consulting with your insurance can lead to you voiding parts of your claim or making it difficult to receive the full amount of the claim that is needed for the damage.

• Contact your insurance company
  • Once everyone is safe you should call your insurance agency as soon as possible. They’ll be able to help you along and explain the steps you should take to protect your business in line with your policy. The faster you can get the claims process started the faster you’ll be able to get back to business as usual.

• Contact a professional restoration company
  • Fire cleanup is no easy task. From structural damage to soot and smoke covered items, dealing with the after-effects of a fire requires professional help. We offer turn-key service from cleanup to repairs SERVPRO will be by your side every step of the way.
  • A restoration company will be able to help you decide which items are salvageable and what needs to be disposed of. You may be surprised as to what can potentially be saved, including important documents!
  • SERVPRO also offers professional board up services. Boarding up windows or tarping holes in the roof are crucial to preventing additional property damage whether it’s from theft/vandalism or protection from the weather.

• Keep accurate records
  • It’s important to make sure that you keep accurate records of the entire process from start to finish. Not only is it important for your general record keeping, but also for your insurance claims, and other parties that may have been affected. Make note of all estimates, receipts, claims, and any other relevant written communications.

• Notify any relevant third parties
  • Make sure that anyone affected by the fire or disruption in business is notified. This includes any employees, customers, investors, and even making sure the post office has the correct mail forwarding information for you until your property is back in business.

While sometimes a fire in your business can’t be prevented, taking these steps can help reduce the damage the fire does, and get your business up and running again faster. Here at SERVPRO of Chesterfield and SERVPRO of Tri-Cities, Plus we respond faster to any size disaster and our team is ready to take on anything you throw our way. Give us a call or fill out an online form and let us know what we can do for you!

What Are the Different Types of Smoke Detectors?

5/9/2022 (Permalink)

There are two main types of smoke detectors used in homes today, ionization and photoelectric. There is also a third kind called a “dual sensor” that uses both technologies.

Ionization smoke detectors contain a small amount of radioactive material between to electrically charged plates, which ionizes the air and causes current to flow between the plates. When smoke enters the chamber it disrupts the flow of ions, reducing the flow of current which triggers the alarm. These alarms generally respond faster to fast flaming fires.

Photoelectric smoke detectors aim a light source into a sensing chamber away from the sensor. When smoke enters the chamber, it causes the light to reflect onto the sensor which triggers the alarm. These detectors are generally more responsive to smoldering fires.

There is a lot of debate on which detector is best to use in your home, but the reality is that ever fire is different and it’s impossible to predict which kind it will be in the event of a fire in your home. Using a dual sensor alarm or using both kinds of devices in your home will help to eliminate the uncertainty but the most important thing you can do to increase the effectiveness of your home’s smoke detectors is to place them properly in your home and have the correct amount to properly keep you safe. There should be at least one smoke detector on every level of your home and should also be installed in every bedroom and sleeping area.

Smoke detectors are meant to help keep you and your family safe in the event of a fire by notifying you quickly enough that you can get to safety. A quick response in the event of a fire can also help to lessen the amount of damage that the fire causes, however in the event of any fire, you’ll likely need the help of a professional service to clean and repair the damage that’s been caused. SERVPRO of Chesterfield and SERVPRO of Tri-Cities, Plus is available 24/7, 365 days a year for emergency services should your home experience a fire. Please give us a call or fill out a form online and let us know how we can help get your life back to “Like it never even happened.”

Top Work Places Richmond Times Dispatch

4/29/2022 (Permalink)

For the last nine years Richmond Times-Dispatch has partnered with Top Workplaces to survey the employees of companies in the greater Richmond area and rank the area’s top workplaces. This year, SERVPRO of Chesterfield and SERVPRO of Tri-Cities, Plus is excited to announce that thanks to our wonderful #TeamBahen we’ve made the list! The award is based solely on the feedback provided by our employees in an anonymous survey administered by Energage. Only 87 companies made the list this year, and we’re incredibly proud to be a part of it!

Our team has over 35 years of experience serving our local community and beyond, and we have grown to be one of the largest SERVPRO franchises on the East Coast. We strive to create a workplace with ample opportunity for our employees to learn and grow their career with a company they’re excited to be a part of. With over 130 employees, we are proud to say that 18 employees have been employed for 10+ years and 26 employees have been employed for 5+ years. We know our success as a company would not be achievable without the hard work and dedication of our employees and we’re very grateful that our staff considers SERVPRO of Chesterfield and SERVPRO of Tri-Cities, Plus to be one of the top workplaces in Richmond!

How and Why Is My Toilet Leaking?

4/19/2022 (Permalink)

Sewer backups and toilet leaks are some of the more frustrating water damages to happen to your home or business since a good majority of the time the water from these kinds of leaks is considered blackwater and highly contaminated. This makes cleanup more difficult compared to other kinds of water damage. Today, we wanted to share with you some common causes of toilet leaks in hopes that you’ll be able to help prevent them from happening to you.

Pipes – Impurities in the water, and time in general can corrode metal pipes and cause them to rust out and break. While these leaks are harder to prevent since it is not really possible to check the insides of every water pipe, regular inspections of your home or business can help to identify small leaks or damage before they turn into bigger issues.

Tank/Bowl – These are pretty durable, but over time can weaken and what was once a hairline crack in the bowl can expand with stress and time. If you see any cracks or chipping in your toilet bowl or tank it’s likely a good idea to consider replacing the toilet before it gets worse.

Fill Valve – This is what controls the flow of water that refills the tank after you flush if not functioning properly the valve will not shut off the flow of water and the toilet will constantly run. This is problematic for many reasons including a high water bill, as well is if the toilet clogs the water can overflow and won’t stop running.

Flush Valve – This is what allows water to flow into the bowl after you flush. Over time the seals on these valves can degrade. This can lead to continuously running toilets or leaks if left alone.

Toilet leaks and sewer backups are water damages that should be left to a professional to handle. Water damage of this kind can be harmful if not properly handled. If your home or business experiences water damage from a toilet or of any other kind, do not delay and give SERVPRO of Chesterfield and SERVPRO of Tri-Cities, Plus a call. Time is of the essence when water damage is involved and the longer you wait, the worse it can get.

Protecting Your Data From Fire and Water Damage

3/21/2022 (Permalink)

As leaders in the fire and water damage restoration industry, every day we come face to face with how easy it is for things to get lost, broken, or even completely destroyed by one of these events. People often consider how to protect their physical property in these events but without proper precautions it’s just as easy to lose your digital property as well. Family photos, digitized personal or work documents, movie and music collections, and any other important things in your life that are stored digitally can be lost in an instant if your computer suffers from fire, smoke, or water damage. It’s important to make sure that you’re backing up your data to help keep it safe. Below are some of the different ways that you can achieve this goal and safeguard your digital property.

CDs & DVDs – CDs or compact discs, have been used for quite a while as a means to store things like music and movies. They’re a decent solution for small amounts of files if you can keep them organized and safe. The biggest issue with CDs is that they are very limited in storage space so large amounts of files can be difficult to manage as the number of discs stack up every time you make a new one. Additionally, discs degrade overtime, and the data can be corrupted or lost if not properly stored. CD backups are an older solution that can work in a pinch but is not recommended as your main backup source.

USB or external hard drive – These options are a much easier and more portable solution for backing up your personal data. USB sticks are often not more than a few inches long and quick to be able to stick in your pocket and external hard drives are not much bigger but can hold even more data on them. As technology improves the storage space on both of these devices continues to increase. The drawback for using these as your backup source is that unless it’s stored somewhere other than your home, it also faces the chance of being susceptible to fire and water damage.

Cloud Storage – While not technically a new concept, cloud storage is growing in popularity as a means to secure your data. Solutions like Google Drive, iCloud, and OneDrive have made keeping your data backed up and accessible as easy as it’s ever been. Cloud storage also has the added bonus that your data is stored offsite, so even if your computer is completely destroyed, all of the data that you’ve backed up is still completely safe and accessible by basically any device with an internet connection. Many companies offer small amounts of storage for free, but you can also pay to scale up your storage to whatever needs you may have.

While data backups are the ideal way to protect your digital property, sometimes it’s not feasible, or even your backup was damaged. That’s why here at SERVPRO of Chesterfield and SERVPRO of Tri-Cities, Plus we also offer contents restoration. Our highly trained team of restoration experts can help to try and restore the items in your home to pre loss conditions instead of just throwing out anything that was damaged. This also includes electronics. We will bring them back to our warehouse to be disassembled and cleaned according to best practices. While some items may be more damaged than we can fix, SERVPRO’s contents restoration services can save some electronics that otherwise would have been considered lost.

Rental Property Fire Odors

3/10/2022 (Permalink)

When your rental property suffers from a fire, once all of the water and fire damage is cleaned up you’re still left with a property infested with the terrible smell of smoke lingering on everything. Getting rid of smells can be a difficult task as the smoke permeates lots of surfaces and gets absorbed and stuck within walls, carpets, home belongings, and more. Without a professional’s experience the task can seem almost impossible to address.

Give us a call at SERVPRO of Chesterfield and SERVPRO of Tri-Cities, Plus and let our trained team of technicians take care of it for you. Continue reading below for some steps that are taken by our team to help make your properties livable again.

• First, proper air flow is crucial in order to get all the lingering particles in the air out of the building. Open windows and fans help move the air around and drive out the foul smell.
• All contaminated fabrics should be removed and cleaned using different techniques identified by our team of professionals based on the materials they’re made up of.
• Walls, ceilings, and other surfaces in the house are washed carefully to help ensure that there is nothing left over to cause any more odor and, in some cases, may also even be repainted.
• A duct and HVAC cleaning must also be done to prevent any hidden or invisible particles from within them from spreading around the property again after the cleaning has been done.

As you can see, there odor mitigation can be a lengthy and intensive process but, we at SERVPRO are here to help every step of the way.

Storms Myths vs. Facts

1/7/2022 (Permalink)

Storms are certainly a sight to behold and every year it seems there are some common safety misconceptions regarding how you should handle yourself during a severe weather event. Here at your local SERVPRO of Chesterfield and SERVPRO of Tri-Cities, Plus we know that you and your family’s safety is your top priority, so we wanted to dispel some common storm safety myths in hopes that maybe we can help you protect your loved ones!

Myth: Highway overpasses are good shelters against tornadoes.

Fact: Overpasses can actually concentrate the wind from the storm and make things even more dangerous. Being above ground level is dangerous during a tornado.

Myth: Big vehicles like trucks and SUVs are safe to drive through flood waters.

Fact: NO vehicles are safe to drive through flood waters. It takes less than two feet of water to completely float most vehicles and if the water is moving rapidly, you can be easily swept away.

Myth: Flash floods only occur along areas with flowing water like streams and rivers.

Fact: Flash floods can occur almost anywhere that does not have the ability to properly drain water from a storm fast enough. This includes dry creek beds and even urban areas where no creaks or streams are present at all.

Myth: You are safe from lightning inside your home.

Fact: Since lightning is electricity, if your home is struck it could potentially travel through the wiring of your home and injure you should you be using them. It’s best to be extra cautious and avoid using electrical appliances and the bath/shower during a storm.

While sharing these myths is meant to help keep you and your family safer during storms, sometimes damage to your home is unavoidable. If you should find yourself with a damaged home after a storm give us a call and let us know how we can help!

What to Know About Foundation Damage

12/8/2021 (Permalink)

The foundation your house sits on is the most important part of your home’s structure. When people talk about what they’re doing to help prevent any water damage from affecting their homes, most would say they weren’t doing much of anything to protect their foundations. While ideally the way your house was built should help to mitigate any water damage from happening to your property’s foundation, this kind of damage can lead to cracks in the foundation and cause it to shift. This can weaken its structure and end up compromising the structural stability of your entire home. If you find yourself being one of those people we mentioned above, here are some tips to help prevent any water damage to your foundation:

Place a sump pump in your basement/make sure it functions properly – Sump pumps are designed to remove groundwater that has seeped into your foundation from around the property quickly so that it does not cause any damage. It is important to regularly inspect your pump and ensure it is working correctly so that when you need it no problems arise.

Clean your gutters and use downspouts – Cleaning your gutters is an important part of making sure your home is properly protected from water damage in many ways, but speaking for your foundation, a clean gutter will allow water to properly flow into your downspouts and AWAY from your property. Using downspouts to direct the water away from your foundation helps prevent it from pooling around your home and getting into the foundation to cause damage

Don’t let soil around your foundation completely dry out – This might sound slightly counterintuitive, however in times where there is little rain, and your soil is completely dried out it can shrink and cause gaps between it and the foundation. Then, when rain finally does come the soil can rapidly expand and put unexpected pressure on parts of your home’s foundation or pool in those gaps and get into the foundations structure and cause damage.

We hope you take advantage of these tips and that they help to prevent any water damage to the foundation of your home, but if you should find yourself with a basement full of water, or any other manor of water damage to your home we’re ready and waiting 24/7, 365 days a year to take your call.

Kitchen Fire Prevention

11/15/2021 (Permalink)

While everyone enjoys a home cooked meal, nobody likes dealing with fire damage in their kitchen. While accidents happen and sometimes there’s just nothing you can do about it, there are some things that you CAN do that can help prevent dangerous kitchen fires from damaging your home.

• Always watch your cooking – it can be tempting to step away from the stove, especially when you’re missing your favorite TV show but make sure that you never leave your stove unattended while the heating elements are on
• Set a timer – Set timers so that you don’t forget that an appliance is turned on and being used or so your food doesn’t start to burn
• Keep a fire extinguisher in the kitchen – Make sure you have a fire extinguisher near your cooking area and also that it is accessible quickly in the event of an emergency
• Clean appliances -Be sure to wipe down appliances when you’re done cooking to prevent any grease or food buildup that could catch on fire
• Dust your kitchen – Dust buildup around electrical wiring is a big fire hazard
• Smoke alarms – Make sure that you have a smoke alarm in your kitchen and most importantly that it is functioning properly
• If something does catch on fire in a pot or pan, if possible, cover the fire with a lid to smother the flames and immediately turn off the burner
• If you have a grease fire DO NOT use water to put it out, instead use baking soda to absorb the grease and smother the flames. Water can actually make a grease fire worse.

Follow these tips to help make sure your home is safe from kitchen fires but remember when accidents happen SERVPRO of Chesterfield and SERVPRO of Tri-Cities, Plus is here to help.

Similarities Between Military and Working at SERVPRO

11/12/2021 (Permalink)

Here at SERVPRO of Chesterfield and SERVPRO of Tri-Cities, Plus we understand that the transition from military service to the workforce back at home isn’t always the easiest. SERVPRO strives to be a company that supports our service men and women in every way we can. Check out our list below to discover how working for SERVPRO can relate back to your military experience.

• SERVPRO takes teamwork and leadership seriously.
• We are constantly training, and our employees learn new skills every day.
• The employee structure and path to progression are clear and excellence in service is rewarded – There are many opportunities for advancement if you put in the work.
• Every day is different, each job comes with its own set of challenges and no two are alike.
• The physical and mental challenges of the jobs will help keep you engaged and motivated.

You’ve served your country, now you can come work at SERVPRO and serve your local community, helping others get their lives back on track after disaster strikes.

SERVPRO Handles Large Disasters

11/1/2021 (Permalink)

When large disasters hit an area the damage to buildings can be catastrophic. From fires to floods and water damage it takes a team of professionals to bring things back to normal. SERVPRO is here to help. Our disaster recovery team has the skills and knowledge to get the job done no matter how big and here’s why:

While our franchise is locally owned and operated, our SERVPRO network spans the nation giving us the resources and connections to respond faster to any location. Faster response times help prevent further damage from continuing to affect the area, ultimately reducing the overall cleanup costs.

 We have a team of highly specialized disaster recovery technicians that train specifically in the handling of large disasters and have played roles in huge recovery projects including Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and Hurricane Harvey in 2017. Our employees are IICRC certified in all areas of disaster recovery including fire damage, flood and water damage, mold mitigation and more.

Part of any post-disaster efforts is dealing with insurance companies. SERVPRO works closely with insurance agents and has developed countless contacts and relationships within the industry making the process a smoother and more productive effort.

Disasters take their toll, and cleanup efforts certainly sometimes feel unmanageable, but rest assured you can count on SERVPRO to respond faster to any disaster with the knowledge and resources needed to tackle any project big or small.

No Damage Too Big For SERVPRO of Chesterfield to Handle

10/28/2021 (Permalink)

When your home or business is faced with damage from storms, fire, or mold it’s easy to assume the worst. SERVPRO of Chesterfield and SERVPRO of Tri-Cities, Plus believes that there is no loss too big for us to handle. We have the resources required to respond as fast as possible to help mitigate any further damage to your property and the knowledge to feel confident that we can make your loss “Like it never even happened.”

What makes SERVPRO so special?

Our employees are constantly learning the newest mitigation strategies and techniques with state-of-the-art equipment to make sure your home or business gets the best possible service we can offer. We are an IICRC Certified firm. The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification program means that you can rest assured our team has gone through extensive training and perform at the best of their abilities.

We are family owned and operated. Our franchise team has over 35 years of experience serving our local community, with one of the largest franchises on the east coast. While we are locally owned, we still have the resources of a national company giving us the ability to respond faster and giving you the peace of mind you need when a disaster affects your property.

Do You Know How To Use a Fire Extinguisher?

10/26/2021 (Permalink)

In today’s busy world it can be easy to forget about the little things. Most of us have been told the process of using a fire extinguisher properly at least once, but in an emergency do you know well enough to not panic? There is a handy mnemonic that makes the steps easier to remember: PASS

1. Pull– Pull the pin from the top of the fire extinguisher near the handle. This pin is in place to prevent the handle from being depressed when the extinguisher is not in use. You should also immediately test the extinguisher after this to ensure that it works and get an idea of how far the stream goes.
2. Aim – Approach the fire while remaining safely as far as way as the extinguisher’s stream will allow you to and aim the nozzle at the base of the fire.
3. Squeeze- Squeeze the handles of the extinguisher together to begin discharging the extinguishing agent.
4. Sweep – Sweep the nozzle side to side as you approach closer to the fire making sure that the extinguishing agent is consistently aimed at the base of the flames.

Hopefully you will never be in a situation where you will need it, but it is important to understand the proper techniques for fire extinguisher use in order to keep your home safe and be able to respond in case of emergency.

Frostbite vs. Hypothermia

10/25/2021 (Permalink)

Our team at SERVPRO of Chesterfield and SERVPRO of Tri-Cities, Plus cares about the dangers that colder weather has on your home. However, we also care about the affects of the cold on YOU and your family, as well. The frosty weather is starting to come in and the days are getting colder and colder. Can you recognize the signs of frostbite and hypothermia? Do you know what to do if you DO see signs of either?

Frostbite: Can cause loss of feeling and color around fingers, face, and toes.

Signs of a problem: Skin can start to feel firm or waxy. You may experience numbness and skin can be greyish-yellow in color

What to do: Cover exposed skin from the elements and seek shelter in a warm room. Soak affected body part in warm water to start warming area back up. DO NOT massage area or use a heating pad to warm up.

Hypothermia: Caused by a large drop in body temperature. Anything below 95 degrees is an emergency scenario

Signs of a problem: Loss of dexterity and memory, Confusion and exhaustion, shivering, slowed/slurred speech, drowsiness.

What to do: Do your best to cover any exposed skin from the elements and insulate the affected person as much as possible while seeking shelter in a warm room. Start warming the body from the center out. Chest, neck, and head should be warmed first. It is important to keep the person dry and wrapped up in warm blankets including both the head and neck.

Commercial HVAC Cleaning Before Winter Weather Hits

10/18/2021 (Permalink)

With winter coming, cold weather on the forefront and open windows being a thing of the past until next Spring, is your business’s HVAC system ready to handle its job providing your business with good quality air and proper circulation? HVAC cleaning is an important maintenance task for any business to ensure good quality air within a building.  Without regular proper cleaning your ducts can be accumulating:

• Dirt and dust
• Past odors
• Pollen and other allergens
• Debris
• Mold spores and other contaminants

Additionally, cleaning is important to not only you, your staff, and customers, but also to the HVAC system itself! Debris and other build up in the ducting can lead to improper air circulation and cause your HVAC to work harder than it needs to. This can lead to expensive power bills or even more expensive repair costs on the HVAC system.

Do you know how long it’s been since your last duct cleaning? Give SERVPRO of Chesterfield and SERVPRO of Tri-Cities Plus a call and let our team of experts evaluate the air quality in your business and they can help you decide if it’s time to get them serviced.

What Makes Our SERVPRO Franchise Different Than Other Restoration Companies?

10/14/2021 (Permalink)

Our Disaster Recovery Team Bahen loaded a tractor trailer with equipment to fight the aftermath of Hurricane Ida down south.

At SERVPRO of Chesterfield and Tri-Cities Plus, we are part of a disaster restoration company that restores commercial and residential properties to their original, pre-disaster states. 

Our team Disaster Recovery Team Bahen consists of individuals who are large-loss experts, and are extremely knowledgeable in the best ways to efficiently tackle large-scale water or fire damages.

Although we serve our local community, we understand the need for qualified teams in other locations to respond when natural disasters strike. That’s why our Disaster Recovery Team has traveled down south to Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, and other states.

How is SERVPRO different from other disaster restoration companies?

• Our restoration team guarantees that to the best of our abilities we will deliver pre-disaster conditions, and would never just patch things up.
•  Our knowledge spans many areas including mold remediation, water damage,  fire damage, commercial cleaning and more.
• We take on jobs of all sizes. Whether it’s residential or commercial, we promise to do our best to bring your properties back to preloss conditions.
• Here at SERVPRO preparedness is key. While we only gain your business when disaster strikes, we like to focus on preparedness so you won’t have to hire us in the first place. We hope you will not need to contact us, but we’re ready when you do, 24/7, 365 days a year.

What makes SERVPRO a disaster restoration leader?

• Our restoration specialists and technicians are ALWAYS TRAINING. Making sure our employees know the latest techniques and best practices to use on the job is very important to us.
• With your health and safety paramount, SERVPRO invests in state-of-the-art technology. This allows us to give you a more effective and faster cleanup post disaster. 
• Across the country SERVPRO is always there. Regardless of your location, there’s a good chance you can find a local SERVPRO with local employees ready to give you the high-quality disaster restoration services that our brand promises.

For disaster restoration assistance of any kind in central Virginia, give SERVPRO of Chesterfield and Tri-Cities Plus a call at (804) 378-2323. This franchise is independently owned and operated.

Fire Prevention Week - Smoke Alarms

10/4/2021 (Permalink)

This week is National Fire Prevention Week. Our SERVPRO of Chesterfield and SERVPRO of Tri-Cities team wants you and your family to take the proper precautions in preventing a fire in your home. First, get the facts:

• According to the National Fire Protection Association, a closed door may slow the spread of smoke, heat, and fire
• Around 3 out of 5 deaths from fire happen in homes with no working smoke alarms, or no alarms at all.
• Smoke alarms should be placed inside every bedroom, outside each sleeping room, and on every level of the home. For a greater level of protection, make sure every alarm in the home is synced so when one goes off, they all go off.

The NFPA has some great tips involving the importance of smoke alarms and their safety.

• Replace all smoke alarms when they are 10 years old.
• Test all smoke alarms at least once a month.
• A smoke alarm should be on the ceiling or high on a wall. Keep smoke alarms away from the kitchen to reduce false alarms.
• Install smoke alarms in every bedroom. They should also be outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home. Install alarms in the basement.
•  People who are hard-of-hearing or deaf can use special alarms. These alarms have strobe lights and bed shakers.

Fall Maintenance Tips

9/22/2021 (Permalink)

Today is the first day of fall and it's time to get your building prepared for the change of weather! It's important to give your business this special attention to ensure you are doing what you can to minimize issues and keep your business running at full speed.

Check out these Fall Maintenance Tips:

1. Check smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, and first aid kits.
2. Clean your chimney & fireplace of soot and other obstructions
3. Check your window seals and check for any cracks and drafts they may be coming throw
4. Wrap your indoor pipes to insulate and help prevent freezing
5. Inspect your roof for any damages, leaks or weak spots
6. Inspect your HVAC and heating system to ensure they are working properly
7. Stock up on supplies you may need for employees or other members of your buildings
8. Finish season outdoor maintenance and remove dangerous branches that could affect your building

Employee CJ Gallagher Compares the Special Olympics to SERVPRO's Community

8/20/2021 (Permalink)

Employee Spotlight - CJ Gallagher!

 CJ joined the team in April 2021 as a Part Time Warehouse Assistant. As an ambassador and multiple-sport athlete for the Special Olympics Virginia (basketball, tennis, softball, track and field, flag football, and golf), we sat down with CJ and talked about his role with SERVPRO of Chesterfield and how he compares the Special Olympics with SERVPRO’s community. “I recently spoke to the Special Olympics audience, and in the middle of my speech I told everyone how the Special Olympics is like SERVPRO - everybody works as a team. I was happy I was able to work here because this is a place that I always wanted to work after seeing the commercials on TV and I thought it was really cool. I love the teamwork here and how everybody is friendly. No one is putting pressure on me to go faster or go slower, and everybody seems to be happy with the way I work, so if they’re happy, I’m happy. It’s really an honor to work for SERVPRO. I love being here because every time I'm outside of work and I see the SERVPRO trucks around, it makes me feel honored and I feel really cool that I actually work for that company. I would tell someone who's interested in working here that I recommend the place, because everybody treats everyone well. Everyone does their work and I do my work and I think SERVPRO has great options because there are a lot of different jobs you can do here. I think working here is fun. I wake up in the morning happy, because I'm coming to work at a cool company. I get a lot of compliments on my work and every day I'm glad to be here.”

Water Damage: What To Do Until Help Arrives

8/16/2021 (Permalink)

Yesterday’s thunderstorm lasted from the late afternoon and through the night, bringing heavy rain to our area. Flooded roads, flooded basements, sewage backups, sump pump failures and more have wreaked havoc on our community. Our SERVPRO of Chesterfield and SERVPRO of Tri-Cities, Plus team is working around the clock and hustling to get to all of our customers who are in need. As we always try to get to everyone ASAP, sometimes those customers who have to wait for the crew are panicked and don’t know what to do until help arrives. Here is a quick list of tips to follow when you’re waiting for our SERVPRO mitigation team to arrive and take care of the water in your home.

First of all, SAFETY. Consider these questions and thoughts:

• 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 Until Help Arrives:

• 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 for even drying.
• 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.

Smoke Alarms In Homes Save Lives

8/10/2021 (Permalink)

Smoke alarms literally save lives.

When installed and properly maintained, smoke alarms can dramatically reduce the risk of injuries caused by fires. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA):

Compared to reported home fires with no smoke alarms or automatic extinguishing systems (AES) present, the death rate per 1,000 reported fires was as follows: 

• 35 percent lower when battery-powered smoke alarms were present, but AES was not, 
• 51 percent lower when smoke alarms with any power source were present but AES was not, 
• 69 percent lower when hardwired smoke alarms were present but AES was not, and 
• 91 percent lower when hardwired smoke alarms and sprinklers were present

The National Fire Protection Association also recommends the following:

• Install smoke alarms on every level of the home and in every bedroom. Do not install the smoke alarm where it could be blocked or damaged.
  
• Smoke alarms should be installed away from the kitchen and shower to prevent false alarms. They should be at least around 10 feet from a cooking appliance.
  Test smoke alarms at least once a month using a test button. 
• Replace batteries in all smoke alarms at least once a year, though twice would be best. Daylight savings times in March and November can be good dates to set for this.
• Replace all smoke alarms when they are 10 years old. Newer alarms on the market also offer carbon monoxide detection as well as voice alarms, which have shown to be more effective in waking children up.

Hurricane Season is Almost Here

8/9/2021 (Permalink)

Our SERVPRO Disaster Recovery Team poses in front of a SERVPRO vehicle filled with equipment to combat the water damages after Hurricane Ida.

Hurricane season is almost in full swing. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is predicting an above-normal and active Atlantic hurricane season. NAOO is predicting around 13 to 20 storms that could reach winds up to 39 mph or higher. This information is crucial for our community to know and understand so we can come together to spread awareness and prepare our homes and businesses for potential damage.

How to Prepare according to ready.gov:

• Make an Emergency plan - make sure everyone in your household understands what to do in case of an emergency. Make sure your business has a SERVPRO Emergency Ready Plan or continuity plan in place.
• Know your evacuation zone - follow local emergency instructions and learn your evacuation routes
• Recognize warnings and alerts - download the FEMA app to received real-time alerts from the National Weather Service
• Review important documents - check on your insurance policies, and purchase flood insurance if you think your home is at risk for flooding. Gather personal documents.
• Strengthen your home - clean out your gutters, clear debris from roof, remove outdoor furniture and other items susceptible to heavy wind.
• Get tech ready - purchase generators, cell phone backup chargers and keep electronics power up before a storm
• Help your neighborhood - check on senior neighbors and others who may need help buying supplies
• Gather supplies - make sure you have a fully stocked emergency kit with water, medication, pet supplies, flashlights, etc.

Do You Have a Car Emergency Kit?

7/15/2021 (Permalink)

We talk about emergency preparedness for your home or business all the time, however what many people tend to overlook is having an emergency kit in your car. A lot of people spend many hours in their cars and it’s so important to always be prepared in case of an emergency, like a sudden storm or accident. 

Here is a short list of items that are a must have in your car emergency kit:

• Jumper cables
• Spare tire, wheel wrench, tripod jack
• Multipurpose utility tool or tool kit
• Flashlights and batteries
• Reflective Triangle
• First-Aid Kit
• Non-Perishable Foods like nuts, dried food, candy
• Water
• Duct tape
• Rain Poncho
• For colder weather: snow brush, warm clothing, blanket

SERVPRO of Chesterfield and SERVPRO of Tri-Cities, Plus wants to make sure that you are prepared in case of a storm or emergency while on the road.

What to Do if Tenant Finds Mold In Their Apartment

7/8/2021 (Permalink)

If given the right conditions, mold can form and quickly spread inside a tenants apartment without much notice. High humidity, leaking pipes, or unattended water damage leaves perfect conditions for mold to form and spread, which will scare and upset your tenant. It’s so important to act right away if your tenant informs you that there is a mold issue. Follow these steps to ensure you are doing everything you can to address the problem:

Steps To Address Mold Issue 

1. Tell Tenant to Call Insurance Company to See What’s Covered: Mold removal is only covered when the source of the mold is covered in the renter’s insurance policy, such as water damage. Standard insurance policies protect you from water damage caused by sudden and accidental incidents, such as a burst pipe or an overflow resulting from a malfunctioning AC unit.
2. Take photos of the Affected Areas: having a record of the mold issue is important and can help if insurance claim situations
3. Contact SERVPRO to Perform Mold Remediation: Our team can locate the source of the issue and take all necessary steps to fix the moisture or water damage issue and remove all areas affected with growth.
4. Move the tenant to another location while cleanup is performed. Sometimes a tenant needs to be relocated so the necessary work can happen to remediate and remove mold. Their belongings could also be affected and SERVPRO has the ability to collect and clean mold affected items.

If you have mold issues in your building, the best thing to do is act fast and call SERVPRO of Chesterfield and SERVPRO of Tri-Cities, Plus at 804-378-2323.

How to Prepare for Heavy Rains

7/6/2021 (Permalink)

The first tropical storm of the season is coming and her name is Elsa. No, Elsa is not a winter storm as the name would be most appropriately chosen for, however, this tropical storm will still bring some destruction such as heavy winds and rain.

Elsa is only expected to hit our area with some heavy rains, but our SERVPRO of Chesterfield and SERVPRO of Tri-Cities, Plus team wants you to prepare before the storm hits. Check out these quick tips below:

1. Clean out your gutters - heavy rainfall can quickly build up in clogged gutters leaving the potential for water to intrude into your home
2. Inspect Your roof, especially in older homes - fix any signs of damage, cracks or leaks
3. Trim branches that could potentially cause damage to your house or property - heavy rains combined with some wind power can cause dead and dying branches and limbs to fall leaving a mess, or worse, a hole in your roof.
4. Make an Emergency Kit - in case of power outages, make sure you have a container of flashlights, batteries, candles, water bottles, a first-aid kit, and other necessary items.
5. Check your Insurance Policy - make sure you understand your coverage policy and also keep in mind, flood damage insurance needs to be purchased separately.

In the event of a water damage from a storm, call the professionals at SERVPRO of Chesterfield and SERVPRO of Tri-Cities, Plus at 804-378-2323.

How to Deal with Water Damage

6/28/2021 (Permalink)

Water damage is inevitable, whether it is from a storm, a leaking pipe, or even an overflowing toilet. When water infiltrates your home, many areas can suffer. It is important to begin the restoration process as soon as possible so that you can prevent further damage from occurring. Here are some steps you can implement after a water damage to ensure your home does not sustain permanent damage:

Step 1: Safety First – The most important thing to do after water damage has occurred is to ensure the safety of you and your family. Be sure to assess the threat and be cautious of any visible structural damage that could be potentially dangerous like loosened or cracked foundation, holes, or warping. Be sure to consider the source of the water, is the water contaminated or did it come from a clean source? 

Step 2: Attempt to Stop and Remove the Water – The first thing technicians will ask you to do when you call, if you have not done so already, is to stop the flow by turning off the water at the main line. Standing water causes more damage in your home every minute it remains where it is not supposed to be. Standing water can sink into the floor and seep into the walls. Professionals can use industrial equipment to remove water quickly and safely. 

Step 3: Turn off Power in the Flooded Area - Electricity and water are not a safe combination. Shut off breakers to the area where the water damage occurred, so that if you or technicians need to enter the water, you are not putting yourselves in danger. 

Step 4: Remove Wet or Damaged Belongings – It is essential to remove your personal belongings from wet areas in order to limit the chances of permanent water damage and prevent staining. If personal items cannot be salvaged, technicians will dispose of them properly. Clearing out your personal belongings will make any needed restoration of your home faster and easier.

Step 5: Dry the Area - The last step of the water cleanup process is drying the area. One of the biggest effects of water damage is the growth of mold. Mold grows quickly, within 24 to 48 hours. A professional mold remediation service will help you to assess mold growth and remove it properly and quickly.

While there are steps you can take in order to ease the amount of water damage after a flood or pipe failure, it is important to call a professional restoration company to truly return your home to its best condition. SERVPRO of Chesterfield and SERVPRO of Tri-Cities, Plus will ease this process as we have a dedicated team, professional equipment, and over 30 years of experience remediating water damage. If you experience a water damage, don't hesitate to call SERVPRO of Chesterfield and SERVPRO of Tri-Cities, Plus at 804-378-2323.

Reasons Why Your Basement is Flooding

6/15/2021 (Permalink)

Check out these 5 reasons why your basement may be flooding.

1. Location – Your home benefits from being in an area where no excess water from storms, melting snow, or other natural weather patterns will cause water damage. Your home should be designed to allow surface drainage to be directed away from your home, not towards it. If you notice any depressions around your home where water may pool, fill them in with clay-type soil or consider reshaping your yard so water flows away from your home.
2. Sealing Walls and Floors – During the construction or remodeling of your home, the walls and floors of the basement need to be waterproofed with a sealant to avoid leakage and flooding. Always seal cracks or openings when found, to prevent water damage.
3. Clogged Gutter System – Gutter systems are essential to divert water away from your home and to keep your basement dry. Debris stops water from moving off the roof through the gutter system, make sure to clean the gutters as part of your regular routine maintenance to avoid further problems like water collecting on your roof.
4. Sewer Backup – During heavy storms, sewer systems become overwhelmed with wastewater and stormwater which can cause water to back up into your home through toilets, sinks, or floor drains. We recommend installing backwater valves to stop backflows on the sanitary sewer line.
5. Sump Pump Failure – Sump Pumps are designed to keep your basement safeguarded from water, you should inspect, clean, and test your sump regularly to check for failing equipment. It is very important to keep your Sump Pump running during wet seasons, as they collect water from the ground around your home and pump it out when the basin fills with water.

Hurricane Season is Upon Us

6/9/2021 (Permalink)

Hurricane season has officially started and we want to make sure our community is well prepared for what to do in case a storm heads our way. Here are some tips to ensure you and your loved ones are safe during this upcoming storm season:

Know your Risk. Hurricanes are not just a coastal threat. Rain, wind, water, even tornadoes could happen far inland from where a hurricane or tropical storm makes landfall. https://www.weather.gov/wrn/2020-determine-your-risk

Make an Emergency Plan. When a storm is coming to your area, know how to stay in touch with your family and friends, and where you will go if your home becomes unsafe. Include places like your office, daycare, and anywhere you frequent when making your hurricane plan. Have a planned route and an alternate route to get to a safe place away from the storm. http://www.ready.gov/

Build an Emergency Kit. Keep an emergency kit stocked with non-perishable food items, water, blankets, essential documents, a battery backup to charge your cell phone, radio, toys, and supplies for your pets. Have enough supplies to last you at least 72 hours. https://www.ready.gov/kit 

Stay Informed. Pay attention to weather forecasts in your area provided by local news outlets or weather apps on your phone. You can turn on Wireless Emergency Alerts on your phone to receive emergency alerts from the National Weather Service. If you live in a mandatory evacuation zone, listen to your local officials, and evacuate immediately if told to do so. https://www.weather.gov/ 

Remember to stay safe and use these tips to help you be more prepared during hurricane season this year. We are a proud partner with the Red Cross and take part in cleaning up damages after a storm. Our team is also an extreme team, meaning we have the tools and trained professionals who can travel across the country to assist with storm damage. SERVPRO of Chesterfield and SERVPRO of Tri-Cities, Plus will respond 24-hours a day to emergency fire and water services.

We Handle Large Water Damages

6/3/2021 (Permalink)

In the event of a major water disaster in your commercial building, it’s important to call the trusted professionals who have over 35 years of restoration experience.

SERVPRO of Chesterfield and SERVPRO of Tri-Cities Plus has the training, experience, and equipment to handle large commercial flooding or water damage emergencies. Whether your water emergency occurs in a small office building or big box store, we will respond quickly to mitigate the damage and manage the restoration project through to its completion. Learn more about our training and certifications.

Our team is well equipped with Large Loss Specialists and Project Managers who are well-versed and trained to expertly take control of the situation and efficiently tackle each step of the process to get your building back up and running as soon as possible. We work like a well-oiled machine and everyone from the technician to crew chief to project manager and team leader know what they need to do and how to do it properly.

Because we have the ability to take on major large losses, SERVPRO of Chesterfield and SERVPRO of Tri-Cities, Plus is considered a Disaster Recovery Team. This means we are able to travel far distances up and down the East Coast (or farther) to help in the event of a large disaster. No matter where your disaster strikes, SERVPRO of Chesterfield and SERVPRO of Tri-Cities, Plus can be there with the necessary tools and manpower to help.

Does Your Team Know What To Do In Case of an Emergency?

6/2/2021 (Permalink)

Do your employees know who to call in case of a fire or water emergency in your building? This question may not have crossed your mind before, but it could be the difference in saving your property from further extensive damage.

Anyone who has access to the building could have the potential to run into a situation where they need to think and act fast. Do they know where the water shut off valves are located? How about the gas shut off? Luckily, SERVPRO of Chesterfield and SERVPRO of Tri-Cities, Plus can offer you and your company this peace of mind with our free Emergency Ready Plan program. The SERVPRO ERP is a free service that our team can provide, by documenting all of the necessary information needed to control, access, and handle any fire or water emergency. Our SERVPRO representative will walk through the facility and document where all the shut-off valves are located, take pictures of exits, and important locations, and even document every single vendor and important personnel’s numbers so anyone who has this binder or mobile app will know what to do and who to call.

The best part about the SERVPRO ERP is that it is FREE! Give our team a call at 804-378-2323 and we can schedule a time to complete the ERP so you and your crew can have peace of mind if a fire or water emergency strikes.

Call the SERVPRO Professionals for Water Damage

5/21/2021 (Permalink)

When water damage impacts your home or business, you want the best in the restoration business to help you make it "Like it never even happened."

Call SERVPRO® of Chesterfield and SERVPRO® of Tri-Cities, Plus at 804-378-2323 any time of day, any day of the week, any time of the year, and get our team of professionals that have over 35 years of experience taking care of our community.

Whether your home is affected in a small way, or you own a business that’s affected with 100,000 square feet of water damage, we'll be able to handle it with the necessary tools, manpower and knowledge.

Independently owned and operated by Andrew and Theresa Bahen. SERVPRO® of Chesterfield and SERVPRO® of Tri-Cities Plus has earned an excellent reputation with homeowners, insurance companies, business owners, facility managers, local and state government agencies and commercial property management teams. Our experience, people, capacity and equipment uniquely qualifies us to handle large jobs no matter how extensive the damage. In the unfortunate event of a fire or water damage, call SERVPRO® of Chesterfield and SERVPRO® of Tri-Cities Plus. We will respond 24/7 with trained employees, state-of-the-art equipment and the resources required to perform emergency services to help limit property damage.

International Firefighter's Day

5/4/2021 (Permalink)

Our SERVPRO Flying Squirrels Box Suite at The Diamond

Today and every day we send our thanks and appreciation to the frontliners who run towards the fire.

Thank you to all of the brave firefighters who put their lives on the line each and every day to keep our communities safe.

Our SERVPRO of Chesterfield and SERVPRO of Tri-Cities, Plus team will always stand up and show our respect and appreciation for the firefighters working on our community. As proud sponsors of the local minor league baseball team, The Richmond flying Squirrels, SERVPRO of Chesterfield and Tri-Cities, Plus has offered our suite at The Diamond for some local firefighters in our community to enjoy the home opener game with their colleagues and families.

You too can honor them today by proudly wearing blue and red ribbons pinned together. The ribbons' colors are symbolic of the elements firefighters work with – red for fire and blue for water.

Thank you to all the firefighters out there doing amazing work!

Fire Safety Facts and Tips

4/27/2021 (Permalink)

Our team at SERVPRO of Chesterfield and Tri-Cities, Plus wants you and your family to be in the know about fire safety and to always take precautions to avoid a fire in your home. According to the Red Cross, if a fire starts in your home you may have as little as two minutes to escape.

Tips for Fire Safety:

• Have a discussion with the entire family about a fire escape plan and practice the plan annually.
• install smoke alarms on every level of the home and especially inside bedrooms
• Make sure you test the smoke alarms every month and always have batteries on deck when they run out.
• If a fire occurs in your home, get out and call for help. Never go back inside to grab anything.

American Red Cross Fire Facts:

• The American Red Cross responded to more than 74,000 disasters in communities across the United States last year and 93 percent of these were fire-related.
• Sprinklers and smoke alarms together cut your risk of dying in a home fire 82% in relation to having neither.
• Smoking is the leading cause of home fire deaths.
• Fires kill more Americans each year than all natural disasters combined, and affect people from all backgrounds and geographic locations.
• Cooking fires are the leading cause of home fires and home fire injuries. And, two out of three cooking fires start with the range or stove

SERVPRO Hosts Job Fair

4/21/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO® of Chesterfield and SERVPRO® of Tri-Cities, Plus, local restoration company, announces a Spring 2021 Job Fair on April 21, 2021, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the SERVPRO Training Center located at 12001 Deerhill Road, Midlothian, VA.

SERVPRO® of Chesterfield and SERVPRO® of Tri-Cities, Plus will be hiring production technicians, crew chiefs, and reconstruction superintendents to join a growing team that is always here to help our community.

Without the pressure of a formal one-on-one interview, job seekers will enjoy refreshments, while getting the opportunity to ask any questions regarding the position and the offered benefits. Job seekers will have the opportunity meet team members, discuss the position of interest, and learn about the day-to-day operations. 

The job fair held at the SERVPRO® Training Center is located directly next to the SERVPRO® of Chesterfield and SERVPRO® of Tri-Cities, Plus headquarters, allowing job seekers to tour our 50,000 square-foot facility and see first-hand why this company has become one of the best restoration companies in the area. SERVPRO® of Chesterfield and SERVPRO® of Tri-Cities, Plus employees over 100 team members and over 1/3 of their employees have been there for 10+ years.

About SERVPRO® of Chesterfield and SERVPRO® of Tri-Cities, Plus:

We are an award-winning cleanup and restoration company with more than 35 years of experience. Independently owned and operated by Andrew and Theresa Bahen, SERVPRO® of Chesterfield and SERVPRO® of Tri-Cities, Plus has earned an excellent reputation with homeowners, insurance companies, business owners, facility managers, local and state government agencies, and commercial property management teams. Our highly trained teams respond 24/7, providing excellent service to those in need in our community. Our experience, people, capacity, and equipment uniquely qualifies us to handle large jobs, no matter how extensive the damage.

Homeowners Insurance and Water Damage Coverage

4/20/2021 (Permalink)

Insurance coverage can be confusing at times. That's why our team at SERVPRO of Chesterfield and Tri-Cities, Plus wants you to get the facts before you have water damage issues and no insight on what's covered by insurance.

Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Water Damage?

Yes - most homeowners insurance policies help to cover the damage only if it's a sudden or accidental cause. 

There are basically two types of coverage depending on what has been damaged:

Dwelling Coverage - helps to pay for structural damage, such as a pipe burst and water damages the walls.

Personal Property Coverage - helps to pay for damage to your belongings, such as a pipe bursts and affects your furniture or electronics.

What's Not Covered by Insurance?

• Replacing/Repairing Source of Water Damage
• Water Backup from outside drain or sewer
• Unresolved maintenance issues
• Floods - you need a separate flood insurance policy

If you experience water damage in your home or business, our SERVPRO professionals will work with your insurance to efficiently and effectively restore your home.

SERVPRO Cleaning Experts

3/31/2021 (Permalink)

Sometimes in the restoration industry, you will run into some pretty unusual scenarios.

At SERVPRO, our team can handle almost any type of cleaning, whether it’s structural like walls, ceilings, and floors, to contents like soft goods and furniture. However, what happens when your collection of taxidermy animal trophies have been affected? How would you go about cleaning these tricky contents? 

Recently our team ran into this situation and handled it flawlessly! This particular customer experienced heavy smoke and soot damage in their home after logs shifted in their gas fireplace spreading smoke throughout the entire home. This affected multiple rooms, contents, and yes, even their extensive collection of taxidermy animal trophies. Using SERVPRO's proprietary cleaning products and compressed air, our team was able to fully clean and deodorize our customer's beloved collection, making that soot and smoke damage “Like it never even happened.” 

What we’ve learned as restoration experts, is that most of the time, the customer will care more about their contents rather than the affected structure. These items are priceless and it’s our job to get them back to pre-damaged condition. There’s not much out there that our SERVPRO of Chesterfield and SERVPRO of  Tri-Cities, Plus team can’t clean!

Spring Cleaning Your Businesses' HVAC System

3/9/2021 (Permalink)

This time of year, business owners should consider getting their HVAC duct system inspected and deep cleaned. While everyone is creating their spring cleaning checklists, many forget about the necessary cleaning of areas that are not visible. Over time, ducts can build up dust, allergens, and other contaminants and can circulate these into the air that you employers and customers breath.

After contacting your local cleaning professionals at SERVPRO of Chesapeake South to get your HVAC duct system cleaned, it is important to keep up with routine maintenance of your system Check out the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommendations:

• Maintain Filters – make sure you are using the highest efficiency level of commercial filters and change them out regularly
• Minimize Dust Buildup – vacuum and wipe down surfaces regular to minimize the accumulation of dust and allergens that can clog up filters over time
• Clean cooling coils and drain pans when checking and cleaning heating and cooling systems.

If you would like a deep, professional cleaning of your business’ duct system, call the cleaning and sanitizing professionals at SERVPRO of Chesterfield at 804-378-2323.

What To Do Before The Ice Storm Hits

2/17/2021 (Permalink)

What You Need Before the Ice Storm Hits

This past Saturday’s ice storm was one for the books. It was the biggest ice storm to his central Virginia is 20 years, causing massive power outages and hundreds of accidents on the roads. And now a new ice storm system is heading our way again tomorrow. If we’ve learned anything from Saturday, it’s that preparing for no power or heat is a must. Tree limbs can’t hold the weight of the ice and it’s inevitable for more to fall on the power lines, disrupting our comfort at home.

Check out this list of everything you need before the storm hits:

• Purchase a generator from your local hardware store
• Make sure you have enough candles, flashlights/lanterns and batteries
• Stock up on food and water
• If you have a wood burning fireplace, stock up on wood to keep warm
• Charge up your cell phones, laptops and other devices and purchase a portable cell phone charger
• Make sure you know where your main water shut off valves are located in case a pipe bursts
• Turn your refrigerator and freezer to the coldest setting
• Purchase some shake-activated hand warmers to keep you warm

During the storm, stay off the roads to avoid accidents. Make sure you have plenty of blankets and warm layers. It is also a good idea to stuff towels up again doorways to keep the heat inside and avoid leaks and drafts.

Protect Your Home's Pipes

12/15/2020 (Permalink)

Our SERVPRO of Chesterfield and SERVPRO of Tri-Cities Plus team understands the importance of taking care of your home and also the burden of keeping up with it's maintenance. That's why we want you to be prepared for the upcoming winter weather and the affect it will have on your home's pipes.

Here are some quick and simple checklist items to cover for the inside and outsider of your home:

Outside:

• wrap outside faucets
• caulk around pipes where they enter the house
• disconnect the garden hoses, drain the inside, and store in shed or garage
• drain in-ground sprinkler systems

Inside:

• set faucets with a small drip if the temperature goes below freezing
• open cupboard doors in kitchen and bathroom for warm air to hit the pipes
• shut off and drain your water system if you are leaving for more than 5 days and expect freezing temperatures

If your home experiences a water damage from pipes bursting, call the professionals at 804-378-2323.

Thanksgiving Fire Safety

11/17/2020 (Permalink)

This time of year it's more important than ever to pay attention to fire safety while home for the holidays. Check out these Thanksgiving Fire Facts from the National Fire Protection Association:

• Thanksgiving is the peak day for home cooking fires, followed by Christmas Day, the day before Thanksgiving, Easter, and Christmas Eve.
• In 2018, U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated 1,630 home cooking fires on Thanksgiving, the peak day for such fires.
• Unattended cooking was by far the leading contributing factor in cooking fires and fire deaths.
• Cooking caused almost half of all reported home fires and home fire injuries, and it is the second leading cause of home fire deaths in 2014-2018.

Please follow these safety tips while cooking in the kitchen and staying home during the holidays:

• Never leave children alone in room with a lit candle.
• Keep knives out of the reach of children.
• Stay in the kitchen when you are cooking on the stovetop so you can keep an eye on the food.
• Keep children away from the stove. The stove will be hot and kids should stay 3 feet away.
• Be sure electric cords from an electric knife, coffee maker, plate warmer or mixer are not dangling off the counter within easy reach of a child.
• Make sure your smoke alarms are working. Test them by pushing the test button.
• Keep matches and utility lighters out of the reach of children — up high in a locked cabinet.

If you experience a fire or smoke damage this holiday season, call the professionals at SERVPRO of Chesterfield and SERVPRO of Tri-Cities Plus at 804-378-2323.

Tee Has Worked at SERVPRO for 30 Years

10/20/2020 (Permalink)

Looking for your next career? Check out what our employees have to say:

“I have been working with SERVPRO of Chesterfield and SERVPRO of Tri-Cities Plus for over 30 years. This business has proven to me, time and time again, that this is the place where I am meant to be. I have always been someone who believed in hard work and was raised to have great pride in what I do. Here, you’ll find not just something you can do, but something you WANT to do, and make a career out of it. I found the true meaning of restoration while working for this company, and I stuck with it ever since.

One of the greatest things you can see while working at this company is the before and after of a job and watching people’s belongings being brought back to life after a tragedy. Not only does helping others give me a sense of gratification, but it also gives me great pride to work for a company that helps a diverse group of customers. One thing I would say to someone who is looking to work for SERVPRO is to make goals for yourself; but don’t stop there, always be positive! It can make you achieve many things here.

Working here has given me the knowledge and independence to not be afraid to do things on my own and to always be open to learning something new. This place has given me a second family. I have watched this company as it continues to grow, as their families grow, and they’ve seen me and my family grow along with them. It has been a wonderful journey working at SERVPRO, and I plan to retire from here.” – Theresa “Tee” Kelsor

If you are interested in joining the SERVPRO of Chesterfield and SERVPRO of Tri-Cities Plus Team, please email careers@SERVPROctn.com.

Project Manager, Nancy Explains Why She Likes Working at SERVPRO

10/16/2020 (Permalink)

Please join us in congratulating Nancy Fuentes-Bonilla on her promotion to Project Manager! Looking for your next career? Check out what Nancy has to say:

“I started working for SERVPRO of Chesterfield and SERVPRO of Tri-Cities Plus in June 2014 as a Production Technician. From there, I have grown immensely by learning a lot about the company and the industry. I went from being a Production Technician to becoming a Crew Chief, while also being one of the field trainers for new hires and potential Crew Chiefs in training. After years of hard work and dedication, I obtained many certifications and gained so much knowledge and experience in the industry, I was promoted to Project Manager starting in August 2020.

What I like most about working at SERVPRO is that we can help customers in their time of need. I also get the opportunity to do a little bit of everything from packing, cleaning, demolition, and my favorites: painting/encapsulating and ice blasting!

We have an excellent work environment with awesome mentors to help along the way. It is fast-paced, as we are a large group of hard working individuals - from office staff to managers to production. SERVPRO is a great company to work for because of the many benefits and the amount of workflow that comes in allows you to rely on steady income. As long as you work hard, there is so much room for career advancement.” – Nancy Fuentes-Bonilla.

If you are interested in joining the SERVPRO of Chesterfield and SERVPRO of Tri-Cities Plus team, please email careers@SERVPROctn.com. 

Crew Chief Explains Why She Loves to Work at SERVPRO

10/9/2020 (Permalink)

"I started working for SERVPRO of Chesterfield and SERVPRO of Tri-Cities Plus in February of 2018. I came in with little to no experience at all. In just a few short months I was able to understand how SERVPRO operates and all the different things they do to help people and companies in need.

Within the first year I was moved up to a Crew Chief and started getting more and more certifications. I have now been working as a Crew Chief for a little over a year. Everyday at SERVPRO is something different and that’s one thing that I really enjoy. At the end of each day you have a feeling of accomplishment looking back at everything you did and all the people you helped along the way. It’s really nice being able to walk into a strangers house and feel welcomed all because they know that SERVPRO is going to take care of them during such a tough time.

Working here is not “easy” and while there are challenges, being able to work alongside people who know how to keep a positive attitude throughout the day makes it that much better. SERVPRO is great company to work for with awesome employees and plenty of opportunities to succeed. If you aren’t scared to get your hands a little dirty and show initiative to do better within the company, then SERVPRO will be a great choice for you!" - Alexa Nunnally, Crew Chief

Fire Prevention Week 2020

10/6/2020 (Permalink)

This year's Fire Prevention Week theme is: Serve Up Fire Safety In The Kitchen!

Every year the National Fire Protection Agency practices this safety week to inform and bring awareness to the potentials of fires occurring while living your ordinary, every day life.

According to the NFPA, cooking is the #1 cause of home fire and home fire injuries. They also mentioned that unattended cooking is the leading cause of fires in the kitchen. The NFPA came up with some easy to remember tips to protect you, your family and your home, while in the kitchen:

• STAY - focused on the food. never leave the kitchen when boiling, grilling or frying
• PUT - a lid on it. Keep a lid nearby when cooking.
• KEEP - cooking areas clear of oven mits, wooden utensils, towels, and food wrappers
• PREVENT - scalds and burns by turning pot handles away from the stove's edge and keeping hot foods and liquids away from counter edges.

SERVPRO Understands The Stress After a Disaster

9/22/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Chesterfield and SERVPRO of Tri-Cities Plus understands the stress and worry that comes with a fire or water damage and the disruption it causes your life and home or business. Our goal is to help minimize the interruption to your life and quickly make it "Like it never even happened."

We specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage. SERVPRO of Chesterfield and SERVPRO of Tri-Cities Plus  can also mitigate mold and mildew from your home or business. 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.

As the one of the largest SERVPRO franchises on the East Coast, no damage is too large or too small for our Disaster Recovery Team Bahen!

SERVPRO of Chesterfield and SERVPRO of Tri-Cities Plus understands the stress and worry that comes with a fire or water damage and the disruption it causes your life and home or business. Our goal is to help minimize the interruption to your life and quickly make it "Like it never even happened."

We specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage. SERVPRO of Chesterfield and SERVPRO of Tri-Cities Plus can also mitigate mold and mildew from your home or business. 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.

No damage is too large or too small for SERVPRO of Chesterfield and SERVPRO of Tri-Cities Plus!

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

9/18/2020 (Permalink)

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

PPE is worn by professionals to reduce the exposure to biohazards and other hazardous materials that could cause illnesses or injuries. Our SERVPRO of Chesterfield and SERVPRO of Tri-Cities Plus team will don PPE for various reasons and:

PPE helps to:
- Protect workers from threat of viral pathogens in area
- Protect area from potential contamination by our workers
- Protect from harmful contaminants in water or particulates in the air during our fire restoration & water mitigation work

Especially during the Corona Virus Pandemic, our team is out in the field cleaning and sanitizing multiple businesses using our specialized cleaning and disinfecting products and need to be in full PPE attire the entire time. Our products are safe when used appropriately by a pro & according to label directions. PPE isn't to protect workers from disinfectants, but to help protect the space from workers. PPE helps protects workers if there are suspected/known viral pathogens present.

Project Manager, David Cover Explains Why You Should Work for Our Team

8/27/2020 (Permalink)

"I originally started working at SERVPRO of Chesterfield and SERVPRO of Tri-Cities Plus one summer in high school as a Technician when I was 15. I was excited to get a job where a lot of my friends worked. I continued working during breaks from school for the next couple of years and then eventually, got an office job somewhere else. It did not take me long to realize that it was not for me and I missed being able to go out to job sites, meet different people, and learn new skills daily. I came back 8 years ago as a Production Technician. I worked my way up and advanced from Production Technician to Crew Chief and then was quickly promoted to Project Manager. I now oversee and manage jobs dealing directly with customers and insurance companies.

Having been a part of the SERVPRO Family for many years, I feel directly invested in the success of the company. Not only are the owners invested in each of us, personally and professionally, they are also very generous with purchasing the best, state-of-the-art equipment and provide ample training, which has allowed us to be the best in the business. Customers are happy to see us when we arrive at a job, knowing we will be providing high quality service and make it “Like it never even happened.” I love knowing that I am helping someone in need. In addition, even in these hard times, this company has incredible job security, as there will always be those in need of our services. At SERVPRO, we are very close knit and it feels like a family. This line of work can be very demanding and at times stressful, and support of coworkers is a necessity. Whenever I come across a difficult or new task, there is always someone available who I can talk it through with and receive the help I need. Using teamwork, we can come up with the best plan of action together. Having a large support system makes challenging jobs become an on-site learning opportunity. Being able to constantly learn allows us to not become complacent and makes every day exciting.

If you want to work at a family owned company, learn new skills every day, and the opportunity to advance in your career, then come join #TeamBahen." - David Cover

September is National Preparedness Month

8/19/2020 (Permalink)

September is almost here! It is recognized as National Preparedness Month to remind everyone that “we must all take action, now and throughout the year, for the types of emergencies that could affect us where we live, work, and also where we visit,” (ready.gov).

With the recent flooding in Louisiana in mind, the last thing you want to worry about is how to communicate and what to do during a disaster like this horrific event that killed hundreds and left many families without homes.

What you can do:

• Make A Family Plan – you may not be together with your family during a disaster.
  • Set up emergency alerts from local officials
  • Discuss family plans for disasters and plan where to go for safety.
  • Collect information on paper including, phone numbers, emails, social media, medical facilities, doctors, service providers, school
  • Decide on safe, familiar places where your family can go for protection and if you have pets think about animal-friendly locations
• Take Action – ensure you can go for at least 3 days without electricity, water service, access to supermarket, or other local services
  • Prepare a disaster supply kit (water, food, battery-powered radio, flashlight, first aid kit, whistle, local maps)
  • Bookmark weather.gov to stay informed on severe weather
  • Learn about wireless emergency alerts, messages that will be sent to your phone during an emergency

Consider the following disasters that can occur at any time: Learn more about hazards which can affect your community and ways you can take action to prepare.

• Earthquakes – can occur suddenly and be deadly. Most earthquake-related casualties result from collapsing walls, flying glass, and falling objects.
• Floods - Flooding is the most common natural disaster in the United States and can happen anywhere.
• Hurricanes - have the power to cause widespread devastation, and can affect both coastal and inland areas.
• Tornadoes - are one of nature’s most violent storms, and can cause death, injury, and destruction within seconds.
• Wildfires - can occur anywhere and can destroy homes, businesses, infrastructure, natural resources, and agriculture.

Mold Myths

8/10/2020 (Permalink)

A lot of people have some misconceptions about mold and mold growth. To the untrained and under-educated eye, mold can either be extremely scary or nothing to worry about at all. Here we will help you try and understand the myths and facts about mold, because it's important to grasp the full extent of this mysterious growth. These are some common myths about mold:

1. Mold Can be Completely Erased - this is completely untrue because mold spores are naturally in our environment. There will always be some type of mold in your home but this is usually within the normal level - it begins to become an issue when it grows in large, visible colonies.
2. "Black Mold" is the Most Dangerous Kind - this is mostly untrue because most mold that looks black is actually dark green and do not carry the Stachybotrys mold that can inflict health affects.
3. Mold Remediation is Easily Handled Yourself - usually untrue unless your are dealing with a very small area in your bathroom for example. However, it is always recommended to call the professionals at SERVPRO of Chesterfield and SERVPRO of Tri-Cities Plus to handle mold concerns.
4. Bleach Kills All Mold - this is not always true. Bleach may be able to kill certain types of mold, but only on nonporous surfaces. But mold on other materials such as wood is more complicated and not so straightforward.
5. Mold Only Grows After Water Damage - this is not always true. Yes mold can grow is a water damaged area is not addressed right away. However, spores will grow without water and when humidity levels are high in a structure that is not kept dry and cool.

Call the professionals at SERVPRO of Chesterfield and SERVPRO of Tri-Cities Plus if you have mold issues in your home or business. 804-378-2323

Tips To Prevent Mold In Your Home

7/22/2020 (Permalink)

During the hotter months, mold is more likely to show up and thrive in these hot temperatures. It's important to notes these tips so you're not dealing with mold growth in your home.

• Always use your air conditioner on days that reach up to 77 degrees
• if some rooms in your home tend to have a high humidity rate, purchase a dehumidifier to reduce the moisture in the room
• Keep an eye out for moisture or condensation on your air ducts
• Make sure windows and doors are completely closed when it rains to prevent water from soaking in the floors and windowsills
• Check for leaks in your roof to prevent mold growth from sitting water

Contact SERVPRO of Chesterfield and SERVPRO of Tri-Cities Plus if you see signs of mold in your home. 804.378.2323.

The Importance of Smoke Alarms

7/22/2020 (Permalink)

Smoke alarms not only alert you when there may be a fire in the home, but they can also save your life. During a fire, smoke spreads fast and the smoke alarm will  give you early warning to get out safely.

Follow these safety tips from the National Fire Protection Association:

• Replace your smoke alarm at least every 10 years
• Install a smoke alarm in every bedroom, on every level of the home, and in the basement
• It is recommended to use interconnected smoke alarms so when one sounds, they all sound
• At least once a month, test your smoke alarm by pressing the test button to ensure it's working
• Install your smoke alarms away from the kitchen to reduce false alarms and they should be placed on the ceiling or high up on walls

Check out these Smoke Alarm Facts:

• About 3 out of 5 fire deaths occur in homes with no smoke alarms or no working alarms
• Closed doors may slow the spread of the fire, smoke and heat
• Most homes do not have the appropriate amount of smoke alarms for the number of bedrooms in the home

If you experience a fire or smoke damage in your home, please call the professionals at SERVPRO of Chesterfield and SERVPRO of Tri-Cities Plus at 804-378-2323.

Understanding Mold Remediation Process

7/20/2020 (Permalink)

At SERVPRO of Chesterfield and SERVPRO of Tri-Cities Plus, we understand mold. We understand what causes mold, what necessary steps to take, the right equipment to use, and of course, the prevention of future mold growth. 

These steps listed below describe our process and the best practices when it comes to mold remediation.

1. Contact SERVPRO of Chesterfield and SERVPRO of Tri-Cities Plus Immediately

The mold cleanup and restoration process begins when you call us. Our representative will ask a series of questions to help us determine the necessary equipment, resources, and personnel.

2. Inspection and Mold Damage Assessment

We carefully inspect your property for visible signs of mold. Mold feeds on cellulose and water and can be hidden from plain view. We use various technologies to detect mold and hidden water sources.

3. Mold Containment

Our professionals use various containment procedures to prevent the spread of mold. We may use advanced containment procedures like negative air chambers to isolate the contaminated area with physical barriers and negative air pressure to keep the mold spores from spreading during the cleanup process. All fans and heating and cooling systems will be turned off to prevent the spread of mold.

4. Air Filtration

Our specialized filtration equipment allows our Professionals to capture microscopic mold spores out of the air. We utilize powerful “air scrubbers” and HEPA vacuums to prevent the spread of these mold spores while the mold remediation is in process.

5. Removing Mold and Mold-Infested Materials

The mold remediation process depends on the amount of mold growth and the types of surfaces on which the mold appears. We’ll use antifungal and antimicrobial treatments to eliminate mold colonies and to help prevent new colonies from forming. It may be necessary to remove and dispose of mold-infested porous materials, like drywall and carpeting, to remediate heavy mold growth.

6. Cleaning Contents and Belongings

We clean your furniture, decorative items, curtains, clothing, and other restorable items affected by mold. We use a variety of cleaning techniques to clean and disinfect your belongings. We’re also trained to remove odors and deodorization using fogging equipment.

7. Restoration

Depending on the level of mold damage, drywall, subfloors, and other building materials may have been removed. Restoration may involve minor repairs, such as replacing drywall, painting, and installing new carpet; or it may entail major repairs such as the reconstruction of various areas or rooms in a home or business. The restoration step gets your home or business back to normal.

Water Damage - What To Do Before Help Arrives

7/8/2020 (Permalink)

When you experience a water damage in your home, it can be scary and cause you to panic. Of course you would immediately call a trusted plumber and the water damage experts at SERVPRO of Chesterfield and SERVPRO of Tri-Cities Plus, but what can you do until help arrives?

• First try and locate the source of the water damage and turn off the main water valve to stop the water from continuing to pour into your home.
• Never walk through deep water, but if safe and possible, turn the electricity off in the home.
• start trying to soak up as much water as possible using towels and mops. NEVER use a vacuum.
• if you have wood furniture that is affected with water, try placing foil under the legs or wood blocks to prop them out of the water, reducing the damage to your furniture.
• Cushions and other upholstery items should be propped up against a wall so there is even drying.

These are just some of the examples of things you can do while help arrives. Luckily, you won't have to wait long because our SERVPRO team will responded immediately to emergency water services to quickly begin the drying process in your home.

We Provide Sewage Cleanup

7/8/2020 (Permalink)

Sewage back-ups and toilet overflows are some of the most common issues home and business owners can experience. 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. That’s why it is important to call the professionals who have over 30 years of experience cleaning up these types of issues. SERVPRO of Chesterfield and SERVPRO of Tri-Cities Plus understands that there are three major types of contaminated water and the necessary steps to handle each scenario. We 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 Water

Category 1: Clean Water

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

Category 2: Gray Water

• May contain bacteria and viruses - may include washing machine overflow; toilet overflow with some urine, but no feces; or dishwasher overflow.
• Can quickly degrade into category 3 if left untreated.

Category 3: Black Water

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

If your home or business experiences a sewage issue, it should be treated as quickly as possible. Call SERVPRO of Chesterfield and SERVPRO of Tri-Cities Plus at 804.378.2323 and our professionals will respond 24 hours a day for emergency services.

Prevent Water Damage After Rain Storm

7/2/2020 (Permalink)

Everyone can enjoy the occasional summer thunderstorm - but it could cause major problems if rain water seeps into your home. One of the most common sources of water damage in a home is from rain water. It can enter through leaks in your roof, seeping in from the foundation, or even flooding into your basement. It is important to take the necessary steps to prevent water damage in your home such as:

Checking for proper drainage:

• inspect your roof thoroughly for structural damage or holes
• clear your gutters from leaves and other debris that could block the flow of water from draining into the yard

Install or Check Sump Pumps:

• sump pump are very effective for keeping rainwater out of your house
• have a professional check your sump pump to insure it is working properly once a year

Check sealant inside and outside foundation

• make sure the tar sealant covering the inner and outer sides of the foundation are intact

Inspect the slope of your lawn

• grading is the slope of your lawn and it should always slope away from your home to redirect the rainwater from flooding around the foundations

When you are dealing with storm, flood, and water damage, immediate action is crucial. You should choose the company with storm damage experience and expertise that has the resources and equipment to handle the job. SERVPRO of Chesterfield and SERVPRO of Tri-Cities Plus can respond immediately to storm and flooding conditions.

Equipment Used For Fire Damage

6/29/2020 (Permalink)

We believe at SERVPRO of Chesterfield and SERVPRO of Tri-Cities Plus that the right tools for the job is vital to timely mitigation and restoration, but perhaps more important, SERVPRO of Chesterfield and SERVPRO of Tri-Cities Plus' fire damage professionals are thoroughly trained in fire cleanup and restoration. For instance, knowing the different types of smoke and their behavior patterns are vital to proper restoration.

• Wet Smoke – Plastics and Synthetics; Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary.
• Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood; Fast burning, high temperatures, dry, powdery, nonsmeary residues.
• Protein – Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor.
• Fuel Oil Soot – Furnace Puff Backs.
• Other Types – Tear gas, fingerprint powder and fire extinguisher residue.

Deodorization Equipment

Ultra Low Volume (ULV) Foggers will atomize liquid deodorizing agents, producing a fine mist that easily penetrates sites where odor-causing residues accumulate. The device can also be used to apply fungicides and disinfectants.

Thermal Foggers dispense solvent-based products in large volume, dense fogs suitable for confined areas. The fog consists of tiny particles of deodorant solution that pair with and neutralize odor-causing particles.

Tornado Season

6/26/2020 (Permalink)

Luckily, in the Chesterfield, VA we do not experience the potential threats that tornadoes can have as often as other parts of the country. These places include the upper Mid-west, the northern and southern plains and the Gulf coast.

Tornado season usually refers to the time of year the U.S. sees the most tornadoes. The peak “tornado season” for the Southern Plains is during May into early June. On the Gulf coast, it is earlier during the spring. In the northern plains and upper Midwest, tornado season is in June or July. But, remember, tornadoes can happen at any time of year. Tornadoes can also happen at any time of day or night, but most tornadoes occur between 4–9 p.m.

However, it is always a good idea to be prepared in case a disaster strikes. About 1,200 tornadoes hit the U.S. yearly. Since official tornado records only date back to 1950, we do not know the actual average number of tornadoes that occur each year. Plus, tornado spotting and reporting methods have changed a lot over the last several decades.

SERVPRO of Chesterfield and SERVPRO of Tri-Cities Plus will respond 24-hours a day to emergency fire and water services. We are a proud partner with the Red Cross and take part in cleaning up damages after a storm. Our team is also an extreme team, meaning we can travel across the country to assist with a storm damage or very large loss. We have the tools and the people who have experience in water, storm, fire damage restoration and we are always here to help.

Are You Thunderstorm Prepared?

6/22/2020 (Permalink)

According to the Red Cross:

"A thunderstorm is considered severe if it produces hail at least 1 inch in diameter or has wind gusts of at least 58 miles per hour. Every thunderstorm produces lightning, which kills more people each year than tornadoes or hurricanes. Heavy rain from thunderstorms can cause flash flooding, and high winds can damage homes and blow down trees and utility poles, causing widespread power outages."

At SERVPRO of Chesterfield and SERVPRO of Tri-Cities Plus, we want you to understand the potential dangers a thunderstorm can have on your safety and property.

How to Prepare for Thunderstorms

• Learn about your local community’s emergency warning system for severe thunderstorms

• Discuss thunderstorm safety and lightning safety with all members of your household

• Pick a safe place in your home for household members to gather during a thunderstorm This should be away from windows, skylights and glass doors that could be broken by strong winds or hail

• Make a list of items to bring inside in the event of a severe thunderstorm

• Make trees and shrubbery more wind resistant by keeping them trimmed and removing damaged branches

• Protect your animals by ensuring that any outside buildings that house them are protected in the same way as your home

• Consult your local fire department if you are considering installing lightning rods

• Get trained in first aid and learn how to respond to emergencies

• Put together an emergency preparedness kit

• Review the Be Red Cross Ready - Thunderstorm Safety Checklist

If your home or business is affected after a storm, call the professionals at SERVPRO of Chesterfield and SERVPRO of Tri-Cities Plus to make it "Like it never even happened."

COVID-19 Cleaning Study Reveals What Consumers Think About Reopening

6/18/2020 (Permalink)

The coronavirus pandemic has ushered in a new perspective as we all strive to get back to work, get back out, and get back to business. As we move toward this new normal, it’s hard to know just what your customers expect, and what you need to do as a business owner to make them feel comfortable about visiting your storefront again.

To find out more about what both consumers and employees are feeling as they fall back into their normal routines, SERVPRO^® commissioned a survey to learn more about how consumer attitudes and expectations of cleanliness in regards to COVID-19 are affecting their decisions.

A new era of clean

The results confirmed that we’re entering into a new era of expectation of cleanliness for businesses. More than 80 percent of respondents said businesses need to be more aggressive now than before COVID-19 when it comes to cleaning. The cleaning protocols in place before COVID-19 hit will not be sufficient in today’s environment. In fact, a full 71 percent have higher cleanliness expectations for businesses than in their own homes.

Individuals continue to be nervous when going out, with nearly 70 percent saying they’re thinking about avoiding COVID-19 exposure constantly when they’re out in public. This statistic gives unique insight into consumers’ awareness level about the potential dangers that may exist when they go out, and their intense desire to avoid them. As business owners, putting proper cleaning and disinfection measures in place, and communicating that you’ve done so, is necessary to help inspire confidence that will help consumers become more willing to visit.

Beyond that, 76 percent of survey respondents said the way a business addresses cleanliness during COVID-19 is a good indicator of how well that business is run in general. So, it’s important to note that consumers are paying attention. They’re taking into account the level you’re going to in order to protect them now, and they’ll remember that in the future.

The level of clean, matters

There’s no shortage of anxiety when it comes to coronavirus, and nearly 60 percent reported they’re specifically worried about catching COVID-19 from touching surfaces or objects that haven’t been cleaned sufficiently. And the person doing the cleaning, makes a difference in the minds of consumers.

When all else is equal (product, price, service, convenience), 64 percent said they are more likely to shop at a business with a decal indicating professional cleaning, versus a store without such a decal.

So, how do you set yourself apart and inspire confidence with your customers now?

Certified cleaning program

Our Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned program is the answer. With a tailored cleaning program that is customized for your business needs, our expertly trained staff cleans and decontaminates your property according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention standards.

We use EPA-approved cleaning solutions, including our proprietary cleaning agent SERVPROXIDE, a hospital-grade disinfectant that is NSF certified for direct food contact surface use.

As a Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned participant, you’ll provide reassurance to your customers and employees that you’re taking all the steps needed to get the highest level of clean for them. This dedication will be on display through a decal window emblem, and other digital marks to show your commitment to clean.

Get a free quote by calling SERVPRO of Chesterfield and SERVPRO of Tri-Cities Plus at 804-378-2323.

*Proprietary study prepared by Message Factors, Inc. Results are based on experiences and perceptions of 1,000 consumers surveyed May 2020. 

Reasons Why Your Toilet is Leaking

6/15/2020 (Permalink)

Reasons Why Your Toilet is Leaking

A leaking toilet can be a major issue, especially when the underlying cause is unknown. If your home has a bathroom leak that goes untreated, the resulting damage can be costly if not treated quickly and properly. The following are possible reasons why your toilet leaks with every flush.

Malfunctioning Wax Ring

A common cause of this type of leak is failure of the wax seal underneath the toilet. When working properly, the wax ring functions as a barrier between the toilet and floor flange to keep water from seeping out. When this wax seal is malfunctioning, it could be that the wax has become dry over time and no longer functions as a barrier, or that the seal was improperly installed with the toilet.

Broken Tank Flange

Another potential cause of a leaking toilet is a broken tank flange. If the flange is not properly installed, it can shift out of place and crack under pressure. Because your toilet is a relatively high-traffic area of your home, even a small crack in a tank flange can quickly become a cause for concern and require replacement.

Loose Tank

Bathroom leaks that are not pooling on the floor near the base of the toilet can sometimes be traced back to the tank itself. If your toilet is leaking from the tank, but you see no obvious cracks or damage through which water might escape, your tank might just be loose. The connection between the tank and the rest of the toilet can become loose over time and will most likely cost less to repair than to replace entirely.

A leaking toilet can be a headache to deal with on your own. Hire the professionals at SERVPRO of Chesterfield and SERVPRO of Tri-Cities Plus to repair the damage from your leaking toilet.

Avoid Water Damage in Your Home

6/12/2020 (Permalink)

Here are some quick tips to avoid a water damage in your Chesterfield Home.

Be careful with planting trees

Planting trees may not be that popular in the desert but if you are looking to add some shade to help your home cool down in those summer months, Be careful of trees with invasive roots such as weeping willows. Trees with invasive roots can cause problems with irrigation, pipes and even septic tanks.

Keep an eye on your water bill

It is always a good idea to monitor your water bill regularly. Sudden spikes in your bill can be a good indication of a leak that you may not be aware about.

Chemicals may not be the best thing when unclogging your sink

Clogs happen. Everyone experiences them and those unclogging chemicals are extremely handy but they can eat away at pipes causing future problems. If you can avoid those chemicals and try using a drain snake instead.

Never pour grease down your sink

Grease can be harmful to pipes if it hardens inside the trap and cause back ups. The best way to dispose of your grease is to pour in a disposable container and let it harden before you throw it away.

The Impact of Summer Storms

6/11/2020 (Permalink)

There is always potential for flooding after a thunderstorm dumps a large amount of rain in a short amount of time. Thunderstorms are most common during the summer due to the surplus of moisture in the air as well as rising warm air. These two factors combined together create the potential for increased damage caused by the storm. With their prevalence throughout the summer season, it is important to understand the threats to homes and businesses posed by the lightning and flash flooding brought on by thunderstorms.

Damage Caused by Flooding

When a flood strikes your home or business, water levels can rise quickly and inflict a significant amount of damage. The flood water can carry mud and sediment, therefore contaminating the water and whatever it touches in your home or business. From this water damage, mold can grow and spread if the affected area is not remediated quickly. Flood water commonly affects drywall, flooring, and electrical systems such as cooling and heating systems, so it will be crucial to assess these areas for damage after a flood. On a larger scale, flood water can move houses or buildings off of their foundation, so be sure to watch for signs of that as well.

Damage Caused by Lightning

Lightning can cause both physical and electrical damage to homes and businesses if the building is directly hit by lightning during a thunderstorm. Lightning can burn through roofs, rip shingles or gutters from the building, and even tear into attics. In terms of electrical damage, lightning can increase the risk of an electrical fire igniting. Electronic appliances inside of your home, such as computers and refrigerators, can be harmed or destroyed if left plugged into an outlet during a thunderstorm.

What to Do After the Storm

Immediately following the storm, survey your home or building for any visible indicators of lightning or water damage. This includes making sure that electrical breakers, outlets, and light switches are still functioning, checking plumbing systems for any leakage, and looking for any visible signs of water damage to items within the house or building. While cleaning up any damage, be sure to turn off all water and electrical systems so that when the electricity is restored, the water and electricity do not react with one another, which would result in further damage.

If your home or business has been affected with damage after a thunderstorm, call SERVPRO of Chesterfield and SERVPRO of Tri-Cities Plus to professionally handle the damages at 804-378-2323.

Carpet Cleaning For Your Business

6/4/2020 (Permalink)

Most carpeting is designed to camouflage dirt, and that’s especially true for commercial carpeting. If the carpet in your business is looking dull or rough around the edges, it’s probably time for a commercial cleaning.

Dingy carpet can hurt your business in several ways. For example:

• A carpet that isn’t well cared-for will need to be replaced sooner than one that receives regular cleanings and maintenance, costing you money.
• If you own commercial building space, keeping your carpets in good repair can cut down on complaints and liability.
• Clean carpeting and flooring are part of the good image of your business; clients will be more comfortable with you, and your employees will feel more positive about their work environment, affecting productivity.
• Clean carpets reduce loose particles, which protects indoor air quality. It has even been proven to reduce exposure to cancer-causing substances that can collect in carpet fibers! A clean carpet also reduces illness-causing biological contaminants such as bacteria, mold and viruses that can negatively affect your clients and work staff.
• You should consider cleaning your commercial carpet as a regular part of your business maintenance program, which will also cut down on odors lingering throughout the building.

The SERVPRO of Chesterfield and SERVPRO of Tri-Cities Plus team stands ready to help with all of your commercial cleaning needs. We are experts in cleaning and restoration. Call us today at 804-378-2323.

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned

6/2/2020 (Permalink)

Our defensive cleaning program gives your business a way forward by providing your employees and customers ongoing safety and assuredness.

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed what it means to be clean. Being open for business is just the beginning of our new journey forward. Employees may be hesitant to return to work, and customers may wonder whether the businesses they patron are safe. 

We are proud to launch Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned—a cleaning and disinfecting program that SERVPRO offers to commercial locations to address the current COVID-19 pandemic. This is a level of clean that goes way beyond janitorial or carpet cleaning. This is proactive viral pathogen cleaning. When businesses chose SERVPRO, their employees, customers, and community can rest assured that they’ve selected a “higher standard of clean”—Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned.

The Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned (CSC) program is designed to provide our communities with a way to know that a structure has been cleaned, sanitized, and disinfected to minimize harmful pathogens. If a structure is sanitized and disinfected as part of the CSC program, a window decal shield will be left at the structure, as well as a separate window decal which should be dated by the franchise to let everyone know when it was last sanitized and disinfected.

For more information, call SERVPRO of Chesterfield and SERVPRO of Tri-Cities Plus at 804-378-2323.

Is Your Home Prepared for Vacation?

6/1/2020 (Permalink)

Through these strange times with fear of traveling due to Covid-19, some vacations have been put on hold. However, with hopes of change coming soon, many people will want to leave their homes from quarantine and enjoy some time away. But, how do you know your home is going to be protected while you're away on vacation? Taking the precautionary steps to avoid a water or fire damage is the key to avoiding an accident while you're away.

Here are some of the steps to take:

• Shut off gas and water at the meter, supply tank or appliances
• Turn off the water valves to washing machines, sinks, and the dishwasher
• Check your smoke detectors to ensure they are working properly
• Adjust your thermostat to 75-80 degrees, which should help control usage.

Unfortunately, our team at SERVPRO of Chesterfield and SERVPRO of Tri-Cities Plus has had customers who have returned home after their week-long vacation to find their house is flooded. We want to encourage everyone to take these steps to cover your bases and avoid a disaster! Call our office at 804-378-2323 if you experience a water damage in your home.

Are You Hurricane Prepared?

5/8/2020 (Permalink)

Is Your Home Hurricane Ready?

If you plan to ride out a hurricane in your home, make sure it is in good repair and up to local hurricane building code specifications. Have the proper plywood, steel or aluminum panels to board up the windows and doors. Remember, the garage door is the most vulnerable part of the home, so it must be able to withstand high winds.

Who's Around You?

Many Americans rely on their neighbors after a disaster, but there are also many ways you can help your neighbors before a hurricane approaches. Learn about all the different actions you and your neighbors can take to prepare and recover from the hazards associated with hurricanes. Start the conversation now with these Neighbor Helping Neighbor strategies but remember you may need to adjust your preparedness plans based on the latest health and safety guidelines from the CDC and your local officials.

Be Flood Smart

4/17/2020 (Permalink)

Floods are one of the most common and widespread natural disasters in the United States. Whether your home or business is near a coastline, along city streets, in the mountains, or near a river there is always the potential for flood damage. Floodsmart.gov reports, in the last five years, all 50 states have experienced floods or flash floods.

Just 1 inch of water can cause $25,000 of damage to your home.

According to the American Red Cross (ARC), floods cause more damage in the U.S. every year that any other weather-related disaster. The ARC offers the following flood safety tips:

• Stay away from floodwaters. If you come up on a flowing stream where water is above your ankles, stop, turn around and go another way. Six inches of swiftly moving water can sweet you off of your feet.
• If you approach a flooded road while driving, turn around and go another way. If you are caught on a flooded road and waters are rising rapidly around you, get out of the car and quickly move to higher ground. Most cars can be swept away by less than two feet of moving water.
• Keep children out of the water. They are curious and often lack judgment about running water or contaminated water.

If a flood does strike your home or business, contact the SERVPRO of Chesterfield and SERVPRO of Tri-Cities Plus at (804)-378-2323.

Even minor floods have the potential to cause major damage to a structure when not treated quickly and properly, and the cleanup is often an overwhelming task. The SERVPRO team is prepared to handle any size disaster.

Why You Should Work For Our Team

4/9/2020 (Permalink)

Office Manager, Christina Harding explains why she loves working at SERVPRO of Chesterfield and SERVPRO of Tri-Cities Plus.

"Helping people in their time of need is what I love most about working at SERVPRO of Chesterfield and SERVPRO of Tri-Cities Plus.I began working here in 2003, when I was 17 years old! I started as the Receptionist, but then moved into the Dispatcher position, which was probably my favorite. It was fast-paced, and I had contact with all employees and all customers. While working in the office for many years, I always dreamed about going into marketing… so they let me try. I think I made it 6 months – ha! While I love to talking to people & attending social gatherings, I’m more of the office type, so I became a Job File Coordinator. I caught on fast and eventually was promoted to Lead Job File Coordinator. Now, almost 17 years later, I am the Office Manager and have been for a few years now. I am involved all over the company – and I LOVE IT! Our work environment is fast-paced, rewarding & team oriented. We never settle for mediocre! We are constantly searching for new products and services to better ourselves. Our culture, our employees, and our daily sense of accomplishment makes SERVPRO a great place to work. Oh… and I love our owners! They have put so much into the company and we never go without something we need to get the job done. They have supported us all with the knowledge, experience, sweat and tears they have poured into the company. The fact that we have grown to be one of the largest restoration companies is because of their continued investment. If you like to work and you like to help people through unique situations, then this is the job for you! There is never a dull moment. No situation is the same and you learn something new every day – even 17 years in! Over a quarter of our company has been here for more than 5 years, many of us over 10 years, which shows the growth potential for any new candidate. The team we have is solid, which is why we continue to expand. We want people to work here and feel as if it’s their home. If you’re looking for a place to grow with, I encourage you to look right here!"

Chesterfield Smoke Damage

4/9/2020 (Permalink)

After a fire, smoke can linger and damage the items throughout your home. If your home has a smoke odor, you should take steps to eliminate it effectively and quickly. Removing the smell of smoke is challenging because it can affect everything! Removing the scent requires specialized cleaning equipment. 

It is important to trust a fire restoration company like SERVPRO of Chesterfield and SERVPRO of Tri-Cities Plus to remove fire damage and smoke odor from your Portsmouth home. Our professional experts can assess the situation and select the most appropriate remediation method while ensuring safety. We use state-of-the-art equipment like ozone generators to eradicate smoke smells. These machines generate ozone, which consists of three oxygen atoms. Ozone reacts with odor-causing molecules to oxidize residues and eliminate the scents. 

After the deodorization process, ozone returns to the normal oxygen molecule quickly, without leaving residues. We also use high-velocity fans to ventilate the area until the smell of ozone is gone. 

Another option is for our technicians use hydroxyl generators. These generators use ultraviolet light to produce hydroxyl, which is useful for removing fire damage odors. Hydroxyl generators do not affect the health of plants, pets, and humans. We can also seal porous surfaces that have absorbed smoke such as unfinished, raw wood. At times, odor remains in confined areas after the deodorization process is complete. In such a situation, our technicians can ventilate the confined space, place an activated unit in it overnight or thermal-fog the whole structure if necessary.

If your home has fire damage odor, SERVPRO of Chesterfield and SERVPRO of Tri-Cities Plus can assist you in eliminating it with 30+ years experience in the industry.

Hurricane Season 2020

4/3/2020 (Permalink)

AT SERVPRO of Chesterfield and SERVPRO of Tri-Cities Plus, we want you to be always be aware and be prepared. Although hurricane season normally occurs during June - November, the 2020 Atlantic hurricane season is predicted to be more active than usual, according to an outlook released by the Colorado State University Tropical Meteorology Project. This means that activity can occur before and after these months.

A total of 16 named storms, eight hurricanes and four major hurricanes are expected this season. This is significant because this is above the 30-year average of 12 named storms, six hurricanes and three major hurricanes. Just because there are a set number of hurricanes predicted, this does not mean that each one will have a major impact on U.S. residents. Some storms can be minor, while some can be catastrophic. These hurricanes can lead to heavy storms with high winds and heavy rainfall, which will put your home or business at risk for flooding and damages if you are not properly prepared.

And it's it’s not just those along the coast that can experience significant, life-threatening impacts. Evaluate what you need to do to protect your home and family now, before the first storm of the season even forms. Keep in mind that standard homeowners insurance doesn’t cover flooding, and flood insurance requires a 30-day waiting period!

Start Your Career Here at SERVPRO

3/31/2020 (Permalink)

Team Leader, Matt Duffy discusses why he loves working at SERVPRO of Chesterfield and SERVPRO of Tri-Cities Plus.

SERVPRO of Chesterfield and SERVPRO of Tri-Cities Plus is not just a job, but instead it is a place where a career can be built. I began working here on my Christmas break during college in 2004. Throughout my four college years I worked as a technician on the production team then accepted a full-time position in the summer of 2008 when I graduated. From there, I quickly worked my way into a Crew Chief position. During my years as a Crew Chief, I was groomed for Project Manager position by Bobby Morgan (the general manager of 30+ years). The company hit a growth spurt during this time and the need to departmentalize the company lead to the Team Leader position where I reside today. I now oversee a group of Project Managers and production crew members. 

SERVPRO of Chesterfield and SERVPRO of Tri-Cities Plus carries the atmosphere of a small, family-owned business while being one of the largest restoration companies in our territory. The long tenure of our employees gives it the feel of a family environment. Our line of work is fast-paced, exciting, rewarding and offers no room for complacency. Each day offers a completely different scenario of problem solving with a feeling of accomplishment at the end of the day.

The company culture and extremely vested owners make SERVPRO of Chesterfield and SERVPRO of Tri-Cities Plus a wonderful place to work. It is easy to exert the hard work and dedication it takes to build a successful career while being a member of this great team. If you are in search of a company to grow with, build a career with, and feel appreciated on a daily basis then come aboard and join our incredible team.

Common Types of Fires in Your Home

3/17/2020 (Permalink)

It’s important to be aware of the most common fires that can erupt in your home. More awareness can help keep you and your family safe by being more vigilant and aware of the risks. These are the 4 most common types of fires:

1. Kitchen Fires – this is the most common place in the home for a fire to occur because it’s where electricity, water, heat, and grease come together.
2. Electrical Fires – these types of fires can be caused from a number of different factors including faulty appliances, improper use of electrical outlets, worn or faulty electrical wiring, and worn out breaker boxes.
3. Heater Fires – especially during the colder winter months, this type of fire can cause serious damage if not properly used. Portable heaters that do not have automatic shut offs can overheat and catch nearby items on fire. It is best practice to keep heaters 3 feet away from flammable objects including beds, curtains, couches, and furniture.
4. Smoking-Related Fires – Cigarette fires are responsible for about 1,000 deaths in the U.S. every year. These fires are started by embers from the cigarette falling onto flammable materials

If you experience a fire in your home or business, call SERVPRO of Chesterfield and SERVPRO of Tri-Cities Plus at 804.378.2323.

Virginia Flood Awareness

3/13/2020 (Permalink)

Flooding doesn’t only occur near a river or coastline — anywhere it can rain, it can flood.

Virginia Flood Awareness Week encourages Virginians to learn about their flood risk and protect the life they’ve built with flood insurance.

Remember these facts:

Floods are the most common and costly natural disaster in our country

90 percent of all presidential declarations of emergency and major disasters involve flooding

About 200 Americans lose their lives in floods each year

On average, flood damages throughout the nation annually exceed $3 billion, and as of January 31, 2019, flood insurance claims in Virginia totaled more than $730 million

Both direct and indirect costs of flood recovery are borne by all American taxpayers, not just flood victims

Virginia has 2.3 million acres of mapped special flood hazard areas, which represents 9 percent of Virginia's land mass

Only 3 percent of Virginians statewide are covered by flood insurance

Only 31 percent of people who live in a special flood hazard area have flood insurance

Floods can happen without warning and all Virginians should know their risk

Citizens can view mapped special flood hazard areas on the Virginia Flood Risk Information System available on the website of the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, the lead state agency responsible for administering flood-related programs

The Virginia Department of Emergency Management produces important public information on flood risk and response

Serving Your Commercial Building

3/4/2020 (Permalink)

It’s important to have a restoration plan in place for your business, in case of an unforeseen disaster or damage. FEMA’s most recent report states that at least 40% of businesses fail to reopen following a disaster event. Having a SERVPRO® restoration services respond right away, no matter the hour, can make a big difference in how quickly your business is able to recover.

SERVPRO® Chesterfield and SERVPRO® of Tri-Cities Plus is your go-to team to handle any size disaster.

- We are industry leaders with a variety of experience and knowledge, and available 24/7 to respond to your call after damages occur.

- We have over 34 years of experience remediating and restoring a variety of building types

- Some of the commercial buildings we have experience remediating and restoring include:

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

Regardless of the type of building or business you are operating in, our certified professionals will be able to help you quickly recover.

We Can Help With Any Type of Commercial Damage- With our certifications and expertise, we are able to help with a variety of damages to commercial properties. Our technicians are trained according to IICRC standards and can handle fire damage,  smoke odor removal, water damage, storm damage, sewage and mold remediation and plenty of other scenarios that you may need to help your business reopen.

No Commercial Restoration Job Is Too Large for Us- We are proud to be a locally owned and operated restoration company, but we also have the benefit of having the SERVPRO® family and other franchises behind us for larger restoration tasks. In the event of extreme damage or a large-scale disaster, we work with other SERVPRO® owners across the country to obtain extra resources, additional technicians and more equipment—in short, we can handle any disaster, regardless of the size.

If your property needs restoration, we are here for you 24/7. Contact us at any time, we’re faster to any size disaster and will make it “Like it never even happened.”

How To Keep Your Small Apartment Clean

2/26/2020 (Permalink)

The time for spring cleaning is here!

Maintaining a small space may seem like an easy task, but it’s easy to overlook simple spaces that can contribute to making your place look and feel dirty. Follow these tips and tricks to help keep your home clean.

1. Blinds and Curtains – dust tends to easily build up on these over time. Most curtains can be thrown into the washing machine but be sure to iron out the wrinkles before hanging them back up. Blinds can easily be placed in a bathtub with a little bit of dish soap, hot water, and a little bleach. Let them soak and them scrub them with a cleaning brush.
2. Doors and Light Switches – these spaces are usually ignored when cleaning around the house, even though they can have the most germs on them. Use your favorite cleaning solution and spray and wipe away the dust, smudges and germs that have been built up over time.
3. Baseboards – these hard to reach areas are also often ignored but they can hold a lot of dust and other contaminants. Take a wet cloth and a bucket of soapy water and run it along the boards to pick up dust and make them shine like new.
4. Air Vents – when was the last time you even paid any attention to the vents in your home? An easy way to clean these dust collectors is to run your vacuum brush over them and watch the dirt disappear. To make sure they are extra clean, try taking a wet paper towel and whipping over the vents to ensure no dust is left behind to circulate throughout your home.

If you would like your home professionally taken care of, SERVPRO of Chesterfield and SERVPRO of Tri-Cities Plus is always here to help with your cleaning needs. 

Your Pipe Bursts, Now What?

12/20/2019 (Permalink)

Your Pipe Bursts, Now What?

'Tis the season for colder temperatures and even worse, FREEZING temperatures. Homeowners will have to deal with the unfortunate, but common reality of freezing and bursting pipes causing damage in their homes. SERVPRO of Chesterfield and SERVPRO of Tri-Cities Plus wants you to take the proper steps if this happens so you can avoid even more damage and costly repairs.

The First Step: Shut off the Water

Every homeowner should be aware of your water shut off locations, but if not, they are most likely located in your basement, near your water heater, or in a crawl space. Once you shut off the water, open all faucets to drain the excess water in the pipes and flush all toilets to relive the pressure in your pipes and to avoid additional freezing.

Second Step: Locate the Burst Pipe

Look for bulging ceilings, wet carpet or floors, wet spots on walls and place buckets to catch dripping or falling water. You can also place towels on floors to soak up excess water to prevent more extensive damage.

Third Step: Call in the Professionals

Before you contact the professionals at SERVPRO of Chesterfield and SERVPRO of Tri-Cities Plus to clean up and remediate the water damage in your home, you must call a trusted and licensed plumber to fix the leak.

Fourth Step: Call Your Insurance Agent

It is important to establish a claim with your insurance agent and to take pictures of the damage immediately. It’s important to take pictures along the way to document damage and the process.

Fifth Step: Call the Professionals at SERVPRO of Chesterfield and SERVPRO of Tri-Cities Plus

The longer you wait to clean up water, the more damage it will do. It’s important to contact our team to begin the drying process to potentially save wood floors from buckling.

Holiday Cooking Safety

11/18/2019 (Permalink)

The holidays are approaching and cooking in the kitchen will begin to ramp up. It's important to be aware that Thanksgiving is the prime time for home cooking fires and the dangerous that come with it. According the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), in 2017 U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated 1,600 home cooking fires on Thanksgiving day.

Follow these NFPA safety tips to ensure you are taking all precautions this Thanksgiving holiday:

• Stay in the kitchen when you are cooking on the stove top so you can keep an eye on the food.
• Stay in the home when cooking your turkey, and check on it frequently.
• Keep children away from the stove. The stove will be hot and kids should stay three feet away.
• Make sure kids stay away from hot food and liquids. The steam or splash from vegetables, gravy or coffee could cause serious burns.
• Keep knives out of the reach of children.
• Be sure electric cords from an electric knife, coffee maker, plate warmer or mixer are not dangling off the counter within easy reach of a child.
• Keep matches and utility lighters out of the reach of children — up high in a locked cabinet.
• Never leave children alone in room with a lit candle.
• Keep the floor clear so you don’t trip over kids, toys, pocketbooks or bags.
• Make sure your smoke alarms are working. Test them by pushing the test button.

If you experience a fire in your home, call the professionals at SERVPRO of Chesterfieldand SERVPRO of Tri-Cities Plus to immediately respond and get your home back to pre-fire condition.

Flu Season Cleaning

10/21/2019 (Permalink)

Our crew works diligently to clean all the contents and furniture inside country club dining room.

At SERVPRO of Chesterfield and SERVPRO of Tri-Cities Plus, we understand the importance of a sanitized and clean environment during this cold and flu season. Some places are even more vulnerable than others such as assisted living facilities, hospitals, schools, universities, large office spaces, and many other places of work. A quick clean up from your custodian staff will sometimes not be enough to rid these environments of bacteria and viruses.

That's why SERVPRO of Chesterfield and SERVPRO of Tri-Cities Plus is happy to provide a professional, deep-cleaning using our advance cleaning products to drastically reduce the potential for flu and cod viruses to spread. Our crews are properly trained to provide through cleaning to every surface of the room and works diligently to ensure that the best cleaning is provided.

Sometimes this cleaning can be too much for your team to handle alone. Call the professionals at SERVPRO of Chesterfield and SERVPRO of Tri-Cities Plus to handle your cold and flu season cleaning, making sure your space is properly sanitized and cleaned.

Why Choose SERVPRO of Chesterfield

10/18/2019 (Permalink)

This is a photo of our team members participating in additional training in our training facility.

• Locally independently owned and operated, with the headquarters established in Chesterfield
• Ranked 4th SERVPRO® Franchise in 2015
• Named Franchise of the Year in 2008
• More than 30 years of experience serving our local community
• Excellent reputation with homeowners, insurance companies, business owners, facility managers, local and state government agencies and commercial property management teams

Company and Technician Certifications

• NADCA – National Air Duct Cleaning Association
• EPA – Lead Certified Firm
• IAQA – Indoor Air quality Association
• IICRC – Institute of Inspection, Cleaning & Restoration
• CDS – Commercial Drying Specialist
• WRT – Water Damage Restoration
• ASCA – Air Systems Cleaning Specialist
• OSHA – OSHA Training and Compliance
• FSRT – Fire & Smoke Damage Restoration Technician
• AMRT – Applied Microbial Remediation Technician
• Plus many more

In the unfortunate event of a fire or water damage, call SERVPRO® of Chesterfield and SERVPRO® of Tri-Cities Plus. We will respond 24/7 with trained employees, state-of-the-art equipment and the resources required to perform emergency services to limit property damages.

Always Ready 24/7

10/11/2019 (Permalink)

Our team at SERVPRO of Chesterfield and SERVPRO of Tri-Cities Plus has been serving our community for over 30 years. That is 30 years of experience, training, learning, and growing to become professional experts on the fire and water restoration industry. When you have a disaster in your home or office, know that our team has the knowledge, tools and experience to handle your damages and get your home or office back to normal as quickly as possible.

We are always ready whenever disaster strikes. Whether it's 5pm or 5am, we have crews, vehicles stocked with equipment, and project managers ready to be dispatched. It's vitally important to call the professionals as quickly as possible, especially if you experience a water damage. The longer the water sits, the faster the damage occurs to wooden floors and the potential for growth to develop increases.

If you or your business experiences a fire or water damage, call the professionals at SERVPRO of Chesterfield and SERVPRO of Tri-Cities Plus at 804.3782323. We're always ready to respond 24/7 and assist you in your time of stress and need.

Fire Prevention Week 2019

10/7/2019 (Permalink)

Every year the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) announces a new theme for Fire Prevention week. This year's theme is " Not Every Hero Wears a Cape. Plan and Practice Your Escape!"

This theme is focused on highlighting and recognizing the everyday people who encourage their households to plan, develop, and practice a home fire escape. This includes young people who learn about fire safety and escape plans in school to parents who teach their families and take steps to making their house safe from a potential fire.

Before you develop your escape plan, you must make sure you have working smoke alarms in the home. Smoke alarms are to be installed in every level of the home and in every bedroom.

According to NFPA, 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. You also need to identify two exits in each room, with a clear path to an outdoor meeting place like a tree or light pole that is a good distance from the house.

Escape planning and practice can help you make the most of the time you have,giving everyone enough time to get out.

If you experience a fire in your home, call SERVPRO of Chesterfield and SERVPRO of Tri-Cities Plus to quickly and professionally restore your home back to pre-fire conditions.

SERVPRO of Chesterfield Biohazard Cleanup

9/20/2019 (Permalink)

Biohazard cleanup is also known as crime scene cleanup or trauma scene cleanup. SERVPRO of Chesterfield and SERVPRO of Tri-Cities Plus' biohazard professionals provide this supportive service for victim’s families. During an emotional period for the customer, SERVPRO biohazard professionals have developed a keen sense of how to interact with the customer by providing a level of service victim's families need in a difficult situation. While the police and other responders may spend limited time with the family members, SERVPRO cleaning professionals work around the family longer, by performing the cleaning and restoration of the scene. By performing the cleaning and restoration, SERVPRO helps the family make a step beyond the tragedy, to hopefully carry on with their lives. Our staff is trained in all facets of property damage restoration, from training at SERVPRO’s Corporate Training Facility to regular IICRC industry certifications, our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Hurricane Dorian

9/3/2019 (Permalink)

At SERVPRO of Chesterfield and SERVPRO of Tri-Cities Plus, we not only handle the local disasters that impact our communities, but we also travel up and down the East Coast to assist with other natural disasters.

Our franchise is a Disaster Recovery Team, which means we have the necessary amount of tools, man-power, and resources to travel to areas where a storm hits. As hurricane Dorian looms over the southeastern part of the United States, we are planning and strategizing the best way to assist businesses that are hit with damage. Our Disaster Recovery Team Leaders are loading equipment in trailers and organizing crews to head down east ready for whatever help we can give. Hurricane Dorian is now a Category 5 Hurricane and is suppose to be the strongest hurricane our nation has seen this year. Water and wind damage is inevitable, especially to businesses and homes close to the coast. 

Disaster Recovery Team Bahen stands ready to assist with damages down east and we are always here to help when disaster strikes.

Got Mold?

8/12/2019 (Permalink)

The Truth is, It's Everywhere

Let’s face it, mold is everywhere. It can be found indoors and outdoors. It can enter your home or business through windows, vents and HVAC systems. Mold from outdoors can attach to clothing, shoes, pets and can be carried indoors. It grows anywhere, especially where there is moisture. And the worst part is, it can cause a variety of health effects. Children, the elderly, and anyone with respiratory problems are more likely to suffer the effects mold can have.

Mold’s Best Friend:

Water. Any home or business can quickly become infested with mold with the introduction of a water source, like a roof or plumbing leak. Mold can spread throughout a property in as little as 48-72 hours

Consider the following mold facts:

• Mold is present almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors.
• Mold spores are microscopic, 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 and have the potential to cause other health effects. 
• 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 that odor can lead you to possible mold problem areas.
• Even higher-than-normal indoor humidity can support mold growth. Keep indoor humidity below 45 percent.

“Mold Removal” vs. Remediation

Because mold is everywhere, removing all mold from your home or business is impossible. A qualified restoration company understand the science behind mold and mold growth and knows how to remediate the problem area. So what do you do when you find mold growth in your home or business?

• Step 1: Contact SERVPRO of Chesterfield and SERVPRO of Tri-Cities Plus at 804.378.2323
• Step 2: Inspection and Mold Damage Assessment
• Step 3: Mold Containment
• Step 4: Air Filtration
• Step 5: Removing Mold and Mold-Infested Materials
• Step 6: Cleaning Contents and Belongings
• Step 7: Restoration

Managing Mold in Chesterfield

7/23/2019 (Permalink)

Molds are found in every environment, and mold spores reproduce rapidly when moisture is present. 

SERVPRO of Chesterfield and SERVPRO of Tri-Cities Plus professionals handle water damages every day and know prompt action is required to prevent mold growth, if there is an ongoing moisture problem in the building, be alert for:

• The presence of visible mold
• Strong, musty odors, which may indicate mold is present
• Any evidence of past moisture problems that might have caused undetected mold growth
• Excessive humidity.

These conditions may require the expertise of a qualified Indoor Air Quality/Environmental Professional to inspect the building for mold growth and water damage problems.

SERVPRO of Chesterfield and SERVPRO of Tri-Cities Plus cares about proper restoration of your structure and, in most water damage situations, can safely restore your building to preloss condition.

Summer Grilling Safety

7/23/2019 (Permalink)

Summer time means grilling outside with friends and family and July is the peak month for grilling! However, according to the National Fire Protection Association this fun summer time activity has a heavy potential for home fires.

According to the NFPA, "in 2013-2017, fire departments went to an annual average of 10,200 home fires involving grills, hibachis or barbecues per year, including 4,500 structure fires and 5,700 outside or unclassified fires. These fires caused an annual average of 10 civilian deaths, 160 civilian injuries and $123 million in direct property damage."

Follow these safety tips so you and your family won't be victim to these statistics.

• grills should only be used outside
• place the grill at least 3 feet away from structures and out from under low hanging trees
• keep children and pets away from the grill
• remove grease from that builds up on the grill
• check the propane grills gas tank for leaks or damage before using it
• if you smell gas while cooking, quickly get away and call the fire department

If you experience a fire damage, call SERVPRO of Chesterfield and SERVPRO of Tri-Cities Plus at 804.378.2323.

Commercial Cleaning Services in Chesterfield

7/22/2019 (Permalink)

If you are a business owner, or run a particular business that receives a lot of visitors and foot-traffic, you know how important it is to keep your business looking clean and in good shape. A lot of times, you don't have the time to worry about the common wear and tear that gradually soils your office.

When grime, odor, and moisture challenges go beyond the scope of your regular janitorial staff, you should call SERVPRO of Chesterfield and SERVPRO of Tri-Cities Plus for prompt service. Whether it’s removing an odor problem or deep cleaning flooring or carpets, you can rely on us to make your workspace look its very best.

SERVPRO of Chesterfield SERVPRO of Tri-Cities Plus offers cleaning services ranging from cleaning restaurant hoods to removing biohazard contaminants. We have the specialized training and products to get your property back to business. Our cleaning services include the following:

• Air Ducts and HVAC
• Biohazard and Sewage
• Trauma and Crime Scene
• Carpet and Upholstery
• Drapes and Blinds
• Ceilings, Walls, Hardwood Floors
• Odor Removal and Deodorization
• Vandalism

Water Damage and Using the Right Equipment

7/10/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Chesterfield and SERVPRO of Tri-Cities Plus understands the utilizing the proper equipment makes a measurable difference in reducing claims loss expense. When it comes to a water damage, time matters. SERVPRO of Chesterfield and SERVPRO of Tri-Cities Plus will answer your call with fast action, exceptional equipment, and trained, uniformed personnel.  The right tools for the job is vital to timely mitigation. Here's how we break it down:

Psychrometrics

Psychrometry is the study of the air and its properties. The properties of temperature, humidity, vapor pressure and dew point are measured to evaluate air conditions in the structure, enabling a SERVPRO of Chesterfield professional to create the proper atmosphere for more efficient drying.

Detection Equipment

Moisture Sensors - used to detect moisture in carpets, baseboards and walls.

• Moisture Meters - used to determine the actual moisture content of various materials. The moisture tester provides accurate moisture readings that enable the professional crew member to monitor the drying process.
• Thermohygrometers - measure both temperature and relative humidity. Capturing these two readings, a professional using a psychrometric chart can calculate specific humidity, dew point and vapor pressure.

Thunderstorm Safety and Preparedness

6/24/2019 (Permalink)

According to the Red Cross, A thunderstorm is considered severe if it produces wind gusts of at least 58 miles per hour. Every thunderstorm produces lightning, which kills more people each year than tornadoes or hurricanes. Heavy rain from thunderstorms can cause flash flooding, and high winds can damage homes and blow down tree and utility poles - causing widespread power outages.

WATCH vs. WARNING

Watch: Severe thunderstorms are possible in and near the watch area

Warning: Severe weather has been reported by spotters or indicated by radar. Warnings indicate imminent danger to life and property.

Be Prepared

• Learn about your local community’s emergency warning system for severe thunderstorms
• Pick a safe place in your home for household members to gather during a thunderstorm This should be away from windows, skylights and glass doors that could be broken by strong winds or hail
• Make a list of items to bring inside in the event of a severe thunderstorm
• Make trees and shrubbery more wind resistant by keeping them trimmed and removing damaged branches
• Protect your animals by ensuring that any outside buildings that house them are protected in the same way as your home

Make Preparedness Kit

• Water—one gallon per person, per day
• Food—non-perishable, easy-to-prepare
• Flashlight
• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio (NOAA Weather Radio, if possible)
• Extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Medications (7-day supply) and medical items
• Multi-purpose tool
• Sanitation & personal hygiene items
• Copies of personal documents
• Cell phone with chargers
• Family & emergency contact information
• Extra cash

Final Step

Call SERVPRO of Chesterfield and SERVPRO of Tri-Cities Plus at 804.378.2323 if your home or business experiences damages from a storm. We have the resources to handle any size disaster.

Soot Damage from Fire

6/19/2019 (Permalink)

Soot from a fire damage can have a big impact on walls, appliances, and furniture.  Be sure to have your belongings cleaned as soon as possible to limit the potential damage soot can leave behind.  SERVPRO of Chesterfield and SERVPRO of Tri-Cities Plus takes the time and diligence necessary to make sure everything is cleaned properly leaving no residue behind to stain. We understand how important it is to save a customer's personal items and return them back looking better than ever. That's why we invest in the best technology in the restoration industry to do just that! Our new ultrasonic content cleaning system is designed to carefully and thoroughly clean items affected from smoke and soot damage. Everything is transported in carrying baskets to cut back on human errors.

Commercial Services for Your Business

6/19/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Chesterfield and SERVPRO of Tri-Cities Plus is one of the largest SERVPRO Franchises on the East Coast. Out of 1,700 franchises, our team was ranked #4 Best Franchise in 2016. We take pride in our work and we provide great service to our local commercial businesses.

Cleaning and restoring commercial properties require a unique blend of training, experience, and equipment. SERVPRO of Chesterfield and SERVPRO of Tri-Cities Plus has the resources and expertise to give you excellent results while minimizing the disruption to your clients. We can help make it “Like it never even happened.”

Here is a list of some of the businesses we provide service to:

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

SERVPRO of Chesterfield and SERVPRO of Tri-Cities Plus responds quickly to your fire, water, or mold damage emergency, 24 hours a day. Whether the damage occurs in a small business building or a big box store, we have the training, experience, and equipment to handle the situation.

Is Your Home Ready for the Storm?

6/17/2019 (Permalink)

This time of the year is known for surprising thunderstorms that can appear quickly and sometimes, without us being aware. That's why it's important to prepare your home and take the necessary precautions before heavy rains or winds damage your property.

Follow These Suggested Tips:

• Check gutters - make sure your downspouts drain away from the home's foundation and clear the gutters for debris blockage
• Clear limb and trim trees - loose limbs can puncture your home's exterior
• Secure furniture - patio furniture and other large items in your yard are at risk of flying away and damaging your home's exterior
• Stock a basic emergency kit - water, food, battery radio, flashlight, first-aid kit

If your home experiences a water damage after a storm hits, don't hesitate to call SERVPRO of Chesterfield and SERVPRO of Tri-Cities Plus at 804.378.2323.

Never too Early to Be Prepared

6/13/2019 (Permalink)

Before Winter Storms and Extreme Cold

To prepare for a winter storm you should do the following:

Before winter approaches, add the following supplies to your emergency kit:

• Rock salt or more environmentally safe products to melt ice on walkways. Visit the Environmental Protection Agency for a complete list of recommended products.
• Sand to improve traction.
• Snow shovels and other snow removal equipment.
• Sufficient heating fuel. You may become isolated in your home and regular fuel sources may be cut off. Store a good supply of dry, seasoned wood for your fireplace or wood-burning stove.
• Adequate clothing and blankets to keep you warm.
• Make a Family Communications Plan. Your family may not be together when disaster strikes, so it is important to know how you will contact one another, how you will get back together and what you will do in case of an emergency.
• A NOAA Weather Radio broadcasts alerts and warnings directly from the NWS for all hazards. You may also sign up in advance to receive notifications from your local emergency services.

Download FEMA’s Be Smart. Know Your Alerts and Warnings for a summary of notifications at:www.ready.gov/prepare. Free smart phone apps, such as those available from FEMA and the American Red Cross, provide information about finding shelters, providing first aid, and seeking assistance for recovery.

• Minimize travel. If travel is necessary, keep a disaster supplies kit in your vehicle.
• Bring pets/companion animals inside during winter weather. Move other animals or livestock to sheltered areas with non-frozen drinking water.

Mind Your Gutters

6/13/2019 (Permalink)

Without gutters, your home would suffer severe damage from rain and other debris that builds up or pools on your exterior. It is important to mind your gutters year-round and make sure they are working properly and free of leaks or holes.

Things to look out for:

• Older gutters - sometimes they can have open seams and possible leaks from damage over the years. It's suggested to inspect your older gutters at least 5 times a year and fill holes with gutter caulk.
• Build Up of Leaves - if you have large trees on your property that deposit leaves, sticks and other natural droppings on your house, it's important to clean them out quarterly. 
• After the storm - rain, hail, wind or ice storms can break or crack your gutters so inspecting them after a storm and caulking the holes is highly suggested. Also after the storm wet leaves and debris can form ant or termite infestations.

These are just a few quick tips to keep in mind to ensure your gutters are working properly and protecting your home from a potential water damage. If you do experience a roof leak, don't hesitate to call SERVPRO of Chesterfield and SERVPRO of Tri-Cities Plus at 804.378.2323.

Is Your Business Ready When Disaster Strikes?

6/5/2019 (Permalink)

Does your business have a plan of action in case of an emergency? These emergencies can stem from natural hazards like floods, hurricanes, or earthquakes, to interior accidents like sewage backups or fires. It is important to know what to do and who to call when you encounter these situations. Although, sometimes the people in the know aren't present when these disasters happen. That's why SERVPRO of Chesterfield and SERVPRO of Tri-Cities Plus can provide a free service called the ERP (Emergency Ready Plan) so that anyone can have access to the correct info and plan of action. The ERP is accessed through a mobile app or a printed out informational packet locate don site of the location. The ERP includes information such as water gas shut off locations, local emergency numbers, and the decision makers contact information. If you think your business is in need of an ERP, contact SERVPRO of Chesterfield and SERVPRO of Tri-Cities Plus at 804.378.2323 to request one today!

Commercial Duct Cleaning

6/5/2019 (Permalink)

Are your employees complaining of funny smells, headaches, or allergy irritants inside your office? This may be caused by the build up of contaminants in your HVAC duct system. If you've never had your ducts cleaned before, chances are that dust, pollen, mold, odors, dirt and debris and more could be spreading through the air that you and your employees are breathing.

SERVPRO of Chesterfield and SERVPRO of Tri-Cities Plus has the tools to thoroughly clean the entire duct system to prevent these contaminants from spreading throughout the office. Not to mention, a clean and contaminant-free duct system could also save money in the long run by running more efficiently. It is important to keep your employees happy and breathing fresh air and SERVPRO of Chesterfield and SERVPRO of Tri-Cities Plus is always here to help keep your duct system clean.

IICRC Water Damage Restoration Certified Staff

5/22/2019 (Permalink)

Here at SERVPRO of Chesterfield and SERVPRO of Tri-Cities Plus, we believe in the importance of knowledge across all aspects of our employees. Whether you are out in the field handing the services first-hand, or in the office speaking on the phone with the customer, it is important that everyone is educated on our services. That's why SERVPRO of Chesterfield and SERVPRO of Tri-Cities Plus hosts multiple classes throughout the year for our technicians, project managers, office staff and even our sales and marketing team. IICRC stands for the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification. Once you become IICRC certified in Water Damage Restoration, you have then pledged to perform services with skill, honestly and integrity to provide the consumer with the highest standard of care and expertise. Although they may not be in your home or office handling your water damage, our newly-certified office staff can certainly assist you with their certified knowledge and expertise in water damage restoration!

Water Takes The Path of Least Resistance

5/7/2019 (Permalink)

When you look at the water on the floor of your living room, all you see is what's on the surface. Soaking up the water yourself is not the best idea to fully save your floors and sub floors from damage.

When you call SERVPRO of Chesterfield and SERVPRO of Tri-Cities Plus, a trained Project Manager will access the situation using specific tools to determines what materials and contents are wet, and how wet are those affected items.

The Project Manager employs several instruments to monitors conditions at the job site.

The Hydrosensor Moisture Probe is a durable, reliable sensor that measures 31" in length and was designed for detecting moisture in carpet and pads. The sensor features an ergonomically designed handle, stainless steel tubing, and retractable nickel-plated points.

The moisture probe has two prongs on the end. Typically, the restorer will only us this instrument on carpet because it can leave marks on the wall. This instrument will only determine if a surface is wet, not how wet.

The #791 Delmhorst HT-4000 Thermo-Hygrometer is a stand-alone thermo-hygrometer for building inspection and restoration contractors. The HT-4000 has the same fast acclimating RH/T sensor found in the Navigator Pro 3-in-1 Moisture Meter. For those who prefer having separate meters, the HT-4000 is the solution. The HT-4000 Thermo-Hygrometer's sensor is also detachable, making this meter ideal for testing a concrete slab.

The penetrating meter will tell us how wet the surface is. However, the restorer will want to use this device in an inconspicuous place because it to can leave marks on a wall.

We also have a non penetrating moisture meter which can be used anywhere!

Esporta Soft Goods Cleaning

4/8/2019 (Permalink)

When you have a water damage in your home, typically the floors, walls and ceilings are affected. Not only does SERVPRO take care of the water damaged structure, but we also clean the affected contents in the home as well. Whether it is clothes, stuffed animals, shoes, purses, etc., SERVPRO carefully packs up the contents and brings them back to our facility to be cleaned.

SERVPRO of Chesterfield and SERVPRO of Tri-Cities Plus has state-of-the-art Esporta cleaning system on-site that can make water damaged, mold damaged, and even smoke and soot damaged items look like new again. When our crew arrives to your home after a damage has occurred, our trained professionals with pack up each affected item and thoroughly clean the contents to be delivered back to the customer. This is so important for customers who have items they would rather try and restore rather than replace.

SERVPRO of Chesterfield and SERVPRO of Tri-Cities Plus has been fighting fire and water damages for over 30 years and we will continue to make our customers happy by restoring their home as well as their personal contents.

Veteran Home Fire

4/1/2019 (Permalink)

Henrico Board of Supervisors Meeting

Last week, the Henrico Board of Supervisors invited SERVPRO of Chesterfield and SERVPRO of Tri-Cities Plus and other groups involved in repairing Vietnam Vet Walter Flanagan's home fire to be recognized for helping a fellow resident at his time of need. Our General Manager, Bobby Morgan originally went out and met with the fire marshal, building inspector and the customer. The homeowner got the house from his parents but has no homeowners insurance. His parents kept everything and every room was full of contents. Our crews delivered boxes, packing paper, sharpies, trash bags, and packing tape to the home and began boxing up the homeowner's belongings that can be saved and cleaned from the smoke and soot damage. Our crews also set up a generate to give power to his home. While our team helped out this veteran, we also involved the local news to call for other groups or organizations to donate their time and resources. With an outpouring of love and generosity, multiple local organizations stepped in to help this veteran out and we were able to get him back inside his home with a new renovated kitchen and all new appliances.

Professional Water Damage Help

3/20/2019 (Permalink)

No one plans for a fire to erupt in their home or business. Unfortunately, fire damage can occur at any time especially during this time of year. Space heaters, fire places, cooking equipment and candles are all perfect examples that could ignite your home into flames. Some people’s first reaction after a fire is to begin cleaning it up themselves. Here’s why you shouldn’t.

Water Damage – When the fire department responds to a fire in a home or business, they spray gallons of water into your property. The water will get everywhere- furniture, electronics, ceilings, clothing, floors, etc. The longer you wait to remove the water, the faster the damage will set in. Don’t try to remove the water yourself. You will waste valuable time that could be sent soaking up that damaging water. Calling SERVPRO of Chesterfield and SERVPRO of Tri-Cities Plus is the best option to quickly, efficiently and professional remove the water and to begin remediation to your home or business.

Soot Damage/ Smoke Damage – along with the extensive damage a fire can cause, soot and smoke damage is just as tricky. Smoke will get everywhere and travel throughout your home or business. It will affect everything in your home from furniture, clothing, walls, ceilings and floors. Soot will also be left behind staining walls and ceilings. SERVPRO of Chesterfield and SERVPRO of Tri-Cities Plus has the necessary products to property remove smoke and soot damage, as well as treating the contents affected by the fire.

Effected Contents – In some cases, a homeowner will discard their personal items effected by fire or smoke damage. This is another reason why you should call SERVPRO of Chesterfield and SERVPRO of Tri-Cities Plus. We can asses and inspect items to determine whether they are salvageable or unsalvageable. Our team will collect every item and thoroughly document each item to keep track and inventory all contents. A lot of times, we can clean and deodorize the effected contents.

Leave it to the professionals who have been restoring fire damages for over 30 years. We have the people, the tools, the equipment and the experience to handle any size disaster. Don’t try to handle it on your own. Time efficiency is key when it comes to a fire in your home or business.

Esporta Soft Goods Cleaning

3/20/2019 (Permalink)

Esporta Certified Operator

Sentimental items can't be replaced, but many can be restored. SERVPRO of Chesterfield and SERVPRO of Tri-Cities Plus is an Esporta Certified Operator. We utilize the best restoration technology to restore soft contents damaged by water, smoke, soot, mold and biological & chemical contaminants.

Restoration Technology

Items are held stationary and passed though detergent-laden water. The multi-stage computer controlled process utilizes proprietary detergents. The combination of hydraulic action and environmentally friendly detergents restores items to Food Grade Clean by removing 99% of contaminants, while still being gentle on the planet.

What Can Be Restored?

• Leather goods of all kinds
  
  • shoes
  • purses
  • jackets
• Laundry of all kinds
  • wash and fold
  • press and hang
• Household goods of all kinds
  • sleeping bags
  • pillows
  • comforters
  • stuffed animals
• Unique articles such as sports equipment
• A wide variety of other articles

Holiday Fire Safety

11/19/2018 (Permalink)

Thanksgiving is the leading day of the year for home fires involving cooking equipment. Sometimes there are multiple people in the kitchen taking part in the preparations of multiple dishes. It can be hectic and dangerous, so keeping fire safety in mind is important!

Look at the Facts:

• According to the NFPA, in 2014, nearly four times as many home cooking fires occur on Thanksgiving as on a typical day.
• And, in the same year U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated 1,730 home cooking fires on Thanksgiving, the peak day for such fires.
• Unattended cooking was by far the leading contributing factor in cooking fires and fire deaths.
• Cooking equipment was involved in almost half (48%) of all reported home fires and civilian and tied with heating equipment for the second leading cause of home fire deaths.

Safety Tips:

• Stay in the kitchen when you are cooking on the stovetop so you can keep an eye on the food.
• Stay in the home when cooking your turkey and check on it frequently.
• Keep children away from the stove. The stove will be hot and kids should stay 3 feet away.
• Make sure kids stay away from hot food and liquids. The steam or splash from vegetables, gravy or coffee could cause serious burns.
• Keep the floor clear so you don’t trip over kids, toys, pocketbooks or bags.
• Keep knives out of the reach of children.
• Be sure electric cords from an electric knife, coffee maker, plate warmer or mixer are not dangling off the counter within easy reach of a child.
• Keep matches and utility lighters out of the reach of children — up high in a locked cabinet.
• Never leave children alone in room with a lit candle.
• Make sure your smoke alarms are working. Test them by pushing the test button.

For more information, please visit SERVPROchesterfield.com to see what SERVPRO of Chesterfield and SERVPRO of Tri-Cities Plus can do to help if disaster strikes. We are available for 24-hour emergency fire and water services.

Why Choose SERVPRO of Chesterfield for Fall Cleaning

10/22/2018 (Permalink)

Everyone has heard of spring cleaning, but not everyone knows the importance of fall cleaning! This is the time of year to get your house ready for the fall and winter weather. Check out this handy checklist of what to do before the fall leaves and winter weather takes over.

• Vacuum all lamp shades
• Hand clean all light fixtures
• Check gutters, clean if needed
• Wash windows and make sure they are sealed properly
• Have rugs professionally cleaned by SERVPRO of Chesterfield
• Wipe out kitchen and bathroom cabinets
• Test smoke & carbon monoxide detectors
• Wipe out window wells
• Sweep out garage
• Clean and store patio furniture
• Clean or replace shower liners
• Clean washing machine
• Clean dishwasher
• Go through food pantry
• Clean oven
• Clean and organize closets
• Clean grill

And last but not least, purge! Donate what you don’t need, wear, or use.

If you don't want to take on the fall cleaning yourself and you would like to have your house professionally and thoroughly cleaned, call SERVPRO of Chesterfield for an estimate at 804.378.2323.

What To Do Until Help Arrives: Water Damage

10/12/2018 (Permalink)

Last night, Hurricane Michael made its way through central Virginia causing heavy rains and winds. Thousands across the area have lost power and have experienced flooded basements, crawl spaces, fallen trees on homes and businesses. Water damages like these can impact your home or business if it’s not addressed quickly.

Luckily, SERVPRO of Chesterfield has the tools and man-power to address everyone’s issues as quickly as possible. However, since we cannot get to everyone at the same time, we can offer tips and measures to take while you wait for help to arrive.

What To Do Until Help Arrives:

• Shut off the source of water is possible
• Turn off circuit breakers for wet areas, when access to the power distribution panel is safe from electrical shock
• Remove as much excess water as possible by mopping and blotting
• Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removing lamps and tabletop items
• Remove and prop up wet upholstery cushions for even drying
• Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting
• Remove to a safe, dry place any painting, art objects, computers, documents and other materials that are valuable or sensitive to moisture
• Use wooden clothespins to keep furniture skirting off damp floors
• Hang draperies with coated hangers to avoid contact with wet carpeting or floors
• Hang furs and leather goods to dry separately at room temperature.

SERVPRO of Chesterfield will do everything to get to you as fast as possible and take care of your water damage. In the meantime, take these steps to safely save your affected furniture and personal items.

Fire Prevention Week

10/9/2018 (Permalink)

This year’s Fire Prevention Week 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
Look for places fire could start. Take a good look around your home. Identify potential fire hazards and take care of them.

LISTEN
Listen for the sound of the smoke alarm. You could have only 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 know to meet.

LEARN
Learn two ways out of every room and make sure all doors and windows leading outside open easily and are free of clutter.

This week is an also an opportunity for local firefighters to visit schools and teach children the importance of fire safety. They want to make sure you’re doing all you can to keep your family safe. Firefighters are also encouraging smokers to make sure they throw out butts and ashes correctly because it only takes something small to spark a fire if the conditions are dry.

For more info please visit: http://www.nfpa.org/Public-Education/Campaigns/Fire-Prevention-Week

No Job Too Large

9/5/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Chesterfield has just begun a large project right here in our warehouse. A company was carrying 1,200 pallets from overseas into the US when the pallets were exposed to heavy moisture and water. Needless to say, these pallets sitting in moisture for an extended period of time began to produce growth. 

Our team was able to come up with a game plan to handle a job this large. The process consisted of cleaning, remediating and re-wrapping all 1,200 pallets. A 60 x 30 containment area filled with air scrubbers was constructed inside our warehouse to perform the necessary measures to get these pallets cleaned and free of mold. It was important to build a containment area to keep the air scrubbers working efficiently in a confined space.

If you has a small patch of mold in your house or 1,200 pallets covered in mold, choose the professionals at SERVPRO of Chesterfield to handle your job the right way.

Top 5 Most Common Causes of House Fires

7/24/2018 (Permalink)

Here are top 5 most common causes of house fires as identified by the National Fire Protection Association.

1. Candles

From 2007-2011, the NFPA says there were an average of 10,630 fires in the U.S. that were started by candles, causing 115 deaths, 903 injuries and approximately $418 million in property damage. That is an average of 29 candle fires per day.

Safety tips:

• Never leave a candle burning near flammable items.
• Never leave a candle burning in a child’s room or an unoccupied room.
• Make sure candles fit securing into candle holders so they won’t tip over.
• Blow out any candles before leaving a room or going to sleep

2. Smoking

While the number of fires caused by smoking is trending downward, the NFPA found that there were still an average of 17,600 related fires per year resulting in 490 deaths and more than $516 million in property damage.

Safety tips:

• If you smoke, consider smoking outside.
• Use wide, sturdy ashtrays to catch butts and ashes.
• Look for cigarette butts under furniture and between seat cushions to make sure no lit butts have fallen someplace where they can’t be seen.
• Don’t smoke in bed, when you’re tired or around medical oxygen.

3. Electrical & Lighting

According to the NFPA, in 2011 approximately 47,700 home structure fires were caused by some sort of electrical failure or malfunction. These resulted in 418 deaths, 1,570 injuries and $1.4 billion in property damage.

Safety tips:

• Don’t overload outlets or electrical cords.
• Make sure you have the right cord for the job – inside cords for inside, heavy duty/outside cords for outdoor use.
• Don’t leave Christmas lights, Christmas trees, or halogen lights on overnight or when not at home.
• Consider having an electrician perform an annual checkup of your home’s wiring.

4. Dryers & Washing Machines

Clothes dryer fires happen more often than one might think, accounting for 16,800 home structure fires in 2010 and doing more than $236 million in property damage. 

Safety tips:

• Clean the lint screen frequently and don’t run the dryer without it.
• For gas and propane dryers, make sure there aren’t any leaks in the lines.
• Vent the dryer to the outside of the house and ensure nothing blocks the vent pipe.
• Clean the vent pipe and the area where the screen is housed.
• Keep the area around the dryer free of combustible materials.

5. Lightning

From 2007-2011, NFPA says there were an average of 22,600 fires per year caused by lightning strikes.

Safety tips:

• Stay away from doors and windows during an electrical storm.
• Do not use corded phones, computers, TVs or other electrical equipment during storms.
• Unplug major electronics – TVs, stereo equipment, computers and microwaves to minimize damage if there is a lightning strike close by.
• Avoid plumbing such as sinks, baths and faucets during a thunderstorm.

You experience a fire in your home, don't hesitate to call SERVPRO of Chesterfield at 804.378.2323.

Mold Removal vs. Mold Remediation

6/20/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Chesterfield has been remediating mold in homes and businesses for over 30 years. Since microscopic mold spores exist naturally almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors, removing all mold from a home or business is impossible. Many restoration businesses advertise “mold removal” and even guarantee to remove all mold. This is a fallacy. We understand mold and mold growth. SERVPRO of Chesterfield has the training and expertise to remediate the mold in your home or business.

It is important, especially after a water damage, to quickly address any signs of mold in the home or business. If there is moisture present, growth can start in as little as 48 hours. If not addressed in a timely manner, mold spores can quickly grow into colonies when exposed to water. These colonies may produce allergens and irritants. Mold can also produce a strong, musty odor, and that odor can lead you to possible mold problem areas.

If you discover mold in your home, don’t hesitate to call the professionals who will abide by a remediation process:

1. Contact - (804) 378-2323
2. Inspection and Mold Damage Assessment
3. Mold Containment
4. Air Filtration
5. Removing Mold and Mold-Infested Materials
6. Cleaning Contents and Belongings

Commercial Mold Damage

6/20/2018 (Permalink)

Besides causing a major business interruption, a mold problem can present a serious health risk for people exposed at your commercial property.

Mold infestations can be caused by minor water intrusions, like a slow roof leak or loose plumbing fitting. Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. If you suspect your property has a mold problem, call  SERVPRO of Chesterfield, who will respond quickly and work fast to manage the situation.

Mold can spread quickly through a property if left untreated. SERVPRO of Chesterfield can respond quickly, working to first contain the infestation to help prevent its spread to other parts of the building. Next, we will begin the remediation process, working safely and effectively to manage the situation. We have the training, experience, and equipment to contain the mold infestation and remediate it to preloss condition.

Never Too Early to Prepare for Nasty Winter Weather

6/12/2018 (Permalink)

Before Winter Storms and Extreme Cold

To prepare for a winter storm you should do the following:

Before winter approaches, add the following supplies to your emergency kit:

• Rock salt or more environmentally safe products to melt ice on walkways. Visit the Environmental Protection Agency for a complete list of recommended products.
• Sand to improve traction.
• Snow shovels and other snow removal equipment.
• Sufficient heating fuel. You may become isolated in your home and regular fuel sources may be cut off. Store a good supply of dry, seasoned wood for your fireplace or wood-burning stove.
• Adequate clothing and blankets to keep you warm.
• Make a Family Communications Plan. Your family may not be together when disaster strikes, so it is important to know how you will contact one another, how you will get back together and what you will do in case of an emergency.
• A NOAA Weather Radio broadcasts alerts and warnings directly from the NWS for all hazards. You may also sign up in advance to receive notifications from your local emergency services.

Download FEMA’s Be Smart. Know Your Alerts and Warnings for a summary of notifications at:www.ready.gov/prepare. Free smart phone apps, such as those available from FEMA and the American Red Cross, provide information about finding shelters, providing first aid, and seeking assistance for recovery.

• Minimize travel. If travel is necessary, keep a disaster supplies kit in your vehicle.
• Bring pets/companion animals inside during winter weather. Move other animals or livestock to sheltered areas with non-frozen drinking water.

Prepare Your Home

6/12/2018 (Permalink)

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 non-insulated 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."
• If you follow the previous step, then open the outdoor faucet to help ensure it drains completely and the inner valve is shut 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. 

Highly Trained Technicians

6/12/2018 (Permalink)

Why Choose SERVPRO of Chesterfield?

• Locally independently owned and operated, with the headquarters established in Chesterfield
• Consistently recognized in the top ten of 1,700 national locations
• Ranked 4th SERVPRO® Franchise in 2015
• Named Franchise of the Year in 2008
• More than 30 years of experience serving our local community
• Second largest franchise on the East Coast - Extreme Team Bahen
• Excellent reputation with homeowners, insurance companies, business owners, facility managers, local and state government agencies and commercial property management teams

Company and Technician Certifications:

• (NADCA) National Air Duct Cleaning Association
• (EPA) Lead Certified Firm
• (IAQA) Indoor Air Quality Association
• (IICRC) Institute of Inspection, Cleaning & Restoration
• (CDS) Commercial Drying Specialist
• (WRT) Water Damage Restoration
• (ASCA) Air Systems Cleaning Specialist
• (ECTP) Employee Certification Training Program
• (CMR) Council-Certified Microbial Remediator
• (OSHA) Training & Compliance
• (VCMR) Ventilation System Mold Remediators
• (ASD) Applied Structural Drying Technician
• (FSRT) Fire & Smoke Damage Restoration Technician
• (CVI) Certified Ventilation Inspectors
• (AMRT) Applied Microbial Remediation Technician

Post-Construction Cleanup

6/5/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Chesterfield is always here to help with any post-construction cleaning needs.

If your business was just built or went through a renovation, who do you call to cleanup the mess that was left behind? It is so important for a business to open as quickly as possible after a major project or renovation. SERVPRO of Chesterfield is always here to help with any cleaning needs.

Along with out restoration and rebuild services, SERVPRO of Chesterfield provides customers post-construction cleanup services. Our professional, and highly-trained team will tackle everything and anything that needs addressing.

Cleanup includes:

• Walls
• Light fixures/fans
• All trimmings
• Floors
• Ceilings
• Doors
• Air Ducts, vents, baseboard heaters
• Windows
• Cabinetry
• Any trash or plastic left behind

IF your property needs a thorough, post-contraction cleaning, call the trusted professionals at SERVPRO of Chesterfield at 804-378-2323. We can handle any size, no matter how big or small!

Safety Tips- Water Damage

6/4/2018 (Permalink)

Safety Tips When Water Damage Occur: 

Do

1. Shut off water source if possible
2. Remove as much water as possible by mopping and blotting the saturated area
3. Wipe furniture to remove excess water
4. Place aluminum foil between legs and wet carpet
5. Prop up wet furniture cushions for even drying
6. Lift drapes off flooring, loop through a coat hanger and hang on curtain rod
7. Remove wet area rugs
8. Move valuable paintings, art objects and photos to a safe, dry place
9. Open closet doors, furniture drawers and luggage to aid in drying
10. Remove any wet fabrics and dry immediately
11. Hang furs and leather goods to dry separately at room temperature

Do Not

1. Use your household vacuum to remove the excess water
2. Use electrical appliances while standing on wet flooring or carpets
3. Go into any room where the ceiling is sagging
4. Wait to call for professional help. The longer you wait the more damage will occur

Moisture Control is Key to Mold Control

6/4/2018 (Permalink)

• Keep humidity levels as low as you can—no higher than 50%--all day long. An air conditioner or dehumidifier will help you keep the level low. Humidity levels change throughout the day as changes occur in the moisture in the air and the air temperature, so check the humidity levels more than once a day.
• If you see condensation or moisture collecting on windows, walls or pipes ACT QUICKLY to dry the wet surface and reduce the moisture/water source.  Condensation can be a sign of high humidity.
• Be sure your home has enough ventilation. Use exhaust fans, which vent outside your home in the kitchen and bathroom. Make sure your clothes dryer vents outside your home.
• Fix any leaks in your home’s roof, walls, or plumbing so mold does not have moisture to grow.
• Clean up and dry out your home thoroughly and quickly (within 24–48 hours) after flooding.
• Remove or replace carpets and upholstery that have been soaked and cannot be dried promptly. Consider not using carpet in rooms or areas like bathrooms or basements that may have a lot of moisture.

Air Quality in Your Home or Business

5/24/2018 (Permalink)

Why is it important to be knowledgeable when it comes to indoor air quality? Indoor air often contains higher concentrations of hazardous pollutants than outdoor air; however, the good news is that everyone can reduce indoor air pollution.

According to the National Safety Council:

Over the years, buildings have been made more airtight to conserve energy. A variety of methods have been employed to keep the hot or cool air from escaping from our homes: installing storm windows and insulation; applying caulk and weatherstripping to seal cracks and other openings; and heating our homes with kerosene, wood, coal, and natural gas. Unfortunately, when we trap in hot or cool air, we also trap in pollutants and sometimes generate more.

On average, people spend about 90 percent of their time indoors. Sixty-five percent of that is spent at home. To make matters worse, those who are most susceptible to indoor air pollution are the ones who are home the most: children, pregnant women, the elderly, and those with chronic illnesses. Children breathe in 50 percent more air per pound of body weight than adults do. EPA studies have found that pollutant levels inside can be two to five times higher than outdoors. After some activities, indoor air pollution levels can be 100 times higher than outdoors.

Children may be more susceptible to environmental exposures than adults and, because of their developing systems, particularly vulnerable to their effects. Asthma is a case in point. About 4.2 million children in the United States, and more than 12.4 million people. A recent study, published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine concluded that 65 percent of asthma cases among elementary school-age children could be prevented by controlling exposure to indoor allergens and environmental tobacco smoke (ETS). By controlling biological contaminants (e.g., dust mites and cat allergens), asthma cases could be reduced by 55 to 60 percent.

Therefore, it is crucial to have your HVAC system in your company building and in your home professionally cleaned. This will reduce the circulation of dust, pollen and other contaminants that could affect people who are more susceptible to these effects.

SERVPRO of Chesterfield is professionally trained to thoroughly clean out air ducts and provide your family or company with clean air.

For more information, please visit: https://www3.epa.gov/airnow/airaware/

Prevent Carbon Monoxide Exposure This Upcoming Winter

6/12/2017 (Permalink)

You Can Prevent Carbon Monoxide Exposure

• Do have your heating system, water heater and any other gas, oil, or coal burning appliances serviced by a qualified technician every year.
• Do install a battery-operated or battery back-up CO detector in your home and check or replace the battery when you change the time on your clocks each spring and fall. If the detector sounds leave your home immediately and call 911.
• Do seek prompt medical attention if you suspect CO poisoning and are feeling dizzy, light-headed, or nauseous.
• Don't use a generator, charcoal grill, camp stove, or other gasoline or charcoal-burning device inside your home, basement, or garage or near a window.
• Don't run a car or truck inside a garage attached to your house, even if you leave the door open.
• Don't burn anything in a stove or fireplace that isn't vented.
• Don't heat your house with a gas oven.

Tis The season For Safety

6/12/2017 (Permalink)

The NFPA reports local fire departments respond to an average of 250 Christmas tree related fires each year, with a majority of these fires caused by electrical problems. Make sure to take precautions this year.

• If you have an artificial tree, be sure it is labeled, certified, or identified by the manufacturer as fire retardent.
• If you choose a live tree, pick a tree with fresh needles that do not fall off when touched.
• 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 has plenty of water everyday.
• After the holidays, properly dispose of your tree.  Dried-out trees can be a fire hazard and should not be left in home or garage, or placed outside the home.

Prepare Your Business

6/12/2017 (Permalink)

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 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 could be present.
• Lay salt down on all walkways to prevent employees from slipping.
• Clear built up snow on roofs to prevent potential leaks coming through the roof.
• Ask SERVPRO of Chesterfield about starting a Disaster Recovery Plan for your business. 

ERP

5/26/2017 (Permalink)

Advantages of the SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile:

• A no-cost assessment of your facility.
• A concise Profile document that contains only the critical information needed in the event of an emergency.
• A guide to help get back into your building following a disaster.
• Establishes your local SERVPRO Franchise Professional as your disaster mitigation and restoration provider.
• Identification of the line command for authorizing work to begin.
• Provides facility details such as shut-off valve locations, priority areas and priority contact information.

Call SERVPRO of Chesterfield today to inquire about an Emergency Ready Profile for your facility! This free assessment of your building will help save you time in an event of a disaster and established SERVPRO of Chesterfield as your fire and water mitigation and reconstruction provider!

Hurricane Preparedness Week

5/8/2017 (Permalink)

Hurricane Preparedness Week is May 7 – 13, 2017. This week is your time to prepare for a potential land-falling tropical storm or hurricane. It only takes one storm to change your life and community. Tropical cyclones are among nature’s most powerful and destructive phenomena. If you live in an area prone to tropical cyclones, you need to be prepared. Even areas well away from the coastline can be threatened by dangerous flooding, destructive winds and tornadoes from these storms.

Determine Your Risk

Hurricanes bring many hazards to U.S. coastlines and inland areas, including storm surge along the coast, inland flooding due to heavy rainfall, tornadoes, strong wind, rip currents and large waves.

Develop an Evacuation Plan

Find out today if you liv in a hurricane evacuation zone. Plan where you’ll go and how you would get there. Leave immediately if ordered to evacuate and be sure to plan for your pets.

Assemble Disaster Supplies

Get your supplies before hurricane season begins. Have enough food and water for each person for at least one week. Be sure to fill your prescriptions and have medicine on hand. Radios, batteries and phone chargers are also must haves. Gas up your vehicle and extra cash on hand.

Get Insurance Checkup

Check in with your insurance agent well before hurricane season, remember that flood insurance must be obtained separately. Prepare your home/vehicles according to your policy, and know where your insurance documents are located – take them with you if you evacuate. Visit floodsmart.gov for more information. 

Strengthen Your Home

There is a lot you can do around your home to help protect it from the strong winds that come with hurricanes. Well ahead of the approaching storm, trim trees on your property, shop for approved window coverings, collect loose outdoor items, secure all doors on you property, and find a safe location for your vehicle.

Help Your Neighbor

Many people reply on the assistance of neighbors before and after hurricanes. Help your neighbors collect the supplies they’ll need before the storm. Assist them with evacuation if ordered to do so or check on them after it’s safe for you to head outside.

Complete your Written Plan

Writing down your plan will help you avoid mistakes when faces with an emergency and ensure everyone in your home is prepared for the next storm.

We Cleanup Biohazards

4/19/2017 (Permalink)

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. SERVPRO of Chesterfield is trained to safely remove biohazards and dispose of them properly in accordance with OSHA and health regulations.

Equipped with the necessary safety apparatus and cleaning products, we can help transform these unhealthy environments back into clean, safe homes and offices.

Common Biohazard Encounters

Sewage Backups – Sewage backups and dark water intrusions are more than nasty, smelly deposits – these damages also introduce harmful microorganisms into a structure. We remove the sewage, contaminants, and moisture, and help ensure the structure is properly cleaned, disinfected, and deodorized.

Bloodborne Pathogens – We remove and dispose of bodily fluids, tissue and other potentially pathogenic substances resulting from accident, trauma, crime or death. Trained SERVPRO of Chesterfield Professionals clean, disinfect and deodorize the structure.

Crime Scene Residues – From fingerprint powder and evidence-gathering chemicals to tear gas and pepper spray residues, SERVPRO of Chesterfield professionals can clean and restore your property and contents.

Arson and Vandalism – From fingerprint powder and evidence-gathering chemicals to tear gas and pepper spray residues, SERVPRO of Chesterfield professionals can clean and restore your property and contents.

Burn Awareness Week February 5th- 10th 2017

2/9/2017 (Permalink)

Every year, the first full week of February is dedicated to Burn Awareness. According to the American Burn Association, “this is designed to provide an opportunity for burn, fire and life safety educators to unity in sharing a common burn awareness and prevention message in our communities.”

Here are the facts provided by the ABA:

• Burn injuries continue to be one of the leading causes of accidental death and injury in the United States.
• Between 2010 and 2014, approximately 486,000 people were seen in Emergency Departments for treatment of non-fatal burn injuries.
• In 2014 alone, there were 3,275 deaths from fires, which includes 2,795 deaths from residential fires, 345 from vehicle crash fires, and 135 from other sources.
• One civilian fire death occurs every 2 hours and 41 minutes.
• The odds of a U.S. resident dying from exposure to fire, flames or smoke are 1 in 1442.
• The primary causes of injury include fire-flame, scalds, electrical and chemicals.
• Men are more likely to be burned than women (68% males and 32% females were seen at a burn unit).
• Most of the injuries occur in the home (73%) followed by work (8%)
• Tragically, children, the elderly, and the disabled are especially vulnerable to burn injuries, and almost one- third of all burn injuries occur in children under the age of 15.
• Children under five are 2.4 times as likely as the general population to suffer burn injuries that require emergency medical treatment.
• Young adults ages 20-29 have a probability of burn injury that is roughly 1.5 times the risk of the general population.
• Today, 96.8% of those who suffer burn injuries will survive. Unfortunately, many of those survivors will sustain serious scarring, life-long physical disabilities, and adjustment difficulties.

With these facts and statistics, it is easy to see why it is so important for the community to understand the dangers that come from burns. Especially when it comes to fire prevention, it is important to take precaution and the necessary steps to prevent possible disasters and injuries.

If you experience and fire in your home or business, call the trusted professionals who have been fighting fire damage for over 30 years. SERVPRO of Chesterfield is fast to any size disaster and can handle your fire damage with professionalism and precision.

31st Anniversary!

12/9/2016 (Permalink)

Today marks the 31st anniversary of SERVPRO of Chesterfield!

The growth of our franchise over the years has been phenomenal! What started out in a 10 X 10 room, has grown into a 50,000 square foot warehouse - employing up to 100 fantastic team members.

We couldn't have come this far without the support of our local communities in Richmond, Henrico and Tri-Cities and especially in Chesterfield. Thank you to our customers and clients for choosing Team Bahen to combat your disasters. Whether it's a fire, water, mold damage, or even a simple carpet cleaning, we are always here to help!

SERVPRO of Richmond, Chesterfield, Henrico, & Tri-Cities, Plus is so excited for the future growth of our franchise. Here's to 31 more years!

Continuing Education Course: Deodorization & Biohazard Cleanup

11/16/2016 (Permalink)

Yesterday, SERVPRO of Chesterfield hosted a free Continuing Education Course for local insurance agents and adjusters. Most insurance professionals are required to earn a certain number of credits each year to uphold their licenses and be educated on certain topics that pertain to their daily experiences.

The agents were educated by a SERVPRO Corporate instructor on two topics including deodorization and biohazard cleanup. SERVPRO representatives brought in equipment that is used during the process of deodorization and cleaning up biohazard situations. Air foggers, cleaning and sanitation liquids, PPE (personal protective equipment), face masks, and other supplies were put on display and demonstrated by the instructor.

The instructor went into detail explaining our services that pertain to biohazard cleanup such as: sewage backup, crime scene residue, suicide/death accidents, homicide cleanup, blood cleanup, animal waste/remains, chemical spills, etc.

It was a very informative day for our local insurance professionals filled with educational facts and interesting discussions.

SERVPRO of Chesterfield is always happy to provide these courses to our local agents and educate them on the detailed processes SERVPRO takes to handle any type of disaster, accident, or malodor.

Prepare your Home for Fall

11/1/2016 (Permalink)

Prepare Your Home for Fall

It is important to pay close attention the interior and exterior parts of your home to prepare for fall weather. This includes, colder temperatures and falling leaves. Take at look at this checklist to ensure your home is ready for whatever the fall weather brings.

Interior:

1. Check for drafts
2. Have your furnace inspected
3. Winterize AC
4. Programmable thermostat
5. Test home safety devices
6. Clean dehumidifiers

Exterior:

1. Do a roof check
2. Check the chimney and fireplace
3. Stock up on firewood
4. Inspect siding
5. Clean the gutters
6. Check water drainage
7. Reinforce windows and doors
8. Turn off faucets and store hoses
9. Service sprinklers and irrigation system
10. Inspect nearby trees
11. Trim landscaping
12. Bring in flowerpots
13. Plant bulbs
14. Leaf removal
15. Put away seasonal furniture
16. Close the pool
17. Organize the shed

Pre-maintenance to your home can help you save money and conserve energy in your home. It also prevents disasters from occurring like roof leaks from clogged gutters and drafts entering your home. Please contact SERVPRO of Chesterfield if you experience and water or fire emergency in your home.

Carpet and Rug Cleaning - New Service!

8/19/2016 (Permalink)

New Rug Cleaning System

As you may know, SERVPRO of Chesterfield is widely known for handling fire, water and mold damages professionally and effectively. But, what some people forget is that we offer numerous of other services to home and business owners as well!

Carpet and rug cleaning is a service that we deal with on a day-to-day basis. Even the highest-quality carpet and rugs can show soiling over time. It is important to clean your carpets and rugs regularly, especially ones that have a high traffic rate. As a general rule, you should have your carpets and rugs professionally cleaned every 12 to 18 months. However, children and pets are huge factors that contribute to ware and tare and staining of your carpets and may require a more frequent cleaning. The IICRC (Institute of Inspection Cleaning & Restoration Certification) states that 79% of soil in carpet is dry soil. Vacuuming regularly is key to proper care and maintenance. However, just vacuuming every once in a while is not enough to get a good deep down clean.

We offer a range of specialized cleaning methods such as:

• Bonnet Cleaning: A less aggressive method for short piled carpets
• Hot Water Extraction: A deeper cleaning method for all carpet types
• Deluxe Precondition and Rinse: Helps restore deeply soiled areas
• Showcase Premier Cleaning: The most thorough cleaning method in the industry
• Dry Cleaning: when color-fastness is an issue

New System

Because we understand that our customer’s rugs are a very valuable material in their homes and business, SERVPRO of Chesterfield is excited to announce a brand new rug cleaning system!

This new state-of-the-art rug cleaning system offers our customers the opportunity to drop off their rugs at the SERVPRO of Chesterfield office location to be professionally cleaned. With this new system it will allow us to expand our already wide customer rug cleaning services to our residential customers with our new drop off rug service. The system comes equipped with a very large rug cleaning machine, which removes over 90% of moisture from rugs of almost any thickness in 3 minutes or less. This allows even heavy and dense textiles such as ninety-line hand-knotted Oriental rugs, to be processed quickly and efficiently. It also provides an electric hoist system that easily hangs the rugs for efficient drying and storage.

SERVPRO of Chesterfield will put into effect this new system within the next two weeks and will begin accepting drop off rug cleaning services. For more information, please contact our office at 804.378.2323.

FIRELINE Contents Restoration - Our New System!

8/2/2016 (Permalink)

Our crew being trained on the new FIRELINE system!

FIRELINE

SERVPRO of Chesterfield has recently adopted the FIRELINE system, which has become the most widely used contents restoration production system in the industry. We are always looking for the best tools in the industry to satisfy our customer’s needs and provide them with the best results possible.

What is FIRELINE?

The FIRELINE Contents Restoration cleaning system is designed to thoroughly clean contents affected by soot damage, smoke damage, and other contaminants. This state-of-the-art, stainless steel construction delivers the ultimate in durability and efficiency, while utilizing the latest advancements in ultrasonic technology. FIRELINE provides consistent, high-quality cleaning results and high-volume production. It also comes equipped with specifically crafted contents baskets to cut down on damages caused by manually handling contents.

The Four Stations

The FIRELINE production system includes APW 4800 Pre-washer, APC 4800 Ultrasonic Cleaners and Oversize RDS 4800 Rinse Detail Station. Each of these units can accommodate three contents baskets simultaneously. The system also includes the TD 8000 High Volume Tunnel Dryer. Designed to keep up with FIRELINE’s high flow production rate, the Tunnel Dryer accommodates up to four contents baskets at a time.

After cleaning the affected contents, each item is carefully wrapped and placed in a specific labeled box to be delivered back to the customer. Trust the experts at SERVPRO of Chesterfield to professionally clean your contents with precision and care! 

What To Do in Extreme Heat

7/20/2016 (Permalink)

Stay cool and take the proper precautions in this extreme heat!

This weekend, temperatures are expected to reach the 3-digit mark! SERVPRO of Chesterfield wants you and your family to be safe and take the proper precautions during this time of extreme heat. When temperatures reaching this high, the body must work extra hard to maintain a normal temperature.

Extreme Heat can cause the following:

Heat Exhaustion - Typically occurs when people exercise heavily or work in a hot, humid place where body fluids are lost through heavy sweating. Blood flow to the skin increases, causing blood flow to decrease to the vital organs. This results in a form of mild shock. If not treated, the victim's condition will worsen. Body temperature will keep rising and the victim may suffer heat stroke.

Heat Stroke - A life-threatening condition. The victim's temperature control system, which produces sweating to cool the body, stops working. The body temperature can rise so high that brain damage and death may result if the body is not cooled quickly.

To prepare for extreme heat, you should:

• To begin preparing, you should build an emergency kit and make a family communications plan.
• Install window air conditioners snugly; insulate if necessary.
• Check air-conditioning ducts for proper insulation.
• Install temporary window reflectors (for use between windows and drapes), such as aluminum foil-covered cardboard, to reflect heat back outside.
• Weather-strip doors and sills to keep cool air in.
• Cover windows that receive morning or afternoon sun with drapes, shades, awnings, or louvers. (Outdoor awnings or louvers can reduce the heat that enters a home by up to 80 percent.)
• Keep storm windows up all year.
• Listen to local weather forecasts and stay aware of upcoming temperature changes.
• Know those in your neighborhood who are elderly, young, sick or overweight. They are more likely to become victims of excessive heat and may need help.
• Be aware that people living in urban areas may be at greater risk from the effects of a prolonged heat wave than are people living in rural areas.
• Get trained in first aid to learn how to treat heat-related emergencies.

What you should do if the weather is extremely hot:

• Listen to NOAA Weather Radio for critical updates from the National Weather Service (NWS).
• Never leave children or pets alone in closed vehicles.
• Stay indoors as much as possible and limit exposure to the sun.
• Stay on the lowest floor out of the sunshine if air conditioning is not available.
• Postpone outdoor games and activities.
• Consider spending the warmest part of the day in public buildings such as libraries, schools, movie theaters, shopping malls, and other community facilities. Circulating air can cool the body by increasing the perspiration rate of evaporation.
• Eat well-balanced, light, and regular meals. Avoid using salt tablets unless directed to do so by a physician.
• Drink plenty of water; even if you do not feel thirsty. Avoid drinks with caffeine. Persons who have epilepsy or heart, kidney, or liver disease; are on fluid-restricted diets; or have a problem with fluid retention should consult a doctor before increasing liquid intake.
• Limit intake of alcoholic beverages.
• Dress in loose-fitting, lightweight, and light-colored clothes that cover as much skin as possible. Avoid dark colors because they absorb the sun’s rays.
• Protect face and head by wearing a wide-brimmed hat.
• Avoid strenuous work during the warmest part of the day. Use a buddy system when working in extreme heat, and take frequent breaks.
• Check on family, friends, and neighbors who do not have air conditioning and who spend much of their time alone.
• Avoid extreme temperature changes.
• Check on your animals frequently to ensure that they are not suffering from the heat. Go to a designated public shelter if your home loses power during periods of extreme heat. Text SHELTER + your ZIP code to 43362 (4FEMA) to find the nearest shelter in your area (example: shelter 12345).

With temperatures this hot, give your body a break and take a swim!

Public Pool:Pocono Community Pool: http://www.poconomatters.com/ 

Information provided by: https://www.ready.gov/heat

Awarded #4 Best Franchise in the Nation

7/18/2016 (Permalink)

Our awesome team at SERVPRO® of Chesterfield, Richmond, Henrico & Tri-Cities, Plus!

This year was the 47^th Annual SERVPRO® Convention, which welcomes all franchise owners to take part in workshops for sales, marketing, production, office and executive divisions. They also attend a tradeshow highlighting the newest equipment in the industry. This is an opportunity to discuss new ideas and ways to improve each franchise using and developing new technologies that combat your fire, water and mold damage professionally 

Oh yeah – they also give out awards!

Out of almost 1,700 SERVPRO® franchises, SERVPRO® of Chesterfield, Richmond, Henrico & Tri-Cities, Plus was awarded #4 Best Franchise in the Nation! We want to thank everyone from our SERVPRO® team and our dedicated owners, Andy & Theresa Bahen for their continuous hard work! We couldn’t be more excited for this huge recognition of the great work our company has provided for more than 30 years. Andy and Theresa Bahen are the backbone to this company and have truly earned this title because of the hard work, dedication and passion they tirelessly put forth every day.

Thirty years ago, SERVPRO® of Chesterfield got its start working out of a 10x10 room. Now, the company has grown into a 50,000 square foot facility staffing about 100 people. Everyone including the wonderful office staff, the project managers, crew chiefs, the marketing department and technicians, all have major roles in creating this highly-valued company.

SERVPRO® of Chesterfield, Richmond, Henrico & Tri-Cities, Plus has earned an excellent reputation with homeowners, insurance companies, business owners, facility managers, local and state government agencies and commercial property management teams. We cherish these relationships and will continue to work hard, growing the trust and support we’ve earned throughout the years.

We can only move forward from here! Next stop: #3!

Go Team Bahen!

ElectroClean Electronics Cleaning System

7/14/2016 (Permalink)

Christie Newman (Marketing & Sales Manager, Lee Cross (Marketing Representative) & Theresa Kelsor (Crew Chief) use ElectroClean to clean inside of TV.

What is ElectroClean?

ElectroClean is a state-of-the-art electronic database program designed to quickly and systematically test items that may been impacted by fire, soot, water, and other contaminants. This portable computer station keeps an inventory of each item. A three stage testing process provides value to the insured and the insurance company that once the restoration process is complete, the electronics are in working order. The ElectroClean system determines salvageable items and eliminates costly electronic replacement by determining what is restorable versus when replacement is required.

Why ElectroClean?

• Eliminates the expense of replace electronics when salvageable

• Items tested before any other process, tested again after cleaning, testing a third time after ozone cleaning

• On-site inventory, consistent forms/documents, standardized pricing

• Portable computer testing system with cloud-based database

• Tests hard drives from computers and provides data recovery

What Can Be Tested?

• Computers, Hard Drives, Key Boards

• Printers, Scanners

• TVs, Wireless Controllers

• Gaming Devices, Consoles, Remote Controls

• Speakers, Subwoofers

• Cables and Electronic Cords

• DVD players, DVDs, CD players, CDs

• Radios, Air Conditioners

Technology is not only valuable, but it is something we rely on every day. SERVPRO® of Tri-Cities understands this and therefore has adopted the ElectroClean system to salvea our customer's electronics. We deeply care about the customer and will do everything we can to salvage your personal belongings, making it "Like it never even happened!"

Firework Safety!

6/30/2016 (Permalink)

The 4th and Fireworks

It’s that time of year again! Outdoor barbeques, cook-outs, summer beach vacations, and of course, fireworks! Whether you’re celebrating in your red, white and blue this weekend, or just enjoying a little backyard firework show this summer, knowing firework safety might help protect you and your loved ones from the potential harms of mishandling fireworks.

THE FACTS

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, their staff received reports of 11 non-occupational fireworks-related deaths occurring in 10 incidents during 2014. Four victims died in house fires caused by fireworks and seven victims died from direct impacts of fireworks.

It was also reported that fireworks were involved in an estimated 10,500 injuries treated in U.S. hospital emergency departments during calendar year 2014.

There’s no doubt that everyone enjoys watching those mesmerizing array of colors shooting into the sky, so here are some recommended safety tips from the National Council on Firework Safety:

• Obey all local laws regarding the use of fireworks.
• Know your fireworks; read the cautionary labels and performance descriptions before igniting.
• A responsible adult SHOULD supervise all firework activities.  Never give fireworks to children.
• Alcohol and fireworks do not mix.  Save your alcohol for after the show.
• Wear safety glasses when shooting fireworks.
• Light one firework at a time and then quickly move away.
• Use fireworks OUTDOORS in a clear area; away from buildings and vehicles.
• Never relight a “dud” firework.  Wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water.
• Always have a bucket of water and charged water hose nearby.
• Never carry fireworks in your POCKET or shoot them into METAL or GLASS containers.
• Do not experiment with homemade fireworks.
• Dispose of spent fireworks by wetting them down and place in a metal trash can away from any building or combustible materials until the next day.
• FAA regulations PROHIBIT the possession and transportation of fireworks in your checked baggage or carry-on luggage.
• Report illegal explosives, like M-80s and quarter sticks, to the fire or police department.

SERVPRO of Chesterfield would like to wish everyone a fun and safe holiday! And remember, you know who to call when disaster strikes!

SERVPRO of Chesterfield 804.378.2323

RVA Deep Freeze Hints

2/10/2016 (Permalink)

RVA: Look Out We Are Tracking Another Arctic Blast              

Another arctic blast is forecasted to blow into Central Virginia this weekend.

We hope these tips will help RVA homeowners and businesses weather the frigid tempatures instore for the area and reduce the chances of property damage during this latest cold snap.   

Inside the House

Keep your home or commercial building heated to a minimum of 65 degrees. The inside of walls (where the pipes are located) become much colder than the wall itself. Reducing the temperature to below 65 degrees may not protect the pipes located inside of walls from freezing.   

Identify the location for the main water shutoff. Know how it works in case you have shut water off to your home of business. 

Open hot and cold faucets enough to let them drip slowly. Keeping water moving within the pipes will help prevent freezing.

In your home watch fireplaces, wood stoves and electric heaters. Be sure they are working.  Close the flue when your are not using your fireplace.

While away from your home ask a neighbor to check the house regularly. Discovering potential issues, frozen pipes, or water damage quickly will reduce damages significantly. 

If your property will be vacant for an extended period of time, have the water system, including pool plumbing, drained by a professional to keep pipes from freezing or bursting.

Outside the House

Keep sidewalks and entrances to your home free from snow and ice.

Watch for ice dams near gutter downspouts. Ice dams can cause water to build up and seep into your house. Clear gutters of leaves and debris to allow runoff from melting snow and ice to flow freely.

If you own a swimming pool and temperatures are expected to dip below freezing, run the pool pump at night to keep the water flowing through the pipes.

Make sure all hoses are disconnected from outside spigots.

If your garage is attached to your house, keep the garage doors closed. The door leading to the house is probably not as well-insulated as an exterior door.

If ice forms on tree limbs, watch for dead, damaged or dangerous branches that could break loose when stressed by ice, snow or wind and damage your house or car, or injure someone on or near your property.

If you discover that pipes are frozen, don’t wait for them to burst. Take measures to thaw them immediately, or call a plumber for assistance.

If your pipes burst, first turn off the water and then mop up spills to avoid further damage.

If your home or business suffers any type of water damage, the potential for secondary damages to your property is reduced when properly dried and repaired by a professional. Call SERVPRO of Chesterfield at 804.378.2323 as quickly as possible.  

Richmond Claims Golf Tournament

7/22/2015 (Permalink)

Golfers at the Saint Jude Tournament love having our hot dog cart and enjoy famous Nathan's Hot Dogs between shots!

We are proud sponsors of the Richmond Claims Golf Tournament. Golfers: be sure to stop by and grab one of our famous Nathan's Hot Dogs and a cold drink!

We are expanding! SERVPRO of Richmond and SERVPRO of Henrico are now a part of the SERVPRO of Chesterfield family. We are excited RVA!

7/15/2014 (Permalink)

Richmond On The James

The Bahen Team at SERVPRO of Chesterfield is excited to announce we have aquired SERVPRO of Richmond and SERVPRO of Henrico. We look forward to working with homeowners and businesses all over RVA. Call us - You can expect the same quality and great service SERVPRO of Chesterfield has been providing since 1985.     

Cold Weather

11/14/2013 (Permalink)

Don't let this happen to you!

Cold weather has hit our area.  When temperatures are at or below freezing there are a few easy steps you can take that may protect your home from freezing pipes:

1. Turn off faucets and allow to drain then cover with insulating foam covers.


2. Insulate any exposed pipes under or around house with foam insulation.


3. Open cabinet doors under sinks.


4. Allow interior faucets to drip, both hot and cold.


5. Know where your main water shut off valves are located.

Flu Season

11/5/2013 (Permalink)

Remember to get your flu shot!

Tips to Prevent the Spread of Flu this Season:

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.  When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing.
• Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Practice good health habits. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.