Time to Toss the Tchotchkes

4/29/2022 (Permalink)

So, maybe it’s a silly title but your local SERVPRO team knows that fire safety is nothing to joke about. However, you might be surprised to learn about some odd fire hazards that pose a real threat, despite almost sounding made up. 

Though they look innocent enough, did you know that crystal figurines -- like these guys -- can actually cause a fire in your home. Sure, it’s a rare enough occurrence; however, depending on where these mementos are placed, specifically, within direct sunlight, these items can actually lead to a residential fire. 

Even if you did toss any glass or crystal tchotchkes, your home might still be susceptible to the smoke and flames caused by glass doorknobs, jam jars, and even fishbowls. 

Avoid the need for professional fire restoration service by ensuring that glass or crystal objects are placed well away from windows, where they won’t encounter direct, sustained sunlight.

In the event that a particular item escaped your notice and things became too hot to handle, your SERVPRO of Haverhill / Newburyport team is standing by to provide expert fire restoration for your home.

It’s Springtime: The Season of… Snain?

4/29/2022 (Permalink)

It sounds a little like something out of a Dr. Seuss book, but “snain” is actually a real, albeit unofficial weather term, and one that you’ve likely experienced, especially in New England. 

More commonly referred to as sleet, this mix of rain and snow is often observed during the colder winter months, and, coupled with high winds, can be the culprit behind storm damage leading to slippery roads and downed trees or power lines. 

So, while you won’t necessarily encounter snain in the spring, you might find yourself grappling with graupel. 

In fact, several sites across New England reported the sudden appearance of graupel on Easter Sunday. 

Described as soft hail or snow pellets, graupel is “not uncommon in the spring when there’s cold air aloft and warmer air towards the ground.” 

Commonly confused with hail, you can easily get a grip (quite literally) on the difference between graupel vs. hail. If the graupel pellet easily crumbles in your hand, that’s your first clue that you’re holding graupel and not hail. 

An even better description for graupel comes from a Maine-based radio station, which reported “Easter Sunday saw Dippin’ Dots Falling from the Skies in Maine, Sorta.”

While graupel isn’t tough enough to pack a punch that results in storm damage, your 

SERVPRO servicepro team of Haverhill / Newburyport is always standing by for any other spring storm remediation you might need, following heavy rains or high winds.

The Mother of Floods

4/29/2022 (Permalink)

As we look ahead to May and Mother’s Day, your neighborhood SERVPRO team thinks it’s important to mark the Mother’s Day floods of 2006, which caused unprecedented damage to New Hampshire’s landscape and its communities.

Sure, they weren’t that long ago, but most people have probably already forgotten that 2006 brought historic flooding to NH, which led to an official disaster declaration by former president of the United States, George W. Bush. 

While no one, fortunately, perished in these floods, water damage across the state of New Hampshire exceeded $14 million, with an estimated 600 roads closed and approximately 60 washed away. 

With these statistics, it’s easy to assume that people just didn’t do enough at the time to mitigate the disaster. 

However, Goffstown fire Lieutenant Bill Connor recalls, “It started as a typically rainy weekend. We started getting calls that were giving us a hint that something bigger was happening.”

As we now know, something bigger did happen, of course; however, for the Goffstown Fire Department, the floods came with a small, but significant silver lining: “We now have boats with engines that are made to operate in different conditions than the ones we used to have. We’ve changed our suits that we use for rescue,” according to Connor.  

Sometimes it takes a mother of a flood to shine the light on the need for stronger emergency forces, in the event that our state should ever experience another flood of this magnitude again. 

Should you find yourself dealing with water damage on your property, your local SERVPRO of Haverhill / Newburyport team will show up to save the day, delivering water restoration and water remediation services you can trust.

Your new favorite home improvement gadget

4/1/2022 (Permalink)

The MM-2000 Goggles also feature 3 thermal imaging modes, and a 4k Ultra-HD camera.

Have you ever wondered if the walls of your home were hiding a world of water damage? We see cases of it regularly. But sometimes, calling in the pros to answer, “what if?” just isn’t worth it. Well, just in time for the start of Home Health Month, we’re here to announce our first ever direct to consumer at home moisture damage detection solution. Introducing the MM-2000 Goggles, a stylish solution to the question “is now the right time to call SERVPRO?”

Our MM-2000 Goggles are the first and only product like this on the market. A moisture meter, infrared thermometer, thermal imaging sensor, and camera, all wrapped into one unassuming pair of glasses. The glasses will even let you know when they detect levels that warrant calling in the experts. There is a micro-SD card slot on the left temple (or arm) for expandable and removable storage and can be charged via USB-C cable.

If you have the companion app installed on your phone, you can review the levels and live footage recorded form each scan, check mold growth in real time, call to schedule an estimate, and even share your scan results with our team for expert feedback.

No more costly tests, no more “honey, don’t worry, if there was a problem, I’d know about it.” Now you too can know if there is something lurking behind the walls of your home, all for $99.95.

To learn more or order your very own pair of SERVPRO MM-2000 Goggles, give us a call at 1-800-401-FOOLS

There’s an App for That!

4/1/2022 (Permalink)

As a commercial property owner, you’ve got plenty on your plate. When it comes to storm preparedness, even in the spring, our team at SERVPRO suggests you take advantage of technology in order to have an extra set of eyes on anything unexpected that might appear on the horizon. 

Spring storms can be just as nasty as those in the winter time. They often bring torrential downpours and high winds, which can result in storm damage on your commercial property, especially if you’re not prepared. 

That’s why FEMA has created an app that is easily downloaded from the Apple App Store or Google Play. The FEMA App is designed to deliver National Weather Service real-time alerts, and can do so for up to five locations across the country. So, if you have more than one commercial property, this is a great option to monitor any inclement weather, no matter where you are located. 

By using this app, you can even share these alerts via text, email or social media posts, which makes communicating with your team, employees, and even customers seamless… and speedy!

While you’re at it, you should also take advantage of SERVPRO’s Emergency Readiness Profile, which gives you access to all of your important contact information and shut off locations in one spot!  

For anything that somehow flies under the radar and causes storm damage, call your local SERVPRO team!

Celebrating the Spring Equinox and All its Unpredictability

3/31/2022 (Permalink)

Spring is finally upon us with its official arrival marked on Sunday, March 20, 2022. The first day of spring, also known as the spring or vernal equinox, brings with it milder temperatures, longer days and… unpredictable weather. 

That’s right -- just because winter is behind us doesn’t mean we won’t see our share of spring storms, including rain accumulations and high winds -- both of which can cause similar storm damage to snow and ice, without proper preparation. 

Now is the ideal time to check your property for potential storm debris, like weak or overgrown branches, along with clogged gutters or downspouts, which need to be cleared in order for heavy rains to flow freely and away from the structure of your home.

As much as we’re all excited to sit outside and enjoy the fresh air, when a spring storm is in the forecast, you’ll want to store your patio furniture -- including table umbrellas -- to avoid any property damage due to high winds.

When a storm hits, no matter how prepared you are, damage can still follow. That’s why your  

SERVPRO servicepro team of Haverhill / Newburyport is always standing by.

Check Your Household for These Hazardous Toys

3/29/2022 (Permalink)

Unfortunately, our SERVPRO team needs to alert you about some popular toys that have become notorious for their potential to cause a fire in your home. In order to avoid the need for our fire restoration service, check your home for the following hazardous toys… (hint: they all have one thing in common and that is electricity). 

1. Ride-on cars: So fun for kids! And yet, a possible safety hazard. Even major retailers like Fisher Price have had to recall some of their most popular products like the Power Wheels drivable cars due to fires caused by overheated components. 
2. RC Helicopters/Drones: the problem here comes from the Lithium-Ion Polymer (LiPo) batteries these “toys” require. Although safe in good condition, a damaged LiPo battery is a serious fire hazard. 
3. Too Hot Hoverboards: similar to the batteries in RC vehicles and drones, hoverboards require an electrical charge. Enough hoverboards have caught fire while charging that they have been banned by major airlines and some college campuses. All the more reason to keep them out of your house. 

Whether from a too-hot toy or some other fire hazard, trust your local SERVPRO of Haverhill / Newburyport team for expert fire restoration should you ever need it!

What is a Water Table and Why Should Homeowners Care?

3/29/2022 (Permalink)

Do you know what a water table is or, more importantly, why it matters when it comes to your home? A water table, or groundwater table, represents the surface underground that is permanently saturated with water, which can fluctuate between seasons and over time, depending on climate shifts. In other words, it’s the boundary between the wet and dry zones underground. 

Why does this matter to homeowners? 

The water table can potentially compromise the foundation of your home, depending on other factors like soil conditions and effective drainage around your home. 

Too much water absorbed into the soil from a high water table can result in the ground around your home becoming too saturated, resulting in swelling. This puts undue pressure on your foundation, which can lead to water leaking through the bottom, even if it’s made of concrete. 

Perhaps more likely than a foundation issue, the presence of too much groundwater can cause humidity-related problems, like the growth of mold and bacteria. 

Fortunately, water damage restoration and water damage remediation is our area of expertise. If you’re concerned about water damage related to your water table or any other cause, reach out to your local SERVPRO of Haverhill / Newburyport team.

Most Costly Wintertime Commercial Property Damages

2/25/2022 (Permalink)

As a New England based commercial property owner, you already know and have likely experienced the common causes of commercial property damage during the winter months. 

At SERVPRO of Haverhill, we’ve seen it all.

Snow and ice are common culprits and can result in all sorts of structural damage. Water, particularly from frozen pipes that burst, is another threat. Do you know what other two forces of nature wreak havoc on commercial properties each winter? 

Heads Up, Hail!

It should come as no surprise that when compact balls of ice pelt your commercial property, they’re probably going to leave a mark, especially when you consider that large hailstones have been clocked falling faster than 100 mph. Hail is known to damage vehicles and can also result in roof, siding, skylight, and window damage. 

Due to its unpredictable nature, there isn’t a ton you can do to prepare for hail. Keeping your property well maintained is always a good idea and, depending on how often your area suffers from hailstorms, you might want to look into hail resistant roof shingles. 

Worrisome Wind

Similar to hail, there isn’t much you can do to stop a wind storm from taking down a power line or felling a tree on or around your commercial property. Wind damage is a real thing every winter and so it’s best to prepare your property however you can. For example, check the health of the trees around your property and consider hiring a tree service to take down any that look as though they could be easily toppled by strong gusts.

Suffered some storm damage on your commercial property this winter? Don’t stress. Simply call SERVPRO Haverhill / Newburyport for expert storm damage remediation services.

Dangerous Duo: Rare, but Real Fire Hazards

2/25/2022 (Permalink)

The temperatures may plummet but the threat of house fires runs hot all year long. While open flames, fireplaces, and even holiday decorations are well known fire starters, here are a couple of lesser known sources of house fires that SERVPRO suggests is worth being aware of this season, and year-round. 

Read on and avoid the need for professional fire restoration service. 

Warning: Wiggly Outlets

Electrical outlets that barely hold onto a cord could potentially be a source of fire, thanks to worn down blades inside the outlet. Your best bet is to replace these plugs, rather than risk the high heat that can exist between those blades. 

Arson Alert: At-Home Manicures?

If you or someone in your household is big on DIY manicures, make sure they are aware of the dangers of acetone or nail polish remover. Spilled some? Don’t worry -- acetone in liquid form will not suddenly catch fire; however, the fumes are flammable, which is why DIY manis are best done away from flames. 

Even the most cautious among us can suffer a fire on their property. In that case, count on SERVPRO of Haverhill / Newburyport to provide professional fire restoration service.

True or False: Snow Squalls are More Dangerous than Blizzards

2/25/2022 (Permalink)

Although they’ve been around as long as blizzards, the term “snow squall” is new, with the official start of snow squall warnings launched in 2018. What makes a snow squall worthy of warnings? 

You’ll find it in what meteorologists refer to as the “flash freeze,” which occurs when plummeting temperatures meet fresh snow, practically turning a road into a skating rink in a matter of minutes. 

According to Jonathan Guseman, Warning Coordination Meteorologist, “The flash freeze component essentially makes travel and controlling a vehicle next to impossible.” 

Dubbed “blizzards without attention spans,” lasting only a half-hour at most, they are threatening enough that Pennsylvania launched Snow Squall Awareness Week in 2021. 

While snow squalls share many characteristics with blizzards, the real danger distinguishing the two comes down to speed or intensity. Of course, most of us would not want to risk blizzard conditions while driving; however, as the National Weather Service advises, “there is no space on a highway during a snow squall;” thereby, making it that much more dangerous than a blizzard. 

We can’t be on the road with you, but your local SERVPRO servicepro team is always standing by to help clean up any storm damage on your property. Stay safe this season and contact SERVPRO of Haverhill / Newburyport for professional reliable storm damage remediation.

Keep Your Commercial Property Safe During Our Snowiest Month

2/25/2022 (Permalink)

Most New Englanders recognize February as typically the snowiest month of the year. Whenever that proves true (and it usually does most years), these late winter snow storms certainly keep our SERVPRO team busy. 

For this reason, commercial property owners might find February to be a particularly stressful month. Sure, it’s the shortest month and the last before the official start of spring, but if the snow starts piling up, it can feel like we couldn’t be further away from dry pavement and parking lots. 

We love this quote from Terri Guillemets, “February is the border between winter and spring,” which is why our SERVPRO of Haverhill / Newburyport team wants to remind you that we’re here to help your business cross that border safely. 

Should winter decide to pull another punch or two, get in its last licks, so to speak, we’re here to support your commercial property with our proven professional storm damage remediation services. 

Call SERVPRO Haverhill / Newburyport, 24/7, 12 months of the year!

Get Those Gutters Cleaned Out

2/25/2022 (Permalink)

Believe it or not, spring is upon us as next month marks the first official day of spring. It’s coming; the question is, are you -- and your home -- ready for it? 

Like every winter, we’ve seen our share of storms and the spring season can also deliver storm damage in the form of torrential rain, high winds, and even hail. 

At SERVPRO, we believe in preparedness, which is why we thought it made sense to suggest you take the time to check the condition of your gutters before the seasons make the switch. 

When it comes to checking how well your gutters function, it’s best to wait for the rain. While we don’t advise going out during a terribly gusty rain storm, we do suggest pulling on a pair of rain boots and grabbing an umbrella for a quick, but thorough check of your gutters. 

What you're looking for is steady rainwater drainage to ensure that nothing has gotten trapped or clogged during the winter months. What sorts of things might clog up your gutters? Oh, anything from leaves, weeds, and even bird’s nests!

Clogged gutters can cause water damage to your home’s structure, which could really put a damper on the start of spring. 

Rest assured, whether because of clogged gutters or another reason entirely, your local SERVPRO servicepro team is always standing by to help clean up any storm damage on your property. 

When it comes to professional and reliable storm damage remediation, SERVPRO of Haverhill / Newburyport is simply a call away.

As If You Needed Another Reason to Quit Smoking

2/25/2022 (Permalink)

We’ve all heard about the dangers of smoking when it comes to your health and the health of any members in your household as even second hand smoke can be a real killer. 

At SERVPRO, we’re not interested in preaching about personal choices; but, did you also know that smoking has been attributed to an approximate 12% of housefires? 

We think that factoid is worth sharing far and wide! 

If you’re not convinced to quit smoking for your health reasons, you might reconsider when it comes to the health of your house. Especially in light (get it?) of the fact that, according to HomeAdvisor, the average cost of residential fire and smoke damage can range from $2,867 to upwards of $32,000. 

While our fire restoration service will see you safely back in your surroundings in no time, we’re pretty sure you’d rather not have to make that call. 

Always prioritize fire safety in your home, but remember that, whatever the cause, SERVPRO of Haverhill / Newburyport is standing by to provide you with our professional fire restoration service, should you need us!

Knock, Knock. Are You Letting in Leaks?

2/25/2022 (Permalink)

Smart homeowners make every effort to ensure their doors and windows are locked to keep out any unwanted or uninvited guests. The trouble is, when it comes to water damage in your home, there are plenty of places for it to hide. 

Water damage doesn’t always look as dramatic as, say, basement flooding, but it can be just as destructive when it goes undiscovered for any length of time.

For instance, a top hiding spot where water collects and causes damage is just outside your front door. Or even your back door. Really, any exterior door threshold has the potential to suffer water damage, especially after significant or sustained rainfall. 

Over time, you might start to see the metal threshold loosen because the wood beneath is rotting or has, in fact, rotted away. 

Keeping an eye on telltale signs of water damage like this is important when it comes to protecting the structural integrity of your home. Also important? Knowing who to call for water damage restoration and water damage remediation.

Contact your local SERVPRO of Haverhill / Newburyport team at the first sign of water damage for professional restoration services designed to protect your home.

Snow’s Melting -- Yay! Basement’s Flooding -- Oh no!

1/31/2022 (Permalink)

Whether you’re returning home from a fantastic getaway or just an afternoon spent running errands, discovering your basement flooding will certainly take the wind out of your sails. 

As we New Englanders know, the weather patterns around here change on a dime and an Arctic freeze one week can turn to mild temperatures the next. When this happens, especially if the rising temps are accompanied by rain, whatever snow is on the ground tends to melt too quickly. 

The result? Flooded basements, frustration, and the need for water damage restoration ASAP. 

Fortunately, our SERVPRO team has a few snow-savvy tips to help you avoid this situation and the need for water damage remediation.

Protect Your Basement from Melting Snow

It’s always a good idea to keep an eye on the weather forecast, even after our area has experienced significant snow accumulation. If the prediction includes a warming trend or rain, you’ll want to make time for some strategic snow removal, to avoid the need for professional water removal.  

• Start by pulling down snow from the roof with a roof rake. 
• Shovel any snow that’s fallen from the roof, along with snow that has accumulated on the ground, well away from the foundation of your home. Ensure a good five-foot buffer between the snow pile and your home’s structure.

Of course, you’ll want to check the condition of your basement, too. Take a walk around and identify any cracks where water could leak in from the outside. 

Sometimes even our best efforts fall flat and we’re left dealing with a basement flood, anyway. In this case, contact your SERVPRO of Haverhill / Newburyport team for fast and reliable water removal.

Disastrous Decorating During the Holidays

12/30/2021 (Permalink)

Some may say the disaster comes from putting up your holiday decorations too early or too late. However the real travesty happens when the decorations prove dangerous to your family. No matter your timing, your local SERVPRO team stresses safety this season when it comes to festooning your home with festive decor.   

Decorating Guide

Here are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to seasonal decorating and how to do it successfully and safely…  

Candles cause many fires on Christmas day for a few reasons: often they are in easy reach of curious children’s hands, left unattended, or kept too close to the Christmas tree. The rule of thumb for candles is to display them higher and on top of an easily monitored stable surface.

Though beautiful and aromatic, Christmas trees can be a hassle during the holiday season. No matter their actual size, a tree in your house often requires that you rearrange your living room each year. Before you start shuffling furniture, keep in mind that it’s not a good idea to position your tree next to a fireplace. Regardless of where you display it, you’ll want to make sure you   water your tree daily. A hydrated tree poses less of a fire hazard than a dry one. 

Tinsel or other shiny decorations can catch the eye of curious children or pets, transforming quickly into a choking hazard. Make sure you can easily keep an eye on your decorations, especially when kids and pets are present.  

Overloading an electric outlet can easily cause a fire. Always be cautious of putting too many plugs into a power strip, lest you wind up with the need for fire restoration in your home! 

For more safe decorating tips or any fire restoration requests, contact your local SERVPRO team.

Best Snowstorm Reads

12/30/2021 (Permalink)

When the snow is heavy and the storm keeps raging, sometimes the best thing to do is stay in and cozy up with a good book. An ideal snowstorm read should be entertaining and also one you can look up from every now and then to appreciate your own personal winter wonderland right out your window. 

Not sure what to read? Or, if you’re like us, you’ve got a stack of books that have long been competing for your attention. 

Whatever the case, here are a few recommendations for best holiday reading to close out the year… and weather the storm. 

Renowned Reads

Get to your local bookshop or library before the storm hits and pick up some of these recommended winter titles. 

Here are just a few of the top picks… 

1. A Castle in the Clouds: set in a luxury hotel right around Christmas time, this plot features everything from ghosts to jewel thieves. 
2. Murder on the Orient Express: a classic murder mystery and great way to travel without actually going anywhere.
3. Miracle on 5th Avenue: okay, it’s predictable but for a festive romance, this Christmas love story fits the bill. 

Explore other great titles from that list above and share some of your favorites with us on social media before the next big snowstorm hits!
Happy holidays from SERVPRO! Stay safe and contact us with any of your storm preparation questions or concerns!

Ice: Good for Skating, Bad for Pipes

12/30/2021 (Permalink)

As the winter gets colder, there are more fun activities to do outside, which makes the season more exciting. Unfortunately, this also means an increase in elements to protect your house from in order to avoid needing professional residential cleanup or restoration services. What’s a common denominator between the two? Ice. 

Great for skating and fun to sculpt, you don’t want ice coming in contact with your home’s pipes.  SERVPRO of Haverhill knows how to ensure the water stays flowing, so you can focus on the winter wonderland fun to be had outside.  

Keep The Water Flowing!

We do not want your pipes to freeze -- and neither do you. Frozen pipes can result in exploding pipes and ultimately, water damage throughout your home. How can this be avoided? 

Here is what you need to know!

• Keep that garage door closed! This is the best way to protect your house’s water tank if it is kept in the garage or down below in the basement.
• Keep interior doors open! Heat will flow more easily throughout the house if doorways are kept open.  
• Speaking of heat, keep it on! Keeping the house warm ultimately keeps the pipes warm.
• Let faucets drip! If it is dripping, water is able to continue to move through your pipes, preventing any potential backup or freezing. 

This winter, get out there to ski, sled, and skate whenever the opportunity presents itself! Just be sure to put these helpful hints into practice in order to keep any of that ice out of your pipes. 

When temperatures start to freeze, turn to the experts to keep your home’s water flowing. Your neighborhood SERVPRO team is always ready and prepared to help with any emergency service or potential water restoration needs! Contact SERVPRO Haverhill / Newburyport, 24/7!

Common Sources of Commercial Fires

12/27/2021 (Permalink)

The best way to combat a commercial fire is to know what to do and when to do it, along with who should do what. At SERVPRO, we can help you navigate this task and avoid chaos, should you encounter a fire on your commercial property. Our fire restoration services are second-to-none; however, we prefer you avoid a fire on site in the first place. 

The best course of action is to know how to respond ahead of time and then practice, practice, practice your plan of action.

Common Commercial Fires

Make sure you understand where your fires could be coming from on your commercial property. This is often fairly easy to determine based on the kinds of businesses your commercial property hosts. Consider restaurants. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports that 61% of restaurant fires were attributed to cooking equipment. Knowing this gives restaurant owners a better idea of how to stay ahead of the flames by placing a safety emphasis on proper maintenance and repair of all commercial restaurant equipment. 

Other Common Culprits of Commercial Fires

In addition to restaurant equipment, Unifour Fire & Safety reports other common culprits to be aware of in your commercial building: 

• Electrical & Lighting Equipment are responsible for 12% of office fires and 10% of store properties. 
• Heating Equipment: common in large offices and warehouses, they have a hand in heating up more than just the office space; 11% of office fires result from heating equipment.
• Arson. Fires set intentionally are certainly hard, if not impossible to prepare for. While they have been attributed to 10% of fires resulting in office properties, they are far more common in educational buildings at approximately 36%! 

Plan like a Professional

Make sure that your employees know where to go in case of a fire. Also, have regular fire and safety checks to monitor the condition of heating, electrical, and kitchen equipment.  Practice your fire exit route and encourage your employees to take these drills as seriously as if they were dealing with a real fire. 

Pro-tip: Share some of the stats above with your staff to show them that while a fire might be unlikely, it is certainly not impossible! 

For this reason keep SERVPRO Haverhill / Newburyport in mind for any possible fire restoration  services, following a commercial fire. Contact us today!

The Threat of Fire and Falls from Holiday Decorating!

12/27/2021 (Permalink)

Your business might be closed for holiday vacation, but fire safety should never take a day off. There are plenty of ways to make sure you are still protecting your business and avoiding any need for commercial fire restoration services. At SERVPRO we’re dedicated to sharing the knowledge necessary to enjoy a festive holiday that is still safe and fire-free, except for those “chestnuts roasting on an open fire.” 

Fake is Not Foolproof

If your business celebrates the festive season by putting up a tree, don’t be fooled by the fake variety when it comes to fire safety. Fake trees may not need water and, therefore, are not at risk of drying out and possibly catching fire, but before you purchase a fake tree check to ensure it includes the all-important “fire resistant” tag. 

Avoid a “Festive” Fall 

Aside from the threat of fire, a lot of commercial decorating injuries result from falling. Avoid taking a bad tumble by securing a stable ladder wherever you intend to hang decorations, and recruit as an assistant to help and stay close by until your decorating is complete. It is better to wait until you have an extra set of hands to help put up the lights, rather than wind up needing a trip to the ER. 

Happy Holidays to our business community from SERVPRO, your local cleanup and restoration experts!

Thanksgiving Day: Family, Friends, and… Fire?

11/23/2021 (Permalink)

You are setting the table, catching up with grandma, perhaps watching the parade, when all of a sudden… you smell something burning. Despite all the cooks in the kitchen, the stove can be overlooked on Thanksgiving, making it a notorious occasion for house fires.

Gobble Day Gone Wrong

Recent data shows an average annual number of house fires totaling 2,300, resulting in $26 million in property damage and fire restoration. In addition, these events came with countless injuries, and unfortunately, a few reported deaths. 

Thanksgiving day house fires will typically occur during the hours of 10 am to 5 pm, peak prepping and cooking time, with the majority reported between the hours of 12 pm and 2 pm, perhaps in the hustle and bustle of guests arriving. 

Fix your Fire Safety

Stay ahead of fire safety this holiday season! Start now by checking your smoke alarms, planning your fire escape route, and practicing a safe exit strategy with your family. With the facts on your side, you will be ready for anything the season of giving throws your way. 

Don't be another statistic; practice fire safety this Thanksgiving and all year round, but know that SERVPRO is standing by with professional fire restoration services you can count on.

Power Outage: “Hurray!” or “Oh no!”

11/22/2021 (Permalink)

How you prepare for a power outage can make all the difference between making the most of the situation and maybe having some fun, or being cold, bored, and waiting for the storm to pass. In New England we are no strangers to storms that cause power outages and often require restoration cleaning services.

Even as seasoned storm weatherers, we can always be more prepared to turn a less-than-ideal situation into fun family memories with just a few key items!

Ready, Set, Lights out!
Before the storm hits, make sure you have the following on hand and in easy reach.

Always remember the basics, such as flashlights, batteries, battery-operated radios, blankets, and non-perishable foods… but what else should you keep in your power outage pack?

• A manual can opener. Your electric can opener won’t do you any good and it won’t matter how many cans of non-perishable food you’ve packed if you can’t open any of them.
• A bucket. You’re going to want to flush at some point during the power outage. Grab a bucket to refill the tank.
• A deck of cards. Get all cozy and play some poker!
• A sleeping bag. Extra warmth is key, especially for homeowners who do not have a generator on site. Snuggle in and catch up with a good book, flashlight in hand. Or, just catch up on some sleep! We could all use some extra shut-eye this season. 

Make the most of this storm season with these essential items. Remember to think outside the box and plan to have a good time when the power goes out!

Be sure to contact SERVPRO when you need help with storm clean up, post power outage. We have got your back all season!

Save Your Plumbing this Thanksgiving

11/21/2021 (Permalink)

As you probably know, the busiest day for travel is the Wednesday before Thanksgiving. That being said, can you guess what day is the busiest day for plumbers? Bingo! The Friday after Thanksgiving is the most common day for a plumbing problem. SERVPRO Haverhill / Newburyport is here to help you with all of your holiday maintenance questions.

There are common problems that arise post the big feast. Some of them are clogged sinks, no hot water, and, of course, backed-up toilets. If you are hosting this year make sure to stay alert for these common problems. 

Sink Situation

Your biggest enemy on Thanksgiving Day while you’re doing the dishes is “FOG.” This acronym stands for Fat, Oil, and Grease. These are common components in most traditional Thanksgiving foods. Whenever you start cleaning that mountain of dishes, all that gunk will start sliding down your drain and potentially clogging it. Find another spot for all this “FOG!”

No-go on Hot Water

As more guests come into your home, more hot water will be used. Your hot water tank grows for no one! Because of this, you are more likely to run out of hot water. The way to fix this is to encourage shorter shower times. It could be seen as an inconvenience but it’s a far better alternative to a cold shower!

Toilet Troubles

No doubt, you get the gist here: overuse and too much toilet paper. If your toilet is being used more often, the flushing will be near constant. This could lead to flooding and a need for water restoration. Make sure to stay ahead of this by using less toilet paper and keeping a plunger handy!

As always, SERVPRO is here to answer any of your questions and we hope you keep us in mind for  water damage and water restoration service if any of these problems get out of hand!

Debunking Common Lightning Myths

11/16/2021 (Permalink)

When it comes to lightning, you’re probably already familiar with a few persistent myths. In fact, you might not even realize they are myths because they’ve become so commonplace. We’ve got the facts to keep in mind -- and keep you safe -- the next time a storm looms on the horizon. 

Five Storm-Related Myths about Lightning

Here are five storm-related myths about lightning we’re sure you’ve heard before. 

How many boxes can you check? 

• “Crouching down will protect me from lightning.”
• “I shouldn’t help a lightning victim because then I’ll get shocked.”
• “Well, lightning never strikes the same place twice.” 
• “It isn’t raining and there are no clouds above us, so we are safe from lightning.”
• “Let’s shelter under this tree to stay safe and dry.” 

Let’s break these myths down, one by one. 

1. Just because you are crouched down does not make you a smaller target for lightning to strike. If you’re outside when a storm approaches, it is best to run to a secure, indoor location until it passes.
2. If someone is struck by lightning, the first thing you should do is start performing CPR. The human body is incapable of holding electricity. Because of this, there is no reason to not spring into action.
3. Lightning has no rules… the same spot can be struck multiple times. Just look at the Empire State Building, which has been struck by lightning more than 50 times! 
4. Rain or not, if you can hear thunder you are close enough to get struck by lightning. 
5. Sheltering yourself under a tree during a thunderstorm could quite possibly be worse than standing there or running to a further point of safety. 

The best thing to do in a thunderstorm is to stay alert and know the closest indoor place to get to. 

For more information on thunderstorms, especially expert water removal, contact SERVPRO Haverhill/Newburyport

Autumn Safety Tips

11/16/2021 (Permalink)

As the air turns cooler and leaves drop from trees, keep in mind a few important fall safety tips and proper precautions, and safety awareness so your family can enjoy that crisp Autumn weather while avoiding some of the dangers that comes with the season. When the weather turns cold, most people spend more time inside their homes using fireplaces, furnaces, and heaters to keep warm. There’s nothing quite as cozy as a fire, but it presents some safety hazards. So, keep these tips in mind: 

Service your furnace before the cold Autumn and Winter weather. Call a Heating and Cooling specialist and make sure everything is in order and there are no leaks. If you own a Fireplace, keep the fire in place by using a fireplace screen, and make sure the fire is completely out before going to bed or leave the house. Another way to warm up and get the chills out of the room is using Space Heaters. There are small and convenient but dangerous. Read and follow instructions. 

It is essential to check and replace the batteries in your Smoke Alarms and Carbon Monoxide detectors when you turn back your clocks for Daylight Saving Time. Also, check and replace any home fire extinguishers that have expired. 

Written by Nury Cardoza

Is Your Hotel a Horror Show?

10/21/2021 (Permalink)

Have you ever checked into a hotel that just… didn’t feel right? 

Okay, so it wasn’t necessarily the Bates Motel, but dingy accommodations can feel just as creepy. Maybe there were water stains from a poorly timed water removal service and an underlying odor that left your stomach feeling sour. 

Treat Yourself (and Guests) to Professional Commercial Cleaning

At SERVPRO Haverhill, we are committed to the success of our commercial property clients, which is why we ensure that we provide them with “professional cleaning to make their building shine!” 

Whether your hotel needs odor removal and deodorization or the rooms could do with carpet and upholstery cleaning, your SERVPRO Haverhill team is here to help. 

Don’t horrify guests at your hotel. Skip the scary surprises and get in touch with SERVPRO Haverhill/Newburyport for reliable commercial cleaning services.

Where Do You Go When the Fire Starts?

10/21/2021 (Permalink)

Do you know how long it takes before a fire morphs from something minor to something uncontrollable and destructive? 30 seconds. 

That’s why, our team at SERVPRO of Haverhill/Newburyport encourages everyone to imagine a fire starting in your home as something that will happen as opposed to something that could happen. After all, the reality is an estimated 358,500 homes catch fire each year. 

In those critical moments, those 30 seconds, do you know what to do? Do your children know what to do? 

Develop a Safety Plan for Your Family

Think about it: your kids complete fire drills several times throughout the course of the school year. These drills ensure that your child knows how to safely and quickly exit a building in the event of a fire. 

So, why not practice the same safety strategy at home?

Creating a safe fire escape plan requires the following steps:

1. Make it clear to your children that this is a drill, just like the kind they have at school.
2. Demonstrate what the fire alarm will sound like.
3. Discuss the best route to exit the house. (Have at least two different escape plans).
4. Pick a meeting spot outside and away from the house. (This space should be in the front of the home so fire personale can see all family members. )
5. Execute the plan with the whole family.
   
   

Get your kids involved and make this a family activity. Have your kids pick the safe meeting spot outside of the house. Or, when practicing your plan, have your kids pretend they are the parents and responsible for telling YOU what to do. This will help keep them engaged and show that they fully understand how to respond in the event of a fire in your home. 

Contact SERVPRO of Haverhill / Newburyport for expert fire restoration service.

The 411 on What to Include in Your Flood Kit

10/21/2021 (Permalink)

For the past 25 years, America has experienced a flood in urban areas every 2-3 days. Before the call is made for water removal, you must first get through the flood-causing natural disaster safely. The best way to do this is to stay alert, keep an eye on the weather, and have your flood kit on hand and ready to go. 

Flood kit? What’s a flood kit and what should be in it? These are the questions to ask now, before the flood or any other potentially damaging weather event. 

What is a Flood Kit?

This pack is a grab-and-go tool that will be able to help you survive if you get displaced from your home. Typically, these kits feature a 5-year shelf life, along with everything you might need to keep your family safe when disaster strikes. 

What Do I Put in My Flood Kit?

When facing the possibility of serious water damage in your home or business, it is difficult to remember that this pack is for essentials only.

Here is a quick list to help you build your flood kit:

• Water! The first thing that every flood kit needs. The rule of thumb should be 1 gallon per person, per day. 
• Non-perishable food. Pack a supply that will last for 3 days.
• Flashlight and extra batteries.
• First aid and hygiene kit.
• Cell phones, chargers, and extra batteries.
• A map of your local area. 

Keep your flood kit handy and your family safe in times of crisis resulting from storm damage. Always remember to call us, SERVPRO of Haverhill/Newburyport, so that our team can help you navigate the aftermath of the flood.

Keep Your Artwork Safe from Water Damage

9/27/2021 (Permalink)

Pictured above is Vasari's The Last Supper, not to be confused with Da Vinci's painting of the same name. Photo via The Florentine.

Whether it’s something you created or a beloved heirloom passed down from one generation to the next, artwork enhances our homes, which is why it’s important to protect it. Water damage is a leading cause of damage on art pieces, especially canvas paintings. If the water sits long enough to turn into mold, the damage done is typically irreparable. 

Except in one famous case involving one very famous work of art…

Another Look at The Last Supper

Following the worst flood Florence, Italy has ever experienced, Giorgio Vasari’s masterpiece, The Last Supper, completed in 1546, was considered destroyed. The flood waters, which had been accumulating throughout October and November of 1966, burst into Florence, dumping water and sewage across 7,000 acres of the city, including 600,000 tons of mud and other detritus. 

According to the Getty Foundation’s Antoine Wilmering, “During the flood, The Last Supper was submerged in a slurry of water, mud, and heating oil for over twelve hours, which softened the paint and saturated the wooden support structure. When the sludge receded, some of the paint and gesso migrated with it toward the bottom of the painting.”

Rather than consider it a lost cause, a team of specially trained art conservation professionals spent a decade restoring the painting to its original glory, returning it to the Museum of the Opera of Santa Croce in Florence in 2016, 50 years after the flood did its damage. 

Save yourself the headache of an art restoration undertaking by following these steps to store your artwork properly, keeping it safe and sound from the elements, pests, and everything in between. 

1. Store canvas paintings away from sunlight, which can cause fading over time.
2. Cool and dry is key; make sure the storage space is climate controlled, if possible, to protect the canvas against mold and mildew.
3. Keep your artwork away from the floor, not only to avoid a major water damage incident, like a flood, but because moisture can leak in and cause the canvas to warp.
4. Mirror boxes make excellent storage spaces, but ensure that they are stored high off the ground.

If you experience water damage in your home, contact your team of water repair and restoration experts at SERVPRO of Haverhill.

National Preparedness Month Tips

9/27/2021 (Permalink)

Are you prepared in case of an emergency?

September is National Preparedness Month. This year is critical, taking into consideration everyone’s battle with Covid -19 and the Delta variant. Yet, according to FEMA, only 75 % of Americans have disaster supplies in their home, and less than 50% created a household emergency plan. In addition, 2021 has encountered enormous and numerous challenges, like tropical storms, flash floods, earthquakes, and heatwaves. Learning to protect yourself is the wisest step to safeguard the community and recover faster from a disaster. Here are some recommendations: 

A- Talk to your friends and family about how you will communicate before, during, and after a disaster. B- Collect and create a paper copy of the contacts information for your family, including doctors and make sure everyone has it with them all the time. You may post on different locations at home.              C- Chose a safe and familiar place for emergency meetings, not just in the house, in the neighborhood shelter, even outside of the city in case of a significant situation. 

D- Gather supplies that will last for several days for everyone at home, including your pets, water, food, medication, flashlights, First Aid Kit, whistle (to signal got help), and mask. Take into consideration the unique needs each person may have in case of an emergency evacuation. Plan the evacuation route. 

E- Be aware of the risks of disasters in your area, and make your house safe accordingly. 

F- Talk to your kids about preparing for emergencies. And practice what to do if you get separated during any disaster events, selecting a clear meeting place.  

And last, but very important, check your insurance coverage. 

Written by Nury Cardoza

Get Rid of that Graffiti!

9/22/2021 (Permalink)

Photo of the Essex Street Gateway Community Mural. This mural is a love letter to Haverhill, depicting many famous faces with ties to the community.

All around New England, many metropolises are beautifying their streets and cityscapes with street art. In fact, this kind of artwork has become so popular that some cities even commission street artists to create stunning murals with meaningful messages; for instance, Haverhill’s Essex Street Gateway Mural. Obviously, this kind of art does not require commercial cleaning services in MA.  

On the other hand, a few non-commissioned “artists” specialize in making messes -- literally -- and spread their words wherever they find space, whether that’s across highway overpasses, along public pathways or, worst case, against the sides of your commercial property. 

Graffiti is not a good look for a business or brand. That’s why we offer graffiti cleanup as one of our commercial cleaning services. Think your community is immune to graffiti or vandalism of any kind?

Think again. Or better yet, just ask the residents of Groton. 

Recently, various locations around the city, including the Groton Country Club, were defaced with graffiti, resulting in an investigation due to its sensitive nature. 

Certainly, messaging like this needs to be removed immediately. That’s where your SERVPRO MA team is standing by with the expertise to erase any content that you would rather not feature on your commercial building. 

Contact your local SERVPRO of Haverhill / Newburyport team for all your commercial cleaning and restoration needs. 

Storm Preparedness 101: A Plan for Pets

9/10/2021 (Permalink)

Pets are part of the family, make sure you have a plan for them in case of an emergency.

Storms can be stressful events, which is all the more reason why pet owners need to think ahead and put a plan in place for their pets while the skies are still calm.  Before you’re faced with a storm warning, SERVPRO of Haverhill wants you to take the time to check off the following storm safety tips for your pets. Your four-legged family members will thank you! 

1. Avoid an Identity Crisis

1. In the event that you are separated from your pet during a storm or other natural disaster, you want to make sure that your pet can be property identified. While microchips are fantastic, the fact is, an average person who happens to find your pet won’t be able to scan one. That’s why a tried and true old-fashioned pet ID tag is important. Pro-tip: Include your cell phone number on the tag so that you can be easily reached. 

2. Evacuation Includes Everyone

1. Here’s the thing: if a storm is bad enough that you’re advised to evacuate, the same goes for your pet(s). That’s why knowing where to find pet-friendly lodging ahead of time is crucial. Check out sites like BringFido.com for recommendations and reviews of pet-friendly accommodations in your area. 

3. Staying Home? Safety First. 

1. If you haven’t been evacuated and are facing a run of the mill, but still potentially damaging storm, it’s a good idea to ensure safe surroundings for you and your pets at home. This involves bringing pets inside and, if necessary, securing cats in carriers and putting dogs on leashes. Crates are great safe spaces to keep your pets enclosed and supplied with adequate food and water.

4. Make Sure Medications are Within Reach

1. Keep all pet medications in reach, just as you would other emergency supplies like flashlights, candles, blankets, as well as extra rations of food and water for pets and people alike! 

When storms are in the forecast, you can feel confident knowing that SERVPRO Haverhill/Newburyport is on hand to take care of any remediation, especially water removal, that you might need to get back to life and business as you know it. Contact us for water damage and storm remediation you can trust.

Insidious Igniters: The Less Famous Fire Starters in Your Home

9/8/2021 (Permalink)

This mattress and pillow caught fire as the result of a laptop left charging while not properly ventilated. Photo from the Falmouth MA Patch.

When you think about the cause of a house fire requiring fire restoration service, you might imagine an open, unattended flame, like a candle or even a lit cigarette. Items left too long on the stove -- like hotdogs -- can be another common culprit, similar to faulty electrical wiring. 

However, there are other lesser known, but equally dangerous, fire threats that you should know about.

Here are three to take seriously:

1. Dishwashers

1. Most of us don’t like to think about life without a dishwasher. While we might associate kitchen fires with cooking left on the stove or oven for too long, the fact is your dishwasher can also cause a fire, if it’s in poor condition. Older dishwashers have the potential to leak water onto the mechanism’s wiring, which could spark a fire. If this happens when you’re not home, you can imagine how quickly something as seemingly insignificant as a small leak can suddenly result in disaster. 

2. Dust bunnies

1. Such a cute name for something that is actually rather gross, dust that collects around electronics or power outlets can actually ignite if they encounter a spark. Just another reason to get your kids to clean under their beds!

3. Laptops and personal devices

1. Speaking of kids, with the amount of time so many spend on screens -- especially with remote learning still in full swing across the country -- it’s fair to say that laptops and other electronic devices like iPads and Kindles are working overtime. When that happens, the machines heat up and can cause a fire if left on a bed or couch, especially while still plugged in. Best to leave a laptop on a desk or countertop after use so that it cools properly before possibly encountering any flammable surface. 

Even the best fire prevention doesn’t necessarily guarantee total protection from fire. Like any other accident, fire happens. In that case, our team of fire damage recovery experts at SERVPRO Haverhill/Newburyport is standing by to handle any cleaning, remediation or restoration required to return your home to its former glory. 

Does Water Damage ________?

9/3/2021 (Permalink)

An example of how water can damage hardwood flooring.

Some of the most common questions we get asked is if water will damage this, that, or the other thing. To help answer your questions once and for all, we’re calling in an expert; our very own Key Accounts Manager Nury Cardoza! As a former production technician, crew chief, and estimator, Nury has over 20 years of real-world industry knowledge, including how water damages various materials. Here’s a summary of what she had to say:

Can water damage concrete?

Not really. If the water is running constantly over it, it can start to erode but it won’t get damaged just from a flood.

Will water damage leather?

Yes! Mold will also grow really fast on leather because it is a good source of food, and the mold will eat it.

Does water damage suede?

Yes, similar to leather, suede (and many other fabrics) is a great source of food for mold, which means the mold will spread rather quickly on suede surfaces.

Will water damage hardwood floors?

Oh yes! The wood will suck up the water, causing it to swell and buckle. I remember a job where a woman was on vacation in Florida, and something burst while she was away. When she got home, she couldn’t even open her door because her [beautiful hardwood] floors had buckled so badly.

Can water damage laminate flooring?

Yes, water can get trapped between the laminate and whatever is underneath it, and the water won’t dry which can cause mold.

Will water damage plywood?

Yes. If plywood is exposed to water frequently or for long periods of time it can begin to swell and warp. It is also another big source of mold.

L’Arche Boston North’s The Longest Table Clean-Up Crew

8/25/2021 (Permalink)

A collection of photos taken before, during, and after the event.

If your workday ended at 5pm but were asked to volunteer to return to work at 8:30pm to clean-up a street after an event you didn’t attend, what would your answer be? Or, how about at a country club during a tropical storm? Most people would give that a hard pass. And who could blame them?

Not the employees at SERVPRO of Haverhill/Newburyport. Office Manager, Linda Rousseau, Key Account Manager, Nury Cardoza, and Marketing Support Coordinator, Stephanie Maglio all came out of their comfortable, dry homes to clean up after L’Arche Boston North’s The Longest Table event held at Bradford Country Club on August 19^th. Technician Robert Eveleth headed there after servicing a water damage. And owner Michelle Lavigne, along with Sales & Marketing Manager, Jodi Feil, switched from attendees of the event to clean-up crew. The whole group tackled the job with enthusiasm and humor, with an unspoken commitment to making the venue sparkle.

It’s this team spirit and dedication to the communities we service that makes SERVPRO a different kind of restoration company. It would be hard to find another group of people that are so willing to go the extra mile for each other, and for their customers.

#HERETOHELP #STRONGERTOGETHER

How to Strengthen Your Home from a Thunderstorm

8/24/2021 (Permalink)

Severe thunder and lightning storms can happen any time of year here in New England, and even in winter when “thundersnow” occurs regularly. Depending on how you feel about storms, you’ll find these storms soothing; consider them just background noise; or be rattled by every boom and beam of light piercing the sky, convinced they’re going to hit your house. 

Yes, that last bit is a possibility. Severe thunderstorms can indeed cause storm damage to a home, with strong winds taking out tree limbs that hit your home or a bolt of lightning causing a fire. 

What can you do to prepare your home and family for severe thunder and lightning storms? 

• Have an emergency plan ready in case of a storm or any other disaster. 
• Cut down or trim back the branches of trees that may be in danger of falling on your home in the case of strong winds or a microburst. 
• Invest in devices to protect your home and electronics from a fire caused by lightning, such as surge protectors and lightning rods. You may also want to look into a lightning protection system for gas piping. 

During a severe thunderstorm, you should avoid using any electronics that are connected to an electrical outlet and avoid using running water. 

If you discover damage to your home after a storm, give us a call anytime. We have a team of highly trained professionals on call 24/7 ready to help make it “Like it never even happened.”

Get Your Hospital Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned

8/23/2021 (Permalink)

Our team of trained professionals have access to a wide variety of tools and knowledge to deep clean your hospital.

A clean hospital or healthcare facility can quite seriously mean the difference between life and death for your patients and workers alike. We know that you know this and have policies and procedures in place for cleaning and disinfecting, including how to handle discarded hypodermic needles and any fluids from procedures or sick patients. 

Even with the cleaning you already do, is your hospital at the highest standard of clean considering the pandemic and the potential issues you deal with every day? 

Here at SERVPRO of Haverhill / Newburyport, we offer “Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned,” which is our proactive viral pathogen deep cleaning. This level of cleaning goes beyond standard janitorial and carpet cleaning thanks to over 50 years of experience in biochemical spill remediation and decontamination. 

What’s involved in Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned for your hospital cleaning? We focus on the three C’s:

• Consult: Not all healthcare facilities are the same, so your cleaning program shouldn’t be the same as any other. We’ll consult with you to create a unique hospital cleaning program based on the unique aspects of your facility. 
• Clean: Based on the agreed upon program, our service professionals will start your hospital deep clean using our proprietary EPA-Approved Hospital-Grade cleaning solutions. Keep in mind that we adhere to the leading level of cleaning and decontamination standards set by the CDC.
• Certify: Your hospital or healthcare facility will be known for being Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned by the shield we will give you for your front window. Along with digital emblems and other collateral, this beacon represents your commitment to the comfort and security of their employees, patients, and community.

Are you looking for a company to deep clean your hospital? Reach out to the Massachusetts commercial cleaning experts at SERVPRO of Haverhill / Newburyport. We have state of the art technology that will help your hospital or healthcare facility be at the highest level of clean.

Puffback. What is It and What to Do?

8/23/2021 (Permalink)

When you see the term “puffback”, you might think it was a breed of a pufferfish. If only.

So, what is a puffback? The term refers to a messy, and dangerous, explosion in the burner chamber of your home heating furnace or boiler. When the burner backfires, it sends soot throughout your home. 

The soot can be expelled all at once, quickly covering your walls, carpets, and furniture. Or it can leak out soot particles gradually, perhaps causing you to think dirt was tracked into your home somehow. 

Most puffbacks occur in oil heating systems, which result in the soot. However, when a puffback occurs in a gas heating system, the explosion in the burner is bigger and dangerous, and could cause a fire and resulting fire damage. 

How can you prevent a puffback? The best way is to have your home heating system professionally inspected and cleaned once a year. 

What should you do if a puffback happens in your home, spreading soot everywhere? Hire a certified and trained Massachusetts fire damage restoration professional, who will pretest your surfaces to determine the extent of soot damage, and then use the specific equipment and cleaning products required for soot on the surfaces of your home. 

Depending on the amount of soot, your fire damage restoration professional may be able to reduce your recovery costs by cleaning lighter soot deposits found on some surfaces, which eliminates your expenses incurred with repainting or refinishing. If the soot level is too deep, they will clean to prepare for painting, which deodorizes the surface and ensures the new paint will adhere properly.

Hear what one of our happy customers had to say after their puffback event:

“When my furnace caused soot to cover my house I was seriously depressed. I called SERVPRO. Brian came out, surveyed the damage and said ‘no problem’. He would deal with the insurance company directly and have a crew out in the next two days. Nury and Gabriel arrived in the morning, and said not to worry, they would take care of everything. Starting in the basement they worked their way to the second floor cleaning everything in sight, from walls and ceilings, to countertops and floors. I went from a state of despair to one of joy. They sure exemplify their motto "Like it never even happened."

If you’re dealing with soot from a puffback, contact our fire damage recovery experts at SERVPRO Haverhill / Newburyport. We’ll come out and assess your soot damage along with any remediation, cleaning, or restoration that needs to be done to your home.

Help Clients Pass Home Inspections

7/30/2021 (Permalink)

Your real estate company’s clients hired you to sell their home because they trust you. One way to keep that trust and to be the realtor they recommend to others is to ensure their home sells quickly and easily. Now, you can’t guarantee what the housing market will be on any given day, but you CAN make the process easy by offering advice on how their home can pass a home inspection. 

Typically, the buyers of a home hire a home inspector after they’ve signed the offer to purchase contract, but before the purchase and sales agreement, and the contract will include that they can back out if the home inspection finds anything faulty. The home inspector will thoroughly inspect all aspects of the home, from the walls and flooring to the roof; electrical system; plumbing; heating, and more. 

The home inspector isn’t there to point out little knicks in the paint. Instead, their job is to find anything in the home that will be an issue soon or down the road, like a water stain on the ceiling that shows potential water damage or faulty wiring that could lead to a fire. 

No one (neither the buyer nor the seller) wants a surprise during the home inspection, so it’s in your client’s best interests to have their home assessed before their home even goes on the market. Help them have the best home inspection possible by recommending that they have a trusted cleanup and restoration company inspect their home and provide an assessment of any work that needs to be done. 

Your clients can also hire a Massachusetts cleaning company to thoroughly clean their home for the best appearance at their open house. 

Here at SERVPRO of Haverhill / Newburyport, we can assess your real estate client’s home from top to bottom; remediate any issues that are found; and provide peace of mind for their home inspection before they move onto their next home.

Why a Fast Response Matters for Fire Damage

7/25/2021 (Permalink)

After a house fire has been put out, and everyone is safe, your next priority is to get your house and life back to normal. You might think that you have time to deal with fire damage, and smoke or soot aroma or residue, but the quicker you take action, the less money you’ll spend. 

Why? Emergency fire damage mitigation services help you minimize your property damage, and can mean the difference between restoring your home furnishings or items to their preloss condition and having to replace your furnishings or even rebuilding your home. 

In fact, the faster that a Massachusetts fire damage restoration expert arrives on-site at your home to perform your fire damage cleanup and restoration, the better the results for you, including lower insurance claim costs. 

At SERVPRO of Haverhill / Newburyport, we pride ourselves in our fast response time. When you reach out to notify us of your fire damage, within just one hour, one of our SERVPRO franchise professionals will contact you to arrange for service. Plus, within four hours of that notification, we will be on-site to start fire, smoke, and soot restoration services, which can include:

• Structural cleaning
• Contents cleaning
• Deodorization

See what our happy customers say about their fire damage mitigation experiences with SERVPRO, including this one from Matt W. in Merrimac:

“I had an unfortunate smoke issue in my home.  Pat, Ross, and crew came in and cleaned the whole house. They did an awesome job and finished in less time then they told me it was going to take. We were able to get back into the house with minimal interruption.”

Here at SERVPRO of Haverhill / Newburyport, we are professionally trained in fire restoration and can assess your fire damage both safely and effectively with our over 140,000 pieces of cleaning and restoration equipment.

Preparing for a Flood: A Guide

7/18/2021 (Permalink)

Is your house located in a known Massachusetts flood zone? If you don’t know the answer to that, you probably don’t, as it’s something you’d find out when you bought your house. However, you could still be at risk for a flood. Just think of the flood that caused Norwood Hospital to close just last year after a storm. Downtown Norwood is an area that’s listed as minimal risk for flooding, according to the Federal Emergency Management Association (FEMA). But that didn’t stop the floods from coming in and causing havoc.

Whether you live in a Massachusetts flood zone or not, there are steps you can take to prepare your home for a flood in case one hits. As a side note, this will also help you shore up your home in case you ever have to deal with a burst pipe or a heavy rainstorm that causes your basement to flood. 

What to Do to Prepare for a Flood

Before a flood happens, you should have a qualified professional: 

• Inspect your basement (or the lowest floor of your home if you don’t have a basement) and raise up your water heater, furnace, and electric panel so they’re nowhere near the floor. 
• Install “check valves” in your home’s sewer traps to prevent rising flood waters from backing up into the drains of your home. 
• Seal your basement walls with waterproofing compounds to help avoid seepage. 

If a flood does hit your home, you need to handle it right away. Even the smallest of floods can cause lasting water damage to your home when not treated quickly and properly. Flooding can also create lingering moisture residue that elevates the risk of mold growth, so it’s important to involve trained storm damage specialists like SERVPRO of Haverhill / Newburyport in restoring your home. 

See what just one of our customers (Lauren E of Haverhill) said in a testimonial about our services in dealing with her Massachusetts flood damage:

“My parents’ basement flooded a few weeks ago and Nury from the Haverhill branch came and helped with the last part of the clean up. She even cleaned my parent's living room carpet and stairs. She did a superior job and we are very pleased.”

Did you find this blog because you’re dealing with a flood? Reach out to the Massachusetts storm damage cleanup and restoration experts at SERVPRO of Haverhill / Newburyport. We offer state-of-the-art technology to remediate storm, water, and mold damage in your home.

How to Reduce Mold

7/17/2021 (Permalink)

Have you ever seen dark brown or black spots in between the grout of your bathroom tiles or on your bathroom ceiling? That’s not just hard water residue. Instead, in those spots, it’s most likely to be moisture that has gone past mildew levels (typically gray colored) and become mold.

Want to get rid of it? If you’re thinking about grabbing some bleach and scrubbing it away, take a moment. Yes, that’s what you’ve heard to do, but the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) actually recommends against homeowners themselves trying to remove mold with bleach.

You can certainly try to handle the mold with white vinegar, but do you have a N95-level respirator mask (not to be confused with the cloth masks people wear during the pandemic), goggles, gloves, and a throw-away outfit? Probably not, which is just one reason why you should leave the job to Massachusetts mold remediation experts like SERVPRO of Haverhill / Newburyport.

Another reason to do so? Even if you use white vinegar or bleach, you still might just be removing the mold at a surface level and not fixing the root cause, which will cause the mold to come back. 

Once you’ve had the mold removed, you can then work on reducing it from recurring. Here’s some ways to do so:

• Install a bathroom vent to reduce moisture
• If you can’t install a vent, open the window or door after every shower
• Wipe down your bathroom walls and ceiling after the room is damp

Here at SERVPRO of Haverhill / Newburyport, we are professionally trained in mold removal and can assess your mold damage both safely and effectively with devices that can weed out and remediate hidden mold sources. After the assessment, we will move on to mold containment, air filtration, cleaning and sanitizing, and then mold restoration, which could involve replacing drywall if the mold damage has gone that far. 

Contact us for your mold damage assessment at your first signs of mold to prevent a larger-scale mold clean up.

Four-for-Fore

7/14/2021 (Permalink)

A collection of photos taken at the various golf outings.

After a long year full of cancelled plans, the first half of 2021 was a buzz with golf tournament fundraisers. In June alone, SERVPRO sponsored and participated in a total of four tournaments for different and worthy causes.

First up was the Haverhill Firefighters Relief Association golf outing at the Bradford Country Club, followed by the Stoneham Chamber of Commerce tournament at Indian Ridge Golf Course. The third outing was held at the Renaissance Golf Club for the YMCA of the North Shore. Last but not least was the AHEPA Chapter 39 20^th Annual Greek American Golf Tournament at Apple Hill Golf Course.

 Several staff members played in the tournaments, while members of our sales and marketing team helped fundraise further by selling mulligans, lengths of string, and raffle tickets at registration and on the course.

While it was definitely a busy month, it was well worth it to be able to get back out and interact with people outside of Zoom calls, all while supporting some truly wonderful causes.

Lightning Crashes. What if it Hits Your House?

7/12/2021 (Permalink)

“Lightning crashes… like a rolling thunder chasing the wind…” 

The band Live talked about lightning in the context of life-changing events of birth and death. Lightning itself is often just a natural occurrence of a loud light show that won’t affect your life. However, it can be a life-changing event if a bolt of lightning hits your home, causing your power to go out and worse. 

What should you do after lightning strikes your house and you’ve ensured that no one in your house has been hurt? The first thing you need to do is see if that lightning storm has caused a fire. How can you tell? You’ll either smell smoke or something burnt, or see the actual fire. 

If you smell or see anything concerning, get out of your house safely and call the fire department to handle the situation. Once you’re able to be safely back in the house, you’ll want to take care of the resulting smoke and soot damage and rebuild if necessary by hiring a storm damage restoration expert, like SERVPRO. 

Note: Even if there isn’t a fire, there may still be an impact to the wiring in your house from the bolt of lightning. Look for any of these issues of wiring issues in your house, and have an electrician take a look ASAP to prevent a house fire: 

• A burning smell, electronic burning odor, or odd odor near your outlets. This is one of the primary warning signals of faulty wiring. If you smell a pungent burning aroma, turn off the power immediately and call an electrician. The electricity may have arced inside the panel, causing a scorched electrical outlet. 
• Flickering or dimming lights. 
• An outlet that’s hot to the touch. Your electrical outlet and light switch should never be hot when you touch it. 

If you need help with your home storm damage restoration, take a look at the steps of our fire damage restoration process, which includes removal of soot and smoke from all surfaces. Contact us here at SERVPRO of Haverhill / Newburyport for an assessment of your fire damage in Massachusetts.

Pre-Cleaning Your School Before the Fall

7/12/2021 (Permalink)

With all Massachusetts schools and districts planning on holding fully in-person classes in the fall, teachers and students alike may be both thrilled to be back among their peers while also anxious about the thoughts of returning to the classroom. Depending on vaccination rates for elementary school students, masks and social distancing may still be required for younger grades, but for most, the benefits of seeing their classmates in person rather than on a computer screen will more than make up for that.

How can school administrators help to lessen any fears that teachers, parents, and students may have about returning to school in-person? Have your schools pre-cleaned with the highest standard of care and clean. 

What does the “highest standard of clean” mean? Here at SERVPRO of Haverhill / Newburyport, we offer “Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned,” which is our proactive viral pathogen deep cleaning. This level of cleaning goes beyond standard janitorial cleaning thanks to our over 50 years of experience in biochemical spill remediation and decontamination. 

What’s involved in Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned? Your school or schools will receive a deep cleaning, based on a consultation meeting to determine the level of cleaning that your school needs. Then, using our proprietary EPA-Approved Hospital-Grade cleaning solutions, our certified cleaners will pre-clean your school, adhering to the leading level of cleaning and decontamination standards set by the CDC.

Once your school has been cleaned, you’ll receive a shield, digital emblems, and other collateral that shows your school is Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned. It serves as a beacon to help teachers and students feel safe at your school and parents feel better about sending their children back to school in-person. 

Are you looking for a company to pre-clean your schools before you re-open in the fall? Reach out to the Massachusetts commercial cleaning experts at SERVPRO of Haverhill / Newburyport. We have state of the art technology that will help you pre-clean your school and get you to the head of the class in clean!

How to Get Rid of a Lingering Smoke Odor Post-Fire

6/15/2021 (Permalink)

Our team of experts are trained on how to properly clean soot and smoke damage.

In the summer, the smell of a fire is perfect when you’re grilling or enjoying a night out by your fire pit. On those occasions, you expect and even cherish the smell of smoke. That’s quite different when you have an unfortunate fire in your home and have to deal with the lingering smoke odor and residue that’s left behind. 

Here are tips for home fire smoke odor removal in Massachusetts after the fire trucks have left and you’ve called your insurance company.

First, don’t just mask the smoke odor. Your goal is to remove it, not cover it. These tips probably won’t remove the odor completely, but they’ll help you to deal with it until you’re able to have the smoke odor removed.

• Take a box of baking soda and sprinkle it over the carpets and rugs in your home where the post-fire smoke aroma lingers. Let it sit for a few hours and then vacuum it up.
• Set out bowls of vinegar in these rooms to counteract the smoke odor.
• Open your windows and place fans to help bring the fresh air in and the smokey air out. 
• Throw any couch slipcovers, bedding, or any other fabric that can be washed in the washing machine for a thorough cleaning. 

Once you’re ready to remove the post-fire smoke odor from your home completely, it’s time to call in the experts. Here at SERVPRO  of Haverhill / Newburyport, we follow the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) standards in the proper removal of odors. 

Plus, we have the training and equipment to identify and eliminate post-fire smoke odors. By identifying the cause of the odor, and determining the conditions where it contacts surfaces, the odor can often be removed over time without a trace. Our technicians have access to several odor removal products capable of penetrating surfaces to neutralize an unpleasant odor thoroughly.

If you need help with your home fire damage restoration, take a look at the steps of our fire damage restoration process, which includes removal of soot and smoke from all surfaces. Contact us here at SERVPRO of Haverhill / Newburyport for an assessment of your fire damage in Massachusetts.

Choose the Best Water Damage Restoration Company for Your Budget

6/10/2021 (Permalink)

Unless you live in a known flood zone, or know that your roof should have been replaced about a decade ago, you probably don’t have water damage restoration in your budget for this year. Or any year. Unfortunately, floods, leaks, and other water disasters happen, causing you to need to find the money for a water damage restoration company to repair your home.

You might also have hidden water damage in your home. Learn how to spot this damage before it becomes a bigger, more expensive, problem. 

How can you find the best Massachusetts water damage restoration company for your budget? 

• Insurance. We work with most insurance companies, and probably work with yours. For a stress-free claims process for your water damage, we can help you manage your insurance paperwork and the process. 
• Reviews and recommendations. Talk to your local neighbors and friends and see who they’ve worked with to handle emergency situations. Or go online and look at our Testimonials. 
• One company for all. Work with a company that can handle your water damage remediation as well as any rebuilding services that you need. Our professional team at SERVPRO of Haverhill / Newburyport can simplify your water damage restoration process by helping you with both the remediation and restoration and the rebuild. Using one expert company for all of your water damage restoration needs alleviates your stress of having to find a contractor on top of everything else, saves you time, and keeps your costs low. 

These are just some of the rebuilding and restoration services that our construction division offers to restore your home to its original state: 

• Drywall removal and installation
• Hardwood floor repair
• Tile floor repair
• Painting
• Carpet repair and installation

Contact us here at SERVPRO of Haverhill / Newburyport for an assessment of your water damage in Massachusetts along with a plan for remediation and rebuilding to bring your home back to its pre-water damage state.

Pre-Cleaning Your Hotel Before Your Next Event

5/28/2021 (Permalink)

As the world re-opens a bit more, live events including corporate meetings, weddings, and company parties, are coming back into existence at hotels. In fact, Northstar Meeting Group’s PULSE Survey found that 81 percent of meeting planners will hold their next in-person event sometime this year, with most of that business (59 percent) falling in the second half of 2021. 

Is your hotel booking live events again for the rest of this year and 2022? Are you looking for a way to prompt meeting and wedding planners to choose your function space for their events? 

Soothe any fears event attendees may have by having your hotel pre-cleaned with the highest standard of clean. 

What does the “highest standard of clean” mean? Here at SERVPRO of Haverhill / Newburyport, we offer “Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned,” which is our proactive viral pathogen deep cleaning. This level of cleaning goes beyond standard janitorial cleaning thanks to our over 50 years of experience in biochemical spill remediation and decontamination. 

What’s involved in Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned? Your hotel will receive a deep cleaning, based on a consultation to figure out what your hotel needs. Then, using our proprietary EPA-Approved Hospital-Grade cleaning solutions, our certified cleaners will pre-clean your hotel, adhering to the leading level of cleaning and decontamination standards set by the CDC.

Once your hotel has been cleaned, you’ll receive a shield, digital emblems, and other collateral that shows your hotel is Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned. It serves as a beacon to help meeting planners and event attendees alike feel safe at your hotel. 

Are you looking for a company to pre-clean your hotel before a live event? Reach out to the Massachusetts commercial cleaning experts at SERVPRO of Haverhill / Newburyport. We have state of the art technology that will help you pre-clean your hotel and let your events go off without a speck of trouble.

The Power of Business-to-Business Referrals

5/28/2021 (Permalink)

Did you know, having a partnership with reputable service companies to refer is a win-win for everyone involved! 

Research shows that 84% of Business-to-Business decision makers start the buying process with a referral. To put it differently, 8 out of 10 businesses start out thinking about who a different business professional told them was good when they begin thinking about who they will hire for a job. 

For instance, if a business has a problem and needs mold removal or remediation, has basement flooding or water damage and needs restoration, has fire damage or needs biohazard cleanup, or has the need for emergency cleaning in general, they are most likely to think about who their plumber, electrician, contractor, or regular cleaner has recommended (SERVPRO). 

On the other hand, when an unfortunate event has occurred at a business and they have called SERVPRO to handle it, they are extremely likely to be asking us who we think will be the right plumber, electrician, contractor, cleaner or other service professional to hire once we are finished with our work. 

Because referral?leads have a 30% higher conversion than leads from any other channel, they turn out to be just about the hottest type of lead you can get in any business. When SERVPRO mentions your business on a jobsite, that referral carries a lot of weight and helps bring you real business. When you mention SERVPRO on a job, your referral helps bring us business too. 

If you take an average of all the different types of industries put together, referrals account for?65% of companies’ new deals. Just think of how important it is for SERVPRO and our partners in the service industry to be referring each other. When you look at the facts, referring each other is always a win-win situation!

Written by Lorne Keplar.

Why You Need a Trained Storm Damage Specialist

5/21/2021 (Permalink)

Here in Massachusetts, we’re less prone to the tornadoes of the midwest or “hurricane season” down in Florida, but that doesn’t mean we never have storms nor resulting storm damage to our homes. 

When a microburst, lightning, or hail hits and causes storm damage, you don’t want to leave the cleanup and restoration to just anyone. Yes, there’s some storm damage cleaning and repair work you can do yourself, like patching a small puncture in your vinyl siding from hail damage. 

But, before you do even that, consider this. Did any water get inside your home from that hole in the siding? Do you know how to tell if it did? If you repair that vinyl siding hole yourself, you may just be sealing water up inside the siding of your home, which can lead to hidden water damage or mold.

In order to not make things worse during your storm damage repairs and clean up, you should hire a trained storm damage remediation specialist, including one that has certified employees.

Here at SERVPRO of Haverhill / Newburyport, our water and storm damage specialists have the advanced training, certification, and knowledge to restore your property quickly. We use scientific drying principles and provide validation and documentation that your property is dry and the job is complete.

What does our employee certification entail? The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) sets the certification standards for the cleaning and restoration industries. Our trained storm damage professionals study IICRC standards and best practices in water and storm restoration, fire restoration, mold remediation, carpet and upholstery cleaning, and other cleaning and restoration courses.

Are you looking for a company to help restore your home after storm damage? Reach out to the Massachusetts storm damage remediation experts at SERVPRO of Haverhill / Newburyport. We have state of the art technology that will help you clean up after a storm and restore your house to its pre-storm glory.

How to Detect Water Damage in Your Home

5/14/2021 (Permalink)

When these homeowners noticed paint on their kitchen ceiling was starting to bubble from water damage, they knew it was time to call the experts!

There are two types of water damage that could be in your home: visible water damage, which the type you can blatantly see in the form of water leaking from the ceiling or puddles from a flood, and hidden water damage that is lurking behind your walls, in your rugs, or inside your ceiling. 

The first type of water damage is easy to spot, but the second is more insidious. Even though you can’t see hidden water damage right in front of you, there are ways you can tell if there might be water damage in your home that needs to be addressed.

• A new musty scent. If your closet, basement, or one of your rooms starts smelling musty, there may be hidden water damage that resulted in mildew or mold. 
• Bubbles in the paint of your ceiling. Yes, these could be just from steam in your bathroom forming a coat of moisture, especially if they’re on top of your shower, but they could also be caused by water that collected in your ceiling and is popping through the ceiling as a bubble. This is particularly bad if it’s not a pin-sized dot of a bubble and is instead the size of a dinner plate or larger. That water damage should be remediated immediately.
• Peeling or stained paint on your wall. This is the same as bubbles on the ceiling, except that in this case, the paint could be flaking off or stained from water that has collected in between your drywall and the layers of paint. 
• An increase in your water bill. Stay on top of what you pay each month. If it has suddenly increased without any uptick in water usage, you could have a hidden water leak. 

Think there’s hidden water damage in your home and you want to be sure? Reach out to the Massachusetts water damage remediation experts at SERVPRO of Haverhill / Newburyport. We have state of the art technology to assess and spot the water damage you can’t see and to restore your home to its pre-water damage state.

Accidentally Cause a Fire? How to Rebuild

5/8/2021 (Permalink)

This grill caught fire and nearly burned the entire house down.

Warmer weather is when our thoughts turn to spending more time outside, be it going for a walk, grilling, gardening, or painting. These are all enjoyable activities, but you need to be careful with at least two of them. 

When you’re painting your deck or fence to spruce up chipped paint after winter storms, clean up any oil-based paint that doesn’t make its way onto the fence and don’t leave a rag covered in oily paint out on your deck for hours in the sun. Even though it doesn’t sound possible, oil-based paint on rags can spontaneously combust in the sun, causing a fire to your deck and/or home.

Another note of caution: Your grill should always be placed away from your house, and certainly not right next to the side of your house. The last thing you want is a grease fire or explosion to occur on your grill, which then quickly engulfs your home.

If either of these fire damage incidents have occurred, you probably know that SERVPRO can help you with smoke and soot cleanup. But did you know that we also have a full construction division, run by Construction Manager Noel Torrissi, that can help you rebuild after you’ve gone through the checklist of after the fire tasks. 

Our professional team at SERVPRO of Haverhill / Newburyport can simplify your fire damage restoration process by helping you with the remediation and rebuilding. Using one expert company for all of your fire damage rebuilding needs alleviates your stress of having to find a contractor on top of everything else, saves you time, and keeps your costs low. 

Contact us here at SERVPRO of Haverhill / Newburyport for an assessment of your fire damage in Massachusetts along with a plan for remediation and rebuilding to bring your home back to its pre-fire state.

What to Look for in an Emergency Cleaning Service for Your Warehouse

4/29/2021 (Permalink)

Has your warehouse developed mold? Has there been a fire in your warehouse? Was there vandalism on your warehouse walls? Or has someone in your warehouse been diagnosed with COVID? These are just some of the reasons why you might need an emergency cleaning service for your Massachusetts warehouse. We’re here to give you some tips on what to look for in an emergency or non-emergency cleaning service. 

Specialty Areas: When you’re dealing with a disaster, you want to choose an emergency cleaning service for your warehouse that can handle any type of situation. For example, your cleaning service should be able to handle all incidents, including vandalism; crime scenes; odor removal; and commercial fires, among others. Choosing a company that focuses on just one can leave you having to go through the process of finding another cleaning service for anything that might crop up in the future at your warehouse.

Availability: Emergencies don’t happen on a timetable, so you shouldn’t have to wait until normal working hours to get started dealing with your warehouse emergency cleaning. Look for a service that is available 24 hours a day to get your warehouse back to business.

Training: Look for an emergency cleaning service that is fully trained in property damage restoration. Here at SERVPRO of Haverhill / Newburyport, we work by the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) best practices and standards for cleaning and restoration. Our Restoration Certifications include Applied Structural Drying (ASD); Applied Microbial Remediation Technician (AMRT); and Carpet Cleaning Technician (CCT).

When your warehouse is dealing with a disaster or damage from fire, water, or mold, you need the right damage restoration expert. Contact us here at SERVPRO of Haverhill / Newburyport to discuss your emergency warehouse cleaning needs in Massachusetts, and we’ll work with you to develop a plan for remediation and clean up.

Earth Day 2021

4/29/2021 (Permalink)

Earth Day 2021 Clean-up Crew!

Only in New England could Earth Day events be conducted in winter coats, hats & mittens! But even the cold temps and wind couldn’t keep us away from helping to clean a small corner of our planet. This year, we had the opportunity to work with Bill Connelly from Friends of Lake Quannapowitt, to clean Lake Quannapowitt in Wakefield MA. The marketing department crew, Lorne Keplar, Nury Cardoza, Stephanie Maglio, and Jodi Feil, donned winter gear and headed out to collect trash along the banks of the lake and grounds of the adjoining parks and playgrounds.  

SERVPRO is a cleaning company at its core, so getting involved in Earth Day only makes sense to us. In years past we’ve cleaned parks, refurbed homes while working with Rebuilding Together, and handed out trees and flowers to help rebuild our ecosystems. It may not be a basement water damage, or soot damage after a fire, but it’s still at the heart of what we do. And don’t we all want to make the ravages to our environment “Like it never even happened.” 

How to Look for and Repair Hail Damage

4/24/2021 (Permalink)

Still from a video one of our employees took during a hail storm at our Haverhill office back in July of 2020.

Even though hail sounds like something that should happen in the winter, it can actually occur year-round in Massachusetts, including the summer. In fact, there was reported hail and hail damage in Massachusetts in August of 2020. 

Do you know what to look for to see if your house suffered from hail damage, or how to repair hail damage? 

Here’s what to look for as indicators of hail damage to your house:

• Holes or gaps in your vinyl siding
• Dents, chips, or cracks on your roof
• Holes in your gutters
• Dents or holes on your deck

Of course, hail damage to your roof is a bit trickier to see unless you get up on a ladder, unless there are visible pieces of your roof’s shingles on the ground around your house. But it’s an important item to look for and repair as holes in your roof can lead to water damage or mold in your home. Plus, you can lay down a tarp once you’ve seen the hail damage to your roof to prevent water issues. 

The same holds true for any holes in the sides or siding of your house. Those hail damage holes become easy entry points for water to gain entry and cause water damage.

If the only damage is small holes in your vinyl siding, you could try your hand at repairing that yourself with a vinyl siding repair kit or exterior caulking that matches the original siding color. For the vinyl siding caulk, apply the caulking, let it dry, and then use a scraper to cut off the overlapping parts so it fits firmly with the pieces of the siding around it.

For damage that is more excessive or led to water damage or mold, your best bet is to turn to a storm damage restoration expert. Contact us here at SERVPRO of Haverhill / Newburyport for an assessment of your hail damage in Massachusetts along with a plan for remediation and clean up.

How to Dry Out after Basement Floods

4/17/2021 (Permalink)

If you find yourself in some deep water, give us a call. We're here to help anytime, 24/7/365.

Did you find your way here by searching for “what to do after a basement flood”? If so, first we’re sorry this happened to your home. Know that you’re not alone, as many homeowners have dealt with the same thing. 

Basements can flood for any number of reasons: living by a lake or in a known Massachusetts flood zone; a heavy rainstorm that seeps in through a fieldstone foundation or a crack in your basement window, wall, or door; or a burst hot water heater. 

We’re going to assume that you’ve already turned the power off to your basement and have taken care of that, since that’s important to avoid an electrical shock. Haven’t done that yet? You can turn it off yourself if your circuit breaker is accessible from upstairs. If it’s in the basement, call an electrician or the electric company to shut the power off at your home before you venture into the basement to remove the water. 

If you live in a known flood zone, you may have a sump pump that works to remove the water when the electricity is on. If you don’t have a sump pump, or your sump pump isn’t working, which caused your basement to flood, you can use a wet/dry vacuum to remove a small amount of water. 

Have an inch or more of water? Contact your Massachusetts emergency water removal service like SERVPRO of Haverhill / Newburyport. We will get the water out and then start the process of drying out your basement with our professional dehumidifiers and fans. 

Want to try drying out your basement yourself? Here’s how: 

• Remove all the water
• Open your basement windows and doors
• Take all items out of your basement and make sure they’re dried separately and thoroughly, and also cleaned to prevent mildew or mold
• Set up fans and dehumidifiers to speed up the dryness

If you had a flood in your basement and need help, check the steps of our water damage restoration process. Contact us here at SERVPRO of Haverhill / Newburyport for an assessment of your water damage in Massachusetts caused by flooding along with a plan for remediation and clean up.

Faulty Wiring: What to Look For

4/12/2021 (Permalink)

We’ve all heard the horror stories of a house catching fire due to faulty wiring. They can make even the least electronically-inclined person want to become an electrician and rewire their whole house. Please don’t do that, though, as home wiring should be left to the pros.

Before you go and hire an electrician to rewire your house, or even check the wiring, here are some tips and indicators of potential faulty wiring in your home. If you see or smell any of these, you should have a trusted electrician take a look before a house fire occurs with post-fire damage: 

• A burning smell, electronic burning odor, or odd odor near your outlets. This is one of the primary warning signals of faulty wiring. If you smell a pungent burning aroma, turn off the power immediately and call an electrician. The electricity may have arced inside the panel, causing a scorched electrical outlet. 
• Flickering or dimming lights. Yes, according to pop culture, that’s a sure sign of a ghost inhabiting your house. But in reality, that can be an indicator of faulty wiring and an overloaded electrical circuit. 
• Chewed wiring. If you have a new puppy that’s in chewing mode, or have had mice or squirrels in your walls or attics, you might have frayed or chewed wires that are easily viewable (if it’s a puppy gnawing on the lamp’s electrical cord) or unseen if mice are crawling around and chewing on things in your walls. Either are an indicator that you should have a trusted electrician check out your wiring around the areas. 
• An outlet that’s hot to the touch. Your electrical outlet and light switch should never be hot when you touch it. 

If you had a fire in your home from faulty wiring and you need help with your home fire damage restoration, take a look at the steps of our fire damage restoration process. Contact us here at SERVPRO of Haverhill / Newburyport for an assessment of your fire damage in Massachusetts caused by faulty wiring along with a plan for remediation and clean up.

Employee Spotlight: Patrick Lavigne

3/29/2021 (Permalink)

Patrick Lavigne Owner and General Manager

As owner, Pat has held almost every position within the company since coming on board in 2010. As a son-in-law to the Harts, Pat joined the family-run business as a trial and has never looked back. Starting on the trucks, Pat learned the nuances and inherent challenges of almost all production positions before settling into his current role as General Manager.

His daily focus of keeping the train on the tracks still allow him to do what he loves most—guiding the growth of his team, both personally and professionally, and helping customers during stressful moments in their lives. “It’s very rewarding when you run into customers years later who still remember the team members that worked in their home or business and want to know how they’re doing. They become like family to each other and it’s incredibly satisfying to be a part of that.”

Pat takes great pride in the franchises’ work ethic and standard of excellence – from customer service to production. He ensures all staff are highly trained and certified for all services provided. “We are a dedicated team that strive for excellence and to show compassion daily. We often meet people after a horrible thing happens in their life or business and hopefully, we are able to put them at ease.”

When Pat isn’t on the job, you can find him spending time with family and friends where he resides in Haverhill with his wife and 2 children. Unless it’s golf season…then you’ll find him on a course anywhere he can play 18!

Certifications:

• IICRC Certified –
  • Water Damage Restoration
  • Applied Microbial Remediation
  • Fire & Smoke Restoration
  • Applied Structural Drying
  • Commercial Drying
  • Odor Control
• Lead Safe Certification
• Unrestricted Construction Supervisors License

Medical Office Flooding Damage Repair Tips

3/22/2021 (Permalink)

This local medical office recently found themselves "under water" when water started leaking from their ceiling.

As the Luke Bryan song says, “Rain is a good thing.” It helps flowers and grass grow, washes away allergens, and can remove snow piles. Even Luke Bryan would agree, though, that rain isn’t a good thing when you find out that you have a leak in your medical office roof. 

If you’re in the office, you can put down barrels or bowls to collect the water. But what if you don’t know there’s a leak in your roof and it rains over the weekend? Or a pipe froze and burst in the office overnight? You could easily walk in Monday morning to find a flood, and wind up dealing with medical office flooding damage rather than helping patients. 

First, turn the power off in your medical office the second you see the water, so no one gets electrocuted in case the water came in contact with electric wires. This will take electricity away from your computers and medical equipment, so patients will need to be rescheduled to after you have remediated your flooding damage. If any of your electronic devices have been affected by water damage, they need to be cleaned and inspected by an electronic technician. 

Next, take care of the water. Sop up the water that you can with a wet-dry vacuum or a mop, and open up the doors and windows to air out your vinyl flooring. Have carpeting in your office? You’ll want to pull it up to ensure you get to any water that’s trapped inside of it or underneath that could cause mildew or mold.

If you still have patient records in paper form, remove them from the flow of water and to a dry spot. Need help drying out wet records? Talk to a flood damage remediation company in Massachusetts like us that has the latest in drying technology, including:

• Air Drying
• Dehumidification
• Freezer Drying
• Vacuum Freeze Drying
• Vacuum Thermal Drying

In order to ensure that your office is back in pre-flood damage condition quickly, and safely, contact our experts here at SERVPRO of Haverhill / Newburyport for an assessment of your flood damage in Massachusetts along with a plan for remediation and clean up. Our experts are available to help you 24 hours a day.

Broken Water Main: What’s Next?

3/17/2021 (Permalink)

This street in Methuen flooded back in 2019 as a result of a broken water main.

As a homeowner, you’re used to having access to clean water when you want to take a drink, brush your teeth, boil water to cook, or use the bathroom. There may be times when you turn on the water tap to find that the water is brown or doesn’t turn on at all. In those cases, though, it’s more than likely that the town is flushing the main water pipes in your area, and they’ll be back to clear water in less than a day.

However, there is another reason why your water might be brown: a broken water main. If a water main breaks, that results in a change in water pressure in the pipes, causing sediment and rust that’s inside city or town water lines to flow through. 

What does a water main break mean? That term describes when a water line breaks that delivers water underground to homes. The signs of a water main break include brown water, low pressure (remember that “Seinfeld” episode about the low pressure shower head?), or water or sewage seeping into your basement or lower level of your home. That’s just inside your home.

Other signs that a water main has broken can include water bubbling up from the street, water flowing down streets or yards without an obvious source (like someone hosing down their car), and a sinkhole. 

Once the water main break has been fixed, you still have tasks to complete:

• Turn on your cold water faucets and let them run for two minutes after they turn clear
• Turn on your hot water faucets and wait until the water gets hot
• Turn off the hot water and then after an hour or two, turn them back on to fully flush the hot water lines
• Run your washing machine (and dishwasher if you have one) twice without anything in it, including any detergent, and then a third time with detergent
• Look for any water damage in your basement as a result of the water seeping in

If the damage to your home requires the help of an expert, contact our Massachusetts water damage team here at SERVPRO of Haverhill / Newburyport. We can perform an assessment of your water damage along with a plan for water damage remediation.

Post Fire Cleanup and Recovery at a Restaurant

3/12/2021 (Permalink)

Typically, the only fire you want to see at your restaurant is a candle setting a romantic effect at a table, the quick flame of a flambé dessert, or inside a brick kiln oven. Unfortunately, though, other fires, caused by one of those candles falling over and engulfing your restaurant’s curtains or the tablecloths or through a kitchen or electric fire, can happen. So you need to know what to do to clean up and recover from a fire. 

Here are the tips for fire damage clean up in Massachusetts after the fire trucks leave your restaurant and you’ve called your insurance company: 

• Assess the damage. Was the fire damage to your restaurant caused by a small, contained kitchen fire that can be quickly cleaned up? Or was there a larger blaze, which should be assessed for fire damage remediation by a professional? 
• Clean up the water. If the firefighters used their hose to put out your fire, there may be resulting water damage to your restaurant that also needs to be assessed.
• Clean up the soot and smoke. You can use white vinegar or bleach (separately!) to work on removing soot damage to your restaurant walls, ceilings, tables, and floors. Even disinfecting wipes could do the trick depending on the amount of damage. One other option is to use the skunk remover for dogs: a mix of ¼ cup of baking soda, 1-2 teaspoons of a mild dishwashing detergent, and 1 quart of Hydrogen Peroxide solution. This bubbles up and works to remove restaurant smoke stains.

Need more help with your restaurant fire damage restoration or want to leave it to the pros? Contact us here at SERVPRO of Haverhill / Newburyport for an assessment of your fire damage in Massachusetts along with a plan for remediation and clean up. Our experts are available to help you 24 hours a day.

Spring Cleaning Tips

3/8/2021 (Permalink)

National Cleaning Week is March 28th - April 3rd, 2021. Are you up to the challenge?

Do you know that there is a NATIONAL CLEANING WEEK??? According to Wikipedia, it starts on the fourth week of March, at the beginning of the Spring Season. It is a tradition to clean the house thoroughly before or during the Great Lent. 

Here are some tips to make it easier and less stressful: 

1. Remember it is a week of cleaning, so start with dividing the work by day.  

1. Tackle the seasonal chores first, like putting away all the Christmas and Valentines’ decorations. Decluttering is the first step. 

In each room, start cleaning from top to bottom, including light fixtures, fans, pics on the walls, and those annoying cobwebs that collect in the corners. Move down the walls by cleaning the windowsills and wiping down baseboards. Vacuum the carpets and clean the floors. 

Last but not least, CHECK SMOKE DETECTOR BATTERIES! 

Additional areas to focus on: 

• The Kitchen - clean in and out of the cabinets, fridge, stove, oven, dishwasher, and leave as little item as possible on your countertop. 
• Bathroom - scrub the toilet, the tub, and the sink. 
• Bedrooms - clean the closet (consider donating some items), clean under the bed, polish the furniture. 
• Living Room - vacuum and polish the furniture and decorate for the season. 

Remember, if all these tasks become challenging and overwhelming, you can always consider hiring a professional crew. Here at SERVPRO, with more than 30 yrs in business and experienced technicians, we can provide the best Spring-cleaning service experience.  

WE ARE HERE TO HELP. 

Written by Nury Cardoza

A Day at Sweet Paws Rescue | Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned

3/3/2021 (Permalink)

Thank you again to the team over at Sweet Paws Rescue for letting us come in and film!

Way back in July of 2020, SERVPRO had the pleasure of working with Sweet Paws Rescue to clean their facilities. Our crew spent the day completing our Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned program, which was launched just prior to our visit. The incredible people over at Sweet Paws were kind enough to let our marketing team in to photograph and film the process, and we even got to meet and play with a few of the dogs they had rescued. At the time of our visit, one of the dogs, Molly, had recently had a litter of ten puppies, all of whom already had forever homes lined up and waiting for them when the time came that they could safely leave mom. If you would like to hear more about our day at Sweet Paws Rescue (or just want to see cute clips of puppies), you can click here to watch the video we put together documenting the day. If you are interested in learning more about our Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned program, give us a call anytime at 978-374-8555!

Moisture in Closet: Top Cleanup Tips

3/3/2021 (Permalink)

When you think of your closet, your thoughts probably turn to wanting more space or wondering if you need to hang some mothballs in a storage closet. But did you know that moisture can be a problem in your closet? This is especially true if your closet is on an outside wall and there isn’t much, if any, insulation above or below it.

The first sign of a moisture issue in your closet could be droplets of water that show up on the ceiling, or clothes at the top of your closet that feel damp, if clothes are stacked to the ceiling on a shelf. What can you do to lessen the moisture in your closet and prevent it from becoming water damage or mold?

You have a few options:

• Purchase DampRid or another desiccant that will hang in your closet and take in moisture
• Instead of DampRid, you can also place a bowl of baking soda on the floor or a shelf in the closet that will take in moisture 
• Get a mini dehumidifier to place in your closet, typically up where the moisture has been seen
• Remove everything from the closet and spray clean the closet with hydrogen peroxide and vinegar, or use a bleach disinfecting wipe to clean off the walls/ceiling
• Leave the closet door open more often to let air circulate
• Along with the closet door, open your windows in the room during the day if possible for further air circulation
• Check the clothes in your closet to make sure you haven’t accidentally put any damp clothes in the closet
• Add further insulation to the room above and below the closet

Have you not noticed the moisture until it became a mold issue? Contact us here at SERVPRO of Haverhill / Newburyport for an assessment of your mold damage along with a plan for mold remediation.

Winter Storm Repair Tips

2/22/2021 (Permalink)

Living in New England gives us the joys of four seasons, including heading to the beach in the summer; flowers blooming in spring; picking out a pumpkin in the fall; and seeing freshly fallen snow in the winter. But, along with that, comes having to clean up and possibly do some repairs after a winter storm. 

When the strong winds of a blizzard hit, they can cause tree branches, especially on old, weaker trees, that are laden with snow to snap off from the tree, taking out a power line, or hitting your fence or roof. In the case of the power line, the storm repair involves working with your power company to get your power restored. For a tree that’s on your fence or roof, if it’s just resting there and hasn’t broken through (which you might not know until it’s removed), the storm repair entails getting the tree off without any damage. If your fence or roof has been damaged by the downed branch, you need to have it repaired. Obviously, a roof will be more of a priority time-wise than a fence as it’s what shields your house from the forces of nature. 

Your roof can also be damaged by the heavy weight of snow and ice dams. Accumulated snow that’s left on the roof and doesn’t have a chance to melt can impact older roofs and ones with structural issues, potentially causing part of the roof to cave in. If you see a lot of snow on your roof that you can’t remove with a roof rake, or hear creaking noises from the roof when there’s a lot of snow on it, reach out to us for a structural assessment. Ice dams can also be created and cause your gutters to pull from your house, or damage to your siding. 

Need help with your post-winter storm home repair? Contact us here at SERVPRO of Haverhill / Newburyport for an assessment of your storm damage along with a plan for storm damage remediation.

COVID Exposure Cleaning and Disinfection Tips

2/22/2021 (Permalink)

Electrostatic spraying or "misting" is a standard part of our Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned program.

With over 27 million cases of Coronavirus (aka “COVID”) in the United States, there’s a possibility that you will have an employee at your facility who tests positive if you haven’t already. 

If that happens, there are cleaning and disinfection steps you need to follow (as well as having employees tested for potential exposure) to reduce further COVID exposure to your employees and anyone who visits your facility. 

First, immediately block off or close any areas of your facility that were used by the person who tested positive for COVID until those areas are deep cleaned. Open windows and doors in that area, if possible, and allow air to fully circulate. 

The best practice by the CDC is to wait a full 24 hours after closing it off and opening the windows and doors to start deep cleaning and disinfecting. However, we realize that you might not be able to do so. If that is the case, wait as long as you can after the windows have been opened to clean. 

Next, clean and disinfect (with a disinfectant on the EPA’s list of disinfectants for COVID) any items or equipment that your employee has handled in their workspace. This can include their computer, chair, keyboard, and the surface of their table or cubicle. 

If they have used your facility’s kitchen, all surfaces there should also be disinfected to prevent further COVID exposure. If not, the usual cleaning method for your kitchen will suffice. 

This is also true for your facility’s bathroom or bathrooms. You will want to make sure the faucet, paper towel holder, and stall and bathroom doors are all disinfected.

Still worried about your risk, or if you’re not going to do a deep enough cleaning? Contact us here at SERVPRO of Haverhill / Newburyport to have your facility thoroughly deep cleaned and disinfected by trained professionals. Our cleaning experts offer Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, which is a defensive, proactive viral pathogen cleaning program along with remediation processes to help you re-open safely.

Could Your Dryer Cause a Fire?

2/11/2021 (Permalink)

This photo of a clothes dryer on fire went viral after a Facebook user posted it in 2018.

Did you know that your dryer could cause a fire? There’s a few reasons why that could happen, but the most common is lint that builds up in the lint trap and dryer vent. If that lint trap or vent isn’t cleaned often, the lint blocks the airflow and dries up, which can quickly result in a fire.

You might be thinking that this is rare. 

It’s not. According to the National Fire Protection Association, washers and dryers cause 15,970 fires each year, with dryers being 92% of that amount. 

What can you do to prevent your dryer from causing a fire in your house? 

First, remove the dryer lint from the lint trap each and every time you use the dryer. This will work to prevent the lint from building up and overflowing into the vent itself. 

As for that vent, that also needs to be cleaned out and investigated every few months. If you don’t have a covering over the vent flap outside of your house, you should look into one. They’re available on Amazon and easy to install. The ones that have a removable plastic webbed covering over them help in keeping birds from creating a nest in your vent when the flap opens, which could easily cause a fire with the accumulation of twigs and leaves.

Also, make sure that you have plugged your dryer into the proper voltage, or that the person who installed it did, to eliminate the risk of faulty wiring causing fire damage. 

If your dryer has caused smoke and soot from fire damage, contact us here at SERVPRO of Haverhill / Newburyport for help with your fire damage restoration.

Employee Spotlight - Stephanie Maglio

2/5/2021 (Permalink)

Meet Stephanie Maglio, our Marketing Support Coordinator. While she didn’t officially join the team until the end of April last year, she has been with us since January, starting as our intern. Prior to working at SERVPRO, she attended North Shore Community College, graduating in June with a degree in Graphic Design. Her daily responsibilities include overseeing our social media accounts, moderating the blog, working on any design projects that may arise, and supporting the marketing department in any way she can.

When she’s not at work, she likes to spend time with her friends and family (as much as she can while staying safe during this pandemic), watch shows and videos on Netflix and YouTube, sing, do art and design projects, and play with animals whenever she has the chance.

Insurance and Water Damages

2/5/2021 (Permalink)

An example of a flooded basement.

In her first blog post, Key Account Manager Nury Cardoza shares some insights about water damages:

Did you know you are more likely to experience floodwater damage than fire damage during your 30-year mortgage? For that and other good reasons, it makes sense to ask for flood insurance. One in every four insurance claims during the last two years was the result of water damage, and not every kind of water damage is covered by insurance. 

 Examples of water damage usually covered by insurance are: 

• ice dams 
• leaking roof 
• frozen burst pipes
• accidental plumbing or appliance issues 
• vandalism. 

Water damage not usually covered by home insurance: 

• groundwater getting into the basement 
• floodwater or rapid- thaw water getting into the basement unless you have flood insurance 
• sewer or water pipes back up unless you have a cover added to your home insurance policy 
• leaks from corroded pipes 
• leaks from an unmaintained roof 
• damage from long term leaky faucets or toilets 
• mold or fungus unless it resulted from covered causes 

Remember that getting a qualified water damage cleanup and restoration company is as essential as obtaining the right insurance coverage.  SERVPRO works with many insurance companies, which makes the whole process less stressful and faster for you. Day or night, 365 days a year, we are here to help. 

Employee Spotlight - Jodi Feil

1/22/2021 (Permalink)

Jodi Feil Marketing Manager

Meet Jodi Feil, Marketing Manager extraordinaire.

If you have worked with us before, there is a high chance you have heard from our incredible Marketing Manager, Jodi Feil. Jodi has been with SERVPRO for 3 years, starting as the Marketing Support Coordinator where she helped build the marketing department from the ground up, and has continued to do so to this day in her current role. As a formally trained graphic designer and photographer, she has been involved in all aspects of the marketing world throughout her professional career. Prior to working with us, she co-owned a photography school, where she developed all the curriculum and taught classes, sharing her wealth of knowledge with her students.

Outside of work, she is constantly busy. In what limited free time she has, you can find her spending time with her family and pets, out in nature, watching Marvel movies, or taking on a new DIY project around her home. Whatever it is she is doing; odds are she has a smile on her face. Her favorite quote is, “What you focus on becomes your reality” and we think she is living proof of that. We’re glad to have her on our team!

Avoid a flooded basement, this year and forever!

1/22/2021 (Permalink)

An example of a flooded basement.

Weather in Massachusetts is unpredictable, so even if you don’t have a lot of snow now, you never know what Mother Nature has in store for the rest of the season.

In late winter and early spring, the ground can’t absorb all of the rain and snow melt, so it flows along the foundation. Foundation cracks that weren’t a problem before have the potential to become a huge problem now. A proper drain system, sump pump and sealed cracks will help you avoid problems this spring.

Here are a few simple tips:

• Keep your gutters clean (this will keep rainwater from flowing directly to your foundation)
• Grade landscaping away from foundation (add mulch or soil at an angle, higher at the foundation, slanting away)
• Check your sump pump or purchase a submersible pump and fans.

Move valuables and expensive items you may have in your basement or use pallets and shelves to keep them elevated.

When there is a natural disaster, often the emergency items you need are sold out, so plan ahead.

If you do have a flood

There are still things you can do to mitigate the damage.

• If you can do it safely, turn off the electricity.

But don’t get electrocuted! If you can reach the breaker without standing in water turn it off.  

• If you’ve got just a bit of water in spots consider yourself lucky. If you can clean it up with a wet vac and have fans to dry it afterward you might be all set.
• If your basement has flooded more than an inch, it’s best to call us.

If you have a sump pump and fans, you may still wish to tackle the job by yourself.  Submersible water pumps work best when you place them in the deepest part of the flooded water. If dirt and debris build up and clogs the screen around the pump, clean it out and consider using something like a small tool to prop it up a bit. This will increase the space for water to flow through the pump. Use the widest and shortest hose possible, this will enable the pump to work faster.

When all the water is up, and it appears dry you may still want us simply to treat the previously flooded area to kill any mold before it’s an issue.

To avoid this problem next year, you must identify where the water came in.

• First, seal the cracks.
• Then, dig to avert water flow next time.

Remember water will travel down the path of least resistance. It is strongly advised to dig outside near the foundation and repack the soil. Dig down to where the water came, and then dig out and to the sides a few feet. There is a channel that you may not see but you will disturb and avert if you do this. Next year, water will not flow in that same direction if done correctly.

Last but not least, having a dehumidifier in any basement, old or new, is a must to help reduce the amount of excess moisture in the air.

Recap:

• Clean your gutters.
• Have a sump pump, wet vac and fans.
• Fix lawn grading.
• Seal the cracks.
• Dig to avert water flow next year.
• Have a dehumidifier.

If water comes in and it’s too much to tackle yourself, call us. Mitigating water damage is one of our core competencies. We’ll tackle the job at hand and be sure your water problem doesn’t become a mold problem later.

It's never too early to prepare for winter!

9/22/2020 (Permalink)

Prior to joining the Marketing department, Rich Ciarletta worked with us as a Production Manager and Estimator, which means he's seen a little bit of everything over the years. In his second blog post, he discusses several common problems homeowners face as a result of winter storms. 

Each season has its own form of weather. Here in New England, our winter weather is unpredictable and can create some serious hazards that effect every homeowner differently. Snow can create ice dams on the roof and may cause water to seep into the structure below.  Snow piled against the side of the house can lead to water in the basement.  If a storm is severe enough that the power goes out, then the sump pump, which maintains a dry cellar, is no longer doing its job and flooding can occur.  Flooding in the basement can cause your furnace to stop working, which, in turn, can cause the water pipes to freeze. If these frozen pipes break, they can cause water damage throughout your home.  Generators have become very common in most homes due to the sporadic outages we experience during winter storms. They can be a very useful tool to get you through the winter, just be sure to use them responsibly!

Rich Talks Preparedness

9/22/2020 (Permalink)

PREPAREDNESS:

The definition of the word is, “A state of readiness.”  We spend most of our time in our houses or the buildings we work at, which today are often the same place. These buildings have emergency exit plans, but what about when a fire or water damage occurs? Is there a plan to get you back into the building, going about life as normal? SERVPRO has an Emergency Ready Profile, which highlights any emergency plans already in place for your office, and adds to that restoration information for a faster recovery plan.  Wasted time at the beginning of a loss can have negative effects on the building and down time can spell disaster to the life of your business. Installing drying equipment and beginning to clean are important steps to take immediately. SERVPRO is here for you 24/7 in the event of an emergency and ready to help make it “Like it never even happened.”

Written by Rich Ciarletta

Beware of your Dryer!

9/18/2020 (Permalink)

If someone was to ask you what causes a house fire, what would you say? Odds are you would think it would have something to do with a kitchen appliance, a candle, or maybe even lightning, right? Well there’s another danger that is often forgotten about and can have just as catastrophic results. Clothes dryers, if not properly maintained, can pose a serious risk to your home. Here is a brief checklist that you can follow to lessen the risk of a dryer-related disaster in your home.

Always remember:

1. Clean the lint tray between every load.
2. Do not run the dryer if you are not home.
3. Clean the dryer vent duct work yearly.
4. Check behind the dryer for dust (and be sure to clean it!)

Dealing with Dangerous Weather: Tip 4

9/18/2020 (Permalink)

Dealing with Dangerous Weather

Tip 4: Don't Forget your Pets!

Taking care of yourself and your family members during a storm can be overwhelming in and of itself, and adding pets into the mix probably doesn’t help. Learning what to do to protect and care for your pets in case of an emergency ahead of time will make life easier for everyone involved. Don’t forget to pack extra food, water, and any other essential pet supplies, such as any medicine, treats, etc., when putting together your emergency kit. Maybe include a recent photo of each of your pets to show around in case you get separated amidst any chaos. Make sure your pets have some form of identification, a collar with tags, a microchip, or both, on them to make it easier for you two to be reunited in the unfortunate instance they get lost. If possible, crate your animals before the situation worsens so you know where they are and that they’re safe.

Keep Those Carpets Clean!

9/16/2020 (Permalink)

The appearance of your business speaks volumes to your customers and clients, especially in the current state of the world. Having a clean, fresh-smelling carpet is an important part of keeping your business looking it's best. Foot traffic and airborne impurities such as pollen, dust, and other contaminants can damage your carpet over time.

Tips for taking care of your commercial carpet:

• Frequent vacuuming
  Be sure to vacuum your carpet multiple times a week. This will keep soil and debris from becoming embedded into the carpet fibers. This dirt builds up over time and shortens the life of your carpet. Frequent vacuuming is the best defense against premature damage.
• Removing stains
  Treat spills as soon as possible. Blot the area with a paper towel or cloth. Do not rub or scrub the stain as this can cause more damage by pushing the stain deeper into the carpet fibers. Use a mild, carpet safe cleaner to help remove the stain. 
• Use walk-off mats
  Use walk-off, or entry mats inside and out to keep dirt off the carpeting. Coarse-textured mats outside your doors remove soil and will help to minimize the amount of dirt that is tracked in. Water-absorbent mats inside prevent wet shoes on the carpeting. 
• Have your carpet professionally cleaned 1-2 times a year 
  A professional carpet cleaning will keep your business's carpets looking their best. If you would like to schedule a commercial carpet cleaning with SERVPRO of Haverhill/Newburyport, please call us at 978-374-8555. 

Dealing with Dangerous Weather: Tip 3

9/14/2020 (Permalink)

Dealing with Dangerous Weather

Tip 3: Have an Emergency Kit Ready

You have probably heard this one a thousand times, but how many of us actually have one packed and ready to go? How about one that is up-to-date? When putting together an emergency kit, the general recommendation is to prep enough supplies to last each member of your household 72 hours minimum. Non-perishable foods, such as soup and other canned items, and bottled water are often a smart (and relatively cheap) investment to keep on hand in case of an emergency. To find an extensive list of things to include in your emergency kit, along with other helpful advice, check out Ready.gov and remember to check back often, as they update their list regularly.

Help with Hoarding

9/11/2020 (Permalink)

In his first blog post, our resident hoarding expert, Rich Ciarletta, talks about the beginnings of a disorder that grips many of our elderly population.

LIFE IS MESSY –

I have been to many losses caused by water, fire and natural occurrences. Most of the time the loss occurred due to external circumstances beyond the clients’ control. Hoarding Disorder, on the other hand, is a mental health diagnosis that happens slowly over time and prevents the disposal of items. The severity can be mild or extreme. The client may be somewhat aware that there is a problem according to their definition of what a hoarder is, or in complete denial that a problem exists. My interaction with hoarding clients occurs after an event has uncovered the hoarding.  Their home is now either unsafe or unsanitary and some action is needed.  Each case is different and each has its own unique beginning.

The journey to untangle the causes and aftermath of this disorder, however, is just beginning.  A great resource has been written by Eileen Dacey LCSW, who has vast knowledge on this subject, and works at the North Shore Elder Services in Danvers, Mass.  Her book, Reclaim Your Life from Hoarding, is available on Amazon.com.

We work closely with organizations such North Shore Elder Services, providing the packing and cleaning necessary to make their homes livable, while trained health professionals provide the emotional guidance.  Understanding the emotions behind the disorder can help pave a smoother path to resolution. If you know someone that struggles in this area, getting support is key to a successful transition.

Is Your Business Prepared?

9/11/2020 (Permalink)

Are You Ready?

Preparation is a key component for making it through any size disaster; whether it’s a small water leak, a large fire, or an area flood. The best time for planning for such events is not when the damage occurs, but well before it happens.

No one ever plans on a disaster, but you can plan for it. Now is the time to ask yourself, “Am I ready for what could happen?”

The SERVPRO® Emergency READY Profile, or ERP, is a startup approach that provides the critical information needed to begin mitigation and recovery services. It is designed to serve as a quick reference guide of important building and contact information. By working with SERVPRO’s Emergency READY Profile, your business will receive the benefit of over 40 years of experience in reducing the impact of any natural or man-made disaster. Having an ERP also means our team can get to work faster, putting those precious moments back towards remedying your situation.

SERVPRO® is a leader in water and fire damage response and can help you quickly get your property back in working order.

Call us today for more details!

Hidden Water Damage

9/10/2020 (Permalink)

An example of a Moisture Meter in action.

Even Minor Water Damages Need Major Technology –

Small water damages can sometimes lead to big problems if it’s not handled properly at the onset. The key to avoiding costly restoration is to treat even the smallest of water problems as a real threat to your property. This means adequate technology & equipment should be a priority when mitigating any loss.

Some of these tools are not readily available, or easy to use. SERVPRO of Haverhill/Newburyport has the equipment, training and experience to find and dry hidden water before secondary damages occur.

Here are a few of the tools we use:

• Moisture Sensors are used to detect moisture in carpets and baseboards. 
• Moisture Meters (pictured) are used to determine the actual moisture content of various materials. These moisture testers provide accurate readings that allows our trained professionals to monitor the drying process.
• Thermohygrometers measure temperature and relative humidity. When armed with this information, our team can calculate and create an environment most conducive to drying your space.

Contaminated Water

9/10/2020 (Permalink)

Thermal Fogger in action.

Love that Dirty Water…only in the Song!

When facing a contaminated water loss, it’s important to understand that disinfecting is just as important as drying. There are different levels of contamination, with the highest being a Category Three (or Black Water). According to owner, Pat Lavigne, this level of contamination could be considered a Biohazard and requires a more intensive process.

If you have a contaminated water damage, it’s imperative to pull in a professional remediation company such as SERVPRO of Haverhill/Newburyport. In addition to professional training and hospital grade disinfectants, we can also use state-of-the-art technology that is not readily available to the general public.

Two of the tools we use are:

• Ultra-Low-Volume (ULV) Foggers will atomize liquid deodorizing agents, producing a fine mist that can easily penetrate the site where odor-causing residues may accumulate. This device can also be used to inject fungicides and disinfectants into wall cavities and other hard-to-reach places.
• Thermal Foggers (pictured) use heat to vaporize a fogging solution. The fog consists of tiny particles of deodorant solution that attach to and neutralize odor­ causing molecules. Thermal foggers can produce very tiny particles, which range from 0.5 micron to 50 microns, so it is able to permeate even the narrowest of crevices.

If you have a water damage you believe to be contaminated, call in the professionals. We are open 24/7, so if you ever find yourself in hot (or dirty) water, we’ll be there, ready to help make it “Like it never even happened.”

Estimator Tips

9/4/2020 (Permalink)

Example of personal items affected by water damage in a basement.

Storm season in New England is in full swing. Although these storms can move out as swiftly as they move in, we often experience such heavy rains that the ground simply cannot absorb it all quickly enough. When that happens, the water will find the downward path of least resistance, which can often be your basement.

We asked two of our Project Estimators, Brian Carifio and Ross Martin, about their best advice for homeowners after heavy rainstorms. Here is what they had to say:

1. What’s the first place you would advise a homeowner to check after a storm?

Brian Carifio: The Basement. Water will find its way there. Ideally, if they’ve been pre-emptive, they’ll have their contents up off of the floor on plastic shelving and/or in plastic containers. Keeping contents 2–4 inches off the floor will help to avoid most flooding concerns. If the water reaches above that, they have a whole other set of problems. Plus, content damage is not generally covered by insurance when due to flash flooding.

2. Okay, they’ve done that but they still have water in the basement. What should they do next?

Brian Carifio: Call SERVPRO. Not to sound self-serving but the longer the homeowner waits…or tries to resolve it themselves, the greater the probability of mold beginning to grow. Most DIY attempts at mitigating water damage fail simply because the necessary equipment is not available to consumers. You need strong extraction systems, high capacity dehumidifiers, and air movers (not to be confused with oscillating fans).

3. What’s the worst thing a homeowner can do when they find water in their basement?

Ross Martin: Put an oscillating fan on the standing water. First of all, you can run the risk of electrocution. Beyond that, fans only whisk the air off the top of the water’s surface and move it into the air. Doing that without proper dehumidification in place can lead to mold on other surfaces.

4. Can you explain that process more?

Ross Martin: Sure. When you have a flood, if left alone the water will eventually evaporate. But that doesn’t mean it disappears. It simply changes from a liquid to a gas and moves into the air. Moisture in the air is relative humidity. That humid (moisture heavy) air is then able to touch & attach to every single surface in that space and beyond. This is the “perfect storm” for mold growth.

Our process is to first extract the water with truck mounted vacuums, then use our air movers and dehumidifiers simultaneously. The movers circulate the air, keeping it from absorbing into surfaces while the dehumidifiers remove the moisture from the air.

5. Can’t homeowners do this themselves?

Ross Martin: Yes and no. There are several points to consider. First, consider the weight of water (not the movie!). A gallon of water weighs 8.34 lbs and most shop vacs hold 10 gallons. That means you’re carrying 83.4 pounds upstairs, multiple times.

Secondly, most people have fans in their home and will put several on the affected wet areas, thinking this will dry it out. It won’t. Fans are not strong enough and they don’t actually dry anything. They just move the moisture off the top surface, dispersing it throughout the air.

Lastly, most consumer-bought dehumidifiers are too small to effectively dry the air in an average sized basement. Most are purchased rated at 30 PPD (Pints Per Day). That’s how many pints of moisture it can handle per day. Our smallest is 70 PPD and goes up to over 133 PPD.  

There are some steps you can take before help arrives though.

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

The Anatomy of Smoke & Fire

9/4/2020 (Permalink)

Smoke and soot are incredibly invasive. They can and will invade all kinds of nooks and crannies within your home, potentially resulting in hidden damage and odor. Our smoke damage expertise and experience allows us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damage and help you develop a comprehensive plan of action.  

Smoke and soot facts:

• Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.
• Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.
• The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.

Different Types of Smoke

Closely Related but Very Different

There are two different types of smoke– wet and dry. Different types of smoke mean different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration can begin, our team will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage has occurred. The information collected during these pretests determine what cleaning procedures we will follow. Here is some additional information:

Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber

• Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.

Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood

• Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke rises.

Protein Fire Residue – Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire

• Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor. 

Getting Back to Normal

Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

SERVPRO of Haverhill/Newburyport specializes in fire and water damage restoration, which means we have specific training, personnel, and equipment to get your home back to normal quickly. As a locally owned and operated business, SERVPRO of Haverhill/Newburyport is close by and ready to help you out of your emergency. 

Make a Plan

9/2/2020 (Permalink)

It’s September which means it is once again National Preparedness Month. This week’s theme is Make a Plan. In the spirit of planning ahead, we have a few steps you can take to prepare in case you ever find yourself in a fire.

1. Make an exit plan: In the event of a fire, knowing your exit strategy ahead of time is vital. Different rooms in your home or office may require a different plan, so be sure to inform everyone of each different exit strategy.
2. Have a defined meeting place: Establishing a meeting place ahead of time eases anxieties of where to go and allows you to more easily account for everyone who was inside and make sure no one is missing.
3. Keep valuables somewhere safe: By keeping important files and other valuables in a central, safe location, they can be more easily gathered in a short amount of time. Another option to consider is a fire-proof lock box or safe to store valuables.

After a House Fire

9/2/2020 (Permalink)

Often, the hardest part for residents after a home fire is knowing where to begin and who to contact. These tips taken from FEMA provide information on what to do after experiencing a tragic home fire.

Your Next Steps After a Fire

Here are the steps to follow after a fire in your home:

• Contact your local disaster relief service, such as the American Red Cross. This will help you find a place to stay and to find food, clothing and medicine.
• If you have insurance, contact your insurance company. Ask what you should do to keep your home safe until it is repaired. Ask who you should talk to about cleaning up your home. If you are not insured, try contacting community groups for aid and assistance.
• Check with the fire department before entering your home to ensure it is safe. Be very careful when you go inside, floors and walls may not be as safe as they look.
• The fire department will tell you if your utilities (water, electricity, and gas) are safe to use. If they are deemed to be unsafe, firefighters will have them shut off before they leave. Do not try to turn them back on by yourself as this could be very dangerous.
• Contact your landlord or mortgage company to inform them of the fire.
• If you leave your home, call the local police department to let them know that the site will be vacant.
• Begin saving receipts for any purchases made in relation to the loss. These receipts may be needed later by the insurance company and are needed to prove any losses claimed on your income tax.
• Check with an accountant or the IRS regarding special benefits for people recovering from a fire loss.

Prepare for Hurricane Water Damage

9/2/2020 (Permalink)

The Saffir-Simpson Scale is used to measure the size and effects of hurricanes on the Atlantic. The qualifying factors are illustrated above.

It should be no surprise that the 2020 Hurricane season is breaking records. According to Wikipedia, the 2020 Atlantic hurricane season is the first on record to tally nine tropical storms formed before August and thirteen before September. So far, a total of 14 tropical depressions, 13 tropical storms, four hurricanes and one major hurricane have developed. The latest, Laura, has just made landfall in LA as a Category 4 hurricane. This means it brings maximum sustained winds of 150 mph or greater and catastrophic storm surges.

Noel Torrissi, our Construction Manager, suggests covering storm and ocean facing windows as the first order of business. “Taping is always an option if boarding isn’t possible. Any way to create a barrier that can hold or stop flying glass should be your first concern. Incomplete, new construction is less of a concern as the materials are always exposed to the elements. Focus on safety first. We can rebuild any structure, but we can’t replace you.”

Secondly, if you have a generator, make sure it works before the storm barrels in. That means starting it up and gassing it up. You could be without power for hours, or days, depending on the severity of the storm. As always, generator safety is a priority. This means keeping it outside, even in a hurricane.

Haverhill Firefighter Relief Golf Outing 2020

9/1/2020 (Permalink)

Thank you Wicked Cornhole for the fantastic job they did on these cornhole boards!

With all the chaos 2020 has brought about, a sliver of normalcy could be found at the Haverhill Firefighter Relief Association Golf Outing. While it did have to be modified a bit to follow the new safety standards, it went off without a hitch. It was a perfect day to be outside at the Bradford Country Club, with not a single cloud in sight.

SERVPRO was there showing our support, as we have many years prior. Several staff members even participated in the tournament, teaming up and teeing off for the cause. The entire marketing team helped to sell mulligans and raffle tickets for a beautiful cornhole board set crafted by Wicked Cornhole in Tewksbury.

A fun time was had by all, and it was a wonderful day raising money for a great cause. We can’t wait to do it again next year!

Get Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned

8/25/2020 (Permalink)

COVID-19 has changed what it means to be clean. Getting back to business relies on getting customers and employees back through your doors. That will only happen if they feel secure that you have provided a safe and healthy space. When the stakes are this high, you want a partner who has developed an industry leading, proprietary training program, cleaning solutions, and remediation processes over decades. From formulating and creating our proprietary cleaning products, like SERVPROXIDE, at our headquarters in Gallatin, TN, to professionally trained technicians, we will get you business-ready as the economy continues to reopen. 

To help quell anxieties of businesses and their customers amidst reopening, we have developed a new service called “Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned”, which consists of a dual defense cleaning protocol and optional testing. Once your business location has been Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, you will gain access to propriety signage, digital emblems, and other collateral that communicates your commitment to a higher standard of clean as well as to the safety of your customers and staff.

If you are interested in learning more about this or any of the other services we offer, give us a call!

Stay Safe While Grilling

8/11/2020 (Permalink)

This grill caught fire and left half of a house and the deck it was placed on utterly destroyed.

Grilling season is back in full swing and so are grill-related disasters. No matter your level of experience, it is important to remember that no one is immune from grill fires. There are, however, some steps you can take to help minimize your chances of ending up in a bad situation.

1. Keep your grill away from the house- This means keeping it off of the deck as well. The general rule is to keep the grill at least 10 feet from a standing structure.
2. Be careful of grass- Grass, especially if it’s dead, can pose a significant fire hazard. If ashes fly out of a grill and land on the grass, the grass could catch and cause serious damage.
3. Pay attention- Don’t leave your grill unattended for extended periods of time. Fires can start in the blink of an eye, so be sure to supervise anytime your grill is on.

Remember to use common sense when using a grill and if you are unsure of something, look it up. Stay safe and enjoy the rest of the summer!

Dealing with Dangerous Weather: Tip 2

8/7/2020 (Permalink)

Dealing with Dangerous Weather

Tip 2: Flood Water isn't Normal Water

If you are driving or walking down a road and encounter flooding, DO NOT try to cross it. When dealing with floods and flood water, it is important to remember not to take them at surface value. Many times, floods occur as a result of a natural body of water overflowing, and often times these bodies of water have a current. This current does not go away when there is a flood, it’s possible it may get stronger as a result of the excess water trying to escape. Flood waters are also often deceptively deep, especially if you’re looking at them from inside of a car. To learn more about the dangers floods present or to learn more about what to do in a flood, check out the National Weather Service’s website.

Dealing with Dangerous Weather: Tip 1

7/31/2020 (Permalink)

Dealing with Dangerous Weather

Tip 1: Drive for Your Safety

It may seem like a given but it’s important to remember none the less. Driving is a big responsibility and if you don’t feel safe behind the wheel, you could be putting yourself and other drivers at risk. According to a study done by the Federal Highway Administration, approximately 21% of auto accidents every year can be attributed to the weather. If you find yourself stuck in bad weather while driving, don’t feel like you have to speed just because everyone around you is doing it. Odds are, the people behind you will be understanding and if they don’t like it, let them pass. Just be careful, going too slow has its own risks as well. Try to avoid driving in stressful situations, including bad weather, if at all possible. However, if you must drive, remember to stay safe!

Dealing with Dangerous Weather: An Introduction

7/30/2020 (Permalink)

In New England, the weather changes at the drop of a hat. When the weather takes a serious turn, the last thing anyone wants is to feel unprepared. To help ease your worries we have put together a list of tips for dealing with dangerous weather. Each week for the next 4 weeks, we will be sharing a new tip that will hopefully leave you feeling a tad more at ease the next time bad weather strikes.

Be sure to head over to our Facebook page (@SERVPROofHaverhill) after you read each tip to share your thoughts with us. If you have any tips of your own, let us know! We love to talk with our friends in the community and hear what it is you have to say. 

Water Pressure Check

6/8/2020 (Permalink)

With summer right around the corner, it’s time again to turn on outdoor water sources. As you begin to break out the sprinklers and garden hoses, keep an eye out for lowered water pressure. A loss in water pressure may be nothing, but it also could indicate there may be a bigger issue lurking just below the surface. One way you can test for low water pressure is to turn the spigot on and press your fingers against it. The water should spray out through your fingers at a good, steady level. If the water doesn’t spray out, or seems to be flowing at an inconsistent rate, this may be a sign and further investigation should be done to check for leaks. If you do find yourself with water damage, SERVPRO of Haverhill/Newburyport is here to help. Call us at 978-374-8555 to schedule an estimate.

We are Cleaning Experts

3/30/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is Here to Help during this time of need

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

Specialized Training

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

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

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

Specialized Products

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

Call Today for a Proactive Cleaning

If your home or business needs deep cleaning services, call the experts today – SERVPRO of Haverhill/Newburyport, (978) 374-8555 

Commercial Cleaning and Restoration

3/27/2020 (Permalink)

You invest a lot of time energy and resources to maintain, protect and increase the value of your business. Your facility is a central component in achieving success. When you experience a fire, water or mold damage in your commercial facility, you need fast response and the expertise to handle the situation – to get back into operation as quickly as possible.

SERVPRO of Haverhill/Newburyport is committed to providing fire and water cleanup and restoration services to reduce business interruptions and recovery costs. Our technicians are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to help get your business back in business. We have the training and specialized equipment to restore your commercial property and make it “Like it never even happened.”

We specialize in:

• Fire, Smoke and Soot Cleanup and Restoration
• Water Removal and Dehumidification
• Mold Prevention and Remediation Services
• Biohazard and Sewage Backups Cleaning
• Carpet and Hard Floor Cleaning and Care
• Upholstery Cleaning

Give us a call at 978-374-8555 for a free estimate!

Spring Weather Tips

3/24/2020 (Permalink)

While spring brings the promise of warm weather and longer days, it also brings a variety of conditions that can include heavy rains and severe weather, which can increase your flood risk. Take action to protect yourself, your family, and your business—before a weather event occurs and it’s too late.

April marks the start of the rainy season. Spring storms can bring several inches of rain in only a matter of hours or there can be consistent rainfall for days. These heavy rains can lead to severe flooding by over-saturating the ground, overfilling storm drains, or rivers spilling over their banks.

As one of the most common hazards in the United States, it’s important we prepare for the potential disaster that flooding can cause. Even if you feel you live in a community with a low risk of flooding, remember that anywhere it rains, it can flood. Just because you haven’t experienced a flood in the past, doesn’t mean you won’t in the future.

In order help prepare you for the possibility of a flood, we offer you these tips:

• Build an emergency kit and make a family communications plan
• Avoid building in a floodplain unless you elevate and reinforce your home
• Elevate the furnace, water heater and electric panel in your home if you live in an area that has a high flood risk
• Install check-valves to prevent flood water from backing up into the drains of your home
• Seal basement walls and floor with waterproofing compounds to prevent seepage through cracks
• Always keep your gutters and downspouts clean to allow water to flow freely
• Prepare a flood evacuation plan
• Know how to safely shut-off utilities
• Keep insurance and vital records in a water-proof box
• Have a portable radio to listen for important current information

When your home sustains water damage from flooding, you should call SERVPRO of Haverhill/Newburyport immediately. 

SERVPRO of Haverhill/Newburyport has the equipment and experience necessary to handle the most challenging water damage and removal situations and we are available around-the-clock. Call us at (978) 374-8555, and we’ll return your home back to normal, "Like it never even happened."

SERVPRO Training Day

3/24/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Haverhill/Newburyport is committed to continually delivering high-value services to our customers and believes that all starts with an informed staff. At this full day training, all employees were trained on current commercial & residential cleaning & drying procedures, proper measuring standards and equipment training. 

After an amazing lunch catered by The American BBQ in Rowley, MA, employees were trained on proper driving techniques as well as equipment training.We also rolled out our GEM (Going The Extra Mile) program for our staff. You can see our full album of images on our Facebook Page.

We maintain a rigorous education standard to ensure our employees are bringing the very best knowledge into your home.

Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s Corporate Training Facility to regular IICRC industry certifications, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property. Our training program includes the following:

• IICRC Training
• Employee Certification Training
• Initial Franchise Training
• e-Learnings
• Continuing Education Classes

One & Only Richard Ciarletta

3/20/2020 (Permalink)

Sales Representative Richard Ciarletta

Richard Ciarletta began his career at SERVPRO 26 years ago. Starting as a Production Manager, he advanced to Estimator and is now enjoying his current role of Sales Representative. The practical experience he gained from years in the field has built a deep knowledge that makes him the resident expert on…well, everything SERVPRO.  He has seen and/or worked every type of residential and commercial loss and has grown with the company as it’s evolved. This kind of industry experience makes him a unique brand of sales rep. And his clients have come to trust that when he visits, he isn’t just “selling” a product or service but truly advising and informing on disaster management.

“Rich Ciarletta is a very personable and knowledgeable representative of SERVPRO. When we had water damage from a burst pipe in the building where my office is, the SERVPRO people were very professional and helpful during a trying situation and saved us from a mold problem. I would recommend their service highly.”
- Dr. Ellen Blomerth

After years of being in the field, Rich enjoys meeting new people. “You meet a lot of people in this type of job, and I truly enjoy that. We’re not always meeting on the best of circumstances–some are in a really bad spot when we first meet them. Seeing or hearing the relief on their faces or in their voices once we are there is very rewarding. Our customers are the same or better once our work is completed. It’s a good feeling.”

Outside of work, Rich is just as benevolent. You will find him at his church working on the collector team, teaching middle school Sunday School and singing in the choir. He enjoys playing with his grandkids and anticipating new additions to his ever-growing family.

Certifications & Awards:

IICRC Certified:

• Applied Structural Drying
• Fire & Smoke Restoration
• Water Restoration

2017 NSAR (North Shore Association of Realtors) Affiliate of the Year

Noel Employee Spotlight

3/11/2020 (Permalink)

Let's welcome our newest SERVPRO employee spotlight, Noel Torrissi! Before joining SERVPRO, he was self-employed for 30 years. His title now at SERVPRO is the construction manager and estimating and running the rebuild jobs. His nickname is Roman because he used to own a silver Mercedes like the guy in National Lampoon's Vacation. His proudest accomplishment is raising his two daughters Bailey and Alani. In his free time, you can find him tearing it up on the ice rink playing hockey or on the golf course working on his swing. When he enters the office in the morning he always has a smile on his face and is ready to take on the day. 

We're happy to have Noel join our team! 

What To Do In A Flood Emergency

3/11/2020 (Permalink)

With spring on its way, so is the rain, and house and/or business flooding is a real concern. Luckily, we can step in to help minimize the damage and get you back to normal living conditions, but there are some other important steps to take as well.

Stop The Flow

Your first priority is stopping the flow of water. If the flooding is due to storm surges, you should be seeking safe ground. Your possessions are replaceable. You aren't!

If you have time however, turn off electricity at the fuse box. If you can’t reach the box without wading into water, call an electrician and stay out of the wet areas. Most people don't think of this step during a flood but doing so can save a lot of extra repair once you're back in the house.

Snap It, Document It

Before removing any water, document the damage for your insurance company. Capture the extent of the water damage and all possessions impacted by the flood. Digital photos are best because you can quickly upload them directly to your agent for assessment.

Contact your insurance company as soon as possible and follow their directions. Not all flooding is covered by a basic homeowners policy, so work with your agent to discover the cause and identify coverage you can qualify for. Do not remove any water before talking to them so you don’t accidentally do anything that will decrease the amount of coverage you’ll be able to claim. If the insurance company wants you to wait for an adjuster before making repairs, do so — but make sure you give them a clear picture of the damage and repairs that are immediately needed.

Protect Yourself

You won’t know immediately if the water is contaminated, so take precautions to safeguard your health. Wear protective gear like waders or rubber boots and rubber gloves before delving into the water and removing water-logged possessions. If possible, remove children from the home until the damage is assessed and contained.

We're Here To Help

We are truly "faster to any disaster." When your home or business has water damage, we have the expertise and equipment to properly restore your property. The water removal and water cleanup process is completed by our highly-trained technicians who will document the drying process. This validates that your property has been dried properly and thoroughly.

Please follow the tips outlined in our Water Damage Tips—Until Help Arrives Guide to protect yourself and your property.

Meet Donna Sutherby

3/2/2020 (Permalink)

Meet Donna Sutherby. 

#wonderwoman #SERVPROguru

Donna Sutherby, a veteran of the US Army, has been with SERVPRO for 22 years and counting. As the Office Administrator, she will often be the person who answers your questions when you call. During her tenure, she has juggled most front office functions while fielding calls and handling billings. She is certified through the IICRC in Water Damage Restoration which means she can provide knowledgeable answers, valuable insight and guidance through what can sometimes be a confusing and stressful process for homeowners and business owners after suffering a damage loss. Her depth of knowledge, caring personality and willingness to help make her a vital member of our SERVPRO family.

When asked what inspires her to come to work every day, Donna replied that the office atmosphere, comradery of her co-workers, and family values of the business are at the heart of it. “We are a caring group of people and want to help. That makes me feel good at the end of the day!”

When Donna isn’t working, you will often find her with her family of 4 children & 6 grandchildren.

Examples of Storm Damage

2/25/2020 (Permalink)

Storm Damage can create a variety of problems for homeowners. SERVPRO of Haverhill/Newburyport can help restore your home from storm damage. Some examples of storm damage are:

FROZEN PIPES

A frozen pipe can burst at the point where the ice blockage inside the pipe is located, but typically the rupture is caused by the backflow pressure between the water source and the blockage. A burst pipe can cause considerable damage to your property if not addressed quickly.

ICE DAMS

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

PUFFBACKS

A puffback is a messy furnace malfunction that occurs when an oil burner backfires, sending soot throughout your home or business. It can happen all at once, covering an interior in grimy soot, or a puffback can leak soot particles more gradually.

If you experience storm damage this winter, call SERVPRO of Haverhill/Newburyport at 978-374-8555. We’re here to help.

Be Prepared 24/7

2/13/2020 (Permalink)

In the event of an emergency, the Emergency READY Profile^® or ERP can help minimize business interruption by having an immediate plan of action in place for your facility. Working with SERVPRO® of Haverhill/Newburyport on an ERP will provide you with a comprehensive document containing critical information about your business, including emergency contact information, shut-off valve locations and priority areas.

The ERP also establishes your local SERVPRO^® Franchise Professional as your disaster mitigation and restoration provider, giving you access to over 40 years of experience and a System over 1,600 Franchises strong. The ERP is a no-cost assessment; all it requires is a little time, making it a great value that could save you time and money in the future.

Preparation is the key to making it through any size disaster, whether it is a small water leak, a large fire or an area flood. Having a plan in place may help minimize the amount of time your business is inactive and get you back in the building following a disaster.

Don't wait until disaster strikes. Be ahead of whatever Mother Nature throws your way. Call SERVPRO^® of Haverhill/Newburyport at 978-374-8555 or visit or website to establish your Emergency READY Profile^®, and be "Ready for whatever happens."

Water Damage Prevention Tips

2/13/2020 (Permalink)

Your home's foundation is the glue that holds your house together. Water damage is the number 1 culprit in weakening the foundation of your home. If water damage goes untreated, it can weaken the structure of your house, causing you a lot of money in the long run. Follow these prevention tips below to protect your home from water damage. 

#1 - Endure Good Drainage

• Clean your gutters.
• Direct downspouts 5-10' away from the house.
• Slope your yard away from the foundation.

#2 -Test Your Sump Pump 

• Check your sump pump once a year.
• Test more frequently during the rainy season.

#3 - Fix Water Leaks

• Repair any noticeable dripping pipes.
• Repair any cracked caulking.
• Inspect the roof for missing, loose or damaged shingles. 

If you or anybody you know has water damage that needs assistance, don't hesitate to call SERVPRO of Haverhill/Newburyport. We are available, 24/7! 

Space Heater Safety Tips

2/13/2020 (Permalink)

During the cold New England winters, many homeowners use space heaters to help heat their homes. But space heaters can also cause deadly fires if left unattended or used improperly. To help keep your family safe, follow the mass.gov safety tips listed below.

Using space heaters safely

• Keep space heaters 3 feet away from drapes, furniture or other things that can burn.
• Put heaters on a level surface away from places where someone might bump into it and knock it over.
• Avoid using extension cords. If you must use an extension cord, use a heavy duty one marked with a power rating at least as high as that of the heater itself.
• Never leave a space heater unattended.
• Never leave a space heater on while you sleep.
• Supervise children and pets near space heaters.
• Buy heaters that are tested and labeled by a nationally recognized testing company, such as Underwriter’s Laboratories Inc.(UL).
• Keep electric heaters away from water. Never use them near a sink or in the bathroom.
• Never use an unvented kerosene heater. It is illegal to sell or use them in Massachusetts.

Employee Spotlight - Linda Rousseau

2/6/2020 (Permalink)

Let’s welcome our newest SERVPRO employee, Linda Rousseau! Before Linda joined SERVPRO, she was an office manager at GLX constriction in Somerville Mass. She is continuing her office manager role here at SERVPRO. Her daily duties are to monitor ongoing projects to ensure timeline accuracy relative to execution, follow-up, and billing, work closely with the office team to better understand processes, policies, and procedures, and to educate herself on franchise operating systems and applications.

Her proudest accomplishments in life are a tie between successfully completing 6 years in the USN with an honorable discharge and raising her son Joseph. In her free time, you can find her kayaking, being on or near water or walking her dog Domino. She also loves completing projects around her home and she especially loves gardening.

Checking For Mold

2/3/2020 (Permalink)

We all know Spring is when the real estate market "blossoms" with new listings, all new and sparkling after a long winter. Maybe you've spent time cleaning, painting and otherwise preparing your house for sale. What you may have overlooked though, is the presence of mold and/or moisture stains that can suggest mold is present. This would be a red flag to any buyer and could stop a sale in its tracks, if not handled properly.

Understanding Mold
Mold spores occur naturally almost everywhere, both indoors and outdoors. These microscopic spores float along in the air and can enter a home or business through windows and HVAC systems.

Consider these facts:

-Mold is present almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors.

-Mold spores thrive on moisture.                       

-Mold spores can quickly grow into colonies when exposed to water. These colonies may produce allergens and irritants.

Before mold remediation can begin, any sources of water or moisture must be addressed. Otherwise, the mold may return. Mold often produces a strong, musty odor and can lead you to possible mold problem areas. Even higher-than-normal indoor humidity can support mold growth. Keep indoor humidity below 45 percent.

Our highly trained Project Managers use state-of-the-art technology to take moisture readings that can indicate the likelihood of mold.

Armed with that knowledge, you can then make an informed decision on the next steps for the sale of your home.

If you think you have mold, or have any other mold-related questions, don't hesitate to call us. 978-374-8555.

Winter Flooding Can Occur

1/29/2020 (Permalink)

Even though we haven't had much snow doesn't mean flooding won't occur. 

Floods rank as one of the most common and widespread natural disasters in the United States. No matter where you live, there is a potential for suffering from flood damage.

Just because you haven't experienced a flood in the past, doesn’t mean you won't in the future. In fact, 20% of all claims paid by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) were for policies in low-risk communities. On average, floods cost $3 billion in annual losses in the United States. Commercial flood claims average more than $75,000.

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

• Stay away from floodwaters. If you come upon a flowing stream where water is above your ankles, stop, turn around and go another Six inches of swiftly moving water can sweep 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 quickly and 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. Keep your pets out of the water too.

If you do suffer water damage due to a flood or melting snow in your home or business, contact SERVPRO® of Haverhill/Newburyport. 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® System is prepared to handle any size disaster. The sooner work begins, the sooner order can be restored.

Every Second Counts

1/27/2020 (Permalink)

Most people think of escape plans and prevention when they think about fire safety but there is a much neglected and overlooked resource to consider.

The Forgotten Red-Head! 

Prevention and a plan are obviously high priority, but when is the last time you thought about that fire hydrant up the street from your home or business? Keeping it clear of snow can save valuable time when time is of the essence.

If you have thought of it, but your thoughts go something like "It's not my responsibility to clear it of snow" you should reconsider.

Saving Valuable Seconds

Depending on the city or town you live in, keeping the hydrant clear of snow and debris could quite possibly be your responsibility. Check with your local fire department or town hall to find out the laws in your area.  

Beyond that, keeping it clear only benefits you. If you are the victim of a fire, what do you want the firemen spending their time on? Clearing the hydrant or fighting the fire? Be smart. Be a good neighbor. Do what's Right.

After A Fire

If you are the unfortunate victim of a fire, we're here to help. After the fire trucks leave, your home likely suffers from fire and smoke damage and extensive water damage from firefighting efforts. SERVPRO of Haverhill/Newburyport has the specialized fire restoration training needed to restore your home to pre-fire conditions.

Have Questions About Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage? Call Today – (978) 374-8555

Employee Spotlight - Nury Cardoza

1/24/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO employee Nury Cardoza posing for a picture.

You might have seen Nury in your home or business doing remediation for the last 27 years, but not anymore! Instead of knocking down walls and cleaning flooded basements, she will be making the rounds as a marketing rep in the Haverhill/Newburyport territory.
When she started at SERVPRO 27 years ago, she was just a helper and worked her way up to the crew chief. Even though most of the time, it's a complicated and sometimes messy job, she says the best part of her career is helping people during a difficult time. Her favorite part about her new position is meeting new faces and building relationships. She is excited about this new role and looks forward to getting out on the road every day. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, outdoor activities, working out, music, and family. Welcome aboard, Nury!

Secondary Water Damage

1/24/2020 (Permalink)

Coming home from a vacation and you realize the basement has 3 inches of standing water. What do you do? First, you need to assess the situation. If a pipe bursts, shut off the water and call your local SERVPRO. If a sump pump failed, call your plumber as soon as possible. A quick response is the key to mitigating, or minimizing, the loss in water damage.

If the cleanup process does not begin immediately and the water begins to evaporate on its own you can begin to suffer the effects of secondary damage, also known as moisture damage. The air will absorb the water and become fully saturated. As the evaporation continues the water can get into things like drywall and ceiling tiles. Here are some tips you can follow that might minimize the amount of damage your house will suffer after a water loss.

• Remove water from flat surfaces by mopping
• Open doors and drawers on furniture for ventilation and drying
• Remove electronics and artwork to a dry area
• Elevate all furniture
• Call SERVPRO of Haverhill/Newburyport for assistants. 978-374-8555

Key to Avoiding Future Mold Problems

1/24/2020 (Permalink)

After you have suffered through the disaster water damage can leave behind, you may sigh a breath of relief and think the worst is over. Unfortunately, if not mitigated correctly, the worst may be yet to come.

When it comes to water damage, the key to avoiding future mold problems is time. The quicker you can get to the source, fix the problem, and begin the drying (or demolition) the better.

Brian Carifio, a Project Estimator here at SERVPRO of Haverhill/Newburyport, recommends waiting no longer than 3 days to address the mold risk. 

He also recommends the following steps

Dry out the affected area. Once the water has been extracted, use fans and a dehumidifier to help dry out the area. If possible, open windows to allow for air circulation and faster drying. You want to dry the area out as soon as possible. If you have a finished basement and the drywall was affected, you’ll probably have to cut away the areas that were touched by water as the drywall will crumble and the paper backing is a good source of food for mold. If you have baseboard trim, take it up first, and if it’s made from press board it will likely not be salvageable. If it was wood, you might be able to save it.

Disinfect. This is a crucial step that is often overlooked. After the area has dried out, including wood beams, insulation, drywall, etc., use a good disinfectant to get rid of any bacteria that might have come up through sewers, toilets, etc. Disinfect all areas affected by the floodwaters including walls and wood and non-upholstered furniture that sat in floodwater.

SERVPRO of Haverhill/Newburyport uses proprietary, OSHA-approved cleaning agents that may be needed to clean and remove odors and/or contaminants on your property.

• Deodorization products control odors from excessive moisture.
• Disinfection products stop the growth of bacteria, fungi, mildew, and other harmful microorganisms.

Dispose of damaged items responsibly: you’ll be tempted to throw everything into a dumpster and send it all away and out of sight. But if you can organize damaged goods into piles and take what you can to recycling centers, you will help alleviate the pressure on your local landfill site. Go to your city or town’s waste management website to find out where to recycle old paints, stains, adhesives and other toxic liquids, any damaged electronics from cell phones to TVs and computers, furniture, and even drywall. 

Mold Prevention

1/21/2020 (Permalink)

Mold in your Home

Mold is a natural part of our environment. It helps our ecosystem function by breaking down organic matter. 

Mold grows best in warm, damp, and humid conditions. Mold can grow in 24-48 hours in the right conditions. There is no way to eliminate mold spores from the air, but there are precautions that can be taken to avoid the growth of indoor mold. Bathrooms are the perfect breeding ground for mold. When the weather permits, keep a window open in the bathroom when using the shower to reduce moisture. Hang towels to dry, and wipe down your tub, shower, and walls after showering. Eliminating moisture is your best defense against mold growth. If your bathroom has an exhaust fan, use it during baths and showers. 

Keep an eye on humidity levels in your home and be sure to check various places in your home for moisture. Mold often grows on foundation walls and surfaces in the basement. It can also grow on carpets, floors, walls, and furniture. Clean up spills immediately and inspect your home for leaks. Be sure to empty drip trays from your appliances such as refrigerators, air conditioners, and dehumidifiers. 

We hope these tips can help keep mold from growing in your home, but if you find yourself with a mold problem, SERVPRO of Haverhill/Newburyport is always here to help. We can remediate the mold and bring your home back to healthy living conditions. Give us a call if we can be of assistance. 978-374-8555

Cooking Safety Tips

1/17/2020 (Permalink)

Cooking Fire Preparedness

Cooking fires are the number one cause of home fires and home fire injuries. Home fires are more likely to start in the kitchen than any other room in your house. Here are some facts and tips from mass.gov to help prevent kitchen fires.

Cooking fires are the #1 cause of home fires and home fire injuries according to MFIRS statistics.

Cooking Safety Tips                      

• Put a lid on a grease fire to smother it, then turn off the heat. Baking soda will also work.
• Never move a burning pan. You can be badly burned or spread the fire.
• Never throw water or use a fire extinguisher on a grease fire. Water will only spread the fire and the force of the extinguisher can splash flaming grease out of the pan.
• Stand by your pan. Don’t leave food, grease or oils cooking on the stovetop unattended.
• Wear short or tight fitting sleeves when cooking. Loose fitting clothing can easily catch fire.
• If your clothing catches fire, STOP, DROP & ROLL to put out the flames. Put burns in cool running water. Call 9-1-1 for help.
• Keep pot handles turned inward to prevent accidental spills of hot contents.
• Keep combustible objects such as pot holders, towels, paper or plastic bags away from heating elements.
• For fires inside an oven or microwave, keep the door closed, turn off the appliance, and call the fire department.
• Don’t place any metal inside a microwave. Utensils, aluminum foil or twist-tie wraps can arc and cause a fire.
• Microwaved foods and liquids can become very hot. Use caution to avoid scalds.
• Unplug appliances, such as toasters and coffee makers, when not in use.
• Don’t use the oven to store items.

Following these tips will help you to prevent kitchen fires. However, should your home experience an unexpected disaster, contact us at SERVPRO of Haverhill/Newburyport at 978-374-8555. We’re here to help restore your property, "Like it never even happened."

Avoid Burst Pipes & Ice Dams

1/17/2020 (Permalink)

Two of the biggest problems our customers encounter are frozen pipes and ice dams. A frozen pipe can burst causing considerable damage to your property if not addressed.  Ice dams cause a back-flow under the roof’s shingles and can affect your structure’s interior areas.  Below are some tips on how to prevent this damage and prepare your home for the winter weather.

Quick Easy Steps to Avoid Burst Pipes & Ice Dams:

• Keep cabinet doors open during cold spells
• Keep a slow trickle of water flowing through faucets
• Consider shutting off outdoor faucets
• Ensure gutters are clean and secure
• Inspect property for proper drainage to alleviate flood hazard potential

SERVPRO® of Haverhill/Newburyport is your local fire and water damage restoration company. Servicing the North Shore and Merrimack Valley for over 30 years, SERVPRO® understands the stress and worry that comes with a fire or water damage and the disruption it can cause your life, home or business.  Our goal is to help minimize the interruption to your life and quickly make it “Like it never even happened.” ®

A Bathroom Fan - Helpful or Not?

1/2/2020 (Permalink)

A properly installed vent fan is an essential weapon against bathroom mold.

We all know mold likes moisture. That’s why bathrooms are so vulnerable to mold. Water that gets onto the bathroom floor is an obvious concern. Of even greater concern is moisture in the air –moisture that can permeate wall and ceiling materials because of poor bathroom ventilation.

When the bathroom fills with a fog of moist air while taking a hot shower, thousands of moisture droplets can condense on cool wall, ceiling and window surfaces in the bathroom and also in adjacent rooms. Some of this moist air can even penetrate into unseen building cavities through cracks and gaps around electrical outlets and molding. Because damp organic material (wood, paper-faced wallboard, paint resins, paper-faced fiberglass insulation) makes ideal mold food, we have the makings of a mold invasion.

Vent fan to the rescue–or not?

The bathroom vent fan is a major weapon against bathroom mold. The fan’s job is to move moist air outside the house before it can condense and permeate into mold-prone materials. 

However, some builders mistakenly allow the fan to blow moist air into the attic, a practice that simply moves the mold problem to another part of the house. During cold weather, warm, moist air blown into a cooler attic will deposit its moisture on attic rafters and roof sheathing. Telltale black mold stains typically result from this ventilation error. Eventually, this mold can develop into wood rot.

When you find mold

Mold spreads quickly, so a minor mold infestation can quickly escalate into a major problem. SERVPRO of Haverhill/Newburyport is dedicated to responding immediately when you contact us. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces cost.

We specialize in water and mold damage restoration, the cornerstone of our business. We have the training and expertise to safely handle any mold situation.

• Applied Microbial Remediation Specialist
• Water Damage Restoration Technician
• Applied Structural Drying Technician

Our advanced equipment helps to detect and stop the source of water feeding the mold. We then isolate the affected area using a negative air pressure chamber.

Call Us! We Can help! 978-374-8555

Winter Storm Survival Kit

1/2/2020 (Permalink)

Most of the time, winter's in New England feel like a full frontal assault and this year will probably be no exception. There are a plethora of resources on preparing for a storm and most of us can recite the bullet list by heart. However, how often do you think of preparing your car? Probably not often.

The National Weather Service offers a great deal of information on their website, including steps on building an emergency supply kit. According to their website, each year, on average, more than 6,000 people are killed and more than 480,000 are injured due to weather-related vehicle crashes. Before you leave the house, make sure all fluid levels are full and ensure that the lights, heater, and windshield wipers are in proper condition. Keep your gas tank near full to avoid ice in the tank and fuel lines. 

Carry a Winter Storm Survival Kit that includes the following:

• Mobile phone, charger, batteries
• Blankets/sleeping bags
• Flashlight with extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Knife
• High-calorie, non-perishable food
• Extra clothing to keep dry
• Small can and waterproof matches to melt snow for drinking water
• Sack of sand or cat litter for traction
• Shovel
• Windshield scraper and brush
• Tool kit
• Tow rope
• Battery booster cables
• Compass and road maps.

Mold In Your Home?

11/26/2019 (Permalink)

Mold is one of those words that can strike fear and send you fleeing to pack your bags. Before you send the "We're Moving" postcards, learn the ABC's of mold in your home.

Mold In Your Home

Mold is airborne and can enter your home through open doorways, windows, vents, and heating and air conditioning systems. Mold in the air outside can also attach itself to clothing, shoes, bags, and pets can and be carried indoors.

It will grow in places with a lot of moisture, such as around leaks in roofs, windows, or pipes, or where there has been flooding. Mold grows well on paper products, cardboard, ceiling tiles, and wood products. Mold can also grow in dust, paints, wallpaper, insulation, drywall, carpet, fabric, and upholstery.

What Can You Do?

Inside your home you can control mold growth by:

• Controlling humidity levels;
• Promptly fixing leaky roofs, windows, and pipes;
• Thoroughly cleaning and drying after flooding;
• Ventilating shower, laundry, and cooking areas.

If mold is growing in your home, you need to clean up the mold and fix the moisture problem. 

SERVPRO of Haverhill/Newburyport specializes in water and mold damage restoration, the cornerstone of our business. We have the training and expertise to safely handle any mold situation.

• Applied Microbial Remediation Specialist
• Water Damage Restoration Technician
• Applied Structural Drying Technician

To learn more, click here or call 978-374-8555.

Meet Raeann Keeley Pellerin

11/14/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO employee Raeann Keeley Pellerin.

Raeann is the newest employee at SERVPRO Haverhill/Newburyport but she has been with the SERVPRO franchise for 5 and half years. Her position as admin is crucial for making the business run smoothly.  She is certified through the IICRC in Water Damage Restoration which means she can provide knowledgeable answers, valuable insight and guidance through what can sometimes be a confusing and stressful process for homeowners and business owners after suffering a damage loss.

If you were to describe Raeann in 3 words it would be hard-working, friendly and energetic. She always come into work with a smile and positive attitude. What keeps her coming to work every morning is knowing what she is doing is helping the company grow.

On her free time, she likes to spend time with family, friends and has a passion for photography. If she’s not with family and friends, she’s working on her 1905 farmhouse.

Freezing Temperatures Are Coming

11/14/2019 (Permalink)

Can you feel that chill in the air? Now is the time to get your house ready for the cold. 

Trust us. You don't want to discover your furnace is dead on arrival of the first frost. And dealing with those cold air drafts now is a lot more pleasant than waiting until the inside of your house feels like a freezer.

To help, Home Advisor has created the ultimate guide to getting your home ready for winter. Here's a list of what to do and who to hire now, so you're not left shivering through the season.

Outdoors

Gutter Check: Ideally, you'll have your gutters and downspouts cleaned in mid-fall so that you only need to double check them before winter. If you do encounter clogs or leaking in difficult to reach places, now is a good time to call in the professionals.

Water Works: Your sprinkler system should have been winterized in the fall. If you missed this step, get a professional in as soon as possible, so you can avoid frozen pipes or cracks that can ruin the entire system. You should also make sure to disconnect all outside hoses from their spouts and turn off the water.

Seal The Deck: If you have a deck, give it a fresh coat of sealer before the cold hits to protect it from the harsh winter elements.

Roof Inspection: Have a contractor look for damaged roof shingles. A professional can also assess the integrity of your roof by doing something called an infrared roof inspection. This process uses infrared rays to locate the parts of a roof that are at higher or lower temperatures than the rest of it. These "hot spots" can show the roof inspector exactly where heat is escaping.

Weatherproof Windows: If heat is escaping through your windows and the space around them, keeping the rest of your house warm is going to be more difficult and more expensive. You might find installing energy-efficient, double-paned windows will make a noticeable difference in your energy costs and how comfortable your living areas feel. You may not need to install new windows if heat is escaping, though. In some cases, all you need is some caulk or weather stripping to weatherproof the existing windows.

Indoors

HVAC Tuning: Now is the time to replace the filter in your furnace and close any vents in your home that may have been opened for the warm weather. Go ahead and test that your heating system is working properly, too — it's better to find out now if something needs to be fixed before the real cold weather hits.

Chimney Cleaning: Chimneys and wood stoves should be cleaned early in the season. If you own a fireplace, this is not optional — it's a matter of safety. When you have your chimney cleaned, have the furnace flue cleaned at the same time. Make sure to test the flue for a tight seal when closed.

Outlet Inspection: Check electrical outlets and switch plates to see if you feel a draft. Add insulation to prevent warm air from escaping these spaces.

Stock Up: Make sure you have shovels on hand before the first big snow hits. Plus, it's a good idea to get prepared with a supply of extra water, canned food, flashlights and replacement batteries.

If you are in need of assistance this winter give SERVPRO Haverhill/Newburyport a call at 978-374-8555.

Article brought to you by: HomeAdvisor.com

Tarping After A Storm

10/28/2019 (Permalink)

We have seen our fair share of Nor'easter's this season causing structural damage from high winds and rain. Tarping is a good way to protect your home from water damage. 

The most recent storm brought hurricane-force winds that downed power lines, lifted shingles like playing cards, ripped gutters off of buildings and sent them blowing down the street like left-over drinking straws.

With more rain still on the way, the main concern is getting the damaged roofs protected. 

If you have missing shingles, your roof is vulnerable to moisture seeping in. Whether it's a downpour of rain or snow that sits on your roof, both will find their way into your house causing additional problems, such as water damage and mold. 

"Tarping your roof is the best advice, says Ross Martin, an Estimator at SERVPRO and our resident roof expert. If you can hire a professional contractor, like the team we work with, that's always best. They use professional-grade materials that will hold up to the worst Mother Nature throws at us." 

If not, be sure to have a plan before you venture onto the roof. There are good DIY videos to watch before that provide a sound set of instructions. 

Give us a call at 978-374-8555 to learn more about how we can help.  

Smoke and Fire Facts

9/30/2019 (Permalink)

Smoke and soot are invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your home, causing hidden damage and odor. Our smoke damage expertise and experience allows us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damage to develop a comprehensive plan of action.  

Smoke and soot facts:

• Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.
• Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.
• The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.

Different Types of Smoke

Closely Related But Very Different

There are two different types of smoke–wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, we will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. The cleaning procedures will then be based on the information identified during pretesting. Here is some additional information:

Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber

• Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.

Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood

• Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke rises.

Protein Fire Residue – Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire

• Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor. 

Getting Back to Normal

Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

SERVPRO of Haverhill/Newburyport specializes in fire and water damage restoration. We have the specific damage restoration training, personnel, and equipment and can quickly restore your home to pre-fire condition. Moreover, We live and work in this community too; we might even be neighbors. As a locally owned and operated business, SERVPRO of Haverhill/Newburyport is close by and ready to respond to your smoke or fire damage emergency. 

A Look Inside The Warehouse

9/30/2019 (Permalink)

Warehouse

Ever wonder what the workplace or home of the cleaning service you've hired looks like? Are they really closet slobs and just fake it at work? Or is their whole life dedicated to making the world tidy and clean? 

This image shows the steam cleaning area of our 1500 sq. foot warehouse. Dan, our warehouse manager, takes a lot of pride in keeping the warehouse orderly…and if you want to test his commitment just leave something out of place! 

We use this space to steam clean any rugs or upholstery items we receive in-house. We keep the area clean and sanitary so your property doesn't come in contact with any contaminates. Plus, having the area organized means we can easily keep track of all items. 

Our professional cleaning can address moderate and heavy soil conditions in your carpets. How often you’ll need professional cleaning depends on soil build-up, traffic, type and color of carpeting. A good rule of thumb would be to professionally clean your carpet every 12 months. The best advice is to clean carpets before they become totally saturated with soil. If you wait until carpets look really dirty, the carpets may never be restored to their former appearance. Dirt builds up in layers, and when a carpet looks dirty you are only seeing the dirt at the tips of the fibers. More dirt is hiding below the surface down near the base of the pile, causing damage to the carpet. When a carpet is saturated with dirt, the soil has penetrated crevices and has become firmly lodged.

We will get the job done right. For a cleaning backed by state-of-the-art equipment, over 40 years of experience and Professionals trained to the highest standards, call us today.

Emergency Ready Profile

9/20/2019 (Permalink)

As many as 50% of businesses close down following a disaster, according to the latest research. Of the businesses that survive, the overwhelming majority of them had a preparedness plan in place. And knowing you are “Ready for whatever happens” speaks trust to your clients and employees that in the event your business is affected by a disaster, they don’t necessary have to be.

By developing a SERVPRO Emercency Ready Profile for your business, you minimize business interruption by having an immediate plan of action. Knowing what to do and what to expect in advance is the key to timely mitigation and can help minimize how water and fire damage can affect your business.

The SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile Advantage:

• A no cost assessment of your facility.

This means there is no need to allocate funds, giving you a great value at no cost.

• A concise Profile Document that contains only the critical information needed in the event of an emergency.

• Provides facility details such as shut-off valve locations, priority areas and priority contact information.

Having a quick reference of what to do, how to do it and who to call provides solutions in advance of an emergency so that during the emergency, you are “Ready for whatever happens.”

If you would like more information or to have an Emergency READY Profile created for your commercial business, call SERVPRO of Haverhill/Newburyport at 978-374-8555. We’re here to help.

Halloween Safety Tips

9/20/2019 (Permalink)

HALLOWEEN SAFETY TIPS

Walk Safely

1. Cross the street at corners, using traffic signals and crosswalks.
2. Look left, right and left again when crossing and keep looking as you cross. 
3. Put electronic devices down and keep heads up and walk, don’t run, across the street.
4. Teach children to make eye contact with drivers before crossing in front of them.
5. Always walk on sidewalks or paths. If there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic as far to
   the left as possible.  Children should walk on direct routes with the fewest street crossings.
6. Watch for cars that are turning or backing up. Teach children to never dart out into the street or cross between parked cars.

Trick or Treat With an Adult

1. Children under the age of 12 should not be alone at night without adult supervision. If kids are mature enough to be out without supervision, they should stick to familiar areas that are well lit and trick-or-treat in groups.

Keep Costumes Both Creative and Safe

1. Decorate costumes and bags with reflective tape or stickers and, if possible, choose light colors.
2. Choose face paint and makeup whenever possible instead of masks, which can obstruct a child’s vision.
3. Have kids carry glow sticks or flashlights to help them see and be seen by drivers. 
4. When selecting a costume, make sure it is the right size to prevent trips and falls. 

Drive Extra Safely on Halloween

1. Slow down and be especially alert in residential neighborhoods. Children are excited on Halloween and may move in unpredictable ways.
2. Take extra time to look for kids at intersections, on medians and on curbs.
3. Enter and exit driveways and alleys slowly and carefully.
4. Eliminate any distractions inside your car so you can concentrate on the road and your surroundings.
5. Drive slowly, anticipate heavy pedestrian traffic and turn your headlights on earlier in the day to spot children from greater distances.
6. Popular trick-or-treating hours are 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. so be especially alert for kids during those hours.

Clothes Dryer Fire Safety Outreach Material

9/3/2019 (Permalink)

Growing up comes with responsibility, doing your own laundry is one of them. Did your parents ever tell you to clean the lint filter before every use? Well if they did, here is why. 2,900 home clothes dryer fires are reported each year and in some cases are fatal. Failure to clean the dryer is the leading cause of dryer fires and they mostly occur in the fall and winter months. Here are some do’s and don’ts when it comes to clothes dryers.

Do’s

• Have your clothes dryer installed by a professional.
• Clean the lint out of the vent pipe every three months.
• Put a cover on the outside wall dampers to keep out snow, dirt, and rain.
• Make sure the outdoor vent covering opens when the dryer is on.
• Keep the area around the dryer free of items that can burn.

Don’ts

• Do not use a clothes dryer without a lint filter.
• Do not put too many clothes in the dryer at once.
• Do not dry anything containing foam, rubber or plastic.
• Do not dry items that have come into contact with anything flammable.
• Do not leave a clothes dryer running if you leave the house.

5 Most Common Causes Of A House Fire

8/13/2019 (Permalink)

To the hot summer days, to the cold frigged winters, house fires can be started quickly and spread fast. A house can easily catch fire from the misuse of heating equipment, appliances and even smoking in your bedroom. In fact, house fires are the leading cause of all fire deaths in the United States.

Here are 5 of the most common causes of a house fire and some prevention tips.

1. Cooking equipment. Pots, pans and burning food can easily overheat and catch fire if the person is not paying attention. Stay in the room, or ask someone to watch your food while you are away from the kitchen.
2. Heating. Portable heaters are used a lot during the winter months. Keep portable heaters at least 1 meter away from furniture, laundry, curtains, clothes and anything else that may be a hazard. If you have a furnace, make sure it is inspected once a year.
3. Smoking in bedrooms. Fires started in the bedroom makeup 73% of all house fire fatalities! Bedrooms should be kept off-limits from smoking. Cigarette flames may stay alit for several hours before dying out. It could easily catch fire if it came in contact with flammable materials.
4. Electrical Equipment. Electrical appliances like toasters, microwaves, and skillets should always be double-checked before using. Overloaded adapter plugs can also cause a fire from overuse of electricity. Don’t plug too much in at once.
5. Candles. Who doesn’t love a good smelling candle? If left unattended it could cause your hose to go up in flames! Keep them away from items like tissue boxes, books, and napkins. And of course, always blow them out before leaving a room.  

5 Tips for a Flooded Basement

8/1/2019 (Permalink)

Storm season is upon us! Heavy rain fall can quickly flood your basement and soil your belongings.  Flooded basements are common and if it happens to you act quickly. Be prepared for when a flood does occur. You might be scrambling to figure out what to do so here are 5 tips you can do right away!

1. Remove water. Remove water as quickly as possible. If your water damage is minor, you can use towels to clean it up. Make sure to wash and dry all cleaning material when finished to prevent mold from growing. A few inches of water can be removed with a wet vac. If you don’t have one, you can always buy, borrow or rent one. If you have severe water damage call SERVPRO.
2. Dry it out. Use fans and dehumidifiers to move the air around to prevent mold and mildew. Run your air conditioning constantly and throw out any wet boxes.
3. Scrub flooring. If you have tile, linoleum and other hard surfaces you can scrub them with a solution of one cup of chlorine bleach to one gallon of water. Wear rubber gloves!
4. Examine and clear gutters. Check the basement steps and drain. Make sure to get rid of any twigs, leaves, and mud.
5. Freeze your assets. If any important documents have been damaged by the water, quickly put them in the freezer.

Clean Those Gutters

6/10/2019 (Permalink)

With the rainy season upon us, it is crucial that you keep your gutters clean. Gutters are the exterior protectors of your home. They collect rainwater from your roof and divert it away from the structure and landscaping of your home. But as the storms start to roll in, those gutters may need your assistance.

Do you live in a woodsy area with pine trees? Those pesky needles like to collect in your gutters causing them to clog. Clean those gutters out quarterly with a leaf blower, gutter scoop, or power washer to ensure good water flow.

Make sure to inspect your gutters after a heavy storm! Debris can pile up and decompose after a storm, which can lead to an ant or termite infestation. Heavy rain, wind, and hail can also crack the gutter. So make sure to check on those gutters after a storm.

A neglected clog in the gutter can cause water to pool in your basement. Clean the debris from your gutters immediately after a basement leak. If the damage is severe, you may have to call your local SERVPRO to help repair the damages.

If you do find yourself with water damage, SERVPRO of Haverhill/Newburyport is here to help. Call us at 978-374-8555 to schedule an estimate.

Call SERVPRO for Immediate Service in Haverhill

3/29/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Haverhill/Newburyport provides 24-hour emergency service and is dedicated to being faster to any-sized disaster in Haverhill. We can respond immediately to your emergency and have the expertise to handle your restoration or cleaning needs.

• 24-Hour Emergency Service
• Faster to Any-Sized Disaster
• Highly Trained Restoration Technicians
• A Trusted Leader in the Restoration Industry
• Locally Owned and Operated
• Advanced Restoration and Cleaning Equipment

Commercial Services

There's never a convenient time for fire or Water damage to strike your Newburyport commercial property. Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when the need arises for professional cleaning or emergency restoration services we have the training and expertise to respond promptly with highly trained technicians to get your property back to business. Learn more about our commercial services: https://www.SERVPROhaverhillnewburyport.com/commercial-restoration-cleaning

• Commercial Water Damage Restoration
• Commercial Fire Damage Restoration
• Commercial Cleaning Services
• Commercial Mold Remediation
• Commercial Storm Damage Restoration

Have Questions? Call Us 24/7 – 978-374-8555

We Are an IICRC Certified Firm

3/28/2019 (Permalink)

Owner, Dave Hart, conducting a training session with our crew.

The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) creates the standards for the restoration industry and provides training and certification to restoration companies. IICRC Certified Firms have the right to display the IICRC Certified Logo.

IICRC Certified Firms must

• Present accurate information to consumers and conduct business with honesty and integrity.
• Require a technician on all jobs who has been formally trained and passed all required tests.
• Require a continuing education program to keep technicians up-to-date on the latest changes in the industry.
• Maintain liability insurance to protect all parties in the event of an accident.
• Maintain a written complaint policy and agree to Better Business Bureau or similar arbitration to resolve disputes, and accept the conclusions and recommendations of arbitration.

The IICRC Develops The Standards For The Restoration Industry

The IICRC has been the driving force in establishing industry standards and reference guides for professional carpet cleaning, water damage restoration, and mold remediation. These standards take years to develop and require the coordination of experts in the field: manufacturers, industry organizations, insurance professionals, training schools, contractors, and public health professionals.

Every five years, the standards are reviewed and updated. The water damage restoration field changes rapidly with advancements in technology and science, and therefore the standards must evolve to keep pace.

Prevent Water Damage this Spring

3/27/2019 (Permalink)

Clogged gutters can cause flooding through your roof or foundation.

Springtime has arrived and now is a great time to take care of some outdoor maintenance of your home. You can prevent water damage in your home before it happens with a couple of simple tips.

Keep Your Gutters Clean

When leaves and debris clog your gutters, the water can’t drain out the downspouts and away from your property. This lack of drainage can cause the water to come back through the roof or the foundation, resulting in a flooded basement or water  coming through your roof. Keeping your gutters clean is a simple way to prevent unwanted water from entering your home.

Outdoor Faucets

Sometimes outdoor faucet leaks are obvious- you will see the water dripping out. Other times, the leak isn’t visible from the outside. One way you can test for possible leaks is to turn the spigot on and press your fingers against it. The water should spray out through your fingers with good pressure. If the water pressure is low and doesn’t spray out, this maybe an indication of a leak and further investigation should be done to check for leaks.

If you do find yourself with water damage, SERVPRO of Haverhill/Newburyport is here to help. Call us at 978-374-8555 to schedule an estimate.

The Science of SERVPRO

3/25/2019 (Permalink)

Production Training Session before the day gets started.

The Science Behind SERVPRO

As part of their continued training, our Production staff recently completed a Mold, Asbestos, Lead and Biohazard PPE Safety Certification which taught proper handling techniques when encountering these potentially toxic materials on a job site. This training not only addressed their personal safety when exposed to one (or more) of these materials but how to contain and reduce the possibility of airborne spread.

Biologist and Industrial Hygienist, Regan Yerhot Robins conducted the training and is one of the many industry experts SERVPRO of Haverhill/Newburyport can call upon when necessary. This proactive approach to conduct on-site testing within the first couple of days of a claim can help to significantly reduce cross-contamination and ensure the entire claim is mitigated appropriately.

The safety of our employees, as well as environmental concerns, are top priorities for SERVPRO of Haverhill/Newburyport. We go above and beyond industry standard to handle all aspects of any damage, commercial or residential, with a level of excellence that is unsurpassed.

You can feel confident that when we walk into your home or business, we bring the strength of advanced technology, equipment, and knowledge.

Earth Day 2019

3/25/2019 (Permalink)

We Care About Our Community

Earth Day is a big event at SERVPRO of Haverhill/Newburyport. Last year, we canvased the local area helping out wherever we could - working with towns to clean parks, supplying water to thirsty volunteers cleaning beaches and working with organizations like Rebuilding Together to help out specific individuals.

On a larger scale, we wanted to make a positive impact on the wide-spread loss of trees after a very rough winter so we partnered with the Earth Day Network and committed to 300 Acts of Green. We handed out 300 evergreen saplings to our customers in Haverhill, Groveland, Merrimac, Amesbury, Salisbury, Newburyport, and West Newbury.  

This year, to support the Earth Day Network 2019 campaign “Protect Our Species” which calls attention to endangered and threatened species, including the bumblebee, we’ve partnered with the Sustainable Horticulture department at Essex North Shore School in Danvers, MA to grow 300 flowering plants that we can deliver to our customers. These amazing students have selected 4 varieties of flowers that attract bees and promote pollination. In the long term, increasing our bee population affects us all so we hope you will join us in being a part of the solution.

We will be posting progress reports on the plants, leading up to the delivery so check our Facebook page often to see the latest updates and to enter giveaways that we’ll be announcing throughout the month of April.

Check in with your local town to find out how you can be a part of Earth Day in your community.

Spring Showers Can Cause Flooding in Haverhill

3/20/2019 (Permalink)

Photocatalytic Oxidizers remove unwanted odors and clean the air.

Springtime has finally arrived here in Haverhill, bringing longer days, rising temperatures, and yes, you guessed it...rain!  April showers bring May flowers, but they also can bring flooding issues to your home or business. Spring storms can bring several inches of rain in only a matter of hours or there can be consistent rainfall for days. These heavy rains can lead to severe flooding by over-saturating the ground, overfilling storm drains, or rivers spilling over their banks.

Stagnant Water Odors

Untreated water damage from rain flooding can create a pungent, earthy, muddy smell. To prevent unwanted odors in your home or business, it’s best to be proactive and handle the water damage as soon as the flooding occurs. If the odor already exists, SERVPRO of Haverhill/Newburyport has specialized equipment to eliminate unwanted odors. Throughout the restoration and water removal process, we can remove odors and clean the air with our Photocatalytic Oxidizers. The oxidizers remove odors, kill germs, and safely clean the air. UV rays emitted from the Titan form electron hole pairs that react with water and oxygen in the air to oxidize and eliminate bad odors. If you find yourself with water damage from rain flooding, give us a call at 978-374-8555.

SERVPRO Spotlight - Sue Hamel

3/4/2019 (Permalink)

Sue Hamel

Meet Sue Hamel.

More than forty years ago, Sue and her husband opened SERVPRO of Haverhill/Newburyport and SERVPRO of Danvers/Ipswich. As the original owners, they began a journey that Sue remains a part of to this day. “It was important to build a reputable company and employ responsible people who do quality work, says Sue, who feels integrity is a key part of the continued success of the franchise.

After many successful years in business, Sue and her husband sold the company to current co-owners, Dave & Maureen Hart to pursue other ventures. A few businesses and several years later, Sue returned to help out and hasn’t looked back. Her current position as Administrative Assistant keeps her busy with scheduling, billing & collections, and inventory. The deep industry knowledge she brings and the ability to wear many hats makes her an invaluable part of the team.   

“The company has changed quite a bit through the years but the core values have not. We still care about the people who live in the towns we service and do everything we can to help them through a difficult time. That’s what I enjoy most about my job.”

When Sue isn’t in the office, you’ll find her traveling, enjoying time with family & friends and taking long walks with her husband and two dogs.

Preventing Ice Dams

3/4/2019 (Permalink)

Ice Dams can cause unwanted water damage to your home.

Just when we thought spring was around the corner, Mother Nature surprised Haverhill residents with almost a foot of snow last night! I think deep down we all knew another storm was in the works...it would be too good to be true to have such a mild winter like the one we’ve had this year in New England. Although it’s beautiful to look at, snow can often cause unwanted problems for home and business owners. Water damage from ice dams is a common issue we’ve seen throughout the years with our customers. There are some preventative measures you can take to help prevent water damage caused by ice dams.

Here are a few tips from “This Old House” to prevent ice dams:

• Cap your Attic Hatch

An unsealed attic hatch or whole-house fan is a massive opening for heat to escape. Cover them with weatherstripped caps made from foil-faced foam board held together with aluminum tape.

• Exhaust to the Outside

Make sure that the ducts connected to the kitchen, bathroom, and dryer vents all lead outdoors through either the roof or walls, but never through the soffit.

• Add Insulation

More insulation on the attic floor keeps the heat where it belongs. To find out how much insulation your attic needs, check with your local building department.

• Seal and Insulate Ducts

Spread fiber-reinforced mastic on the joints of HVAC ducts and exhaust ducts. Cover them entirely with R-5 or R-6 foil-faced fiberglass.

• Caulk Penetrations

Seal around electrical cables and vent pipes with a fire-stop sealant. Also, look for any spots where light shines up from below or the insulation is stained black by the dirt from passing air.

Source: This Old House https://www.thisoldhouse.com/ideas/preventing-ice-dams

If you experience water damage from ice dams, we’re here to help. Call us at 978-374-8555.

Fireplace Safety Tips

3/2/2019 (Permalink)

Fireplaces are beautiful and cozy focal points in any home. Check out our safety tips to enjoy your fireplace safely.

During the chilly winter months in New England, many Amesbury residents keep warm in front of a cozy fire. Whether you have a gas, wood, or electric fireplace, it’s important to follow a few safety guidelines to ensure that you are keeping your family safe from potential fire hazards.

Wood and Gas Fireplaces

Get an annual fireplace and chimney inspection from a trusted professional to make sure your fireplace and chimney are in good working condition. Be sure that the chimney flue is open before the fire is lit. An open flue will allow the air to feed the flames and allow the smoke to exit. And like any other source of fire, keep your children and pets away from the flames.

Electric Fireplaces

Many homes have an electric fireplace and although the flame isn’t real, safety precautions still need to be taken. Your electric fireplace is essentially a portable electric heater, and should be treated as such. Be sure that your heat source has enough space around it for the air to flow, and that it isn’t close to curtains or other materials that could potentially burn. Keep your electric fireplace away from any water sources, it should never be used near a washing machine, sink, or other source of water. Lastly, power strips and extension cords are not recommended; plug your fireplace directly in a wall unit.

Groveland 24 Hour Emergency Water Damage Service

3/1/2019 (Permalink)

This image shows a hardwood floor that has bucked due to water damage.

SERVPRO of Haverhill/Newburyport is available 24 hours a day for water emergencies, large or small. When you are dealing with water damage, immediate action is crucial. A delay of just a few hours can greatly increase the severity of the water damage.

We Answer the Phone Ready to Help
Call Today - 978-374-8555

We understand that when you call us, you may be feeling confused, stressed, and vulnerable. You need an expert to guide you through this crisis. SERVPRO of Haverhill/Newburyport has the specific water damage training and experience to help you through this tough time. We specialize in water damage restoration—in fact, it's the cornerstone of our business.

What to Expect

When you call, we will ask several questions regarding your water damage emergency. These questions will help us determine what equipment and resources to bring, including how many trained SERVPRO Professionals may be needed.

Our SERVPRO Representative will ask several questions:

• Your name and contact information
• Your insurance information (if applicable)
• The street address of the water-damaged home or business
• When did the flooding or water damage occur?
• What caused the water damage (if known)?
• Is there electricity available (on-site)?

About SERVPRO of Haverhill/Newburyport

SERVPRO of Haverhill/Newburyport specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

SERVPRO Spotlight - Richard Ciarletta

2/25/2019 (Permalink)

Resident Expert (and Sales Rep), Richard Ciarletta

Meet Richard Ciarletta.

Richard Ciarletta began his career at SERVPRO 25 years ago. Starting as a Production Manager, he advanced to Estimator and is now enjoying his current role of Sales Representative. The practical experience he gained from years in the field has built a deep knowledge that makes him the resident expert on…well, everything SERVPRO.  He has seen and/or worked every type of residential and commercial loss and has grown with the company as it’s evolved. This kind of industry experience makes him a unique brand of sales rep. And his clients have come to trust that when he visits, he isn’t just “selling” a product or service but truly advising and informing on disaster management.

“Rich Ciarletta is a very personable and knowledgeable representative of SERVPRO. When we had water damage from a burst pipe in the building where my office is, the SERVPRO people were very professional and helpful during a trying situation and saved us from a mold problem. I would recommend their service highly.”
- Dr. Ellen Blomerth

After years of being in the field, Rich enjoys meeting new people. “You meet a lot of people in this type of job, and I truly enjoy that. We’re not always meeting on the best of circumstances–some are in a really bad spot when we first meet them. Seeing or hearing the relief on their faces or in their voices once we are there is very rewarding. Our customers are the same or better once our work is completed. It’s a good feeling.”

Outside of work, Rich is just as benevolent. You will find him at his church working on the collector team, teaching middle school Sunday School and singing in the choir. He enjoys playing with his grandkids and anticipating new additions to his ever-growing family.

Certifications & Awards:

IICRC Certified:

• Applied Structural Drying
• Fire & Smoke Restoration
• Water Restoration

2017 NSAR (North Shore Association of Realtors) Affiliate of the Year

Space Heater Safety Tips

2/18/2019 (Permalink)

Space heaters should always be used with caution. Check out these safety tips to avoid potential fires cause from space heaters.

During the cold New England winters, many homeowners use space heaters to help heat their homes. But space heaters can also cause deadly fires if left unattended or used improperly. To help keep your family safe, follow the mass.gov safety tips listed below.

Using space heaters safely

• Keep space heaters 3 feet away from drapes, furniture or other things that can burn.
• Put heaters on a level surface away from places where someone might bump into it and knock it over.
• Avoid using extension cords. If you must use an extension cord, use a heavy duty one marked with a power rating at least as high as that of the heater itself.
• Never leave a space heater unattended.
• Never leave a space heater on while you sleep.
• Supervise children and pets near space heaters.
• Buy heaters that are tested and labeled by a nationally recognized testing company, such as Underwriter’s Laboratories Inc.(UL).
• Keep electric heaters away from water. Never use them near a sink or in the bathroom.
• Never use an unvented kerosene heater. It is illegal to sell or use them in Massachusetts.

We're Here to Help During Storm Season

2/18/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Haverhill/Newburyport can help restore your property from storm damage.

Storm Damage can create a variety of problems for Ipswich homeowners. SERVPRO of Haverhill/Newburyport can help restore your home from storm damage. Some examples of storm damage are:

FROZEN PIPES

A frozen pipe can burst at the point where the ice blockage inside the pipe is located, but typically the rupture is caused by the backflow pressure between the water source and the blockage. A burst pipe can cause considerable damage to your property if not addressed quickly.

ICE DAMS

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

PUFFBACKS

A puffback is a messy furnace malfunction that occurs when an oil burner backfires, sending soot throughout your home or business. It can happen all at once, covering an interior in grimy soot, or a puffback can leak soot particles more gradually.

If you experience storm damage this winter, call SERVPRO of Haverhill/Newburyport at 978-374-8555. We’re here to help.

Bathroom Mold

2/18/2019 (Permalink)

This photo was taken after our crews removed the affected drywall.

Mold in the Shower

When a shower tile popped off of the wall in this Haverhill resident's bathroom, she discovered that there was mold growing behind it. As more tiles were pulled off, mold was discovered on the entire wall behind all of the tiles. She called in the experts from SERVPRO of Haverhill/Newburyport to remediate the damage. We specialize in water and mold damage restoration, with advanced training in restoration techniques and the experience and specialized equipment to quickly restore your property.

Another Happy Customer

Here's what she had to say after the job was complete:

"We recently had a small mold issue in our bathroom that we weren't sure would be covered by insurance. Pat Lavigne was incredibly helpful in advising us of the process to get the project underway. Justin, the crewmember that did the remediation, was very respectful and conscientious. He communicated with us every step of the way and his workmanship was almost "surgical" in the way he took care to demo only the affected area."

Conditions in Newburyport Might Be Right for Mold

2/15/2019 (Permalink)

Image of mold in a residential home.

It’s estimated that more than 1 million types of mold exist, yet less than 10 percent have actually been named. This means mold is very common in both indoor and outdoor environments. While mold and humans can sometimes co-exist without issue, there are certain species of mold that can cause health effects for some people.

If the right conditions exist, mold will grow.  Those conditions include:

• Water - Different mold types require varying amounts of liquid before growth begins.   
• Temperature - Normal indoor temperatures will promote mold growth.
• Time - Initial mold colonizers can take hold within one day after being exposed to an adequate water supply.

Mold growth can occur in any home, so it’s important to keep an eye out for situations that might promote mold activity. Roof/chimney leaks, wet basements, or condensation from ducts that dampen surrounding insulation are just a few examples of issues that make a house a prime target for mold growth.

If you suspect mold in your home, call SERVPRO of Haverhill/Newburyport to assess the situation. We have the knowledge, tools and track record to effectively remediate mold in your home or business.

If you suspect mold, call us today at 978-374-8555.

 What to Do:

• Stay out of affected areas.
• Turn off the HVAC system and fans.
• Contact SERVPRO of Haverhill/Newburyport for mold remediation services.

Newburyport Residents: We Specialize in Flooded Basement Cleanup and Restoration!

2/13/2019 (Permalink)

This Newburyport homes's basement flooded due to heavy rains.

A basement can flood at any time, although flooding most often occurs during heavy rainfall. Basements are inherently prone to flooding because they are the lowest level of a building and are normally built partly or entirely below ground level. There are a number of reasons why your Newburyport basement could flood, including: 

• A blocked or failed sewer lateral pipe
• Heavy rain causes surface water to pool around your home
• Storm sewer backup
• Sanitary sewer backup
• Foundation drainage failure
• Water supply-line break or hot-water tank failure
• And many more

Have Questions about Basement Flooding?

Call Today – SERVPRO of Haverhill/Newburyport

If flood water is not handled quickly and properly, it can jeopardize your health and safety, and cause severe damage to your home’s structure. Remember, the longer you wait, the worse the problem will get.

The bottom line: a flooded basement can jeopardize your health, safety, and your home’s integrity. It’s worth making a call to SERVPRO of Haverhll/Newburyport and let our trained, professional crews handle the situation safely and correctly. We have earned the trust of hundreds of homeowners, business owners, and property professionals.

We are Flooded Basement Specialists:

• We are Available 24 hours/7 days per week
• We’re a Preferred Vendor to many National Insurance Companies
• We Bill The Insurance Directly – One Less Thing For You To Worry About
• Our Technicians are Highly-Trained  in Water Restoration Techniques
• We use s500 IICRC Restoration Standards
• Advanced Inspection and Extraction Equipment

Basement Flooded? Call Us Today – We’re Ready To Help 
978-374-8555

Haverhill Residents: Follow These Mold Safety Tips if you Suspect Mold

2/11/2019 (Permalink)

Be careful, without proper training, you could be spreading mold throughout your home.

If you see visible mold, do not disturb it. You can inadvertently spread the mold infestation throughout your home. When mold is disturbed, the mold can release microscopic mold spores which become airborne and can circulate inside your home.

What to Do:

• Stay out of affected areas.
• Turn off the HVAC system and fans.
• Contact SERVPRO of Haverhill/Newburyport for mold remediation services.

What Not to Do:

• Don’t touch or disturb the mold.
• Don’t blow air across any surfaces with visible or suspected mold growth.
• Don’t attempt to dry the area yourself.
• Don’t spray bleach or other disinfectants on the mold.

About Our Mold Remediation Services

SERVPRO of Haverhill/Newburyport specializes in mold cleanup and restoration, in fact, it’s a cornerstone of our business.  Our crews are highly trained restoration professionals that use specialized equipment and techniques to properly remediate your mold problem quickly and safely.

If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today – 978-374-8555

SERVPRO Spotlight - Patrick Lavigne

2/11/2019 (Permalink)

Meet Patrick Lavigne.

As co-owner, Pat has held almost every position within the company since coming on board in 2010. As a son-in-law to the Harts, Pat joined the family-run business as a trial and has never looked back. Starting on the trucks, Pat learned the nuances and inherent challenges of almost all production positions before settling into his current role as General Manager.

His daily focus of keeping the train on the tracks still allows him to do what he loves most—guiding the growth of his team, both personally and professionally, and helping customers during stressful moments in their lives. “It’s very rewarding when you run into customers years later who still remember the team members that worked in their home or business and want to know how they’re doing. They become like family to each other and it’s incredibly satisfying to be a part of that.”

Pat takes great pride in the franchises’ work ethic and standard of excellence – from customer service to production. He ensures all staff are highly trained and certified for all services provided. “We are a dedicated team that strives for excellence and to show compassion daily. We often meet people after a horrible thing happens in their life or business and hopefully, we are able to put them at ease.”

When Pat isn’t on the job, you can find him spending time with family and friends where he resides in Haverhill with his wife and 2 children. Unless it’s golf season…then you’ll find him on a course anywhere he can play 18!

Certifications:

IICRC Certified –

• Water Damage Restoration
• Applied Microbial Remediation
• Fire & Smoke Restoration
• Applied Structural Drying
• Commercial Drying
• Odor Control

Lead Safe Certification
Unrestricted Construction Supervisors License

Got Water Damage in your Haverhill Home? We Can Help.

2/8/2019 (Permalink)

Give us a call if you find yourself with a household flood.

Flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither does SERVPRO of Haverhill/Newburyport. We provide emergency cleaning and restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—including all holidays.

Flooding and water damage is very invasive. Water spreads quickly throughout your home and can absorb into the floors, walls, and furniture. Our crews arrives quickly and start the water extraction process almost immediately.

This immediate response helps to minimize the damage and the cleaning and restoration costs. The water damage timeline below details the damage that occurs if no action is taken.

Within Minutes

• Water quickly spreads throughout your property, saturating everything in its path.
• Water is absorbed into walls, floors, upholstery, and belongings.
• Furniture finishes may bleed, causing permanent staining on carpets.
• Photographs, books, and other paper goods start to swell and warp.

First 24 Hours

• Drywall begins to swell and break down.
• Metal surfaces begin to tarnish.
• Furniture begins to swell and crack.
• Dyes and inks from cloth and paper goods spread and stain.
• A musty odor appears.

48 Hours to One Week

• Mold and mildew may grow and spread.
• Doors, windows, and studs swell and warp.
• Metal begins to rust and corrode.
• Furniture warps and shows signs of mold.
• Paint begins to blister.
• Wood flooring swells and warps.
• Serious biohazard contamination is possible.

More Than One Week

• Restoration time and cost increase dramatically; replacing contaminated materials and structural rebuilding may be extensive.
• Structural safety, mold growth, and biohazard contaminants pose serious risks to occupants.

As leaders in the water damage industry, we have advanced training and expertise, and a tremendous amount of hands-on experience. If you need water restoration services, give us a call. We make it "Like it never even happened."

Call us today at 978-374-8555!

Church Fire Causes Smoke Damage

2/4/2019 (Permalink)

Fire and smoke damage caused by a candle that reignited in the windowsill.

Recently, a local church experienced fire damage and called in SERVPRO of Haverhill/Newburyport to help. The fire started from a candle burning in the windowsill which spread to a cavity in between the walls. Luckily, a neighbor saw the fire inside of the church and promptly called the fire department. The first responders were quick to arrive, extinguishing the fire and preventing it from spreading throughout the building. Despite their timely response, unfortunately, there was quite a lot of damage to the window and carpet below. Smoke filled the church, resulting in black soot covering the surfaces throughout, including the pews, walls, ceiling, and balcony area.

We began the process by wiping the top layer of contaminants away. Then, using SERVPRO’s time-tested and industry-approved steps, along with our proprietary cleaning products and methods, we restored the walls and surfaces without the need to repaint or refinish.  The cleaning process removed the smell from the fire, returning it to pre-fire condition. We have the training and equipment to identify and eliminate these offensive odors. By identifying the cause of the odor and determining the conditions in which the damage was done, the odor can often be removed over time without a trace. Our technicians have access to several odor removal products capable of penetrating surfaces to neutralize an unpleasant odor thoroughly.

Storms and Frigid Temperatures Can Cause Frozen Pipes

1/21/2019 (Permalink)

As temperatures drop, be aware of what you can do to help your pipes from bursting.

With temperatures in the single digits today today in New England, Haverhill home owners should be alert to the dangers of freezing pipes. As most people know, when water freezes, it expands. This expansion can cause pipes in your home or business to crack and burst. According to State Farm insurance, A 1/8-inch crack in a pipe can spew up to 250 gallons of water a day, causing flooding, serious structural damage, and the immediate potential for mold. The pipes most at risk in your home are located in unheated areas, such as garages, attics, and basements. Pipes running through cabinets and exterior walls are at risk as well. You can prevent your pipes from freezing by following some simple tips.

Tips to Prevent Your Pipes From Freezing

For outside areas, remove hoses from outdoor water faucets, and cover exterior faucets. If your home has a water shut-off valve, turn off the water supply to outside faucets. Keep garage doors closed if there are water supply lines in your garage. For the interior of your home, be sure that your home has proper insulation- especially in basements, attics and crawl spaces. Keep your home warm and open kitchen & bathroom cabinets. This will allow warm air to circulate around the pipes. Turn faucets on and let your water run in extremely cold temperatures. Even a slow trickle can help prevent pipes from freezing.

Mold Prevention in Your Home

1/11/2019 (Permalink)

You can help prevent household mold growth.

Mold in your Home

Mold is a natural part of our environment. It helps our ecosystem function by breaking down organic matter. However, it is unhealthy to have mold growing inside of our homes. According to the CDC, exposure to damp and moldy environments may cause a variety of health effects or none at all. Some people are sensitive to molds. For these people, molds can cause nasal stuffiness, throat irritation, coughing or wheezing, eye irritation, or, in some cases, skin irritation.

Mold grows best in warm, damp, and humid conditions. Mold can grow in 24-48 hours in the right conditions. There is no way to eliminate mold spores from the air, but there are precautions that can be taken to avoid the growth of indoor mold. Bathrooms are the perfect breeding ground for mold. When the weather permits, keep a window open in the bathroom when using the shower to reduce moisture. Hang towels to dry, and wipe down your tub, shower, and walls after showering. Eliminating moisture is your best defense against mold growth. If your bathroom has an exhaust fan, use it during baths and showers. 

Keep an eye on humidity levels in your home and be sure to check various places in your home for moisture. Mold often grows on foundation walls and surfaces in the basement. It can also grow on carpets, floors, walls, and furniture. Clean up spills immediately and inspect your home for leaks. Be sure to empty drip trays from your appliances such as refrigerators, air conditioners, and dehumidifiers. 

We hope these tips can help keep mold from growing in your home, but if you find yourself with a mold problem, we're here to help. We can remediate the mold and bring your home back to healthy living conditions. 

Does your Haverhill Home Have a Mold Problem?

12/26/2018 (Permalink)

Mold was found in this Amesbury office building and SERVPRO of Haverhill/Newburyport remediated the mold.

With window and doors open now, with the nice weather, many types of particles have free access to float into your home. Mold can spread through a home in as little as 48 hours.

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

• Mold is present almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors.

• Mold spores are microscopic and float along in the air and may enter your home through windows, doors, or AC/heating systems or even hitch a ride indoors on your clothing or a pet.

• Mold spores thrive on moisture. Mold spores can quickly grow into colonies when exposed to water. These colonies may produce allergens and irritants.

• Before mold remediation can begin, any sources of water or moisture must be addressed. Otherwise, the mold may return.

• Mold often produces a strong, musty odor and can lead you to possible mold problem areas.

• Even higher-than-normal indoor humidity can support mold growth. Keep indoor humidity below 45 percent.

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

If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today – (978) 374-8555

30 Inches of Snow?!

12/21/2018 (Permalink)

It’s mid December but rather than gearing up for a snowstorm, we’re preparing for high winds and heavy downpours of rain to sweep through eastern Massachusetts.

But what if the predicted 1-3 inches of rain were snow? Ever wonder how the rain-to-snow conversion is made?

Our friends at Sciencing.com explains it:

Baseline Rain-to-Snow Conversion

Perform the baseline rain-to-snow conversion. The baseline ratio of rain to snow is 1 inch of rain equals 10 inches of snow. For example, to calculate the snowfall equivalent of 3 inches of rain, multiply 3 by 10 to obtain 30 inches of snow as the baseline conversion. This conversion applies for snow falling at temperatures near freezing, between 28 and 34 degrees Fahrenheit.

Identify Temperature

Find the temperature in the location for which you'd like to perform the conversion. You can track down this info via the National Weather Service, for example, or any number of other meteorological sources, such as the Weather Channel. In general, colder temperatures make snow fall less densely and lower the rain-to-snow ratio, resulting in more inches of snow per inch of rain.

For Temperatures At or Below 27 Degrees F

Adjust your conversion to account for temperature if the outside temperature is less than or equal to 27 degrees Fahrenheit. To calculate rain to snow for temperatures between 20 and 27 degrees Fahrenheit, multiply rainfall by 15 instead of 10. For temperatures between 15 and 19 degrees Fahrenheit, multiply rainfall by 20. Between 10 and 14, multiply by 30; between 0 and 9, multiply by 40; between -20 and -1, multiply by 50, and between -40 and -21, multiply by 100. For example, to calculate the snowfall equivalent of 3 inches of rain at 5 degrees Fahrenheit, multiply 3 by 40 to obtain 120 inches of snow. Therefore, if 3 inches of rain are expected but the temperature drops suddenly to 5 degrees Fahrenheit, 120 inches of snow will fall.

Snow to Rain

Perform the calculations in reverse to calculate snow to rain. For example, for 8 inches of snow falling at a temperature of 20 degrees Fahrenheit, divide 8 by 15, since the conversion factor for 20 degrees is 15. The result is approximately 0.53 inches of rain. Therefore, 8 inches of snow that fell at 20 degrees Fahrenheit will melt down to approximately 0.53 inches of rain.

Employee Spotlight!

11/8/2018 (Permalink)

We're launching our Employee Spotlight Series today and who better to begin with than the person you're most likely to speak with if you call the office.

Meet Donna Sutherby. 

#wonderwoman #SERVPROguru

Donna Sutherby, a veteran of the US Army, has been with SERVPRO for 22 years and counting. As the Office Administrator, she will often be the person who answers your questions when you call. During her tenure, she has juggled most front office functions while fielding calls and handling billings. She is certified through the IICRC in Water Damage Restoration which means she can provide knowledgeable answers, valuable insight and guidance through what can sometimes be a confusing and stressful process for homeowners and business owners after suffering a damage loss. Her depth of knowledge, caring personality and willingness to help make her a vital member of our SERVPRO family.

When asked what inspires her to come to work every day, Donna replied that the office atmosphere, comradery of her co-workers, and family values of the business are at the heart of it. “We are a caring group of people and want to help. That makes me feel good at the end of the day!”

When Donna isn’t working, you will often find her with her family of 4 children & 6 grandchildren.

What Causes a Nor'Easter?

11/1/2018 (Permalink)

This photo from FEMA shows a car buried in snow from a Nor'Easter storm in Massachusetts

Living in New England , we are all too familiar with Nor’Easter storms. But what exactly causes these types of storms that we experience year after year? And why are they unique to the Northeast region of our country? According to weather.com, Nor’Easters form between Georgia and New Jersey within 100 miles east or west of the east coast. They move northeastward near New England, where they reach maximum intensity. They bring with them strong winds, coastal flooding, rough seas, and heavy rain and snow.

Polar jet streams transport cold air southward from Canada in the U.S., then eastward to the Atlantic Ocean. Simultaneously, warm air moves northward from the Gulf of Mexico. Warm waters from the Gulf of Mexico also go into our waters along the northeastern coastline, causing Atlantic ocean water to warm up and acts to warm the cold air above it. This temperature difference between warm air from the water, and cold air over the land provides energy to create a storm.

If a Nor’Easter is coming, it’s best to prepare for the worst. Stock up with at least 3 days worth of food and water and keep plenty of warm clothing and blankets in case you lose heat and power. If you are in need of flood or storm damage restoration, SERVPRO of Haverhill/Newburyport has the experience and specialized equipment to restore your home or business to pre-storm condition.

Fire Prevention at the Fire House!

10/31/2018 (Permalink)

Our SERVPRO duck, Figuero came with us to the Fire Department's Open House! Isn't he cute on his little truck?

Fire Prevention Month

October is Fire Prevention Month and every year, local fire departments host an open house to educate the community about fire safety. It’s a great family event to meet the firefighters and see them demonstrate the best safety practices. The smoke house demonstration was a favorite of the children, where they got to walk through a fire and smoke simulation, learning to crawl under the smoke to safety. The firefighters also had a jaws of life demonstration that was really amazing to watch!

SERVPRO of Haverhill/Newburyport is always happy to be part of this great event and support our local fire departments. We appreciate the brave men and women that serve our community and help keep us safe. Papa Gino’s generously donated pizza for this event, and we donated lollipops, water, and apples from Connor’s Farm.  We also gave out cute little SERVPRO rubber ducks to the children (and some adults too!)

SERVPRO of Haverhill/Newburyport specializes in fire and water damage restoration. We have the specific damage restoration training, personnel, and equipment and can quickly restore your home to pre-fire condition.

SERVPRO'S Emergency Ready Profile

10/17/2018 (Permalink)

As many as 50% of businesses close down following a disaster, according to the latest research. Of the businesses that survive, the overwhelming majority of them had a preparedness plan in place. And knowing you are “Ready for whatever happens” speaks trust to your clients and employees that in the event your business is affected by a disaster, they don’t necessary have to be.

By developing a SERVPRO Emercency Ready Profile for your business, you minimize business interruption by having an immediate plan of action. Knowing what to do and what to expect in advance is the key to timely mitigation and can help minimize how water and fire damage can affect your business.

The SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile Advantage:

• A no cost assessment of your facility.

This means there is no need to allocate funds, giving you a great value at no cost.

• A concise Profile Document that contains only the critical information needed in the event of an emergency.

• Provides facility details such as shut-off valve locations, priority areas and priority contact information.

Having a quick reference of what to do, how to do it and who to call provides solutions in advance of an emergency so that during the emergency, you are “Ready for whatever happens.”

If you would like more information or to have an Emergency READY Profile created for your commercial business, call SERVPRO of Haverhill/Newburyport at 978-374-8555. We’re here to help.

Restoring Your Commercial Property After a Water Damage Event

10/17/2018 (Permalink)

Commercial Water Damage Events Present Unique Challenges

Flooding and water damage events at Merrimack Valley commercial properties are often complex with numerous issues that require a knowledgeable and flexible response. Whether we’re dealing with a relatively small water cleanup scenario or a large scale event, we work quickly to assess each unique situation and isolate the damaged area. In many instances, normal operations can continue in a temporary space while we restore your facility.

Restoring Commercial Properties Presents Unique Challenges

Our professionals are trained to be mindful of legal and environmental concerns and strive to fully restore the damaged area while working within your budgetary constraints. We understand that every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when an emergency situation arises in your business, give us a call and we’ll be there fast with the help you need.

About SERVPRO of Haverhill/Newburyport

SERVPRO of Haverhill/Newburyport specializes in the cleanup and restoration of commercial and residential property after a water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

We're here to help. Call us at 978-374-8555 so we can make it "Like it never even happened."

Commercial Carpet Care Tips

10/17/2018 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of Haverhill/Newburyport at 978-374-8555 to schedule a commercial carpet cleaning for your business.

The appearance of your business speaks volumes to your customers and clients. Having a clean, fresh-smelling carpet is an important part of keeping your business looking it's best. Foot traffic and airborne impurities such as pollen, dust, and other contaminants can damage your carpet over time.

Tips for taking care of your commercial carpet:

• Frequent vacuuming
  Be sure to vacuum your carpet multiple times a week. This will keep soil and debris from getting embedded into the carpet fibers. Over time, dirt builds up and shortens the life of your carpet. Frequent vacuuming is the best defense against premature damage.
• Removing stains
  Treat spills as soon as possible. Blot the area with a paper towel or cloth, do not rub or scrub the stain. This can cause more damage by pushing the stain deeper into the carpet fibers. Use a mild, carpet safe cleaner to help remove the stain. 
  
  
• Use walk-off mats
  Use walk-off mats inside and out to keep dirt off the carpeting. Coarse-textured mats outside your doors remove soil and will help to minimize the amount of dirt that is tracked in. Water-absorbent mats inside prevent wet shoes on the carpeting. 
  
  
• Have your carpet professionally cleaned 1-2 times a year 
  A professional carpet cleaning will keep your business's carpets looking their best. If you would like to schedule a commercial carpet cleaning with SERVPRO of Haverhill/Newburyport, please call us at 978-374-8555. 

What To Do After a Home Fire

9/17/2018 (Permalink)

Photo of one of the many homes damaged from last week's gas related fires and explosions.

Our hearts go out to the victims of the Merrimack Valley gas fires that struck the towns of Lawrence, Andover and North Andover last Thursday. Often, the hardest part for residents after a home fire is knowing where to begin and who to contact. These tips taken from FEMA provide information on what to do after experiencing a tragic home fire.

Checklist for Next Steps After a Fire

Here are the steps to follow after a fire in your home:

• Contact your local disaster relief service, such as the American Red Cross. This will help you find a place to stay and to find food, clothing and medicine.
• If you have insurance, contact your insurance company. Ask what you should do to keep your home safe until it is repaired. Ask who you should talk to about cleaning up your home. If you are not insured, try contacting community groups for aid and assistance.
• Check with the fire department to make sure that your home is safe to enter. Be very careful when you go inside. Floors and walls may not be as safe as they look.
• The fire department will tell you if your utilities (water, electricity and gas) are safe to use. If not, firefighters will have your utilities shut off before they leave. Do not try to turn them back on by yourself. This could be very dangerous.
• Contact your landlord or mortgage company about the fire.
• If you leave your home, call the local police department to let the police know that the site will be vacant.
• Begin saving receipts for any money that you spend related to fire loss. The receipts may be needed later by the insurance company and to prove any losses claimed on your income tax.
• Check with an accountant or the IRS about special benefits for people recovering from fire loss.

Preventing Cooking Fires

9/10/2018 (Permalink)

Kitchen fires can be devastating. You can prepare and prevent cooking fires by following some simple safety tips.

Cooking Fire Preparedness

Cooking fires are the number one cause of home fires and home fire injuries. Home fires are more likely to start in the kitchen than any other room in your house. Here are some facts and tips from mass.gov to help prevent kitchen fires.

Cooking fires are the #1 cause of home fires and home fire injuries according to MFIRS statistics.

Cooking Safety Tips                      

• Put a lid on a grease fire to smother it, then turn off the heat. Baking soda will also work.
• Never move a burning pan. You can be badly burned or spread the fire.
• Never throw water or use a fire extinguisher on a grease fire. Water will only spread the fire and the force of the extinguisher can splash flaming grease out of the pan.
• Stand by your pan. Don’t leave food, grease or oils cooking on the stovetop unattended.
• Wear short or tight fitting sleeves when cooking. Loose fitting clothing can easily catch fire.
• If your clothing catches fire, STOP, DROP & ROLL to put out the flames. Put burns in cool running water. Call 9-1-1 for help.
• Keep pot handles turned inward to prevent accidental spills of hot contents. • Create a three-foot “child-free zone” around the stove. Keep children and pets away from the stove while cooking to prevent burns and scalds. Cooking Safety Tips (cont.)
• Keep combustible objects such as pot holders, towels, paper or plastic bags away from heating elements.
• For fires inside an oven or microwave, keep the door closed, turn off the appliance, and call the fire department.
• Don’t place any metal inside a microwave. Utensils, aluminum foil or twist-tie wraps can arc and cause a fire.
• Microwaved foods and liquids can become very hot. Use caution to avoid scalds.
• Unplug appliances, such as toasters and coffee makers, when not in use.
• Don’t use the oven to store items.

Following these tips will help you to prevent kitchen fires. However, should your home experience an unexpected disaster, contact us at SERVPRO of Haverhill/Newburyport at 978-374-8555. We’re here to help restore your property, like it never even happened.

When Storms or Floods Hit

9/6/2018 (Permalink)

Our highly trained crews are ready to respond 24/7 to storm or flood damage.

SERVPRO of Haverhill/Newburyport specializes in storm and flood damage restoration.  Our crews are highly trained and we use specialized equipment to restore your property to its pre-storm condition.

Faster Response

Since we are locally owned and operated, we are able to respond quicker with the right resources, which is extremely important. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces the restoration cost.

Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today 978-374-8555

September is National Preparedness Month. Devastating storms remind us of the importance of preparing for disasters. You can prepare now in the case of an emergency with these helpful tips from FEMA.

Prepare NOW

• Know types of flood risk in your area. Visit FEMA’s Flood Map Service Center for information.
• Sign up for your community’s warning system. The Emergency Alert System (EAS) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio also provide emergency alerts.
• If flash flooding is a risk in your location, then monitor potential signs, such as heavy rain.
• Learn and practice evacuation routes, shelter plans, and flash flood response.
• Gather supplies in case you have to leave immediately, or if services are cut off. Keep in mind each person’s specific needs, including medication. Don’t forget the needs of pets. Obtain extra batteries and charging devices for phones and other critical equipment.
• Purchase or renew a flood insurance policy. It typically takes up to 30 days for a policy to go into effect and can protect the life you've built. Homeowner’s policies do not cover flooding. Get flood coverage under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)
• Keep important documents in a waterproof container. Create password-protected digital copies.
• Protect your property. Move valuables to higher levels. Declutter drains and gutters. Install check valves. Consider a sump pump with a battery.

Project Estimators Best TIps

6/25/2018 (Permalink)

This is an example of mold damage that occurred after the homeowner suffered water damage on the floor level.

Summer brings lots of outside activities and happy memories, lazy days at the beach and nights by the campfire. But it can also bring severe storms. Although these can move out as swiftly as they move in, we often experience heavy rains that the ground simply cannot absorb quickly enough. When that happens, water will find the downward path of least resistance, which can often be your basement.

We asked our Project Estimators, Brian Carifio and Ross Martin, what their best advice was to homeowners after heavy rainstorms. Here are their top tips:

1. What’s the first thing you would advise a homeowner to check after a storm?

Brian Carifio: The Basement. Water will find its way there. Ideally, if they’ve been pre-emptive, they’ll have their contents up off of the floor on plastic shelving and/or in plastic containers. Keeping contents 2–4 inches off the floor will help to avoid most flooding concerns. If the water reaches above that, they have a whole other set of problems. Plus, content damage is not generally covered by insurance when due to flash flooding.

2. Okay, they’ve done that but they still have water in the basement. What should they do next?

Brian Carifio: Call SERVPRO. Not to sound self-serving but the longer the homeowner waits…or tries to mitigate it themselves, the greater the probability of mold beginning to grow. Most DIY attempts at mitigating water damage fail simply because the necessary equipment is not available to consumers. You need strong extraction systems, high capacity dehumidifiers, and air movers (not to be confused with oscillating fans).

3. What’s the worst thing a homeowner can do when they find water in their basement?

Ross Martin: Put an oscillating fan on the standing water. First of all, you can run the risk of electrocution. Beyond that, fans only whisk the air off the top of the water’s surface and move it into the air. Doing that without proper dehumidification in place can lead to mold on other surfaces.

4. Can you explain that process more?

Ross Martin: Sure. When you have a flood, if left alone the water will eventually evaporate. But that doesn’t mean it disappears. It simply changes from a liquid to a gas and moves into the air. Moisture in the air is relative humidity. That humid (moisture heavy) air is then able to touch & attach to every single surface in that space and beyond. This is the “perfect storm” for mold growth.

Our process is to first extract the water with truck mounted vacuums, then use our air movers and dehumidifiers simultaneously. The movers circulate the air, keeping it from absorbing into surfaces while the dehumidifiers remove the moisture from the air.

5. Can’t homeowners do this themselves?

Ross Martin: Yes and no. There are several points to consider. First, consider the weight of water (not the movie!). A gallon of water weighs 8.34 lbs and most shop vacs hold 10 gallons. That means you’re carrying 83.4 pounds upstairs, multiple times.

Secondly, most people have fans in their home and will put several on the affected wet areas, thinking this will dry it out. It won’t. Fans are not strong enough and they don’t actually dry anything. They just move the moisture off the top surface, dispersing it throughout the air.

And lastly, most consumer-bought dehumidifiers are too small to effectively dry the air in an average sized basement. Most are purchased rated at 30 PPD (Pints Per Day). That’s how many pints of moisture it can handle per day. Our smallest is 70 PPD and goes up to over 133 PPD.  

There are some steps you can take before help arrives though.

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

Are You Selling A House With Mold?

5/8/2018 (Permalink)

Notice the dark, moisture stains on the back wall. This is an indicator mold is present. We began remediation by drying the air with a dehumidifier.

We all know Spring is when the real estate market "blossoms" with new listings, all new and sparkling after a long winter. Maybe you've spent time cleaning, painting and otherwise preparing your house for sale. What you may have overlooked though, is the presence of mold and/or moisture stains that can suggest mold is present. This would be a red flag to any buyer and could stop a sale in it's tracks, if not handled properly. 

Understanding Mold

Mold spores occur naturally almost everywhere, both indoors and outdoors. These microscopic spores float along in the air and can enter a home or business through windows and HVAC systems.

Consider these facts:

• Mold is present almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors.
• Mold spores thrive on moisture. Mold spores can quickly grow into colonies when exposed to water. These colonies may produce allergens and irritants.
• Before mold remediation can begin, any sources of water or moisture must be addressed. Otherwise, the mold may return.
• Mold often produces a strong, musty odor and can lead you to possible mold problem areas.
• Even higher-than-normal indoor humidity can support mold growth. Keep indoor humidity below 45 percent.

Our highly trained Project Managers use state-of-the-art technology to take moisture readings that can indicate the likelihood of mold. 

Armed with that knowledge, you can then make an informed decision on next steps for the sale of your home. 

If you think you have mold, or have any other mold related questions, don't hesitate to call us. 978-374-8555.

SERVPRO ACTS OF GREEN!

4/20/2018 (Permalink)

Blue Spruce saplings packaged and ready to be delivered.

Every year, both of our franchises, SERVPRO of Haverhill/ Newburyport & 
SERVPRO of Danvers/Ipswich support Earth Day by volunteering and/or donating resources. This year we'll be cleaning up Lafayette Square in Haverhill, MA with a group of employee volunteers, and donating water to the faithful group cleaning up trash on Crane Beach in Ipswich, MA.

This year we're going above & beyond by committing to 300 ACTS OF GREEN in support of The Earth Day Network's goal of 3 Billion Acts of Green, worldwide! Our sales reps Richard Ciarletta & Mary Ellen Lawlor will be out delivering Blue Spruce saplings, from Rogers Spring Hill Garden and Farm Center, to all our wonderful customers.

Join us and get involved in Earth Day! Make your world a better place to be!

Sewage Cleanup is a Biohazard

4/10/2018 (Permalink)

Sewage Cleanup and Restoration

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 are necessary to safely clean this type of contamination. 

When a sewage backup happens, you need to move quickly. Evacuate young children, elderly, people with asthma and weak immune systems first. Then call a plumber to remedy the problem.  

Sometimes you can manage small sewage spills without professional help. Small spills are typically confined to a bathroom or part of a kitchen. Major spills, however, require professional help. Sewage is a natural delivery method for disease and infection.

Sewage Backup or Toilet Overflow? Call Us Today – (978) 374-8555

There are three major types of contaminated water. SERVPRO of Haverhill/Newburyport will inspect that contaminated water to determine the type of water and then plan the appropriate response to safely restore your home or business.

SERVPRO of Haverhill/Newburyport Supports Earth Day 2018

4/10/2018 (Permalink)

Earth Day 2018 Focuses on Ending End Plastic Pollution

Countdown to April 22!

This year's Earth Day focus is on reducing plastic pollution in our communities and oceans. SERVPRO is proud to be a part of this very important community event! You'll find several of our employees, friends, and family out helping to clean up the city on this very important day.

SERVPRO Committed to 300 "Acts Of Green"!

With the 50th anniversary of Earth Day fast approaching in 2020, Earth Day Network is launching a series of major campaigns to catalyze and channel global collaboration for the health of our planet. 

SERVPRO has committed to 300 Acts of Green by delivering 6" Blue Spruce sapling trees to local businesses. This not only supports this very worthy cause but in light of all the recent tree damage our area has suffered, we are "re-greening" our neighborhoods!

We hope you will join us in supporting your local community on April 22. You can also support the Earth Day Network campaign by creating your own Act of Green, and helping them reach 3 billion.

Frosty's Not The Only One At Risk!

3/26/2018 (Permalink)

Your Bathroom Fan - Friend or Foe?

3/8/2018 (Permalink)

Attic mold found due to an improperly vented bathroom fan.

A properly installed vent fan is an essential weapon against bathroom mold.

We all know mold likes moisture. That’s why bathrooms are so vulnerable to mold. Water that gets onto the bathroom floor is an obvious concern. Of even greater concern is moisture in the air –moisture that can permeate wall and ceiling materials because of poor bathroom ventilation.

When the bathroom fills with a fog of moist air while taking a hot shower, thousands of moisture droplets can condense on cool wall, ceiling and window surfaces in the bathroom and also in adjacent rooms. Some of this moist air can even penetrate into unseen building cavities through cracks and gaps around electrical outlets and molding. Because damp organic material (wood, paper-faced wallboard, paint resins, paper-faced fiberglass insulation) makes ideal mold food, we have the makings of a mold invasion.

Vent fan to the rescue–or not?

The bathroom vent fan is a major weapon against bathroom mold. The fan’s job is to move moist air outside the house before it can condense and permeate into mold-prone materials. 

However, some builders mistakenly allow the fan to blow moist air into the attic, a practice that simply moves the mold problem to another part of the house. During cold weather, warm, moist air blown into a cooler attic will deposit its moisture on attic rafters and roof sheathing. Telltale black mold stains typically result from this ventilation error. Eventually, this mold can develop into wood rot.

When you find mold

Mold spreads quickly, so a minor mold infestation can quickly escalate into a major problem. SERVPRO of Haverhill/Newburyport is dedicated to responding immediately when you contact us. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces cost.

We specialize in water and mold damage restoration, the cornerstone of our business. We have the training and expertise to safely handle any mold situation.

• Applied Microbial Remediation Specialist
• Water Damage Restoration Technician
• Applied Structural Drying Technician

Our advanced equipment helps to detect and stop the source of water feeding the mold. We then isolate the affected area using a negative air pressure chamber.

Call Us! We Can help! 978-374-8555

Cleanliness = Efficiency

3/7/2018 (Permalink)

Ever wonder what the workplace or home of the cleaning service you've hired looks like? Are they really closet slobs and just fake it at work? Or is their whole life dedicated to making the world tidy and clean? Well, the later is true of SERVPRO!

This image shows the steam cleaning area of our 1500 sq. foot warehouse. Dan, our warehouse manager, takes a lot of pride in keeping the warehouse orderly…and if you want to test his commitment just leave something out of place! 

We use this space to steam clean any rugs or upholstery items we receive in-house. We keep the area clean and sanitary so your property doesn't come in contact with any contaminates. Plus, having the area organized means we can easily keep track of all items. 

Our professional cleaning can address moderate and heavy soil conditions in your carpets. How often you’ll need professional cleaning depends on soil build-up, traffic, type and color of carpeting. A good rule of thumb would be to professionally clean your carpet every 12 months. The best advice is to clean carpets before they become totally saturated with soil. If you wait until carpets look really dirty, the carpets may never be restored to their former appearance. Dirt builds up in layers, and when a carpet looks dirty you are only seeing the dirt at the tips of the fibers. More dirt is hiding below the surface down near the base of the pile, causing damage to the carpet. When a carpet is saturated with dirt, the soil has penetrated crevices and has become firmly lodged.

We will get the job done right. For a cleaning backed by state-of-the-art equipment, over 40 years of experience and Professionals trained to the highest standards, call us today.

Affiliate of the Year goes to SERVPRO of Danvers/Ipswich!

3/7/2018 (Permalink)

Congratulations to our own Rich Ciarletta for winning the North Shore Association of Realtors, Affiliate of the Year Award!

Cheers to all the recipients! NSAR REALTOR® of the Year, Dan Bennett,Dan Bennett Real Estate, Rising Star Award, Cynthia Nina-Soto, Nina-Soto & Company, Good Neighbor Award, Bridget Kimball, CENTURY 21 Hughes-Riggs Realty, Inc., Home Ownership Advocate Award, Gardner Trask, Danvers Selectman and Affordable Housing Trust, Rookie of the Year, Linda Turcotte at The Turcotte Group, Keller Williams Realty.

As a member-based trade association, NSAR brings together diverse perspectives from the real estate community across the North Shore of Massachusetts and beyond including buyer and seller agents, appraisers, mortgage brokers, attorneys, home inspectors, property managers and other service professionals. You can visit their website at: http://www.northshorerealtors.com/

When Every Second Counts…

3/7/2018 (Permalink)

The National Fire Protection Association's theme for 2017 was "Every Second Counts" and when you think about that statement, it couldn't be more true. Most people think of escape plans and prevention when they think about fire safety but there is a much neglected and overlooked resource to consider.

The Forgotten Red-Head! 

Prevention and a plan are obviously high priority, but when is the last time you thought about that fire hydrant up the street from your home or business? Keeping it clear of snow can save valuable time when time is of the essence.

If you have thought of it, but your thoughts go something like "It's not my responsibility to clear it of snow" you should reconsider.

Saving Valuable Seconds

Depending on the city or town you live in, keeping the hydrant clear of snow and debris could quite possibly be your responsibility. Check with your local fire department or town hall to find out the laws in your area.   

Beyond that, keeping it clear only benefits you. If you are the victim of a fire, what do you want the firemen spending their time on? Clearing the hydrant or fighting the fire? Be smart. Be a good neighbor. Do what's Right.

After A Fire

If you are the unfortunate victim of a fire, we're here to help. After the fire trucks leave, your home likely suffers from fire and smoke damage and extensive water damage from firefighting efforts. SERVPRO of Haverhill/Newburyport have the specialized fire restoration training needed to restore your home to pre-fire condition.

Have Questions About Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage? Call Today – (978) 374-8555

Sensing Unseen Water Damage

3/7/2018 (Permalink)

Even small water damages have the potential to cause serious structural and indoor air quality  issues  over time.

The key to avoiding costly future restoration is to handle every water problem as a real threat to your property. SERVPRO of Haverhill/Newburyport has the equipment, training and experience to find and dry unseen water before secondary damages occur. The proper equipment makes a measurable difference in reducing the damage expense during a fire or water loss. When time matters, technology and equipment must be counted on to perform. SERVPRO® of Haverhill/Newburyport will answer your call with fast action and a full arsenal of drying equipment. Here are a few of the tools used:

• Moisture Sensors are used to detect moisture in carpets, baseboards and Moisture Meters (pictured) are used to determine the actual moisture content of various materials. The moisture tester provides accurate readings, allowing SERVPRO® Franchise Professionals to monitor the drying process.
• Thermohygrometers measure temperature and relative humidity. When armed with this information, SERVPRO® of Haverhill/Newburyport can calculate and create an environment most conclusive to drying.
• When facing a contaminated water loss, it is not only important to dry the structure, but the structure must also be disinfected and often deodorized.
• Ultra-Low-Volume (ULV) Foggers will atomize liquid deodorizing agents, producing a fine mist that can easily penetrate the site where odor-causing residues may accumulate. This device can also be used to inject fungicides and disinfectants into wall cavities and other hard-to-reach
• Thermal Foggers (pictured) dispense solvent-based produces by creating a dense fog. The fog consists of tiny particles of deodorant solution that attach to and neutralize odor­ causing particles.

What is the bottom line? SERVPRO® of Haverhill/Newburyport has the training and equipment to help make it "Like it never even happened."

Mold In Your Air Ducts

3/7/2018 (Permalink)

When cool air moves through your air ducts on warm days, this can cause water to condense inside the vent. When this happens, moisture becomes trapped in the ducts, creating an ideal environment for mold to grow. Moreover, since mold spores can be airborne, it is common for them to spread through your business via the vents. This is why it’s important to take care of HVAC cleaning on a regular basis. This will help keep mold from growing and invading your workspace. Here are the steps on how to handle this problem before it worsens.

Dealing With the Mold

• Have the mold tested
• Identify the cause of the mold
• Check air vents insulation to make sure the mold hasn’t spread
• Clean the interior vents 

Cleaning the Ductwork

It’s not always easy to take on cleaning the ductwork by yourself. At times, it’s best to invest your money into a mold remediation team who knows what they are doing. After all, you may not have the proper supplies to get rid of mold altogether. Additionally, those who specialize in mold removal generally have more effective tools for the job and can conduct a targeted HVAC cleaning.

Preventing Mold

One of the best ways that you can prevent mold from spreading at the office is to install a HEPA filter. This helps maintain the cleanliness of your HVAC system for a long time to come. If you have had a mold problem in your Haverhill or Newburyport MA, business before, then it’s never too late to think about prevention. You can also invest in a dehumidifier. This helps keep the moisture out of the air and cuts down on your time spent cleaning vents.

Getting rid of mold can be a pain. However, there are ways of preventing it and cleaning up after it happens. Generally, an HVAC cleaning is one of the best ways to trust that your air ducts aren’t compromised.

Visit our website for more information about mold damage.

The Anatomy of Smoke & Fire Damage

3/7/2018 (Permalink)

Smoke and soot are invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your home, causing hidden damage and odor. Our smoke damage expertise and experience allows us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damage to develop a comprehensive plan of action.  

Smoke and soot facts:

• Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.
• Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.
• The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.

Different Types of Smoke

Closely Related But Very Different

There are two different types of smoke–wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, we will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. The cleaning procedures will then be based on the information identified during pretesting. Here is some additional information:

Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber

• Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.

Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood

• Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke rises.

Protein Fire Residue – Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire

• Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor. 

Getting Back to Normal

Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

SERVPRO of Haverhill/Newburyport specializes in fire and water damage restoration. We have the specific damage restoration training, personnel, and equipment and can quickly restore your home to pre-fire condition. Moreover, We live and work in this community too; we might even be neighbors. As a locally owned and operated business, SERVPRO of Haverhill/Newburyport is close by and ready to respond to your smoke or fire damage emergency. 

A Recipe for Disaster!

3/7/2018 (Permalink)

More snow and warming temperatures can be a recipe for disaster!

Floods rank as one of the most common and widespread natural disasters in the United States. No matter where you live, there is a potential for suffering from flood damage.

Just because you haven't experienced a flood  in  the past,  doesn’t  mean  you  won't  in  the future.  In fact, 20% of all claims paid by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) were for policies in low-risk communities. On average, floods cost $3 billion in annual losses in the United States. Commercial flood claims average more than $75,000.

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

• Stay away from floodwaters. If you come up on a flowing scream where water is above your ankles, stop, rum around and go another Six inches of swiftly moving water can  sweep 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 quickly and 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 run ning water or contaminated water. Keep your pets out of the water too.

If you do suffer water damage due to a flood or melting snow in your home or business, contact SERVPRO^® of Haverhill/Newburyport. 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® System is prepared to handle any sized disaster. The sooner work begins, the sooner order can be restored.

To Tarp Or Not To Tarp?!

3/6/2018 (Permalink)

…That is the question!

With the recent "Bomb Cyclones" that have blasted through our region this season, we've seen an excess of structural damage from the high winds that accompanied the rain and snow.

The most recent storm brought hurricane force winds that downed power lines, lifted shingles like playing cards, ripped gutters off of buildings and sent them blowing down the street like left-over drinking straws.

With another Nor' Easter about to hit, and people still scrambling from the damage of the last storm, the main concern is getting the damaged roofs protected. 

If you have missing shingles, your roof is vulnerable to moisture seeping in. Whether it's a downpour of rain or snow that sits on your roof, both will find their way into your house causing additional problems, such as water damage and mold. 

"Tarping your roof is the best advice, says Ross Martin, an Estimator at SERVPRO and our resident roof expert. If you can hire a professional contractor, like the team we work with, that's always best. They use professional grade materials that will hold up to the worst Mother Nature throws at us." 

If not, be sure to have a plan before you venture onto the roof. There are  good DIY videos to watch before that provide a sound set of instructions. 

Give us a call at 978-374-8555 to learn more about how we can help.  

What To Do If Your House Floods

3/2/2018 (Permalink)

With the crazy weather we've been experiencing lately, house and/or business flooding is a real concern. Luckily, we can step in to help minimize the damage and get your back to normal living conditions, but there are some other important steps to take as well.

Stop The Flow

Your first priority is stopping the flow of water. If the flooding is due to storm surges, you should be seeking safe ground. Your possessions are replaceable. You aren't!

If you have time however, turn off electricity at the fuse box. If you can’t reach the box without wading into water, call an electrician and stay out of the wet areas. Most people don't think of this step during a flood but doing so can save a lot of extra repair once you're back in the house.

Snap It, Document It

Before removing any water, document the damage for your insurance company. Capture the extent of the water damage and all possessions impacted by the flood. Digital photos are best because you can quickly upload them directly to your agent for assessment.

Contact your insurance company as soon as possible and follow their directions. Not all flooding is covered by a basic homeowners policy, so work with your agent to discover the cause and identify coverage you can qualify for. Do not remove any water before talking to them so you don’t accidentally do anything that will decrease the amount of coverage you’ll be able to claim. If the insurance company wants you to wait for an adjuster before making repairs, do so — but make sure you give them a clear picture of the damage and repairs that are immediately needed.

Protect Yourself

You won’t know immediately if the water is contaminated, so take precautions to safeguard your health. Wear protective gear like waders or rubber boots and rubber gloves before delving into the water and removing water-logged possessions. If possible, remove children from the home until the damage is assessed and contained.

We're Here To Help

We are truly "faster to any disaster." When your home or business has water damage, we have the expertise and equipment to properly restore your property. The water removal and water cleanup process is completed by our highly-trained technicians who will document the drying process. This validates that your property has been dried properly and thoroughly.

Please follow the tips outlined in our Water Damage Tips—Until Help Arrives Guide to protect yourself and your property.

Winter Weather Tips

2/13/2018 (Permalink)

A man puts ice melt on the stairs of his winter-beaten home.

Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow and the national weather reporting agencies are predicting cold temps reaching into April, even early May possibly. Don't shoot the messenger!

With that said, two of the biggest problems our customers encounter are frozen pipes and ice dams. A frozen pipe can burst causing considerable damage to your property if not addressed.  Ice dams cause a back-flow under the roof’s shingles and can affect your structure’s interior areas.  Below are some tips on how to prevent this damage and prepare your home for the winter weather.

Quick Easy Steps to Avoid Burst Pipes & Ice Dams:

• Keep cabinet doors open during cold spells
• Keep a slow trickle of water flowing through faucets
• Consider shutting off outdoor faucets
• Ensure gutters are clean and secure
• Inspect property for proper drainage to alleviate flood hazard potential

SERVPRO® of Haverhill/Newburyport is your local fire and water damage restoration company. Servicing the North Shore and Merrimack Valley for over 30 years, SERVPRO® understands the stress and worry that comes with a fire or water damage and the disruption it can cause your life, home or business.  Our goal is to help minimize the interruption to your life and quickly make it “Like it never even happened.”®

Mold In Your Home

2/13/2018 (Permalink)

Mold is one of those hot button words that can strike fear and send you fleeing to pack your bags. Before you send the "We're Moving" postcards, learn the ABC's of mold in your home.

Mold In Your Home

Mold is airborne and can enter your home through open doorways, windows, vents, and heating and air conditioning systems. Mold in the air outside can also attach itself to clothing, shoes, bags, and pets can and be carried indoors.

It will grow in places with a lot of moisture, such as around leaks in roofs, windows, or pipes, or where there has been flooding. Mold grows well on paper products, cardboard, ceiling tiles, and wood products. Mold can also grow in dust, paints, wallpaper, insulation, drywall, carpet, fabric, and upholstery.

What Can You Do?

Inside your home you can control mold growth by:

• Controlling humidity levels;
• Promptly fixing leaky roofs, windows, and pipes;
• Thoroughly cleaning and drying after flooding;
• Ventilating shower, laundry, and cooking areas.

If mold is growing in your home, you need to clean up the mold and fix the moisture problem. 

We specialize in water and mold damage restoration, the cornerstone of our business. We have the training and expertise to safely handle any mold situation.

• Applied Microbial Remediation Specialist
• Water Damage Restoration Technician
• Applied Structural Drying Technician

To learn more, click here or call 978-374-8555.

Space Heaters Need Their Space.

2/7/2018 (Permalink)

During the winters months, many people have the mind set that keeping the overall home or office temperature lower while adding space heaters will save money. Whether that makes fiscal sense depends on several variables. The one thing that does not vary though, is that space heaters, when not used properly can be dangerous.

Space heaters should be kept at a minimum distance of three feet but often are used near beds or under desks, altogether too close to fabrics, papers or other flammable materials. Not considering this hazard can lead to unexpected fires that spread quickly. 

Keeping these tips from DIY Network in mind can avoid potential tragedies:

Mary Ellen Manning the Open House Table

1/31/2018 (Permalink)

Mary Ellen Lawlor at the 2017 Amesbury Fire Dept Open House.

Every year during the Fall, most fire departments open their doors to the public, welcoming the community in to learn about fire safety, see the cool equipment they use, demonstrate best safety practices and even let the kids climb in and on the trucks. It's just a great family day, all around, to meet the men and women that dedicate their lives to keeping our communities safe.

Every year there is also a priority to discuss, such as "Every Second Counts," as was the case in 2017.

SERVPRO is always happy to support our local Fire Departments. At the 2017 Amesbury Open House, we donated apples, and our ever popular fire truck banks!

SERVPRO of Haverhill/Newburyport specializes in fire and water damage restoration. We have the specific damage restoration training, personnel, and equipment and can quickly restore your home to pre-fire condition.

Simple Steps to Reduce the Risk of Mold

1/24/2018 (Permalink)

Mold found behind drywall that was cut after a water damage.

During an exceptionally busy weather pattern, our area of eastern Massachusetts saw several storms back-to-back. Just as you made headway cleaning up after one storm, another would come in to undo all all your progress. Such was the case with a local elementary school when a pipe burst, unleashing 30,000+ thousand gallons of water through the hallways.

As a normal course of our process, once the water is extracted, we cut the drywall above the water line to ensure no moisture continues to spread and lead to the growth of mold.

Unfortunately, upon doing this, we found evidence of old mold in some of the drywall. Although it was not a huge amount, it was enough to shut the school down for several days, displacing the students to temporary housing and causing guaranteed headaches for the parents. 

The moral of this story is to do it the right way every time because in the end, you never avoid the work that needs to be done. SERVPRO of Haverhill/Newburyport doesn't cut corners (unless it's wet drywall), when it comes to standards of operation. 

Call the experts when water, fire or mold damage strikes.

A Series of Storms Wreak Havoc in Haverhill, MA

1/24/2018 (Permalink)

After a few back-to-back storms blew through Eastern, MA., several residents and businesses found themselves with frozen and/or burst pipes. 

Such was the case at a historic school building, repurposed to a community arts  center when a pipe burst, allowing 15-20 thousand+ gallons of water to rush through the halls and classrooms.

Since this is an historic structure, tearing down walls was not an option. A delicately balanced process referred to as "dry in place" was employed. This is when dozens of high capacity fans, desiccant dehumidifiers and two, 1-million BTU incandescent heaters blowing 200º were staged throughout the building, circulating dry, warm air.

Per Pat Lavigne, owner of SERVPRO of Haverhill/Newburyport this process requires a balance of the moist air being extracted while the fans continually blow at high pressure to break the vapor barrier so the moisture wicks.

This process also helps reduce the risk of damage to the artwork. Many old buildings needs special care, when a crisis hits, in order to maintain the integrity of the structure. Lucky for this local building, we had a plan!

Church Underwater After Bomb Cyclone Storm

1/23/2018 (Permalink)

A well-attended church in Ipswich, MA found their sanctuary underwater after a "100 Year Storm" referred to as a "BombCyclone" hit the east coast in the winter of 2018. 

A pipe burst, sending 10,000 gallons (plus) of water throughout many rooms and levels of the church. SERVPRO of Haverhill/Newburyport was called in after hours to to begin the mitigation process. The hope of the congregation was that Sunday services would be able to be conducted despite the event.

With a lot of manpower, hours and equipment SERVPRO of Haverhill/Newburyport was able to get the facility back to working order in time for Sunday service. 

When a crisis like this hits unexpectedly, the keys to a quick resolution are having a knowledgeable team in place as well as a plan of action. You want to act quickly before you wind up with more headaches, such as mold. 

Water Damage Can Leave An Unwanted Guest

1/23/2018 (Permalink)

After you have suffered through the disaster water damage can leave behind, you may sigh a breath of relief and think the worst is over. Unfortunately, if not mitigated correctly, the worst may be yet to come.

When it comes to water damage, they key to avoiding future mold problems is time. The quicker you can get to the source, fix the problem, and begin the drying (or demolition) the better.

Brian Carifio, a Project Estimator here at SERVPRO of Haverhill/Newburyport, recommends waiting no longer than 3 days to address the mold risk. 

He also recommends the following steps

Dry out the affected area. Once the water has been extracted, use fans and a dehumidifier to help dry out the area. If possible, open windows to allow for air circulation and faster drying. You want to dry the area out as soon as possible. If you have a finished basement and the drywall was affected, you’ll probably have to cut away the areas that were touched by water as the drywall will crumble and the paper backing is a good source of food for mold. If you have baseboard trim, take it up first, and if it’s made from pressboard it will likely not be salvageable. If it was wood, you might be able to save it.

Disinfect. This is a crucial step that is often overlooked. After the area has dried out, including wood beams, insulation, drywall, etc., use a good disinfectant to get rid of any bacteria that might have come up through sewers, toilets, etc. Disinfect all areas affected by the flood waters including walls and wood and non-upholstered furniture that sat in flood water.

SERVPRO of Haverhill/Newburyport uses proprietary, OSHA-approved cleaning agents that may be needed to clean and remove odors and/or contaminants on your property.

• Deodorization products control odors from excessive moisture.
• Disinfection products stop the growth of bacteria, fungi, mildew, and other harmful microorganisms.

Dispose of damaged items responsibly: you’ll be tempted to throw everything into a dumpster and send it all away and out of site. But if you can organize damaged goods into piles and take what you can to recycling centers, you will help alleviate the pressure on your local landfill site. Go to your city or town’s waste management website to find out where to recycle old paints, stains, adhesives and other toxic liquids, any damaged electronics from cell phones to TVs and computers, furniture, and even drywall. 

Flooded School in West Newbury, MA

1/10/2018 (Permalink)

Is Your Business Prepared For A Crisis?

Instead of ringing in 2018 with toasts of prosperity and good health, many business found themselves focused on damage control as record low temperatures hit Massachusetts, causing pipes and sprinkler systems to freeze and burst. Such was the case at a beloved, local elementary school in the overnight hours of a very cold January night when a pipe ruptured in a first floor bathroom sending 30,000 gallons of water rushing, unrestrained, through hallways, classrooms, and ceilings of the Page School in West Newbury, MA. 

When a catastrophe such as this occurs, it’s the level of preparedness, training, proper equipment and a plan of action that can make the difference between an inconvenience and a total loss for your business.

Because Page School had the foresight to work with SERVPRO to complete an ERP (Emergency Readiness Plan), the maintenance team and first responders were able to quickly locate the shut-off valves, stemming the continued flow of water and therefore, minimizing the loss and environmental risk.

An ERP is a simple preparedness program that is completed at no charge to the customer. It provides a digital blueprint of key information such as location of utility shut-offs, property details, building access, and important contacts that may otherwise be floating in a paper file or on a computer hard drive inaccessible to you. A true game changer during any crisis, right on your phone…in a simple, free app.

When our SERVPRO of Haverhill/Newburyport franchise received the call at 1:00 a.m., we were onsite within 30 minutes. The project was assessed, an emergency team was assembled, and mitigation began within 2 hours. No time was wasted in containing necessary areas, extracting water, dehumidifying and drying, disinfecting and removing saturated drywall.

The key to remediation is time…the quicker you start extracting and drying, the less time the water has to saturate and permeate surfaces. Removing drywall above the water line is paramount as mold can start to grow in as little as 3 days. When not correctly managed, it can grow silently, unbeknownst to you, within the drywall as it did at Page School, causing even more problems when it’s eventually discovered.

Disinfecting all areas, from ceiling to floor is also a concern as water can carry bacteria, dirt, and debris, depositing it in areas where you eat, work and play.

The SERVPRO emergency crew worked in shifts until the entire school was cleaned and moisture readings were back to an acceptable level. Although crews still remain there to remediate the mold, the original crisis is a memory.

In a press release issued to the media on January 3, Superintendent Mulqueen sites the timely response of West Newbury’s emergency responders, the District’s facilities team, and SERVPRO as the main factors in minimizing damage to the school. Had mold not been discovered, the school would have been operational in a matter of days.

The moral of this story is preparedness as well as working with trained professionals who make it their job to remain focused and productive during a crisis. You may never need to engage such a system but when & if you do, having a trained response team ready to go will get your life back to working order faster and with less stress.

SERVPRO mitigates thousands of  losses each year. If you are interested in ensuring your business is prepared for the unexpected, call us to learn more about our Emergency Readiness Program (ERP) at 978-374-8555 or 978-356-7077.

Preparing For The Worst

1/5/2018 (Permalink)

Frozen car floating in icy waters through Boston during yesterday's "Bomb Cyclone."

Mother Nature's Icy Grip Threatens Northeastern MA

With record low temperatures the norm this season and significant snowfall in the forecast, it's almost as if Mother Nature has something against us. Most of the time, winters in New England feel like a full frontal assault and this year is no exception. There are a plethora of resources on preparing for a storm and most of us can recite the bullet list by heart. However, how often do you think of preparing your car? Probably not often.

The National Weather Service offers a great deal of information on their website, including steps on building an emergency supply kit. According to their website, each year, on average, more than 6,000 people are killed and more than 480,000 are injured due to weather-related vehicle crashes. Before you leave the house, make sure all fluid levels are full and ensure that the lights, heater, and windshield wipers are in proper condition. Keep your gas tank near full to avoid ice in the tank and fuel lines. 

Carry a Winter Storm Survival Kit that includes the following:

• Mobile phone, charger, batteries
• Blankets/sleeping bags
• Flashlight with extra batteries
• Firstaid kit
• Knife
• High-calorie, non-perishable food
• Extra clothing to keep dry
• Small can and waterproof matches to melt snow for drinking water
• Sack of sand or cat litter for traction
• Shovel
• Windshield scraper and brush
• Tool kit
• Tow rope
• Battery booster cables
• Compass and road maps.

Mother Nature Isn't Fooling Anyone!

11/6/2017 (Permalink)

Can you feel that chill in the air? If not, just you wait — winter will be here before you know it, and now is the time to get your house ready for the cold. 

Trust us. You don't want to discover your furnace is dead on arrival of the first frost. And dealing with those cold air drafts now is a lot more pleasant than waiting until the inside of your house feels like a freezer.

To help, Home Advisor has created the ultimate guide to getting your home ready for winter. Here's a list of what to do and who to hire now, so you're not left shivering through the season.

Outdoors

Gutter Check: Ideally, you'll have your gutters and downspouts cleaned in mid-fall so that you only need to double check them before winter. If you do encounter clogs or leaking in difficult to reach places, now is a good time to call in the professionals.

Water Works: Your sprinkler system should have been winterized in the fall. If you missed this step, get a professional in as soon as possible, so you can avoid frozen pipes or cracks that can ruin the entire system. You should also make sure to disconnect all outside hoses from their spouts and turn off the water.

Seal The Deck: If you have a deck, give it a fresh coat of sealer before the cold hits to protect it from the harsh winter elements.

Roof Inspection: Have a contractor look for damaged roof shingles. A professional can also assess the integrity of your roof by doing something called an infrared roof inspection. This process uses infrared rays to locate the parts of a roof that are at higher or lower temperatures than the rest of it. These "hot spots" can show the roof inspector exactly where heat is escaping.

Weatherproof Windows: If heat is escaping through your windows and the space around them, keeping the rest of your house warm is going to be more difficult and more expensive. You might find installing energy-efficient, double-paned windows will make a noticeable difference in your energy costs and how comfortable your living areas feel. You may not need to install new windows if heat is escaping, though. In some cases, all you need is some caulk or weather stripping to weatherproof the existing windows.

Indoors

HVAC Tuning: Now is the time to replace the filter in your furnace and close any vents in your home that may have been opened for the warm weather. Go ahead and test that your heating system is working properly, too — it's better to find out now if something needs to be fixed before the real cold weather hits.

Chimney Cleaning: Chimneys and wood stoves should be cleaned early in the season. If you own a fireplace, this is not optional — it's a matter of safety. When you have your chimney cleaned, have the furnace flue cleaned at the same time. Make sure to test the flue for a tight seal when closed.

Outlet Inspection: Check electrical outlets and switch plates to see if you feel a draft. Add insulation to prevent warm air from escaping these spaces.

Stock Up: Make sure you have shovels on hand before the first big snow hits. Plus, it's a good idea to get prepared with a supply of extra water, canned food, flashlights and replacement batteries.

Article brought to you by: HomeAdvisor.com

The ERP Can Keep Your Business Running!

11/3/2017 (Permalink)

Are You Ready?

Preparation is a key component for making it through any size disaster, whether it’s a small water leak, a large fire or an area flood. The best time for planning for such events is not when the event happens, but well before it happens.

No one ever plans on a disaster, but you can plan for it. Now is the time to ask yourself, “Are you ready for whatever could happen?”

The SERVPRO® Emergency READY Profile is a start up approach that provides the critical information needed to begin mitigation and recovery services. It is designed to serve as a quick reference of important building and contact information. By working with SERVPRO’s Emergency READY Profile, your business will receive the benefit of over 40 years of experience in reducing the impact of any natural or man-made disaster.

SERVPRO® is a leader in water and fire damage response and can help you quickly get your property back in working order.

Call us today for more details!

Winter Is Coming…maybe!

11/3/2017 (Permalink)

Don’t expect blockbuster snowfall this winter, says David Epstein for Boston.com!

Early predictions for the entire winter are notoriously difficult to compile. These forecasts are also not very reliable, and it’s not prudent to use a single forecast to predict the weather for the next five months. 

However, here are some early predictions to get you thinking:

Perhaps most notably this year, we are looking at a weak or moderate La Niña, which is when the ocean waters off the coast of Peru turn colder than average. 

In this pattern, New England often sees average snowfall totals, but, of course, there are always exceptions. During some La Niña years, New England has received higher-than-average snowfall — but just not as frequently as when snowfall is closer to average.

It’s also worth noting that the National Weather Service predicts a warmer-than-average winter across the eastern United States, largely because of La Niña.

Another data point to consider is autumn’s weather. A warm or cold fall is an indication of the atmosphere’s state. What happens from Sept. 1 to Nov. 30 can guide the thinking of what type of winter we’ll experience.

September and October 2017 were very warm — in fact, October in Boston came within one-tenth of a degree of tying the warmest on record — so it’s useful to review snowfall after some of the warmest September-October couplings.

The weather during November is also a good predictor for what will happen from December through March. If a warm November follows a warm October, the odds are high that the winter will be mild.

But if November turns cold after a warm October, then the rest of the winter is often quite snowy and cold.

If you’re rooting for a winter without a lot of snow, you’ll like the European model. It’s forecasting a warmer-than-average November, which would increase the odds of less snow in southern New England.

In addition to the above, forecasters and climatologists are monitoring a slew of other factors, including the snow cover across the Arctic and Canada, the phase of the Arctic Oscillation, the North Atlantic Oscillation, the Pacific/North American pattern, and more. These measurements are based on different pressure setups and, once again, they help to predict the mean storm track as well as how much cold air impacts the weather.

In New England, our winter weather appears to be highly variable with periods of deep cold followed by periods of mild weather. The snow cover may appear and then disappear in a matter of a week or two.

For all of these reasons, I don’t think this winter will be a blockbuster one. Yes, we will get snow and cold — ’tis the season, after all. Stay tuned for additional details and forecasts, which will be more specific and accurate than a long-range forecast is capable of doing.

For the complete article (with pictures!), click here.

Deep Fried Disaster!

11/3/2017 (Permalink)

Although a mighty delicious tradition, deep-frying a turkey on Thanksgiving can be risky. 

Every year deep-fryer fires are responsible for five deaths, 60 injuries, the destruction of 900 homes, and more than $15-million in property damage, according to the National Fire Protection Association. 

So you want to know which state has the most accidents?

For the last seven years, Texas has led the country in most grease- and cooking-related insurance claims on Thanksgiving Day, with 38 according to insurance company State Farm.  Illinois follows, with 27 reports and Pennsylvania and Ohio are tied for third with 23.  New York ranked fourth, with 22 claims and South Carolina and Georgia claimed fifth with 16 claims each. 

Check out State Farm's safety video starring Si and Jase Robertson from "Duck Dynasty" fame.  They give helpful and hilarious tips on how to avoid those nasty shooting flames.

https://youtu.be/ZNPNayJDxIo

Make Sure This Fun Night Is Safe For Kids!

10/27/2017 (Permalink)

HALLOWEEN SAFETY TIPS

Walk Safely

1. Cross the street at corners, using traffic signals and crosswalks.
2. Look left, right and left again when crossing and keep looking as you cross. 
3. Put electronic devices down and keep heads up and walk, don’t run, across the street.
4. Teach children to make eye contact with drivers before crossing in front of them.
5. Always walk on sidewalks or paths. If there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic as far to
   the left as possible.  Children should walk on direct routes with the fewest street crossings.
6. Watch for cars that are turning or backing up. Teach children to never dart out into the street or cross between parked cars.

Trick or Treat With an Adult

1. Children under the age of 12 should not be alone at night without adult supervision. If kids are mature enough to be out without supervision, they should stick to familiar areas that are well lit and trick-or-treat in groups.

Keep Costumes Both Creative and Safe

1. Decorate costumes and bags with reflective tape or stickers and, if possible, choose light colors.
2. Choose face paint and makeup whenever possible instead of masks, which can obstruct a child’s vision.
3. Have kids carry glow sticks or flashlights to help them see and be seen by drivers. 
4. When selecting a costume, make sure it is the right size to prevent trips and falls. 

Drive Extra Safely on Halloween

1. Slow down and be especially alert in residential neighborhoods. Children are excited on Halloween and may move in unpredictable ways.
2. Take extra time to look for kids at intersections, on medians and on curbs.
3. Enter and exit driveways and alleys slowly and carefully.
4. Eliminate any distractions inside your car so you can concentrate on the road and your surroundings.
5. Drive slowly, anticipate heavy pedestrian traffic and turn your headlights on earlier in the day to spot children from greater distances.
6. Popular trick-or-treating hours are 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. so be especially alert for kids during those hours.

SERVPRO Training Day

10/26/2017 (Permalink)

Start of a full day of training for these SERVPRO employees!

SERVPRO of Haverhill/Newburyport is committed to continually delivering high-value services to our customers and believes that all starts with an informed staff. At this full day training, all employees were trained on current commercial & residential cleaning & drying procedures, proper measuring standards and equipment training. 

After an amazing lunch catered by The American BBQ in Rowley, MA, employees were trained on proper driving techniques as well as equipment training. You can see our full album of images on our Facebook page.

We maintain a rigorous education standard to ensure our employees are bringing the very best knowledge into your home.

Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s Corporate Training Facility to regular IICRC industry certifications, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property. Our training program includes the following:

• IICRC Training
• Employee Certification Training
• Initial Franchise Training
• e-Learnings
• Continuing Education Classes

Every Second Counts! Fire Prevention Month

9/21/2017 (Permalink)

Downloadable graphic to review with family.

October is Fire Safety Month 

While it is our job to clean up after the Fire Dept has contained the fire, SERVPRO of Haverhill/Newburyport and SERVPRO of participates in many of the local Fire Department Open Houses during this very important month.

The theme this year is "Every Second Counts" and it couldn't be more true. You can get a head start on fire prevention month by downloading this graphic. This downloadable graphic is a great learning tool to use with your family or in the workplace. They will be on hand for you to take with you and most fire houses.

Print it out and hang it in an area that gets a lot of traffic. A break room or your refrigerator, for instance. Having it in a visible place will keep it "top of mind" in the event it's needed.

Planning for a Storm

9/19/2017 (Permalink)

Simple Tips to Help You Weather Any Storm.

With one of the busiest hurricane seasons in recent memory, it's wise to follow these safety tips from National grid minimize any damage to your home and possessions and keep your family safe.

• Remain calm and gather all supplies on our storm kit checklist, including adequate medical/prescription supplies. 
• Establish a “safe room” in a windowless interior room. Keep your storm kit there.
• Before lowering a TV antenna or satellite dish, make sure to turn off and unplug the TV, and avoid power lines.
• Turn off all swimming pool pumps and filters, and wrap them in waterproof materials.
• Turn your refrigerator and freezer to their coldest settings ahead of time to keep food fresh longer in the event of a power outage.
• Turn off and unplug any unnecessary or sensitive electrical equipment.
• Use surge protectors.
• Consider using a UPS (uninterruptible power supply).
• Charge the battery for your cell phone and laptop computers.
• Make sure that your home is secure, shuttered, and able to withstand a hurricane.

Storm Prep for Seniors

If you plan staying home during a storm, be sure to follow the steps above and ask a neighbor for help if necessary. If you plan to stay with family or friends during a hurricane, take these precautions:

• Remain calm. Call them in advance. Make sure they will be ready for you.
• Have a backup plan in case they are out of town.
• Have your emergency checklist completed outlining your needs.
• Bring your own food, water, medicine supply, and important papers with you.
• If you have a loved one with dementia, ask to have a room just for you and your loved one. Ask your hosts to take the same safety precautions you have in your home (e.g., hide sharp objects and poisons, limit access to exits, cover mirrors).
• Notify your friends/family/neighbors of your evacuation plans.

SERVPRO Helps The Hoarding Project

5/5/2017 (Permalink)

Richard Ciarletta of SERVPRO (far right) helps at an event put on by The Hoarding Project on April 29, 2017.

On April 29, 2017 SERVPRO of Haverhill/Newburyport joined forces with The Hoarding Project to help out on their Safety Day. SERVPRO's Richard Ciarletta donated his time and boxes for the event.

Safety Day is a term to talk about conducting a "modified clean-out" of a hoarded home. The goal of Safety Day is to ensure safety in a client's home. In other words, The Hoarding Project aims to make sure that a client can use and access his or her home in the way it was intended to be used without significant risk of harm to his or herself. The way they do this is through a carefully planned and structured, team-based approach to clearing "just enough" of the possessions in the home to create a safe living environment. This is done with the client's mental health and stress level during the process as the number one priority.

For more information please contact info@thehoardingproject.org

Mold Remediation Services

5/5/2017 (Permalink)

Mold was found in this Amesbury, MA office and SERVPRO of Haverhill/Newburyport was there to remediate the mold.

Does Your Haverhill Home Have A Mold Problem?

With window and doors open now, with the nice weather, many types of particles have free access to float into your home. Mold can spread through a home in as little as 48 hours.

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

• Mold is present almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors.

• Mold spores are microscopic and float along in the air and may enter your home through windows, doors, or AC/heating systems or even hitch a ride indoors on your clothing or a pet.

• Mold spores thrive on moisture. Mold spores can quickly grow into colonies when exposed to water. These colonies may produce allergens and irritants.

• Before mold remediation can begin, any sources of water or moisture must be addressed. Otherwise, the mold may return.

• Mold often produces a strong, musty odor and can lead you to possible mold problem areas.

• Even higher-than-normal indoor humidity can support mold growth. Keep indoor humidity below 45 percent.

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

If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today – (978) 374-8555

SERVPRO Attends Haverhill's Buttonwoods Speakeasy Social

4/27/2017 (Permalink)

Michelle Lavigne, Peter Carbone of E-Z Way Cleaners, Dave Hart, Nury Cardoza and Patrick Lavigne at the Speakeasy Social

On April 5th, 2017 SERVPRO of Haverhill/Newburyport attended the Buttonwoods Speakeasy Social 2017 at The Tap in Haverhill, MA. Owners Dave Hart and Michelle & Patrick Lavigne along with Crew Chief Nury Cardoza dressed in their finest 1920's glad rags and went out to support The Buttonwoods Museum.

The Buttonwoods Museum - Haverhill Historical Society is a designated Essex National Heritage Area Visitor Center offering information to residents and tourists about the city and the region beyond. The museum opened in 1904 and is in the middle of hundreds of years of Haverhill and Merrimack Valley history.

The mission of the Buttonwoods Museum is to collect and preserve history, and to educate the community about Greater Haverhill's past and culture.

All proceeds from this event went to help maintain the museum properties, protect the priceless artifacts of Greater Haverhill's history and fund educational programs.

We're not just business owners, many of us live here too. We may even be neighbors. We are proud to be an active member of the Haverhill community and want to do our part to make our community the best it can be.

Be Prepared For an Emergency

4/13/2017 (Permalink)

The ERP is a no-cost assessment; all it requires is a little time, making it a great value that could save you time and money in the future.

In the event of an emergency, the Emergency READY Profile^® or ERP can help minimize business interruption by having an immediate plan of action in place for your facility. Working with SERVPRO® of Haverhill/Newburyport on an ERP will provide you with a comprehensive document containing critical information about your business, including emergency contact information, shut-off valve locations and priority areas.

The ERP also establishes your local SERVPRO^® Franchise Professional as your disaster mitigation and restoration provider, giving you access to over 40 years of experience and a System over 1,600 Franchises strong. The ERP is a no-cost assessment; all it requires is a little time, making it a great value that could save you time and money in the future.

Preparation is the key to making it through any size disaster, whether it is a small water leak, a large fire or an area flood. Having a plan in place may help minimize the amount of time your business is inactive and get you back in the building following a disaster.

Don't wait until disaster strikes. Be ahead of whatever Mother Nature throws your way. Call SERVPRO^® of Haverhill/Newburyport at 978-374-8555 or visit or website to establish your Emergency READY Profile^®, and be "Ready for whatever happens."

SERVPRO of Haverhill/Newburyport - Fast Water Damage Response

4/13/2017 (Permalink)

Flooding and water damage is very invasive. Water quickly spreads throughout your home and gets absorbed into floors, walls, furniture, and more.

Flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither does SERVPRO of Haverhill/Newburyport. We provide emergency cleaning and restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—including all holidays.

Flooding and water damage is very invasive. Water quickly spreads throughout your home and gets absorbed into floors, walls, furniture, and more. SERVPRO of Haverhill/Newburyport arrives quickly and starts the water extraction process almost immediately.

This immediate response helps to minimize the damage and the cleaning and restoration costs. The water damage timeline below details the damage that occurs if no action is taken.

Within Minutes

• Water quickly spreads throughout your property, saturating everything in its path.
• Water is absorbed into walls, floors, upholstery, and belongings.
• Furniture finishes may bleed, causing permanent staining on carpets.
• Photographs, books, and other paper goods start to swell and warp.

First 24 Hours

• Drywall begins to swell and break down.
• Metal surfaces begin to tarnish.
• Furniture begins to swell and crack.
• Dyes and inks from cloth and paper goods spread and stain.
• A musty odor appears.

48 Hours to One Week

• Mold and mildew may grow and spread.
• Doors, windows, and studs swell and warp.
• Metal begins to rust and corrode.
• Furniture warps and shows signs of mold.
• Paint begins to blister.
• Wood flooring swells and warps.
• Serious biohazard contamination is possible.

More Than One Week

• Restoration time and cost increase dramatically; replacing contaminated materials and structural rebuilding may be extensive.
• Structural safety, mold growth, and biohazard contaminants pose serious risks to occupants.

As leaders in the water damage industry, we have advanced training and expertise, not to mention a tremendous amount of hands-on experience. We use this training and experience to quickly dry your home and restore it back to pre-water-damage condition. Our process includes documentation of the drying process to validate your property is dry.

Call us today at 978-374-8555 for more information.

Severe Spring Weather Tips

3/24/2017 (Permalink)

While spring brings the promise of warm weather and longer days, it also brings a variety of conditions that can include heavy rains and severe weather, which can increase your flood risk. Take action to protect yourself, your family, and your business—before a weather event occurs and it’s too late.

April marks the start of the rainy season. Spring storms can bring several inches of rain in only a matter of hours or there can be consistent rainfall for days. These heavy rains can lead to severe flooding by over-saturating the ground, overfilling storm drains, or rivers spilling over their banks.

As one of the most common hazards in the United States, it’s important we prepare for the potential disaster that flooding can cause. Even if you feel you live in a community with a low risk of flooding, remember that anywhere it rains, it can flood. Just because you haven’t experienced a flood in the past, doesn’t mean you won’t in the future.

In order help prepare you for the possibility of a flood, we offer you these tips:

• Build an emergency kit and make a family communications plan
• Avoid building in a floodplain unless you elevate and reinforce your home
• Elevate the furnace, water heater and electric panel in your home if you live in an area that has a high flood risk
• Install check-valves to prevent flood water from backing up into the drains of your home
• Seal basement walls and floor with waterproofing compounds to prevent seepage through cracks
• Always keep your gutters and downspouts clean to allow water to flow freely
• Prepare a flood evacuation plan
• Know how to safely shut-off utilities
• Keep insurance and vital records in a water-proof box
• Have a portable radio to listen for important current information

When your home sustains water damage from flooding, you should call SERVPRO of Haverhill/Newburyport immediately. SERVPRO of Haverhill/Newburyport professionals have the expertise to prevent or mitigate the devastating effects that water damage can have.

SERVPRO of Haverhill/Newburyport has the equipment and experience necessary to handle the most challenging water damage and removal situations and we are available around-the-clock. Call us at (978) 374-8555, and we’ll return your home back to normal, "Like it never even happened."

Winter Weather Tips

12/13/2016 (Permalink)

SERVPRO® of Haverhill/Newburyport is your local fire and water damage restoration company. Servicing the North Shore and Merrimack Valley for over 30 years, SERVPRO® understands the stress and worry that comes with a fire or water damage and the disruption it can cause your life, home or business.  Our goal is to help minimize the interruption to your life and quickly make it “Like it never even happened.”®

With the cold weather upon us, two of the biggest problems our customers encounter are frozen pipes and ice dams. A frozen pipe can burst causing considerable damage to your property if not addressed.  Ice dams cause a backflow under the roof’s shingles and can affect your structure’s interior areas.  Below are some tips on how to prevent this damage and prepare your home for the winter weather.

• Keep cabinet doors open during cold spells
• Keep a slow trickle of water flowing through faucets
• Consider shutting off outdoor faucets
• Ensure gutters are clean and secure
• Inspect property for proper drainage to alleviate flood hazard potential

Mary Ellen Lawlor from SERVPRO Honored at the YWCA Awards Luncheon

11/10/2016 (Permalink)

Mary Ellen Lawlor - Marketing Representative at SERVPRO of Haverhill

Mary Ellen Lawlor, the marketing rep at SERVPRO of Haverhill, was honored last month at the YWCA Haverhill 27th Annual Tribute to Women Luncheon.  Mary Ellen was among twenty-two women who were recognized at the event as outstanding role models and who have made significant contributions to their community through professional or volunteer work. 

As a long time resident of the Merrimack Valley, Mary Ellen has a long history of giving back.  She is involved in countless committees and projects including Haverhill's Kids Fest, Christmas Stroll as well as helping to coordinate Fire Safety Days in conjunction with local Fire Departments.  She has served as an Ambassador to both the Greater Haverhill Chamber of Commerce and the Merrimack Valley Chamber of Commerce and is a member of the Board for The Clean River Project, Community Action, Inc., the Haverhill Downtown Committee and the Haverhill Washington St. Shoe Historic District. 

Like so many other wonderful volunteers, Mary Ellen has put in countless hours of time and resources; working diligently to bring programs and services to our local neighborhoods. Mary Ellen cares deeply about this community and is committed to making Haverhill the surrounding communities a better place to live. 

Congratulations to Mary Ellen and all the other women honored at this year's event.  SERVPRO is proud to have you as a member of the SERVPRO team and happy to support all your community efforts!

SERVPRO along with local Fire Departments Raise Awareness about Fire Prevention

11/10/2016 (Permalink)

Amesbury Fire Department Open House

October is Fire Prevention Month!  In an effort to raise awareness about fire safety, local Fire Departments throughout Essex County hosted Open Houses at their Fire Stations.  SERVPRO and other local businesses worked in conjunction with the fire departments to provide refreshments, giveaways and most importantly fire safety education!  Fire truck tours, gear demonstrations, Sparky the Fire Dog and the Smoke House were some of the main attractions at these open houses.  Each year fires claim hundreds of lives throughout New England. Fire Safety Open Houses are geared towards educating the community in hopes of saving lives.  Congratulations and thank you to all the fire houses who went above and beyond to educate our community about fire safety and prevention.  SERVPRO is proud to be a part of such wonderful events! 

SERVPRO Attends the NELA Conference

11/10/2016 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Marketing Representatives, Mary Ellen Lawlor and Richard Ciarletta, at the NELA Conference.

SERVPRO recently attended the New England Library Association's Annual Conference held at the Sheraton Ferncroft in Danvers, MA.  Truly a remarkable event, librarians from throughout New England travelled to this three day conference to attend seminars, meet vendors and learn about ways to enhance their local libraries.  As an exhibitor at the conference, SERVPRO provided information about our 24/7 emergency restoration services for fire and water damage as well as our Emergency Ready Profile (ERP) Program.  The ERP Program encourages customers to take action before a disaster strikes by helping them create an emergency preparedness plan for their property.  The ERP is a quick reference of important building and contact information compiled by your facilities manager along with your local SERVPRO representative.  And the best part is, SERVPRO offers this service free of charge!  This service is available to all business and municipalities.  Please contact our office at (800)621-0022 for further details!  

SERVPRO Hosts September Haverhill Chamber Event

11/10/2016 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Haverhill hosts the September After Hours Mixer for the Greater Haverhill Chamber of Commerce

Thank you to everyone who came out last month to the Greater Haverhill Chamber After Hours Mixer at SERVPRO of Haverhill.  The Casino Night was a huge success!  It was wonderful meeting so many business professionals and of course sharing the SERVPRO story and our new building with the local community.  Thank you to the Greater Haverhill Chamber for your help organizing this wonderful event.  Many thanks to Bradford Country Club for providing the food and of course Seacoast Events for all their hardwork running the casino tables.  SERVPRO is proud to be a member of and support such a wonderful community.  We hope that everyone enjoyed themselves and look forward to the Haverhill Chamber's next big event!  And remember, if ever you are faced with a fire or water damage, please don't hesitate to contact us.  We are here to help!   

SERVPRO of Haverhill/Newburyport supports the Haverhill Firefighter's Relief Association

6/3/2016 (Permalink)

SERVPRO marketing reps, Rich Ciarletta and Mary Ellen Lawlor, stand by the television to be raffled off at the Haverhill Firefighter's Golf Tournament

SERVPRO of Haverhill/Newburyport was one of the many volunteers at the Haverhill Firefighters' Golf Tournament.  This is the annual tournament to help raise funds for the Haverhill Firefighter's Relief Association.   SERVPRO of Haverhill/Newburyport is proud to be a part of such a wonderful event and has donated bottled waters for all the golfers as well as a 43" flat screen television to be raffled off at the event.  A special thank you to firefighters Brian Saunders and Timothy Riley for all their hard work coordinating the event, to Bradford Country Club for being such a wonderful host and to all the volunteers and sponsors who have donated their time and money to such a great cause! SERVPRO of Haverhill/Newburyport was very happy to be a part of this wonderful event!

SERVPRO helps celebrate the Haverhill Chamber of Commerce's 100th Annual Dinner & Awards Banquet

6/2/2016 (Permalink)

Money Cake to be raffled off at the Haverhill Chamber 100th Annual Dinner & Awards Celebration

SERVPRO of Haverhill/Newburyport would like to congratulate the Haverhill Chamber of Commerce on their 100^th Anniversary!  SERVPRO of Haverhill/Newburyport has been providing fire, water and mold restoration services in the greater Haverhill area for over 30 years.  As a proud member of the Haverhill Chamber of Commerce we would like to say thank you to everyone at the Chamber for all of your support over the years.  It is organizations like the Chamber that make Haverhill a great place to live and work!  Congratulations again on such a huge milestone.  To mark the special occasion, SERVPRO of Haverhill/Newburyport has donated a $100 money cake to the raffle and auction portion of the 100^th Annual Dinner and Awards Celebration. Thank you for allowing us to be there for this wonderful celebration!