Preparing for Storm Evacuation: Tips for You and Your Pets in Washington, DC

9/8/2023 (Permalink)

Be prepared for a storm evacuation with these tips.

SERVPRO of Washington, DC has these tips for people with disabilities in our community during an evacuation

Emergencies and natural disasters can happen unexpectedly, and being prepared is crucial, especially for individuals with disabilities. SERVPRO of Washington, DC is here to provide essential tips for our community members who may require additional assistance during evacuations.

Prepare a Readiness Kit

One of the first steps is to have an emergency kit ready in case you need to evacuate quickly. Your kit should include essential items such as:

• Non-perishable food and water
• Medications, along with a list detailing dosages and allergies
• Medical supplies and equipment, including any necessary batteries
• Personal mobility aids like wheelchairs, canes, or braces
• Medical identification, including bracelets or tags with pertinent information for first responders
• Medical insurance cards
• Written list of emergency contacts

Plan for Transportation

Even if you have your own vehicle, it's essential to plan for backup transportation. Severe weather or flooding may damage your car. Consider accessible transportation options and discuss your needs with your healthcare provider.

Communicate with Your Healthcare Provider

Talk to your healthcare provider about your emergency plans and ask for their recommendations regarding:

• Specific medical devices you might require during an evacuation
• Where to obtain necessary medical supplies
• Accessible transportation options
• Directions to a medical facility in case of emergency
• The availability of disability ramps at medical facilities

Care for Service Animals

Service animals play a crucial role in the lives of many individuals. To ensure their safety during emergencies:

• Pack extra food, water, and supplies for your service animal in your kit
• Inform emergency responders that your service animal is with you
• Be aware that some shelters or buildings may have policies regarding service animal entry
• By following these preparedness guidelines, individuals with disabilities can enhance their safety and well-being during evacuation situations. Remember that planning ahead can make all the difference when facing unexpected emergencies.

For More Information:

To learn more about emergency preparedness for individuals with functional needs, visit Ready.gov's resource page.

At SERVPRO of Washington, DC we are dedicated to helping our community stay safe and informed. If you have any questions or need assistance, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. Your safety is our top priority.

Links:

https://www.ready.gov/individuals-access-functional-needs

SERVPRO of Washington, DC specializing in Fire and Water Restoration

8/21/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Washington, DC

Specialized Restoration Services by SERVPRO of Washington, DC

When fire, smoke, water, mold, or storm damage wreaks havoc on your commercial or residential property, count on SERVPRO of Washington, DC for comprehensive cleanup and restoration. Our team is highly skilled in property damage restoration, ensuring that your space is returned to its pre-damage condition efficiently.

We prioritize your needs throughout the restoration process, considering your budget constraints and minimizing disruptions to your routine. We recognize that time is of the essence, and every moment spent cleaning up is revenue and productivity lost.

For emergencies in your home or business, whether it's water damage or mold concerns, our expertise is at your service. From repairing storm damage and mitigating smoke damage caused by fire to conducting thorough mold inspections following water damage, we're here to assist you.

The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) sets the industry standards and certifies restoration companies, including us. Being an IICRC Certified Firm means adhering to high ethical standards:

• Providing accurate information to consumers with honesty and integrity.
• Mandating water damage restoration technicians with formal training and successful testing.
• Ensuring ongoing education to keep our technicians updated with industry advancements.
• Carrying liability insurance for the safety of all parties involved.
• Establishing a clear complaint policy and embracing arbitration for dispute resolution.
• Every five years, these standards are refined to keep up with the fast-paced advancements in water restoration technology and science.

Floods, whether sudden or gradual, pose significant threats – flash floods are notorious for their unexpectedness. They can disrupt power supply, impair transportation, inflict structural damage, and trigger landslides.

Remember, staying in flood-prone areas, venturing into floodwaters, or remaining post-flood can be extremely hazardous. Flooding, a temporary overflow of water onto normally dry land, ranks as the most prevalent natural disaster in the United States.

At SERVPRO of Washington, DC, we're aware that flood and water emergencies don't adhere to regular business hours – and neither do we. Our water and fire damage restoration services in the Washington metropolitan area are available 24/7, even on holidays. Discover the speed at which water spreads through our timeline below.

Home or Business Kitchen Fire Tips

8/17/2023 (Permalink)

Cooking fire safety tips for your home or business

A kitchen fire, regardless of the size, can be overwhelming. According to the National Fire Protection Association, cooking has long been the leading cause of residential fires. The fire, soot, and smoke damage can affect the entire kitchen, including walls, ceiling, air ducts and appliances. SERVPRO of Washington DC, certified technicians understand the need to restore order quickly and are equipped with the technology and training needed to help ensure your property is restored to its pre-existing condition.

You can reduce the risk of a cooking fire by:

• Staying in the kitchen when frying, grilling, and broiling food
• Checking on food regularly and using a timer to remind you of cooking food
• Keeping children 3 feet away from cooking surfaces
• Keeping cooking surfaces clean to prevent food or grease builds up 

Below are the different types of smoke and behavior patterns that are vital to proper restoration:

Wet smoke refers to plastic and synthetic materials that undergo smoldering at low heat levels. This process produces a lingering, acrid odor, accompanied by a sticky and smearing residue.

Dry smoke results from the combustion of paper and wood at high temperatures, causing them to turn into dry, powdery residue without any smearing.

Protein though nearly invisible, it discolors paint/varnishes. It emits a highly strong odor.

Fuel Oil Soot is produced from Furnace Puff Backs.

Other Types include tear gas, fingerprint powder and fire extinguisher residue.

At SERVPRO of Washington DC, we are mitigation and restoration experts. We will efficiently restore any water or fire damage and carefully treat and disinfect your home, so you feel safe in it again. Read more about our fire remediation services: https://www.SERVPROofwashingtondc.com/fire-smoke-damage-restoration

When a fire or water damage strikes your property, contact SERVPRO of Washington, DC to help make it “ Like it never even happened.” Call us at 202-737-8776

Washington, DC Summer Grilling Fire Safety

7/11/2023 (Permalink)

Always stay prepared and safe during the outdoor cooking season!

SERVPRO advises Washington, DC residents to always stay prepared and safe during the outdoor cooking season

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) warns families that the onset of the summer season also marks an increase in house fires caused by outside grilling activities. The NFPA estimates that grills cause 10,600 residential fires annually on average. Grill fires occur most frequently in July, then in June, May, and August. 

As we continue our summer festivities, it is important to make sure our summer celebrations are fun, memorable, and safe. Below are fire safety grilling tips for you to keep in mind this summer.

For gas/propane grills:

• Check the gas tank for leaks before using it.
• Open the lids on all gas grills before lighting the grill.

For charcoal grills:

• Use only charcoal starter fluid to start the fire but never add it or any flammable liquids to a fire that is burning.
• Cool coals completely before you dispose of them in a metal container.

For all grills:

• Use propane and charcoal BBQ grills only outdoors.
• Place the grill well away from the house and deck railings. Don’t place it under leaves or branches.
• Remove grease and fat buildup from grills and trays after each use.
• Keep children and pets at least three feet away from the grill.
• Never leave the grill unattended when in use.

Our certified technicians can help restore and remediate the damages to your home or contents after a fire. Before you attempt to clean up the damage yourself, call the fire damage cleanup and restoration technicians at SERVPRO of Washington, DC. SERVPRO of Washington, DC specializes in fire and water cleanup & restoration services and repair services, helping to remediate damage for commercial and residential clients. For more information regarding our services, click here.

Water Damage In Washington, DC

9/8/2022 (Permalink)

Our certified technicians respond to a water damage loss at a local hospital

SERVPRO of Washington, DC is the answer to water damage in your home or business.

Water damage in your home or business needs immediate attention. Water damage caused by storm flooding or a leaky pipe needs immediate attention. If you do not address the situation quickly you could end up with serious issues like mold. Trying to self-mitigate water damage can be tricky. The best approach to water damage is to call SERVPRO of Washington, DC certified technicians.

Our certified technicians respond to a water damage emergency with a detailed inspection of your home or property. At this point, our technicians will try to determine the scope of the damage so that we can develop an appropriate plan of action. The level of contamination of the water will affect the specific restoration process we use.

Category 1: "Clean Water"

Category 2: "Gray Water"

Category 3: "Black Water"

Our certified technicians will inspect and test the extent of damage and how far the moisture has traveled to ensure proper and complete restoration. Our team will also inspect for safety concerns that may be evident. If there are any safety issues like lead or asbestos, please bring them to our attention.

SERVPRO of Washington, DC specializes in the cleaning and restoration of commercial and residential properties 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.

Flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we. SERVPRO of Washington, DC provides emergency cleaning and restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including all holidays.

SERVPRO of Washington, DC (202) 737-8776

Destructive Washington DC Storms

8/22/2022 (Permalink)

Storms can be intense this time of year, sometimes with little warning. Here are some tips to help you in case you find yourself in a storm.

TORNADOES

Tornadoes can strike without warning and destroy a community in seconds. Before a tornado warning is issued for your area, here are some things you should do:

1. Know your community’s warning system.

2. Pick a place where family members can gather if a tornado is headed your way. It could be your basement or, if there is no basement, a center hallway, bathroom, or closet on the lowest floor. Keep this place uncluttered.

3. If you are in a high-rise building and don’t have enough time to go to the lowest floor, pick a place in a hallway in the center of the building.

4. Remove diseased and damaged limbs from trees.

5. Move or secure lawn furniture, trash cans, hanging plants or anything else that can be picked up by the wind and become a projectile.

THUNDERSTORM SAFETY STEPS

Thunderstorms injure an average of 300 people every year, and cause about 80 fatalities. Here are the top thunderstorm safety steps you should follow:

1. If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to the storm to be struck by lightning. Go to safe shelter immediately.

2. As the storm approaches, take shelter in a building.

3. If you are driving, pull off the roadway and park. Stay in the car with the windows closed and turn on the emergency flashers. Avoid touching metal or other surfaces that conduct electricity in and outside of the vehicle.

4. If you are inside, unplug appliances and avoid using the telephone or any electrical appliances. Avoid taking a bath or shower or running water for any other purpose.

5. If you are caught outside and cannot reach a safe building, avoid high ground, water, tall, isolated trees and metal objects such as fences or bleachers. Picnic shelters, dugouts and sheds are not safe.

If you have storm or flood damage hire a professional restoration company. SERVPRO of Washington DC is here to help, we have experienced, trained technicians (202) 737-8776.

Professional Storm Damage Response Can Save You Money

8/2/2022 (Permalink)

Experienced, Professional, Restoration Response is critical when you have storm or mold damage.

Washington DC Storm Damage Can Lead to a Big Mold Issue

The presence of mold leaves behind an unmistakable musty odor. Although this fungus can develop inside a house when it is simply a little too humid, it is more likely to develop after floodwater damages the premises. When that flooding is accompanied by sewage loss, the contaminants only exacerbate the problem.

Homeowners should try to prevent mold growth entirely. If mold does develop, then you need to address it right away before a bad stench turns into something much worse.

1. Structural Damage

Mold is particularly destructive to certain materials, including gypsum board, plaster and wood. Over time, these materials may weaken and change color. You may not even see the damage if the item is painted, but the paint merely hides the mildew. The only way to ensure your home remains structurally sound is to remove all presence of mold. Certain structures may need to be replaced entirely to make sure your house is safe.

2. Rapid Growth

Mold growth can get out of hand in just 24 hours. It can spread exponentially when exposed to the right conditions. Leaks, condensation and high humidity can accelerate the growth process, causing the mold to overtake entire sections of walls and flooring. Over time, this can lead to toxic black mold.

An even more dangerous aspect is that visible mold is only half the story. If you see mold, then there is a very high likelihood there is even more growing out of sight. You need someone to come out to your place immediately to ensure your house remains mold-free.

When bringing in a professional team to address mold in your home, it is vital that every sign of it is removed. This includes the mold you see on the wall as well as spores that have entered the air.

Without addressing the problem comprehensively, the mold growth will simply resume, sometimes in less than a day.

SERVPRO of Washington, DC has the specific damage restoration training, personnel, and equipment to restore your home or business to its pre-existing state. If you need someone to help you with any fire, soot, or smoke damage, our certified technicians will be there to start the restoration process.

If you have storm damage or suspect mold, SERVPRO of Washington DC (202) 737-8776.

Understanding Fire Damage in Washington DC

5/9/2022 (Permalink)

According to the United States Fire Administration (USFA), there are some simple things we can do to prevent fire in our homes.

The (USFA) says that cooking is the number one cause of home fires.

Take these steps today to prevent a cooking fire in your home:

Stay in the kitchen when you are frying, grilling, broiling, or boiling food.

If you leave the kitchen, turn the burner off.
Keep things that can burn away from your cooking area.

Turn pot handles toward the back of the stove so they won’t get bumped.

Put working smoke alarms on every level of your home and inside and outside sleeping areas.

Test your alarms each month.

Create and practice your home fire escape plan at least twice a year.

If you need help because of fire damage, give SERVPRO of Washington DC a call (202) 737-8776.

SERVPRO of Washington, DC is locally owned and operated, and we’re a part of this community. We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage.

Our smoke damage expertise and experience allow us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damage to develop a comprehensive plan of action. Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions.

Trained Technicians in Washington DC

Our technicians have extensive cleaning and restoration training and can make your home look its best.

Protecting Your Washington DC Business When Severe Weather Hits

5/3/2022 (Permalink)

Natural Disasters damages normally create water damage, Storm damage, unprecedented mold, and accidental fires. We don't want any loss to occur to your business, but it is a topic that needs to be talked about. Unexpected property damage happens more often than we like.

During natural disasters, profits can be reduced as a result of lost sales and additional losses. Insurance does not cover all costs, and it is unable to replace customers who defect to a competition.

Here at SERVPRO, of Washington DC, want to make sure that our community is prepared to face any obstacles.

Common Natural Disaster Damages

Natural disasters have caused severe damages. Here are common natural damages that have impacted small businesses in Washington, DC.

Flood + Storm Damage

Damage caused by strong winds and heavy rain can remove roof tiles, break windows, and more. Depending on how severe the storm is, flood remediation might be needed, as well as water remediation and mitigation services.

Water damage mitigation services commonly consist of drying, cleaning, and sanitizing contaminated areas and items. Following that, materials that have been damaged are repaired. This preserves the structural integrity of water-damaged floors, walls, and ceilings. Restoration work starts after the remediation process is completed and continues until your property is completely restored to its pre-flood condition.

Fire Damages

Although in Washington DC, we don’t face many wildfires, other weather factors can. Lightning strikes, sparks in arid climates, and human error are the most common causes of fires. many commercial properties can be severely damaged by fire. In addition to fire and smoke loss, firefighting efforts may have resulted in significant water damage to your business.

Every fire damage situation is unique and necessitates a customized approach, but the general procedure remains the same. When different materials burn, the soot they produce varies greatly, necessitating a unique cleaning technique. The measures outlined below show how we handle “typical” fire damage reconstruction.

Emergency Contact

Inspection and Fire Damage Assessment

Immediate Board-Up and Roof-Tarp Service (if needed)

Water Removal and Drying (if water damage is present)

Removal of Smoke and Soot from All Surfaces

Cleaning and Repair

Restoration

Learn more about our fire damage restoration process.

Water Damage

Burst, floods, rain, and a variety of other factors can all contribute to this type of injury. In either case, polluted water can damage surfaces and furniture, lead to mold growth, and cause objects to erode. When electricity and water damage are mixed, they can be extremely dangerous.

Mold

Not only is this unsanitary, but it's still unappealing to look at. Mold spreads easily as airborne spores within structures. Timely remediation is essential to prevent it from spreading out of hand. Mold can grow in any moist environment. Mold will grow even from a small leak under the bathroom sink in your office.

Every mold infestation is unique, from the amount of mold present to the materials that have been impacted. Each situation necessitates a different approach, but the overall procedure remains the same. Following are the steps in our mold remediation procedure for a "typical" mold infestation:

Emergency Contact - (202) 737-8776

Inspection and Mold Damage Assessment

Mold Containment

Air Filtration

Removing Mold and Mold-Infested Materials

Cleaning Contents and Belongings

Restoration

How Can I Protect My Business?

Small businesses must protect themselves and stay proactive. All businesses should have a business continuity plan. According to Ready.Gov Planning, a business continuity plan includes the 4 steps below:

Conducting a business impact analysis

Thinking of a recovery strategy

Developing a plan framework

Testing and exercising the plan

Trust The Leader in The Restoration Industry

Don’t remain unaware of what can happen to your commercial building. And for emergency Fire and Water Remediation Services, call SERVPRO Washington DC. 202-737-8776

Commercial Site Damage and Restoration

4/19/2022 (Permalink)

Commercial property water damage presents unique challenges and can be very stressful. SERVPRO certified technicians understand the importance of getting your commercial property up and running as fast as possible.

Our trained technicians work quickly to assess the situation, communicate a cleanup and drying plan, isolate the damaged area, and start work immediately. We have the necessary resources to handle any job, large or small. Time is always of the essence to minimize damage, and to resume operations as soon as possible. SERVPRO has access to large loss teams specifically trained and ready to go in event of a large loss.

If your commercial property experiences a water damage event call SERVPRO of Washington DC so we can put our experience and resources to work for you. 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, we are readily available to make your property “Like it never even happened.”

Professionally Trained Restoration Specialists in Washington DC

Our SERVPRO Professionals are highly trained in property restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO's Corporate Training Facility to regular IICRC industry certifications, our Professionals are equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Flooding and water damage events at Washington DC 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.

If you have damage or questions about Commercial Restoration call SERVPRO of Washington DC (202) 737-8776.