Do You Know How to Stay Safe During a Hurricane?

4/8/2024 (Permalink)

Our local SERVPRO of Springfield/Mt Vernon Here to Help® when your home or commercial business in the surrounding areas sustain hurricane damage. Below is some information on how to stay safe during a hurricane: 

Stay Informed

• Listen for emergency information and alerts
• If told to evacuate by local officials, do so immediately

Dealing with the Weather

• Determine how best to protect yourself from high winds and flooding
• Take refuge in a designated storm shelter, or an interior room for high winds
• If trapped in a building by flooding, go to the highest level of the building. Do not climb into a closed attic. You may become trapped by rising flood water.
• Do not walk, swim, or drive through flood waters. Turn Around. Don’t Drown!
• Stay off bridges over fast-moving water
• Avoid being in a room with multiple windows. If possible, go to a room that has no windows or a designated storm shelter room within your home. 

Personal Safety

• Be prepared to take cleaning items with you like soap, hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes, or general household cleaning supplies to disinfect surfaces you may need to touch regularly
• Maintain at least 6 feet between you and persons not part of your immediate family while at the shelter [by avoiding crowds or gathering in groups] as much as possible 
• Anyone over two years old should use a cloth face covering while at these facilities
• Only use generators outdoors and away from windows

Call Us Today!

When you have storm damage in your home or commercial business, our local team will restore your property damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 703-644-0620.

Do's & Don't | Springfield/Mt Vernon

4/8/2024 (Permalink)

DO:

• Shut off the water or contact a qualified party to stop the water source. 
• Turn off circuit breakers for wet areas of the building, when access to the power distribution panel is safe from electrical shock. 
• Remove as much excess water as possible by mopping and blotting. 
• After removing lamps and tabletop items, wipe excess water from wood furniture. 
• Remove and prop up wet upholstery cushions for even drying.
• Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting.
• Remove any paintings, art objects, computers, documents, and other sensitive items to a safe, dry place. 
• Use wooden clothespins to keep furniture skirting and draperies off damp floors.

DON'T:

• Enter rooms with standing water where electrical shock hazards may exist. 
• Leave colored rugs/items on wet carpets or floors which mat cause staining. 
• Use your household vacuum cleaner to remove water. 
• Use TVs or other appliances while standing on wet carpets or floors, especially wet concrete floors. 
• Turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet or enter rooms where ceilings are sagging from retained water. 

Call us today! 703-644-0620

Storms Can Cause Flood Damage...Beware For Scammers

1/4/2024 (Permalink)

Storm scammers are everywhere and tend to target distressed homeowners who have suffered damage, especially seniors. Below are some tips on what to look out for and how to protect yourself from those individuals.

1. Scammers will pretend that they represent your insurance company and ask for personal information over the phone. Your insurance company will always notify you if a representative or contractor will be sent to your home.
2. Never sign up with the first contractor to your home. Always get more than one estimate to make sure you do not end up being the victim of price gouging.
3. Officials with government disaster assistance agencies do not call or text asking for financial information. Anyone who calls asking is an imposter.
4. Contractors may call claiming to be partners with your insurance company. If this were to happen, do not provide any personal information.
5. A major red flag is when a contractor says they will only charge you half of what the others will charge. Most times they will take your money and run.

SERVPRO of Springfield/Mt Vernon is always available to help you navigate through your storm damage. Call us at (703)644-0620 today!

Does My Homeowner's Insurance Cover Damage From A Snowstorm?

1/2/2024 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Springfield/Mt Vernon 703-644-0620!

Many of us wait the entire year for the winter season. After all, there’s nothing better than chilling with a hot cup of coffee by the fireside, is there? Oh, and not to mention the mesmerizing snow we can’t get enough of! 

However, when the weather is accompanied by damaging winds, hail, or worse, snowstorms – the excitement soon turns into disappointment. 

The snowstorm can wreak havoc by blocking the gutters and downspouts, freezing pipes, and causing serious damage to the roof. 

This brings us to one of the most frequently asked questions – does homeowner’s insurance cover snow damage? 

Winter Storm and Damage: What’s Covered? 

Most standard insurance policies provide coverage for winter-related storm damage, with a few exceptions. Here is what you can usually expect to be covered: 

• Roof Damage and Collapse 

A roof collapses when the roof cannot bear the weight of ice and snow. 

A standard homeowner’s insurance usually helps cover the cost of replacing or repairing a roof that is damaged or destroyed by a collapse. 

If your home is inhabitable after a roof collapse, the additional living expense coverage in your homeowners' insurance may also help cover additional expenses, such as hotel bills. 

• Ice Dams 

When ice forms on the edge of a roof and stops melting water from running off, an ice dam is formed that can result in water leakage and subsequent damage. 

Most homeowners’ insurance help pay to repair the damage caused by ice dams. However, it probably won’t cover damages to personal belongings caused by ice dams. 

• Frozen Pipes 

A snowstorm exposes homeowners to another serious threat: burst, leaking, or frozen pipes. 

Standard homeowners’ insurance policies help cover the subsequent damages, but only if they weren’t caused due to negligence on the homeowner’s part.

Check your policy terms and limits to check how much coverage you have for frozen pipes. 

• Landscaping Damage 

A snowstorm doesn’t only threaten your building’s integrity, it can also cause severe damage to your landscape. 

Homeowner’s insurance usually provides protection for fallen trees and damaged landscapes due to heavy amounts of snow. However, it might not provide coverage for subsequent damage to personal property. 

Other common winter damages include hail damage, power outages, wind damage, and some cases of water infiltration. Parting Thoughts 

Snowstorms can negatively impact your home and life in ways more than one. While your homeowner insurance can cover damages, depending on your policy terms and conditions, it’s better to prepare for the worst well in advance. 

Wondering how you can do just that? 

By teaming up with SERVPRO, the specialists in storm damage restoration. 

Rest assured, knowing that whatever storm comes your way, SERVPRO has you covered. 

Give us a call for your quote today at 703-644-0620.

Summer Weather - Natural Disasters

5/8/2023 (Permalink)

Every summer, the U.S. goes through an "active weather" season. The middle of spring through summer is a prime time for hurricanes, tornadoes, flooders, thunder storms, and fires. Here at SERVPRO, we've already begun to see the impact of severe weather. Luckily, our SERVPRO team is here for any natural disaster. We respond to water, wind and fire damage! Here are some events to look out for during the spring and summer months.

• Hurricanes–Hurricanes, with the accompanying wind, water, and flood, cause a lot of destruction in areas where they hit. When hurricanes gather strength, buildings, trees, and water infrastructures are commonly destroyed. The storms can also knock down power lines, posing a risk of electrocution.
• Tornadoes– Tornadoes are characterized by whirling winds and debris and can endanger life and property. They are common from spring until the middle of summer but can occur any time of the year.
• Floods– Floods are becoming more common in the U.S., with flash floods as the top weather-related killer. A few inches of water could bring extensive damage to homes and buildings. Heavy rains, levee breaches, and tsunamis cause floods. Many floods occur in areas that cannot absorb rainwater.
• Fires– The heat of the summer and the years of drought experienced in many parts of the country can precipitate massive forest fires that, in many instances, affect dwellings. Spontaneous combustion, volcanic eruption, and faulty electrical wires are other common causes of fires.

3 Ways To Prepare Your Home - Flood Damage

5/4/2023 (Permalink)

If your Springfield/Mt Vernon, home is located in an area that experiences a lot of flooding, then you likely need to take extra precautions to keep your family properly safe during severe weather. 

1. Maintain Your Home to Prevent Water Build-Up
In order to minimize storm damage to your home, you should be sure to perform proper maintenance, even when you are not expecting bad weather. To prevent moisture from building inside the walls, perform regular inspections of your home’s exterior to check for gaps or cracks. You should also make sure that all of your windows’ seals are working properly. Don’t forget to clean out your storm drains and gutters, since clogged ones can cause water to back up and leak into your home.

2. Protect Your Property and Belongings
If you know that you may have flood damage, you can prepare by protecting your belongings. A waterproof safe is a great option for any important documents. You can store smaller items in waterproof and air-tight containers while moving whatever you can to a higher location, like a shelf or a second floor. If you can move your furniture, you may want to do that as well. Covering it with plastic can reduce damage.

3. Have an Evacuation Plan
While your home is important, your family is more so. If the flooding becomes an emergency, you should be ready to move to a safer area. Create a plan for how you will leave the house and where you will go. To make sure that everyone is prepared, it might be a good idea to practice beforehand. 

Being prepared for flooding can help you protect what's important, but you will likely not be able to save everything. If your home or belongings are damaged, a water damage remediation service can help restore your house and any items that are not beyond repair.

Storm Damage

4/19/2023 (Permalink)

Its storm season which increases the probability of high winds and rain that lead to the risk of storm damage to your property. SERVPRO of Springfield/Mt Vernon is faster to any size disaster and will help you step by step through the restoration process.

What if a tree falls on my house?

• Instead of worrying about calling individual services like electricians, tree removal and plumbers, simply make one call to SERVPRO of Springfield/Mt Vernon and we will find the right service providers including a system that each Technician has been fully trained to follow.
• Do not re-enter the property without being advised to do, so. Do not worry about your personal belongings. We will make sure that your home is secured until repairs are complete. If items need to be removed, we can facilitate that process and make sure the belongings are returned to their original place.
• Evacuate the property

Storm Damage Restoration

Many homeowners like to be fully informed about the restoration process. We want you to have peace of mind and feel good about trusting SERVPRO of Springfield/Mt Vernon with your cleanup and restoration.

• Ensure the tree and tree debris is removed from the property.
• Secure the roof with a temporary tarp to prevent no further damage inside.
• Make sure any tree debris indoors has been removed.
• Assess damage and ensure demolition of damaged areas including ceilings and walls.
• Spray exposed surfaces an antimicrobial agent

Our #1 priority is to make storm damage as stress free as possible.

Hurricane Tips & Tricks

4/19/2023 (Permalink)

Here’s a few tips and tricks to better prepare!

• Before the Storm: Gather food, water, medicines and power supplies.  Organize supplies into a Go-Kit and a Stay-at-Home Kit. Keep personal, financial, and medical records safe. Anchor objects that would be unsafe to bring inside, such as gas grills and propane tanks. Trim or remove trees close enough to fall on your home. Stockpile protective materials such as plastic sheeting and sandbags. Consider elevating the heating system, water heater, and electric panel.

• During the Storm: Take refuge in a small interior room, closet, or hallway on the lowest level during the storm. Put as many walls between you and the outside as you can. Stay away from windows, skylights, and glass doors. If the eye of the storm passes over your area, there will be a short period of calm, but at the other side of the eye, the wind speed rapidly increases to hurricane force winds coming from the opposite direction. So, make sure you stay secured and connected to what’s going on.

• After the Storm: Stay out of floodwater!  Floodwater can contain many things that may harm health, including germs, dangerous chemicals, human and livestock waste, wild or stray animals, and downed power lines among other things. If the power is out, use flashlights instead of candles. If you must use candles, keep them away from anything that can catch fire.  Watch out for fallen power lines that may be hanging overhead. Stay clear of fallen power lines. Call the electric company to report them. Always make sure it is safe to leave before you try to evacuate the area.

Storm Damage Remediation

1/13/2023 (Permalink)

As homeowners in Springfield/Mt Vernon and other locations around the country are likely to attest, the clean-up, repair, and restoration chores that emerge after a damaging storm are at a minimum, a nuisance, and in many cases, a much more serious undertaking. Storm damage remediation can range from a clean-up to a tear-out to a rebuild, depending on the type and extent of the destruction.

The Usual Suspect: Water

One of the most frequent and frustrating problems property owners face is the damaging effects of water infiltration. To further complicate the challenge of inundation, floodwater from rivers and streams brings the specter of biological contamination, commonly known as black water. Once a destructive storm has passed, assessment of its damage may begin and progress to the following procedures:

1. The extraction of water through pumping, mopping, and dehumidification.
2. Tear out of wet materials to prevent mold growth.
3. Drying of the structure.
4. Decontamination of salvageable materials.
5. Repair and replacement of compromised building material and furnishings.

While it is true that many materials that have been subjected to black water contamination will have to be discarded, other types of water damage can be mitigated. A professional assessment can be very helpful in making the correct determination, especially with regard to the safety of the home and its furnishings.

Documentation is Vital

Document the damage before initiating storm restoration. It is likely to be necessary for filing flood insurance claims, and there may be a delay in the arrival of an adjuster if flooding is widespread. Digital pictures and/or videos that can be easily emailed are the preferred media.

Humanity’s relationship to the planet’s most abundant natural resource can seem paradoxical, particularly in the midst of a tear out of the cherished furnishings of a home. Keeping water where it belongs and a balanced perspective is central to the experience of homeownership.

The Second You Notice Flooding

1/6/2023 (Permalink)

What to do: 

The second you notice flooding in your home do not hesitate to call SERVPRO immediately! Time is the biggest factor in preventing further damage, as well as slowing the spread of water into places like your floors and walls. With a quick enough reaction to the issue we can make a huge difference. Regardless, if you notice damage days after a storm we can still help. With a team of experts who know the ins and outs of storm damage we can find the source and solution to your issue. Not only do we perform the cleanup and treatment of the area, we restore what was ruined. When we leave it will be, "Like it never even happened".

Heavy Rain Leads to Flooding...

5/23/2022 (Permalink)

Heavy Rain Leads to Flooding…

Our team here in Springfield/Mt Vernon restores storm damage throughout the year.

Although, we don’t experience many Tornadoes in our county here are the National Weather Service alert definitions for tornadoes and high winds:

Tornado Watch: This means a tornado is possible.

Tornado Warning: This means a tornado is already occurring or will occur soon.
Go to a safe place immediately.

High Wind Watch: Be Prepared! Sustained, strong winds are possible. Secure loose items and adjust plans as necessary, so you’re not caught outside.

Wind Advisory: Take Action! A thunderstorm is happening or is imminent in the warning area. Severe thunderstorms have wind gusts of 58 miles per hour and or hail one inch or larger. Seek shelter inside a sturdy building.

Preparing for High Winds

• Remove any dead trees or overhanging branches near structures
• Remove loose objects outdoors, on patios, roofs, or balconies that could blow away.
• Shutter windows securely and brace outside doors
• Bring in unsecured objects from outside and secure things that could blow away and cause damage or injury

Give us a call!

When your home or commercial business has storm damage, you can trust our local team here in Springfield/Mt Vernon to restore the damage, “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 703-644-0620.

Lightning Safety Tips…

5/23/2022 (Permalink)

Even though your home is a safe shelter during a lightning storm, you may still be at risk.

Here are some indoor safety tips per CDC:

• Avoid Water – Do not bathe, shower or wash dishes. Lightning can travel through a building’s plumbing.
• Avoid Electronic Equipment – Do not use your computers, laptops, game systems, washers, dryers, stoves or anything connected to an electrical outlet. Lightning can travel through electrical systems, and any metal wires or bars in concrete walls or flooring.
• Avoid Corded Phones – Corded phones are not safe to use during a thunderstorm. However, it is safe to use cordless or cellular phones during a storm.
• Avoid windows, doors, porches and concrete – Do not lie on concrete floors during a thunderstorm or lean on concrete walls. As mentioned lightening can travel through any metal wires or bars.

If you have experienced any damages interior or exterior give us a call we are always here to help 703-644-0620!

What to do before a thunderstorm?

4/5/2022 (Permalink)

Thunderstorms can be dangerous and not taken for granted. Every thunderstorm produces lightning and other hazardous weather conditions, which can include tornadoes, strong winds, hail, and flash flooding.

In Springfield, VA we tend to get a mix of heavy rain and dry thunderstorms. Below are great tips from the READY to help prepare you for what to do before, during, and after a thunderstorm.

What to do before a thunderstorm

• To begin preparing, you should build an emergency kit and make a family communications plan.
• Remove dead or rotting trees and branches that could fall and cause injury or damage during a severe thunderstorm.
• Postpone outdoor activities.
• Secure outdoor objects that could blow away or cause damage.
• Get inside a home, building, or hard-top automobile (not a convertible). Although you may be injured if lightning strikes your car, you are much safer inside a vehicle than outside.
• Remember, rubber-soled shoes and rubber tires provide NO protection from lightning. However, the steel frame of a hard-topped vehicle provides increased protection if you are not touching metal.
• Shutter windows and secure outside doors. If shutters are not available, close window blinds, shades, or curtains.
• Unplug any electronic equipment well before the storm arrives.
• Lightning Risk Reduction When Outdoors

SERVPRO of Springfield/Mt. Vernon urges each and every one of you to PREPARE before a thunderstorm comes. And whenever they do come, SERVPRO of Springfield/Mt. Vernon will be here to help.

Flood facts!

4/5/2022 (Permalink)

Floods are one of the most common and widespread natural disasters in the United States.

There is always potential for flood damage no matter where you live. According to the American Red Cross floods cause more damage in the United States every year than any other weather related disaster. The American Red Cross offers these flood safety tips:

-Stay away from floodwaters. If you come up on a flowing stream where water is above your ankles, stop, turn around and go another way. Six inches of swiftly moving water can 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 riding 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. 

If a flood occurs and affects you, call SERVPRO of Springfield/Mt. Vernon.  Even minor floods have potential to cause major damage. We are faster to ANY size disaster. Let us help you get your life back in order. 

Is standing water dangerous?

1/13/2022 (Permalink)

Surface water can affect your home and its tenants in multiple ways. While this standing water can absorb into materials and ultimately allow for the deterioration of exposed structural elements, pooling can also present potential health effects or hazards for those exposed and remaining in the area. 

SERVPRO offers fast extraction and drying solutions for your home after a flood. 

We can help reduce the standing water concerns by offering efficient flood removal. To accomplish this, we can call upon a wide array of extraction and moisture removal tools in our broad inventory. 

What Tools Are Best for Drying Up Flood Damage? 

Because every flooding situation is different from the last, there are different tools and devices that are best to remove water or dry the area. Identifying the most efficient solution is always the priority, as the sooner standing water gets addressed, the less damaging flooding typically becomes. Some of the standard water removal and drying tools include:

• Air Movers
• Dehumidifiers
• Positive Pressure Systems
• Floor Mat Systems

After a flood, you want your home to look like it did before the disaster as soon as possible. Our SERVPRO of Springfield/Mt. Vernon team can help anytime you need us

Why do sump pumps fail?

1/5/2022 (Permalink)

Sump pumps are drainage systems that are commonly found in the basements of commercial buildings. They work to pump water out of the basement and away from the building, preventing flooding and water damage. A sump pump failure can lead to a flooded basement and cause water damage to furniture, essential materials, and other important objects, which could prove costly. Understanding why sump pumps fail is the first step in preventing a sump pump failure in your commercial building.
Causes
Power outages are one of the most common causes of sump pump failures, especially during the stormy summer months and hurricane season. Storms can dump large amounts of rain water for the sump pump to drain, but a power failure that prevents the sump pump from doing its job can leave your building defenseless and at risk for flooding. To prevent disaster, consider having your sump pump hooked up to a backup generator.
Sump pumps require regular cleaning in order to function properly, so infrequent maintenance can have serious consequences. To keep your sump pump from failing, clean its vents and run a vinegar solution through the unit.
Lastly, your sump pump might fail simply because it’s old. Over time, sump pumps will start to feel the effects of usage and therefore, failure is inevitable after 7-10 years. It’s recommended that your sump pump be replaced after 10 years in order to protect your building from a sump pump failure.
Sump Pump Failure? Call SERVPRO
If your commercial building’s sump pump has failed, resulting in water damage, remember that SERVPRO has you covered. We’re trained in flood and water damage and will use our trusted, advanced drying techniques to prevent mold and mildew growth, rapidly restoring any water damaged areas. Don’t hesitate. Call SERVPRO of Springfield/Mt. Vernon today and learn more about the commercial water damage services that we provide here.

Is water trapped in your walls?

3/24/2021 (Permalink)

Many homeowners attempt to extract the water using shop vacs and setting fans.  The water may appear to be gone and dried up.  What about the walls?

If water gets deep enough, it will wick up drywall or can be forced in around windows and doors as wind-driven rain.

This trapped water is very difficult to dry using conventional fans.  A professional restoration company like SERVPRO of Springfield/Mt. Vernon has special equipment and the knowledge to check for moisture in the walls and to dry it.

If walls remain wet for more than 48 hours, the opportunity for mold growth increases.  Once mold has begun growing in wall cavities, it is difficult to identify and normally requires significant demolition to properly remove.

If you have a significant amount of water, don't try and dry it yourself.  Give SERVPRO of Springfield/Mt. Vernon Counties a call.  If you had water damage this season and dried it yourself and now find that there is a musty odor that remains, let us know.

The technicians at SERVPRO of Springfield/Mt. Vernon are not only certified for water damage restoration but also for mold remediation.  We can make your home "Like it never even happened."

Flood Damage could affect your Home

3/19/2021 (Permalink)

Help Us Help You When Flood Damage Descends On Your Home

Our customers can make a substantial positive impact on the harm flooding can inflict on their home and its contents. Making some changes in how you store items or install systems or appliances can avoid a significant catastrophe if extreme seasonal weather strikes. If you travel or reside in another location for part of the year, establishing a relationship with our team can give you peace of mind even if you are elsewhere when flooding threatens. 

Hurricane season stretches over half the year, and even less intense weather systems can expose your home to flood damage. Having a personal safety plan for yourself and every member of your family is wise. Extending this concept to preparing for potential damage to your home makes sense. 

Be prepared with the SERVPRO ERP Plan 

SERVPRO of Springfield/Mt. Vernon offers both business and residential customers the opportunity to collaborate with us to design an individualized Emergency Ready Plan and Profile (ERP). We send an experienced project manager or SMR sales and marketing rep to your home.  While there, we check the layout and evaluate the strengths and vulnerabilities of your storage, utility, and other systems, and more. 

How to “Weather the Storm”

Expect recommendations to make your home and contents less likely to sustain significant flood damage. Moving items to higher ground and clearing the way to shut off and control panels make it easier for us to respond safely to any emergency. As we work with you developing the ERP, we come to a consensus on the best ways to approach a flood in your home. We need to understand your priorities.  We show you how we intend to mitigate and remediate a possible flooding event. 

Contact information is crucial

SERVPRO of Springfield/Mt. Vernon also suggests you nominate a local contact to act on your behalf if you are unavailable during a flooding event. Even if friends or family are vacationing in your home, it is a good idea to have a preselected point person both you and our team relies upon if a disaster occurs. 

SERVPRO of Springfield/Mt. Vernon encourages proactivity to our busy customers. To ready yourself and your property or business for flood damage, call (703) 644-0620 to schedule an ERP assessment.

How To Identify Odors in Your Home After a Flood

2/15/2021 (Permalink)

Identify Odors After A Flood And Eliminate Their Cause

When storms cause serious flooding and affect your Springfield/Mt. Vernon, home, you may notice several different types of foul odors in the aftermath, even when the waters recede. From mold growth to sewage chemicals, the flooding may leave your home smelling less than pleasant. Learning to identify these odors can be the first step to finding and eliminating their cause.

Musty Smells

If you detect an odor like wet dirty laundry after a flood, then you may be dealing with mold. There are many different types of fungi that can take hold after a flood, and many can develop as soon as 24 hours after the event. Mold does not require sunlight to grow and may grow unchecked in a variety of locations:

• Behind drywall
• Around insulation
• Under carpeting
  
  

Having your home inspected after a serious flood can help to uncover hidden mold.

Sewer Odor

The strong, bitter smell of a sewer is hard to mistake for anything else. The odor may also smell like rotten eggs, especially if a nearby sewer has malfunctioned and sewage loss caused a flood in your home’s basement. Because any standing water in your home may contain contaminants and bacteria, you may want to seal off the area until you can call a water damage and mitigation service to come to drain it away and deodorize your home so the offensive smell from the flood water does not linger.

Dirt or Mud Smells

Serious flooding can bring silt, dirt and debris into your home. The moisture it contains can also encourage increased mold growth. You may detect an earthy, fishy or wormy odor from dirt or mud left behind in the wake of a flood. Your flood technicians can remove this debris and offer you options for odor removal as well, such as using ozone machines to clear the air.

Serious flooding can affect your home and cause foul smells from mold growth and dirty standing water. Learning how to identify different odors can give you a head start on cleanup efforts, especially once help arrives.

Prevent Basement Flooding from Snowmelt

2/8/2021 (Permalink)

Extreme Temperatures

Living in the Springfield/Mt. Vernon are means the weather fluctuates all the time this year we have been experiencing more snow fall then last year. So what does that mean for local home owners?

These extreme temperature changes make flooding a potential hazard in the Virginia and surrounding areas. The sudden melting of packed ice and snow can cause rapid runoff. If the ground is still frozen, snowmelt has no place to go and can find its way through the foundation of your structure. Homes and businesses located near creeks and rivers are at higher risk for flooding.

Some tips to prevent a flooded basement include installing a sump pump and making sure downspouts drain 20-30 feet away from your home or business. Hiring a company to professionally waterproof the basement is another option. Using a snow-blower around your home’s foundation and removing snow from the roof when safe are additional ways to limit water intrusion from snowmelt.

Call Us Today for Your Winter Weather-Related Needs

Even when preventative measures are taken, your Springfield/Mt. Vernon business or home may experience leaks and flooding. The team at SERVPRO of Springfield/Mt. Vernon is trained in water extraction and structural drying. Our employees are IICRC certified and use the most up-to-date water mitigation practices. Rest assured, the team at SERVPRO of Springfield/Mt. Vernon will help make any water damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us today 703-644-0620

Is it Time to Contact a Storm Restoration Expert?

1/6/2021 (Permalink)

Is it Time to Contact a Storm Restoration Expert?

As a homeowner, you probably don't want to have to think about your roof leak or getting a roof repair. You probably don't want to deal with flooding, river flooding, hail damage, or hurricane damage. You don't want think consider how frozen pipes and ice damage can cause roof damage or a roof leak. Unfortunately, it might be time to contact a home restoration expert to deal with storm remediation. If you've been thinking about home restoration or water restoration, the time to get started is now. If you aren't sure whether it's time to reach out to a storm restoration or home restoration expert, there are a few things you need to consider.

Have you recently experienced a severe storm?

If you have recently experienced river flooding, flooding, storm damage, hail damage, or hurricane damage, your house may have been physically damaged and you may need storm remediation. Many homeowners don't realize just how severe roof damage, hail damage, hurricane damage, and ground water can be after a severe storm. Pay attention to when there are storms in your area, as any place that is prone to hail damage, hurricane damage, or storm damage may be susceptible to problems.

Does your home have standing ground water?

Does your area frequently have river flooding? Flooding due to high rains? Ground water after flooding?  Standing flood water in your yard? Many homes experience flooding after river flooding in the area, but flooding can also be caused by frozen pipes. Frozen pipes can burst and cause flood water to accumulate inside your home. Does your house have flood water? It could be time to seek storm remediation. A water restoration expert can help to remove ground water with a flood pump. A flood pump can effectively remove water from your house minimizing secondary water damage effects such as mold. Make sure you contact a water restoration and storm restoration professional.

Is there visible damage to your home?

If you experience ice damage, storm damage, hurricane damage, or hail damage in your area, make sure you visually inspect your home. Do you notice holes in the side of your house from hail damage? Do you have a roof leak from roof damage? Do you need a roof repair? Do you have visible storm damage? If you notice any of these damages call SERVPRO of Springfield/Mt. Vernon 703-644-0620

If you're ever in doubt about getting help from a storm restoration professional, go ahead and reach out. We are here to help repair problems with your home and fix any damage. Visit https://www.SERVPROspringfieldmtvernon.com/ for more information on storm damage.

Preparing for Winter Storms

12/23/2020 (Permalink)

Winter storms are not uncommon in the Northern Virginia area and to be stuck unprepared in blinding, wind-driven snow that lasts for several days is not ideal. Many winter storms are accompanied by extremely low temps and potentially strong winds, icing, sleet, or freezing rain.

No matter the severity of a winter storm, you should be prepared to ensure your safety in these events and know that SERVPRO of Springfield/Mt. Vernon is here to help.

Know the Difference

Meteorologists may not always be accurate in their predictions, but more often than not they are able to give out a notification for what kind of weather is to come. It is important to note the difference between a Winter Storm Outlook, Winter Weather Advisory, Winter Storm Watch, and a Winter Storm Warning.

• Winter Storm Outlook - storm conditions possible between 2-5 days
• Winter Weather Advisory - conditions are expected to cause inconveniences and be hazardous
• Winter Storm Watch - storm conditions possible within 36-48 hours. Be alert of changing conditions
• Winter Storm Warning - Life-threatening & severe conditions have begun or will begin < 24 hours. Take precautions immediately

Preparation

Now that you know what each warning means - it's time to prepare before scary weather happens!

Winterize your vehicle. Keep the fuel line full to prevent freeing.

Insulate your home. There's nothing worse than a cold home and frozen pipes. Cover windows with plastic and insulate any exposed pipes outside your home. If you speculate that there is a frozen pipe, call your local SERVPRO of Springfield/Mt. Vernon.

Put together a Supply Kit. Ensure you have your basic necessities of food and water for several days. Batteries, flashlights, medication, a multi-purpose tool and various personal hygiene items.

Now that you know how to prepare for the different types of winter weather, maintain your awareness of the ongoing situations. Listen to the local Weather radio, keep your loved ones close, and avoid traveling if it isn't necessary.

If we can be of any assistance, call us day or night. There will always be a live person on the other end of the line available for whatever you need, even if it is just to answer questions. We are eager to help 703-644-0620.

How to prevent burst pipes

1/14/2020 (Permalink)

A frozen pipe that has burst. (Source: https://metropha.com/blog/winterize-plumbing-pipes-prevent-frozen-pipes-plumber-chattanooga-tn/)

Did you know that more than 250,000 homes experience frozen and/or burst pipes each year? It’s true and we are here to help. Here are a few tips and tricks to prevent burst pipes.

Prevention: 

1. Keep garage doors and windows closed and locked at all possible times, especially if there are water lines present. This prevents any cold outside air from getting into your home. 
2. Keep interior doors open when not in use. This includes bathroom doors, hallway doors, bedroom doors, and cabinet doors. Keeping doors open allows for the warmer air to circulate the plumbing and water lines in the wall. 
3. Let cold water drip from the faucets. Even a tiny amount of water running through the pipes will help to prevent freezing and pipe bursts. 
4. Set your thermostat at no lower than 55? if you take a trip. We can’t blame you if you want to take a trip and get away from the cold. Just remember to leave your heat on while you are away. 
5. Add Insulation. Just like you, your pipes get cold during the winter. To keep them warm for extended periods wrap pipes in the attic, basement, and crawl space in protective insulation. It is also good practice to fill cracks and replace insulation that may let in a draft.
6. Use space heaters to warm rooms where pipes may be at risk for freezing. This includes the garage, basement, and attic.
7. Don’t forget to winterize pipes that have outdoor access. This includes outdoor hose bibs, swimming pool water lines, and sprinkler lines. All lines must be completely drained and hoses should be stored away for best results. 

Thawing frozen pipes:

1. Turn water on and leave it on for the whole process. As you heat the pipe and the ice begins to melt, you want the water to be able to flow freely. 
2. Apply heat to the pipe (if accessible). Wrap a heating pad around the frozen pipe and turn it on to melt ice. If you don’t have a heating pad, use a hairdryer or a space heater held close to the pipe. Keep the heat on the pipe until the full water pressure is reached. (Remember: If the pipe is not easily accessible to you make sure to call a licensed plumber immediately to prevent bursting.)

If you follow these rules you and your pipes will be warm and cozy throughout the cold winter months. Just remember, if you do have a pipe burst call us at 703-644-0620 and we will send one of our excellent technicians out to help. 

Sources:

American Red Cross: https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/winter-storm/frozen-pipes.html

Titan Plumbing: https://www.tritan-plumbing.com/uncategorized/frozen-pipes-naperville-il/

Consumer Report: https://www.consumerreports.org/home-maintenance-repairs/how-to-keep-pipes-from-freezing/

Storm Damage Prevention

7/23/2019 (Permalink)

Did you know: Fall is the second most severe weather season?

Are you prepared to protect your home from storm damage?

No clue? No worries! Check out our heroes' tips for preventing storm damage to your Virginia home.

Take these precautions to prevent structural damage outside of your home and water damage inside of your home:

• Pay close attention to any trees that could fall on your house during a storm. Keep your trees trimmed regularly, and immediately remove all dead, diseased, and hanging branches.
• Lock, seal, and board your windows.
• Store your outside belongings- plants, furniture, bikes, etc. in your garage or another storage space inside your home. Remove or secure anything that can become a projectile during heavy wind storms.
• Secure your gutters and downspouts and fix any defects. Neglected leaks can cause significant and costly flooding and water damage to your home.
• Prepare for potential evacuation. Pack your essentials and store them in an easily accessible location in your home.

Unfortunately, no matter how much you prepare, severe storms may yield consequences beyond your control. On the bright side, however, our heroes are here to help with your fire and water cleanup and restoration needs 365 days a year, 24 hours a day! If you fall victim to storm damage, contact SERVPRO of Reston / Herndon for your storm cleanup needs.

Storm Emergency Ready Kit

7/15/2019 (Permalink)

Hopefully you have followed our steps to protecting your home from potential storm damage, but in the case of emergency evacuation, are you prepared?

Regardless of the severity of a storm, it is imperative that you have an emergency ready kit and plan in place in case a storm requires you to leave your home.

The following is a list of essentials to include in your emergency ready kit:

• Important documents-- identification, insurance policies, etc.
• 1 gallon of water, per person, per day
• 3-day supply of non perishable food
• Flashlight and batteries
• First-aid kit-- antiseptic wipes, antibacterial ointment, adhesive bandages, tweezers, etc.
• Extra clothing
• Dust mask and/or scarf
• Plastic sheeting
• Heavy-duty tape
• Matches (sealed in waterproof container)

Although these essentials may sustain an individual or household, it is important to prepare your business as well. We understand the significant demands of this task, and our heroes are here to help.

Is your business ready for whatever could happen?

Contact SERVPRO of Springfield / Mt. Vernon to set up your company’s FREE Emergency Ready Profile today!

Pruning trees and Storm damage prevention

1/4/2018 (Permalink)

Storm damage - Maintenance - Landscape plants - Edward F. Gilman - UF/IFAS

There is no doubt trees can cause damage and be damaged in storms. However, appropriately placed and maintained trees can help reduce damage to structures in storms by deflecting wind, and reduce damage to trees. Appropriate actions includes proper placement and planting, and structural pruning prior to the storm. Species selection can also be somewhat helpful in avoiding some damage. Actions in the weeks and years following a strong storm can help bring damaged trees back to health.

Pruning - Landscape plants - Edward F. Gilman - UF/IFAS

New research on effects of pruning trees on wind damage was recently conducted.  Five trees were pruned by either 1. doing nothing (controls), 2. reducing crown size, 3. raising the crown, or 4. thinning the crown for a total of 20 trees. The same amount of greenery was removed from each tree. All of the trees were blown with winds reaching 120 mph. These results support usage of structural pruning as a preventive method to reduce tree damage.

Winter Storm Damage and Personal Safety

1/4/2018 (Permalink)

There are a number of different ways that winter storms can impact a region and the residents. Winter storms are considered deceptive killers because most deaths are not directly related to the storm itself. People could get in an automobile accident on icy roads, have a heart attack while shoveling snow, or suffer frostbite or hypothermia from prolonged exposure to the cold.

Wind - Some winter storms have extremely strong winds that can create blizzard conditions with blinding, wind driven snow, drifting, and dangerous wind chills. These intense winds can bring down trees and poles, and can also cause damage to homes and other buildings. Heavy snow accumulations can immobilize a region and  strand motorists, and disrupt emergency services. 

Ice - Heavy ice accumulations can bring down objects like trees, utility poles and lines, and communication towers. Even a small amount of ice can cause hazardous conditions for motorists. 

Cold - Extremely cold temperatures risk exposure to infants and the elderly.  The severe cold can be potentially life-threatening and cause hypothermia and frostbite. 

Wind Chill is how the wind and cold actually feel on exposed skin. As the wind increases, heat is carried away from the body driving down the body temperature. 

Frostbite is damage to body tissue caused by extreme cold.  If symptoms are detected, get medical help immediately. Slowly re-warm affected areas. 

Hypothermia is a condition when the body temperature drops to less than 95°F, and it can be fatal.  Warning signs include uncontrollable shivering, memory loss, disorientation, incoherence, slurred speech, drowsiness and apparent exhaustion. 

Storms can cause major roof damage

12/22/2017 (Permalink)

Your roof can take a severe beating during a storm.  It is important to get out and inspect your roof after a storm to inspect for any potential damage.

Wind may be the number one culprit.  High winds can tear shingles off as well as the metal fascia pieces that protect your chimney and other components.

Tree limbs and other debris can tear shingles and fall through the roof potentially exposing the inside your home exposed for further damage.

Hail damage to the roof can be severe.  Shingles can be loosened appearing in tact, when in fact the winds can lift them up and water can seep under the cracks into your home with potential mold and moisture issues.

Remove potential hazards to your roof, try to do regular inspections, its even worth having a contractor come out if you have serious concerns. 

Ice storms bring numerous hazards to your pipes

12/21/2017 (Permalink)

The damage caused by frozen water pipes and the subsequent leaks can be catastrophic. The water damages themselves can easily cost tens of thousands of dollars to repair.  As any homeowner knows filing a claim with your homeowner’s insurance carrier can lead to higher deductibles and premiums that follow you for years, or possibly cancellation of the insurance itself. Untreated, the water damage can cause water rot and/or mold which can be hazardous to your family’s health.

The fact is that the frozen pipe generally blocks the flow of water through the pipe. The growth of the ice blocks and splits the pipe itself. Once thawed the leak occurs. 

I have listed suggestions to minimize the chance of a frozen pipe and water leak in the first place.

-Identify areas where pipes may be located on outside walls, ceilings, crawl spaces, etc. Seal gaps around the home where cold air penetration may come in contact with piping.

-Locate the main shutoff valve as well as individual shutoffs for outside hose bibs. Allow hose bibs to remain on slightly and drain after the inside has been shut off.

-Open kitchen and bath vanity doors to allow ambient warm air to circulate especially to cabinets on outside walls that may have pipes running through them.

- DO NOT attempt to thaw pipes with electric heaters, hair dryers, or open flames. Warm air circulation, time and patience will allow the pipe to thaw gradually. You can contact a plumber, although most reputable companies will tell you it is time consuming and expensive for the technician to thaw your pipes.