Protecting Your Property in Bear, DE

11/20/2023 (Permalink)

Protect your home against vandalism with these helpful tips from SERVPRO of Bear/New Castle!

October is National Crime Prevention Month, and Halloween often brings more mischief than treats, resulting in property damage claims in Bear, DE. Vandalism and theft incidents are prevalent, making it crucial to safeguard your home.

Follow these steps to lower your risk of becoming a target:

1. Illuminate Your Property

Keep your property well-lit, inside and out. Many crimes occur in darkness, so ensure your home is well-illuminated even if you don't participate in trick-or-treating.

2. Secure Your Car

Park your car in the garage and away from potential vandals. A well-protected car is less likely to be egged.

3. Lock All Doors and Windows

Keep all doors and windows securely locked, front and back, to prevent potential burglaries.

4. Hand Out Candy Wisely

Distribute candy from the end of your driveway rather than your front door to maintain control and deter focus on your home.

5. Keep Your Lights On

Even after Halloween festivities, leave your lights on to discourage late-night vandalism. A well-lit property is less appealing to vandals and burglars.

6. Bring in Your Jack O’ Lantern

To avoid pumpkin smashing, bring your jack-o'-lanterns inside before closing up for the night.

7. Swiftly Address Vandalism

If your property is vandalized, act promptly to discourage future incidents. Removing damage quickly can deter vandals.

In case of vandalism or property damage, contact SERVPRO of Bear/New Castle, DE. Our Restoration Professionals will swiftly restore your property and make Halloween vandalism "Like it never even happened."

About SERVPRO of Bear/New Castle

SERVPRO of Bear/New Castle, DE offers Halloween safety tips for a secure and enjoyable celebration. If your property faces vandalism, water damage, fire damage, or storm-related issues during the holiday season, reach out to us for cleanup and restoration. We're available 24/7, including weekends and holidays.

SERVPRO of Bear/New Castle, DE is Faster to Any Size Disaster, assisting residential and commercial property owners during natural disasters, water damage, fires, floods, mold infestations, and other events.

Halloween 2023 Safety Tips

11/1/2023 (Permalink)

Our team at SERVPRO of Bear/New Castle wishes you a scary good time this Halloween!

Halloween is a time for spooky fun and creative costumes, but it's also important to keep safety in mind. Over the past few years, Halloween has become more popular, and with that comes a heightened need for safety awareness. Here are some crucial Halloween safety tips for 2023 to ensure a festive and secure celebration:

1. Keep Decorations Safe

Each year, Halloween decorations near heat sources and open flames can pose a significant risk. In recent times, there has been an increase in fire-related incidents during the Halloween period. Keep your decorations well away from open flames, lights, and heaters. Ensure that your home's exits are free of obstructions so that everyone can escape in case of an emergency.

2. Illuminating Jack-o'-Lanterns

Consider using battery-operated candles or glow sticks in your jack-o'-lanterns. If you prefer real candles, exercise extreme caution. Use long, fireplace-style matches or a utility lighter to light them inside the pumpkins. If children are around, keep a close eye on them when candles are lit, and place the lit pumpkins far from flammable objects and high-traffic areas.

3. Safe Lighting Choices

Instead of open flames, opt for flashlights to illuminate your walkways and yards. They are a safer alternative, especially for trick-or-treaters whose costumes might brush against the lighting as they approach your door.

4. Costume Safety

Choose costumes that don't have long, trailing fabric that could pose a tripping hazard. If your child is wearing a mask, ensure that the eye holes are large enough for clear visibility to prevent accidents near flammable objects.

5. Educate Your Children

Talk to your children about the importance of staying away from open flames, including jack-o'-lanterns with candles inside. Provide them with flashlights or glow sticks as part of their costume to help keep them visible and safe during the festivities.

These Halloween safety tips for 2023 are essential to ensure that you have a fun and worry-free celebration. While we hope you won't encounter any issues during this holiday season, remember that SERVPRO of Bear/New Castle, DE is here to assist if your home experiences water damage, fire damage, or damage from unexpected weather events. Our team is available 24/7, even on weekends and holidays, to help with the cleanup process and get your home back to its best.

Source: National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)

Face Coverings Required of Delawareans In Public Settings

1/12/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Bear/New Castle can help minimize the spread of germs with preventative cleaning!

Face Coverings Required of Delawareans In Public Settings

Governor John Carney recently signed a revision to his State of Emergency declaration, requiring Delawareans to wear face coverings in public settings, including in doctor’s offices, grocery stores, convenience stores, pharmacies and on public transportation.

Under Governor Carney’s modified order, businesses must also take certain steps to keep their employees and customers safe.

• Require employees to wear a face covering while working in areas open to the public and in areas where coming within 6 feet of other staff is likely.
• Encourage to provide disposable masks to customers who don’t have one
• Post signage about the indoor mask requirement
• Deny entry to individuals who do not have a face covering – or if one is not available for them.
• If any business denying entry is providing medication, medical supplies, or food, the business must provide alternate methods of pickup or delivery.

Delawareans are urged to use masks and respirators as approved by the CDC, for more details click here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/types-of-masks.html.

Always Here to Help: SERVPRO of Bear/New Castle
While the COVID-19 pandemic continues to interrupt both our community and the world at large, this serves as a reminder to our customers that we are trained specialists in disinfecting and cleaning services, and we adhere to the highest cleaning and disinfecting standards. All of our cleanup practices are in accordance with the guidelines provided by the CDC and local authorities.

Need Cleaning & Disinfection Services for Your Home or Business?                           

Call SERVPRO of Bear/New Castle – (302) 392-6000

Delawareans Are Required to Wear Face Coverings In Public Settings

5/8/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Bear/New Castle can help minimize the spread of germs with proactive cleaning!

Governor John Carney issued a modification to his State of Emergency declaration, requiring Delawareans to wear face coverings in public settings, including in doctor’s offices, grocery stores, convenience stores, pharmacies and on public transportation.

Under Governor Carney’s modified order, businesses must also take certain steps to keep their employees and customers safe.

• Require employees to wear a face covering while working in areas open to the public and in areas where coming within 6 feet of other staff is likely.
• Provide, at the business’ expense, face coverings and hand sanitizer for their employees.
• Deny entry to individuals who do not have a face covering – or if one is not available for them.
• If any business denying entry is providing medication, medical supplies, or food, the business must provide alternate methods of pickup or delivery.

Delawareans are urged to use cloth face coverings and reserve medical-grade masks for use by health care workers and first responders. Medical-grade masks include N95, KN95, surgical, or other masks that would be appropriate for a health care setting.

SERVPRO of Bear/New Castle is Always Here to Help

As the COVID-19 pandemic disrupts both the world and our community, this is a reminder to our customers that we are specialists in cleaning and disinfecting services, and we adhere to the highest cleaning and disinfecting standards. All of our cleanup practices are in accordance with the guidelines provided by the CDC and local authorities.

Need Cleaning & Disinfection Services for Your Home or Business?                           

Call SERVPRO of Bear/New Castle – (302) 392-6000

7 Halloween Safety Tips: New Castle, DE

10/31/2017 (Permalink)

Have a Safe and Happy Halloween from SERVPRO of Upper Darby, PA

SERVPRO of Bear/New Castle, DE Provides These Halloween Safety Tips So You Can Have A Safe & Fun Halloween

Halloween may be a fun holiday for kids, but for parents, trick-or-treat time can be a little scary. Concerns about children’s safety, whether they are out in the neighborhood or back at home with bountiful bags of goodies, can cast a spell on the evening’s festivities. But not to worry! Following a few safety tips will ensure that Halloween will be a “howling” good time for all.

Halloween Safety Tips

1.   Flame Resistant/Fire Retardant Costumes 

Today, ready-made costumes are required to be made from nonflammable materials or treated with flame retardant. However, it is important to recognize that home-made costumes are not treated, and heightened precautions should be taken. Many household items, clothing, hats, wigs, and other accessories for costumes can be highly flammable. Be sure to consider the dangers when designing a costume for your child. Remember that long-flowing costumes are a risk for catching fire on candle-lit Jack O’ Lanterns and other decorations. Safety first! If your little ones will be trick or treating this year in the neighborhood, incorporate reflective strips into the costume, and make sure all trick or treaters have a flashlight so they are visible to traffic.

2.   Street Safety 

In addition to having costumes that are visible to traffic, it is imperative that children understand to cross streets only at corners and to obey all traffic signals and crosswalks. It is highly recommended, particularly after dark that all pedestrians make direct eye contact with drivers prior to walking across the street to help ensure a safe crossing.

3.    Stick With Neighborhoods You Know 

While it may be tempting to trick or treat on the other side of town, it is wise to keep close to home on Halloween. Walk on the streets and paths you and your children know well, and where you recognize your neighbors. 

4.   Follow Neighborhood Protocols. 

Remember to trick or treat during accepted hours, typically 5:30 – 9:00, and only visit homes with front porch lights that are on. Respect homeowner’s properties by sticking to sidewalks and paths; stay off the grass whenever possible and don’t disrupt landscaping or personal items.

5.   The Great Candy Check. 

It is vital that prior to eating any of the treats that all of the candy is examined. Check to make sure all treats are sealed, and consume only store-bought treats provided by strangers. Look for any pinholes, resealed candies, or other causes for alarm.

6.   Home Decorations 

If you are decorating your home for Halloween, use best fire safety protocols to ensure a safe holiday celebration. Remember that many decorations are inherently flammable (crepe paper, cardboard, sheets, etc.) and that they need to be kept away from any open flame candles, Jack O’ Lanterns, space heaters, or other sources of heat or flame.

7.    Keep Pets Secured

Halloween can be quite stressful for pets. The constant stream of people at the door, the eerie noises, and scary costumes can scare pets causing them to dart out the door. Sadly, there are also nefarious people that prey on pets during Halloween, and it is best to keep them safely secured in a room in your home during the festivities. If you have cats or dogs remember that they can easily knock over candles causing a fire in your home; make sure candles are out of the line of pets and children, and test all smoke detectors prior to trick or treating/party hours. Also, remember that chocolate is toxic to dogs and all candy and treats should be kept out of their reach.

SERVPRO of Bear/New Castle, DE provides these Halloween safety tips so you can have a safe and fun Halloween. If during the holiday season your home is harmed by vandalism, water damage, fire damage, or damage from a late season storm, call on us to start the cleanup process. We are available 24 hours a day, including weekends and holidays. 

About SERVPRO of Bear/New Castle

SERVPRO of Bear/New Castle, DE is Faster to Any Size Disaster, helping residential and commercial property owners when natural disasters, water damage, sewage backups, floods, fires, mold infestations, and other events happen.

Have Questions? Call Us Today – (302) 392-6000

Leaf Burning Prohibited in New Castle County, Delaware

10/23/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Bear/New Castle, DE is locally owned and operated

Open Burning In Delaware

With autumn leaves beginning to fall, SERVPRO of Bear/New Castle, DE reminds residents that burning leaves is prohibited in the state of Delaware.

There are rules regarding open burning that Delaware residents must obey. It is important that Delaware residents remember that these laws are created for their protection, as well as for the protection of the environment.

Delawarean's Options To Manage Leaves & Other Yard Waste.

• Compost
• Mulching Mower
• DNREC Yard Waste Drop-Off Site in New Castle County.
• Hire a Landscaper or Commercial Hauler
• Community-Wide Yard Waste Drop-Off Site

Three DNREC yard waste drop-off sites are available for New Castle County residents as a cost free option to dispose of leaves and other yard waste.

Information on these options is posted on DNREC’s website

www.dnrec.delaware.gov/yardwaste/Pages/Default.aspx

Delaware's State-Wide Burning Ban

The State-Wide open burning ban runs from May 1st to September 1st of each year. That means that there can be no open fires burned anywhere in the state of Delaware during that five-month time period.

Delaware's Ozone Season

That five-month burning ban was not chosen at random. The time from May to September is known as the "Ozone Season" throughout the state of Delaware. The Delaware Division of Waste and Hazardous Substances defines "Ozone Season" as that time of the year when the increased temperatures and exposure to sunlight can mix with low-lying pollution to create a dangerous form of ground-level ozone.

This mixture of pollutants, dangerous chemicals and haze from the atmosphere create a dangerous smog that causes health issues for everyone, but especially for the very young and the very old. By eliminating open burning, there is less smoke and other airborne particles to create the dangerous ozone.

What is Open Burning?

The Division of Waste and Hazardous Substances defines open burning as any kind of outdoor burning process that produces smoke, with the exception of incinerators and outdoor heaters that employ a burning process.

Burning Landscaping Debris In Delaware

August and September are usually the months when people start to clean up their yards and prepare for the fall. Some people may think that they can burn leaves when the open burning ban ends on September 1st, but the burning of leaves is banned in the state of Delaware all year round.

Residents who collect old branches and landscaping trimmings from bushes and trees can burn that debris with an open fire from October 1st until April 1st of each year. It should be noted that the outdoor burning of garbage and other non-landscape related refuse is explicitly banned in the state of Delaware all year round.

Open Burning Activities

Each resident may have their own definition of "open burning," so the state of Delaware has developed a list of five burning methods that it considers to be open burning and banned during the "Ozone Season"

- Backyard Debris Fires

Homeowners who try to burn any kind of debris in their backyards during the banned months will be considered to be in violation of the open burning ban. This includes the burning of wood, grass clippings and paper.

- Group Gatherings

While it may be popular to have a group of friends over to enjoy an open fire pit during the summertime in the state of Delaware, it is also illegal. The open burning ban covers and kind of open fire pit, large barbeque fire pits and any pre-constructed fire pits that sit on patios, decks or porches.

- Destruction of Demolition Debris

Contractors are not allowed to burn demolition debris with open burning during the banned months. Contractors who need to burn the debris from their demolition or construction projects are encouraged to contact licensed incinerators to have the burning done legally.

- Controlled Land Fires

The state of Delaware does not allow open burning that is used for land management purposes during the banned months. This includes controlled fires designed to manage forested areas and any residential properties that may utilize controlled burns to prevent property damage due to wild fires.

- Farm Land Burns

Some farmers will clear their fields using open burning. But this activity is not allowed during the banned months. This includes the process of removing crop residue or trying to revitalize a stretch of farm land.

It is important to note that that State Fire Marshall could issue an open burning ban for the months that run from October to April for a variety of reasons. Anyone who plans on doing an open burn during the months where they are typically allowed should contact the Office of the State Fire Marshall for the state of Delaware to check for any bans on open burning that may be in effect.

Information Provided By: http://www.delawarestatefireschool.com/openburning.htm

Our Community

SERVPRO of Bear/New Castle, DE takes great pride in being an active member of this community. We want to do our part to ensure the community thrives by keeping the area safe and making it the best it can be.

For help with a fire loss at your home or business Call SERVPRO of Bear/New Castle, De (302) 392-6000

Residential and Commercial Restoration and Cleaning Services

SERVPRO of Bear/New Castle, DEis a trusted leader in the restoration industry. We provide 24-hour emergency service and are dedicated to responding faster to any size disaster. With the training and expertise to handle your restoration and cleaning needs, we’re locally owned and operated and can respond immediately to your emergency.

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

For More Tips

Having An Ample Supply of Clean Water Is A Top Priority In An Emergency

9/22/2017 (Permalink)

Emergency Survival Kits Should Have Supplies To Last You, Your Family And Pets A Minimum Of 3 To 5 Days If A Disaster Strikes New Castle County, DE

If A Disaster Strikes New Castle County, De, You Might Not Have Access To Food, Water And Electricity

If an earthquake, hurricane, winter storm or other disaster strikes New Castle County, DE, you might not have access to food, water and electricity for days, or even weeks. By taking some time now to store emergency food and water supplies, you can provide for your entire family

Having an ample supply of clean water is a top priority in an emergency. A normally active person needs to drink at least two quarts of water each day. Hot environments can double that amount. Children, nursing mothers and ill people will need even more. You will also need water for food prep a ration and hygiene. Store a total of at least one gallon per person, per day. You should store at least a two - week supply of water for each member of your family.

Food and Water In An Emergency

If supplies run low, never ration water. Drink the amount you need today, and try to find more for tomorrow. You can minimize the amount of water your body needs by reducing activity and staying cool.

Hidden Water Sources in Your Home

If a disaster catches you without a stored supply of clean water, you can use the water in your hot-water tank, pipes and ice cubes. As a last resort, you can use water in the reservoir tank of your toilet (not the bowl).

Do you know the location of your incoming water valve? You’ll need to shut it off to stop contaminated water from entering your home if you hear reports of broken water or sewage lines.

To use the water in your pipes, let air into the plumbing by turning on the faucet in your house at the highest level. A small amount of water will trickle out. Then obtain water from the lowest faucet in the house.

To use the water in your hot-water tank, be sure the electricity or gas is off, and open the drain at the bottom of the tank. Start the water flowing by turning off the water intake valve and turning on a hot-water faucet. Do not turn on the gas or electricity when the tank is empty.

When Food Supplies Are Low

If activity is reduced, healthy people can survive on half their usual food intake for an extended period and without any food for many days. Food, unlike water, may be rationed safely, except for children and pregnant women.

If your water supply is limited, try to avoid foods that are high in fat and protein, and don’t stock salty foods, since they will make you thirsty. Try to eat salt-free crackers, whole grain cereals and canned foods with high liquid content.

You don’t need to go out and buy unfamiliar foods to prepare an emergency food supply. You can use the canned foods, dry mixes and other staples on your cupboard shelves. In fact, familiar foods are important. They can lift morale and give a feeling of security in time of stress. Also, canned foods won’t require cooking, water or special preparation. Following are recommended short-term food storage plans.

Special Considerations

As you stock food, take into account your family’s unique needs and tastes. Try to include foods that they will enjoy and that are also high in calories and nutrition. Foods that require no refrigeration, preparation or cooking are best.

Individuals with special diets and allergies will need particular attention, as will babies, toddlers and elderly people. Nursing mothers may need liquid formula, in case they are unable to nurse. Canned dietetic foods, juices and soups may be helpful for ill or elderly people.

Make sure you have a manual can opener and disposable utensils. And don’t forget nonperishable foods for your pets.

How to Cook If the Power Goes Out

For emergency cooking you can use a fireplace, or a charcoal grill or camp stove can be used outdoors. You can also heat food with candle warmers, chafing dishes and fondue pots. Canned food can be eaten right out of the can. If you heat it in the can, be sure to open the can and remove the label first

FIRST, use perishable food and foods from the refrigerator.

THEN, use the foods from the freezer. To minimize the number of times you open the freezer door, post a list of freezer contents on it. In a well-filled, well-insulated freezer, foods will usually still have ice crystals in their centers (meaning foods are safe to eat) for at least three days.

FINALLY, begin to use non-perishable foods and staples.

Three Ways to Purify Water

In addition to having a bad odor and taste, contaminated water can contain microorganisms that cause diseases such as dysentery, typhoid and hepatitis. You should purify all water of uncertain purity before using it for drinking, food preparation or hygiene. There are many ways to purify water. None is perfect. Often the best solution is a combination of methods. Two easy purification methods are outlined below. These measures will kill most microbes but will not remove other contaminants such as heavy metals, salts and most other chemicals. Before purifying, let any suspended particles settle to the bottom, or strain them through layers of paper towel or clean cloth.

1. BOILING

Boiling is the safest method of purifying water. Bring water to a rolling boil for 3-5 minutes, keeping in mind that some water will evaporate. Let the water cool before drinking.

Boiled water will taste better if you put oxygen back into it by pouring the water back and forth between two clean containers. This will also improve the taste of stored water.

2. DISINFECTION

You can use household liquid bleach to kill microorganisms. Use only regular household liquid bleach that contains 5.25 percent sodium hypochlorite. Do not use scented bleaches, color safe bleaches or bleaches with added cleaners.

Add 16 drops of bleach per gallon of water, stir and let stand for 30 minutes. If the water does not have a slight bleach odor, repeat the dosage and let stand another 15 minutes.

The only agent used to purify water should be household liquid bleach. Other chemicals, such as iodine or water treatment products sold in camping or surplus stores that do not contain 5.25 percent sodium hypochlorite as the only active ingredient, are not recommended and should not be used.

While the two methods described above will kill most microbes in water, distillation will remove microbes that resist these methods, and heavy metals, salts and most other chemicals.

3. DISTILLATION

Distillation involves boiling water and then collecting the vapor that condenses back to water. The condensed vapor will not include salt and other impurities. To distill, fill a pot halfway with water. Tie a cup to the handle on the pot’s lid so that the cup will hang right-side-up when the lid is upside-down (make sure the cup is not dangling into the water) and boil the water for 20 minutes. The water that drips from the lid into the cup is distilled.

How to Store Water

Store your water in thoroughly washed plastic, glass, fiberglass or enamel-lined metal containers. Never use a container that has held toxic substances. Plastic containers, such as soft drink bottles, are best. You can also purchase food-grade plastic buckets or drums.

Seal water containers tightly, label them and store in a cool, dark place. Rotate water every six months.

Emergency Outdoor Water Sources

If you need to find water outside your home, you can use these sources. Be sure to purify the water according to the instructions on page 3 before drinking it.

• Rainwater
• Streams, rivers and other moving bodies of water
• Ponds and lakes
• Natural springs

Avoid water with floating material, an odor or dark color. Use saltwater only if you distill it first. You should not drink flood water

Short Term Food Supplies

Even though it is unlikely that an emergency would cut off your food supply for two weeks, you should prepare a supply that will last that long.

The easiest way to develop a two week stockpile is to increase the amount of basic foods you normally keep on your shelves.

Storage Tips

• Keep food in a dry, cool spot—a dark area if possible.
• Keep food covered at all times.
• Open food boxes or cans carefully so that you can close them tightly after each use.
• Wrap cookies and crackers in plastic bags, and keep them in tight containers.
• Empty opened packages of sugar, dried fruits and nuts into screw-top jars or air-tight cans to protect them from pests.
• Inspect all food for signs of spoilage before use.
• Use foods before they go bad, and replace them with fresh supplies, dated with ink or marker. Place new items at the back of the storage area and older ones in front.

Nutrition Tips

• During and right after a disaster, it will be vital that you maintain your strength. So remember:
• Eat at least one well-balanced meal each day.
• Drink enough liquid to enable your body to function properly (two quarts a day).
• Take in enough calories to enable you to do any necessary work.
• Include vitamin, mineral and protein supplements in your stockpile to assure adequate nutrition. 

Shelf-life of Foods For Storage

Here are some general guidelines for rotating common emergency foods.

Use Within Six Months:

   -Powdered milk           -Dried fruit (in metal container)

   -Potatoes                    -Dry, crisp crackers (in metal container)

Use Within One Year:

   -Peanut butter       -Canned condensed meat & vegetable soups

   -Jelly                     -Canned fruits, fruit juices and vegetables

   -Vitamin C             -Ready-to-eat cereals and uncooked instant                                 cereals (in metal containers)

May Be Stored Indefinitely:

In proper containers & conditions

   -Wheat                   -Vegetable oils

   -Dried corn             -Baking powder

   -Soybeans              -Instant coffee, tea and cocoa

   -Salt                      -Noncarbonated soft drinks            

   -White rice             -Bouillon products

   -Dry pasta             -Powdered milk (in nitrogen-packed cans)

If The Electricity Goes Out

FIRST, use perishable food and foods from the refrigerator.

THEN, use the foods from the freezer. To minimize the number of times you open the freezer door, post a list of freezer contents on it. In a well-filled, well-insulated freezer, foods will usually still have ice crystals in their centers (meaning foods are safe to eat) for at least three days.

FINALLY, begin to use non-perishable foods and staples.

Click For More Tips On How To Prepare A Emergency Disaster Plan

• New Castle County, DE Celebrates National Preparedness Month
• Preparation Is Key…Have A Disaster Plan
• Make A Disaster Plan Before A Disaster Strikes
• Prepare Your Emergency Survival Kit In Advance
• Understand How To Receive Emergency Alerts And Warnings In New Castle County, DE
• SERVPRO of Bear/New Castle, DE & The American Red Cross Join Forces For A Greater Cause
• Never A Convenient Time For A Disaster To Strike Your New Castle County, DE Commercial Property.
• Do You Have An Emergency Communication Plan For When Disaster Strikes?
• Creating A Home Inventory Checklist Now Can Help You Recover Faster After A Loss in New Castle, DE.
• Prepare An Emergency Evacuation Plan

SERVPRO of Bear/New Castle, DE  understands the stress and worry that comes with a fire or water damage and the disruption it causes your life and in your home or business. Our goal is to help minimize the interruption to your life and quickly make it "Like it never even happened."

SERVPRO of Bear/New Castle, DE specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial properties after a fire damage, smoke damage, water damage and/or mold contamination, as well as provides trauma cleanup, vandalism cleanup, carpet cleaning and duct cleaning services for your home or business.

Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certifications, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge and experience to restore your property. With a nationwide system of qualified franchises, no damage is too large or too small for SERVPRO of Bear/New Castle, DE.

If you would like to schedule service for your home or business, please call us at (302) 392-6000 today!

Visit us online to meet our team and learn more about our services.

Website: www.SERVPRObearnewcastle.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SERVPRObearde

Prepare An Emergency Evacuation Plan

9/21/2017 (Permalink)

Have a plan for evacuating if a disaster strikes New Castle County, DE

An Evacuation Plan Prepared In Advance Is A Good Strategy For Success, And Overall Safety, In Case Of A Disaster In New Castle County, DE

Well before a disaster or some unforeseen event strikes New Castle County, DE, you should be thinking about an evacuation plan in the event you and your family are forced to leave your home on short notice. Emergencies can come in a variety of forms with varying preparation times, from storms with fair warning to a more immediate crisis, such as a fire.

An evacuation plan that is spelled out and shared with your family members well in advance is a good strategy for success, and overall safety, in case of a disaster in New Castle County, DE. Consider where you will go and how you will get there, how you will stay in touch and who will know where you are.

Prepare an Emergency Evacuation Plan

Step 1: Designate a place for all family members to meet while ensuring the meeting place is outside the impacted evacuation area.

Step 2: Map out a primary evacuation route, including alternate routes in case your intended route is blocked.

Step 3: Create a communication plan for use if family members become separated. Develop an alternate plan that everyone is comfortable with in case there is no landline or cell service. Remember that during certain emergencies, public safety officials will communicate the need to evacuate and other developments through various methods including the news media, social media and alert broadcasts to smartphones. These can be valuable information resources for individual family members should anyone become separated.

Step 4: Be sure that you have ample fuel in your vehicle to reach your meeting place, remembering that you may not be able to take your preferred evacuation route.

Step 5: Identify a contact person outside the affected area and give that person’s contact information to everyone in the family so he or she can serve as a point of contact should you get separated.

Step 6: Share cell phone numbers for texting, as text messages will often go through if cell service deteriorates.

Step 7: Grab your Emergency Survival Kit and be sure it includes a portable radio, a cell phone charger, a charger for any tablets or laptops, as well as fresh batteries, to ensure you can get the most up-to-date information. Don’t forget to bring any vital medications.

When disaster hits your property in New Castle County, DE and you need restoration services, Call SERVPRO of Bear/New Castle, DE at (302) 392-6000

Click For More Tips On How To Prepare A Emergency Disaster Plan

• New Castle County, DE Celebrates National Preparedness Month
• Preparation Is Key…Have A Disaster Plan
• Make A Disaster Plan Before A Disaster Strikes
• Prepare Your Emergency Survival Kit In Advance
• Understand How To Receive Emergency Alerts And Warnings In New Castle County, DE
• SERVPRO of Bear/New Castle, DE & The American Red Cross Join Forces For A Greater Cause
• Never A Convenient Time For A Disaster To Strike Your New Castle County, DE Commercial Property.
• Do You Have An Emergency Communication Plan For When Disaster Strikes?
• Creating A Home Inventory Checklist Now Can Help You Recover Faster After A Loss in New Castle, DE.

SERVPRO of Bear/New Castle, DE  understands the stress and worry that comes with a fire or water damage and the disruption it causes your life and in your home or business. Our goal is to help minimize the interruption to your life and quickly make it "Like it never even happened."

SERVPRO of Bear/New Castle, DE specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial properties after a fire damage, smoke damage, water damage and/or mold contamination, as well as provides trauma cleanup, vandalism cleanup, carpet cleaning and duct cleaning services for your home or business.

Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certifications, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge and experience to restore your property. With a nationwide system of qualified franchises, no damage is too large or too small for SERVPRO of Bear/New Castle, DE.

If you would like to schedule service for your home or business, please call us at (302) 392-6000 today!

Visit us online to meet our team and learn more about our services.

Website: www.SERVPRObearnewcastle.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SERVPRObearde

Creating A Home Inventory Checklist Now Can Help You Recover Faster After A Loss in New Castle, DE

9/20/2017 (Permalink)

When disaster hits your property in New Castle, DE and you need restoration services, Call SERVPRO of Bear/New Castle, DE at (302) 392-6000

Take The Time To Document Your Belongings Before A Disaster Strikes New Castle, DE

After a disastrous event in which you lost personal property from your home, it may be difficult to recall the details of all your belongings. In this situation, having a current inventory of your personal property, including make and model numbers, may help you with any potential insurance claims. Taking the time to document your belongings now can help you recover faster after a loss.

Steps You Can Use To Help Prepare You Home Inventory Checklist

Step 1: Walk Through Your Home. Compiling a comprehensive home inventory takes time and effort. The more detailed your inventory, the more useful it will be if you have to make a claim. Document personal property inside your home and on your property that may be of value.     

Step 2: Keep Your Inventory in a Safe Place. Creating a digital home inventory and storing it off-site will help ensure that it won’t be lost, stolen or damaged during any disaster at your home. You can also create a photo or video inventory and upload it to a cloud-based service.

• Take a picture of relevant rooms or items. Label pictures of rooms and important individual items with a description, including where you bought it and the make, model and serial number. Don’t forget to inventory items that may be out of sight in storage closets or drawers.
• Walk through your home or office using your phone to shoot video of the contents, describing them as you go.
• Digital home inventory programs allow you to upload multiple photos of each item, including photos of the serial number, receipt and other identifying details. If you choose to create a paper version, consider storing it off-site in a safe deposit box.

Step 3: Update Your Inventory Often. When you make a significant purchase, add the information to the inventory while the details are fresh in your mind. This is also a good time to delete items that you have replaced or no longer own.

Step 4: Remember Your Business Assets. While most people think of their home when making an inventory, it is important to document the contents of your business, if applicable, as well.

Step 5: Consider Valuable Items. Valuable items like jewelry, art, and collectibles may have increased in value since you brought them into your home. Check with your insurance company to make sure that you have adequate insurance coverage for these items as they may need to be insured separately. Consider putting jewelry or other valuables that you don’t often wear or use in a safe deposit box.

When disaster hits your property in New Castle, DE and you need restoration services, Call SERVPRO of Bear/New Castle, DE at (302) 392-6000

• Click For More Tips On How To Prepare A Emergency Disaster Plan

  • New Castle County, DE Celebrates National Preparedness Month
  • Preparation Is Key…Have A Disaster Plan
  • Make A Disaster Plan Before A Disaster Strikes
  • Prepare Your Emergency Survival Kit In Advance
  • Understand How To Receive Emergency Alerts And Warnings In New Castle County, DE
  • SERVPRO of Bear/New Castle, DE & The American Red Cross Join Forces For A Greater Cause
  • Never A Convenient Time For A Disaster To Strike Your New Castle County, DE Commercial Property.
  • Do You Have An Emergency Communication Plan For When Disaster Strikes?
  • Creating A Home Inventory Checklist Now Can Help You Recover Faster After A Loss in New Castle, DE.

SERVPRO of Bear/New Castle, DE  understands the stress and worry that comes with a fire or water damage and the disruption it causes your life and in your home or business. Our goal is to help minimize the interruption to your life and quickly make it "Like it never even happened."

SERVPRO of Bear/New Castle, DE specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial properties after a fire damage, smoke damage, water damage and/or mold contamination, as well as provides trauma cleanup, vandalism cleanup, carpet cleaning and duct cleaning services for your home or business.

Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certifications, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge and experience to restore your property. With a nationwide system of qualified franchises, no damage is too large or too small for SERVPRO of Bear/New Castle, DE.

If you would like to schedule service for your home or business, please call us at (302) 392-6000 today!

Visit us online to meet our team and learn more about our services.

Website: www.SERVPRObearnewcastle.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SERVPRObearde

Do You Have An Emergency Communication Plan For When Disaster Strikes Bear, DE?

9/19/2017 (Permalink)

Don't Wait. Communicate… Make an emergency plan today. Bear, DE did you September is National Preparedness Month.

What Is An Emergency Communication Plan And Why Should You Prepare One?

Your family may not be together if a disaster strikes, so it is important to think about the following situations and plan just in case. Consider the following questions when making a plan:

• How will my family/household get emergency alerts and warnings?
• How will my family/household get to safe locations for relevant emergencies?
• How will my family/household get in touch if cell phone, internet, or landline doesn’t work?
• How will I let loved ones know I am safe?
• How will family/household get to a meeting place after the emergency?

Here Are A Few Easy Steps To Start Your Emergency Communication Plan:

1. Understand How To Receive Emergency Alerts And Warnings. 

Make sure all household members are able to get alerts about an emergency from local officials. Check with your local emergency management agency to see what is available in your area, and learn more about alerts by visiting: ready.gov/alerts.

2. Discuss Family Plans For Disasters That May Affect New Castle County, DE And Plan Where To Go.

Plan together in advance so that everyone in the household understands where to go during a different type of disaster like a hurricane, tornado, or flooding.  

3. Collect Information.

Create a paper copy of the contact information for your family that includes:

• phone (work, cell, office)
• email
• social media
• medical facilities, doctors, service providers
• school

4. Identify Information And Pick An Emergency Meeting Place. 

Things To Consider:

• Decide on safe, familiar places where your family can go for protection or to reunite.
• Make sure these locations are accessible for household members with disabilities or access and functional needs.
• If you have pets or service animals, think about animal-friendly locations.

Examples Of Meeting Places:

• In Your Neighborhood:A mailbox at the end of the driveway, or a neighbor’s house.
• Outside Of Your Neighborhood:library, community center, place of worship, or family friend’s home.
• Outside Of Bear, DE:home of a relative or family friend. Make sure everyone knows the address of the meeting place and discuss ways you would get there.

5. Share Information.

Make sure everyone carries a copy in his or her backpack, purse, or wallet. You should also post a copy in a central location in your home, such as your refrigerator or family bulletin board.

6. Practice Your Plan. 

Have regular household meetings to review your emergency plans, communication plans, evacuation plans and meeting place after a disaster, and then practice, just like you would a fire drill.

Click here to Download and Print a Plan (ready.gov)

• For parents (PDF)
• For kids (PDF)
• For transit commuters (PDF)
• For your wallet (PDF)
• Steps to make a plan (PDF)
• Tips on emergency alerts and warnings (PDF)

When disaster hits your property in Bear, DE and you need restoration services, Call SERVPRO of Bear/New Castle, DE at (302) 392-6000

Click For More Tips On How To Prepare A Emergency Disaster Plan

• New Castle County, DE Celebrates National Preparedness Month
• Preparation Is Key…Have A Disaster Plan
• Make A Disaster Plan Before A Disaster Strikes
• Prepare Your Emergency Survival Kit In Advance
• Understand How To Receive Emergency Alerts And Warnings In New Castle County, DE
• SERVPRO of Bear/New Castle, DE & The American Red Cross Join Forces For A Greater Cause
• Never A Convenient Time For A Disaster To Strike Your New Castle County, DE Commercial Property.

SERVPRO of Bear/New Castle, DE  understands the stress and worry that comes with a fire or water damage and the disruption it causes your life and in your home or business. Our goal is to help minimize the interruption to your life and quickly make it "Like it never even happened."

SERVPRO of Bear/New Castle, DE specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial properties after a fire damage, smoke damage, water damage and/or mold contamination, as well as provides trauma cleanup, vandalism cleanup, carpet cleaning and duct cleaning services for your home or business.

Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certifications, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge and experience to restore your property. With a nationwide system of qualified franchises, no damage is too large or too small for SERVPRO of Bear/New Castle, DE.

If you would like to schedule service for your home or business, please call us at (302) 392-6000 today!

Visit us online to meet our team and learn more about our services.

Website: www.SERVPRObearnewcastle.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SERVPRObearde

New Castle County, DE Celebrates National Preparedness Month

8/31/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Bear/New Castle, DE Is Helping New Castle County, DE Plan Ahead

Disasters Don’t Plan Ahead. You Can!

Be Prepared in Delaware

This September, National Preparedness Month (NPM) will focus on planning, with the theme “Disasters Don’t Plan Ahead. You Can”

We should all take action to prepare! We are all able to help first responders in our community by training how to respond during an emergency and what to do when disaster strikes where we live, work and visit.  The goal is to increase the overall number of individuals, families and communities that engage in preparedness actions at home, work, business, school and place of worship.

It’s as Easy as 1-2-3

Getting prepared may sound difficult or time consuming but it’s actually very doable. A few simple steps in advance can help ensure you can weather a crisis safely and comfortably.

(Preparedness Tips & Information)

1. Make a Plan

Plan effectively for you and your family in case of an emergency. (Learn More)

2. Get a Kit

Learn the essential supplies to put in your family’s first aid and survival kits. (Learn More)

3. Be Informed

Understand which disasters are likely in your area and what you must know to stay safe. (Learn More)

SERVPRO is now an official National Sponsor of the American Red Cross Ready Rating program. The Ready Rating program helps businesses, schools and organizations become prepared for disasters and other emergencies. Ready Rating members have access to one-of-a-kind tools and resources for evaluating and improving their ability to withstand disaster, maintain operations and protect lives and property.

The time to prepare for a disaster is before it happens. Taking steps to make your property as secure as possible, then having a plan to deal with the aftermath if disaster does strike is just good business and common sense. At SERVPRO of Bear/New Castle, DE, we can help you create a disaster recovery plan now, specific to your facility so that – if you need us – we can help you get back in business fast.

SERVPRO of Bear/New Castle, DE  understands the stress and worry that comes with a fire or water damage and the disruption it causes your life and in your home or business. Our goal is to help minimize the interruption to your life and quickly make it "Like it never even happened."

SERVPRO of Bear/New Castle, DE specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial properties after a fire damage, smoke damage, water damage and/or mold contamination, as well as provides trauma cleanup, vandalism cleanup, carpet cleaning and duct cleaning services for your home or business.

Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certifications, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge and experience to restore your property. With a nationwide system of qualified franchises, no damage is too large or too small for SERVPRO of Bear/New Castle, DE.

If you would like to schedule service for your home or business, please call us at (302) 392-6000 today!

Visit us online to meet our team and learn more about our services.

Website: www.SERVPRObearnewcastle.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SERVPRObearde

Preparation Is Key…Have A Disaster Plan

8/31/2017 (Permalink)

New Castle, DE… Be Prepared.. Have A Plan

A Preparedness Plan Can Be A Critical Element In Helping Secure A Safe Transition Out Of Danger For You, Your Loved Ones And Your Property In New Castle, DE

In the event of a natural disaster in New Castle, DE, having a preparedness plan can be a critical element in helping secure a safe transition out of danger for you, your loved ones and your property. Preparation is key, but it is also important to stay calm and focused during an emergency. If you are ordered to evacuate, do so. If you are not evacuating, use your time wisely to make preparations.

8 Disaster Preparedness Tips

• Communication Plan

Contact someone outside the affected area to let them know you are safe, Business owners should remind employees of their roles in helping to get the business back up and running, and how they will be notified when the facility is open again.

• Emergency Alert Signals & Warning Signs

Sign up now to receive text messages and optional emergency alerts in your area. Stay tuned to your local television or radio station or community alert system for emergency information.

• Emergency Survival Kit

Make sure your emergency survival kit is stocked with essential items and kept in an easily accessible location.

Considering the supplies you might need to last you, your family and pets for a minimum of three to seven days. (How To Build An Emergency Survival Kit)

• Emergency Building Materials

Depending on the type of disaster, you may want to have emergency materials on hand, such as plywood, sandbags and waterproof tarps.

• Fuel Up Your Vehicles & Equipment

Have fresh fuel on hand for your emergency generator. Depending on your situation, you may need a supply of extra fuel. If so, be sure to store the spare fuel in an approved container in a safe location. Never use a generator inside or even in a garage. Make sure it is located a safe distance from windows, doors and vents.

• Car Chargers For Your Cell Phone And Other Portable Devices

Having car chargers available can assist you in staying in communication with others if your electricity goes out. Do not forget to fully charge devices before a storm.

• Secure Outdoor Objects Or Move Them Inside.

Grills, patio furniture and flowerpots are common household items that can become airborne in high winds. Do not use grills inside or store propane tanks inside the house or garage. Business owners should also remember to secure outdoor signage, benches and equipment to help minimize potential damage.

•  Know How To Shut Off All Utilities. 

Know how to turn off the gas, electricity and water in your home or place of business. If you need to evacuate suddenly, it may be prudent to turn off utilities before leaving. Before doing so, consider equipment that can help minimize damage and should therefore not have utilities interrupted, such as electricity to sump pumps or fire protection equipment.

Click For More Tips On How To Prepare A Emergency Disaster Plan

• New Castle County, DE Celebrates National Preparedness Month
• Preparation Is Key…Have A Disaster Plan
• Make A Disaster Plan Before A Disaster Strikes
• Prepare Your Emergency Survival Kit In Advance
• Understand How To Receive Emergency Alerts And Warnings In New Castle County, DE
• SERVPRO of Bear/New Castle, DE & The American Red Cross Join Forces For A Greater Cause
• Never A Convenient Time For A Disaster To Strike Your New Castle County, DE Commercial Property.
• Do You Have An Emergency Communication Plan For When Disaster Strikes?
• Creating A Home Inventory Checklist Now Can Help You Recover Faster After A Loss in New Castle, DE.

SERVPRO of Bear/New Castle, DE  understands the stress and worry that comes with a fire or water damage and the disruption it causes your life and in your home or business. Our goal is to help minimize the interruption to your life and quickly make it "Like it never even happened."

SERVPRO of Bear/New Castle, DE specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial properties after a fire damage, smoke damage, water damage and/or mold contamination, as well as provides trauma cleanup, vandalism cleanup, carpet cleaning and duct cleaning services for your home or business.

Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certifications, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge and experience to restore your property. With a nationwide system of qualified franchises, no damage is too large or too small for SERVPRO of Bear/New Castle, DE.

If you would like to schedule service for your home or business, please call us at (302) 392-6000 today!

Visit us online to meet our team and learn more about our services.

Website: www.SERVPRObearnewcastle.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SERVPRObearde

Make A Disaster Plan Before A Disaster Strikes In Delaware City, DE

8/31/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Bear/New Castle helps Delaware City, DE Prepare for any size disaster

Prepare A Emergency Disaster Plan For Your Home Or Business In Delaware City, DE

The best time to think about a disaster is when there is not one in sight and you can undertake effective planning without stress. Start by getting organized and doing simple tasks.

Disaster Planning Guide

What You Need To Know:

• Review Your Insurance Policy To Ensure You Have Sufficient Coverage.

• Create Safety Plans For Your Family And Your Business.

Draw up an evacuation plan to determine where everyone should to go and how to keep in touch during an emergency. Businesses, write a business continuity plan that outlines what to do and who you can call on to keep your business running in the event of a disaster.

• Create A Content Inventory

Build A Content Inventory To Document The Items In Your Home Or At Your Bear, DE Business.

• Prepare A Survival Kit Of Supplies You Might Need If A Disaster Strikes Delaware City, DE

• Perform Routine Maintenance 

Tree-trimming, gutter cleaning and debris removal around your home or office building. Make sure drains and sump pumps are clear.

Be Ready Before A Disaster Strikes

SERVPRO of Bear/New Castle, DE  understands the stress and worry that comes with a fire or water damage and the disruption it causes your life and in your home or business. Our goal is to help minimize the interruption to your life and quickly make it "Like it never even happened."

SERVPRO of Bear/New Castle, DE specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial properties after a fire damage, smoke damage, water damage and/or mold contamination, as well as provides trauma cleanup, vandalism cleanup, carpet cleaning and duct cleaning services for your home or business.

Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certifications, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge and experience to restore your property. With a nationwide system of qualified franchises, no damage is too large or too small for SERVPRO of Bear/New Castle, DE.

If you would like to schedule service for your home or business, please call us at (302) 392-6000 today!

Visit us online to meet our team and learn more about our services.

Website: www.SERVPRObearnewcastle.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SERVPRObearde

Prepare Your Emergency Survival Kit In Advance

8/31/2017 (Permalink)

Consider the supplies you might need if a disaster strikes New Castle County, DE

Supplies To Consider For Your Emergency Survival Kit That Fit The Potential Disasters That May Strike New Castle County, DE

When creating an emergency survival kit for the home, consider the supplies you might need to last you, your family and pets for a minimum of three to seven days. In case of emergencies that may require that you leave your home quickly, such as a flood, prepare your kit well in advance, and keep it in an easily accessible location so you can take essential items with you if you must evacuate with little notice. 

For other emergencies that might require staying in place at home for several days, such as a blizzard, you might want to gather supplies when a storm is first forecast and closely monitor the storm, to ensure that you have everything you need on hand. 

Whether you are hunkering down to weather a storm at home, scrambling to evacuate to get to safety, or facing the possibility of being stranded in your vehicle during stormy weather, one thing is sure: having the proper provisions can help make a difficult scenario safer for you.

The following are some of the key considerations for a survival kit to fit these potential emergency situations. Consider how each of them could suit these scenarios and arm yourself appropriately.

• One gallon of water, per person, per day.
• Non-perishable and canned foods, along with a non-electric can opener.
• Sanitation and personal hygiene items.
• Flashlights with extra batteries.
• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio, with extra batteries if relevant.
• Extra clothing and blankets.
• A first-aid kit.
• Emergency cash and checks as credit cards may not be dependable in a power outage.
• Chargers for electronics, including vehicle chargers.
• A whistle to signal for help.
• Duct tape.
• Copies of personal documents, including a home inventory list, insurance policies and other important legal and financial documents.
• Bug spray (depending on location and climate).
• Hand and foot warmers (pending climate).
• Pen and notebook to keep notes such as important phone numbers, in case the power is out and electronic devices are not working.
• Baby supplies such as diapers, wipes, infant formula, food and bottles.
• Pet food and extra water for your pets.
• At least a three- to seven-day supply of any daily medication for family members and pets.

Click For More Tips On How To Prepare A Emergency Disaster Plan

• New Castle County, DE Celebrates National Preparedness Month
• Preparation Is Key…Have A Disaster Plan
• Make A Disaster Plan Before A Disaster Strikes
• Prepare Your Emergency Survival Kit In Advance
• Understand How To Receive Emergency Alerts And Warnings In New Castle County, DE
• SERVPRO of Bear/New Castle, DE & The American Red Cross Join Forces For A Greater Cause
• Never A Convenient Time For A Disaster To Strike Your New Castle County, DE Commercial Property.
• Do You Have An Emergency Communication Plan For When Disaster Strikes?
• Creating A Home Inventory Checklist Now Can Help You Recover Faster After A Loss in New Castle, DE.

SERVPRO of Bear/New Castle, DE  understands the stress and worry that comes with a fire or water damage and the disruption it causes your life and in your home or business. Our goal is to help minimize the interruption to your life and quickly make it "Like it never even happened."

SERVPRO of Bear/New Castle, DE specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial properties after a fire damage, smoke damage, water damage and/or mold contamination, as well as provides trauma cleanup, vandalism cleanup, carpet cleaning and duct cleaning services for your home or business.

Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certifications, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge and experience to restore your property. With a nationwide system of qualified franchises, no damage is too large or too small for SERVPRO of Bear/New Castle, DE.

If you would like to schedule service for your home or business, please call us at (302) 392-6000 today!

Visit us online to meet our team and learn more about our services.

Website: www.SERVPRObearnewcastle.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SERVPRObearde

Understand How To Receive Emergency Alerts And Warnings In New Castle County, DE

8/31/2017 (Permalink)

When disaster hits your property and you need restoration services, Call SERVPRO of Bear/New Castle, DE at (302)392-6000

Emergency Alerts Sent To Your Mobile Devices Help Keep You Safe During A Disaster In New Castle County, DE

Emergency Alerts are sent by authorized government alerting authorities through your mobile carrier. Government partners include local and state public safety agencies, FEMA the FCC, the Department of Homeland Security, and the National Weather Service. Alerts received at the right time can help keep you safe during an emergency.  Emergency Alerts can be sent to your mobile device when you may be in harm’s way, without need to download in app or subscribe to a service.

5 Different Ways To Set Up Your Emergency Alerts To Your Cell Phone.

1. National Updates

Receive updates regarding National Security from Homeland Security, the latest outbreaks from CDC, and computer threats from US-CERT.  These notifications are issued through WEA- Wireless Emergency Alerts.  If you have ever received an Amber Alert it’s coming from the WEA, which is a default setting in most cell phones.

2. Statewide Activity Updates

Do a Google search for a Public Warning System for Delaware.  This will allow you to customize your alerts specifically to Delaware. 

3. Weather Apps For Smart Phones And Tablets

You can receive custom weather alerts from your state or city while customizing the level of warning you want to receive.   Apple users can download NOAA Radar Pro and android users can download the app Pro Weather Alert.  These apps can range from $2- $3, and is worth every penny to keep you and your family notified of weather emergencies and dangers.

4. FEMA

The FEMA text message program informs you of safety tips for specific disaster types, and allows you to search for open shelters and disaster recovery centers.

• Apple devices-text APPLE to 43362 (4FEMA)
• Android devices-text ANDROID to 43362 (4FEMA)
• Blackberry devices-text BLACKBERRY to 43362 (4FEMA)

5. Survivehive Alert Center

For those of you that are like me and hate cluttering up your email and social media, this is the resource for you. Stay up to date with the latest disaster/emergency, terrorism, disease outbreak, significant earthquake, and severe weather alerts all from one site. 

When disaster hits your property and you need restoration services, Call SERVPRO of Bear/New Castle, DE at (302)392-6000

Click For More Tips On How To Prepare A Emergency Disaster Plan

• New Castle County, DE Celebrates National Preparedness Month
• Preparation Is Key…Have A Disaster Plan
• Make A Disaster Plan Before A Disaster Strikes
• Prepare Your Emergency Survival Kit In Advance
• Understand How To Receive Emergency Alerts And Warnings In New Castle County, DE
• SERVPRO of Bear/New Castle, DE & The American Red Cross Join Forces For A Greater Cause
• Never A Convenient Time For A Disaster To Strike Your New Castle County, DE Commercial Property.
• Do You Have An Emergency Communication Plan For When Disaster Strikes?
• Creating A Home Inventory Checklist Now Can Help You Recover Faster After A Loss in New Castle, DE.

SERVPRO of Bear/New Castle, DE  understands the stress and worry that comes with a fire or water damage and the disruption it causes your life and in your home or business. Our goal is to help minimize the interruption to your life and quickly make it "Like it never even happened."

SERVPRO of Bear/New Castle, DE specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial properties after a fire damage, smoke damage, water damage and/or mold contamination, as well as provides trauma cleanup, vandalism cleanup, carpet cleaning and duct cleaning services for your home or business.

Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certifications, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge and experience to restore your property. With a nationwide system of qualified franchises, no damage is too large or too small for SERVPRO of Bear/New Castle, DE.

If you would like to schedule service for your home or business, please call us at (302) 392-6000 today!

Visit us online to meet our team and learn more about our services.

Website: www.SERVPRObearnewcastle.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SERVPRObearde

Like us on Facebook!

4/19/2016 (Permalink)

Like us on Facebook!

Join our Facebook community and keep in touch with what's going on.

We provide valuable cleaning tips, home and business tips, advice to help avoid costly repairs, and a whole lot more.

LIKE us on Facebook at:

https://www.facebook.com/SERVPRObearde

SERVPRO of Upper Darby, PA & SERVPRO of Bear/New Castle, DE, proudly serves those in need!  We will be on site quickly and our staff will give you the personalized attention you deserve.  We specialize in the cleanup of water damage, fire damage, smoke damage, mold removal, trauma cleanup, vandalism cleanup, carpet cleaning and duct cleaning.  Let us help you make it, “Like it Never Even Happened!”  Visit either of our websites for assistance.  Pennsylvania customers visit –www.SERVPROofupperdarby.com or www.SERVPROofbearnewcastle.com if you’re located in Delaware.  To speak to a qualified team member, call 1-877-352-0700.

SERVPRO is now a Disaster Responder for the American Cross

4/11/2016 (Permalink)

SERVPRO® began a two-year national partnership with the American Red Cross in March of 2013 as the largest corporate sponsor for their Ready Rating™ Program. In January of 2016, SERVPRO® renewed our commitment to the American Red Cross, but the strategy shifted from the Ready Rating™ Program to now focusing on their Home Fire Preparedness Campaign by supporting Disaster Responders. The Home Fire Preparedness Campaign aligns very well with SERVPRO’s residential market, and is aimed at reducing home fire deaths and injuries across the country. Our support of Disaster Responders makes it possible for them to assist affected families with swift relief; providing trained volunteers, supplies, emergency response vehicles, and resources to transform community sites into shelters. We are proud to support the American Red Cross to ensure that families and communities are prepared for disasters—especially home fires. 

SERVPRO of Upper Darby, PA & SERVPRO of Bear/New Castle, DE, proudly serves those in need!  We will be on site quickly and our staff will give you the personalized attention you deserve.  We specialize in the cleanup of water damage, fire damage, smoke damage, mold removal, trauma cleanup, vandalism cleanup, carpet cleaning and duct cleaning.  Let us help you make it, “Like it never even happened!”  Visit either of our websites for assistance.  Pennsylvania customers visit –www.SERVPROupperdarby.com or www.SERVPRObearnewcastle.com if you’re located in Delaware.  To speak to a qualified team member, call 1-877-352-0700.

UNDERSTANDING WINTER WEATHER ALERTS

2/12/2016 (Permalink)

Since we do 24 hour emergency water damage cleanup from frozen pipes we definitely understand bad weather.  When temperatures drop into a deep freeze we can get quite busy.  When Mother Nature decides to add heavy winds to the already low temperatures we know we’ll get even busier, faster!  The combination of freezing temperatures coupled with the driving winds blast frigid air into areas of your home and/or business and cause damage that would otherwise likely be Ok. 

A winter weather event is a winter weather phenomenon (such as snow, sleet, ice and wind chill) that impacts public safety, transportation and/or commerce.  It typically occurs during the climatological winter season between October 15 and April 15.

Winter weather related Warnings, Watches and Advisories are issued by your local National Weather Service office.  Each office knows the local area and will issue Warnings, Watches or Advisories based on local criteria.  For example, the amount of snow that triggers a “Winter Storm Warning” in the Northern Plains is typically much higher than the amount needed to trigger a “Winter Storm Warning” in the Southeast.

So, what does this mean?

Outlook – Winter weather that may cause significant impact in the day 3 to 7 forecast time period and eventually lead to the issuance of a watch or warning is contained in the Hazardous Weather Outlook.  More scientific discussion on the event can also be found in the Area Forecast Discussion.  Forecasts in the day 3 to 7 time period typically have a lot of forecast uncertainty.  Uncertainty is generally in the 30 to 50% range that the event will occur and reach warning criteria.  It is intended to provide information to those who need considerable lead time to prepare for the event.

Advisory – These products are issued when a hazardous winter weather event is occurring, is imminent, or has a very high probability of occurrence (generally greater than 80%).  An advisory is for less serious conditions that cause significant inconvenience and if caution is not exercised, could lead to situations that may threaten life and/or property.  Advisories are issued using the WSW Winter Weather Message product and will appear as a headline in some texts products such as the Zone Forecast.  It will change the color, as shown in the table below, of the counties on the NWS front page map according to what type of advisory has been issued.

Watch – A watch is generally issued in the 24 to 72 hour forecast time frame when the risk of a hazardous winter weather event has increased (50 to 80% certainty that warning thresholds will be met).  It is intended to provide enough lead time so those who need to set their plans in motion can do so.  A watch is issued using the WSW Winter Weather Message product and will appear as a headline in some text products such as the Zone Forecast.  It will change the color, as shown in the table below, of the counties on the NWS front page map according to what type of watch has been issued.

Warning – These products are issued when a hazardous winter weather event is occurring, is imminent, or has a very high probability of occurrence (generally greater than 80%).  A warning is used for conditions posing a threat to life or property.  Warnings are issued using the WSW Winter Weather Message product and will appear as a headline in some text products such as the Zone Forecast.  It will change the color, as shown in the table below, of the counties on the NWS front page map according to what type of warning/advisory has been issued.

Advisories: Be Aware

Winter Weather Advisories are issued when a winter storm event (sleet, ice, snow, freezing rain, snow and blowing snow, or a combination of events) is expected to meet or exceed local winter weather advisory criteria in the next 12 to 36 hours but stay below warning criteria. Criteria for snow is 4 inches or more in 12 hours or less covering at least 50 percent of the zone or encompassing most of the population. Use "mid-point" of snowfall range to trigger advisory (i.e. 2 to 5 inches of snow = advisory). Criteria for ice is any ice accumulation less than 1/2 inch over at least 50 percent of the zone or encompassing most of the population. Winter Weather Advisory can also be issued for black ice. This is optional.  Be prepared for winter driving conditions and possible travel difficulties.  Use caution when driving. 

Freezing Rain Advisories are issued when light ice accumulation (freezing rain and/or freezing drizzle) is expected in the next 12 to 36 hours, (but will remain below 1/2 inch) for at least 50 percent of the zone or encompassing most of the population and not reach warning criteria.  Expect a glaze on roads resulting in hazardous travel.  Slow down and use caution while driving because even trace amounts of ice on the roads can be dangerous. 

Wind Chill Advisories are issued when low wind chill temperatures are expected to meet or exceed local wind chill advisory criteria in the next 12 to 36 hours, but will not reach local warning criteria. Wind chill temperatures may reach or exceed -15°F.  Extremely cold air and strong winds will combine to generate low wind chill readings.  If you must venture outdoors, take precautions against frostbite and hypothermia.  See the NWS Wind Chill Chart.

Lake Effect Snow Advisories are issued for a lake effect snow event that is expected to meet or exceed local lake effect snow advisory criteria in the next 12 to 36 hours. Widespread or localized lake induced snow squalls, blowing snow or heavy snow showers which produce snowfall accumulating to 4 or more inches in 12 hours or less, but remain less than 7 inches and below warning criteria. Expect lake effect snow showers and assume travel will be difficult in some areas.  Lake effect snow usually develops in localized narrow bands which will be intense enough to produce several inches in a few areas with sudden restrictions in visibility and impacts a limited area within a county or forecast zone. Use "mid-point" of snowfall range to trigger advisory (i.e. 2 to 5 inches of snow = advisory).

Watches: Be Prepared

Blizzard Watches are issued when conditions are favorable for a blizzard event in the next 24 to 72 hours. There is a potential for falling and/or blowing snow with strong winds or frequent gusts greater than or equal to 35 mph and extremely poor visibilities to less than a ¼ mile for three or more hours.  This can lead to whiteout conditions and make travel very dangerous. 

Winter Storm Watches are issued when conditions are favorable for a significant winter storm event (heavy sleet, heavy snow, ice storm, heavy snow and blowing snow or a combination of events.)  There is a potential to meet or exceed local winter storm warning criteria in the next 24 to 72 hours. Criteria for snow is 7 inches or more in 12 hours or less; or 9 inches or more in 24 hours covering at least 50 percent of the zone or encompassing most of the population. Use "mid-point" of snowfall range to trigger a watch (i.e. 5 to 8 inches of snow = watch). Criteria for ice is 1/2 inch or more over at least 50 percent of the zone or encompassing most of the population.

Wind Chill Watches are issued when Conditions are favorable for wind chill temperatures to meet or exceed local wind chill warning criteria in the next 24 to 72 hours. There is the potential for a combination of extremely cold air and strong winds to create dangerously low wind chill values.  See the NWS Wind Chill Chart.  Wind chill temperatures may reach or exceed -25°F.

Lake Effect Snow Watches are issued when conditions are favorable for a lake effect snow event to meet or exceed local lake effect snow warning criteria in the next 24 to 72 hours.  Travel and commerce may be significantly affected. Widespread or localized lake induced snow squalls or heavy snow showers which produce snowfall accumulation to 7 or more inches in 12 hours or less. Lake effect snow usually develops in narrow bands and impacts a limited area within a county or forecast zone. Use "mid-point" of snowfall range to trigger a watch (i.e 5 to 8 inches of snow = watch).

Warnings: Take Action!

Blizzard Warnings are issued when a blizzard event is imminent or expected in the next 12 to 36 hours and means severe winter weather conditions are expected or occurring.  There is potential for frequent gusts greater than or equal to 35 mph accompanied by falling and/or blowing snow with strong winds, frequently reducing visibility to less than ¼ mile for three hours or more.  May lead to whiteout conditions making travel extremely difficult.  Do not travel.  If you must travel, have a winter survival kit with you.  If you get stranded, stay with your vehicle and wait for help to arrive. 

Winter Storm Warnings are issued for a winter storm event (heavy sleet, heavy snow, ice storm, heavy snow and blowing snow or a combination of events) and is expected to meet or exceed local winter storm warning criteria in the next 12 to 36 hours. Criteria for snow is 7 inches or more in 12 hours or less; or 9 inches or more in 24 hours covering at least 50 percent of the zone or encompassing most of the population. Use "mid-point" of snowfall range to trigger warning (i.e. 5 to 8 inches of snow = warning). Criteria for ice is 1/2 inch or more over at least 50 percent of the zone or encompassing most of the population. Travel will become difficult or impossible in some situations.  Delay your travel plans until conditions improve.

Ice Storm Warnings are usually issued when there is an ice storm event is expected to meet or exceed local ice storm warning criteria in the next 12 to 36 hours. Criteria for ice is 1/2 inch or more over at least 50 percent of the zone or encompassing most of the population.

This amount of ice accumulation will make travel dangerous or impossible and likely lead to snapped power lines and falling tree branches.  Travel is strongly discouraged. 

Wind Chill Warnings are issued when wind chill temperatures are expected to meet or exceed local wind chill warning criteria in the next 12 to 36 hours and for a combination of very cold air and strong winds that will create dangerously low wind chill values. Wind chill temperatures may reach or exceed -25°F.  This level of wind chill will result in frostbite and lead to hypothermia if precautions are not taken.  Avoid going outdoors and wear warm, protective clothing if you must venture outside.  See the NWS Wind Chill Chart.

Lake Effect Snow Warnings are issued when a lake effect snow event is expected to meet or exceed local lake effect snow warning criteria in the next 12 to 36 hours and widespread or localized lake induced snow squalls or heavy showers are expected to produce significant snowfall accumulation of 7 or more inches in 12 hours or less.  Lake effect snow usually develops in narrow bands and impacts a limited area within a county or forecast zone. Use "mid-point" of snowfall range to trigger warning (i.e. 5 to 8 inches of snow = warning).

These bands can produce very heavy snow with sudden restrictions in visibility.  Driving conditions may become hazardous at times.

SERVPRO of Upper Darby, PA & SERVPRO of Bear/New Castle, DE, proudly serves those in need!  We will be on site quickly and our staff will give you the personalized attention you deserve.  We specialize in the cleanup of water damage, fire damage, smoke damage, mold removal, trauma cleanup, vandalism cleanup, carpet cleaning and duct cleaning.  Let us help you make it, “Like it never even happened!”  Visit either of our websites for assistance.  Pennsylvania customers visit –www.SERVPROupperdarby.com or www.SERVPRObearnewcastle.com if you’re located in Delaware.  To speak to a qualified team member, call 1-877-352-0700.

UNDERSTANDING NWS FORECAST TERMS

2/3/2016 (Permalink)

(Courtesy: National Weather Service/NOAA, Department of Commerce)

Since we do 24 hour emergency water damage cleanup we definitely keep an eye on the weather.  Each time it rains or storms we can get a wide range of phone calls from overflowing sump pumps to leaky windows & roofs, so it's important for us to follow and understand Weather Forecast Terminology.  Here's some helpful information that should help you understand what all those weather terms mean.

Understanding the terminology behind weather forecasts is an integral part of our everyday decision-making. Below are common weather terms and their meanings.

Sky Condition

Sky condition describes the predominant/average sky condition based upon the amount of sky covered by opaque (not transparent) clouds.

Sky Condition                                                 Percent of Cloud Cover

Sunny or Clear                                              0 to 5%

Sunny or Mostly Clear                                    6 to 25%

Mostly Sunny or Partly Cloudy                        26 to 50%

Partly Sunny or Mostly Cloudy                        51 to 69%

Mostly Cloudy or Considerable Cloudiness        70 to 87%

Cloudy or Overcast                                        88 to 100%

Wind

Wind describes the prevailing direction from which the wind is blowing with speed in miles per hour. The numbers may vary in other parts of the country due to variation in terrain and elevation.

Sustained Wind Speed              Descriptive

0 – 5 mph                               Light, light and variable or calm

5 – 20 mph                             None used

15 – 25 mph                           Breezy 

20 – 30 mph                           Windy

30 – 40 mph                           Very windy

40 – 73 mph                           Strong, dangerous high winds

74 mph or greater                   Hurricane force

Temperature

Forecast temperature describes the forecast maximum and minimum temperatures or in some cases, the temperature expected at a specific time. Temperature is reported in degrees Fahrenheit.

Description Examples                      Range

Near 40                                         Approaching 40 or a                                                             range from 38 to 42

Around 85                                     Range of temps                                                                     from 83 to 87

Lower 50s                                     Temperatures                                                                       of 50 through 53

Middle 70s                                     Temperatures                                                                       of 74 through 76

Upper 30s                                      Temperatures                                                                        of 37 through 39

60s                                                Temperatures                                                                        of 60 through 69

Probability of Precipitation (PoP)

Probability of Precipitation (PoP) is the likelihood of measurable precipitation (or water equivalent of frozen) precipitation falling during a specified period in the forecast area. Measurable precipitation is equal to or greater than 0.01 inch (0.2 mm) over a period of 12 hours, unless specified otherwise.

At times, NWS forecasters may use “occasional” or “periods of” to describe a precipitation event that has a high probability of occurrence, i.e., they expect any given location in a forecast area to most likely have precipitation, but it will be of an “on and off” nature.

PoP                               Percent Expression of Uncertainty                 

20%                              Slight chance                                                 

30 – 50 %                      Chance                                                          

60 – 70%                       Likely                                                                

80 – 100%                     Rain/Snow, etc.                                             

Information shared from the NWS website.

SERVPRO of Upper Darby, PA & SERVPRO of Bear/New Castle, DE, proudly serves those in need!  We will be on site quickly and our staff will give you the personalized attention you deserve.  We specialize in the cleanup of water damage, fire damage, smoke damage, mold removal, trauma cleanup, vandalism cleanup, carpet cleaning and duct cleaning.  Let us help you make it, “Like it never even happened!”  Visit either of our websites for assistance.  Pennsylvania customers visit –www.SERVPROupperdarby.com or www.SERVPRObearnewcastle.com if you’re located in Delaware.  To speak to a qualified team member, call 1-877-352-0700.

WHAT DO YOU DO AFTER A BLIZZARD?

1/25/2016 (Permalink)

As the huge cleanup efforts from Winter Storm Jonas continue, we thought it might be a good idea to review a few things people should be doing to remain safe.

If your home lost power or heat in the storm and it still hasn’t been restored or if you don’t have the supplies you need to stay warm in your home overnight, you may want to stay in a public shelter. You can find where the nearest one is by texting “SHELTER” plus your ZIP code to 43362 (4FEMA). Make sure to dress warmly on your way to the shelter and bring anything you might need that night.

Check on the elderly to make sure they are safe and warm.

If you have a chimney, check it to be sure it has no structural damage. And if you light a fire, be sure the smoke is not backing up into your home.

Check for any broken water pipes and shut off the water supply until you can get someone out there to repair them. It might be a bit of work getting to your shutoff valve if you do not have one in your house.  Your house can flood pretty quickly if left on. If you unfortunately have lost power or heat, then consider draining your water system to ensure no further damage occurs.

If you see any downed power lines in your yard or in the neighborhood, stay away from them and call the power company immediately.

Now that the storm has passed and everything and everyone is safe, grab a sled and enjoy the newfound winter wonderland before it melts away into muddy slush!  Be sure to protect yourself from frostbite and hypothermia by wearing several layers of warm, loose-fitting clothing. Enjoy

After all is said and done, assess how your supplies and family plan worked. If you think they could have been improved in any way, learn from your experience and plan ahead for the next big one.

SERVPRO of Upper Darby, PA & SERVPRO of Bear/New Castle, DE, proudly serves those in need!  We will be on site quickly and our staff will give you the personalized attention you deserve.  We specialize in the cleanup of water damage, fire damage, smoke damage, mold removal, trauma cleanup, vandalism cleanup, carpet cleaning and duct cleaning.  Let us help you make it, “Like it never even happened!”  Visit either of our websites for assistance.  Pennsylvania customers visit –www.SERVPROofupperdarby.com or www.SERVPROofbearnewcastle.com if you’re located in Delaware.  To speak to a qualified team member, call 1-877-352-070

WHAT TO DO UNTIL HELP ARRIVES AFTER WATER DAMAGE!

1/22/2016 (Permalink)

Looking for what TO DO and what NOT TO DO after water damage?  Please feel free to follow these tips to get you going in the right direction until professional help arrives!

DO:

DON’T:

SERVPRO of Upper Darby, PA & SERVPRO of Bear/New Castle, DE, proudly serves those in need!  We will be on site quickly and our staff will give you the personalized attention you deserve.  We specialize in the cleanup of water damage, fire damage, smoke damage, mold removal, trauma cleanup, vandalism cleanup, carpet cleaning and duct cleaning.  Let us help you make it, “Like it never even happened!”  Visit either of our websites for assistance.  Pennsylvania customers visit –www.SERVPROofupperdarby.com or www.SERVPROofbearnewcastle.com if you’re located in Delaware.  To speak to a qualified team member, call 1-877-352-0700.

HOW DO YOU THAW FROZEN PIPES?

1/21/2016 (Permalink)

If you turn on a faucet to find only a little water trickling out, suspect a frozen pipe.  Ideally you’ll want to locate the pipe first. Be sure to check all other faucets in your home as well to find out if you have additional frozen pipes. If one pipe freezes, others may freeze, too.

Once you locate the frozen section, if the pipe is accessible, inspect it by checking for cracks or splits. If you find damage, you may want to get repair materials ready before thawing the pipe. If the pipe is not accessible, read on for techniques to deal with thawing.

Before you start the thawing process, keep the faucet open on the frozen line to allow water, steam or pressure to escape. This will allow water to drain out as the ice melts and will tell you if you have succeeded in melting the obstruction.

Next we’ll want to heat the pipe to start the thawing process.  How you heat the pipe depends upon the type of pipe and the location. But in most cases start nearest the faucet and work outward. Never heat a pipe with direct flame or boiling water. Heating a pipe too quickly can result in bursting, damage and injury.

Thawing Plastic pipes

Accessible pipes can be heated with a hair dryer. Keep the dryer moving and do not focus it on any one place too long.

Hot wet rags can be used to heat pipes. Simply immerse a rag in hot water and wrap it around the pipe. Replace it when it cools.

A grounded, water resistant heating pad can be wrapped around the pipe and set to the lowest heat setting.

Thawing Metal pipes

While a flame could be used in some cases on some copper and steel metal pipes it is not recommended to use a direct flame on any pipe as this increases the risk of damage to the pipe as well as presenting a fire risk. Accessible pipes can be heated with a hair dryer. Keep the dryer moving and do not focus it on any one place too long.

Hot wet rags can be used to heat pipes. Simply immerse a rag in hot water and wrap it around the pipe. If you are able to catch water from under the pipe, you can go a step further by pouring hot (not boiling) water over the rags.

A grounded, water resistant heating pad can be wrapped around the pipe and set to the lowest heat setting.

Thawing Inaccessible pipes

Frozen water pipes located in inaccessible locations can be warmed by raising the ambient temperature. In cases where the pipe is located in an exterior facing wall, open cabinets to allow warm interior air to warm inside the cabinet and wall. Locating pipes may require a little detective work. First consider, most pipes travel through walls in the most direct route to get to the room they service. The water lines are likely to be near the rooms they service. Raising the indoor temperature will increase the temperature in all rooms and help somewhat to heat pipes in exterior walls. But direct application of heat where the pipes run will speed the process even more.

You may place a heat lamp or portable heater facing the wall to warm it. Before using a heat source remove any combustible materials and follow all manufacturers’ recommendations and safety warnings about how close it may be placed to the wall or other obstruction. In the absence of other warnings, place the heat source no closer than 18 inches from the wall or obstruction.

Heating this way will take some time, but it does work.

Apply heat to the section of pipe using an electric heating pad wrapped around the pipe, an electric hair dryer, a portable space heater (kept away from flammable materials), or by wrapping pipes with towels soaked in hot water. Do not use a blowtorch, kerosene or propane heater, charcoal stove, or any other open flame device.

Apply heat until full water pressure is restored. If you are unable to locate the frozen area, if the frozen area is not accessible, or if you cannot thaw the pipe, call a licensed plumber.

What Can You Do To Take Additional Future Protection?

Consider relocating exposed pipes to provide increased protection from freezing.

Pipes can be relocated by a professional if the home is remodeled.

Add insulation to attics, basements and crawl spaces. Insulation will maintain higher temperatures in these areas.

What to do if a frozen pipe leads to water damage?

Call SERVPRO of Upper Darby, PA or SERVPRO of Bear/New castle, DE at 877-352-0700 immediately for service or advice.  Our next blog will help give you several Water Damage Emergency Do’s and Dont’s for you to follow until help arrives!

SERVPRO of Upper Darby, PA & SERVPRO of Bear/New Castle, DE, proudly serves those in need!  We will be on site quickly and our staff will give you the personalized attention you deserve.  We specialize in the cleanup of water damage, fire damage, smoke damage, mold removal, trauma cleanup, vandalism cleanup, carpet cleaning and duct cleaning.  Let us help you make it, “Like it Never Even Happened!”  Visit either of our websites for assistance.  Pennsylvania customers visit –www.SERVPROofupperdarby.com or www.SERVPROofbearnewcastle.com if you’re located in Delaware.  To speak to a qualified team member, call 1-877-352-0700.

WHAT CAUSES FROZEN PIPES?

1/20/2016 (Permalink)

What Causes Frozen Pipes?

The water inside pipes can freeze when temperatures drop below freezing. As freezing water expands, it causes the pressure inside the pipes to increase.  With enough expansion, regardless of the strength of most metal and plastic pipes the expanding water can cause pipes to crack or break.  The cracks may not be visible but they will leak nonetheless when the ice melts. If a frozen section of pipe is caught in time, there may be no damage; but it must be thawed before any more freezing occurs!

Most often frozen pipes occur to those that are exposed to severe cold, like outdoor hose bibs, swimming pool supply lines, water sprinkler lines, and water supply pipes in unheated interior areas like basements and crawl spaces, attics, garages, or kitchen cabinets. Pipes that run against exterior walls that have little or no insulation could also be problem areas to freezing as well.

What Actions can you take to Help Prevent Frozen Pipes?

Drain water from swimming pool and water sprinkler supply lines following manufacturer's or installer's directions

Insulate pipes, especially those close to outside walls, attics or crawl spaces where the chance of freezing is greatest

Seal cold air leaks surrounding or near pipes

Keep garage doors closed if there are water supply lines in the garage

Disconnect all outdoor hoses and turn off water to exterior faucets and sprinkler systems

Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate in the cabinet around the plumbing

Keep heat at a minimum of 55 degrees or higher even when you are out of town

During a cold spell turn on both hot and cold faucets near outside walls to allow a small trickle of water to run during the night (be careful not to waste too much water though)

If you need to be away from home, leave the heat on (as mentioned above) and drain your water pipes/system before you go.

SERVPRO of Upper Darby, PA & SERVPRO of Bear/New Castle, DE, proudly serves those in need!  We will be on site quickly and our staff will give you the personalized attention you deserve.  We specialize in the cleanup of water damage, fire damage, smoke damage, mold removal, trauma cleanup, vandalism cleanup, carpet cleaning and duct cleaning.  Let us help you make it, “Like it Never Even Happened!”  Visit either of our websites for assistance.  Pennsylvania customers visit –www.SERVPROofupperdarby.com or www.SERVPROofbearnewcastle.com if you’re located in Delaware.  To speak to a qualified team member, call 1-877-352-0700.

ITS GETTING COLD OUTSIDE!

1/15/2016 (Permalink)

Get prepared - it’s getting cold outside!  Like it or not, winter has finally arrived and could begin wreaking havoc on us soon?These frigid temperatures could lead to some unexpected frozen pipes that could have been avoided.  We’ll have some expert tips helping to avoid some common frozen pipe problems coming up soon. 

Most importantly though, most Americans, regardless of where they live, are likely to face some type of severe winter weather at some point in their lives. Winter storms can range from a moderate snow over a few hours to a blizzard that lasts for several days. Many winter storms are accompanied by dangerously low temperatures with the threat of strong winds, icing, sleet and freezing rain.

If we find the need to prepare for a storm, please be aware of the winter weather's ability to knock out heat, power and communications services to your home or workplace. Some advanced preparation could pay off greatly as heavy snowfall and extreme cold can immobilize large areas for several days at a time.

The National Weather Service refers to winter storms as the “Deceptive Killers” because most deaths are indirectly related to the storm. Instead, people die in traffic accidents on icy roads and of hypothermia from prolonged exposure to cold. It is important to be prepared for winter weather before it strikes.

We’ll offer some expert advise on how prepare for the cold on some of our upcoming blogs.

SERVPRO of Upper Darby, PA & SERVPRO of Bear/New Castle, DE, proudly serves those in need!  We will be on site quickly and our staff will give you the personalized attention you deserve.  We specialize in the cleanup of water damage, fire damage, smoke damage, mold removal, trauma cleanup, vandalism cleanup, carpet cleaning and duct cleaning.  Let us help you make it, “Like it Never Even Happened!”  Visit either of our websites for assistance.  Pennsylvania customers visit –www.SERVPROofupperdarby.com or www.SERVPROofbearnewcastle.com if you’re located in Delaware.  To speak to a qualified team member, call 1-877-352-0700.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

12/23/2015 (Permalink)

During the holiday season, our thoughts turn gratefully to those who have made our success possible. It is in this spirit that we say thank you and best wishes for the holidays.  So from our families to yours, please have a very safe and enjoyable holiday season!

SERVPRO of Upper Darby, PA & SERVPRO of Bear/New Castle, DE, proudly serves those in need!  We will be on site quickly and our staff will give you the personalized attention you deserve.  We specialize in the cleanup of water damage, fire damage, smoke damage, mold removal, trauma cleanup, vandalism cleanup, carpet cleaning and duct cleaning.  Let us help you make it, “Like it Never Even Happened!”  Visit either of our websites for assistance.  Pennsylvania customers visit –www.SERVPROofupperdarby.com or www.SERVPROofbearnewcastle.com if you’re located in Delaware.  To speak to a qualified team member, call 1-877-352-0700.

JOIN US ON FACEBOOK!

12/23/2015 (Permalink)

Join our Facebook community and keep in touch with what's going on.

We provide valuable cleaning tips, home and business tips, advice to help avoid costly repairs, and a whole lot more.

LIKE us on Facebook at:

https://www.facebook.com/SERVPRObearde

SERVPRO of Upper Darby, PA & SERVPRO of Bear/New Castle, DE, proudly serves those in need!  We will be on site quickly and our staff will give you the personalized attention you deserve.  We specialize in the cleanup of water damage, fire damage, smoke damage, mold removal, trauma cleanup, vandalism cleanup, carpet cleaning and duct cleaning.  Let us help you make it, “Like it Never Even Happened!”  Visit either of our websites for assistance.  Pennsylvania customers visit –www.SERVPROofupperdarby.com or www.SERVPROofbearnewcastle.com if you’re located in Delaware.  To speak to a qualified team member, call 1-877-352-0700.

AMERICAN RED CROSS & SERVPRO JOIN FORCES

12/1/2015 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is still a proud National Sponsor for the American Red Cross “Ready Rating” Program.

SERVPRO, a disaster recovery and cleanup Franchise System, continues to be a national sponsor of the American Red Cross Ready Rating program, a free, self-guided program designed to help businesses, organizations and schools become better prepared for emergencies.

This partnership just makes perfect sense and truly completes the readiness equation for businesses and other property owners in the area. The American Red Cross Ready Rating Program allows individuals to assess their readiness for a disaster, so they can take all necessary steps before disaster strikes to protect their property from damage and loss. But, when disaster does strike, knowing what to do and who to call saves time – and fast response is key to minimizing damage and downtime. That’s where SERVPRO’s Emergency READY Program can help. Together, these two programs offer maximum peace of mind to businesses and other organizations.”

“Through the generosity of SERVPRO, the Red Cross will be empowering workplaces to re-open more quickly after natural or man-made disasters such as water main breaks, medical emergencies, power outages, tornadoes, floods and hurricanes through the Ready Rating Program,” said Tom Heneghan, Manager of Business Continuity Programs, American Red Cross.

“Up to 40% of businesses never re-open their doors after such disasters; SERVPRO’s partnership will enable more businesses, schools and organizations to become better prepared. We are excited to have SERVPRO join us in community outreach efforts to educate and highlight the importance of community preparedness in neighborhoods across the country.”

Whenever there’s a threat of severe weather – such as freezing rains, below 0 temperatures, high winds, downpours, flash flooding, fires caused by lightning strikes and even tornadoes spawned by thunderstorms – SERVPRO urges all property owners to visit the American Red Cross Ready Rating website now at http://readyrating.org to complete a 123-point self-assessment of their level of preparedness for weather-related or other emergencies. Aligned with the federal government's Private Sector Preparedness standards, the Ready Rating assessment offers businesses, organizations and schools access to tools, tips and best practices to help improve their level of preparedness.

Keys to the program are the following Five Essential Steps to Preparedness – the cornerstones of the Ready Rating program:

1. Commit to Preparedness

2. Conduct a Hazard Vulnerability Assessment

3. Develop an Emergency Response Plan

4. Implement your Emergency Response Plan

5. Help Your Community Get Prepared

The time to prepare for a disaster is before it happens. Taking steps to make your property as secure as possible, then having a plan to deal with the aftermath if disaster does strike is just good business and common sense. At SERVPRO, we can help you create a disaster recovery plan now, specific to your facility so that – if you need us – we can help you get back in business fast.”

SERVPRO of Upper Darby, PA & SERVPRO of Bear/New Castle, DE specializes in disaster restoration, cleanup and repair services, helping to remediate damage, making it “Like it never even happened,” for both commercial and residential customers. For more information on the American Red Cross Ready Rating program, please visit http://readyrating.org/. 

SERVPRO of Upper Darby, PA & SERVPRO of Bear/New Castle, DE, proudly serves those in need!  We will be on site quickly and our staff will give you the personalized attention you deserve.  We specialize in the cleanup of water damage, fire damage, smoke damage, mold removal, trauma cleanup, vandalism cleanup, carpet cleaning and duct cleaning.  Let us help you make it, “Like it Never Even Happened!”  Visit either of our websites for assistance.  Pennsylvania customers visit –www.SERVPROofupperdarby.com or www.SERVPROofbearnewcastle.com if you’re located in Delaware.  To speak to a qualified team member, call 1-877-352-0700.