Brattleboro Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting-2023!

6/12/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties being honored for 45 years in business at this year's Brattleboro Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting!

Recently, the Brattleboro Area Chamber of Commerce held their annual meeting. It was a little steamy, but the event was very well attended by chamber members, including SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties Co-Owner, Derek Paul.

The night was dedicated to recognizing honorees in three main categories: Chamber Member of the Year, which was awarded to Mary Giamartino of Hotel Pharmacy, Entrepreneur of the Year, awarded to Tito Garza of Tito's Tacos, and Person of the Year, awarded to Dan Yates. Also honored were businesses celebrating milestone anniversaries. SERVPRO of Windham and Windsor Counties was graciously recognized as we are celebrating our 45 years in business. We appreciate being honored for this anniversary by the Brattleboro Chamber and our fellow members. 

It was a great evening and an incredible honor to celebrate so many great community members and their accomplishments!

Fire/Smoke Restoration: The Most Thorough Cleaning Available!

5/16/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties uses industry leading methods and specially formulated products made to battle the heaviest smoke damage.

Cleaning and restoration following a fire or smoke damage can be challenging. SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties uses a two-step approach when cleaning heavy smoke. The SERVPRO Team first performs a dry-cleaning method to remove the majority of oily smoke residue from a given surface. This is followed by a wet cleaning performed by our technicians using SERVPRO's own specially formulated cleaning products. This is performed on most hard surfaces such as wood, metal, marble, and porcelain to name a few. Why is this important? If wet cleaning was performed prior to dry cleaning when attacking harmful soot, it is very likely that the process will spread the residue and smudge the surface. By using basic, over-the-counter products, that are not made specifically for cleaning soot, there is a high risk that it will stain thus making it more difficult, or impossible, to completely remove. If you experience smoke damage to your home or commercial building, contact the team that is faster to any size disaster: SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties. You can be sure your property is receiving the most advanced cleaning methods, by industry certified technicians, who nothing but products created specifically for fire and smoke damage restoration. SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties, here to make fire and smoke damage "Like it never even happened."

30 Years in Westmoreland!

4/3/2023 (Permalink)

2023 marks 30 years at our Westmoreland, NH location!

SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties has been providing Southern Vermont with industry-leading cleanup and restoration services since the late 1970s. When the franchise was taken over by the Paul Family, SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties shared a building with a local dog groomer on Court Street in Keene, NH. Having quickly outgrown the current location, Owner Richard Paul decided to move the business across town to Water Street. It wasn't long before the growing business outgrew the Water Street location and Paul was looking elsewhere for a larger building and a new location which would better accommodate the company's growing client base in Southern Vermont. What Paul found was a large red industrial building which would fulfill both needs. The decision was made in 1993 that SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties would be moving to Westmoreland, NH.

The location was great. Just off NH Route 12 with tremendous visibility, only 10 minutes outside of Keene, and easy access to Vermont, especially Interstate 91 which is a main north-south corridor within SERVPRO's Vermont territory. The building's space was a huge upgrade as well. SERVPRO was increasing personnel, equipment, cleaning products, and vehicles which the new space would better necessitate. The property required a lot of landscaping, tree removal and sprucing up. The building interior went through changes as well including small renovations, remodeling, and reconfiguring. This was all being done as SERVPRO continued to provide services to its clients.

It took a lot of hard work and patience, but the move to the new location in Westmoreland was just what the company needed. The business continued to grow and expand. Now with Ryan and Derek Paul at the helm, a satellite location has been added in Ascutney, VT to better serve the Vermont market. That move 30 years ago was an integral part of the success of SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties, and we look forward to what the future holds!

Commercial Cleaning: Transport Facility

2/13/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties is prepared to handle all of your commercial cleaning projects.

Here at SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties, we're able to provide a variety of services in any type of facility, large or small. We're the nation's leader in emergency cleanup and restoration services follow fire, water, and mold damage. We are also capable of handling large, commercial sized cleaning projects whether it be emergency related, cleaning following a construction project, mold remediation, or a maintenance related cleaning of the facility. 

In this recent project, our team was contacted by one of our clients to carry out a top-to-bottom cleaning at their long-haul transport facility's extensive garage area. Over time, as their trucks are being serviced and are constantly entering and exiting the building, exhaust dust and debris accumulates on a variety of surfaces in the garage area. Our clients knew exactly how wo contact for this type of project.

Our skilled team, while working off of lifts, ladders and movable stairs, went through the affected areas and carried out an extensive cleaning, using similar methods and products that would be used following a fire or smoke damage. Our technicians used HEPA filtered vacuums and dense dry-cleaning sponges to remove the heaviest layers of debris and followed up with a more detailed wet cleaning in specific areas of the garage. The process not only removed heavy debris, but also helped to deodorize the area.

We're grateful to have been contacted by this client on multiple occasions for this service and look forward to working with them again. Commercial cleaning projects such as this are but another way SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties can be a valuable resource to your commercial business or facility.

February Freeze-2023

2/11/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties: The team that is faster to any size disaster!

Winter in New England can bring a multitude of surprises and challenges when it comes to weather. Snow, slush, sleet, ice, and of course, frigid temperatures.

Last weekend, parts across New England experienced some of the most bone chilling temps in recent memory. Beginning Friday night and culminating into Saturday morning, temperatures reached negative digits. When the windchill was factored in, depending on the location, temperatures reached -20, -30, -40, and in some places even -50 degrees Fahrenheit. Now that is cold! On top of Mount Washington, the windchill pushed the temp to over -100 degrees. Incredible! 

These frigid temps and high winds led to power outages and an extremely high quantity of frozen pipes throughout our team's coverage area. SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties received over 100 service calls due to burst pipes in the week following this extreme freeze event. Our team has been incredible with responding and providing service to as many of our customers as possible without sacrificing quality or professionalism. We want to extend a big thank you to our clients who have been patient and understanding during this event as we continue onward. Lastly, we want to give a heartfelt thank you to our dedicated crew for their hard work for the past week. We're grateful to have such an amazing team here at Windham & Windsor Counties!

Kitchen Fire: Residential Fire Mitigation Project

1/24/2023 (Permalink)

Fire mitigation projects can be very complex with several different phases. We can help!

Recently, our team here at SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties received a service request for emergency mitigation services following a kitchen fire at a local residence. The fire originated and caused the most significant damage in the kitchen, but there was heavy contamination from smoke throughout the rest of the home. Luckily no one was injured in the fire.

There were multiple phases throughout the project with the first being the packing and removal of salvageable belongings and furniture to our location to be cleaned and deodorized. Items that were unable to be restored were inventoried and disposed of. The next step was to remove all the building materials that were damage from the fire. Our team carefully removed, bagged, and discarded these materials. All other areas were then professionally cleaned. While all of this was taking place, we installed large air scrubbing devices and deodorizing machines to assist with odor removal. Lastly, we applied a coat of our smoke sealant product in all areas where demolition was performed.

In the end, the areas were completely deodorized, sealed, and ready for reconstruction. Once the reconstruction phase is completed by a contractor, our team will deliver the furniture and belongings back to the property.

Why SERVPRO? The Disaster Restoration Provider You Can Rely On

1/24/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties: the emergency restoration provider you can rely on to make fire & water damage "Like it never even happened."

For our next installment of "Why SERVPRO?" we'd like to reference an online review from a past client, Lorene, following a septic backup issue in the basement of her home in southern Vermont. Following her call, the professionals here at SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties mobilized a team of technicians to the property and began emergency services. Here are her comments:

"I had a septic incident at my home that caused a great deal of mess in the basement. I tried calling several places without even getting someone to respond. I called SERVPRO once and they had someone out that day, then had a team in the next day cleaning up!!! Fantastic job and very nice people to deal with. Everyone made a nasty situation better for me. Thank you."

Thank you for the feedback, Lorene. Unexpected emergencies such as these are always complicated, stressful, and can be difficult to address. We're very appreciative that you contacted us so we could make this situation easier for you. 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties is here to help. Thanks again!

Winter Weather: Is Your Home or Commercial Property Prepared?

1/23/2023 (Permalink)

Winter weather can be potentially damaging to your home or commercial property. Is your property prepared this winter?

It's winter here in southern Vermont which means snowstorms, ice, and cold weather are upon us. Our homes and properties are susceptible to damage when winter weather arrives. As we like to do each year, here are a few reminders and suggestions to prepare your home or property during the cold months.

• Protect water pipes from freezing. Flow-based leak detection systems can shut down your home's water supply in the event of an emergency. Be sure to cover outside faucets as well.
• Keep thermostats at a reasonable level to adequately heat your property. As a recommendation, avoid dropping your thermostat below 65 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Backup generators are a great way to ensure key elements to your home can run in the event of a power outage. Furnaces and water heaters need power to run, not to mention the benefit of having light and the ability to use kitchen appliances.
• Adding insulation where needed, such as attics, cold and unheated basements, wall cavities, floors, basement windows, and around exposed pipes can greatly improve your property's ability to hold in heat and keep out the cold. 
• Be sure that the area around windows is caulked thoroughly to reduce heat loss and to cut down on your heating costs. 
• Clear rain gutters as often as possible. Specifically, be sure the downspouts are clear of debris to ensure proper drainage. 

Be sure to monitor and inspect these areas of your home regularly this winter. The more often they are checked, the more likely a potential issue is discovered before it becomes a real problem.

Winter weather can be potentially damaging to your home or commercial property. Is your property prepared this winter?

45 Years: Serving the Area Since 1978!

1/23/2023 (Permalink)

Thank you to our clients and community for supporting our business for 45 years!

We are happy to announce that 2023 marks 45 years SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties has provided emergency cleanup and restoration services to southwestern New Hampshire! Founded in 1978, SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties began primarily as a cleaning and janitorial service and eventually evolved into the area's leader in disaster restoration.

In 1988, SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties was purchased by Richard and Susan Paul and was based out of Keene, NH. In 1993, headquarters were moved to our current location in Westmoreland, NH. In early 2002, Ryan Paul came aboard as a Project Manager, and in late 2003, Derek Paul joined the family business as a Marketing Representative. The staff has grown over the years, technology has improved and methods and products within the industry have become more advanced. Our staff continues to obtain new certifications while training within the different services we provide. Our staff works incredibly hard and total customer satisfaction is their goal.

Community involvement and support is also very important to us. As we are locally owned and operated, we care deeply about giving back to our local community. We proudly participate by way of sponsorships, fundraisers, charities, events, educational and athletic programs, and local associations to name a few.

In 2015, Ryan and Derek Paul became minority owners of the company, handling more of the day-to-day operations. To better serve our clients in Southern Vermont, we added a second office location in Ascutney, VT in 2018. And in the Fall of 2021, the two brothers officially took over full ownership, while Richard and Susan transitioned into retirement. This past fall, Ryan and Derek celebrated 1 year of their full ownership.

We are beyond grateful for how far our business has come in 45 years. We are thankful for our staff, our community and of course, our clients. We look forward to providing the same quality of service to those who need us well into the future! Thank you for your support for the past 45 years! 

Water Damage Mitigation: Containment is Key

1/12/2023 (Permalink)

Water damaged properties can be dried more efficiently by "containing" affected areas from non-affected areas during the drying process.

SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties handles emergency water damage cleanup and restoration following a variety of different types of mishaps. Every water damage restoration project is a little different from the last, but the methodology and science of drying the structure is consistent: remove standing water, determine what areas have been affected, remove damaged materials that CANNOT be salvaged, dry the areas and materials that CAN be salvaged. This is a simplified example of course.

Having the right equipment for these projects is very important. Extraction units, high-powered air movers, dehumidifiers, moisture detecting meters, and one item that may not be as hi-tech, but is equally important: plastic. Plastic sheeting to be more specific. Plastic sheeting is used regularly on water mitigation projects. It can be used to protect furniture or belongings. It can be used as a protectant on floors and flat surfaces. Additionally, plastic sheeting can be used to create barriers or "containment.” Containment is key in preventing cross- contamination. When demolition is being performed in one part of the building, the containment will prevent dust and debris from contaminating the unaffected part of the building.

When it comes to the drying process, containment is a key piece to improve drying time. For example: if a large room has water damage, but the damage is confined to half of the room, our machines can dry the area quicker by making the room "smaller." This is done by setting up containment, ceiling to floor, and containing our drying efforts only to the specific parts of the room that are wet. There is no need to dry the areas that are not wet and thus by shrinking the room, air movers and dehumidifiers can dry the affected areas quicker.

Although dehumidifiers and air movers tend to get all the credit when properly drying a structure following water damage, plastic sheeting is another key component in the drying process!

Why SERVPRO? Professionally Trained and Certified Staff

1/10/2023 (Permalink)

Training and education are equally important and essential in the world of emergency cleanup and restoration.

Two areas in which we pride ourselves here at SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties are training and education. The world of emergency cleanup and restoration is constantly evolving. Techniques for mitigating fire and water damage are updating, products are improving, and equipment is regularly changing for the better. It is important to stay on top of these advancements so we can better and more effectively serve our clients when they need us.

SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties team members receive hands on training for fire and water damage restoration. Additionally, our production team, as well as members from our admin and estimating staff, attend courses in these areas of emergency restoration to become certified by the IICRC (Institute of Inspection Cleaning & Restoration Certification). It is important for each person within the organization to be familiar with and educated in the science of emergency cleanup and restoration whether it be a result from fire, smoke, water, mold, trauma, or sewer damage.

Having a staff that is trained and certified in these areas allows us to better serve our clients. One more reason why SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties is the best choice for emergency cleanup and restoration.

Why SERVPRO? After Hours Response

1/9/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties: available 24/7/365 to assist with your fire or water damage emergency.

SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties is southern Vermont's leading emergency cleanup and restoration provider. For decades, SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties has been the trusted choice for services following fire, smoke, water, sewage, trauma, or biohazard damage. 

These types of emergencies don't always occur between the hours of 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM Monday through Friday. SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties provides emergency services around the clock whether it be after hours, on weekends, and even holidays. Over the years, our staff has responded on July 4th, Thanksgiving, Memorial Day, Christmas Eve, and even Christmas morning. You can't predict when an emergency will occur, but you can rest assured our team will be ready to assist you when it does.

When disaster strikes at your residential or commercial property, contact the professionals that are available 24/7/365. SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties, here to make fire and water damage "Like it never even happened."

2022 Collaborative Food Drive!

12/29/2022 (Permalink)

Thank you to everyone who participated and made this year's Collaborative Food Drive such a success!

Back in November of 2014, we launched what is now referred to as our SERVPRO Collaborative Food Drive. The idea behind the drive was to try and make it easier for businesses and community members to collect and donate non-perishable food items to local food banks. We deliver collection boxes to local businesses that would like to participate, and we return 2-3 weeks later to pick up the boxes. We then load all the boxes into one of our trucks and deliver them to either the NH or VT food banks.

Back in 2014, we were joined by seven gracious local businesses who contributed to our inaugural campaign. We were well on our way and considered the first effort to be a huge success.

After stepping away from the food drive in 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic, we decided it was time to bring the event back for 2022. We were blown away by the support and involvement by our friends and business partners throughout the community. Over 30 local businesses, and 1 school, joined in for this year's event! We're extremely excited to report that with the collaborative effort of these community partners, we were able to donate a total of 2,054 pounds of food! Over 1 ton! This is all thanks to the support of these local businesses and schools!

We're so thankful to be a part of such a generous and thoughtful community. Thank you to all that supported the event, and we can't wait to do it all over again in 2023!

Commercial Services: Specialty Drying

12/29/2022 (Permalink)

Not every water damage mitigation project is the same. Our team is able to determine what affected areas can be restored vs. replaced.

SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties is the area's premiere emergency cleanup and restoration services provider for all residential and commercial properties. Emergency restoration projects take on many different forms and can vary when it comes to size, severity and complexity. 

When dealing with water damage, the goal is to ensure proper drying of the affected areas throughout the building while attempting to preserve the materials as much as possible. In many cases, we are able to successfully dry building materials in place, while in other cases, we may be forced to remove affected materials if they are not able to be successfully dried. By using moisture testing instruments and devices, our team of trained water restoration professionals can track and determine how far water has traveled and what areas have been affected by water.

By using this technology, our technicians can remove only the necessary materials to better dry the other areas. For example, we can remove small areas of wall cavities to dry the rest of the wall or ceiling. We can remove baseboard trim to dry the lower part of a wall. With the proper space and in the right environment, we can dry above and below a floor system to prevent removing the entire floor.

Determining the level of damage in order to strategically decide the more effective plan for drying water damaged building materials is another reason why SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties is trusted for emergency cleanup and restoration.

Winter Storms: Protecting Your Property From Frozen Pipes

12/29/2022 (Permalink)

Keep these preventative measures in mind to help prevent frozen pipes.

As 2022 draws to a close, and we're but a few days from January, winter is here and that means cold weather. Cold weather can mean a lot of things to a homeowner, business owner, or property manager, and right at the top of the list for property damage concerns are frozen pipes. Baseboard heat pipes, supply lines, sprinkler heads, and outdoor spickets are just a few areas where a frozen pipe can potentially create extensive damage to a property. 

Even a small crack or puncture can lead to hundreds of gallons of water to infiltrate your building. The three common causes of frozen pipes are:

• Quick drops in temperature
• Poor insulation
• A thermostat that is set too low

Consider these preventative measures to help prevent frozen pipes in your property:

• Insulate your pipes. Exposed pipes are most susceptible to freezing.
• Seal leaks that allow cold air inside. Look for air leaks around the electrical wiring, dryer vents, and pipes and use caulk or insulation to keep the cold out.
• Let water drip. Let warm water drip from a faucet overnight.  

Fire Damage: Timely Response Matters

12/29/2022 (Permalink)

For emergency restoration following fire and smoke damage, contact SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties.

SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties is the emergency cleanup and restoration team that is "Faster to Any Sized Disaster." The first 48 hours following a fire in a residential or commercial property are critical when it comes to restoring versus replacing damaged building materials and personal belongings. Swift response and timely mitigation can help to prevent fire damage from creating long-term issues.

SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties understands "getting back to normal" is one of your primary concerns. Our highly trained staff is ready to get your property back to how it was before the fire. Quick response coupled with the use of industry- leading products and equipment will ensure your home or commercial property is back up and running quickly and professionally. 

If you experience a fire in your home or commercial property, be sure to contact the company that's faster to any sized disaster, SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties.

Water Damage Mitigation: Washing Machine Mishap

11/20/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties is available 24/7/365 to assist with your water damage emergency.

This recent water damage mitigation project performed by the SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties Team was the result of a broken supply line to a residential washing machine. For no other reason but age and wear and tear, the supply line broke and ultimately burst which then leaked for an extended period of time while the occupants were at work. The water traveled laterally across the manufactured wood floor causing it to curl and lift. Additionally, the water spread to walls, some of which were external with insulation behind the drywall. The flooring was removed along with damaged drywall, affected insulation, as well as the saturated cabinets. The remaining standing water was extracted, and commercial drying equipment (commercial air movers and dehumidifiers) was installed to thoroughly dry the remaining building materials.

After a couple days of thorough drying, the drying equipment was removed, and the area is now clean and prepped for reconstruction.

Thanksgiving Cooking Safety

11/15/2022 (Permalink)

Have a safe and enjoyable Thanksgiving!

Once the summer wraps up and the children head back to school, it seems like we're Thanksgiving planning in no time. Thanksgiving is a great time to reflect, be thankful, and of course, enjoy delicious food and recipes with those you care about most. It's a relaxing, pleasant way to being the holiday season.

When preparing those Thanksgiving feasts, make sure to do so carefully. The kitchen can be a dangerous place and even more so when cooking for a large group. Here are a few safety tips to keep in mind:

• Make sure your smoke alarms are working. Test them by pushing the test button.
• Stay in the kitchen when cooking on the stove so you can keep an eye on the food.
• Keep children away from the stove. The stove will be hot, and kids should stay three feet away.
• Keep matches and utility lighters out of reach of children.
• Never leave children alone in the room with a lit candle.
• Stay in the home when cooking your turkey and check it frequently.

Keep these tips in mind to be sure your Thanksgiving is fun and safe!

For more info regarding Thanksgiving safety, visit the National Fire Protection Association.

Safety Considerations for the Winter Season

11/15/2022 (Permalink)

Winter is just around the corner! Are you ready?

Living in New England, we have the privilege of experience the four seasons and all that comes with them. Changing weather, beautiful colors, the smells, the sounds, and the adventure. Although still in the fall, winter is just around the corner. Not too long from now we will be reacquainted with snow hats, gloves, shovels, snow blowers, salt, firewood, holiday decorations, ice skates, skis, and sleds. It's an exciting time that not everyone in the country can enjoy, but it can also be treacherous. Here are a few safety reminders for the upcoming winter season.

• Be prepared: stay informed of incoming snow and ice storms.
• Create an emergency kit.
• Check your smoke & Carbon monoxide alarms.
• Consider purchasing a generator to provide power during outages.
• Make sure your vehicle is winter storm ready with proper tires and make sure your gas tank is at least half-full.
• Minimize driving during winter storm events.
• Dress accordingly for the frigid weather.
• Watch for signs of hypothermia and frostbite.
• Be conscientious of your pet's well-being and safety in the cold weather.
• Clear exhaust vents from direct vent gas furnaces to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Dig out fire hydrants and storm drains in your neighborhood.
• Keep snow from accumulating on your roof to help prevent roof collapses and ice dams.
• Be sure to check on your neighbors, especially those that are elderly, have medical conditions, or those that live alone.

Be sure to take full advantage of the many joys of winter but prepare and be safe as well.

Commercial Services: Municipal Buildings

11/12/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties is ready and available to serve local town and city buildings for emergency and non-emergency services.

SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counites is Southeastern Vermont's premiere disaster restoration provider following fire, smoke, and water damage. We provide service to residential as well as commercial properties. We also assist with emergency restoration in schools, churches and places of worship, medical and government facilities. Additionally, we are service providers of local municipal buildings.

Over the years, SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties has been contacted for emergency and non-emergency service requests for town and city buildings such as town halls, public works buildings, fire departments, libraries, police departments, town administration buildings, and even town maintenance buildings. We've been there for local town and city buildings for a variety of services from water restoration, post construction cleaning, mold remediation, and event smoke restoration following fire.

We're available 24/7/365 to provide both emergency and non-emergency services to city and town buildings no matter the size or severity of the project.

Hurricane Facts

11/12/2022 (Permalink)

We're here to help 24/7 for storm cleanup and restoration.

Although Hurricane Season is in its final weeks, you can't rule them out just yet. Hurricane Ian made landfall in late September/early October, and just this past week, Tropical Storm Nicole made its way into Florida and up the east coast. Hurricanes can be life-threatening as well as cause serious property damage from high winds, flooding, storm surge, landslides, and power outages. Preparation is paramount when protecting your property against potential damage from hurricanes. Prepare an emergency kit, plan an evacuation route, and take inventory of your property.

Here are some facts you may not be aware of regarding hurricanes:

• 2004's Hurricane Ivan produced 127 tornadoes in nine different states over a ten-day period.
• Roughly 40% of hurricanes hit Florida.
• To identify these storms, the World Meteorological Organization maintains a six-year rotating list of names.

SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties is available 24/7 to assist with emergency cleanup and restoration following hurricane and storm damage.

Why SERVPRO? What Our Clients Are Saying!

11/12/2022 (Permalink)

We're very grateful to have served so many clients over the years. Thank you for the opportunity to assist you!

Serving the area since 1978, SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties has proven time and time again to be the leading provider of emergency fire and water damage cleanup and restoration. We could continue to reference our 24-hour availability, our highly trained and certified staff, our use of state-of-the-art equipment and cleaning products, our decades of experience, our care and concern for our community, and so on...

But it's easy for us to speak highly of ourselves. We know just how great SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties is. How about hearing from some of our clients. Here are a but a few pieces of client feedback from our extensive list of testimonials. Don't just take our word for it, check out what our clients are saying!

"You guys did a great job and were so prompt and attentive, I really appreciate it. The remediation was quick and painless." -Marleigh

"Model all your personnel after the outstanding ones that went above and beyond to help me. Awesome work!!" Karen

"Very fast in getting the job done!" -Robert

"The fire really shook me up, but SERVPRO helped me restore my home and my feeling of security and safety." -Rita

"Thanks to your team, we were not out of our home that long after the rains flooded our home." -Herbert

Hurricane Sandy: 10 Years Later

11/12/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties was 1 of about 300 franchisees that mobilized to assist with Hurricane Sandy storm cleanup.

Back in late October of 2012, Hurricane Sandy (often referred to as "Superstorm" Sandy) landed on shore in just northeast of Atlantic City in New Jersey as a post-tropical cyclone with hurricane-force winds. Sandy affected 24 states, including all the eastern seaboard from as far south as Florida, and north to Maine. It reached as far west as Michigan and Wisconsin. The most severe of the damage took place in New Jersey and New York. New York City experienced flooded streets, subways, and tunnels. Sandy dissipated in early November, leaving in its wake, nearly $70 billion dollars in damage, and north of 200 deaths.

Nearly 1,000 SERVPRO crews, representing over 300 individual SERVPRO franchises, mobilized to storm affected areas all over the eastern part of the US to assist with flood damage. Our previous owner, Richard Paul, along with current Co-Owner, Ryan Paul, traveled south the Long Island, NY to assist a local SERVPRO franchise with a large influx of emergency service requests. Richard and Ryan brought with them a team of about a dozen technicians and project managers, several cargo trucks, a couple water extraction trucks, and about 100 pieces of drying equipment to help with emergency water mitigation caused by the storm.

The damage done by Hurricane Sandy was unforgettable and devastating. Our team did their very best to assist the Long Island, NY SERVPRO franchise in the 2+ weeks they were in town. The SERVPRO franchise system and Disaster Recovery Team are such incredible resources when tackling storm damage of this magnitude. One more reason why SERVPRO is the cleanup and restoration team that is "Faster to any size disaster."

SERVPRO: Trusted, Proven, Professional

11/12/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties: faster to any size disaster.

SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties began as SERVPRO of Keene back in 1978. Throughout the years, our team built a reputation for being the most trusted and professional provider of emergency cleanup and restoration services from fire and water damage. Residential and commercial property owners alike know they can count on the professionalism of SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties based on their history of high-level service. We Have proven time and again, no other provider can match the quality of service we provide.

SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties is a leader in giving control back to homeowners, property managers, and local communities after the devastating effects of fire and water damage. We're here when you need us. 24/7/365 availability to make your fire or water damage "Like it never even happened."

Commercial Services: Water Damage Mitigation

11/12/2022 (Permalink)

Contact SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties when unwanted water intrudes on your commercial property.

The professionals at SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties are the local experts in emergency water mitigation services. Our team of highly trained, industry-certified technicians are on-call 24/7 to help you in the event your commercial property sustains an unexpected flood, overflow, appliance malfunction, pipe burst, or any other type of water intrusion. Upon notification of the emergency, SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties will mobilize a crew to begin water mitigation services and perform the following steps:

• Inspect the building to detect every component that is wet to help prevent secondary damage from occurring.
• Measure how much moisture is in wet materials and monitor whether the materials are drying properly.
• Speed up the drying process by using professional drying equipment such as truck-mounted extraction units, commercial dehumidifiers and air movers.

SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties has the training and equipment to help make water damage at your commercial property "Like it never even happened."

Storm Damage: You Can Rely on SERVPRO

10/28/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties: Faster to an size disaster.

Storms can take many shapes and forms. They can differ in size, severity, and ferocity. One thing is consistent, storms are serious, often times frightening, dangerous, and damaging to your residential or commercial property. Heavy rains, lightning, rising waters, intense winds, hail, or snow, these elements can cause serious damage to a home or business.

SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties is a locally owned and operated franchise that has been serving the area since 1978. Timely response, professional service, and clear communication are three pillars our team considers in ensuring a positive customer experience.

Another major benefit to being a part of a franchise system when a major storm or catastrophe makes its way into our geographic area. When a major weather event strikes, we have the ability to contact and utilize franchises from around the country. With over 2,000 franchises nationwide, over 20,000 SERVPRO personnel, and the largest supply of owned restoration equipment, there is literally no job that is too big for SERVPRO to handle.

When it comes to storm damage, we mean it when we say SERVPRO is "Faster to any size disaster."

Autumn Fire Safety

10/28/2022 (Permalink)

Enjoy this fall season safely!

Fall is a beautiful time, especially right here in New England. The weather is crisp, the color from foliage is breathtaking, and outdoor activities are all around us. Not to mention, Labor Day Weekend, Halloween, and Thanksgiving: something for everyone to enjoy! But it's important to enjoy safely. Here are a few safety tips to consider this fall season:

• Keep fall decorations away from open flames and heat sources.
• Keep emergency exits clear of decorations and clutter.
• Regarding Halloween costumes: teach children to stay away from open flames. Make sure they know how to stop, drop, and roll if their clothing catches fire.
• Additionally, consider choosing Halloween costumes that made of material that won't easily ignite when in contact with heat or a flame.
• Use a flashlight or battery-operated candle in a jack-o-lantern. Use caution if using a real candle. Place lit pumpkins away from anything that can burn.

Keep these tips in mind to ensure your fall season is fun AND safe.

Residential Water Damage: Dishwasher Failure

10/28/2022 (Permalink)

Over 90% of water mitigation projects managed by our SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties team are the result of interior, man-made, breaks or failures. Take a moment and consider all the areas in a home that have water in some capacity. Bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, utility rooms, heating pipes, sewer lines, air conditioners, just to name a few.

In a recent water mitigation project managed by our team, the kitchen was the room where the damage occurred, and an expired dishwasher line was the culprit. The property owners returned home to discover a flood in their kitchen which had migrated into the living room, down the hall, and into two neighboring bedrooms. Our team was contacted, and we dispatched a crew to begin mitigation services. Water extraction, removal of base cabinets, drywall, insulation, and flooring were removed. Large dehumidifiers were installed along with fans to thoroughly dry the affected areas.

Once the areas were completely dried and cleaned, our equipment was removed, and the property was all set for reconstruction. By contacting SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties, the water damage was addressed quickly and properly to prevent any further damage from taking place.

National Preparedness Month: Facts About Home Fires

9/29/2022 (Permalink)

September is National Preparedness Month and today we're looking at some facts regarding home fires. House fires are caused by a number of things but not matter the origin, fire travels fast through a home. 

• Fire is Fast! In less than 30 seconds, a small flame can grow into a major fire. In minutes, a house can be fully engulfed in flames.
• Fire is Hot! Heat is more threatening than flames. Room temperature in a fire can be 100 at floor level and can rise to as much as 600 degrees at eye level.
• Fire is Dark! It starts bright, but quickly produces black smoke and creates a complete blanket of darkness throughout the home.

It is important to remember to install smoke alarms on every level of a home, especially inside bedrooms and outside sleeping areas. Testing smoke alarms should be done every month and if they're not working, replace the batteries and test again. Rehearsal of a fire escape plan with your family is also incredibly important. As mentioned earlier, fire begins light but quickly becomes dark due to smoke and rehearsing an escape route regularly will make it easier to navigate out of the property. Also, have a specific meeting place once everyone has exited the building.

For more tips about home fire safety, please visit American Red Cross and Ready.gov.

Residential Water Damage: Toilet Supply Line Failure

9/27/2022 (Permalink)

When building materials such as drywall and flooring are damaged beyond repair, they are removed in order to dry the materials behind or below.

Recently, the SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties Team was contacted to assist with a water mitigation project caused by a broken toilet supply line. The damage occurred in a one-story residential home, with an unfinished basement. Unfortunately, the supply line broke, began to leak, and was not discovered for multiple days. The bathroom, where the line ruptured, along with the neighboring rooms, sustained substantial water damage.

Water rain across vinyl and carpeted flooring, spread from wall to wall, and eventually wicked up the drywall to the point they were unsalvageable. Following a thorough extraction of standing water on both the main level and basement, SERVPRO technicians proceeded with demolition of affected building materials. Drywall, trim boards, carpet, carpet pad, vinyl flooring, and even the bathroom vanity were surgically removed, bagged, and discarded from the home.

Following demolition, commercial air movers and dehumidifiers were installed to dry the exposed building materials such as subfloor, wood studs, and the concrete basement floor. Once the areas were dry, they were thoroughly cleaned and deodorized.

SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties: here to help and make water damage "Like it never even happened."

Water Damage Mitigation: Office Building Project

9/26/2022 (Permalink)

No matter when a disaster occurs, SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties is ready to assist with fire or water damage.

In this recent commercial water mitigation project, the SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties Team was contacted by a local company who had experienced water damage due to an expired hot water heater. The water heater was located on the second level of the building. The second level was affected but a substantial amount of damage was caused to the first floor which was primarily office space. 

SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties received initial notification of the damage after hours on a weekend and immediately mobilized a team of technicians to being the mitigation services. The first step was to extract the standing water which was contained to the first level. Once the water was removed, commercial drying equipment such as air movers and dehumidifiers were installed to begin the drying process. Over the course of the next few days, building materials that were determined to be unsalvageable were cut, bagged, and discarded. These materials included drywall, trim, carpeting, insulation, and sections of laminate flooring.

The areas that were affected were then dried thoroughly for an additional two days at which point the drying equipment was removed. All affected areas were dried completely and cleaned.

Not all emergencies happen Monday through Friday between the hours of 9AM and 5PM. In fact, very often they occur outside of these "normal business hours." SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties is ready for whatever happens when it happens. Making fire and water damage "Like it never even happened."

Water Mitigation: Moisture Detection

8/29/2022 (Permalink)

Moisture detection is a vital step in the water mitigation process.

From excessive ground water flooding your basement, to a broken pipe, an expired water heater, or a failed washing machine supply line, water damage to your property can be caused by many things. In each case, two facts are consistent across the board: it's never planned, and it's never convenient. At SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties, we do our best to make the cleanup and restoration process following water damage as painless as possible. 

One of the most critical steps in the water damage mitigation process is moisture detection. Sometimes determining what areas of the property have been affected by water is obvious, but most times it may require further investigation as to where the water has traveled. SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties is equipped with a variety of devices and moisture detecting equipment to ensure all affected areas are tracked, documented, and dried thoroughly to prevent secondary damage such as rot and mold. SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties professionals use moisture detecting meters that can detect water through multiple levels of building materials such as flooring, drywall, tile, paneling, insulation, cabinetry, and more. In situations where it may be difficult to access a surface that is in question, our team uses an infrared camera which can show areas of cold temps where water has traveled. Thermo hygrometers are used to measure temperature and humidity within a space to better create a drying plan based on the environment where the water damage occurred. The hygrometer also helps in determining how well the area is drying and if we need to modify our drying strategy. 

These are but a few tools the SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties Team has at its disposal for the moisture detecting phase of the water mitigation process. Determining what areas are affected is one of the most important steps in mitigating water damage in a residential or commercial property.  

Storm Damage Comes in Many Forms

8/22/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties has the necessary equipment to mitigate property-related storm damage of any size or severity.

Depending on the season, especially here in Southern Vermont, storms can come in a variety of forms. They may differ based on many kinds of precipitation, temperature, severity, and intensity.

Most common during summer months, thunderstorms can bring with them strong winds, heavy rains, lightning, rising waters and often hail. When it comes to winter, storm damage varies even more. Substantial, accumulating snowfall, freezing rain, ice buildup, ice dams, periods of sub-freezing temperature are commonplace for New England Winters. In the Springtime, the combination of warming temps, snow melt, and the occasional rainfall can create flood concerns.

Each of these types of storm damage can be damaging to your home or commercial property. SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties is equipped the proper equipment needed and trained personnel to remedy storm-related damage to your property no matter the size or severity. SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties is available 24/7 to make storm damage "Like it never even happened."

Multi-Phase Fire Restoration Project

8/18/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties, working hard to make fire and water damage "Like it never even happened."

Recently, the SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties mitigation team was asked to assist a local property owner following a fire. The property is a multi-tenant building, and the fire originated on the second floor. The fire smoldered and caused high levels of smoke throughout the upper level. Eventually, flames began to develop and damage parts of the building's structure. The local fire department swiftly arrived and effectively extinguished the fire using their tanker trucks. When the area was cleared, the property had sustained smoke, fire, and water damage on multiple levels.

There were several phases in the mitigation project following this fire event. First, the SERVPRO team gathered and discarded of items and belongings that were deemed "unsalvageable" and beyond repair. Items that were able to be salvaged were carefully boxed and removed from the building where they were stored to be cleaned and deodorized by our trained personnel. Dehumidifiers were brought in to accelerate the drying process and other machines were installed to begin deodorizing the damaged areas.

Areas of the building that were unaffected by fire, smoke, and water were contained and blocked off with plastic to prevent cross contamination. Our team then proceeded with demolition services to damaged building materials such as drywall, insulation, flooring, doors, trim, and even some cabinetry and lighting. The deconstructed materials were carefully removed from the property and discarded.

Lastly, the exposed portions of the building that were now open following demolition were cleaned and deodorized thoroughly. The property is now dry, deodorized, cleaned and ready for repair.

This project involved many steps and phases but our SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties team was up to the task. No project to large or small. We're here to make fire and water damage "Like it never even happened." 

Water Mitigation Pros: Here When You Need Us!

7/18/2022 (Permalink)

Big or small, unexpected water intrusion can cause substantial damage to your property.

Property damage from water intrusion takes on many different forms whether it be in a residential or commercial setting. When a pipe breaks, a roof leaks, an appliance fails, or flood waters rise, the damage can be minor, or quite substantial. In any case, SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties is prepared to take on whatever kind of water damage you may face. Our team of trained professionals carry out the following procedures to make sure your property is thoroughly dried, clean and when necessary, prepped for repair:

• Identify the type of water
• Measure temperature and humidity for drying analysis
• Survey the extent of damage and inspect the premises for hidden moisture
• Perform emergency water extraction
• Move and block furniture and contents
• Inspect carpet/carpet padding and proved service
• Apply necessary treatments such as disinfectants and deodorization
• Utilize advanced drying and monitoring equipment
• Dispose of damaged debris

When contacting SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties, rest assured you've contacted the area's industry-leading team to handle your water damage emergency. Working hard to make water damage to your home or commercial property "Like it never even happened."

Flood Water: Knowing the Terms

7/18/2022 (Permalink)

Being prepared can make a major difference when damaging rain and flooding make their way through your town and surrounding areas.

It was almost a year ago, the local area was inundated with heavy rains, downpours, and rising water. In July of 2021, we saw record rainfall in several of our surrounding towns. Rivers swelled, the ground became overly saturated, and as a result we received an abundance of service requests for flooded properties.

The heavy rains arrived unexpectedly for many. Preparation can be helpful in minimizing property damage but more importantly, for the safety of you and your family. Here are a few terms relating to flooding and their meanings which can be helpful before the onset of heavy rainfall.

Flood Watch: Flooding is possible. Listen to weather radio, commercial radio, or TV for information.

Flash Flood Watch: Flash flooding is possible. Be prepared to move to higher ground; listen to weather radio, commercial radio, or TV for information.

Flood Warnings: Flooding is occurring or will occur soon; if advised to evacuate, do so immediately.

Flash Flood Warnings: A flash flood is occurring; seek higher ground on foot immediately. 

Remember to take as many safety precautions as possible prior to flood causing rains. If your property becomes damaged by flooding, contact the emergency restoration team that's faster to any sized disaster: SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties.

Unwanted Moisture: Proper Treatment is Critical

6/27/2022 (Permalink)

When not treated properly, unwanted moisture within your home or commercial property can lead to further damage.

With the onset of summer weather comes a variety of weather conditions when, in the right set of circumstances, can be potentially harmful to your home or commercial property. Heavy downpours, rising waters, and high humidity to name a few.

SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties professionals handle water damage every day and know prompt action is required to prevent unwanted water damage leading to mold growth. If you are experiencing an ongoing moisture/water problem, you should be alert for the following:

• The presence of visible mold
• Strong musty odors, which may indicate mold is present
• Any evidence of past moisture problems
• Excessive humidity

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

For more information on water damage and how it correlates to potential mold growth, contact the professionals at SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties. We're here to help!

Be Prepared for Any Disaster at Your Food Service Facility

6/27/2022 (Permalink)

Our team understands the importance of timely response following fire or water damage at all types of food services facilities.

When it comes to your food service facility, the top priority following an untimely fire or water damage emergency is getting your business back up and operating as soon as possible. Minimizing interruption for your restaurant, food manufacturing facility, or food distribution center is of the utmost importance for your patrons, customers, or clients. 

SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties understands the needed value of timely response in these situations and is available 24/7/365 to get your food service business operating again swiftly and professionally. When fire or water damage strikes, be sure to contact the mitigation team with the state-of-the-art equipment, specially formulated products, and industry leading training to assist with your emergency.

Contact SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties for information regarding our Emergency Ready Program and how it can help you be better prepared when an unexpected emergency occurs. We're here to help!

Kitchen Sink Leak

6/14/2022 (Permalink)

Kitchen area before mitigation, and after mitigation. Demo, drying and cleaning. Ready for repairs.

One of the most associated forms of water damage is "flood damage." Water damage occurring from an outside water intrusion from heavy rains for example. But most water damage service requests we receive are a result of interior breakage, backups or overflows. Take a minute and think about all the different places throughout your home or property that have a water source. Quite a few, right?

In this recent water damage project, the culprit was a break to the supply line under the kitchen sink. Unfortunately, the line ruptured during the day when the property owner was not home, thus allowing the water to run for several hours. Water penetrated the wood flooring, damaged cabinets, and traveled down into the finished basement area below. The water wicked so far up the walls, they needed to be removed. Cabinets were disassembled and discarded along with the flooring which had cupped beyond repair. The insulation behind the drywall was saturated and was also discarded. Appliances, countertops and even the kitchen sink were disconnected and relocated. Commercial drying equipment was installed during the mitigation process to thoroughly dry the affected areas. The areas were thoroughly cleaned, dried and are now ready for repairs and reconstruction.

If you experience water damage to your home or commercial property, contact the water mitigation team that's faster to any sized disaster: SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties. Making water damage "Like it never even happened."

Schools Out-Time to Clean!

6/9/2022 (Permalink)

We're here to help. Contact us today for a professional cleaning consultation at your educational facility!

Summer is just around the corner, and with it comes the end to another school year. Students rejoice as they prepare for several weeks of summer fun and activities, while facilities and maintenance teams from local schools prepare for a whirlwind of projects that must be completed before the Fall.

For decades, SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties has been providing professional cleaning services to local educational institutions to help them be prepared for the next school year. Top-to-bottom cleaning, carpet cleaning, air duct cleaning, and so much more. We can also be utilized for performing thorough cleanings throughout student dorms between school years, summer sessions, camps, specialty programs etc.

Let us take the stress out of cleaning at your elementary, middle school, high school, or university, so your facilities team can concentrate your efforts on other projects around your campus. Contact our office to schedule a consultation at your educational facility today! We're here to make your cleaning project "Like it never even happened." 

Lightning Safety Tips

5/16/2022 (Permalink)

Thunder and lightning storms can be dangerous. Be sure to take proper precautions when confronted by a thunderstorm.

While technically still Spring, summerlike weather is just around the corner. Along with high temperatures and humidity, comes the threat of heavy rain, thunder and lightning. An afternoon thunderstorm during the summer can be refreshing and stimulating to the eye but can also be dangerous and potential harmful to your family or property. Here are a few pieces of info and pointers to keep in mind as we enter thunderstorm season.

• If you hear thunder, lightning is close enough to strike you.
• When thunder is heard, quickly move to a safe shelter.
• Stay in the safe shelter for at least 30 minutes after the storm has passed.

While indoors during a thunderstorm:

• Stay off corded phones, computers and other electrical equipment that could potentially put you in contact with electricity.
• Avoid Plumbing, including sinks, baths, and faucets.
• Stay away from windows and doors, stay off porches and decks.
• Do not lie on concrete floors and do not lean against concrete walls.

While outdoors during a thunderstorm:

• Avoid highly elevated areas such as mountains, hills or peaks.
• Do not lie flat on the ground.
• Do not shelter under an isolated tree.
• Avoid ponds, lakes, rivers and other bodies of water. 
• Stay away from objects that conduct electricity such as power lines, windmills, barbed wire fences.

Be sure to consider these reminders the next time you experience a thunder and lightning storm. Be safe, be alert, take precautions.

Play Ball! Baseball Season Has Arrived!

5/4/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties proudly supports a variety of youth sports programs such as Swanzey Cal Ripken League Baseball!

Springtime means many things. Snow melting, grass growing, flowers budding, longer days, warmer temperatures, and if you're a sports fan, or simply a fan of being outdoors, it's baseball season!

That's right, America's Favorite Pastime is in full "swing" and SERVPRO of Cheshire County is pleased to once again be supporting local youth baseball programs. This year we will be continuing our support for Swanzey Cal Ripken League Baseball. The league consists of multiple age groups for local youths to participate in all summer long. The league's main playing fields are also home to tournaments which bring in outside teams to compete. 

SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties Co-Owners Ryan and Derek Paul were very much involved in youth baseball throughout their childhood and in Ryan's case, right through college. The brothers believe strongly in the benefits of youth sports programs such as team building, practice, hard work, competing for a common goal, and creating friendships that can last a lifetime. 

Best of luck to all the players in this year's Swanzey Cal Ripken League!

Supporting FPU's 2022 Academic Showcase!

4/22/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties was pleased to be included in this event and is a proud supporter of the "Pierce@60" Campaign!

Earlier this week, SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties was invited to attend the 2022 Franklin Pierce "Academic Showcase" at the Franklin Pierce University Campus in Rindge. The event is a spring tradition which celebrates the FPU community with presentations, panels, & performances by faculty, staff, and students. The event began with a coffee reception to recognize sponsors and friends of the university. The President of FPU followed the reception with a welcoming address to all the attendees. The event closed with a performance by FPU's Diamond Steppers dance group in the DiPietro Library. This event is one of several as part of the year-long celebration "Pierce@60" commemorating the university's 60th year! SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties is a proud supporter of FPU and this tremendous milestone! Thank you for having us, Franklin Pierce!

Wind Damage Prevention

4/22/2022 (Permalink)

Be sure to prepare for high winds prior to the event to protect your home or commercial property.

It's Spring here in Southern Vermont. The weather is changing constantly. It can be difficult to predict. Warm temps, cold temps. Sunshine, then rain. Frosty mornings, comfy afternoons. However, one element that seems to be consistent is the wind. While wind can be a nuisance and add a chill to the air, it can also be potentially devastating to your residential or commercial property. Here are a few things to consider when protecting your property from strong winds:

• Trim trees or shrubs close to your home
• Remove debris from the yard (outdoor furniture, toys, etc.)
• Cover windows with plywood if sever winds or storms are approaching
• Ensure materials such as roofing are, fencing, chimneys are properly maintained
• Keep rain gutters clear and clean

Stay up to date with current weather forecasts and be sure to prepare for heavy winds prior to, rather than during the event.

Residential Ground Water Damage

4/22/2022 (Permalink)

Water mitigation can often require several steps to ensure affected areas are properly dried.

Due to recent rainfall, combined with snow melt and warmer temperatures, a number of service calls have come in for flooded basements. In many cases, old, cracked, or damaged foundations were overwhelmed by the high amounts of ground water at which point basement water intrusion occurs.

In a recent case, the water level at this residential property came up through the crawlspace, and flooded parts of the first level of the home. The water mitigation of the property was extensive. First, water was pumped and extracted from the crawlspace. Next, flooring and subfloors were removed from the first level, followed by 2-foot "flood cuts" to the base of sheetrock walls. Wet, damaged insulation from wall cavities was then discarded. Finally, open areas of the building structure were cleaned and dried using high powered air movers and dehumidifiers.

There were several steps and phases to this water mitigation project, but by the end, the affected areas were dried and ready for reconstruction.

Residential Fire Damage Restoration

4/12/2022 (Permalink)

Using strategic demolition, cleaning, and deodorization methods, our SERVPRO team was able to remedy this residential fire damage project.

Recently, the SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties Team performed cleaning and restoration services at a home that had experienced a chimney fire. Thankfully, no one was injured during the fire. There was minor structural damage but high amounts of smoke. The heaviest damage occurred in the master bath which required partial demolition, but smoke and fire extinguisher residue traveled throughout the rest of the home which was cleaned and deodorized. SERVPRO technicians used industry recommended techniques to properly remove the residue. Following demolition of the areas where structural damage had occurred, our team used a combination of dry and wet cleaning methods to remedy the smoke, soot and extinguisher dust. We're grateful to have had the opportunity to assist our client following this traumatic event. We're here to help and make fire and smoke damage "Like it never even happened."

Challenging Nicotine Cleaning

4/12/2022 (Permalink)

As you can see, the nicotine residue in this property was heavy, but was no match for SERVPRO's cleaning methods and products.

When it comes to cleaning smoke, soot, dirt, dust, debris, mold or construction dust, no two projects are the same. Each project has different levels of difficulty and require different gameplans to return a property to "preloss condition." One type of cleaning that has a tendency to be challenging is nicotine residue.

Our team recently performed professional cleaning services at a local residential property which required a thorough top-to-bottom restoration. The debris and residue were primarily caused by years of nicotine buildup. Our specially formulated products, proven cleaning methods, and some good old-fashioned elbow grease, eliminated the odor and residue that had contaminated the property. 

We're proud of the way this project turned out and look forward to the next challenge we may encounter. SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties: Working hard to make all types of damage "Like it never even happened."

Family Owned & Operated-News Feature

4/4/2022 (Permalink)

(Left to Right) Derek Paul (Co-Owner & Marketing Director), Melissa Paul (Office Manager), and Ryan Paul (Co-Owner & Operations Manager).

We are so pleased to have been included in The Business Journal of Greater Keene, Brattleboro and Peterborough's "All in the Family" piece from their most recent issue! It was flattering to be featured alongside so many other fantastic local family run businesses. This community is rich with businesses that are being operated by second, third and even fourth generations.

Ryan and Derek Paul are Co-Owners of the franchise and have a focus on specific sides of the business. Ryan oversees production and operation while Derek handles marketing and community engagement. Ryan wife, and Derek's sister-in-law, Melissa manages the office.

Family-owned franchises is quite common throughout the SERVPRO universe. Franchises are regularly passed down from generation to generation and we're proud to continue on the path created by Richard and Susan Paul which began in 1988!

Thank you to everyone at the publication for inviting us to be a part of this story!

Supporting Local Youth Programs

3/4/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties proudly supports Keene Ice and the youth sports programs held at their great facility!

The winter hockey season may be winding down, but the fun continues year-round at Keene ICE. Thank you to the Keene Ice team for outfitting us with a shiny, new dasher sign! (Only a few puck marks thus far!)

SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties feels strongly about supporting local organizations, efforts and programs such as youth hockey. Co-Owners Ryan and Derek Paul grew up playing youth hockey locally and know very well the benefits of team sports. Team building, friendships, and working together for a common goal are all qualities that were instilled in them at a young age thanks to their experiences in youth hockey and other sports programs. 

The next time you visit Keene Ice in Keene, NH, be sure to check out our banner! We're proudly support our youth sports!

Flood Damage: Be Prepared

3/1/2022 (Permalink)

Being prepared for flooding can make a big difference when it comes to property damage. Always do your best to plan ahead.

Occasionally, floods can develop slowly, and forecasters can anticipate where a flood will occur days or even weeks before. On the other hand, flash floods can occur within minutes and sometimes without any sign of rain at all. Being prepared can save your life and give you peace of mind.

If you have access to sandbags or other materials, use them to protect your home from flood waters if you have sufficient time to do so. Filling sandbags is very time consuming, so it is to your benefit to have them filled ahead of time.

Consider having a professional install check-valves in your plumbing to prevent flood waters from backing up into the drains of your home. Make sure the sump pump is working and consider having a backup. Testing your sump pump is always a good idea. Make sure your electric circuit breakers, or fuses, are clearly marked for each area of your home.

Remember, it is always easier to prepare for an emergency before it happens, not during. If you find yourself in the unfortunate circumstance of being affected by a flood, don't hesitate to reach out to the water mitigation professionals at SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties. We're here to make flood and water damage "Like it never even happened."

Portable Generator Safety

2/25/2022 (Permalink)

Portable generators are a great way to supply power temporarily but should be maintained regularly and used with caution.

Spring is just around the corner but until then, snowstorms, ice, frigid temperatures, and heavy winds are to be expected. These weather characteristics are synonymous with power outages and loss of electricity. Having a portable generator can be a valuable commodity in these occasions. It is important however, to keep safety in mind when using them. Please consider these important tips when using your portable generator, courtesy of Energy.gov. For further details, tips, and clarification, be sure to check out the link above.

• Use your generator correctly. Using a generator incorrectly can be dangerous.
• Position generators outside and away from any structure. 
• Keep your generator dry.
• Disconnect power coming into your home or business prior to operating your generator.
• Make sure generator is properly grounded before using.
• Plug equipment directly into generator.
• Never plug generator into a wall outlet.
• Maintain an adequate supply of fuel.
• Prior to refueling, allow the generator to cool down once turned off.
• Inspect, service and maintain generator regularly. 

Generator safety and maintenance are crucial. Keep these tips in mind and you will be set to go the next time your generator is needed.

Kitchen Burn Safety

2/25/2022 (Permalink)

Cooking and preparing your favorite meal can be relaxing and fun, but safety should be considered when doing so.

Earlier this month, "National Burn Awareness Week" was recognized which serves as an opportunity to for organizations to mobilize burn, fire, and life safety educators to unite in sharing common burn awareness and prevention information. The theme for 2022 is Burning Issues in the Kitchen. Cooking is the number one cause of residential fires in the United States. The American Burn Association reports 47% of all home fires are caused by cooking. Here are some tips to keep you and your family safe while cooking in the kitchen.

• The Best time to cook is when you are wide awake.
• Always wipe the stove, oven, and exhaust fan after cooking to prevent grease buildup.
• Turn pot or pan handles toward the back of the stove.
• When heating food in the microwave, use microwave-safe cookware that allows steam to escape.
• When frying, use a pan, lid, or splash guard to prevent grease splatter.
• If you are simmering, baking, roasting, or boiling food, check it regularly. Remain in the home while cooking and use a timer to remind you to check your food.

Remember to be safe, be alert, and keep safety on the forefront when cooking in the kitchen.

Commercial Restoration Services: 1-4-8 Response

2/23/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties’ 1-4-8 response guidelines ensure the timeliest service available for emergency restoration.

When it comes to emergency cleanup and restoration following a fire, water or smoke damage event at your commercial property, time is of the utmost importance. SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties is available 24/7 to provide services quickly and properly. Our experience in the industry is spans decades and we understand how critical it can be to have your business or facility back up and running in a swift manner. Your business needs to operate, you have tenants that are displaced, students that need to get back to their studies, or a wide variety of other scenarios. Business interruption must be reduced to a minimum.

SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties utilizes a 1-4-8 Response Guideline. Within 1 hour of notification, a representative from SERVPRO will connect with the client, within 4 hours of initial dispatch, SERVPRO will arrive on-site, and within 8 hours of dispatch, SERVPRO will provide a verbal briefing of pertinent information to an insurance professional associated with the claim.

With availability around the clock, and our 1-4-8 guideline, you can be sure that SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties is ready and able to handle any emergency your commercial property may encounter. Making fire, water, smoke, sewage, biohazard, and mold damage "Like it never even happened."

Furnace Puffbacks: Soot Cleaning

2/22/2022 (Permalink)

Cleaning and removal of oily soot, if not performed properly, can result in damaging household surfaces and belongings.

SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties handles cleanup and restoration following a wide variety of disasters, mishaps, and events within a property. Fire, water, biohazard, sewage, and mold to name a few. One type of occurrence you may not be familiar with is what is referred to as a puffback.

A puffback occurs within an oil-fired heating system, (gas-fire systems as well but more commonly oil) when the burner does not properly ignite, and results in a minor explosion within the combustion chamber of the furnace. This leads to the oily smokey residue, or soot, to pass through the home's heating system and affected the building's interior. The damage can vary in severeness from a light discharge to a heavy, thick coating of soot on ceilings, walls, floors, and belongings. 

It is important to have your heating source serviced yearly by a HVAC professional. With regular maintenance and attention, puffbacks can be avoided.

Improper cleaning of soot and oily residue can result in staining and may cause damage to household belongings and materials. In the event you experience a puffback in your home or commercial property, be sure to contact the cleaning and restoration experts at SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties. We're here to help!

When The Water Source Fails

2/21/2022 (Permalink)

No matter the cause, SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties is ready to make water damage "Like it never even happened."

Water damage can come in a variety of different forms and take on various levels of severity. Flood, or ground water, tends to be the most associated source of water damage in residential and commercial properties. Flood damage can be catastrophic and create extensive damage, but as far as total service calls relating to water damage, SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties receives far more calls due to a water source failing or breaking. Think about all the places within a property where water passes through. It's a lot when you consider all of them. Over time, or due to an unforeseen issue, these areas or items could potentially break or fail. Here are some examples:

• Dishwasher
• Washing Machine
• Baseboard heat
• Hot water heater
• Boiler
• Toilet
• Ice maker supply line
• Sinks
• Sprinkler system

If you experience water damage due to one of the aforementioned items leaking or breaking, be sure to contact SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties to ensure the affected areas are dried properly and in a timely manner. We're here to help!

The Commercial Cleaning Pros

2/18/2022 (Permalink)

Carpet cleaning is just one of the many commercial services SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties is able to provide.

SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties has been providing the area with emergency restoration services following fire, smoke, and water damage since 1978. Timely response, after hours availability, and quality service are of the utmost importance when it comes to mitigating these types of disasters.

Another area in which SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties has become synonymous with are its commercial cleaning capabilities. We have a variety of services available for commercial property managers, facilities directors, and business owners. These, non-emergency services, include:

• Carpet cleaning and deodorization
• Mold remediation and mitigation
• Vandalism cleanup
• Air duct cleaning
• Post construction cleaning services
• Upholstery cleaning
• Top-to-bottom thorough "once over" cleaning
• Deodorization
• Basement or warehouse space cleaning
• Dryer Vent cleaning

Contact our franchise if you have questions about these or other commercial cleaning services. We're here to help!

Residential Water Mitigation Project

2/15/2022 (Permalink)

Commercial drying equipment and strategic demolition of water damaged materials were required to thoroughly dry this property.

Subzero temperatures, high winds, followed by warm temps and even heavy rain created an overflow of water damage services calls throughout the month of January and the first half of February. Recently, the SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties Team was called upon to mitigate a residential property following multiple pipe bursts throughout the building. The water damage to the property was extensive and required a complex plan of action for three contaminated levels. During mitigation, our crew utilized commercial air movers, commercial refrigerant dehumidifiers, constructed containment to concentrate the affected areas and protect non-affected areas, and surgical demolition of affected ceilings walls and flooring was performed to properly dry the home.

Following the mitigation of the damaged portions, the entire area was thoroughly cleaned and moisture detecting meters were used to ensure all areas were dry. Dry, clean, and ready for repair!

Go Red For Women 2022!

2/14/2022 (Permalink)

Go Red For Women 2022!

Recently, members from Team SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties sported RED attire for the American Heart Association's Go Red for Women Day. Wearing RED is to encourage awareness of the issue of heart disease in women. According to data from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention from December of 2021, heart disease is still the greatest health risk for women. Go Red For Women Day, which took place on February 4th, is meant to help educate and make aware, the risk women have for heart disease and how they can take action to lower this risk.

Please join us in supporting this great cause and spreading awareness all month long by wearing your favorite RED garment! For more information on this effort, be sure to check out the official Go Red For Women website!

2022 Harris Hill Ski Jump!

2/14/2022 (Permalink)

This year's Harris Hill Ski Jump Event is Saturday February 19th and Sunday February 20th. See you there!

SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties is proud to announce its sponsorship and support of the 2022 Harris Hill Ski Jump in Brattleboro, Vermont! Did you know this year marks the 100th anniversary of the first ever Harris Hill Ski Jump event?!? It's true! The iconic jump was built in 1922 and was completed just one week from the first jump. The initial construction of the jump cost a total of $2,200 back in 1922. 

Unfortunately, the event was cancelled last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic but is back for 2022. SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties believes strongly in supporting local, community events and we can't wait to be a part of this year's Harris Hill Ski Jump event. To learn more about all the details of this year's event, be sure to visit the official website here! Hope to see you all at this year's event!

A Team That is Top-Notch!

1/27/2022 (Permalink)

The SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties Team is ready to make your fire or water emergency "Like it never even happened."

SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties prides itself on being the area's premiere provider of emergency cleanup and restoration services following a disaster. For over 40 years, this has been our goal. We've achieved this goal through timely response, quality service, clear communication, and commitment to customer satisfaction.

These attributes are achieved by the continuous arduous work by our dedicated staff. We're incredibly proud of our team here at SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties. Our administrative staff most often has the first communication with our clients including scheduling, explanation of the SERVPRO process and reassures them that we are here to help. Our Project Managers are the first on-site. Our P.M.s inspect the job site, communicate the plan and course of action to the client, and keep them abreast with the job process from start to finish. And of course, our technicians. Our skilled, trained, certified, and meticulous techs will be sure that your water, fire, or smoke damaged property is properly mitigated, cleaned and deodorized. Our marketing department continues to educate potential clients of the services offered by SERVPRO as well as working within our local community through associations, charities, chambers of commerce, and various non-profit organizations. 

It takes the entire team working together to maintain the high level of service here at SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties. We are tremendously grateful for the hard work and dedication from each member of our organization! Without them, we would not be where we are today!

Frozen Pipe Prevention: Reminders

1/22/2022 (Permalink)

As the temperature drops below freezing, be mindful of these important reminders to help reduce the risk of frozen pipes.

The days of lounging out on the patio and around the pool are a distant memory when the calendar approaches the end of January. Single digit and even subzero temperatures are not an uncommon occurrence at this point in the season. This bitter cold can lead to one of the winter's familiar causes of property damage: frozen pipes. When pipes become frozen, and eventually thaw, there is a strong likelihood for the pipe to split, thus resulting in water damage to your home or commercial property. Here are a few important reminders as to how you can prevent your property's pipes from freezing.

• Remove hoses from exterior water spickets and turn off the water supply going to them.
• Keep thermostats at a consistent, warm temperature especially during an extreme cold snap.
• In the case of a secondary or unoccupied property, make sure the property is properly winterized.
• Open cupboard or cabinet doors under sinks, particularly those located on an exterior wall, to allow warm air to reach the supply lines to the sink.
• During a cold snap, allow a slow drip from faucets to prevent water from freezing.
• Garage doors should be kept closed as much as possible, especially if the garage contains water supply lines.
• Make sure pipes in crawlspaces or particularly cold areas are properly insulated.
• When leaving your home or property for a period, make arrangements with a friend, neighbor, or relative to make regular checks to ensure no damage has occurred within the space.

If your home or commercial property experiences a pipe burst and requires water cleanup and mitigation, do not hesitate to contact the local experts at SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties. Here to make water damage "Like it never even happened."

Fire Damage: What to do Until Help Arrives

1/22/2022 (Permalink)

The professionals at SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties are available 24/7 to assist with your fire or smoke damage emergency.

There is no denying that experiencing a fire to your home or commercial property is traumatic, harrowing, and stressful. The event is anything but pleasant. The emergency cleanup and restoration professionals at SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties understand the delicate nature of this type of situation and will carefully walk you through the step-by-step restoration process. From the initial inspection to the detailed cleaning and deodorization, SERVPRO aims to limit the stress and anxiety you the property owner may be experiencing following the event.

Before SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties arrives on site, here are a few steps to take to help limit secondary damage of your property and belongings.

• Limit movement in the home to prevent soot from spreading and additional damage from occurring.
• Place clean towels or old linens on rugs in high traffic areas and on upholstered furniture.
• Place wood blocks or aluminum foil under furniture with wooden legs.
• Do not attempt to wash any walls or painted surfaces.
• Do not shampoo carpet or upholstery.
• Do not clean electrical equipment.
• Tape double layers of cheesecloth over air registers to stop soot particles from getting in or out of your HVAC system.
• Wipe soot from chrome on kitchen or bathroom faucets, trim, and appliances. Apply a light coating of lubricant to protect these items.
• Keep your hands clean as much as possible. Soot on hands can further soil upholstery, walls, and woodwork.

SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties is available 24/7 to assist with your emergency. We're here to make fire and smoke damage "Like it never even happened."

Always Available: Here When You Need Us!

1/22/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties: Ready for whatever happens, whenever it happens.

Disasters happen no matter the time of day, day of the week, if it's a holiday, if you're on vacation, if you have guests or if you're alone trying to relax. Fire & water damage disasters are on their own time. If you have ever found yourself challenged with a fire or water emergency, you know it's always at an inopportune time. 

You cannot predict when the disaster is coming but you can be prepared. Knowing who to call when disaster strikes is the first step in regaining control of your home or commercial property following fire, water, or smoke damage. For southeastern Vermont, SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties is the industry leader and is ready and available 24.7.365 to provide you with your emergency cleanup and restoration needs. Contact day or night, weekdays or weekends, holidays, or birthdays. SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties is ready to make your fire or water damage "Like it never even happened."

12 Days of Local Holiday Giving - 2021

1/20/2022 (Permalink)

Another fantastic "12 Days of Local Holiday Giving" campaign! What a way to wrap up 2021!

To round out 2021, SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties held its annual "12 Days of Local Holiday Giving" charitable donation campaign. SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties is very much community based and with so many fantastic charitable organizations throughout the local area, we enjoy showing our appreciation and support for all their efforts. What they do for our local community is utterly amazing.

Each year we select twelve organizations to contribute to, different from the previous year, to either volunteer our time or contribute to. We also do our best to select a variety of organizations with a variety of focuses. Additionally, we spotlight each organization on our social media platforms. Anything we can do to bring more attention and focus to these groups and charities. To each new person we meet among these incredible agencies, thanks for all you do for our community! To learn more about the specific agencies and charities highlighted in this year's campaign, check us out on Facebook! 

A Network of Resources: Second to None

1/11/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties has the available resources to handle disaster restoration projects of any size or complexity.

SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties has developed as a leader in emergency restoration for Southern Vermont by providing quality service through timely response for over 40 years. Having hardworking staff members and the latest in technology to professionally handle any type of damage have been crucial to servicing our clients. 

A major advantage of being a part of the SERVPRO franchise community are the resources available to help us better assist our customers. Franchises can call on neighboring franchises to assist with larger projects or major storm events. SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties has been on both sides of this having traveled to assist other franchises and having outside neighbors come to our area to assist us. Assistance from our corporate HQ is also an advantage as they are constantly developing new products and distributing equipment around the country to SERVPROs that request it. Not to mention, countless years of experience from owners and managers nationwide that can offer advice and strategies to those who may not have experienced a particular kind of project.

For you the customer, know that by contacting SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties you are contacting a company that has the experience and resources to assist with any type of disaster restoration project you may encounter. Whatever the situation, we're here to make fire, smoke & water damage, "Like it never even happened."

Information on Ice Dams

1/11/2022 (Permalink)

Ice dams can be managed, and steps can be taken to prevent their formation.

It's January, and we are sitting squarely in the middle of Winter. Here in New England, that can mean a long list of potential issues for your home. One common damage causing issue are ice dams. Ice dams form as a result of heat loss through the roof of a home. A ridge of ice that forms at the roof's edge and prevents water from draining creates the ice dam. Ice dams can become a nuisance to your property when water backs up behind the dam and works its way under shingles and begins to leak into the home. Insulation, walls, ceilings, and other areas can become affected. Water that is not dried quickly and thoroughly can eventually lead to mold growth.

 Hot water can be used to melt the ice dam but do so gently. Heat cables can be installed on the roof prior to the winter and snow months. Raking your roof consistently around the edges following snowfall will help to prevent ice dams as well. Keep your gutters clean and downspouts clear to avoid slowly draining gutters which could potentially cause ice dams. 

If an ice dam develops, do not use rock salt or sodium chloride to attempt to clear the ice dam. This material is highly corrosive and can cause damage to roofing, gutters & downspouts and siding. Deicer is better. A sock or pantyhose can be filled with deicer and placed vertically on the roof to break up the ice dam. The melted areas where the deicer was placed can allow drainage channels for the excess water.

Fire Damage Prevention Tips

12/20/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties is available 24/7 to assist with cleaning and restoration following a fire or smoke damage.

It seems like only yesterday we were enjoying backyard BBQs, pool parties and enjoying warm sunny weather. Well, don't look now but we're approaching the final two weeks of the year and cold temps and heavy snowfall have arrived. Just like that, it's home heating season again and what better time than now to review important home heating fire prevention tips. It's never a bad time for a refresher about fire prevention.

• Have your furnace inspected by an HVAC professional.
• Have your chimney inspected and/or cleaned by a professional. If your fireplace is used six times a year or more, be sure to have the chimney cleaned at least once a year.
• Use a fireplace diffusion screen when in use.
• Be cautious when using a space heater. Use one with an emergency cut-off if it is accidentally tipped over. Never leave a space heater unattended and use on a flat surface that is not flammable.
• Have your dryer vent cleaned out every year. 
• Keep potentially flammable items away from your home's boiler. 

You can never be too careful when it comes to fire prevention and safety. In the event you or your family requires cleanup and restoration from a fire, contact the professionals at SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties. We'll help make fire and smoke damage "Like it never even happened."

Protect Your Home from Winter Weather

12/20/2021 (Permalink)

Prepare your home or commercial property to help prevent damage from the winter elements.

As we're on the eve of the official start of Winter, it's never too early to begin preparing for the elements and protecting your most prized possession, your home!

Here are a few friendly reminders and tips to help protect your home this winter:

• Insulate pipes in your crawlspace or basement. This will help prevent them from freezing and ultimately bursting.
• Clean your rain gutters. Keeping your gutters clean can help to prevent ice dams and cracking gutters.
• Trim branches aways from your roof. Heavy snow and ice could potentially weaken the branches and ultimately fall and damage the roof.
• Seal air leaks by caulking cracks around trim and windows. Use rubber or metal door sweeps between the bottom of doors and flooring to seal in warm air.
• Have a generator on hand in the event of power outages. Consult a licensed electrician for proper installation.

Keeping these tips in mind will help immensely in preparing your home for cold weather this winter season.

Franchise Ownership Change: Keeping it in the Family!

12/13/2021 (Permalink)

Derek Paul (left) and Ryan Paul (right) represent the second generation of ownership for their SERVPRO franchise.

Paul Brothers Focused on Continuing Longstanding “Family Tradition”

SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties, VT is pleased to announce Ryan Paul and Derek Paul as our new owners. The Paul brothers recently took over majority ownership of the franchise which was previously owned by their parents, Richard and Susan Paul.

Ryan and Derek began their career at SERVPRO working during school breaks and eventually started their full-time roles with the company in 2002 and 2003, respectfully. In addition to their ownership roles, Ryan manages & oversees company production and project management, while Derek focuses on marketing, as well as community involvement with local chambers of commerce and various non-profit organizations. Both Ryan and Derek earned degrees from Keene State College and live locally in Cheshire County. The Paul brothers are looking forward to providing the same industry-leading service the local community has come to know and expect for years to come.

This franchise, which was originally known as SERVPRO of Keene, opened back in 1978. The business was purchased in 1988 by Richard & Susan Paul, at which point it was decided to pivot from primarily providing cleaning and janitorial services to placing more emphasis on disaster cleanup and restoration to both commercial and residential customers.

“Having the opportunity to lead this business alongside by brother is equal parts exciting and immense,” explains new co-owner Derek Paul. “It is important for our business to keep progressing while also honoring the sturdy foundation my parents, Richard & Susan, built in our community.”

Fellow incoming new Co-Owner, Ryan Paul adds, “I look back on my 20 years with SERVPRO and several factors have led to our success and growth—a solid foundation, development of relationships, and a dedicated team created by Richard & Susan in the beginning, which Derek and I continued when we came on board. I want to thank Richard, Susan, Derek, and all our team members for their dedication to our growth and continued success. I would also like to thank my wife, Melissa, who came on board with SERVPRO in 2011; she has been an incredible asset to our team.”

SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties is a proud member of the community, providing cleanup and restoration services following a fire, water, or mold-related damage. SERVPRO is trusted by national insurance clients nationwide that seek superior and timely restoration services. 

Commercial Cleaning: Carpet Cleaning

12/13/2021 (Permalink)

The proof is in the pictures! SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties’ proven cleaning process of commercial carpeting is unmatched!

Walk-in traffic, staff & employees, mud season, winter elements, general wear and tear: these are all contributors of debris and soiling of your commercial property's carpeted floors. If not maintained on a regular basis, carpets can become damaged or permanently stained. Basic vacuuming and maintenance cleaning are good proactive steps to take in preserving the life of your carpet, but carpets should be professionally cleaned or shampooed once a year or every 12 months.

SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties uses a multi-step process in cleaning commercial carpeting. For heavily soiled carpets, a pre-vacuuming is performed, followed by a through shampoo which brings dirt and grime to the surface of the carpet fibers, and lastly, a deep hot water extraction. The hot water extraction flushes soils and debris from the carpet as well as excess shampoo. Our process utilizes a truck mounted extraction unit for the absolute best removal of debris, water and shampoo. This method is far superior then any portable cleaning. Due to poor extraction, portable cleaners can leave a high amount of shampoo and soils behind, and the carpets appear dirty and dingy.

SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties has the equipment and specially formulated cleaning products to clean your commercial property's carpets at the highest level. Contact us today to set up a consultation. We're happy to make carpet soil and debris "Like it never even happened."

Commercial Cleaning Services

11/26/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties is equipped and trained to manage all your commercial cleaning & emergency restoration needs.

When grime, odor and moisture challenges go beyond the scope of your regular janitorial staff, call in the professionals from SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties. Whether you require odor removal or deep cleaning of your carpets and flooring, you can be sure our team will make your workspace look its very best.

SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties will get the job done right and get it done quickly. What separates us from others? Award-winning training, exclusive, specially formulated cleaning products, and over 40 years of providing industry-leading service in our local community. Services include:

• Ceilings, floors, and wall cleaning.
• Air duct and HVAC cleaning.
• Carpet & upholstery cleaning.
• Sewage mitigation.
• Trauma, crime scene and vandalism cleanup.
• Odor Removal.
• Biohazard restoration.

For any and all commercial cleaning and restoration, contact the trained professionals at SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties.

Here to Help: Storm Damage Restoration

11/26/2021 (Permalink)

Contact SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties anytime: 24/7/365. Our team is faster to any sized disaster!

Storm damage can result from a variety of different types of events. Whether it be hurricanes, flooding, wildfires, tornadoes, or blizzards, the damage from nature's events can be severely damaging to your home or business.

SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties is available, equipped, and ready to assist when nature strikes. Our focus is, you, the customer. Specifically, we are here to help you get back into your home or business as quickly and safely as possible. No matter the size or severity of the damage you have experiences, SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties has the personnel and equipment availability to necessitate any size project. No job is too large, no job is too small.

From residential homes to commercial properties, large and small, SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties is here to help make storm damage "Like it never even happened." 

Water Mitigation: Truck Mounted Extraction Units

11/26/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties consistently utilizes the best equipment in the industry to provide the highest level of service to our clients.

The world of emergency mitigation is ever evolving. Advancements in equipment and procedures continues to improve making mitigation and the restoration process quicker and more effective. SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties continuously researches ways to better serve our clients.

On the topic of water damage, commercial air movers and dehumidifiers are becoming more effective at drying and are half the size and weight they were years ago. Another piece of equipment that has improved immensely over the years are truck mounted extraction units. Extraction units are the first piece of equipment that are used in a water mitigation project that involves standing water or saturated carpets and/or hard surface flooring. Truck mounted extraction units have significantly more extraction power than a portable extraction unit. That is not to say portable units aren't utilized in certain situations. They are especially useful in getting places a truck mounted unit is not able to.

When responding to a water damage emergency, our truck pulls up to the property at which point an extraction hose is unreeled and brought to the furthest point of the building that has been affected. Using a "wand" attachment, water in the affected areas is extracted and collected in the waste tank which is also housed inside the truck. With the suction strength of the truck mounted unit, we can reach points far from the truck including up multi levels of a building. The suction power also allows for maximum extraction of moisture from carpeting.

SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties has several truck mounted extraction units within their fleet to better serve our clients with the most effective and state-of-the-art equipment. Remove as much water from the affected property as quickly as possible. We're here to help and make water damage "Like it never even happened."

Deep Fried Turkey Safety Tips

11/24/2021 (Permalink)

Plan and be safe when preparing your deep-fried turkey. This will ensure you, your family, and friends have an enjoyable and delicious turkey!

Deep fried turkey has become a widespread delicacy this time of year. Many famous chefs have stated that deep frying a turkey is a quick method of cooking that provides a crispy and flavorful bird.

However, deep frying a turkey is a more dangerous way of cooking. Having gallons of hot cooking oil over an open flame can be a recipe for disaster. The National Fire Protection Association discourages the use of outdoor, gas-fueled deep fryers due to their risk of injury and damage to your property.

If you still choose to use a deep fryer for your holiday feast, please follow the following safety measures provided by the National Fire Protection Agency:

• Set up your deep fryer on a flat surface, more than 10 feet away from any structures.
• Make sure your turkey is completely thawed and dry before slowly placing it in the hot oil.
• Do not leave the fryer unattended. Continuously monitor the temperature of the oil.
• Protect yourself. Lids and handles can become very hot and cause burns. Wear protective equipment.
• Always have a fire extinguisher ready. A multipurpose, dry-powder unit is best. Be sure to keep children and pets away from the area while cooking.

Keep these helpful tips in mind while preparing your deep-fried turkey. Be safe and most of all, enjoy your turkey and have a great Thanksgiving!

Types of Smoke Damage: Identification & Restoration

11/16/2021 (Permalink)

Smoke type determination is of the utmost importance in successfully restoring a property following a fire.

SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties is the area's leader in fire and smoke restoration. Our technicians are trained and undergo industry approved training courses to learn best practices when it comes to mitigating fire & smoke damage in a commercial or residential property. A vital part of the fire and smoke restoration process is identifying the specific type of smoke that was present in the property. Determining the type of smoke will determine the proper cleaning and restoration method to be carried out. 

• Wet Smoke: (Plastic and Rubber). Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, and smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.
• Dry Smoke: (Paper and Wood). Fast-burning, high temperatures; heat rises, therefore smoke rises.
• Protein Fire Residue: (Produced by evaporation of a material rather than from a fire). Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor.
• Fuel Oil Soot (Furnace puff backs). While "puff backs" can create havoc for homeowners, SERVPRO franchise professionals can, in most cases, restore the contents of a structure quickly.
• Other Types: (Tear gas, fingerprint powder, and fire extinguisher residue). Special loss situations require special care.

SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties professionals are experts in smoke identification and restoration. Another reason why SERVPRO makes fire & smoke restoration "Like it never even happened."

Flood Damage Response

11/15/2021 (Permalink)

Throughout Southern Vermont, SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties is ready to assist with your flood damage.

Floods can strike anywhere across the United States. The principal causes of floods in the eastern part of the US are hurricanes and storms. In the western part of the US, the principal cause of flooding is snowmelt and rainstorms. SERVPRO franchises across the country have assisted in flood and storm damage restoration for many major events such as Hurricane Katrina (2005), Hurricane Gustav (2008), Kentucky Floods (2009), Tennessee Floods (2010), Minot, North Dakota Floods (2011), Hurricane Michael (2018) to name a few.

SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties has been involved in several flood events over the years as well. In 2011, Hurricane Irene ravaged the entire state of Vermont and parts of New Hampshire. In 2012, our team assisted with local SERVPRO franchises in Long Island, New York following the devastating Superstorm Sandy. Most recently, parts of Southwestern New Hampshire were heavily affected by heavy rains this past July. In each of these local events, SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties was there to assist our neighbors.

Wherever your home or business may be located, there is a SERVPRO team ready to assist you and make flood damage "Like it never even happened."

Be Prepared: Flood Tips For Your Southeastern Vermont Home

11/15/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties is available 24/7 to make flood damage "Like it never even happened."

As we all know, it is much easier to prepare for a disaster before it occurs. Of course, we are all challenged with tasks, obligations and distractions in our everyday life which can prevent us from taking precautions following a disaster, in this case happens to be flooding. Below are helpful tips from Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Before the Flood

• Have a qualified professional elevate your furnace, water heater and electrical panel if susceptible to flooding.
• Install "check valves" in sewer traps to prevent flood water from backing up into the drains of your home or business.
• Seal walls in basements with waterproofing compounds to help avoid seepage.

During the Flood

• Turn off utilities at the main switches or valves if instructed to do so. 
• Disconnect electrical appliances.
• Do not touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water.
• Do not walk-through moving water. Even six inches of moving water can make you fall.

After The Flood

• Listen for news reports to learn if the community's water supply is safe to drink.
• Avoid floodwaters. Water may be contaminated by oil, gasoline or raw sewage. Water may also be electrically charged.
• Stay out of any building if it is surrounded by floodwaters.
• Return home only when authorities indicate it is safe.

Once your property is deemed to be clear, contact SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties who are prepared to assist with flood damage restoration and water mitigation. We're here to help!

Local Food Shelf-Showing Our Support!

11/4/2021 (Permalink)

Our team providing a detailed and meticulous cleaning in the food shelf's kitchen area.

Recently, the SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties Team generously donated professional cleaning services for the great folks at the Fall Mountain Food Shelf. Our crew performed a thorough top-to-bottom cleaning of the organization's Alstead, NH "Friendly Meals" location. This is where their volunteers prepare roughly 200-225 meals each Tuesday & Thursday for people in the surrounding Fall Mountain communities. Food prepared by the staff are provided for area residents to enjoy on-site and they also offer delivery service. Thank you to everyone at Fall Mountain Food Shelf for the great work you do for our community! For more information and ways to donate, check them out at www.fallmountainfoodshelf.org

This was a tremendously rewarding project for our team and we're pleased to have had the opportunity to support this great local organization!

Fire Restoration: Commercial Properties

11/1/2021 (Permalink)

Faster to any sized residential or commercial disaster: SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties is ready to handle any fire or smoke damage situation.

Fire damage can be an overwhelming and traumatic experience whether it occurs in at a residence or commercial property. Looking more closely into commercial property damage, one major concern is business interruption.

Depending on the size or severity of the damage, a business can be forced to close while repairs are carried out. SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties understands the importance of timely response. It is estimated that 50% of businesses close following a disaster. Having a restoration company in to assess and begin mitigation on a property quickly can be the difference in getting your business back up and running swiftly and preventing a permanent close. Whether its retail, industrial or professional, the sooner your staff can return to work, the higher the likelihood your company can return to business like normal. In the event the property is for housing, the shorter amount of time your residences are displaced, the lower the likelihood they will need to relocate.

If your commercial property experiences a fire or smoke damage, be sure to contact SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties. Timely response and professional service is our specialty. Working hard to make your disaster "Like it never even happened."

What's A Nor'Easter?

10/28/2021 (Permalink)

You can never be too prepared for treacherous winter weather. It's always easier to prepare before the weather arrives rather than during or after.

We may not want to admit it, but cold weather, snow and ice season is not far off the horizon. It's a good time to make sure you're snowblower is serviced, you've made arrangements with a snowplow driver, and you're stocked up on firewood for the Winter. It won't be long before the first snowstorm has made its way to our neck of the woods, or even more impactful, the arrival of the dreaded nor'easter! 

These kinds of storms, which take place along the East Coast of the U.S., carry with them coastal winds that originate from the Northeast. Nor'easters can last anywhere from 24 to 36 hours and can produce wind speeds exceeding 58 miles per hour. A Nor'easter can take place any time over the calendar year but are most common between September and April. Nor'easters are large in diameter which can be 3 to 4 times larger than a hurricane. Heavy snow and blizzard conditions are also one of the prominent characteristics of a Nor'easter. 

What was the worst Nor'easter you ask? In 1888, a storm which left a path of destruction from New England to Chesapeake Bay left 50 inches of snow in Massachusetts and Connecticut, 85 MPH winds, and sadly claimed over 400 lives, including about 100 that were out to sea. A Truly devastating storm indeed.

It's never too early to start preparing for the winter and the terrible weather that comes with it. Be prepared and be safe.

Industry Leading Training: Water Restoration

10/25/2021 (Permalink)

Our emergency mitigation staff undergo an extensive hands-on style training as well as a classroom certification course in water restoration.

As a leader in emergency cleanup and restoration, SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties recognizes that technology, equipment, and the science of drying evolves and advances all the time. SERVPRO Technicians, Project Managers and even its owners, learn drying processes and techniques through classroom style certification courses as well on hands-on training. SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties employees strive to obtain accreditation through the Institute of Inspection Cleaning & Restoration Certification (IICRC).

Our team member's training includes learning and utilizing psychrometry, which is the science of drying, when properly drying a residential home or commercial property following a water damage emergency. Applying proven drying techniques and incorporating state of the art drying equipment are paramount in returning a water damaged building to preloss condition.

Be sure to contact SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties when you experience a water damage emergency. Our highly skilled and professionally trained staff will make it "Like it never even happened."

Industry Leading Training: Fire & Smoke Restoration

10/25/2021 (Permalink)

From structure restoration to furniture and content cleaning, to deodorization, SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties pros are ready to assist you.

Having a fire or smoke damage at your residence or business can be a traumatic experience. Your home or commercial property is one of your most valuable possessions and losing it or having it damaged can be overwhelming.

The professionals at SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties understands a fire can cause and are ready to assist in getting you back into your property as soon as possible. We can do so by having a team that is thoroughly trained and experienced. Our staff receives the most extensive, industry-approved training available both in the classroom and hands-on. Our technicians, project managers and even our owners obtain certifications for fire and smoke restoration through the Institute of Inspection Cleaning & Restoration Certification (IICRC). They are taught the ins & outs of fire and smoke restoration from structure cleaning, hard content cleaning, soft goods restoration, and the science of deodorization.

You can be sure when SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties arrives to begin restoration services on-site at your damaged property, you will be assisted by a team of highly skilled, trained, and experienced professionals. We're here to help make your disaster "Like it never even happened."

Chimney Fire Prevention Tips

9/7/2021 (Permalink)

Annual chimney inspection by a CSIA-certified chimney professional is a great step to take in identifying & repairing potential chimney fire hazards.

It may be hard to believe, but with the Labor Day behind us and the unofficial end to Summer, heating season is not far off. Now is a great time to begin preparing for the colder months and making sure your home or property are safe and ready for heating season. One of the most common causes of fires in a home comes from the chimney. Thousands of chimney fires take place each year. The main reason a chimney fire occurs is due to flames in the lower section of the chimney migrating to the upper part of the chimney, causing the masonry or metal chimney walls to warp, melt or crack. Here are some examples of how you can help to prevent a chimney fire from occurring:

• Minimizing creosote build-up within the chimney. Only burn seasoned hardwood that has been dried for six months.
• Make sure your flue liner is insulated. This will help to prevent flue temperatures from getting too cool which could ultimately encourage fire by-products to condense and form creosote.
• Schedule an annual chimney inspection. Ideally, seek out a Chimney Safety Institute of America-certified chimney professional to inspect your chimney, fireplace or woodstove to inspect and locate any potential damage in these areas that could lead to chimney fires.
• Install a chimney cap. A cap on the crown of the outside opening of the chimney can help to prevent leaves, debris and even critters out of the chimney which can fuel a chimney fire when coming in contact with loose embers from a fire. A cap also helps to keep out rain which, over time, can corrode the chimney.

For more facts about chimney fires, and how you can locate an CSIA-certified chimney inspection professional, check out https://www.csia.org/.

Commercial Cleaning: Retail Facilities

9/7/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties professionals are available 24/7/365 to provide emergency restoration service to local retailers.

SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties knows the importance of minimizing business interruption when a commercial property experiences fire or water damage. Which is why our team is available 24/7/365 to assist your business when disaster strikes. Less time closed for emergency service means less revenue lost. 

Our disaster restoration professionals can work outside of normal business hours when needed and can work around and isolate unaffected areas during mitigation to allow the business to operate as much as possible. Our trained staff works closely with retailers to ensure surfaces, displays, and merchandise are returned to preloss condition swiftly and thoroughly.

Through years of experience in assisting retail clients, we have provided emergency restoration to the following types of retail businesses:

• National Chain Stores
• Supermarkets
• Shopping Malls
• Small Businesses
• Department Stores
• Specialty Retailers

When your retail facility requires emergency cleanup and restoration, contact the professionals at SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties! We're here to make fire and water damage "Like it never even happened."

Water Damage-Large or Small We're Here to Help!

9/7/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties has the equipment, trained staff and availability to handle water damage mitigation of any size.

SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties is the area's leader for emergency cleanup and restoration. Equipped with a certified and trained staff, 24-hour availability, and industry-leading equipment, no other service provider can match our ability to quickly and properly mitigate property damaged caused by water. 

SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties has the capacity to handle water damage mitigation of any size. From a one room cleanup in a home, to a largely affected, multi-level commercial property, we've got you covered! We have a large supply of commercial air movers, dehumidifiers, extraction trucks and everything else necessary to get your property dry and back to normal as fast as possible.

Be sure to contact SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties when your home or business experiences an untimely water emergency. We're here to make your disaster "Like it never even happened."

The Role of a Dehumidifier

8/25/2021 (Permalink)

Large or small, SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties has a variety of dehumidifiers to dry any area damaged by water.

Water damage to a home or commercial property takes on a variety of different forms and levels of severity. From a toilet overflow to a burst pipe, a failed water heater, roof leak, ice maker supply line and so on. In each instance, the general scope of services for water mitigation is similar: Remove the excess water, remove heavily damaged building materials or belongings determined to be unsalvageable, and dry all affected areas. One of the key pieces of equipment used during the drying process are dehumidifiers.

The main role of the dehumidifier (or DH for short) is to remove moisture from the air. While air movers help to evaporate water/moisture, the DH turns the moist air into a liquid and then pumps the water out into a drain or collection bin. The DH takes in warm air which is sent through its coils by way of a fan. As the warm air passes through the cold coils of the DH, the moist air condenses and is turned into a liquid as previously mentioned. SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties has a variety of dehumidifiers for jobs of all sizes and severity. 

During the warm, humid months of Summer, it is recommended to install and run a dehumidifier in damp parts of your home, specifically the basement, to greatly help reduce humidity levels which can help to prevent the colonization and growth of mold. 

SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties is here to assist with water mitigation at your home or commercial property. Available 24/7 to make water damage "Like it never even happened.”

Common Causes of Household Fires

8/17/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties professionals are available 24/7 to assist with fire and smoke damage restoration.

Experiencing a fire in your home or commercial property can be a significantly traumatic event. As a local provider of fire & smoke restoration services, we at SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties have assisted in the cleanup of fire damage resulting from a variety of different causes. Here are a few of the leading causes of house fires according to the National Fire Protection Association:

1. Cooking Fires-Specifically, unattended cooking. Be sure to check the items you're cooking regularly, keep any items that could catch fire away from the stove top or open flame, and stay alert: if you're sleep or have consumed alcohol, do not use stove or stove top.

2. Heating Related Fires- Be sure to check out our other blogs regarding home heating safety. Half of home heating fires take place during December, January, and February.

3. Electrical Fires- May is National Electrical Safety Month which is meant to raise awareness of potential home electrical hazards and the importance of electrical safety as well as the safety of electrical workers.

4. Smoking Related Fires- In 2014, it was reported that smoking materials such as cigarettes, cigars, and pipes caused over 17,000 home structure fires in the United States.

5. Candle Related Fires- There were reportedly over 7,600 home related structure fires in the U.S. between 2014-2018. On average, 21 home candle fires are reported each day.

For more information regarding causes and prevention of home structure fires, be sure to visit the website of the National Fire Prevention Association. 

For 24/7 assistance with fire or smoke damage restoration, be sure to contact the professionals at SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties. Making fire and smoke damage "Like it never even happened."

Record Rainfall for July 2021

8/9/2021 (Permalink)

Record rainfall in the area led to the swelling of countless rivers, brooks and streams causing damage to local roads and property.

There's no doubt that Southern New Hampshire and Vermont have had their share of rain so far this Summer.  Downpours, thunderstorms, driving rain, drizzle, more downpours, we've had it all and then some. Remnants from Tropical Storm Elsa also contributed large periods of rainfall.

July rainfall totals in Southwestern New Hampshire surpassed previous records that were set in the mid-1800s. Jaffrey, NH measured a record 19.17 inches of rainfall while Keene, NH saw an even 18 inches of rain. Swelling rivers, brooks and streams led to localized flooding throughout Southwestern, NH and Southern Vermont. SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties received hundreds of calls from property owners who experienced flooded basements, roof leaks and wind damage. Many homeowners expressed a common sentiment, "In all these years in our home, we've never had water in our basement." Very understandable as July was the rainiest for Southwestern NH in over 100 years. Areas in Southern Vermont were also affected and damaged by the high amount of rainfall.

If your home or business has experienced water damage resulting from flood water, or any water related mishap, contact SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties to make water and flood damage "Like it never even happened."

Water Damage Restoration: "Speeding Up Mother Nature"

7/8/2021 (Permalink)

Skilled utilization of state-of-the-art equipment, technology and processes ensure your water damage will be dried thoroughly and quickly.

When dealing with water damage to a home or commercial property, timeliness is of the utmost importance. The professionals at SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties have the equipment and technology to dry your property thoroughly, and more importantly, FAST! Our team has the tools of the trade and the know how to "Speed Up Mother Nature." 

What do you mean, "speed up Mother Nature" you ask? A wet property will eventually dry on its own without the use of drying equipment and moisture removal as the environment always seeks its equilibrium. Wet materials naturally move to drier air at the surface of the material-but only when the air is, indeed, drier. The problem, this process often takes way too long and thus opening the possibility for secondary damage, such as mold. With the use of the best drying equipment in the industry, SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties Professionals can "speed up Mother Nature's" natural drying process on hardwood floors, difficult-to-reach wall cavities, small, confined spaces other building materials.

SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties also utilizes high-tech monitoring equipment to ensure a property is drying out drying out quickly and successfully.

We cannot defeat Mother Nature, but we can speed up Mother Nature's natural process of drying. Making water damage, "Like it never even happened." 

Facts About Microbursts

7/7/2021 (Permalink)

High winds can mean a dangerous environment causing tree limbs and branches to fall. Be sure to take necessary safety precautions.

From heavy snow, freezing temps, and icy conditions in the winter, to high heat, hard rain and flooding in the summer, New England sees all kinds of treacherous weather. Another weather event that is not uncommon in the Northeast are what are called "microbursts." 

• Microbursts are normally short in duration but are very intense.
• Microbursts occur when very high winds descend from rain clouds towards the ground and disperse horizontally.
• As previously mentioned, microbursts do not last long and typically pass after 10-15 minutes. Sometimes even shorter.
• A Microburst can cause damage, ordinarily, within a 1/2 mile- 2-mile diameter.
• Heavy winds are a characteristic most commonly associated with a microburst but can also include thunderstorms and heavy rain.
• Microbursts were only first observed in 1974 and the physics of them is still not completely understood.
• Microbursts are particularly threatening to airplanes, specifically during takeoff and landing. 

Of course, with high winds comes the threat of down trees, limbs, and other airborne debris. Be sure to get to a safe area whenever a threat of a microburst arises.

How to Keep Your Basement Dry

6/21/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties, here to make your basement water damage "Like it never even happened."

Basements here in New England tend to be damp and are a primary location within a home for moisture. Contributors to this are the changing temperatures over the course of the year (condensation), poor drainage around the home, and in many cases basements house water heaters, pipes, water filtration systems etc. that can occasionally fail. Here are a few helpful reminders and tips on how to combat dampness and moisture in your home's basement.

• Regulate your basement's humidity by installing a dehumidifier. We recommend running a dehumidifier during the warm months of the year, roughly from Memorial Day to Columbus Day.
• Maintain and check your submersible pump regularly to be sure it is functioning properly to remove excess water.
• Make sure your homes drainage system is working properly and ensure rain gutters, downspouts and diverters are clear.
• Reseal basement windows if necessary to prevent leaks and moisture intrusion.
• Basement bathrooms should be equipped with exhaust fans to eliminate excess moister following a shower.
• Waterproof paint can be a cautious and effective measure to protect your walls from water damage.

If your home's basement becomes damaged by excessive water, be sure to contact the emergency restoration professionals at SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties.

Commercial Services: Hospitality Facilities

6/14/2021 (Permalink)

Available anytime to assist with fire, water, smoke, mold or sewage emergency at your hospitality facility.

At SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties, we understand that keeping your guests satisfied is your top priority, and you can rest assured that you, a hospitality professional, are ours. When a disaster occurs at a hospitality facility, the help of a specialized team is pivotal in assuring normal operations resume as quick and professionally as possible. Whether the cause of the damage is mechanical or from a natural disaster, we will work to efficiently isolate the damaged area(s) so basic functions and operations may continue normally and guests can get back to enjoying your services. 

Our SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties Team is trained to work with your management and maintenance staff to prioritize spaces, and make sure all areas are restored to your complete satisfaction.

Through years of experience, we have had the opportunity to assist with emergency cleanup and restoration in all different types of hospitality facilities including:

• Hotels
• Convention Centers
• Resorts
• Entertainment Venues
• Banquet Halls
• Ski Areas

Contact SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties to assist with fire or water damage emergencies at your hospitality facility. Were here to help 24/7/365!

Importance of Rain Gutters

6/14/2021 (Permalink)

Keeping rain gutters clear of debris is a key step in preventing water damage.

Here in New England, there is no shortage of different types of weather. Snow, ice, sleet, subzero temperatures in the Winter months and heat, humidity, downpours, thunder, lightning, and flooding in the Summer. What's the old saying: "If you don't like the weather in New England, just wait 5 minutes." 

Rain can be a major factor in property flooding especially during a substantial summer downpour or thunderstorms. One way to better equip your property from water intrusion during a rainstorm is by installing rain gutters. Rain gutters are a key component in your property's water management system. During a significant rainfall event, rain gutters channel water flow from your roof, down the downspouts and divert it away from the building. Without rain gutters, water will drain off the roof of the building and directly to the ground below which can lead to saturation around your foundation or base of the property thus eventually resulting in water damage. 

It is also important to keep your rain gutters clear of leaves and other debris for them to drain excess water properly. Be sure to inspect and clean your gutters on a regular basis.

If you experience water damage to your home or business, be sure to contact the professionals at SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties. Here to make water damage "Like it never even happened."

Commercial Services: Property Management

6/8/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties: here and ready to assist with cleaning and restoring damage at any kind of property you manage.

At SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties, our priority is returning damaged property and belongings to their preloss condition. Whether the nature of the disaster is man-made or natural, it needs to be handled by a team of professionals who understand the importance of your tenant's safety. Our team is highly trained in assisting both commercial and multi-family properties during the recovery and restoration process while maintaining a proper level of safety and security for the facility and tenants. Our skilled technicians and management professionals move swiftly and efficiently to limit interruption for your tenant's everyday operations.

SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties has experience in working with a variety of different kinds of property management companies providing professionals cleaning and restoration services. Such types of facilities include:

• Multi-level commercial buildings
• Multi-tenant facilities
• Shopping malls
• Apartment Complexes
• Hotels
• Industrial Facilities
• Professional buildings
• Sporting & fitness facilities
• Food service facilities

At SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties, we're available 24/7 to assist with your emergency at any type of property you manage. Always ready to make fire & water damage "Like it never even happened."

Disaster Preparedness-Stay Protected

5/17/2021 (Permalink)

Preparing for natural disasters is the best way to ensure the safety of your family, business, and community.

Next week is Disaster Preparedness Week and as natural disasters are increasing in severity and frequency, we thought it would be beneficial to outline some reminders to be more prepared for them.

Planning for events such as hurricanes, floods, snowstorms wildfires and even earthquakes help individuals and communities increase the health and safety during a disaster, protects the local tax base, ensures continuity of essential services, and supports a faster recovery in the aftermath of a disaster.

One of the best ways for communities to prepare for disasters is to build the most up-to-date, modern building codes. Disaster mitigation through the adoption and enforcement of building codes provides you, your family, and your community protection in the event of a natural disaster.

Making sure your family is prepared for any natural disaster is important. Your preparedness actions can ensure that no matter what Mother Nature brings, you, your family, and your community will be safe and resilient. 

Sponsor A Highway!

5/11/2021 (Permalink)

Our crew, happy to help make our neighborhood cleaner and greener!

Two years ago, we at SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties decided to participate in the New Hampshire Department of Transportation's "Sponsor A Highway" program. Upon looking into it, we discovered that a 2.25 mile stretch of Route 12, near our NH office was not claimed by any other local business. So we decided to adopt it! At least a couple times a year, our crew heads out on the roadside to retrieve trash and debris all along this stretch. 

Last week, members of our SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties Team shifted their focus to property cleanup and restoration, to the roadside! It was time for the Spring cleanup for our stretch of "Sponsor A Highway" on Route 12 in Westmoreland! Making roadside trash "Like it never even happened."

National Volunteer Month

4/30/2021 (Permalink)

Preparing dinner for Upper Valley Haven residents in White River Junction, VT.

Greetings SERVPRO Friends! As you may know, April is National Volunteer Month in US. During this month, the importance of volunteering is recognized and the contributions by volunteers are honored. National Volunteer Month is an opportunity for everyone to dedicate some of their time to their favorite cause, charity, initiative, or organization.

We at SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties have volunteered our time to several local organizations, events, and charities over the years. We have been guest chefs at Upper Valley Haven in White River Junction. We have been volunteers at the Quechee Balloon Festival in Quechee, VT. We also work closely with The Community Kitchen in Keene, NH. We have also assisted with roadside cleanup during Green Up Vermont in Brattleboro. We have also assisted with garden cleanup with the Ludlow Garden Club. Additionally, we enjoyed working with the Woodstock Chamber of Commerce in hanging flower baskets from lamp posts in Downtown Woodstock.

At SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties, we love supporting our local community and look forward to volunteering our time whenever possible. Thank you to all the volunteers out there and keep up the great work!

Flash Flood Preparedness

4/30/2021 (Permalink)

Flash floods can be dangerous and damaging. Contact the water mitigation pros at SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties to assist with your property.

Here in Windham & Windsor Counties, we are no stranger to foul weather. Whether it be snow, sleet, high winds, driving rain, thunderstorms, frigid temps, and even high heat and humidity, we get a little bit of everything. Often, we are faced with combatting flash floods.

Flash floods are caused by excessive rainfall, a dam or levee breaking or failing, or an ongoing ice jam loosening in the winter. Flash floods can be very damaging. Trees can be torn down, large boulders moved or rolled, and even buildings can be damaged, and in some cases, destroyed. You want to take certain precautions any time there is a potential for a flash flood. Here are a few tips to keep in mind.

• Be alert and aware of a possible flash flood.
• Review your family disaster plan.
• Create a disaster emergency kit.
• Stay off roads unless absolutely necessary.
• Do NOT drive through flooded roadways.
• Move any personal belongings on your property to higher ground.
• Take into consideration the safety of family members, loved ones and pets. Have a safe place to relocate to.
• Disconnect appliances and electrical items in low levels of property.
• Seal vents/windows to your basement.

The best thing you can do prior to flash flooding is be prepared. Be aware and listen for warmings and inclement weather forecasts. Be safe and plan ahead of time. Once the weather subsides, SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties is ready to provide you with the water mitigation your property may need!

High Wind Safety

4/28/2021 (Permalink)

High winds can be potentially dangerous and its beneficial to be prepared when extreme weather approaches.

You may have noticed; Windham & Windsor Counties have experienced weather with very high winds as of late. The windy days seem much more frequent than the calm ones. Great kite flying weather, not so great for keeping the yard cleaned. More importantly, high winds can be potentially dangerous. Here are a few safety pointers to consider when experiencing high winds.

• Evacuate manufactured homes.
• Take shelter in a safe location.
• Keep a disaster kit easily accessible.
• Items outside the home such as patio furniture, kid’s toys, garbage cans should be put inside a garage or the home.
• Remove or trim potentially dangerous tree limbs before the storm arrives.
• In extreme wind conditions, board of glass windows and doors
• Having a generator for extreme wind events is a good strategy due to the high likelihood of power loss.

Keep these tips and pointers in mind before the next high wind weather event in your area!

Why SERVPRO? Preparation & Protection

4/1/2021 (Permalink)

Carefully placing cardboard and plastic over areas that could potentially be damaged during demolition is of the utmost importance during mitigation.

PREPARATION & PROTECTION: During the restoration process of fire, water, smoke, mold, biohazard or sewer damage, often times demolition of affected building materials is necessary to properly mitigate the affected areas. The professionals at SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties are able to inspect and determine which areas will require demolition or removal. In these situations, it is equally as important to cover and protect areas not affected, so they are not damaged during demolition.  In these cases, SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties technicians will carefully cover floors, flat surfaces, furniture, cabinets, countertops and other parts of the property prior to demolition. Following demolition, a thorough cleanup of the work area is performed and at the conclusion of the project, the coverings are removed.

Another reason why SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties is Southern Vermont's leader in emergency cleanup and restoration!

Fire Restoration: Removal of Damaged Materials

4/1/2021 (Permalink)

Once heavily, unsalvageable materials are removed, a coat of paint is often required to encapsulate and eliminate lingering smoke odor.

Experiencing a fire in a home or commercial property is a traumatic event and can be quite overwhelming. No matter the level of damage sustained by the building, there are many steps during the process of returning the property to its pre loss condition. The professionals at SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties are experts in the process and will assist the property owner through it step by step.

Occasionally smoke is the only damage left in the wake of a fire but in many situations, the damage is more severe and requires further action be taken. Windows may need to be boarded, roofs covered, and heavily damaged building materials that cannot be salvage may need to be removed. These materials include drywall, insulation, cabinetry, and flooring. SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties will communicate with the property owner during the inspection and mitigation phases of the project as to which areas can be cleaned, deodorized, and saved, and which areas will be removed and discarded. From there the damaged materials are removed, followed by a thorough cleaning, deodorization and in some cases painted to eliminate lingering odors.

This is only one phase of the mitigation process following a fire, but you can be sure the professionals at SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties will be there to navigate you through from start to finish.

April Means Spring Cleaning!

4/1/2021 (Permalink)

Shampoo and hot water extraction of carpets for the most thorough deep cleaning in the area!

SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties is the area's leading expert in emergency restoration following fire, water, mold, or sewer damage, but you may or may not know we are also highly skilled professionals when it comes to general cleaning! 

The long winter is winding down and it's time to give your home a thorough top-to-bottom cleaning which may not be your idea of an ideal spare time activity. Not to worry, SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties has an extensive menu of general cleaning services for your home or business so you can spend your free time elsewhere. We're here to provide you with these services:

• Carpet Cleaning
• Hard Floor Cleaning
• HVAC & Air Duct Cleaning
• Upholstery Cleaning
• Deodorization
• Kitchen and Bathroom Cleaning

Contact SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties to receive further information and pricing for our professional cleaning services. A clean fresh home or business a phone call or click away!

Why SERVPRO? Restore Versus Replace

3/22/2021 (Permalink)

Our franchise uses a proven method of cleaning following fire or smoke damage to restore contaminated items whenever possible.

As experts in emergency restoration for fire, water, smoke, biohazard, and sewer damage, SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties professionals have seen a wide variety of property damage. Whether the damage is to the building's structure, such as ceilings, walls, floors, windows, doors, cabinetry etc., or personal belongings and building contents, we are able to inspect, test and determine the best course of action for restoring the damaged areas and items to preloss conditions.

SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties' goal, whenever possible, is to restore damaged items or building materials rather than replacing them. Restoring is far less costly than replacement but also allows client's keepsakes and treasured belongings be salvaged. Some items within a home can be priceless to a client and cannot be replaced. A handmade rocking chair passed down through generations, a meaningful gift from a special occasion, or any number of keepsakes that hold sentimental value. SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties will do whatever can be done to restore these items so they can be enjoyed and cherished for another generation.

SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties, doing what it takes to make your emergency "Like it never even happened." 

Industry Leading Water Mitigation

3/22/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties professionals are available 24/7 for emergency water damage cleanup.

When your home or property is damaged by water, you want to be sure to select the right mitigation professionals to handle the cleanup. SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties have been serving Southern Vermont for over 40 years. We have built a trust in our local community by providing the absolute best in emergency mitigation. Here are some of the ways we have done so:

• Uniformed franchise professionals who are punctual, and courteous
• Clear, concise communication throughout the entire job process
• Following industry guidelines to properly mitigate and restore damage to the property
• Utilization of state-of-the-art instruments and tools for inspection, detection, extraction, drying and dehumidification
• Timely response and project completion to eliminate the possibility of secondary damage to affected areas

SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties is ready and available 24/7/365 to assist with your water mitigation emergency. Ready to make it "Like it never even happened."

Commercial Services: Food Service Facilities

2/22/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties is able to handle emergency cleaning, restoration and sanitizing of food service facilities no matter the size.

When a business experiences an emergency caused by fire or water damage, one of the biggest concerns is down time and loss of revenue. This is especially true within the food service industry. SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties understands that timely response is of the utmost importance for limiting business interruption. Within four hours of the initial call, SERVPRO professionals can be on-site to begin restoration services. In addition to emergency response for fire and water damage, SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties is able to provide cleaning and sanitizing relating to the COVID-19 virus. These services and procedures follow and adhere to CDC guidelines. 

We'll make sure all surfaces are restored and sanitized to health and food safety specifications, and you are able to get back to business quicker!

SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties has experience working in a variety of food services related facilities such as:

• Food Manufacturing
• Food distribution centers
• Fast food restaurants
• Fine dining restaurants
• Senior living facility kitchens
• School cafeterias

Whatever type of food service facility, SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties is here 24/7/365 to assist with your emergency and make it "Like it never even happened."

Storm Prep: Build a Disaster Supply Kit

2/16/2021 (Permalink)

Building a Disaster Supply Kit with items you will need following a storm is key for optimum preparedness.

When it comes to combating oncoming storms, the best offense is a good defense. In other words, being prepared for storm damage is of the utmost importance. Whether it be a snow, ice, rain or windstorm, having a plan in place and a disaster supply kit assembled, will have you one step ahead when they strike. Here are a few recommendations for your Disaster Supply Kit:

• Water (one gallon per person per day for a minimum of 3 days)
• Food (no less than a three-day supply)
• Battery powered radio
• Flashlight 
• First aid kit
• Additional batteries
• Cell phone with chargers/battery backup
• Toolbox
• Pet food (if there are pets in the household)
• fire extinguisher
• Change of clothing for the appropriate weather and sturdy shoes
• Matches (preferably in a waterproof container)
• Writing utensil and paper
• Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items
• Paper towels, plates, cups, and plastic eating utensils.

Other tasks that should be kept in mind prior to a storm:

• Fill your vehicle's gas tank
• Check your vehicle's tires
• Have cash on hand
• Charge your phone
• Plan alternate evacuation routes if necessary
• Gather important documents in a waterproof bag
• Have an extra set of keys
• Move your valuables to the highest level of the home

These are but a few items and tasks that can help you better be prepared when a storm is on its way. Of course, safety is of the utmost importance and should be your top priority. If your home or commercial property experiences fire, water, smoke or mold relating from storm damage, be sure to contact SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties and we'll be there to assist you. Always here to help!

Why SERVPRO? Always Ready

2/9/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties, ready for whatever happens, no matter when it happens!

At SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties, we understand fire and water damage emergency are never planned and they never occur at a good time. Emergencies rarely occur Monday through Friday between the hours of 8AM-5PM. If they could be predicted, there would be far fewer fire and water damage emergencies to remedy.

At SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties, we're ready to assist with your emergency 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and 365 days a year. Whether it be a weekend, holiday or the middle of the night, our emergency restoration team is available to provide service. 

Timely response is important when mitigating fire and water damage which is why our team is ready to respond when contacted. After hours emergencies are dispatched to our on-call staff who immediately communicate with our clients when we will arrive at the job site for emergency mitigation. We're simply a phone call or computer click away.

SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties, ready for whatever happens, no matter when it happens!

Different Categories of Water

2/9/2021 (Permalink)

Different categories of water call for different courses of actions when performing water mitigation services.

As professionals of emergency water mitigation, SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties recognizes and understands the importance of the different categories of water as defined by the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification or I.I.C.R.C. The IICRC is responsible for writing the standard and guidelines in many areas of emergency restoration. Knowing how to properly mitigate water damage depends on the category of water. Different categories of water may call for different courses of action during mitigation.

Category 1: Examples include: water supply lines for toilets, appliances, melting ice or snow, and tub or sink overflows with no contaminants present.

Category 2: Examples include: discharge or overflow from washing machines or dishwashers, toilet overflows which contain urine but no feces, broken aquariums, or punctured water beds.

Category 3: Examples include: Raw sewage, flood or seawater, ground surface or rising water from rivers/streams, or wind-driven rain. 

These are but a few examples of each Category of water. Knowing the correct water category will determine the correct method of mitigation in each situation. The professionals at SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties are certified in Water Restoration and will ensure each water damage project is handled properly for any category of water.

Why SERVPRO? Communication is Key

2/8/2021 (Permalink)

Communication is critical when assisting our clients through fire and water damage emergencies.

Whether it be a fire or a flood, unexpected emergencies are traumatic and can be difficult to process immediately after. For a property owner, many thoughts and concerns are constantly racing thought their minds as to how to quickly and safely return building conditions to normal. However, by contacting the professionals at SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties, you can be sure to be clearly and carefully guided through the process from start to finish.

From the initial call to SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties, clients can expect clear and consistent communication from our office staff, Project Management Team and our restoration technicians. Our staff keeps our customers up-to-date with each step of the process along the way. What to expect, how long will it take, what do we need to know, what's the next step? Communication is made daily with the client until the project is completed. 

At SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties, we will provide clear and concise communication to make your disaster "Like it never even happened." 

Home Heating Safety: Space Heaters

2/8/2021 (Permalink)

For the next blog in our series regarding Home Heating Safety, we will now outline safety tips for Space Heaters. As a reminder: the U.S. Fire Administration documents that heating is the second leading cause of fires in homes. Here are a few pointers when adding heat to your home through the use of space heaters:

• Make sure your heater has been tested by a recognized testing laboratory.
• Your space heater should have an automatic shut off in the event it tips over.
• Do not plug the space heater into a power strip or extension cord. Plug heater directly into an outlet.
• Be sure to place space heaters on a flat, sturdy surface.
• Do not leave heaters turned on when leaving or going to sleep.
• Do not leave any items that could potentially burn near the heater. Make sure nothing is within 3 feet of the heater.
• Do not plug anything else into the same circuit as the one used to power the space heater. Overheating may occur.

Be sure to utilize these safety tips whenever using an electric space heater. For more info, be sure to check out the U.S. Fire Administration online!

Home Heating Safety: Fireplaces & Wood Stoves

2/5/2021 (Permalink)

Safety should be a priority when heating your home with a wood stove or fireplace.

Winter is here and along with snow and ice, it means heating season for us New Englanders. There are many options but whatever your method for heating your home you should always aim to heat safely. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, heating is the second leading cause of fires in homes. Today we will look at safely heating with a Fireplace or Wood Stove Here are a few points to consider:

• Be sure to have your chimney inspected and cleaned each year by a professional.
• Keep anything that can burn at least 3 feet away.
• Do not burn paper in your fireplace or wood stove.
• Always put the fire out before going to sleep or leaving the home.
• Ashes should be put in a metal container that has a lid. Additionally, place the container outside and away from the building no less than 10 feet. 

Follow these steps to be sure you safely heating your home with a wood stove or fireplace. At SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties, we're always here to help!

Air Duct Cleaning: Commercial Properties

2/5/2021 (Permalink)

Contact SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties to assist with cleaning your commercial property's HVAC system today!

When it comes to your commercial property, you only have one chance to make a first impression with your customers or tenants. Examples of effective ways to impress your clients or occupants of your building include cleaning dirty or stained ceilings, scrub lobby floors and furniture, establish maintenance plans for carpets, and lastly, clean HVAC & air duct systems. Each of which can be professionally performed by the team at SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties

Neglected air delivery systems can cause the circulation of odors and contaminants such as mold and irritating dust throughout your commercial property. The benefits of air duct cleaning include:

• Reduce potential for mold growth
• Remediate bacteria, fungi and mold
• Restore peak energy efficiency
• Eliminate debris that could be causing foul odors

Contact the NADCA Certified professionals at SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties today to schedule an air duct cleaning estimate for your commercial property!

What to Do Following A Water Damage

2/1/2021 (Permalink)

From a small leak to a major flood, SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties is ready to assist with your water damage emergency.

SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties is ready to assist at your commercial or residential property in the event you experience a water damage emergency. We're but a phone call away and will be on-site quickly to begin water mitigation services.

Once that call is made to our staff of emergency restoration professionals, here are a few recommendations that can help to limit further damage, while our team is in route to your property.

• Whenever possible, shut off the water source.
• Remove excess water by mopping and blotting.
• Remove and prop up wet upholstery cushions for even drying.
• Remove oriental or other colored rugs from wet carpeting.
• Do NOT use a regular vacuum to remove water.
• Do not leave books, magazines, or other colored items on wet carpeting. 
• Don't turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet and keep out of areas where ceilings are sagging from retained water.

Please contact us for more tips on what to do following a water damage emergency. At SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties we're here to help!

Why SERVPRO? Training

1/28/2021 (Permalink)

Only some of the obtained certifications from the SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties Team.

As mentioned in an earlier blog post, the technology around emergency restoration is ever evolving. Equipment and products are constantly being improved for optimum effectiveness and efficiency. Additionally, cleaning and restoration techniques and procedures are also consistently being updated and advanced.

In order to ensure our technicians are current with industry cleaning and restoration standards and procedures, SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties provides in depth and detailed training for their technicians, project managers and team leaders. In addition to hand-on training, staff members attend classroom educational training in specific areas, to obtain certification from the non-profit certifying body of the cleaning and restoration industry, IICRC (Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification). Employees hold credentials in areas such as water restorations, fire & smoke restoration, applied microbial remediation, and trauma and crime scene restoration.

In the ever changing world of emergency cleanup and restoration, you can be sure the SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties Team is properly trained to make your emergency "Like it never even happened."

Why SERVPRO? The Right Tools for the Job

1/26/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties utilizes the industry's latest and most effective equipment for water mitigation in any situation.

SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties is area's leading fire and water cleanup & restoration company and has been serving it's customers locally since 1978. Over that time there have been many big advancements in the products and equipment used for effective emergency cleanup and restoration.

Year after year, cleaning solutions are reformulated to better combat smoke and soot and are much better deodorizers. Deodorizing machines are constantly being improved and are much more powerful against odors caused by fire and smoke.

Water damage mitigation has evolved immensely. There have been substantial advancements in equipment used for extraction, inspection, dehumidification, commercial drying and specialty drying such as wall cavity, specialty floors, and water tracking.

SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties is always one step ahead when it comes to utilizing the industry's latest equipment, products and procedures. You can be sure the right tools will be used for any job to make fire and water damage "Like it never even happened."

Why SERVPRO? Community Support

1/21/2021 (Permalink)

We love to support and promote the great work by our communities charity organizations!

We at SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties believe strongly in the importance of having a positive and engaged presence in our local community. Being a locally owned and operated company, we try to contribute in any way possible when we can.

We are fortunate to be surrounded with so many great organizations and non-profits that do a tremendous amount of good for our community. Recently we wrapped up our "12 Days of Local Holiday Giving Campaign." We picked a twelve local organizations and charities to contribute to by not only donating but raising awareness of these great orgs through our social media channels. We featured a different organization each day leading up to Christmas. By highlighting them on our social media platforms we were able to bring more attention to them and hopefully lead to more support.

We're proud to support and promote all of these stellar organizations and the superb work they do in our community!

Water Damage Restoration: Your Trusted Choice

1/19/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties has the proper training, tools and equipment to handle water damage projects on any level.

SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties is the trusted choice for insurance professionals, property managers and real estate pros for fire & water cleanup and restoration in Southern Vermont. This trust has been built based on quality, honesty, expertise and timely response. For over 40 years, SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties has proven they can deliver at the highest level, when it comes to emergency restoration.

Whether from a flood, a broken appliance, burst pipe or expired utility, SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor's process for water damage mitigation is unparalleled and will ensure your property is taken care of correctly. 

• Inspection: Our professionals will inspect affected areas to determine the extent of water damage and will review their findings with the property owner before beginning services.
• Emergency Services: Steps will be taken by our staff to protect your home or business as well as personal belongings and other contents from further damage by extracting excess water and prepare for drying. 
• Monitoring: To help ensure your home or business and belongings are dried to appropriate industry standards, one of our professionals will monitor the drying process. The updates will be consistently communicated with you throughout the drying process.

Please don't hesitate to contact our office with more questions regarding water damage restoration. We look forward to helping make your water damage "Like it never even happened."

Smoke Restoration: Content Cleaning

1/11/2021 (Permalink)

Contents cleaning and deodorizing is a detailed and critical stage of the restoration process following a fire.

Following a fire, mitigating smoke damage can be one of the biggest challenges during a restoration project within a residential or commercial property. Not only does the structure of the building require cleaning, but restoring building contents is a huge part of the cleaning and deodorizing process. Everything within the property affected by smoke or soot is carefully and meticulously cleaned by SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties professionals. Furniture, rugs, books, cabinet contents, wall hangings and much more are all cleaned and deodorized during a fire or smoke restoration project. 

Restoring contents is often times less costly than replacing or refinishing them. Plus, many belongings are so much more than simply "contents" to property owners and hold considerable sentimental value. We at SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties always aim to restore rather than replace whenever possible. 

Our industry-certified technicians are able to determine the best method of cleaning for contents of all varieties, materials and finishes. All of our cleaning products are developed and created by SERVPRO. For more information SERVPRO contents cleaning please contact us anytime!  

Winter Storm Reminders

1/11/2021 (Permalink)

There is a lot to consider when preparing your property for New England Winters. Are you ready?

It's Winter here in the Northeast and that means snow, freezing temps and potentially treacherous driving conditions. It's important to be prepared for these types of conditions specifically when it comes to your home and your vehicle. Here are a few reminders for the winter ahead.

• Prepare an emergency car kit: cell phone, charger, batteries, hats, coats, mittens, window scraper, shovel, water and snacks, and jumper cables.
• Stay off roads unless absolutely necessary.
• When driving, leave plenty of room between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead of you.
• Prepare for power outages.
• Service and maintain generators.
• Rake snow from the edge of roofs to avoid possible ice damming.
• Insulate exposed or vulnerable water lines in your home.
• Repair roof leaks.
• Caulk and weather strip windows and doors.
• Prune tree branches that could potentially damage your property during a winter storm.
• Keep a stocked first aid kit easily accessible.
• Have your home's furnace checked and serviced yearly by an HVAC specialist to ensure it is working as it should.
• Have your chimney or flue inspected by each year by an experienced inspector.

Keep these helpful hints in mind as we batten down the hatches for another long New England Winter. If your property experiences a fire, smoke or water emergency, please contact the professionals hear at SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties and we'll be pleased to assist you. We're available 24/7/365 to make your emergency "Like it never even happened."

Why SERVPRO? Community Involvement

1/4/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties Co-Owner, Derek Paul, proudly posing next to the Brattleboro Area Chamber of Commerce display window.

As a locally owned and operated family business, we at SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties feel very strongly about getting involved in our local community. We can't help but getting out there and meeting the people in the area who make our community great.

We are active in local organizations and associations. We are members who participate in area chambers of commerce such as: Brattleboro Area Chamber of Commerce, Okemo Valley Chamber of Commerce, Woodstock Chamber of Commerce, Hartford Area Chamber of Commerce and Southern VT Deerfield Valley Chamber of Commerce. We are also affiliate members of the Crown Point Board of Realtors and Southern Vermont Board of Realtors. By participating in these local groups, we have the opportunity to meet other business professionals, learn about their operations, needs and priorities so we can better assist them in the event of an emergency.

SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties feels very strongly that the best way to get to know your neighbors is to get out there and say hello. We've been fortunate to have built strong relationships with so many great businesses and community members over the years and look forward to building even more!

Insulation Removal Following A Fire

12/18/2020 (Permalink)

The insulation removal machine collects and discards building insulation quickly and effectively.

One of the biggest challenges in fire and smoke restoration is deodorization. Smoke and soot have a tendency to linger especially when the damage is not mitigated or treated properly. There are several different stages when restoring a property that has experienced a fire. Each fire is a bit different but removing the odor from the property is always one of the most difficult steps.

Removing charred or smoke damaged building materials is one of the first steps in the process. Flooring, drywall and lighting all have the potential to be removed when damaged, as well the buildings insulation. Insulation is soft and very porous which makes it a prime candidate to hold smoke odor following a fire. The three main types of insulation are fiberglass, foam and cellulose. Cellulose can be very difficult to remove properly due to its form. 

SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties possesses a machine specifically designed for blown-in insulation, such as cellulose, to be removed on a large scale quickly and effectively. This large vacuum-like unit is equipped with a 19 horsepower motor and large flexible hoses that can reach even the tightest attics, rooms or crawlspaces. The machine collects and discards the insulation with ease, taking with it odorous smoke and soot residue that may be trapped within its fibers. 

Just another way SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties utilizes industry leading products and equipment to solidify itself as the leader in fire & water cleanup and restoration!

Faster to Any Sized Disaster

12/2/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties: Faster to any sized disaster.

When a client experiences a fire, smoke, water, sewage or biohazard emergency, swift and immediate response is crucial. The longer these types of disasters go unmitigated, the potential for secondary damage increases. Once a fire has been extinguished, the pipe has been repaired, or the water has been turned off, the clock is ticking to begin repairs. No one is quicker to respond than SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties.

Upon initial notification of the event, SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties will be onsite within 4 hours (often times much sooner) to begin emergency mitigation services.

SERVPRO uses state of the art equipment and industry approved techniques which can save their clients time and money. 

SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties realizes the importance of timely response which is why they are available 24/7/365 to provide emergency services. For commercial properties, quick response means limiting business interruptions and minimizes tenant displacement.

When you experience an untimely disaster, be sure to contact the times disaster cleanup and restoration leader, SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties!

Commercial Services: Educational Facilities

12/1/2020 (Permalink)

Making emergency damage at educational facilities "Like it never even happened."

Here at SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties, we understand the importance of students having an uninterrupted schedule for their education. So when an educational facility experiences an untimely emergency, we spring to action.

As emergency mitigation professionals we strive to limit downtime for students and faculty as much as possible. You can rest assured that SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties professionals will be onsite within 4 hours of initial notification of the damage and in most cases, even quicker.  

SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties has the capability to handle emergencies ranging from fire, water, smoke, sewage or biohazard damage at schools of any size. Our highly skilled team is trained and mindful of legal and environmental concerns and will take any and all precautions necessary when providing service for each facility.

With prompt response and industry-leading service, you can be sure your educational facility will be ready for class to continue quickly and safely. SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties has assisted at all types of educational facilities including:

• K-12 Schools
• Colleges & Universities
• Dormitories
• Event and Sporting Arenas
• Libraries
• Daycares/ Pre-K Facilities

SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties: always ready to assist in making your educational facility's emergency "Like it never even happened."

Ice Dams: Dreaded Winter Hazard

12/1/2020 (Permalink)

Be sure to clear snow buildup around the edge of roofs to reduce the possibility of ice buildup.

Winter is a very festive time of year but along with the holidays comes freezing cold temps, snow storms, sleet and ice. The elements can certainly make the short days seem long and can also pose serious threat to your home or property. Ice dams are one of these winter storm concerns.

Ice dams build up on the eaves of sloped roofs in buildings that are heated. Melting snow, stemming from heat loss in the building, causes snow to melt and run down to the edge of the roof where the surface is below freezing, and ice begins to build. That ice buildup can cause damage to rain gutters, shingles and eventually the interior of the house. Here are a few tips on how to combat the forming of ice dams on your property.

• Vent exhausts from kitchen ducts, bathroom and clothes dryer are properly vented outside rather than into the attic
• Use roof rake to clear excess snow from the edge of roofs
• Seal and insulate air ducts
• Caulk around vent pipes and electrical cables with a fire-stop sealant
• Ventilate Eaves and Ridge Vents
• Add steel flashing around the chimney

Winter Storm Worries

11/25/2020 (Permalink)

It's a great idea to prepare your home or property for the inevitable snow and cold for the upcoming winter.

Winter weather is more than just the common snow covered sidewalks and slippery roads. If you're a New Englander, freezing temps and heavy snow are as common in the winter as beautiful foliage in the fall or green grass in the Summer. With freezing temperatures comes the possibility of freezing pipes which can result in significant water damage to your home or commercial property.

Frozen pipes occur when exposed to freezing temps. Common areas for freezing pipes are basements, attics, garages, crawlspaces, or along exterior walls within a home. Additionally, outdoor water spigots are a regular place for cold weather exposure. A frozen pipe can burst at the point where the ice blockage inside the pipe is located, but usually the rupture is caused from the backflow of pressure between the water source and the blockage. 

If your home or commercial property experiences a burst pipe caused by the extreme cold temps that surround a winter storm, be sure to contact SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties. We will make sure your property if properly dried mitigated in the affected areas to make it "Like it never even happened."

Why Choose SERVPRO? Here's Why:

11/25/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties is faster to any sized disaster to make fire and water damage "Like it never even happened."

Whether it's a fire, smoke or water damage emergency, you may be asking yourself "Why should I choose SERVPRO if Windham & Windsor Counties rather than another disaster restoration company?" Great question! Here are a few reasons why SERVPRO is the premiere emergency restoration company.

• Over 50 years of business in the cleanup and restoration industry.
• More than 1,800 franchises. Each are locally owned and operated.
• Detailed communication throughout the entire job process specifically to keep the client informed from start to finish.
• Able to accommodate restoration projects ranging from single family homes to skyscrapers.
• Faster to any sized disaster. SERVPRO responds within four hours of initial notification to avoid revenue loss for property owners and minimize inconvenience for building tenants.
• Professional equipment and industry leading techniques which can save time and money. 

SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties is available 24/7/365 and is poised to help restore your property and its contents to pre loss condition, quickly, safely and effectively. 

Professionally Mitigating Water Damage: Why It's Important

11/25/2020 (Permalink)

Building materials may need to be removed if severely damaged during a water intrusion. Materials such as flooring, drywall & insulation for example.

Unwanted water intrusion to your home or property is not only inconvenient, it can be severely damaging. It may seem like a simple solution to remedy but it's important to know that even a minor water damage can be significant. The flooring may only be the start of the materials that have been affected. Here are some other areas of a property that can be affected and will need to be properly mitigated during the drying process.

• Interior side of drywall
• Carpet and padding
• Subflooring
• baseboard, commonly made of wood
• Interior section of drywall
• Insulation inside wall cavity
• Wall framing
• Floor joists
• Sheathing
• Basement
• Cabinetry
• Basement or crawlspace

Each of these areas, if not professionally mitigated, can become heavily damaged. SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties has industry leading equipment to inspect, thoroughly dry and clean to ensure all building materials that are affected during a water damage emergency are taken care of. Contact SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties anytime to assist with your emergency. We're always ready to help!

Facts About Floods

11/17/2020 (Permalink)

River water can quickly rise and overtake the surrounding areas with the help of heavy rains and snowmelt as seen here in this local town.

Floods are one of the most common and widespread natural disasters in the United States. No matter where you may live, floods can can pose a significant threat. Whether you are near mountains, coastlines, along city streets or near a river, the threat for flooding is all around us. According to the National Flood Insurance Program, houses in the United States 26% chance of being damaged by a flood during the course of a 30-year mortgage. Businesses face similar risks by flooding. Here are some statistics regarding flood damage in the US:

• The principal causes of floods in the western U.S. are snowmelt and rainstorms.
• The principal causes of floods in the eastern U.S. are hurricanes and storms.
• Floods kill an average of 140 people per year in the U.S., making flooding the most deadly natural disaster.
• More than half of all fatalities during floods are auto related often the result of drivers misjudging the depth of water on a road and being swept away in a swiftly moving current.
• Underpasses can be some of the most dangerous places during a flash flood- especially at night when it's difficult to see.

If a flood does strike your home or business, be sure to contact SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties to assist with the damage. Even minor floods have the potential to cause major damage to a structure when not treated properly. The cleanup for a flood can be an overwhelming task and the professionals at SERVPRO have the equipment and trained personal to make flood damage "Like it never even happened." 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

Is Your Commercial Property Prepared For An Emergency?

11/17/2020 (Permalink)

With the SERVPRO Ready App, you can access all of your businesses ERP info, and request services from the palm of your hand!

Property disasters have many different forms. Fire, smoke, water or biohazard to name a few. There are two things they all have in common: they're always unexpected and they're always inconvenient. However, you can be prepared when an emergency does occur. Having a SERVPRO Emergency Ready Profile (ERP for short) in place ensures your business is that much closer to reopening following an untimely disaster.

An ERP is created by your local SERVPRO professional specifically for your business and is designed to limit interruption by having an immediate plan of action in place. The ERP provides critical info about your building(s) in order to begin mitigation and recovery as soon as possible. The ERP contains key building locations, utility shut offs, pertinent contact information and so much more. 

The ERP is the perfect guide to get your business back up and running following a disaster. The chain of command for your facility is clearly identified and it establishes SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties as your trusted disaster restoration provider. The ERP comes available in hard copy form as well as digitally through the ERP App for easy accessibility. And best of all, there is no cost associated with the ERP! There's no reason NOT to have an ERP completed for your business. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

It's always easier to prepare for an emergency before it happens, not when it happens.

Family Owned & Operated Since 1988

11/11/2020 (Permalink)

Left to Right: Ryan, Richard and Derek Paul. Co-Owners of SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties.

At SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties, we believe strongly in supporting local. Whenever possible, we utilize the local businesses in the area to help our business run and continue to grow. These include local auto shops, restaurants, uniform makers and equipment suppliers to name a few. We have relationships with these companies because, like them, we are local and care about their continued success in the area.

SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties has been owned and operated by the Paul Family since 1988. It was that year in which Richard and Susan Paul purchased the franchise which was originally established in 1978. In the early 2000s, sons Ryan and Derek joined the family business in full-time roles. Ryan's concentration was on production and operations, while Derek's focus was on marketing and community involvement. This came after many years of working part-time as production technicians while attending school. In 2015, Ryan and Derek officially came on as partial owners of the business and handle the daily running of operations.

As each family member is from the area, it is important to continue to support the local community around them. And although SERVPRO is nationally know as the premiere leader in emergency cleanup and restoration, SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties has been locally owned and operated by the Paul Family, area natives, for over 30 years. Its their pleasure to assist their neighbors when disaster strikes and make fire & water damage, "Like it never even happened," 30 years from now.

Four Steps Homeowners Can Take When Water Damage Occurs

10/9/2020 (Permalink)

Here are some important steps to take when assessing water damage in your home.

Whether you experience a significant storm or broken pipe, there are many reasons why your home might face sudden water damage. While these events are concerning, acting quickly can help you reduce the amount of water damage restoration that you’ll need. To help you protect your home and minimize repair costs, here are several strategies to follow when these emergencies happen.

How Should Homeowners Handle Water Damage?

1. Locate & Stop the Source of Water

As soon as you notice a problem, locate the source of the moisture and try to keep the water from spreading. For example, if the issue is coming from a broken pipe, shut off the coordinating water supply valve. Or, if you have a roof leak, put a bucket under the problem area and a tarp around the area. Next, call a professional contractor to provide a permanent fix.

2. Contact Your Insurance Company

After stopping the issue, you should begin filing a claim with your insurance provider. They will likely require pictures and documentation of the damage, so photograph the affected area and send them when requested. The sooner you take this step, the easier it will be to evaluate the damage and receive compensation. In some cases, homeowner’s insurance policies will cover the cost of water damage restoration and necessary repairs.

3. Remove the Moisture

Next, you should call water damage restoration professionals to clean up the water and all traces of moisture from the home. This will prevent stains and mildew from spreading to other areas, minimizing the damage that the water can cause. Your restoration company will use high-powered extraction tools to clean and protect your carpet. These professionals will also employ large fans to dry out surfaces while they are working.

4. Inspect for Mold

When your contractors leave, look around the affected areas for signs of mold. Typically, you will notice green or black spots on moist surfaces and a musty odor in the room. Without prompt attention, mold will spread throughout the house, causing health effects. However, mold can also cause structural damage, as it eats organic material. Fortunately, mold remediation services will remove the fungal growth and prevent it from returning.

Fire Prevention During the Holidays: Do's & Dont's

10/5/2020 (Permalink)

Take extra precautions during the holidays in order to prevent fires in your home!

The holiday season is an exciting time to gather with family and friends, decorate the home, share meals, and celebrate. Throughout the festivities, you need to take extra precautions to prevent accidents. The winter months are the most common months for home fires and fire restoration services. To keep your family safe and the holidays merry, follow the fire prevention tips below.

Do:

Use flameless candles.

Open flames from candles can be especially dangerous with children and pets running around the house. Consider switching to flameless LED candles, which flicker just like real candles without posing a fire risk. If you use real candles, keep them far out of reach from kids and animals and never leave them burning unsupervised.

Keep an eye on your cooking.

According to the U.S. Fire Administration, more than 50% of all residential fires were started while cooking. When families are preparing large amounts of food while entertaining guests, it’s easy to get distracted and neglect the oven or stove. Stay in the kitchen when cooking and continuously check on your food.

Test cords and lights before use.

Always inspect and test holiday lights before hanging them up, and throw out any sets with damaged cords, loose connections, or cracked bulbs. Frayed and exposed wires can easily cause an electrical fire. Never leave decorative lighting on unattended—unplug all lights before leaving the house and going to bed.

Don’t:

Overload your electrical circuits.

Too many electronics, appliances, and decorations plugged in can overload your circuits and cause sparks. Limit your use of extension cords and unplug any item that isn’t in use.

Avoid using outlets in rooms that already have many large appliances, such as the kitchen. Invest in LED lighting to cut back on your electricity usage.

Let Christmas trees dry out.

Dry and brittle trees are more likely to ignite and burn quickly. Watering Christmas trees every day significantly reduces their risk of catching fire. As soon as the holidays end or your tree dries out, dispose of it properly.

Place plants near heat sources.

It may be tempting to fill the space next to a heater or in front of the fireplace with plants, but this can create a serious fire hazard. All plants and Christmas trees should be kept several feet away from any heat sources. This includes light bulbs, radiators, space heaters, and floor and wall registers.

4 Tips to Prevent Restaurant Kitchen Fires

9/9/2020 (Permalink)

There are many ways to avoid a kitchen fire in your restaurant, read up on a few of them here.

Your restaurant’s kitchen is the most significant part of the business, and it creates several fire hazards. However, to avoid fire damage repair, you can take several measures that will reduce the risk that a fire will occur. Below are several strategies to employ in your kitchen. 

What Tasks Can Help You Avoid Kitchen Fires?

1. Maintain Electrical Equipment

Often, the kitchen has many different electrical appliances, such as blenders, toasters, and ovens. However, the wiring and cords can wear down over time, increasing the risk of a spark that creates a fire hazard. You should inspect all electrical equipment regularly for damage, paying close attention to the cords and outlets.

Also, schedule yearly professional maintenance for all kitchen appliances to check for damage that you cannot easily see. After closing the restaurant, unplug all appliances to prevent a fuse shortage at night that could cause a fire. 

2. Clean Grease

While grease is unavoidable in most commercial kitchens, you should manage it carefully to avoid issues that require fire damage repair. Grease is extremely flammable, and it can splatter around the area, allowing flames to spread.

Regularly clean all surface areas that accumulate grease, including the counter tops, walls, ranges, grills, hood systems, and floors. Then, dispose of the residue away from the kitchen. 

3. Train Staff 

Make sure your entire staff, from cooks to servers, knows how to properly identify fire hazards. They should understand the location of breaker switches, as well as how to operate them. Then, create clear guidelines about the process and frequency of cleaning grease, and how to keep flammable materials away from the oven and stove. 

4. Never Leave Food Unattended

When cooking food, someone should always be monitoring it. Anything cooking over an open flame poses a significant fire hazard, as grease or oil can spill over and catch on fire quickly. Food that burns in the oven or microwave can also create a dangerous issue. If everyone on your staff must leave the kitchen for some reason, turn of all burners and heat sources while they’re away.

How to Protect Your Home From Potential Rainfall Damage

9/9/2020 (Permalink)

Taking these simple steps can help protect your home from water damage during heavy rainfall

Heavy rain and storms can cause substantial damage to your home especially if you aren't prepared. Storms can produce high winds causing fallen trees and power lines. There is always the possibility that when a storm hits, there will be damage to a property. Even a small roof puncture from a tree limb or a cracked window can be enough to allow rainfall to trickle (or pour) into your home. A downed tree can cause serious damage to your roof, siding and windows. Heavy rain also raises concern for flooding. Below are a few tips to help keep your home safe and dry in the event of a storm:

• Consider options to protect your windows and entryways such as adding shutters, rain diverters and storm doors.
• Having a sump pump and dehumidifier handy can really help on days with heavy rain or high humidity.
• Keep an eye on the trees closest to your home. Of course, you don’t want to cut into every tree but sometimes damage can be prevented by trimming back the trees that pose a threat.
• Regularly check that rainwater is draining properly. If it isn’t, consider ways to redirect it such as adding gutters or consulting a contractor.
• Regularly check your home for potential weaknesses especially in the roof, siding and windows. Even a small opening can let in rainwater so catching and repairing these issues before a storm hits is important and will save you money.

If the latest storm has damaged your home don’t hesitate to call us at 1-800-352-7251, we’re available 24/7 to help!

Mold in Your Home Due to Unnoticed Water

8/26/2020 (Permalink)

Mold can vary in severity and can spread over a large area as seen on this wall from an old abandoned home.

When water goes unnoticed in the home, it can lead to the growth of mold. Mold is a fungus that grows in moist, dark environments, and it can thrive anywhere these conditions are present. It is a particular hazard in the home, where people often spend the majority of their time. But the first step to mold remediation is to recognize the signs of an infestation. Below, get to know some common types of household mold and their signs and characteristics.

A Guide to Common Household Mold

1.Alternaria

Alternaria is the most common form of allergenic mold. You will mostly find it in damp areas, especially around bathroom sinks, showers, tubs, and leaking pipes. It is dark in color, either gray, brown, or black, and has a velvety texture. It is known to spread quickly. Reduce the risk of Alternaria growth by promptly fixing all plumbing leaks. Shut off all taps every time you use them, and wipe up the moisture from walls and floors after showers and baths.

2. Chaetomium

Chaetomium grows in walls, roofs, and flooring that have experienced water damage, often from leaks or burst or broken pipes. The mold starts out as a whitish color and grows darker over time. It also has a cotton-like appearance and a musty, stale odor. If you’re unsure of the source of the water damage causing the infestation, a mold removal professional can help you pinpoint the cause.

3. Penicillium

Penicillium is blue or green in color and tends to flourish in water-damaged environments. Its spores are known to travel through the air, where they can be breathed in. Minimize the chance of Penicillium growth by eliminating high humidity in the air. A dehumidifier can help in this process, and you should also address leaks in a timely manner.

4. Stachybotrys

Stachybotrys is another word for black mold, but its color can range anywhere from dark green to inky black, and its texture is slimy. It thrives in moist areas with high humidity. Like other types of mold, Stachybotrys starts with some type of water damage. Aim to keep the household dry and the humidity low, and have all plumbing issues repaired right away. Never try to remove Stachybotrys by yourself. Special equipment and protective wear are required, so schedule remediation by a mold removal professional.

A mold remediation team will ensure any of the above dangers are eliminated from your home. SERVPRO of Cheshire County has been serving the Westmoreland, NH, area since 1978. They offer mold removal services, as well as fire and water damage restoration and biohazard cleanup. They work with both homes and businesses to keep environments safe and comfortable. Call (603) 352-7251 or visit them online to request a quote.

3 Ways to Prevent Pet-Related Fires

8/18/2020 (Permalink)

Dogs can sometimes jump up on the stove and turn the knobs by accident.

You love your pets and naturally want to protect them from harm. Unfortunately, pets can sometimes cause fires in the home if a few simple precautions aren’t taken. While fire damage repair can help restore your home, it’s best to prevent fires from breaking out in the first place. Here are a few ways you can protect the health of your pets and your family. 

What You Need to Know About Pet-Related Fires

1. Be Careful With Candles

A wagging tail is a sign of happiness in dogs, but it can also be hazardous around open flames. Pet owners are encouraged to forgo conventional candles for flameless ones. If you do use candles, place them somewhere your pets can’t reach them.

2. Safeguard Your Stove

Larger dogs sometimes jump on stoves and inadvertently turn the knobs with their paws. This could result in pets burning themselves, but it can also lead to a fire if there are flammable materials nearby. Along with removing papers, cardboard, and fabrics from around the stove, you should also consider removing the knobs on the stove when away. You can also install locks on the knobs to prevent your dog from inadvertently turning them. 

3. Use Ceramic or Stainless Steel Water Dishes Outside

While it may seem unlikely, using a glass bowl on a wooden deck for your dog’s drinking water can also be a fire hazard. When the sun’s rays are filtered through water and glass onto the wood beneath, a fire can break out — similar to what happens with a magnifying glass on a sunny day. If a fire occurs on your deck when you're not around, it can easily spread to the home and cause significant destruction. 

5 Steps to Take If Your House Floods

8/13/2020 (Permalink)

Severe weather and flooding can cause serious damage to your home.

Whether due to extreme weather/flooding or a plumbing failure, a flooded house is a serious issue that can have repercussions long after the water recedes. Your first priority during a flood is to get your family to safety, but once the immediate emergency needs are taken care of, it’s time to focus on disaster recovery for your property. To protect your health and safety, below are the first steps to take.

How to Respond to a Flood in Your Home

1. Reduce Additional Risks

Electricity can cause additional dangers when your home floods. Even if the power has gone out, if there’s standing water in your home, you might be at risk for electrocution or fire when the power is restored. If you can safely reach the fusebox and turn off the main power line, then do so. If not, call an electrician for help. If it’s only your home that’s flooded, call the gas and sewer companies as well to shut off those lines to prevent more damage. 

2. Avoid Contact With the Water

Even if the floodwaters appear clean, they could be contaminated with bacteria, sewage, or household chemicals that can make you sick. If you must enter your home for cleanup, use proper protective gear, including boots, hip waders, gloves, and masks. Take care when handling any items that have come in contact with the water, and throw away all food that got wet. 

3. Take Photos 

Before attempting to clean up or make repairs, take photos of the flood and damage. Your insurance company will need them to process your claim, and if you start cleanup before documenting the damage, you could affect your coverage and reimbursements. 

4. Contact Your Insurance Company

Notifying your insurer as soon as possible after the flood can help speed your claim and get you on the road to disaster recovery sooner. Follow your insurer’s instructions regarding cleanup or repairs. They may request that you wait until an adjuster examines the damage before starting cleanup. If you are located in a designated disaster area, you may be eligible for additional help and funds from FEMA. Your insurance company will help you with that claim. 

5. Begin Cleanup & Mitigation

Once your insurer gives the go-ahead, you can begin the process of disaster recovery. Because mold can begin to grow within 24 to 48 hours of a flood, it’s best to get professional assistance with cleanup. Without proper mitigation, floods can lead to toxic mold throughout your home, causing significant health risks. Expect to replace any furniture that was saturated, as well as carpeting and drywall.

Water Damage Due to Appliance Failure

7/10/2020 (Permalink)

A broken dishwasher can cause disastrous residential water damage.

Think of all the appliances in your home that are connected to a water supply. Now think of all oh the hoses, pipes, valves, etc. that can fail unexpectedly. Appliance failures are responsible for more than 30% of all residential flood claims. Dishwashers alone have a 20% failure rate in the first 3 to 4 years of being used typically due to a damaged supply or drainage line. Coming in as one of the top leading sources of residential water damage are washing machines. More than half of all claims are caused by supply hose failure. If your home has a sump pump, there are several ways that it can fail including: loss of power, dirty water, missing/broken valves, frozen/clogged lines, and more. A sump pump failure can be disastrous and cause massive damage to your home. When thinking about toilets, we know that clogging followed by an overflow is quite common, making up about 1/3 of all water damage caused by toilets. Another appliance to periodically check on is the refrigerator, especially ones with an ice maker. These can be easily damaged resulting in possible water buildup, and you will also want to have the water lines inspected annually. There are ways to prepare for water damage such as leak detection systems, especially with a shutoff to the main water supply. Check your hoses, supply lines, valves, etc. annually and plan to replace if you see any damage or cracking.

Make sure to call your local SERVPRO as soon as you discover water damage to reduce further damage to your home.

SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties: (802)-674-8004

https://www.SERVPROwindhamwindsorcounties.com/

Preparing For An Unexpected Hailstorm

7/9/2020 (Permalink)

Hail can cause severe damage to your car or roof.

Hailstorms can happen year-round and can vary greatly in severity. Hail can be anywhere from .2 inches to 6 inches in size and weigh more than 1 pound. Annually, hailstorms cause close to $1 billion in damages mainly to roofs and cars. While hailstorms are not easily predicted, there are a few ways to prepare for them to lessen future damage. The first thing to check is your roof. You will want to look for any missing or worn shingles and get those replaced. If you know hail is on the way, try and get your car to the garage or a covered area if possible. Hail can be the bigger than a baseball and can fall from the sky up to 100 mph, yikes! During a hailstorm, you will want to stay inside and avoid skylights or any other glass windows/doors in your home. If you haven’t yet, check with your insurance carrier to see what is covered on your current policy and consider adding hail damage.

Educational Facilities

6/15/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties performing a cleanup project at a local educational facility.

At SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties, we understand the importance of a continuous, uninterrupted class schedule. Even in the event of an untimely disaster, school cancellation should be a minimal concern for an educational facility. SERVPRO professionals are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to assist with fire and water cleanup and restoration for all types of schools. From Kindergarten, to elementary schools, middle and high schools, colleges and universities, dormitories, libraries, day cares, and event or sporting arenas, SERVPRO has them covered. Here's what sets SERVPRO apart from other emergency restoration companies:

• Around the clock availability
• Timely response and assessment of damage
• Proven track record of quality service with other educational facilities
• Clear, concise communication with school officials
• Industry leading equipment and technology
• Industry trained and certified technicians
• Mindfulness of legal and environmental concerns
• Isolate damaged areas from unaffected areas of the facility
• Ability to limit class and schedule interruption
• Confirmation of client satisfaction at time of job completion

Whatever the situation, SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties is here to ensure the main objective of the school staff is to provide valuable lessons and information to its students, and cleanup & restoration can be left to the pros. 

Untreated Water Damage at Your Home or Business

6/10/2020 (Permalink)

A ceiling being torn down after water leaked from above.

When accessing water damage, an important thing to remember is that a small leak that may appear minor can actually lead to a large scale mold issue. There are many things to consider when deciding if water damage is worth the money to repair such as; corroding pipes, a decrease in the value of your home, damaged ceilings, damaged flooring, and many more issues. It may seem like a quick fix to paint over a water spot on your ceiling or wall, but molds could be growing in the dry wall underneath which can cause health effects. Electrical shorts are another side effect of unattended water damage which can be a huge fire hazard. When it comes to your flooring, wood is very absorbent so the longer the water sits, the worse the wood will get resulting in a much more expensive fix. This goes for carpets too as carpets can actually begin to break down the longer they are left wet. The safest and most cost efficient thing to do when you realize you have water damage is to get it fixed as soon as possible.

Here are some helpful SERVPRO tips on what to do after flooding occurs:

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

Proactive Cleaning & Disinfecting

5/19/2020 (Permalink)

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned is a cleaning and disinfecting program that SERVPRO offers to commercial locations to address the current COVID-19 pandemic. This pandemic has changed what it means to be clean and being open for business is just the beginning of everyone’s new journey forward. Employees may be hesitant to return to work, and customers may wonder whether the businesses they visit are safe. If a building or structure is sanitized and disinfected as part of the CSC program, a window decal shield will be left there, as well as a separate window decal which should be dated by the franchise to let everyone know when it was last sanitized and disinfected. This can be scheduled as a one time or recurring service. This is a level of clean that goes way beyond janitorial or carpet cleaning, it is proactive viral pathogen cleaning. Beyond fire and water, SERVPRO professionals are trained and experienced in bio hazard decontamination. When businesses choose SERVPRO, their employees, customers, and community can rest assured that they have selected a “higher standard of clean.”

Preparing for Heavy Rain

5/18/2020 (Permalink)

Heavy rain storms can cause serious damage to your property, be prepared!

When a heavy rainstorm is on the horizon, the first thing to do is to check the outside of your home and make sure it is protected. Start by inspecting your roof for any areas that may be missing shingles, or aging/sagging. Clogged gutters can cause issues if they overflow, so check to see if your gutters are fully intact and clear them of any leaves or debris that may be piled up. While walking around your house, check to see that all windows and doors are closed, and that all lawn equipment is stored inside. Once the storm hits, plan on staying inside and avoid driving anywhere unless completely necessary. While checking weather reports, be sure to stay away from windows and doors as they can break or blow in if the wind is strong enough. Once the storm has passed, you should survey your property to check for any damage from fallen branches or to see if any power lines. It is very important to not touch any power lines that are down, and call professionals to repair it.

Helpful Tips During Severe Wind

4/22/2020 (Permalink)

Palm trees during a severe wind storm.

Preparedness is a very important when it comes to protecting your family & property from any severe weather or storm. Winds can reach up to more than 100 miles per hour during severe weather such as a tornado, but a high wind advisory is issued when winds of over 25 miles per hour are predicted. The first thing you will want to do during severe winds is find shelter and move towards the middle of your home or the basement if that is an option. Try to avoid being near any windows or glass doors, and bring belongings such as a grill, garbage cans, and patio furniture inside as these are wind-borne objects that could cause more damage to your home. Severe wind can happen anywhere, regardless of where you live so being informed on how to be prepared is important.

In the case of an evacuation, go to the nearest shelter if possible and follow these helpful tips:

• Lock all doors and windows at your home before you go.
• Bring a survival kit and other supplies such as food & water.
• Let family & friends know where you plan to be.
• If there is no time to get to a shelter, stay in the middle of your home or basement, away from windows, and try to take cover.

Why set up an ERP?

4/2/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO ERP, are you ready?

With SERVPRO’s Emergency READY Profile (ERP), you will feel confident that you are “Ready for whatever happens.” The ERP allows you & your business to have an immediate plan of action ready to go in case of an emergency. It contains all of the important information regarding your business including emergency contacts, shut-off valve locations, and priority areas. By setting up an ERP, you can minimize business interruption by knowing what to do and what to expect in advance, which can help reduce how water and fire damage can affect your business. The best part is this document will only take a little time to complete but will save a lot of time if ever needed!

• A no cost assessment of your facility.
  This means there is no need to allocate funds, giving you a great value at no cost.
   
• A concise Profile Document that contains only the critical information needed in the event of an emergency.
  It will only take a little time to complete and will not take you away from current projects. But it will save a lot of time if ever needed.
   
• A guide to help you get back into your building following a disaster.
  This can help minimize the amount of time your business is inactive by having an immediate plan of action.
   
• Establishes your local SERVPRO Franchise Professional as your disaster mitigation and restoration provider.
  You have a provider that is recognized as an industry leader and close by.
   
• Identification of the line of command for authorizing work to begin.
  This saves time so we can begin the work of mitigating the damage which can save you time and money.
   
• Provides facility details such as shut-off valve locations, priority areas and priority contact information.
  Having a quick reference of what to do, how to do it and who to call provides solutions in advance of an emergency so that during the emergency you are "Ready for whatever happens."

The Importance of Deodorization

4/2/2020 (Permalink)

A SERVPRO technician sprays a smoke sealant after cleaning & deodorizing a home after fire damage.

In your home or business, fire, smoke, or even soot damage can leave you with unpleasant and potentially permanent problems. Smoke produced during a fire can travel throughout the structure leaving deposits and even odors on various surfaces & hard-to-reach areas. It is crucial that professional action is taken quickly as these residues can cause permanent damage. At SERVPRO, our technicians are certified by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration, and can rid your home or business of the odors left by fire or smoke damage. Instead of covering up the odors, technicians use SERVPRO’s own line of cleaning products to remove the source and prevent the odor from returning. Odor from fire damage is not the only stubborn odor that SERVPRO can take care of, water and mold damage can also cause permanent problems if not addressed properly.

What To Do After A Fire

• Limit movement in the home to prevent soot particles from being embedded into upholstery and carpets.
• Keep hands clean so as not to further soil upholstery, walls and woodwork.
• Place clean towels or old linens on rugs, upholstery and carpet traffic areas.
• If electricity is off, empty freezer and refrigerator and prop doors open.
• Clean and protect chrome with light coating of petroleum jelly or oil.
• Wash houseplants on both sides of leaves.
• Change HVAC filter.
• Tape double layers of cheesecloth over air registers.

• What NOT To Do After A Fire

  • Don't attempt to wash any walls or painted surfaces or shampoo carpet or upholstery without contacting your SERVPRO Franchise Professional.
  • Don't attempt to clean any electrical appliances that may have been close to fire, heat or water without consulting an authorized repair service.
  • Don't use any canned or packaged food or beverages that may have been stored near the fire, heat or water.
  • Don't turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet. The wiring may be damaged.
  • Don't send garments to an ordinary dry cleaner. Improper cleaning may set smoke odor.

The Dangers of Hoarding

4/2/2020 (Permalink)

A living room that is completely filled with miscellaneous items as a result of hoarding.

Each hoarding case that SERVPRO deals with is very different. SERVPRO is usually called to a fire damage or water loss job, only to realize it is also a hoarding situation. Once approval is granted by the insurance company, SERVPRO professionals can pack the contents and possibly clean, dry or store them so they can begin work on the fire or water loss. Another way that a SERVPRO franchise may find themselves at a hoarding job is through a landlord, a case works, real estate agents, or family members often after the death of a loved one. Many people with a hoarding disorder do not think that their way of living is a problem, they typically hoard items that others would think of as trash or junk. Years of clutter and accumulation can result in unsanitary living conditions, sometimes resulting in bugs, fleas, and even rats. No matter how severe the hoarding case, SERVPRO will leave it “Like is never even happened.”

Flood Safety

3/27/2020 (Permalink)

Did you know that floods are one of the most common and widespread natural disasters in the United States? Even if your home is in a moderate-to-low risk flood zone, there is always a potential for a flood to occur. In fact, approximately 20% of all flood insurance claims come from moderate-to-low risk areas. Knowing what to do in the event of a flood can help keep you and your loved ones safe. Below are important safety tips from the American Red Cross:

• Stay away from floodwaters. It can be easy to underestimate the power of running water. Just 6 inches of quickly moving water is enough to potentially sweep you off your feet. If running water is up over your ankles, turn around and find another way.

• Rapidly moving water can also push heavy objects such as cars. Many vehicles can be overcome by the current from waters less than 2 feet deep! Travel should be avoided if possible during a flood but if you do travel and come to a road that appears to be flooded, turn around and choose a safer route. If you are stuck on a flooded road and the water is rising, leaving the car for higher ground and shelter is advised.

• Do not let your children out of your sight during a flood. Kids tend to be curious and may not understand how dangerous contaminated or running water can be.

• Having an emergency safety kit is helpful in a situation such as a flood. Follow the link below for our quick video on how to build your own emergency flood kit!

Emergency Flood Kit

If your home or business experiences any kind of water damage, call us anytime at (802) 674-8004. We are available 24/7 to help with emergency restoration services.

Proactive Cleaning & Disinfecting

3/24/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is equipped with hospital grade disinfectants & qualified technicians to handle your proactive cleaning needs.

SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties is Here to Help during this time of need

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

Specialized Training

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

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

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

Specialized Products

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

Educational Facilities

2/24/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties performing a cleanup project at a local educational facility.

At SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties, we understand the importance of a continuous, uninterrupted class schedule. Even in the event of an untimely disaster, school cancellation should be a minimal concern for an educational facility. SERVPRO professionals are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to assist with fire and water cleanup and restoration for all types of schools. From Kindergarten, to elementary schools, middle and high schools, colleges and universities, dormitories, libraries, day cares, and event or sporting arenas, SERVPRO has them covered. Here's what sets SERVPRO apart from other emergency restoration companies:

• Around the clock availability
• Timely response and assessment of damage
• Proven track record of quality service with other educational facilities
• Clear, concise communication with school officials
• Industry leading equipment and technology
• Industry trained and certified technicians
• Mindfulness of legal and environmental concerns
• Isolate damaged areas from unaffected areas of the facility
• Ability to limit class and schedule interruption
• Confirmation of client satisfaction at time of job completion

Whatever the situation, SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties is here to ensure the main objective of the school staff is to provide valuable lessons and information to its students, and cleanup & restoration can be left to the pros. 

Fireplace Safety

2/11/2020 (Permalink)

From all of us here at SERVPRO wishing you a safe and warm winter!

A cozy fire crackling in the fireplace or wood stove is the perfect thing to get rid of the winter chill. Here are some tips to keep in mind so that you may enjoy your fire safely:

• A fire screen will help protect you and your floors from any sparks that may try to fly out

• Keep flammable items at least three feet from open flames

• Have a professional perform the installation of your fireplace or woodstove and be sure that it is to code

• Have your chimney and fireplace/stove cleaned regularly to your local codes

• Always use the appropriate type of wood and fire starters for your fireplace. The dryer the wood the better as this will provide a cleaner burn and result in less creosote build up

• Regularly clean the ashes out of your fireplace and be sure that the ashes are cool before placing in a metal container. Keep the ashes away from your home, garage and porch

For more tips and guidelines, consult a professional or visit the National Fire Protection Association’s website: www.nfpa.org

Is Your Business Emergency Ready?

2/11/2020 (Permalink)

Call our office to learn more about why our ERP is a must-have for your business.

Did you know that most businesses that bounce back after a disaster had an emergency plan in place? Having an emergency plan can provide peace of mind that, in the event of a disaster, the information you will need is already put together. In the event of an emergency, this information could be your business’ lifeline to recovery and reopening its doors.

Our Emergency Ready Profile (ERP) is a no-cost assessment of your facility. By developing an ERP for your business, you minimize business interruption by having an immediate course of action in place following an emergency such as a fire or flood. Already knowing what to do, what to expect, and who to call is key to a timely, and less stressful, road to recovery.

Call our office to learn more about why our ERP is a must-have for your business.

(802) 674-8004

Generator Safety

2/10/2020 (Permalink)

During a power outage the most important thing is to know how to keep you and your loved ones safe!

Generators can be very helpful to have on hand in the event of a power outage during severe weather. Follow these steps from the American Red Cross to ensure safe handling of your generator:

• To avoid electrocution, keep your generator dry and do not use in wet conditions (i.e. a flood). Have it running on a dry, flat surface under a shelter such as a canopy-like structure (i.e. a tarp supported by poles). Do not touch the generator if your hands are wet.

• Never run a generator inside your home, garage, basement, crawlspace or any partially enclosed area. The same goes for grills, camp stoves, or other gasoline, propane, natural gas, or charcoal-burning devices.

• Using fans or opening your doors and windows won’t prevent carbon monoxide (CO) buildup in your home. CO can’t be smelled or seen so it is critical when running a generator to use caution to prevent exposure. If you start to feel sick, weak or dizzy while using a generator, get to fresh air immediately.

• Install CO alarms on every level in your home in central locations and outside sleeping areas. These will provide early warnings of rising CO levels.

For these and other tips and information regarding health and safety, visit redcross.org

The Do's & Don'ts Following a Water Loss

2/6/2020 (Permalink)

We’re available 24/7, so you can rest easy knowing help is only a call away.

Unpredictable storm systems and frigid temperatures during winter can pose a risk to your home’s defenses. Ice dams can form, pipes can freeze and burst, and a seemingly minor flaw in your roof can turn into a major headache. In winter, there are several things that can cause a water damage at your home. Experiencing a water loss at your home can be overwhelming but knowing what to do and what not to do after the water damage has been spotted can provide peace of mind and prevent the situation from going from bad to worse.

Do:

Turn off the water supply if possible.

Shutting the water off, if possible, should be the priority as it will minimize the water damage restoration required. If you don’t know where the main water shut off is in your home (it’s typically in the basement and/or along an exterior wall) or how to shut it off, take the time to learn this important information.

Remove wet area rugs and small items.

If it is safe to do so, move items of value up off the wet floor to allow them to start drying. Also, pick up any area rugs and hang them for adequate ventilation. This will allow not only the area rug, but the floor beneath, to begin the drying process.

Don’t:

Vacuum excess water.

It is true that water damage professionals use “vacuums” to quickly collect the water. However, these aren’t ordinary vacuums – they’re specially designed to extract liquids. Using a household vacuum poses a significant risk of electrocution when the water makes contact with the electrical current that powers the machine.

Wait to call professionals.

While shutting off the water main will help mitigate the damage, you can’t fully restore your home alone. Only a professional water damage restoration crew will have the tools and techniques to remove all the moisture and sanitize the space to prevent mold and mildew growth. If drywall or other structural elements are affected, technicians can also conduct the repairs necessary to make your home safe again.

If you need water damage restoration services, turn to the experts at SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties today. Since 1978, we have been restoring properties ravaged by water, fire, and mold to pristine condition. We’re also available 24/7, so you can rest easy knowing help is only a call away. Call us anytime at (802) 674-8004 for immediate assistance.

The Do's & Don'ts of Handling Grease Fires

2/6/2020 (Permalink)

To reach us anytime, call (802) 674-8004.

Enjoy cooking? Time in the kitchen can be fun but learning safe cooking techniques is important to prevent hazards such as grease fires. Cooking with oil requires special care; as oil begins to overheat, it will start to boil and smoke prior to catching fire. Seeing flames can excite feelings of panic but it’s important to take control of the situation quickly and know how to react to stay safe. Below are tips on what to do as well as what not to do in the event of a grease fire.

Do:

Shut off the heat.

If a fire breaks out, you may be tempted to remove the smoky pan from the burner. It’s important to fight that urge, as the burning oil could splash onto yourself or other surfaces. The droplets of hot oil still have the potential to start additional fires so, until the oil cools, leave the pot where it is and turn off the burner.

Have an extinguisher handy.

There should always be a working fire extinguisher in an easily accessible location in your kitchen at all times. After you turn off the stove, use the extinguisher if needed by pulling the pin, pointing the nozzle at the fire’s base and then pulling the trigger. The dry chemicals from the extinguisher will put out the fire.

Don’t:

Use water on the flames.

Instinct may tell you to put out the fire using water. While this of course works on regular fires, grease fires can’t be put out safely this way. This is because pouring the water could actually spread the grease fire to other areas. The intense heat of the burning grease could also cause the water to vaporize into harmful steam.

Open windows and doors until the fire is out.

Opening windows and doors to clear the smoke could cause the fire to become much worse. This is because the oxygen in the fresh air would fuel the flames, resulting in the need for more extensive fire damage repair.

If you need fire damage repair after a kitchen mishap, electrical problem, or other incident, contact the disaster recovery specialists at SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties. In the event of a plumbing problem or flood, our team can also use our four decades of experience to provide water clean-up services. To reach us anytime, call (802) 674-8004.

Coffee Talk With the Okemo Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce and The Karass Inn

1/29/2020 (Permalink)

From L to R: Angie from The Karass Inn, Laura from SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties and Carol from the Okemo Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce.

Our Marketing Rep Laura Michelewicz had a great time attending the very first “Coffee Talk” with the Okemo Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce at the Karass Inn in Chester, VT! The purpose of the Coffee Talk is to meet, collaborate and network with fellow chamber members and to have a casual conversation about what is going on in the community as well as explore new ideas.

It was great meeting with everyone! Thank you again to Angie at the Karass Inn for a terrific job hosting – it was a pleasure meeting you!

The Karass Inn is a lovely bed and breakfast located close to the ski slopes, hiking trails, shops and other great Vermont attractions. For more information or to book a room visit them online at: https://karassinn.com/

Proud to Be Part of the Brattleboro Area Chamber of Commerce

1/27/2020 (Permalink)

Derek Paul of SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties stands outside our team's display at the Brattleboro Area Chamber of Commerce's front window.

The Paul family, owners of SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties, have had ties to the Brattleboro area for decades. Both Ryan and Derek were born in Brattleboro and grew up just over the river in West Chesterfield, NH. Our team has also been providing services in Brattleboro for many years and we’re so pleased to now be members of the Brattleboro Area Chamber of Commerce. From networking events and chamber meetings to the Jingle Bell Jog, we have enjoyed our time so far getting to know fellow chamber members!

One cool thing that the Brattleboro Chamber does is they feature an affiliated business in their store front window weekly throughout the year! Our team was pleased to start off our first full year as new members of the chamber by being a featured business at the start of January. Thanks Brattleboro Chamber!

Wintertime Flood Hazards

1/14/2020 (Permalink)

Preparing Your House For Winter Is Your Best Defense In Preventing Flood Damage To Your Home

Even mild to moderate winters without record-breaking snowfall can cause considerable damage to your home. Ice and fluctuations in temperature and conditions can potentially cause a dangerous situation including a flood hazard. To avoid an emergency, keep an eye out for the following conditions — or you may need water cleanup and restoration services this winter.

3 Wintertime Flood Hazards

1. Ice Dams

Correct ventilation in an attic is key to avoiding ice dams in your home. Without proper ventilation in the attic, heat will rise through the roof peak, making the center of the roof warmer than the edges. After a snowstorm, this uneven spread in temperature causes the snow to melt at different rates. Ice then builds near the edges and blocks snow-melt from draining through the gutter system. This process is called ice damming. As the snow melts, water can dislodge the shingles and roof flashing and even pry apart gutter seams. Because water expands when it freezes, the cycle of freezing and thawing can magnify this damage.

If ice dams form on your gutters, water can eventually permeate the roof and cause wood-rot, mold, and drywall damage in your attic.

To combat ice dams:

• Use insulation and caulk to keep the attic and roof cold.
• Add roof and soffit vents to improve the ventilation outside your home.
• Install a waterproof under-layer beneath the roofing shingles.

2. Snow Accumulation on the Roof

Snow accumulation is another potential risk during the winter. If heavy snowdrifts form on your roof, the weight can cause the structure to collapse. Factors such as the condition and pitch of your roof, affect the likelihood of this scenario. Depending on the type of roof you have, a roof rake may be needed if there are periods of heavy snowfall. If your house is up to code, it should be able to withstand average snowfall. For more information about snow accumulation on the roof, check the Federal Emergency Management Agency website.

3. Frozen Pipes

Frozen pipes are typical during the winter, especially in unheated or cold rooms with water pipes, like the basement. Pipes along exterior walls (i.e. water sprinkler lines and hose bibs) are also more susceptible to freezing.

As a water pipe freezes, pressure builds up until the pipe bursts. This usually causes flooding until the supply line is turned off. A frozen pipe typically requires water cleanup services.

To keep pipes from freezing:

• Insulate pipes with specially designed foam sleeves.
• Heat areas of your home that have water pipes.
• Winterize outdoor plumbing fixtures.

If a winter storm hits your home or business, call the experts at SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties at (802) 674-8004 for immediate water cleanup and restoration services. Our company is locally owned and operated yet comes with the support and resources of a nationally recognized brand.

Excessive mold in your commercial property is a hazard to both workers and clients

1/8/2020 (Permalink)

Poor maintenance of your HVAC system can turn your air conditioning into a breeding ground for mold.

Excessive mold in your commercial property is unpleasant, and it can be unsightly. Once it’s found, mold removal services can address the problem — but there are also ways you can prevent fungal growths before they form. Below is a brief guide that discusses a few crucial facts about mold that business owners should know.

How Does Mold Form in an Office Building?

Mold can grow on any surface if organic matter like food or oil from the skin is present. Fungi need water and warmth to grow, so they often thrive wherever moisture is present, including drywall, carpeting, clothing, and wood. Your building’s HVAC system is necessary for maintaining a comfortable temperature and humidity, but poor maintenance can turn your air conditioning into a breeding ground for mold. If fungus is present inside the HVAC system, the spores produced by the mold will spread throughout the building through the air ducts. 

How Do You Prevent Mold From Forming?

Since fungal growths thrive in moist environments, try to eliminate all potential water sources. For instance, repair any leaky plumbing and seek mold remediation services immediately after a flood. Another way to prevent mold is to schedule regular HVAC cleanings to keep the system from breeding and spreading spores.

If your commercial property needs mold removal services, don’t hesitate to reach out our expert team here at SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties. Since 1978, this disaster recovery company has helped residents throughout Windham & Windsor Counties, Vermont restore their properties. Our staff of experienced professionals specializes in everything from fire damage repair to carpet cleaning.

Call (802) 674-8004 to request assistance.

Holiday Fire Safety

12/20/2019 (Permalink)

Did you know that the top three days for home candle fires are Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year's Eve?

Did you know that, according to the National Fire Protection Association, the top three days for home candle fires are Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve?

For many, a holiday favorite is the warmth and glow of festive candles, a crackling fireplace and a brightly lit Christmas tree. It is easy to forget common safety practices when absorbed in holiday chaos and cheer. To reduce the fire risk in your home or business this holiday season, the American Red Cross offers the following safety tips:

• Three is the magic number. Three feet that is. Be sure to space Christmas trees and other holiday decorations at least three feet from heat sources such as ovens, space heaters, fireplaces, woodstoves, radiators, heat vents and candles.
• Before you leave the property or go to bed always check that the tree is unplugged, and all holiday lights are off.
• Don’t use candles to decorate a Christmas tree. Also, be sure to extinguish candles before going to bed or leaving the room.
• Make sure to use a tree stand that is sturdy and won’t tip over. Also, keep an eye on pets and young children around the tree.
• After guests leave, designate one person to check that all candles and smoking materials are extinguished properly.
• Anything that can catch fire easily should be kept away from your stove top, fireplace, etc…

From all of us here at SERVPRO, wishing you and yours a safe and happy holiday season!

From Carpets to Catastrophes We Have Your Business Covered!

12/4/2019 (Permalink)

Side by side you can see where our employees have already cleaned this carpet at a local VT office and where they will clean next. Great job crew!

At SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties we are always ready to help with your business needs. From carpets to catastrophes, we handle it all!

Our team is prepared to help in the unfortunate event of an emergency such as a fire or water damage. We use the latest IICRC** training and top-of-the-line equipment to get your business back up and running smoothly and quickly.

Other services we provide can help your business look (and smell) its best! Our team uses best-in-the-industry equipment to extract soils from deep within your carpet’s pile and backings. First, our technicians shampoo the carpet to clean and deodorize it. Next, they remove the shampoo, soils and stains through hot water extraction. Once the carpet is dried, it will look and smell like new!

Our other cleaning services include:

• Upholstery, Blinds and Drapes
• HVAC and Air Ducts
• Ceilings, Walls and Hard Floors
• Odor Identification and Deodorization
• Crime Scene, Vandalism and Biohazard Cleanup

Call us anytime for more information!

(800) 352-7251

**Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification

Congratulations Gary, Shane, Wil & Joe on Your New IICRC Certifications!

12/4/2019 (Permalink)

From left to right: Crew Chief Wil Blanchard, Project Manager Gary Ruotsala, Crew Chief Shane Maylin and Technician Joe Langley.

At SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties our number one priority is great customer service. One of the ways that we achieve excellent customer service is by always continuing to educate ourselves on best industry standards to provide excellent service to each of our customers. This wonderful group of guys do just that! They are valued members of our team and consistently provide top notch service to our clients. Please join us in congratulating them in their recent achievements with the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC).

Pictured is Project Manager Gary Ruotsala, Crew Chief Shane Maylin, Crew Chief Wil Blanchard and Technician Joe Langley. They have received the following certifications:

Gary- WRT-Water Restoration Technician and FSRT-Fire And Smoke Damage Restoration Technician

Shane- WRT-Water Restoration Technician

Wil- WRT-Water Restoration Technician and FSRT-Fire And Smoke Damage Restoration

Joe- WRT-Water Restoration Technician

Fantastic job guys!

Winter Tips to Avoid a Water Damage Situation in Your Home

11/25/2019 (Permalink)

Now is the time to build your home’s defense against the winter chill

Winter hasn’t officially started yet, but we have already had our first dusting of snow and a handful of days with frigid temperatures. If you haven’t already now is the time to build your home’s defense against the winter chill and to minimize the possibility for a water damage taking place. Below are some tips to help you get started:

• Is your home a bit drafty? Pinpoint areas which could use more or better-quality insulation to help keep your home warm and to reduce the risk of any pipes freezing.
• If you have travel plans this winter, ask a friend or family member to check in on your home to make sure everything is OK.
• Keep up with snow removal. For example, allowing snow to accumulate on your roof is a recipe for disaster as ice dams may form.
• If possible, it’s always a good idea to have a backup method of heating your home in the event of a power outage. Say for example, your primary heat source is oil, but you also have a wood or pellet stove. Having this backup heat source can help keep you and your home stay safe and warm while you wait for the power to come back.
• Keep your thermostat set to a consistent temperature.
• Cut back any tree branches that are likely to fall on your home during a storm.
• Disconnect your garden hose from the exterior faucet and to turn off the water going to that exterior faucet.
• Insulate water lines that go along exterior walls.
• During a cold snap, open kitchen and vanity cabinet doors to allow warm air to circulate around the plumbing.

From all of us here at SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties wishing you a safe and warm winter. If our services are ever needed please feel free to call us anytime at (800) 352-7251.

Weatherproofing Your Home for Winter

11/15/2019 (Permalink)

We hope these tips help you stay warm this winter!

When the temperature dips down in the winter months it’s important to keep your home safe and warm. Here are some tips to help weatherproof your home to help protect it against Jack Frost:

• Insulation makes a huge difference in cutting your energy costs and keeping your house warm. Important areas to insulate are exterior walls as well as the attic. Having well insulated walls, ceilings and floors throughout your house will help you tremendously in your battle against the winter chill.
• Repair roof leaks and remove any tree limbs that could fall on your home during a storm.
• Cover your windows with weatherproofing plastic or install storm or thermal-pane windows to reduce heat loss and drafts
• Caulk and weather-strip windows and doors.
• Hang thermal curtains from your windows.
• Insulate water lines that go along exterior walls.

We hope these tips help you stay warm this winter! If there's ever a need for remediation services this winter call us. We are available 24/7

(800) 352-7251

Congrats Jake on Your New IICRC Certification!

11/14/2019 (Permalink)

Awesome job Jake!

Jake is one of our Project Managers and has been a valuable part of the team here at SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties for over 13 years. Jake has become our mold mitigation expert over the course of his career here. Recently he completed the latest Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) 4-day training on top of the line mold and sewage remediation techniques. This is a great step forward for our business as we are always focused on continuing education so that we can consistently provide customers with the best of the best in service. We are proud to share that Jake excelled in the training and now has the following certification: AMRT-Applied Microbial Remediation Technician. Fantastic job Jake!

Jake also holds the following certifications through IICRC: WRT-Water Restoration Technician and SRT-Smoke Restoration Technician.

Tips To Keep You And Your Coworkers Healthy Through Cold & Flu Season

10/23/2019 (Permalink)

Our team hopes you have a healthy and happy holiday season!

Cold and flu season will be here before we know it. Before cold weather illnesses attack your office with a vengeance, it’s never a bad idea to revisit simple but important ways to stay healthy:

• An Apple A Day. Eating healthy is one of the key components to warding off illness. Fresh fruits and veggies, healthy fats and proteins and foods packed with the nutrients help in our bodies’ defense against illness. It can be tempting with the holidays upon us to eat junk and comfort foods but everything in moderation is key. Instead of poking around the candy dish at reception, keep healthy snacks like fresh fruit, trail mix or jerky at your desk.
• Chug-a-lug, chug-a-lug. Drinking enough water is one of the best and easiest ways to stay healthy so take a couple extra trips to the water cooler!
• Gesundheit! Covering your sneezes and coughs will be greatly appreciated by your co-workers.
• Sing the birthday song. Ok, singing this song will only annoy your co-workers. But singing it in your head or counting to 30 every so often while washing your hands is one good way to remember to slow down to thoroughly wash your hands. Maintaining good hygiene is a key component to keeping you and those around you healthy.
• Remember that coat rack aka the treadmill? As the weather grows colder it’s easy to fall into hibernation but staying active is another important part of staying healthy. So dust off that yoga mat, lace up your sneakers and get into a routine of at least little bouts of exercise a couple times a week!

Our team hopes you have a healthy and happy holiday season!

Water Losses Come In All Shapes & Sizes

10/16/2019 (Permalink)

Water damage can be caused by all sorts of unfortunate events including a fish tank that springs a leak.

When you think of a water loss at a residence, what probably comes to mind first is a flood, storm or other natural occurrence. Or maybe you think of a leaky roof or a basement filling with ground water from a heavy rainstorm. What probably doesn’t come immediately to mind is a broken aquarium, a leaking waterbed mattress (does anyone use those anymore?) or a dishwasher gone amuck. Water damage can be caused by all sorts of unfortunate events. Regardless of how a property starts taking on water SERVPRO is here to help. Our crew will act fast to assess the situation, prevent further damage and extract the water. Using our state of the art equipment and moisture meters we will quickly restoring your property following a water loss.

SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties is a full-service restoration company, reachable 24/7 at (802) 674-8004.

What To Do After A Fire At Your Home

10/10/2019 (Permalink)

If disaster strikes, call us anytime at (802) 674-8004

Home is often a place of refuge from a long, busy day and a place of relaxation with family, friends or a much-needed day to yourself. Home is where your daily routines begin and end. Having a housefire can disrupt your daily routine and be very traumatizing. Although your world turns upside down after a fire loss, it is important to get a plan in place to help you recover your home. The quicker that you can secure professional restoration services to begin mitigation and restoration on your home, the less time that this process usually takes to complete and the sooner you can get back to your daily routine.

Once first responders have put out the fire, we can help assess the scope of work that will need to take place in order for you to enjoy your home again. Our estimators and mitigation team will arrive quickly to help begin putting together the necessary documentation your insurance provider will need to approve the claim. After the necessary documentation and communication with your insurance company has taken place, our team of highly-trained technicians will work efficiently to restore your home.

A fire at your home can be devastating but our team of kind, knowledgeable professionals will work efficiently to get you back in your home quickly and safely. If disaster strikes, call us anytime at (802) 674-8004. We are always here to help.

Protecting Your Home From Ice Dams

9/25/2019 (Permalink)

Ice dams can cause substantial damage to your home's roof.

Kids are back to school, leaves are changing and pumpkin flavored…everything is back… that can only mean one thing. Fall is here and winter is just around the corner. It is important to take this time to prepare for winter and take the steps needed to protect you and your home. One thing to keep an eye out for once the snow arrives is the potential for ice dams. Ice dams can cause significant damage to your home. An ice dam is a ridge of ice that forms at the edge of a roof, keeping melting snow from draining. The melted snow backs up behind the dam and can leak into your home. This can become a costly concern. There are a few different ways to prevent and deal with ice dams but it’s not a bad idea to consult a professional if you’re unsure which method to go with. Keeping a roof rake handy to clear snow off the roof following a storm is one thing you can do to prevent ice dams and protect your home.

Bi- Chamber Business After Hours at VINS Nature Center

9/16/2019 (Permalink)

VINS is a wonderful area leader in environmental education and wildlife conservation with excellent programs to educate guests of all ages!

Had a great time on Wednesday, September 11th at the Business After Hours with the Hartford Area Chamber of Commerce and the Woodstock Area Chamber of Commerce! A huge thank you to the Vermont Institute of Natural Science (VINS) for hosting this memorable get-together! VINS is an area leader in environmental education and wildlife conservation and is headquartered on 47 acres in Quechee, Vermont. Thank you to the excellent staff for hosting and for a tour of your facilities including the incredible Forest Canopy Walk which is near completion! Can't wait to come back sometime to see the Forest Canopy Walk after it is finished this fall!

Also, a quick shout out to Maple Street Catering for the delicious appetizers spread at this event!

To learn more about the Vermont Institute of Natural Science visit their website:

vinsweb.org

Basic Fire Safety For Your Household

8/29/2019 (Permalink)

Knowing basic fire safety can help keep you and your loved ones safe.

Every year there are over 360,000 fires in the United States. That’s around 1000 fires a day! Fires ruin countless homes every year. Sometimes these house fires can be prevented by implementing these important fire safety tips in your home:

• Install an adequate amount of smoke detectors and fire alarms in your home. Also, be sure to regularly check that your alarms are working properly and keep up with replacing the batteries
• Teach your children basic fire safety rules
• Flammable items should be kept a safe distance from lit candles, fireplaces/woodstoves and stovetops
• Don’t leave cooking food unattended
• Turn off appliances when you are done using them. If you leave home then realize you can’t remember if the iron was turned off and unplugged it’s always better to be safe than sorry by returning home to ensure that it’s off.
• Make sure to always keep lighters, matches and fire starters out of reach of children
• If you smoke, smoke outside.

In the event of a fire, always put safety first. When you are ready for help putting your home back together, call us at (800) 352-7251. We are here to help.

Is Your Home Storm Ready?

8/22/2019 (Permalink)

When a storm rolls in so does trouble!

When a storm rolls in so does trouble! Storms can produce high winds causing downed power lines, debris and downed trees. There is always a risk when a storm hits that there will be damage to a property. While every situation may not cause catastrophic damage to your home, even a small roof puncture from a tree limb or flying debris can be enough to allow substantial runoff and torrential rainfall to pour into your home. A falling tree can cause serious damage to your roof, siding and windows. Heavy rain can also cause concern for potential flooding. Below are a few tips to help keep your home safe and dry in the event of a storm:

• Regularly check your home for potential weaknesses especially in the roof, siding and windows. Even a small opening can let in rainwater so catching and repairing these issues before a storm hits is important and will save you money
• Consider options to protect your windows and entryways such as adding shutters and storm doors
• Keep an eye on the trees closest to your home. Of course, you don’t want to cut into every tree but sometimes damage can be prevented by trimming back the trees that pose a threat
• Regularly check that rainwater is draining properly. If it isn’t, consider ways to redirect it such as adding gutters or consulting a contractor
• Having a sump pump and dehumidifier handy can really help on days with heavy rain or high humidity

If the latest storm has damaged your home don’t delay to act! Call us, we’re available 24/7 to help!

(800) 352-7251

Tips to Help Protect You and Your Home in the Event of a Water Loss

7/19/2019 (Permalink)

Water Damage Gets Worse With Time. It's Important To Act Quickly!

When your home suffers a water loss call us and we will get there ASAP to help. Below are some tips to keep in mind in the interim before our crew arrives:

• Don’t touch appliances, electrical equipment or cords until you know that they are safe to touch.
• Limit movement inside the property to what is necessary. Frequent foot traffic can cause conditions to worsen and spread contaminants from rooms that are heavily soiled to ones that maybe weren’t.
• Only consume food and water that you know is safe. When in doubt, it’s best to hold off until it is confirmed safe.
• In addition to only drinking water you know is clean, do your best to avoid coming into contact with contaminated water.
• Stay away from ceilings that are dripping or sagging.

(800) 352-7251

Hurricane Safety- Getting Your Home Hurricane Ready

7/18/2019 (Permalink)

Hurricanes can grow quickly and cause widespread damage.

The warmer weather months, June through early November, are beautiful and certainly treasured in New England. The warm seasons offer a time to visit favorite campgrounds, swim in a local lake or pool and stick your toes in the sand at the beach. Warm weather also brings the threat of hurricanes. A massive storm system that begins over warm ocean waters and moves inland is known as a hurricane. Hurricanes produce hazards such as heavy rain, floods, rip tides, landslides, strong winds, storm surges and even tornadoes. These massive storms can cause large amounts of damage to properties and even death to those in affected areas. Below are a few tips to prepare your home just in case a hurricane hits your town:

• Do a little research to understand the likelihood of a hurricane in your area
• Have an emergency plan in place and learn your area’s evacuation routes and local emergency shelters
• If you live in a flood zone, always be on the lookout for warning signs during a storm (such as heavy rain)
• Store emergency supplies in a place that’s safe and easy to reach. This should include basic survival items such as potable water and food (3 days supply or more), first aid items, a flashlight and batteries, a weather radio so you can listen to storm updates and any vital medications
• Sign up for NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) and EAS (Emergency Alert System) to stay informed on current local weather

If your home does experience any damage from a storm, please feel free to call us. We’re available 24/7.

(800) 352-7251

2019 SERVPRO Corporate Summer Marketing Forum

7/16/2019 (Permalink)

Marketing Manager Andrea Thompson & Marketing Rep Laura Michelewicz with Tyler Estes of SERVPRO Corporate (front) and marketing from other NE SERVPROs

On Tuesday, July 9^th our Marketing Manager Andrea Thompson and Marketing Representative Laura Michelewicz participated in SERVPRO Corporate’s 2019 Summer Marketing Forum in Nashua, NH. They spent the day with fellow marketers from other SERVPRO franchises of the Northeast Region. The great thing about SERVPRO is that although it is a franchise with every franchise being independently owned and operated, there is a great unity which is evident at get-togethers such as these. These forums are helpful as we use the time to collaborate with one another and share ideas and learn from each other. Together, we all strive for total customer satisfaction and to provide the best in restoration and cleaning services. These forums give us a chance to celebrate our achievements and continue to excel forward by discovering ways to improve our services and involvement within our communities!

Staying Safe During A Thunderstorm- Emergency Outdoor Safety Tips

6/12/2019 (Permalink)

"When thunder roars, go indoors." Safe shelters include homes, offices, a hard-top vehicle, or public facilities like a shopping center or library.

When the thunder rolls, it’s best to find shelter quickly. But if you’re caught outside during a thunderstorm, it’s important to know the do’s and don’ts of how to protect yourself. Thunderstorms can be dangerous, especially if important rules of safety are forgotten. In addition to heavy rain, the storm can also produce hail and your risk of being struck by lightning increases if you are stranded outside. If your car is close by, you can take shelter inside your vehicle until the storm passes. Put the windows up and then stay in the car until the storm is over. If there are no shelters nearby, here are some last-minute tips from the National Weather Service to reduce your risk of being injured or struck by lightning:

• Never lie flat on the ground.
• Never shelter in or under an isolated tree.
• Immediately get off elevated areas like mountain ridges or peaks and hills.
• Never use a cliff or rocky overhang for shelter.
• Keep away from objects that are conductive, i.e. power lines/transformers, windmills, metal fencing.
• Stay clear of bodies of water.

For weather forecast and safety information visit the National Weather Service website: www.weather.gov

Grilling Safety Tips

6/12/2019 (Permalink)

Remember these safety tips and happy grilling!

Summer is finally here! Time to fire up the grill and enjoy some burgers and hotdogs in the backyard. Grilling can be fun but there are important safety tips to always keep in mind. Here are some tips from the National Fire Protection Association to keep in mind:

1. Grill outside, away from any structures. Gas and charcoal grills are designed for outdoor use only. Pay attention to overhanging tree branches when you set up your grill.
2. Make sure that your grill is stable. Grills should be set up on a flat surface where it won’t tip over or roll away.
3. Keep your grill clean. Grease and fat can buildup after cooking. Be sure to regularly clean the grill and the tray. Also, give coals time to cool down prior to disposing of them in a metal container.
4. Be careful around the grill. Never leave a lit grill unattended. Keep pets and children away from the grill. Remember that a grill will remain hot for at least an hour after use and don’t ever try to move a hot or lit grill.
5. Wear appropriate clothing and be careful while cooking. Loose apron strings and baggy sleeves can catch fire.
6. Be ready to extinguish the fire if it gets out of hand. Have baking soda on hand to put out grease fires and a fire extinguisher nearby for other fires.

Cleaning Services To Spruce Up Your Home Or Business

6/12/2019 (Permalink)

This carpet is on its way to looking brand new!

It’s true that a large part of what we do at SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties is Fire and Water – Cleanup & Restoration^TM but did you know that we also provide several cleaning services including carpet cleaning?

Our team uses the latest IICRC** training and top-of-the-line equipment to extract soils from deep within your carpet’s pile and backings. First, our technicians shampoo the carpet to get it clean and to deodorize. Then, they remove the shampoo, soils and stains through hot water extraction. Once the carpet is dried, it will look and smell like new!

Other cleaning services we offer include:

• Odor Identification and Deodorization
• Air Ducts and HVAC
• Upholstery, Drapes and Blinds
• Ceilings, Walls and Hard Floors
• Crime Scene, Biohazard and Vandalism Cleanup

Give our office a call for more information!

(800) 352-7251

We are Here to Help^R

**Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification

How We Can Help: Post Construction Cleaning

6/10/2019 (Permalink)

Our crews are highly trained to make drywall dust and debris following a home improvement project "Like it never even happened."

Summer is finally here! This is the perfect time of year to catch up on home projects or business renovations. Home improvement projects can be rewarding but time consuming to clean up. Saw dust and drywall dust are very fine and it’s hard to clean it all up in one go! We can help make your home or business look its best by providing a thorough cleaning and removal of debris so that your place is ready for final touches to make it your own! We also provide services to make your rooms fresh and clean such as:

• Air Duct Cleanings
• Walls, ceilings and fixture cleanings
• Deodorization
• Carpet/Floor Cleanings
• Dehumidification and Drying
• And more!(800) 352-7251

To learn more about our services and how we can help give our office a call:

Staying Safe During A Thunderstorm- Indoor Safety Tips

5/8/2019 (Permalink)

It is important to know how to stay safe during a thunderstorm

April showers bring May flowers. Springtime is also when we start to see thunderclouds roll in with heavy rain and lightning. It is important to know how to protect yourself and your family from the potential hazards associated with thunderstorms.

Sometimes thunderstorms produce hail which can vary in size from the size of a Tic-Tac to the size of a grapefruit! These chunks of ice can plummet to earth at speeds up to 120 mph.

Thunderstorms also produce lightning which can kill or seriously injure one caught in its path. Here are some safety tips to follow once you get indoors:

• Stay inside until the storm is over.
• Stay away from windows, skylights and doors as high winds and hail can break the glass.
• Don’t use corded phones and electronics like power tools or computers. The electrical wires can conduct lightning.
• Don’t use the shower/bathtub, wash dishes, do laundry or wash your hands as the metal plumbing is also conductive.
• Keep candles, matches/lighters, flashlights and batteries in a secure and easy to reach location in case they are needed during a power outage.
• Keep a first aid kit fully stocked and in an accessible location in your home.
• Always have emergency non-perishable food and potable water in your pantry just in case.

Fire Safety- Using A Fire Extinguisher

5/8/2019 (Permalink)

Keep Your Fire Extinguishers In Easy To Access & Find Locations

To protect yourself and your home or business, it is important to have portable fire extinguishers readily available. In the event of an emergency a fire extinguisher can save your building and your life. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends remembering the word PASS in order to properly operate a fire extinguisher:

Pull the pin. Hold the nozzle pointing away from you and release the locking mechanism.

Aim low. The fire extinguisher should be pointed at the base of the fire.

Squeeze the lever, applying slow, even pressure.

Sweep the nozzle from side-to-side.

Familiarize yourself with these steps and how to use your fire extinguisher works before a fire breaks out. Also, be sure to read the instructions on your extinguisher and remember that there are different types of fires so it is important to have the correct type of extinguisher. There are different classes of extinguishers designed to treat specific types of fires. For more information on the different types of fire extinguishers, visit: www.nfpa.org

Italian Dinner at Upper Valley Haven

5/7/2019 (Permalink)

Mangia!

On Thursday, May 2nd, the Marketing Team for SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties (Derek Paul, Andrea Thompson and Laura Michelewicz) cooked up some Italian Dinner for residents at Upper Valley Haven, a community center in White River Junction, VT. The dinner served over 20 residents with plenty of leftovers for the residents to enjoy for lunch! The community center provides numerous resources for locals. The center's Food Shelf and Good Eats Programs provide visitors with healthy groceries and recipes. There are also services for children including an after school program for school aged children who are current and former shelter guests. Thank you to everyone at Upper Valley Haven for welcoming us into your kitchen! We enjoyed our visit! For more information about Upper Valley Haven and all of their services, visit their website: https://uppervalleyhaven.org/

Fire Safety Tips For Your Kitchen

4/15/2019 (Permalink)

Putting safety first in your kitchen is one thing that you can do to prevent a house fire.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, cooking is the number one cause of home fires with unattended cooking being associated with the majority of these fires. Here are some tips from the National Fire Protection Association to follow in your kitchen:

1. Be cautious and alert! If you are ill, intoxicated or sleep deprived, don’t use the oven or stovetop.
2. Use a timer to remind you to check on your food regularly. Also, remain in the kitchen while broiling or cooking food on the stovetop.
3. Keep flammable items like curtains, wooden utensils, food packaging and oven mitts away from your stovetop.
4. Don’t leave hot oil unattended. When you are frying food, it’s important to always have someone watching as hot frying oil can become a dangerous situation quickly. Slowly heat the oil to the temperature you need for sautéing or frying. If the oil becomes too hot, turn the heat down or carefully remove the oil from heat immediately. Wisps of smoke are one sign that the oil is too hot.
5. Keep a lid beside the pan while you cook. If the pan catches fire, slide the lid over the pan and shut off the burner. Leave the lid on and let the pan cool.
6. Keep a fire extinguisher on hand and make sure you know how to use one. It’s also important to use the correct type of extinguisher for the fire you’re fighting.  Find these tips and more on the NFPA website!

Preparing For a Flood- Emergency Pack

4/9/2019 (Permalink)

Keep a first aid kit in an easy to reach spot in your home and be sure to check it periodically to keep it stocked.

A flood can happen extremely fast and cause an unbelievable amount of damage. It is a good idea to keep emergency items packed and ready to go in the event of an emergency such as a flood. Set aside some time and put together a list of things that you could need in the event of an evacuation due to an emergency such as a flood. This list should include priority items like water and food (3+ days supply), first aid kit, medications (7-day supply), medical items and a flashlight. Below are some more recommended items to keep in an emergency pack:

• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio
• Spare batteries
• Multi-purpose tool
• Personal hygiene/sanitation items
• Copies of personal documents
• Cell phone with charger
• Family and emergency contact information
• Extra cash
• Emergency blanket
• Map[s] of the area
• Baby supplies- bottles, formula, baby food, diapers
• Pet supplies
• Tools/supplies for securing your home
• Extra set of house keys and car keys
• Extra clothing, hat and sturdy shoes
• Rain gear
• Insect repellent and sunscreen
• Camera for pictures of damage

Company History and Excellence In Community Involvement

3/29/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties Marketing Team Supporting Community Events

SERVPRO’s original company headquarters was located in Sacramento, California when it was launched in 1967 by Ted and Doris Isaacson as a painting business. The Isaacson’s soon decided to transform the company into a cleaning and restoration company. The company quickly grew and sold its first franchise in 1969. Over the years, the company continued to grow and headquarters were relocated to Gallatin, Tennessee in 1988. The reason for this move was a great strategy as it placed the company’s headquarters within 600 miles of 50% of the U.S. SERVPRO Corporate was quickly noticed for their involvement within the community and in 1991, was awarded the title of “Small Business of the Year” by the Nashville Business Journal!

SERVPRO franchises also place an importance on community involvement- this is something that really sets us apart from our competitors! Each year, SERVPRO franchises across the U.S. support several community and charity events, SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties included. Here at SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties, we strive to be among the best of the SERVPRO franchises in supporting our community and the local businesses around us. We enjoy having a part in helping our community thrive!

Fire Safety Tips- Using Your Fireplace Safely

3/29/2019 (Permalink)

Follow These and Other Tips From the National Fire Protection Association to Help Keep Your Home Safe and Warm

Spring is here, but there will likely be a few more cold days ahead where you may want to build a cozy little fire in your fireplace. Here are some important tips to keep in mind:

1. Make sure the fireplace has a sturdy screen to prevent sparks from flying out.
2. Be sure the ashes are cool before placing them into a metal container and keep the ashes away from your home, garage and porch.
3. Keep any flammable items at least three feet away from the open flames.
4. Always use the appropriate type of wood and flame starters when using your fireplace. The dryer the wood the better.
5. When installing your fireplace be sure to have a qualified professional perform the installation.
6. Make sure you have your fireplace inspected and chimney cleaned according to your local codes and by a professional.

For additional tips and guidelines, consult a professional or visit the National Fire Protection Association’s website: www.nfpa.org

Equipment Corner: Car #8

3/28/2019 (Permalink)

#8 and Marketing Manager Andrea Thompson Are Getting Ready to Hit the Road!

While our fleet of vans and trucks are essential for getting supplies and equipment to and from job sites and making a restoration job “Like it never even happened.” our faithful Marketing Car which has been lovingly named #8 is important to our team as well! When we first got the 2009 Chevrolet HHR she (yes, our marketing car is female) was a solid green color and has since experienced a face lift including flame decals and has subsequently acquired the nickname “Fireball.” She has served us for 130,000 miles and ten years. #8 can get us through the smooth sailings of 91, through the backroads of Bethel, up and over Hogback Mountain, chugging along snowy Route 30 and rolling along the long winding roads of New England!

How an Emergency Ready Profile Can Help Save Your Business

3/28/2019 (Permalink)

Did you know that the majority of businesses that bounce back after a disaster had a plan in place for when disaster strikes?

No one likes to imagine their own business facing the hardship of a disaster such as a flood or a fire. Did you know that the majority of businesses that bounce back after a disaster had a plan in place for when disaster strikes? Having an emergency plan could save your business, minimize the time your business is inactive as well as alleviate some stress. We have helped several local companies develop what we call an Emergency Ready Profile to help them be more prepared in the event of an emergency by putting all pertinent information at their fingertips in a physical copy of their emergency plan as well as through our mobile app. The Emergency Ready Profile, or ERP for short, is a no-cost service and can be tailored to meet the needs of schools, municipalities, real estate offices, insurance offices, apartment complexes and commercial properties.

Tips to Avoid Frozen and Burst Pipes

3/4/2019 (Permalink)

A Burst Pipe

Below are a few tips to help you prevent frozen pipes in your home:

1. Occasionally allow a slow trickle of water to run from your kitchen and bathroom faucets if the temperature really plummets. This will keep water moving through the pipes and make the pipes less likely to freeze.
2. Set your thermostat to a consistent temperature. A cold snap is not the time to dial the heat back to save on energy costs.
3. Open kitchen and vanity cabinet doors to allow warm air to circulate around the plumbing.
4. If you’re leaving your home for more than 24 hours during a cold snap, consider asking a friend or relative to check in on your home to make sure everything is OK.
5. In the fall, once the temperatures outside start to go down, it's a good idea to disconnect your garden hose from the exterior faucet and to turn off the water going to that exterior faucet.

Services Presentation- West Dover, VT

3/1/2019 (Permalink)

Co-Owner Derek Paul During Presentation

It was a pleasure presenting at Sotheby's     International Realty in West Dover, VT recently! Co-Owner and Marketing Director Derek Paul discussed SERVPRO of Cheshire County and SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties company history, services and territory overview with a Q&A at the end. We were very happy to be invited to their office for this opportunity. Thank you all at Four Seasons Sotheby's International Realty!

Interested in having us present at your office? Let us know! These presentations are helpful to all businesses especially those in the insurance or real estate fields. For example, the tips we provide in our presentation can help an agent assist their insured during the interim between the discovery of a loss and SERPVRO performing restorative work.

Monadnock Wolfpack Rugby Club’s Shave to Save Event Raises Thousands for Local Cancer Treatment Center

1/28/2019 (Permalink)

Derek Before and After His Beardectomy.

We are so happy to have participated in the Monadnock Wolfpack Rugby Club's 2nd Annual Shave to Save event this year! Shave to Save is an event that raises and donates 100% of funds to the Norris Cotton Cancer Treatment Center at Dartmouth-Hitchcock in Keene, NH. This year, the Monadnock Wolfpack Rugby Team shattered their goal of $4,000 having raised over $5,000! The event campaign's end on Saturday, January 19th at The Barbery in beautiful downtown Keene, NH was a blast! The team is a great group of guys and we were thrilled we could help them out! Our own Derek Paul, who is a big fan of the Wolfpack, risked and lost his beard to help support this wonderful cause!

SERVPRO Says Wilmington Homes, Flooding, and Odors Often Occur Together

1/15/2019 (Permalink)

Have No Fear--SERVPRO Is Here--In Wilmington for Snow Flood Recovery

Melting Winter Snow Can Lead to Flood Damage in Wilmington Neighborhoods

Winter weather in Wilmington includes snow falling everywhere and leaving a blanket of white on our town. Even with freezing temperatures, days without any cloud cover can let the sun get hot enough on snow to cause melting. When areas downhill remain solidly frozen, melted snow ends up trapped.
 
Homes in Wilmington can experience flood damagewhen trapped water from melted snow accumulates around the foundation and seeps in through new or existing cracks. With the ground still frozen, it cannot absorb any of the water, either.
 
Flood damage in your basement or ground floor can happen anytime, but during the evening before temperatures drop and the sun's rays give less light is when flooding is most likely to happen. Flooding can also happen when nearby streams overflow because of blocked areas downstream.
 
SERVPRO's specialized teams can mitigate the damage flooding can cause in your home. We can make it “Like it never even happened,” quickly and with few interruptions to your family's life. Getting things back to normal again for you is one of our main goals. We know flooding, at any water levels, can cause problems for residents.
 
After we remove the water and get your home dry again, we need to treat your home for the new presence of foul odors. We use techniques that meet industry standards and leave your home protected well.
 
Many of the microorganisms that flooding, regardless of its intensity, forces into a home produce unpleasant odors. The presence of odors from floodwater does not mean your home remains dirty or contaminated. It merely means that trapped microorganisms continue creating the odors.
 
We remove the odors caused by flood damage with thermal fogging or the use of our hydroxyl machines. With severe flooding, we often use both, as well as other methods. Our Odor Control Technician (OCT) explains that both thermal fogging and hydroxyl methods create chemical bonds between chemicals we introduce to your home's environment that bond at the molecular level with odor-producing substances.
 
After this takes effect, previous odors decrease significantly. A second treatment is rarely required, but if a customer requests an additional service, we perform an assessment first to ensure that odors do not need a different treatment method.
 
Flood damage can create a different atmosphere inside your home, even in areas that remained dry. SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties is always here, 24/7, to aid you in getting things restored quickly. Call us at (802) 674-8004 when your home needs professional mitigation and restoration services.

Fun in the snow of VT by clicking here

What Few People Know About Products Used to Clean Soot in Wilmington After Fire Damage

1/13/2019 (Permalink)

Soot damage can be quite extensive. Contact SERVPRO to assess and use the corresponding effective cleaners to remediate the damage.

Wilmington's Fire Damage Experts Talk About Different Cleaning Chemicals Used During Restoration

When something burns on your Wilmington property, the blaze not only can burn your building materials and contents, but the smoke can cause soot residues and soils to exist on indoor surfaces. One major part of any fire damage project is cleaning and soot removal. When a fire ignites inside a building, it often burns different fuels creating a combination of different types of smoke and soot residues. As the various types of partially combusted particles circulate through your home, they can come into contact with several different types of surfaces. When mitigating fire damage, our highly trained SERVPRO team knows that different techniques and chemicals must be used to remove soot from the various surfaces inside your home.
 
We provide fast 24/7 service so that we can begin working on restoring your home as soon as possible. Our SERVPRO technicians are located in the region so that we can show up quickly after we receive your fire damage call in Wilmington. As soon as we arrive, we inspect your home to determine where the problems occurred and how severe the issues are. Our estimators come to your residence equipped with a testing kit so that we can figure out what we can restore and what we think must be replaced. We have inside the testing kit a variety of chemicals so that we can see which techniques and detergents will work best for certain surfaces.
 
Once we figure out what exactly needs to be done, we comprise an initial estimate for you and your insurance adjuster. After receiving work authorization, we start the restoration process using the industry's most advanced technology. We have at our disposal a variety of chemicals that we can use to clean soot that affects different surfaces.
 
For most situations, we use a general purpose detergent that can clean soils off of most surfaces. For heavy soot, we often utilize a heavy-duty degreaser as long as the surface is durable. When cleaning materials that are made out of stone and mortar we can use a strong acid cleaner as a last resort. If you ever have a fire break out inside your house, call SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties at (802) 674-8004 24/7.

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Wilmington Properties Benefit from SERVPRO Expert Mold Remediation

12/26/2018 (Permalink)

A Green Fleet Van from SERVPRO Ready to Remediation Mold Damage in Wilmington

A Damp Environment Can Cause Mold Damage in Your Wilmington Garage  

Mold damage can be difficult for the average person to identify, and even harder for them to deal with. Mold spores are omnipresent and impossible to be rid of altogether. Usually, they are not a problem or a risk to your health while in this state. However, the problem occurs when thousands of spores activate from excess moisture and begin to feed off of organic materials within your home. In the case of your unfinished garage, the mold attached itself to the drywall that had become damper than it should be from seasonal weather. Once the mold spores had access to that moisture, they were able to develop into a mold colony causing damage to the structure of your home.

 
Upon finding mold damage or the evidence of mold in your Wilmington residence, it is wise to reach out for professional help. Contacting a cleanup and damage restoration company can ensure that the problem is dealt with thoroughly and professionally. Leaving mold colonies in your house to sit is never wise, as fungi can cause health effects in the individuals living there.
 
When you contact SERVPRO, we always make it a top priority to arrive at your property as swiftly as possible. We understand how stressful these situations can be and know that the sooner remediation begins, the sooner it can end. Our IICRC-certified techs can investigate the mold damage and create a remediation strategy.
 
Before we begin removing mold, we can set up an air scrubber with a HEPA filter to catch mold spores and particles as they become dislodged from the drywall. From there, we can use plastic sheeting to set up a barrier, so the damage cannot spread as we remove it. To begin the remediation, we can start by soda blasting the surface mold to remove it gently. From there, SERVPRO can spray disinfectants and begin to clean the drywall, removing the colonies thoroughly.
 
If our SERVPRO techs feel that the colony penetrated the drywall to deeply, we can make cuts and remove the sections that are too contaminated. To handle the musty odor that mold can leave behind, SERVPRO can use priming paint over the drywall to seal the scent, not allowing it to permeate the air anymore. Lastly, we can spray an antifungal agent to finish the job.
 
Should your home suffer mold damage, do not delay when getting help. Phone SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties by dialing (802) 674-8004. Night or day, we can keep the mold away.

More about this Vermont town by clicking.

Proven Tips for Fire Damage Remediation in Your White River Junction Home

12/23/2018 (Permalink)

When fire and smoke damage affect the home that you live in, you need to act fast and make an educated decision. Contact SERVPRO right away.

Correct Removal of Smokes and Soots after Fire Damage in White River Junction

When you think of house-fires, it is common to assume the worst. However, large-scale fires that require remodeling, replacement or restructuring account for a small percentage of our call-outs. The truth is, house-fires are commonly small with secure containment from first-responders. It is usually smoke damages that need to be watched out for alongside water damages which occur during the fire-fighting effort.

Our most recent experiences of fire damage in White River Junction properties are about the removal of soot, smoke, and charring from a contained area. When materials burn the chemicals within them are released into the surrounding environment in the form of smoke and soot.
 
This type of synthetic smoke damage can spread rapidly around a property by moving into clean air pockets. They often spread further than the flames themselves, depositing unto clean surfaces that they come into contact with. SERVPRO technicians have training that helps them to recognize the patterns of smoke as well as how it travels around a property. This can be invaluable when it comes to finding the source of odorous or thick smoke deposits.

As well as understanding the behavior of smoke, a good technician needs to know what the most effective cleaning method is for removal. Depending on the type of material that burned, and at what temperature, smoke falls into two classifications; either wet or dry. Each category responds differently to cleaning. Wet-smoke, for example, can quickly be spread around causing further damage if it is treated like dry-smoke.

When a SERVPRO fire technician arrives on site, the first thing they do is conduct a pre-test. This test helps determine the cleaning response, whether by using chemicals, foam, water or dry abrasive methods to restore the property. Where there are valuable possessions, we may be able to restore them by sending them to an external facility for ultrasonic cleaning.

Ultimately, whatever it takes to restore your property to its preloss conditions is our primary concern, and we can mobilize all of our expertise and equipment to get the job done as efficiently as possible.

If you need an expert solution to your property damages, contact SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties at (802) 674-8004.

Click here for more about White River Junction.

The Real Truth About White River Junction Flood Damage Remediation and Mold in Your Store

12/6/2018 (Permalink)

Make sure the doors to your store remain open after flooding by calling SERVPRO immediately after an event. We are available 24/7 to take your call.

Preventing Additional Complications From Commercial Flood Damage in White River Junction

Over the winter, cold snaps occur regularly in White River Junction and can affect business operations in the area. Unmitigated damage to your retail store can lead to additional damage to the structure throughout the winter months. SERVPRO works with business owners to clean up such damage and keep it from expanding into damage-free areas.

Reopening your retail store's doors to the public after commercial flood damage in White River Junction closes them prevents significant long-term losses, both in time and money. We know you put a lot into the daily operations of your store and that our local economy relies on small businesses like yours. Winter is harsh enough without freezing flooded areas and making things worse.
 
Hindsight is 20/20, and others who have suffered through such incidents often wish they had prepared more thoroughly for a disaster. SERVPRO offers a free program, our Emergency READY Profile, helps reduce the amount of time spent gathering crucial information and gets mitigation and restoration work started more quickly.
 
However, if you already are looking at flood damage in your store, we can help make sure that freezing temperatures do not cause more damage. Ice expands, and as it does this, anything that contains it becomes increasingly weaker. Wooden beams can sustain less weight and create dangerous situations inside your store. Building code violations can become quite costly, as can injuries and tarnished reputations as a responsible business owner in the community. We can help protect you from the snowballing effect of such incidents.
 
Removing floodwater as soon as it enters your store can help reduce the amount of damage, of course, but during the winter, when the power goes out, or it remains unsafe to keep the furnace running, any moisture can quickly freeze. SERVPRO specialists arrive in our Green Fleet, complete with our own power supply. We use this to run heaters for both our health and safety as well as to speed up evaporation rates of moisture trapped in materials.
 
We work as quickly as possible, so things return to normal, “Like it never even happened.” After drying, we begin cleaning and wiping everything down to remove silt and other residues. Microbial infestations like mold become more likely after a flood, even in the winter, so we prevent this with the application of anti-microbial agents. Odors from flood damage can detract from your store's image, making it crucial that we use highly effective odor control methods like thermal fogging or hydroxyl gas generation.
 
Our goal of helping you restore normal business activities becomes realized when you are happy with the results of our work. Call us, SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties, at (802) 674-8004, so we can help prevent winter damage after flood damage hurts your store. Serving the areas around Stratton, Woodstock, and Wilmington, we are nearby and always Faster To Any Size Disaster.

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Wilmington Furniture Gets a Reprieve from SERVPRO after a Water Loss

11/26/2018 (Permalink)

It's Not Magic. SERVPRO'S Skilled Technicians Use Formulated Products for Upholstery Cleaning After a Water Loss in Wilmington

Saving Upholstery Items after Water Damage in Wilmington

A water spill in your Wilmington home can leave you with a big restoration bill considering water affects a wide range of materials in the items affected by the incident. Knowing how each item is affected can help you take the right steps during restoration. We offer professional restoration services that can help you save articles that you would otherwise lose due to lack of proper information and resources.
 
A case of water damage in your Wilmington home is likely to have a significant effect on upholstered items because of the different materials used to make them. The framing, which is usually wooden, is prone to swelling and cracking when exposed to water especially over extended periods. Water also breaks down the glues used to strengthen joints messing with the sturdiness of the furniture items after the water loss incident. Since frames are hidden beneath layers of other materials, you might not even realize there is a problem until you notice the outcome. By using moistures sensors with probes, our SERVPRO technicians can detect such deep moisture migration and take countermeasures before significant damage occurs.
 
Water loss incidents also cause various kinds of stains on upholstery items. Dyes on dust covers are likely to bleed leading to staining. Upholstered buttons have a metal backing, which tends to rust causing stains. Finally, water spotting is common in dry-clean-only fabrics. Our SERVPRO technicians deal with stains when items are still wet because letting then dry causes the stains to settle. If only a section of an item is soaked, we might wet the entire item before drying it to eliminate water lines.
 
The growth of microbes such as mold or mildew is also likely in upholstery items after water affects them. Since the spores that cause microbial growth are omnipresent, the best way to counter such growth is to remove the source of water and dry the items fast. Using high-speed air movers and dehumidifiers, our SERVPRO technicians help reduce chances of mold growth.
 
Water can ruin your expensive upholstery items if you fail to take the right steps. Call SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties to help. You can reach us at (802) 674-8004. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.

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Flooding Facts: How Water Affects Your White River Home’s Structural Integrity

11/19/2018 (Permalink)

Water and wood don't mix. Call SERVPRO to restore your home after a water incident.

How Flood Damage in White River Junction Affects Higher Levels of a Home

Flooding washes a land's features away and changes it drastically. It can do much the same to homes in White River Junction. The force of the water involved can become extremely strong, and the pressure behind its mass can also force timbers to move from their original location.  

The damage to wooden structures from a flood in White River Junction worsens as the flooding increases. When wood swells, it can suffer changes to its shape, by curving or twisting. These changes can also affect your home's other levels when they lose their original angles. Twisting internally, at even slight amounts, can cause cracking along seams and corners.  

SERVPRO technicians realize that getting your home's previous dry condition restored quickly means many of these changes in the internal structure can revert to normal. Once this happens, minor repairs can suffice in making your house “Like it never even happened.” Instead of significant patching of gaping cracks in corners to close up holes, only small amounts of work, such as sanding and minor repainting, sufficiently clears up any mess.  

Our equipment handles extracting any leftover water from lower areas of your property and gets them ready for our drying machinery. Opening windows and doors so that air can move more freely, might occur, but only should the air outside be drier than the air inside. Our powerful air movers pull moisture from out of concrete and brick areas of your home. These slightly porous materials hold onto water they absorbed much more than softer materials tend to do. Getting it out of these more difficult materials helps immensely toward drying out the entire house. Our IICRC-certified technicians measure moisture content levels in different materials, starting when we first arrive so that we can accurately track our progress.  

As the air moves more forcefully through your home, the removal of damaged drywall and other wall materials means air can flow through areas that it could not before. This air movement causes dry areas inside upper walls which works in our favor to counteract evaporation and condensation. Trapped moisture is not a welcome aspect of flood damage mitigation. We also use desiccant machines to extract the moisture from the air, steadily decreases the amount of moisture in your property.  

SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties can help get your home back to normal again after flood damage causes untold harm. We understand that your house in Woodstock, Stratton, or Springfield can suffer in many ways, and that time is of the essence. Call us at (802) 674-8004, so we can start working on the mitigation and restoration needed immediately after a flooding incident. We are available whenever you call.

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Some Ways to Help Avoid Secondary Damages in White River Junction After a Fire

11/11/2018 (Permalink)

Even if the fire only affected one room in your home, contact SERVPRO right away for effective fire damage restoration services.

What to do After Fire Affects Your White River Junction Home

As traumatizing as a substantial and widespread disaster might be to your White River Junction home, having a plan in place to help you recover your loss and restore the property is critical. The faster that you can secure professional restoration services to begin mitigation and restoration on your home, the less time that this process usually takes to complete.

Once first responders have left the scene and the blaze has gotten extinguished, you get your first look at the fire damages to your White River Junction property. It is at this point that you realize what you need is a team of highly-trained technicians that can work efficiently to return your home to the way it used to be. Our SERVPRO emergency response team can help.

It has always been a focus of our franchise for our technicians to have access to the best training available for fire restoration. For this reason, every member of our fire recovery team has IICRC-certifications for fire and smoke restoration, as well as training in areas like soot mitigation and odor removal. With the widespread effects fire can have on your property, the ongoing training of our SERVPRO technicians can prove invaluable.

Before you contact your insurance company to begin the claim process, our SERVPRO team can help preliminarily to assess the full scope of the damage and comprise an estimate regarding the cost of the work and the length of time expected to complete it. With our 24-hour response team, our estimator and mitigation team can arrive fast to help begin compiling the necessary documentation your insurance provider needs to approve a damage claim.

Our fire recovery team thrives on our ongoing training through in-house programs and e-learning opportunities to make each of our technicians as experienced and educated as possible to minimize restoration times. Our SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties response team can arrive quickly with our industry-leading equipment to mitigate the immediate losses and set up a plan to restore your property fast. Give us a call anytime disaster strikes at (802) 674-8004.

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Lyophilization!! What Is That? Ask SERVPRO to Salvage Your Business Records for Your Wilmington Firm

10/25/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Saves Water Damaged Documents for Wilmington Business Owners

Restoring Your Valuable Documents during Commercial Water Damage Restoration in Wilmington

If you are running a business and it accidentally experiences a water loss incident, there is a need to be concerned. You should never take chances if there were books and other documents in the office. We can analyze the situation and determine the most suitable method for drying your items. It is critical to continuously communicate with the owner since we need to act and make decisions quickly to prevent further damage. Though it is hard to restore books to their earlier state, we can help your Wilmington business from entirely losing valuable documents.
 
Commercial water damage restoration services in Wilmington aim to protect your records from further damage and make them as whole as possible. The five common methods that our SERVPRO technicians use to dry documents include vacuum thermal-drying, vacuum freeze-drying, freezer drying, and air-drying. There are specific considerations we look at when selecting an appropriate drying method. They include the document’s value, the source of water, the degree of damage, exposure time, and the available personnel and equipment.
 
When we are drying the document, we rely on a method known as sublimation - a technique by which solids change into vapor form without undergoing through the liquid state. To achieve that, we first place the documents in a freezer. Freezing stops further damage and gives our SERVPRO time to determine the best restoration procedure. Lyophilization, the process of freezing, and creating a vacuum for rapid extraction, can be successful under certain conditions. We always advise our clients to have digital backups of relevant records.
 
If there is a need to remove some documents from the building during the restoration process, we take an inventory - which means none of your items can get misplaced and lost. During this stage, the customer identifies the most critical documents to dry. Restoring documents is so sensitive, and owners are advised to act as quickly as they can to limit chances of mold growth. In the case of contaminated water from flooding, there are few options for salvaging the paper items.
 
SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties has the skills and expertise to restore valuable items after a water damage disaster. We use specialized equipment when offering our 24-hour emergency services to both residential and commercial property owners. Call us today at (802) 674-8004 and have all your concerns addressed.

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Why You Should Pick SERVPRO When Your Wilmington Home Experiences A Water Damage Disaster

10/19/2018 (Permalink)

We have to dry the building to lower chances of mold damage.

Factors To Consider When Choosing Water Restoration Methods For Your Wilmington Property

There is no universal way that restorers use when attending to your water damaged property. Each site has different needs, and it is the extent of the problem at hand that guides us on choosing the restoration methods to use. Remember, water extraction from your property is not enough, your structure’s carpeting and insulation still need attention, and we have to dry the building to lower chances of mold damage. Here, we cover some of the procedures we use when performing restoration services in Wilmington.

The carpet in your Wilmington property is likely to suffer from latex deterioration or delamination after the water damage event. Carpets have a secondary and a primary backing, and the two are held together by latex - which is an adhesive material. Though the backing deteriorates with time, the soaking can make the backing to separate in a process known as delamination. Also, the strength of a carpet reduces by 50% when it is wet. Our SERVPRO technicians are keen to avoid excessive folding as it is one to things that lead to delamination. We also assess the quality of the padding after a water event and recommend a replacement if necessary.

The insulation of your building may lose its insulating power after a water event. If the structure had fiberglass insulation, it could still be re-used after cleaning since it never loses its insulating power even after contacting water. With the help of nonpenetrating and penetrating moisture meters, our SERVPRO technicians determine whether the water in the ceiling or enclosed wall cavities. We can ventilate drywall cavities by removing the baseboards and drilling holes between the studs and forcing air through the holes. By doing that, we increase the rate of evaporation.

As evaporation takes place, more moisture is added to the air, and we have to perform dehumidification to remove the additional water vapor. We have to balance the two processes and come up with a Balanced Drying System.

SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties can work with a client's insurance provider for a stress-free restoration process. Contact us by calling (802) 674-8004 when your property experiences, storm, mold, water, or fire damage and we can make it “Like it never even happened.”

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Cleaning Up from House Fires and Billowing Smoke Damage in White River Junction? Don't Fret--Call SERVPRO for Recovery Help

10/11/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Says Protect Your White River Junction Home from Fire Damage with Installed Smoke Detectors

Fire Damage Restoration Can Make Your White River Junction Home Feel Like Home Again

Families that have experienced fire damage incidents know the kind of loss that such disasters bring along. Whenever your home experiences a fire, you have to remain calm and make the right decision to prevent additional damage and salvage what might end up being unrestorable. The White River Junction area is not an exception to house fires and residents need to learn the role that restorers play during such incidents. Additionally, we are advised to take advantage of the available information during this National Preparedness Month to always stay ready to face such events.

Assessment and cleanup are among the first things that our SERVPRO team performs when attending to any home fire in White River Junction. If for instance the fire starts from your garage and spreads to other parts of the building, some sections of the structure might be a complete loss, and other rooms of the home might be restorable. The assessment allows us to determine what is restorable and what is necessary to replace. It is our work to haul away the charred and the smoke damaged ceilings, floor, and walls. We can then also focus on odor control.
 
Let us cover some of the cleaning methods that our SERVPRO technicians use when restoring your home. We use dry cleaning techniques when removing non-grease particles and soils from surfaces. During this technique, we use dusting cloths or feather dusters to brush or wipe surfaces and remove surface dust. Vacuuming is an example of a dry cleaning technique that we employ to remove particulate soiling and light debris.
 
Usually, we perform dry cleaning before we can start performing wet cleaning procedures. When using the previous technique, we use a cleaning agent or water to saturate the surface or item that we are cleaning. If the content or surface is likely to degrade by being overly saturated when we use spray and wipe - a wet cleaning method that controls the cleaning agent that we are applying to a surface.

SERVPRO highly recommends to have smoke detectors strategically placed within your home as an early warning for house fires. When extensive structural damage needs signifcant remolition and removal, we can pack-out personal items and furnishings for off-site cleaning and storage. We can tag using barcodes to document the movement of all removed items. We do whatever is necessary to make you feel "Like it never even happened."
 
SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties has the right expertise, equipment, and training to handle your cleaning and restoration needs. Call us at (802) 674-8004 and benefit from our 24/7 emergency services.

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Dealing With Water Damage From A Broken Pipe? SERVPRO Has A Solution

9/26/2018 (Permalink)

When water emergencies arise, SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties will be there to help!

We Provide Water Cleanup Services In Wilmington

Excess water in the home can come from various sources such as a broken pipe or busted water valve. It can also come from a leaking line on a household appliance such as a washing machine or dishwasher. Whatever the case, by the time you notice the water breach, there may be a mess in your bathroom or kitchen. Contacting trained professionals to extract the water right away is the right thing to do. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster and can help reduce damages to your property.

SERVPRO water cleanup restoration services in Wilmington are reliable. Our techs have various types of equipment at their disposal that includes portable and trunk-mounted extractors, pumps, wands or vacuums to remove water. Once they extract the water, our team checks the structure for hidden moisture. They may utilize probes and sensors to locate trapped moisture such as under the flooring or behind the baseboards. Standing water can cause wood rot, mold growth and can ruin floor tiles, which is why it is wise to let skilled professionals handle the job.

After the techs remove water from your home, they can begin the drying phase. Our SERVPRO technicians may employ industrial air movers or axial fans to dry the affected areas. Air movers and fans help increase evaporation by reducing moisture inside the structure. Also, the technicians may utilize heaters to speed up drying. Dehumidifiers may also be put in place to reduce moisture in the atmosphere.

We can arrive at your residence within hours after you contact us to start the cleanup process. It is our policy to extract water and dry structures quickly. We do this to prevent mold growth and to lessen damages to the property. When possible, our crews can restore homes to their preloss condition.

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It is our goal to respond fast and to make it look, “Like it never even happened.” SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties water cleanup team is close by and here to help. Contact us 24/7 at (802) 674-8004 any time.

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Restoring Your Brattleboro Church Following Flood Damages

9/17/2018 (Permalink)

Our team can utilize equipment like air movers and dehumidifiers to remove moisture from wall cavities to prevent secondary hazards like mold growth.

Restoring Your Church After A Flood

Your Brattleboro church services many residents throughout the community often several days a week. Even without being used 24/7, elements of the building are prone to wear and tear throughout the drastic weather changes from season to season. At-risk components of your building, such as lightly insulated plumbing, might weaken throughout freezing winter months and entirely separate through expansion in the warmer months to follow.

The resulting flood damages to your Brattleboro church might not get noticed immediately due to the sporadic use of the building, which can allow for widespread concerns. Water can move quickly and affect many areas of your church in a brief period, yet prolonged exposure poses even greater concerns for those responsible for the upkeep and maintenance. In any flooding situation, professional restoration like our SERVPRO team can help you resolve the situation quickly.

Flooding can do major damage to structural components, but if you contact our technicians immediately, our rapid response team can help to mitigate some of these losses before areas of your church become irreparably damaged. Part of this practice is our pack-out process which removes items that could be at risk for further damage from the area for concentrated restoration work and safeguarding until the building gets restored to preloss conditions.

Another thing that our SERVPRO professionals can do to help you overcome this situation is to guarantee that the job gets done correctly. With flood cuts (where lower portions of drywall get removed throughout affected areas and later replaced), our team can utilize equipment like air movers and dehumidifiers to remove moisture from wall cavities to prevent secondary hazards like mold growth.

While you might never get prepared to face a natural disaster or accident which causes flooding in your church, having the right team of professionals ready to help can take a lot of the weight off of your shoulders. You can count on our SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties technicians to arrive quickly and work to limit your loss and restore your church completely. Give us a call 24/7 at (802) 674-8004.

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Professional Packing Equipment Helps Fire Damage Restoration Experts in White River Junction

9/9/2018 (Permalink)

When fire affects an area of your home, contact SERVPRO to remediate the damage and clean your possessions properly.

Team SERVPRO Arrives Equipped to Help Remediate Fire Damage in Your Home

How we treat our customers' belongings in White River Junction reflects on our integrity as individuals and as a company. We always make sure that we treat your belongings as if they were those of a family member or close friend – always with extreme care and never with a flippant attitude.
 
When a family home sustains fire damage in White River Junction, the personal belonging and other contents inside the home also suffer. These require expert cleaning and deodorization treatments to become safely usable again. To perform the mitigation and restoration that the home needs structurally, we often must make more space available for our mitigation and restoration crew members.
 
Packing up possessions to make space also protects those same possessions from accidental harm. When we arrive to start work, we bring not only our restoration and mitigation equipment, but also the necessary tools to pack your items up safely, securely, and professionally.
 
Because your home's electricity might still not function when we begin, we come with our own generators to power our tools. This allows us to use portable lighting, rechargeable tools, necessary heaters, and the like. You do not need to provide us with any materials to perform packing up services.
 
We also bring new boxes, packing materials, pads for furniture and other heavy objects, tables, ladders, and dollies. Each of these items serves its purpose, sometimes several times, and without these, we might experience difficulty doing the work needed.
 
We also inventory everything that we pack up, label the boxes appropriately and provide you with copies. These sheets provide us with information on the status of each item, even in large collections. The information includes which room the contents came from, also. As each employee knows that updating these sheets maintains crucial information for our valuable customers, we can assure you that using these can always assist you when you need to locate something, particularly when you unpack items after you move back into your home.
 
After a fire in Ludlow, Springfield, or Woodstock, contact the professionals who can restore your home at SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties by calling (802) 674-8004. We realize that many homeowners need guidance after a disaster, and we can help you understand the complexities of the mitigation and restoration process from start to finish as we work to make everything “Like it never even happened.”

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Summer Storms and Flood Damage in Your Wilmington Residence

8/31/2018 (Permalink)

Our technicians restore storm damage "Like it never even happened."

Watch Out For Summer Storms - Flood Damage Can Occur

Summer brings plenty of beautiful warm weather to Wilmington, often in stark contrast to our freezing winter weather. Mixed in with sunny days come showers and storms that keep our lawns and parks green. Some storms cause problems though, especially when trees fall on homes or debris blocks drains on neighborhood streets. 

If your home in Wilmington experiences flood damage because of summer weather, SERVPRO can help get things back to normal. Your family home can sustain severe damage in untouched areas merely because of the increase in humidity. Water evaporates when temperatures rise, and this water vapor then seeks equilibrium, forcing its way into drier materials. Any dry surfaces act like magnets to water vapor, while conversely, moisture acts trapped by these same materials later.

Because of this, SERVPRO does not stop at simply removing damaged materials and cleaning things up after flood damage affects a home. We also remove the left-over moisture. Airing things out without using air movers, desiccant machines, and moisture meters can leave many hidden issues behind. Air movers draw the moisture out while desiccant machines collect moisture. We use our moisture detection equipment to keep tabs on our progress.

Concrete and brick can retain enormous amounts of water, even though they seem non-porous. Their porosity is responsible for their breakdown during winter freeze-overs. Melting snow seeps into cracks only to freeze overnight or during cold snaps. The water expands as it freezes and forces small cracks to expand. Over time, this can cause walkways and patios to deteriorate. Flood damage can cause this dilemma to occur in your garage unless we remove the water flooding left behind.

SERVPRO wants to provide the best services possible to all our customers. Preventing damage remains more inexpensive, and less time-consuming than repairing the damage wrought by flooding, as well as other disasters. Fully mitigating the damages can prevent such problems from becoming a reality and keep your expenses reasonable low.

Locally Owned Company with National Resources

SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties has the professional and skilled technicians needed to mitigate any degree of flood damage successfully. Ludlow and West Dover residents can rely on us to make their homes livable again after any disaster. Contact our skilled technicians at (802) 674-8004 when your home needs professional mitigation experts.

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Our Mold Damage Team In Wilmington Can Remove Mold In Your Home

8/23/2018 (Permalink)

When you have a mold infestation in your home, you may need professional restoration services.

Mold Damage

When you have a mold infestation in your home, you may need professional restoration services. You did notice a significant presence of mold in your bathroom. Calling professionals to remove mold can help save your home and may stop mold from spreading to other areas in your house. It is best to act fast because mold can spread quickly and can cause health effects.

SERVPRO mold damage restoration teams in Wilmington use advanced remediation equipment and techniques to restore your home. Plus, our services can make the environment in your home safe and clean. It takes a minimal amount of moisture for mold to expand and spread. Our teams are trained to prevent mold growth by first stopping the source of water in the home. Typically, a plumbing leak or pipe burst is the culprit. Our technicians can make repairs to stop some leaks. If there is a major plumbing problem, we recommend contacting a licensed plumber.

The next step our crew takes involves neutralizing and removing any existing mold in your home. In most cases, the techs spray the affected surfaces with an anti-fungal cleaning agent and then wipe down the surfaces with either a dry or damp sponge. If there is a thick layer of mold, our crew can employ a vacuum with a HEPA filter to remove mold spores. The technicians may also use air scrubbers to clean the air and to eliminate odors. Also, they may use dehumidifiers to help reduce moisture inside the structure.

After the team removes mold from your home, they dry the structure and contents in the area to stop mold from growing back. Plus, they may utilize air movers to pull in warm, dry air and to remove moisture. The team may also strategically place axial fans in the affected areas to push damp air from the structure and to speed up drying.

SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties mold damage services can restore your home to its preloss condition when possible. Call us 24/7 at (802) 674-8004.

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Experts Help Prevent Secondary Damage When Restoring Fire Damage in Wilmington

7/30/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Salvages Many Fire-Damaged Furnishings in Wilmington--Call the Professionals

Wilmington House Fires Results Can Be Mitigated with the Help of SERVPRO

There is always a chance of a fire starting in different parts of the house. Statistically, kitchens are the most likely sources of uncontrollable fires in many homes. It is not surprising considering there is often a flame or a heating appliance in use, and the fact that it only takes thirty seconds for a small, uncontrolled flame to turn into an unmanageable blaze. Although it is possible to extinguish many home fires before they consume the entire structure, they still cause considerable damage. The property can be further harmed during the restoration process.

The best way to deal with fire damage in Wilmington is to involve a professional from the moment the flames die down. Many people opt to deal with the damage first and only involve an expert when overwhelmed. You should call SERVPRO immediately to benefit from our extensive experience gained over the years from dealing with home fires. We train our technicians to salvage properties without causing further damage, whenever possible.

When our SERVPRO technicians arrive at your property, they first inspect contents and separate items into different categories. This categorization separates items that need cleaning from those that survive the fire in perfect condition. Other categories might include items that need further scrutiny and the damaged ones that require replacement. Since our experts start the recovery process systemically, it shortens the time taken and minimizes further damages. Our CCIS, Contents Claim Inventory Service provides our take on the damage with you and your insurance adjuster, who make the final call.

It is said where there is smoke, there is a fire. The inverse is also true, and in most home kitchen fires, smoke causes considerable damage, too. The smoke moves to various parts of the structure fast so you might think the damage is more extensive than it actually is. When our SERVPRO technicians inspect your home, they establish the best ways to remove the layers of soot deposited in different parts of the structure without damaging it further. Proper cleaning is necessary compared to taking shortcuts such as painting over soot-covered cabinets, ceilings or other fixtures. Such shortcuts can present further problems in future, including bad odors and material degradation because some forms of soot are acidic.

Involving a professional service to help in cases of fire damage clearly improves the outcome. If you call SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties at (802) 674-8004, our staff visits your property and helps kick-start the restoration process from the point of knowledge to minimize secondary damage and where possible, restore it to its preloss condition.

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Hiring an Expert for Water Damage Cleanup and Restoration in Wilmington Can Keep Down Costs

7/24/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Removes Water, Ice, and Snow from Wilmington Properties and Mitigates the Damages--Fast

SERVPRO Provides Professional Water Removal Services

When your property is flooded, it is a double tragedy since you have to deal with the costs of removing the water and restoration of contents to their preloss state. Although nobody would blame you for trying to minimize expenditure, cutting out professionals from the process is not a good cost-cutting measure. It is unlikely that you can reduce any immediate expenses and there is a possibility that you can mishandle the process leading to further expenditure in future costs.

When dealing with water damage in Wilmington, you need input from experts even when the cases seem minor. Unlike your casual observation, the expert can evaluate the true extent of the damage. For example, if water from a leaking sink has spilled on the floor, it might have seeped into the baseboards. So, even if you save money by drying the surface yourself, you can incur significant expenses in the future fixing mold or even structural issues. Our SERVPRO technicians rely on sensitive moisture detectors to identify sections where water has seeped below the surface, and moisture has accumulated.
 
The most important aspect of dealing with water damage is fast reaction swift water removal. Although you might start draining water as soon as your property is flooded by an appliance failure, the method you use may not be fast enough. Compare using a mop and bucket to a technician using a pump or wet/vac to extract the water from affected areas. Our professional grade equipment does the job faster and more effectively. Our SERVPRO experts also have the training to mitigate the water damage with less stress and inconvenience to you.
 
You probably do not know this, but 'dry' is a relative state. Without the right tools, you might not know whether you have dried your property or its contents sufficiently to avoid problems such as rot or mold growth. When our SERVPRO technicians restore your property, they also take measurements from other unaffected areas, a baseline, to ensure that standard moisture content levels have been achieved.
 
It is clear that involving a WRT water damage restoration technician does not necessarily increase your cost. When you call SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties at (802) 674-8004, we respond quickly to mitigate the damage and even offer advice.

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Gray Water Backup Can Flood Your Wilmington Home

7/18/2018 (Permalink)

Flooding from Storms Can Mean Damage to Wilmington Homes--Call SERVPRO for Cleanup

Wilmington Properties Can Suffer from Flooding in Many Ways

Most of the homeowners in Wilmington have an adequate understanding of their respective plumbing that brings fresh water into their homes, and ushers used water and sewage back out of it. Many homes have all of these outlets tying in together as they exit the house, but many residences have a separate line for wastewater and another for sewage removal.

It is important to know what the set up is for your house because if something goes wrong, you have to understand whom to call to fix the problem. While many residents in the area would choose to reach out to our SERVPRO team for the restoration end of the problem you might face, the issue itself could require tradecraft specific to intricate plumbing or the municipality could have an issue with their main lines and are unaware. Ultimately, flood damages can occur in your Wilmington home when your gray water/wastewater line backs up. Often, storm-induced flooding does not allow for the egress of water from the plumbing.

Fortunately, this does not directly feed sewage back into your home if you do not have these lines combined. Often, issues with gray water lines originate from something too large to pass through the lines outside of your home wedging tightly and blocking the passage of the water. The result is this same water backing up through your lines and overflowing onto the floors around sinks and appliances.

While not sending any more water through this line can eliminate the situation getting any worse, it is best to seek out the experience and professionalism of our SERVPRO restorers to help get started on cleaning up the mess and disinfecting your home while the repairs and blockage clearing occurs. We can respond quickly to the situation, helping to mitigate substantial damages.

When you have any kind of line backing up into your home, it is best to get the situation resolved as efficiently as possible. If you are unsure as to what is happening or where it is coming from, trust in the experience of our SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties restoration specialists and hazardous materials team to handle the situation for you. Give us a call right away at (802) 674-8004.

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Cleaning Up Commercial Water Damage from a Leaky Toilet In Your Wilmington Diner

7/3/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Provides Fast Water Removal and Cleanup for Wilmington Commercial Restrooms and Office Buildings

SERVPRO Quickly Responds to Water Removal and Cleanup in Businesses and Small Shops

Bathroom fixtures including toilets can leak at many points. It only takes one small leak to make a big mess in your diner's restroom in Wilmington. Once deterioration of flooring and other components in your bathroom starts, the destructiveness only becomes worse until we mitigate the problem.

In Wilmington, we can repair the commercial water damage brought on by malfunctioning sinks or toilets. Having this work done early on prevents current damage from becoming worse. Restoring the area to a safe condition protects your employees and patrons from unnecessary risks. SERVPRO undertakes work like this on a regular basis.
 
Removing damaged areas so we can restore your diner's bathroom floor and lower walls can often expose mold and mildew infestations in the immediate area. When we encounter this, we can also provide practical solutions to the problem by removing all of the moisture-laden materials and performing a few others methods. However, the visible presence of microbial activity before our arrival on exposed surfaces should make a call to us a priority for restoration work from both mold and water damage.
 
Our technicians perform the work at times that work best for you, so if you need us to work during slower times, we can do this for you. Doing so reduces the amount of frustration for your staff and guests, as well, and we do everything possible to keep you and your customers happy with our services. We understand that you do not want a work in progress around food served to the public.
 
As for the cause of water damage in a restroom, leaks can come from anywhere and often need very little repair work to stop them from causing any more problems. Doing so also keeps your water bill at a level that reflects your actual use of this resource. For major plumbing repairs, we can follow the contractor for the cleanup and restoration service immediately.
 
SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties offers services 24 hours a day, every day of the week. Call us at (802) 674-8004 for the restoration services your diner or retail shop needs to get rid of water damage and other problems in White River Junction, Stratton, and West Dover.

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Harsh Wilmington Winters Can Lead To Flood Filled Summers

6/28/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO can respond quickly, even sometimes amid the flood itself, to help you start cleaning up the mess and preventing similar circumstances.

Harsh Winters Can Lead To Flood Filled Summers

With the warmer months finally ahead throughout the Wilmington area, homeowners are just not getting to see the full effects of a very harsh winter on the exterior of their houses. While freezing, thawing, and excessive weight can ultimately lead to roof failures, these are not the only places you should look to fully assess the defenses of your residence against the coming summer onslaught of rainfall.

In many cases, these freezing temperatures have been known to cause considerable damages to both the siding on the house and the gutter system intended to divert water away from pooling by the foundation. In either of these cases, heavy rainfall could find its way to areas inside and outside of your Wilmington residence (where they can pose a threat) and lead to a disaster like flood damage.

Our SERVPRO team can respond quickly, even sometimes amid the flood itself, to help you start cleaning up the mess and preventing similar circumstances. Leaks through your foundation can get patched over with hydraulic cement while the entire structural integrity gets better assessed.

For any area of your home, extraction is often a needed practice to pull water from the affected areas efficiently. While the process typically involves tools such as wet-vacs with extraction wands and portable sump pumps, there are times where more heavy-duty equipment must help.

Drying the area, especially in the basement, requires some additional steps at times. While a lot of the drying can happen with the use of air movers and specialized dehumidification equipment, extra steps like drilling weep holes in the block to allow for drainage and more thorough drying with other equipment like our injectidry dry system.

With such little warning as flood damages often provide, it is no wonder that so many homes in the area find themselves at the mercy of torrential storms. Several inches of rainwater can have a dramatic impact on your house and wallet, especially when you do not take the opportunity to reach out to our SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties flood restoration specialists. Give us a call today at (802) 674-8004.

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Cleaning Mold Damage In Wilmington Homes

6/20/2018 (Permalink)

Mold damage can happen in any home.

Cleaning Mold Damage

Wilmington is a picturesque ideal of small-town Vermont. Visitors to the Hagley or Nemours come away amazed at what they find in our little community. Residents never want to leave, but even here mold can surprise and temporarily drive out even the most loyal citizen.

Mold damage can happen in any Wilmington home. SERVPRO technicians understand that mold growth has nothing to do with keeping a clean home since mold spores are in every home. Spores only need a source of moisture, food, and a temperature range between 68 to 86 degrees to expand through a residence.

After the mold has enough time to grow, restoring infested or damaged items can require specialized equipment and cleaning agents. Removing mold from carpets can especially be difficult.

Mold usually find its way into a carpet after a flood, either from a storm or plumbing failure. The water causes mold spores to expand and begin searching for a food source. Often, both the carpet fibers and the glue can feed mold. To remove the mold, SERVPRO technicians use a water extraction wand, an anti-fungal cleaner, and a shampooing machine.

They begin by removing the water trapped in the carpet. The extraction wands can remove most of the water, leaving a tiny amount of moisture. If there is a pad underneath the carpet, our team members raise the carpet, roll it to one side, and dispose of it. Pads deteriorate quickly and are cheaper to replace than to spend any time attempting to clean and dry them.

After removing the mold contaminated water, specialists unroll the carpet and use the anti-fungal cleaner in the shampoo machine to clean the carpet nape and remove as much of the mold as possible. They follow-up with the extraction wands again to draw out any remaining water.

To prevent mold from expanding and growing again, our technicians dry the carpet. To complete the task, they raise the ends of the carpet and use a combination of air movers and exhaust fans to force warm air under and over the carpet while drawing out the damp air under the carpet and the remaining moisture from the nape.

At SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties, our goal is to return every Vermont home to a clean, safe condition. If you need our restoration services, call us today at (802) 674-8004 to schedule a visit.

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Commercial Water Damage Experts In Wilmington Talk About Desiccant Dehumidifiers

6/9/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Can Dry Out Large Commercial Buildings in the Wilmington Area with a Trailered-In Desiccant Dehumidifier. We Do It Right!

Moisture and Water Removal Are Key to Restoring Businesses

If severe weather or a malfunctioning appliance ever occurs at your Wilmington auto shop, many different types of problems can take place. Water can cause things like cause foul odors, ruin structural materials, or cause mold to develop. All of these conditions can create problems with your business functions and possibly a loss of revenue.

Whenever a loss occurs, removing standing water and excessive moisture is vital. During any commercial water damage project in Wilmington, rapid drying takes place so that microbial growth does not occur. The quicker moisture is removed from a building, the fewer problems it can cause with contents and structural materials. Metal tools and devises can suffer from rusting.
 
The first step to water removal after a mishap takes place, is to extract as much water as possible. If there is standing water that is more than two inches deep, our SERVPRO technicians set up submersible pumps that pull the water into a sewage drain. Any other moisture that remains gets sucked up using our specialized extraction system.
 
After our SERVPRO crew thinks they have removed as much water as possible, they begin the drying process. Rapid drying involves an air moving and dehumidification system. Air movers create a circular airflow within the affected area whereas dehumidifiers remove moisture from the air and damp surfaces and lower the room's relative humidity.
 
Depending on the situation, our SERVPRO restoration team has the choice of using either a refrigerant or desiccant dehumidifier. Refrigerant dehumidifiers use cold metal coils to cause condensation to lower humidity. Desiccant systems use a much simpler method to pull moisture from the air. Typically, a gel-like silicone substance absorbs airborne water droplets.
 
Desiccant dehumidifiers use more electricity but can operate at lower temperatures than refrigerant systems. Desiccant systems intake wet air and run it across specialized water absorbing silica gel. The machine then creates heat to run across the gel and evaporate the water from the silica. Next, the system exhausts out the air outside of the building.
 
Desiccant dehumidifiers get used mostly in specialty situations that take place at your auto shop such as drying concrete. When working at your place of business, we always make sure that our operations do not inhibit your company's everyday functions. Whenever a water-related issue occurs at your auto shop or other place of business, call SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties at (802) 674-8004 24/7.

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A Quick Look At Mold Remediation For Your Wilmington Home

6/4/2018 (Permalink)

Areas of the home affected by mold can be sectioned off like this to avoid contaminating other areas of the home.

How water can lead to Mold damage in your home

Many things can allow for water damages to your Wilmington home. While you try to safeguard your home from some of these occurrences, accidents and disasters occur. The real trouble comes when many homeowners determine that they can clean up this water sufficiently on their own and do not opt for professional restoration. Conventional cleaning and drying methods can prove inefficient against substantial water damages, allowing the area to stay moist and damp.

Inefficient drying leads to persistent dampness and moisture ridden areas of your home once affected by the water. Without drying these areas thoroughly, you have opened the door for mold damages to affect your Wilmington home. Again, this is something that many homeowners believe they can remedy on their own, but this would also be incorrect.

Our SERVPRO applied microbial remediation technicians get certified to the highest standards put out by the IICRC. Our training and expertise allow us a significant advantage when it comes to remediating the mold damages that you experience in your house. This process begins with fully understanding the widespread nature of the mold growth and sectioning off this area to prevent further spreading of the colonies.

While our SERVPRO professionals work to remove the colonies from the surfaces and items they seat on, we also work to remove the lingering dampness and moisture from the affected area. This approach prevents similar occurrences from happening in the immediate future. The drying and dehumidifying permit our technicians to assess damages to structural components from the initial water damage, as well as address further steps that may need to get taken to prevent growth again.

Finding mold growing in your home is not something that any homeowner wants to experience, but moisture and dampness can often lead to that conclusion quickly. Trust our SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties mold remediation specialists to help you to determine all of the damage you face and the most effective approach for removing mold and restoring the damage. Give us a call anytime at (802) 674-8004.

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Water Damage Requires Mitigation to Prevent Worsening and Spreading in Your Wilmington Property

5/27/2018 (Permalink)

When you are facing a water line break in your home, water damage is inevitable. Contact SERVPRO right away for drying out and remediation services.

Team SERVPRO Remediates Water Damage Whether it Comes in From an External or Internal Source

Summer weather brings natural warmth to our area, and this lets Wilmington residents leave windows and doors open, so fresh air can gently flow through our homes. Summer also brings rain showers and thunderstorms, meaning any forgotten windows might let rainwater come in, instead.

Homeowners know that other situations can lead to water damage in their Wilmington homes. Broken water lines and backed up plumbing can also lead to problems. Unless a professionally certified team steps in and provides the necessary mitigation, this damage continually worsens and spreads through a home.

Our technicians receive extensive training and earn different certificates from the IICRC. They become experienced by working with our other employees, as well as the employees of other franchises when larger-scaled jobs require more than one franchise. This experience provides our customers with the skills needed to clean up and restore any sized mess your home might suffer.

Regardless of the original location of intrusive water, damaged materials and belongings can occur anywhere in your home. We know how to find the precise place with different water and moisture detection equipment, and we also can remove such water, moisture, and humidity before it can further damage your home.

The already existing damage can cause problems for your family. Walls made of sheetrock and drywall can crumble because of the deterioration water so easily causes to these materials. This can result in dusty conditions that ruin vacuum cleaners, and make your home look and feel constantly dirty. Wallpapers and trims can peel away, sometimes in small bits and pieces, posing choking hazards. When we encounter such situations, we remove the damaged material while leaving any undamaged areas untouched. This reduces waste and keeps our customers’ costs reasonable.

SERVPRO of Windham and Windsor Counties’ 24-hour service line, (802) 674-8004, is a local number for the communities of Brattleboro, White River Junction, Chester, and surrounding areas. If your home’s interior begins to suffer from water damage, call us so we can mitigate the damage and protect your home.

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When Your Wilmington Home’s Foundation Allows Flood Damages

5/7/2018 (Permalink)

If you find your home was unprepared for severe weather, call SERVPRO to help restore your home "Like it never even happened."

SERVPRO’s Trained Teams Act Fast to Restore Your Home after Flood Damage

While Wilmington homeowners are not strangers to severe weather, especially throughout the winter months, yet homes get impacted in disastrous ways by this inevitable force all the time. One of the ways that homes most often get affected by these severe weather systems is through flooding, either widespread throughout the region or localized from house to house based on which residences have compromised construction and vulnerable penetration points for water to pass through.

You might not even realize that these vulnerable points in your home's construction exist until you get posed with a potential flooding situation happening outside. This event tests the mettle of your foundation and makes short work of any weaknesses that could exist in the mortar joints, the block themselves, or in the footer beneath your home. Within a short period, all of these penetration points can allow unabated water to access the inside of your house, posing considerable flood damages to your Wilmington residence.

Fortunately, SERVPRO is always available to help you even amid a crisis. When you call our emergency response team, we work to dispatch a team of experienced technicians quickly to help avoid prolonged exposure of this pooling water to structural components of your home. The longer that these materials get exposed to the standing water, the weaker and more compromised they become, in some cases requiring removal and replacement for the restoration to get deemed successful.

As you might have guessed, extraction is a vital component of the flood restoration process. No other facet of our restoration can occur until the standing water gets removed via pump trucks from our SERVPRO fleet or wet-vacs with extraction wands. Once this process gets completed, our team can get to work on thoroughly drying the area and assessing the stability and strength of the structural components of your home that could be in jeopardy.

Flooding might not be entirely uncommon for the area, but it is still something challenging to contend with in your home That is why you should trust in the reliability and experience of our SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties professionals to help you remove the water and clean up the mess. Give us a call anytime you need us at (802) 674-8004.

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Damp Winters Can Lead to Mold Damage in the Attic of Your Wilmington Residence

4/23/2018 (Permalink)

Mold in Wilmington Attics Get Professional and Safe Remediation When SERVPRO Does the Job

No Matter the Season, SERVPRO Remediates Mold Infestations in Homes

Wet winter weather can bother even the best of us in Wilmington, but it can also pose problems for your home. Ice dams can create watery problems inside your attic. As your home's heat rises, this moisture quickly evaporates.

Wilmington homes can eventually sustain mold damage, especially in the attic, when temperatures over the winter fluctuated considerably. Ice dams can quietly damage shingles and the roof's structure underneath, allowing only a minute amount of water inside the attic. Even if you never noticed stains on ceilings or other signs of intrusive water, mold damage can quickly get out of control in less-used areas of your home, especially the attic.
 
Our technicians can help restore your home, from the attic to the ground, and fend off mold damage. Microbes do not require much moisture to support their life cycle, so we begin there. We eliminate the availability of water so microbes can no longer grow. This includes the presence of moisture in materials and belongings, as well as humidity in the air.
 
After we restore your home's interior to a dry state, we can begin extracting mold particles, mold-damaged materials, and cleaning your belongings of mold. Vacuums with various attachments and HEPA filters extract microbes from even the most delicate items you store in your attic while keeping the mold in our vacuum's tank.
 
Air scrubbers help keep the air from transporting mold to other areas in your attic, and because we seal off the area, these should not find their way into your living space. Because attics typically include unfinished wood, we know that these microbes can reach deep into the rough surfaces of your roof's structure. We treat these places with antimicrobial agents that quickly dry to a safe but effective, albeit somewhat invisible, coating.
 
SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties works in the West Dover, Ludlow, and Stratton areas, and can help you restore your home's attic after mold damage threatens to destroy your family's keepsakes. Call us at (802) 674-8004, any day of the year for assistance at our 24-hour service line.

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Deodorization of Soot and Smoke After Fire Damage in Your Wilmington Home

4/17/2018 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO to Treat Smoke Odors After a Wilmington House Fire

House Fires Generate Problematic Smoke and Odor Cleanup and Restoration Needs--Call SERVPRO

A majority of electrical fires in the Wilmington area are caused by faulty outlets and appliances that are old and outdated. Other fires begin by faults in appliance cords, switches, and receptacles. Do not ever use appliances with frayed or worn cords that can send heat onto surfaces which are combustible like curtains, floors, and rugs, as this can spark a fire. Other hazards including running a cord underneath a rug or taking the ground plug off a cord to use it in an electrical outlet with two prongs.
 
Any electrical fire in your Wilmington home can leave behind a great deal of fire damage that needs to be addressed right away. Letting smoke and soot remain creates additional damage, as the soot is acidic and eats away at surfaces. Call on our professional staff at SERVPRO for help as soon as the fire is out. We have all the necessary training and tools needed to clean and restore your home after a fire properly.
 
Part of cleaning up after a fire is deodorizing the affected areas in your home from the soot and smoke odors. We can remove the source of the odor instead of deodorizing it if it is charred or damaged enough. Removing charred structural materials before we deodorize is helpful in combating the smells. Debris that is contaminated with smoke residues can keep giving off smoke odors or soils if it is not removed.
 
SERVPRO technicians check each room of the house, not just where the fire happened, to see how far odors have penetrated. The entire structure may sometimes need to be cleaned, along with the contents, to remove all remnants of smells. Small particles of odor-producing residues continue to permeate the air until neutralized.
 
A deodorizing smoke or fog is most effective after a fire, as distributing the aerosols to a surface in a similar manner to the way that odor-causing substances penetrated the surface works the best. We then seal surfaces exposed to malodors when required for more severe situations.
 
SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties thoroughly cleans your home in Ludlow, Stratton, or Springfield after fire damage to mitigate all smoke and soot odors. Contact us at (802) 674-8004 once the fire is out so we can get your home restored as quickly as possible.

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Water Damage Equipment Used in Wilmington

4/7/2018 (Permalink)

Materials can get ruined beyond repair if unwanted moisture sits in your home for too long. Call SERVPRO for fast and thorough water removal.

SERVPRO Can Return Your Water Damaged Home to Its Pre Loss Condition

Any time unwanted moisture gets inside your Wilmington townhome, mitigation is possible with the necessary equipment. If water sits inside your townhouse for too long, then it is possible that materials get ruined. Mold often develops in areas with high moisture if the problem does not get fixed within 48 hours.

To get rid of moisture within the 48-hour time period, specialized equipment and techniques are needed. SERVPRO's water damage technicians in Wilmington use top-of-the-line drying and extraction equipment. The proper tools of the trade help return moisture levels to normal in a short period.

After the initial problem gets fixed so that water is no longer pouring into the building, the extraction process begins. If there is a lot of moisture present, then we use a truck-mounted extractor to pull water out of carpet and upholstery. If the work area is in a tight spot that is difficult to get to, then we use a portable extractor. The type of extraction tool used to suck up water depends on the type of work surface and possibly changes with each different situation.

Once our IICRC certified technnicians extract all of the moisture possible, the last step is to speed up the natural evaporation process with specialized drying equipment. However, before we set up the air movers and dehumidifiers, we use monitoring equipment to see how wet things got compared to unaffected areas inside the townhome. Depending on the surface that gets tested we use various types of monitoring devices.

To test the presence of moisture in soft, porous materials such as carpet and upholstery, we use a moisture sensor. Moisture sensors consist of a handle and long rod with two prongs on the bottom. The two probes stick into the soft material and detect whether moisture is present or not. If moisture is present in the material getting tested, then the sensor beeps, and a light blinks.

Moisture meters get used to test moisture levels in materials such as wood or drywall. We test materials around the affected area and compare the readings with moisture levels of the building in areas that are not affected. The two readings give our technicians a moisture level goal so that they know when the drying process is complete.

The comparison of the two moisture levels also helps us determine how much equipment and time is needed to reach our moisture level goals. For professional help returning moisture levels to preloss conditions call SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties at (802) 674-8004 any time of the day.

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What to Do When a Curling Iron Causes Fire Damage in Your Wilmington Home

3/30/2018 (Permalink)

Leaving your curling iron on in the bathroom can sometimes cause damage especially if you and your family have left for the day. Call SERVPRO.

Team SERVPRO Takes Care of BOTH Small and Large Scale Fire Damage 

Everyone has had those mornings when they are so tired that they are running on pure instinctual memory. However, this can be an issue when forgetfulness leads to fire damage in your home. Unfortunately, it is often too easy to leave your curling iron plugged in and running when you are tired. Going to iron out your shirt for the day may not seem like a long time away from the curling iron, but it can be just long enough to cause a small fire in your bathroom.
 
The towels, skin care products, and toothpaste in your residence can get quickly burned up in the small fire in Wilmington. While the fire might not cause any catastrophic damage to your bathroom, the blaze can cause terrible odors and soot that is in desperate need of cleaning. Fortunately, there is help nearby to assist in the clean up from this unfortunate accident.
 
Here at SERVPRO, we strive to get to your home as quickly as possible after receiving your call. However, in the meantime, we can recommend tips to help you keep the smelly soot inside of your bathroom, like keeping the door closed until we arrive. SERVPRO technicians can inspect the damage done to your bathroom and then get to cleaning up the mess that the fire left behind.
 
Once we clean the surfaces of the walls, mirror, and furnishing of your bathroom, we can help you create an inventory of what you lost. Afterward, our technicians can employ the use of advanced technology to rid your home of the smelly scents from the fire. We use tools like hydroxyl generators, which neutralize smells by chemically changing the compounds of the odors. With the use of such technology, we can make you feel "Like it never even happened."
 
When you have a fire in your home, large or small, call SERVPRO of the Windham & Windsor Counties at (802) 674-8004. We answer your calls 24/7 so that we can return your home to its preloss condition as soon as possible.
 
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SERVPRO for Stopping and Reducing Commercial Water Damage in Wilmington VT

3/20/2018 (Permalink)

Large and Small Grocery Stores in Wilmington Trust SERVPRO to Remove Unwanted Water and Moisture

Water Problems Are Quickly Resolved When SERVPRO is Called In, Anytime--Day or Night

Wilmington businesses often deal with problems not seen in private homes. Since each day the doors are closed means a loss of income, the expenses can quickly add up, even if the owner has a very robust insurance policy in place to protect his Vermont business.
 
For produce stores and other markets, Wilmington commercial water damage often centers around the loss of inventory. SERVPRO restoration teams can quickly move in and start the processes needed to clean and dry shelves and other storage units as well as preserve items on the shelf for sale once we can reopen the doors to customers.
 
The source of water damage for a number of enterprises is often a failed fire suppression system. Since it is designed to reach every surface, that also makes the system, unfortunately, very successful in soaking property and inventory until it shuts off automatically, or the owneror an employee turns it off manually.
 
Usually, our first task in a commercial building is to remove any standing water before starting another process. In this situation, team members also start drying shelves, storage racks, and other units by hand as we bring down the water level. We do this, so we have a clean, dry area to store undamaged inventory.
 
SERVPRO technicians next establish air movement and lower humidity to begin drying inventory and property as soon as possible. We can start this with a combination of air movers, dehumidifiers, and exhaust fans. If the air outside the market is drier than the inside, we open every door and window possible and install a high-powered axial fan. These devices draw out the damp, cold air and force it outside the structure.
 
Our technicians also use the air movers to generate warm, dry air to replace what the axial fans removed. We can direct the airflow of these devices over inventory and structural property to carefully dry them out without causing additional damage. We use the dehumidifiers to draw moisture from the air, which helps the fans and air movers work more efficiently.
 
These are just the first steps we take, but they are what has to be done to preserve any items at all inside the facility. If you have water damage in your business, call SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties today at (802) 674-8004. We are here for you.

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Cleaning Mold Damage In Your Wilmington Home

3/12/2018 (Permalink)

Moisture is always the cause of mold growth in Wilmington homes.

Cleaning Mold Damage

Moisture is always the cause of mold growth in Wilmington homes. It cannot grow on its own, as it requires a wet environment. Therefore, if you control moisture in your home, you control the growth of mold. Typically, mold occurs for three main reasons – direct water intrusion such as a roof leak, poorly sealed windows, and plumbing leaks, indirect water intrusion from moisture wicking up from damage concrete or the ground, or intermittent water intrusion from condensation from things such as vaporizers or humidifiers.

Mold growing inside your Wilmington home can cause mold damage to structural parts of your home and personal property, but it can also cause health effects. Mold’s very nature is to decompose matter, so detecting it and addressing it early on is the best thing. If you leave it alone, mold eventually destroys whatever it is growing on. Our trained staff at SERVPRO are experienced in remediating mold growth and stopping the source of moisture which started it.

As we prepare to remediate the mold from your home, we first entirely suit up with white, head-to-toe suits, respirators, booties, and goggles. We do this to protect us from the potentially toxic mold and from breathing in any of the spores during remediation. The affected area is contained before we begin our process, so mold does not spread to unaffected areas of your home.

SERVPRO techs spray the area that is affected by old with a biocide. It is an EPA-approved liquid that kills mold. Beach is not approved by the EPA, so you should not attempt to do the mold cleanup yourself. Performing this first step usually takes less time than the next step.

Encapsulation involves spraying the affected area with a kind of whitewash or pain that encapsulates the remaining spores of mold. We spay well beyond the moldy area to make sure that no more mold continues to grow. If porous materials such as drywall were affected, they might need to be removed and disposed of, as the mold is difficult to clean from them.

Your structure is then dried to stop further mold growth. Dehumidifiers without much airflow can be used for this step, as the usual air-movers used for drying can just spread the mold further.

SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties knows how to carefully proceed with mold remediation in your home in Ludlow, Chester, or Stratton so as not to make the problem worse. Reach out to us at (802) 674-8004 as soon as you realize there is a problem so we can stop the mold before it continues to spread.

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How SERVPRO Handles Flood Damaged Carpeting in Wilmington

2/28/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Cannot Always Salvage Storm-Damaged Carpets in Wilmington Properties

Storm Damaged Materials Can Sometimes Be Salvaged

Carpeting is often one of the first things to go when your home suffers flood damage in Wilmington. If water can pour into the area and seep deep into the materials making up your carpeted floors, it can cause heavy and permanent damage to a large area or even an entire room. Water can cause warping and shrinkage to the carpet itself, upend tack strips, oxidizing materials, and create mold colonies that could cause health effects. Here are some of the steps SERVPRO technicians take to help restore your carpet after a flood, when it is feasible.

Water Extraction
Whether the disaster has just abated or if your home has taken flood damage in Wilmington over the course of weeks, most types of carpeting are highly likely to retain water until our technicians arrive. If the water is contaminated with exterior groundwater and debris, the covering may not be salvageable. We use mechanized, high-powered pumps called extractors to remove large volumes as quickly as possible. Once water volume is at a manageable (but still significant) level, we shift our focus to the use of air movers, high powered machines that create directional air currents to pick up any remaining moisture in and underneath the carpet. If not heavily soiled, we can lift the carpet from the edges around the tack strip and "float" heated air beneath to enhance the rate of evaporation. Count on our IICRC certified technicians to give the best effort to salvage the flooring fabric.

Restoring and Repairing Damage
Removing water is only half of the battle against a flood-damaged carpet. SERVPRO technicians often must apply restorative treatments or suggest the installation of replacement materials. Many carpets can delaminate, separate into the nap and base material necessitating discarding and replacing. In some cases, mold growth may also cause enough damage to warrant its treatments and safety precautions. While we try to save as much as we can before replacing anything, carpet restoration often involves a relatively high amount of fresh materials. However, no matter what path we take, our cleaning processes and restorative techniques ensure that any carpeting laid down is soft, fresh, and aesthetically appealing.

SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties is a local authority on flood damage mitigation and restoration work. Call us 24/7 at (802) 674-8004.

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Restoring Fire Damaged Homes in Wilmington VT

2/26/2018 (Permalink)

Fire Damage Cleanup in Wilmington Meets Its Match with SERVPRO

The Process of Smoke & Fire Cleanup and Restoration Depends on the Degree of Damage

Wilmington homeowners and residents often have to deal with multiple types of damage after a fire. There is, of course, the material that burned. After that, there is the damage that residues cause when smoke and soot settle onto property surfaces. Then, there is the damage caused by firefighters and fire suppression systems when water and extinguishing chemicals are used to stop the fire.
 
These different types are also factors in determining the level of Wilmington fire damage. SERVPRO categorizes the various water, smoke, and burn damages into three levels. We do this to understand what tools and methods each task requires. After an inspector determines the damage level, our trained response teams can immediately get to work and begin the restoration process.
 
Minor Fire Damage is primarily smoke related. The residues are only found in a few rooms near the source of the fire and not spread throughout the entire home. Technicians use dry and wet methods of cleaning to remove light-to-moderate amounts of residues from personal property, floors, walls, and ceilings. Items like books may need replacing, and there may be a small amount of repainting needed near the origin point of the fire. Preventing fire is the best bet.
 
Medium Fire Damage requires more effort to remove smoke residues which are moderate at least and spread throughout more of the home. Dry cleaning methods are not as useful, and wet cleaning methods require more chemical cleaners instead of water to remove them. Smoke odors are very noticeable at this level and may require specific cleaning chemicals to eliminate them. The damage from flames and the heat are more severe than in minor damage, so structural material like drywall, floor trim, and ceiling tiles may require disposal and replacement.
 
Major Fire Damage involves the destruction of the home's structure. Wall framing is charred and has to be removed and replaced before hanging new drywall. Smoke residues are spread throughout the entire home and may be severe enough to require our SERVPRO team members to dispose of structural and personal property rather than expend the effort and resources in an attempt to clean them. When the damage is this extensive, we may have to board up broken windows and damaged doors to secure the home from further damage. Smoke odors are strong enough that we use an ozone generator to neutralize odor particles, eliminating them.
 
Depending on the heat, items burned, and the efforts of the fire department, restoration of your home can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. If you need our assistance, SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties is here to help return your Vermont home to its original state. Call us today at (802) 674-8004 to schedule a visit.

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Remove Water Damage From Your Office Building in Wilmington and Surrounding Communities

2/12/2018 (Permalink)

Office buildings can face water damage from both an outside or an inside event. Should your office building face water damage, contact SERVPRO.

Team SERVPRO is Standing By Ready to Remediate Your Commercial Property After a Water Damage Event

Water damage can happen in your Wilmington area office buildings at any time. With problems that often lead to the possibility of health effects for your employees or clients, as well as content and structural damage to your building, it is imperative for you to get water damage under control just as soon as possible.  

Having commercial water damage occur on your Wilmington area property means one thing – you have to close for business until someone has an opportunity to address the damages. Which means that the services you regularly offer to clients come to a halt, leading to a loss in productivity, or revenue for your company that you simply cannot afford to lose.  

Every emergency water situation that occurs on your property has a solution; you just need access to qualified professionals to get the job done right. SERVPRO has fully-certified IICRC technicians who use a variety of water extraction, location, and detection equipment to remove even the most stubborn pockets of moisture throughout your building. Sprinkler problems, plumbing leaks, roof, wind, or storm damage are all easy to fix when you have experienced professionals on your side.

SERVPRO’s expertly trained technicians use infrared moisture detectors, hygrometers, air-movers, and attachments to dry the entire affected area, offering additional services that ensure proper recovery, cleaning, and deodorization. We help prevent mold growth, address harmful bacteria, and give specific attention to details that you might not find anywhere else.

“We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster,” with 24-hr emergency response teams that provide you with the care and consideration your business needs and deserves. SERVPRO Technicians help you determine which steps to take to recover, limiting your losses and helping you return to normal operations as fast and efficiently as possible, maintaining communications that keep you informed throughout the restoration process.  

SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties proudly provides services throughout Brattleboro, West Dover, Ludlow, and Stratton. Call now to learn more about how your company can benefit from our services and get the help you need, today. (802) 674-8004

Click here for more information about the city of Wilmington. 

Water Removal From Your Wilmington Kitchen

1/31/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is always on call and ready to assist you with water removal in Wilmington.

Kitchen Water Removal

Kitchens are a common place for mishaps to occur. Your Wilmington kitchen has water running to the sink and sometimes to the dishwasher as well. At times pipes or other things break, causing water to spill into your kitchen.

If you notice that water has covered your kitchen floor, the first step is to repair the leak. SERVPRO is always on call and ready to assist you with water removal in Wilmington. Once the problem gets fixed, and water is no longer getting into the kitchen, the mitigation process begins.

In a kitchen, there are some things that water can damage. The first thing water most likely effects are the flooring. Water can also ruin kitchen cabinets. Other things that get damaged when soaked in water are possibly kitchen appliances and furniture.

What the first thing an IICRC certified water restoration company like SERVPRO does is extract all of the standing water present in the kitchen. Our experienced restoration team uses advanced extraction equipment to vacuum up all of the water in the kitchen. After all of the noticeable water is removed, the area will be tested for moisture levels.

If a high level of moisture is present in the air or parts of the kitchen like the flooring or cabinets, then drying must occur to prevent mold growth. If there are high moisture levels present, our water damage team then comes in and puts furniture in the area up on blocks so that air can dry water present underneath. The team then sets up air movers and dehumidifiers in the region to dry up the rest of the water present.

Our water removal experts then return to your home and check the moisture levels on a regular basis. If moisture levels are not dropping as fast as they should, then more drying equipment gets added to the room. Our professionals always make sure that the wet areas of your kitchen get dried fast enough so that fungi cannot form.

SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties knows exactly what to do to complete the water removal process effectively. Anytime you notice water is a problem in your kitchen call us at (802) 674-8004 for help 24/7.

Visit http://wilmingtonvermont.us/ for more about Wilmington.

Saving Your Home from Flood Damage in West Dover

1/20/2018 (Permalink)

Flooding can affect the flooring, low-lying structures, and contents inside your home.

SERVPRO Offers Thorough Flood Damage Restoration Services

West Dover homes can experience flooding during the winter months, especially during warmer days. Flooding affects flooring and other low-lying structures the most inside a home. Personal belongings also suffer significantly from flooding, even if never submerged.

For residents in West Dover, flood damage is often a new experience and can feel extremely traumatic. SERVPRO technicians help people recover from this kind of flooding event so they can move forward with their lives. Flooding affects homeowners and renters equally when it involves personal belongings.

Boxing up the contents of both your home and your garage separates your undamaged items from the ones requiring specialized care from our specialists. We label each box so you can quickly locate everything when we finish mitigating the flood damage. As we clean the damaged items, we ensure that we also dry them thoroughly before placing them in a new box. This practice hinders mold and mildew growth on newly cleansed items.

Laundering items such as clothing and smaller floor coverings can remove contaminants when we use particular disinfecting agents. To protect your family and minimize the risk of health effects, it is crucial that we disinfect all surfaces. We include cabinets when these do not require replacing, as well as any other durable surfaces. Bathtubs, shower stalls, doors and their frames, and air vents can harbor pathogens unless we clean these thoroughly. Removing water and debris, along with drying out your home, helps, but sanitary conditions provide crucial protection.

Extracting soggy materials to make room for replacements or drying them depends on various factors. Some materials, such as carpeting, can hinder the drying efforts for the rest of the dwelling. Because we rarely find it cost-effective to spend time restoring carpeting and padding, removing it and drying the floor solves two problems simultaneously – reducing a significant source of humidity and ensuring that new carpeting rests on an arid surface.

SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties works with all residents needing help recovering from flood damage and other disasters. We are always ready to help those in our community in ways that count, so they can soon move forward with their lives at home “Like it never even happened.” Our 24-hour service line is (802) 674-8004, making help only a phone call away.

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Removing Unsightly Mold Damage Around Windows and Exterior Doors of Your Wilmington Residence

1/11/2018 (Permalink)

Moisture and Mold Readily Grow on Wilimington Windows - Call SERVPRO for Remediation

SERVPRO Handles Mold Remediation and Helps Protect Your Home

Homeowners in Wilmington often invest in their home's functionality and appearance with various home improvements. Maintaining a home's clean look helps reduce stress as well as decreasing the likelihood of some illnesses caused by a build-up of grime and dirt.

Sometimes, as a home in Wilmington ages, but homeowners should not confuse mold damage with natural wood discoloration and fading of painted areas. Mold can grow on the exterior of your home as well as inside. No matter where microbes grow, professional remediation can help protect your home and your family's health.

SERVPRO employs dedicated professionals who care about your family and your home. We do everything we can to restore all types of damage. Mold colonization can produce extensive disintegration when it grows. However, before this damage taking place, the ugly look of microbial activity alerts many homeowners to its presence.

When mold grows around doors and windows, which many experts state hold the highest populations of mold in the homes they treat, it can seem like a sign of aging or dust accumulation. Mold and mildew do not easily brush off without leaving at least a stain. Dust in these areas rarely stains the surrounding walls.

An Applied Microbial Remediation Technician (AMRT) can help you determine the extent of any mold activity and how best to proceed. An aggressive approach is often the most suitable, however, because of the way mold colonies and spores can spread when handled. We use negative pressure containment methods to filter out these unwanted particulates as we work at removing moldy materials.

When materials only show mold activity, prior to sustaining extensive damage, we remove the mold only. Detailed cleaning of your home's window frames and other aspects of your architecture help keep mold from coming back later. Sealing with an antimicrobial agent provides additional protection.

SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties is locally owned and operated and can be contacted at (802) 674-8004. Our 24-hour services can help you clean up mold damage and protect your home from this and other types of damage.

Economic Development in this Vermont City by clicking here.

Reacting to Flood Damages in Your Wilmington Grocery Store

1/3/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO technicians quickly extract flood water and restore your grocery store to get your doors open faster.

Quick Response Can Save Your Store from Further Damages and Costs

Windham and Windsor counties have become very familiar over the past several years with severe weather situations and the lasting impact they can have on the area. Wilmington is one area in particular that has several lower lying floodplains, leaving many homes and businesses to contend with this severe weather threat in the worst of ways. Running a grocery store in Wilmington when flooding occurs can open up a very extensive list of problems that you have to face.

For starters, the flood damage to your Wilmington grocery store likely requires you to have to shut down the building until the situation can get restored to previous (normal) conditions. The longer you wait to seek professional assistance, like what our emergency response team here at SERVPRO can provide, the more you are losing in profits from having the doors closed to the residents of the area.

Given that your business was not the only one affected by the flooding of the region, people are going to be looking to stock up on groceries and supplies that you have in your store to endure the situation until they can have their messes resolved. The understanding of the importance of your facility should encourage you to act quickly to restore the damages to your building before things have an opportunity to worsen.

Another thing to consider would be the products that you have currently stocked on shelves throughout the entire store. As waters rise or are allowed to persist unabated, these products become unsellable and require being thrown out. The damage to your products further cuts into the profits for the store, which solidifies the need for professional restoration our SERVPRO team provides.

With the right tools and experience, our technicians can quickly extract the water from the area and help you to save the products on your shelves that have not been affected by the flood and to get your doors back open for those who need to restock their own supplies. Give SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties a call today at (802) 674-8004.

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Dealing with Water Damage in Wilmington

12/28/2017 (Permalink)

It is important to call SERVPRO as soon as you discover standing or leaking water to prevent further damage.

Seek SERVPRO’s Help to Remediate Water Damage in Your Home Quickly

Most water intrusion to Wilmington homes is the result of broken plumbing or a leaking roof. Intrusion results in indoor flooding which can be just as damaging and expensive as storm flooding unless a homeowner responds quickly.

Water damage to Wilmington homes is not a common occurrence, but leaks and seeps can happen to every homeowner or resident. SERVPRO has decades of experience supporting Vermont home, condo, and apartment owners who find themselves underwater. We maintain a 24-hour, on-call response team to ensure every home in our community receives the best support possible.

We first inspect the home to determine the services needed. That tells us what equipment to bring in, how many restoration crew members are needed, and gives us a rough estimate of time and cost to provide to the customer. As the inspector does his job, crew members stop the source of the water and isolate the affected area if possible. It takes only minutes to turn off the water main, disconnect a broken appliance, or block a leaky pipe.

Now, we remove standing and excess water. If the flooding is over an inch deep, SERVPRO starts with commercial grade water pumps to drain and remove it. For amounts under an inch, technicians use extraction wands. These devices are adjustable to match the surface and can draw water from carpets and wood floors with damaging them.

With the water out of the home, we begin to dry carpets, floors, and walls. Crew members set up box fans at exit points to draw the cool, damp air and blow it outside. We replace this with warm, dry air generated by air movers that we direct to blow across floors and carpets. We can even direct these devices to force air up walls to carefully dry sheetrock panels without causing them to crumble.

IICRC-certified technicians increase the speed of the drying process with dehumidifiers. These machines draw moisture from the air and nearby property at a rate of up to 25 gallons per day. The reduced air moisture content or humidity means the air movers operate more efficiently.

Even if you do not have standing water in your home; you still need to stop every leak in your home and quickly remove the excess moisture. SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties has worked to protect area homes for almost two decades and provides you with the fastest service possible. If you need us, call our office today at (802) 674-8004 to schedule an appointment and inspection.

Click here for more information regarding Wilmington.

Reliable Fire Damage Restoration Services Within Wilmington

12/7/2017 (Permalink)

It is important to call a qualified restoration company immediately after a fire has damaged your home.

SERVPRO Offers Specialized Cleaning Procedures for Fire Damage Cleanup

Stains and carbon particles are in most cases left behind after a fire damage incident. Failure to attend to them early enough with the right restoration procedures may lead to more damage and in some incidents achieving the desired level of cleanliness might fail. That is why residents of Wilmington area are advised to contact a qualified cleanup and restoration company immediately after a fire occurs.

Fire damage in Wilmington requires specialized cleaning procedures - whether the particles are loosely or tightly attached to the surfaces. Our IICRC-certified SERVPRO technicians inspect the fire incident and select the most appropriate cleaning procedure. The primary cleaning actions that we use include suspension and dispersion, chemical action, mechanical action, and lubrication.

Usually, our SERVPRO team uses mechanical actions before attempting other cleaning procedures. We use the procedure to target non-greasy particles which are likely to dissolve in liquid cleaning agents. On the other hand, technicians use lubrication to weaken the bond joining the surface and the residue. When that happens, the cleaning product easily removes the particles from the surface.

There are times when changing the chemical formula of the sticking substance is necessary for cleaning to happen. That is when we use chemical action oriented cleaning products. If we are dealing with soils that need loosening, suspension and dispersion may be an alternative. During this cleaning technique, the soil or target particles can dissolve or emulsify in the cleaning product.

To ensure the selected cleaning procedure works efficiently, the technicians take into consideration the various cleaning elements - temperature, agitation, chemical action and time. For instance, the cleaning products’ rate of reaction increases by raising the temperature. Additionally, agitation can be used to spread cleaning agents and dislodge some of the particles. Mostly, the kind of products that restoration professionals use determine the deodorization and cleaning time.

SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties is a trusted leader in storm, mold, fire, and water damage restoration. Call us today at (802) 674-8004 to learn more about our services.

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The Need For Professional Water Damage Restoration in Wilmington

11/22/2017 (Permalink)

Leaks and Water Removal in Wilmington Properties Gets Help from SERVPRO

Wilmington Homeowners Rely on SERVPRO to Mitigate the Effects of Water Intrusion

There are many forms of water damage that residents of Wilmington should expect. Roof leaks and pipe bursts are some of the mishaps that may cause water intrusion and lead to the destruction of your property. When that happens, you need emergency restoration services to restore your property. We are here to let you know why working with IICRC certified professionals is a top choice.
 
Identifying the source of the water and controlling it is one of the tasks which restorers from a service provider like SERVPRO that operates in Wilmington perform. Depending on the level of dampness, specialized tools like dehumidifiers may be used to minimize additional water damage. The aim is to lower the humidity as the water is removed from your facility and not negatively impact unaffected items and surfaces in the structure.
 
When water intrusion takes place, standing water may result. With time the water might spread to other parts of the building and destroy properties such as books, records, upholstery, and carpets. In some instances, wooden furnishings soaked with water might swell and finally disintegrate. Even the metallic surfaces may not resist damage when exposed to much water. That is why SERVPRO restoration technicians should be contacted as soon as possible to remove the standing water.

To recover the contents and documents after a water damage incident, the necessity to package and move them to a secure location might arise. Our SERVPRO technicians offer pack-out for storage and cleaning on top of their proved restoration procedures. Where necessary, we sub-contract our partners who use modern technology to inspect the possibility of recovering your optical disks, hard drives and all sorts of electronic media. Additionally, our professionals clean HVAC systems and air ducts with the aim of reducing the risk of contamination and possible health effects.
 
SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties is a trusted leader in mold, fire, water and storm damage restoration. Call us at (802) 674-8004 and get the emergency restoration services that you deserve.

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Large Appliance Failures Could Mean Water Removal for Your Wilmington Restaurant

11/20/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Removes Water and Moisture Keeping Wilmington Restaurants Open

SERVPRO Can Help Get Your Business Back in Business After Water Damage

As a restaurant owner, you know that to succeed and profit, you have to bring many people through the doors. When you are amid a disaster causing water damage to any area of your eatery, this could immediately impact the productivity of your Wilmington business. Instead of working around the problem, it is better to address the issue and restore the damage, so your restaurant does not have to close itself off to potential customers.
 
When your cooling units or your freezer malfunction, the damage is not exclusively in the loss of the fresh food items that you have stored inside. In many cases, when a freezer loses its power for even a short period, it can result in a great deal of water as the ice and food inside begins to thaw. Since you cannot run a successful kitchen with this kind of a mess, you should be thinking about our local SERVPRO team of experienced specialists to mitigate your losses by starting water removal on your Wilmington restaurant immediately.
 
Having the kind of skills and equipment that we do, our staff can quickly assess the damages and begin the restoration process on the same day. With water removal, it is critical moving as quickly as possible. The longer that you wait to correct the problem, the more risks you are taking with more extensive damage and lingering symptoms, not to mention the business suffering overall as a result.
 
In any situation with water damages, removal and drying efforts are among the first steps to be taken. Removal involves pumping out of the area using everything from portable submersible pumps to larger industrial-sized mounted pumps on specific vehicles in our SERVPRO fleet. Heating fans trained on the remaining water dries the area, which gives our team a chance to assess what needs to be done to remedy the damage entirely.
 
Large commercial appliances are not built to last forever. Sometimes their malfunctioning can cause a severe risk to your stream of business and productivity, and so these problems should be solved quickly. Our SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties emergency response team is available 24/7 at (802) 674-8004.

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Fire Damage from Malfunctioning Furnaces in Wilmington Homes

11/3/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO works with other professionals and can have your vents and fire damage cleaned the same day you replace your furnace.

SERVPRO Offers Quick and Efficient Fire Damage Cleanup

House fires are the number one cause of fire damage in Wilmington, but a malfunctioning furnace can also create similar problems. When furnaces misfire internally, puff-back happens, and this indicates a failing furnace. 

Property owners who find sooty deposits near heat vents in their Wilmington homes should be aware that this is a type of smoke and fire damage. While the fire remains contained inside the furnace, the explosions every time the furnace starts can eventually wear the furnace down, leading to a significant catastrophe.

When puff-back happens each time the furnace starts, the deposits can build up in thicker and thicker amounts. This can lead to a creosote residue inside the ducts leading to your living space, in addition to the tell-tale signs outside and around the vents' openings on your walls. Creosote is a highly flammable substance, and when enough of this exists inside your ducts, only a small spark needs to land inside to start a fire.

Because of this build-up of creosote, having a new furnace installed is rarely enough to keep your family safe. The ducts also require cleaning, as do the vents and the areas around them. We perform these types of services for many homeowners in our community. When a wall contains substantial damage, beyond the accumulation of soot and creosote, we can replace that section of wall and repaint the area.

Puff-back is something that homeowners should not ignore. Replacing the furnace and having the area cleaned the same day is possible. SERVPRO works with other professionals in providing the services homeowners need so they receive the best possible services from both the other professionals and us. Our goal is to keep you and your family both safe and comfortable in your home. Preventing disasters from becoming realities is part of this, as well.

The professionals at SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties are IICRC-certified technicians, striving to make your home a safe and secure one. Call us at any time at (802) 674-8004. We are available every hour of the day and night, 365 days a year to help you prevent catastrophes like fire damage.

For more information about the Wilmington Fire Department, click here.

Flood Damage Needs The SERVPRO Touch In Wilmington

10/27/2017 (Permalink)

When water is not properly guided away from you home's foundation, flooding can result. Maintain your home and call SERVPRO should you face flooding.

Our Technicians Follow the Path That Flooding Took in Your Home to Find Hidden Water

This fall has inundated the Wilmington area with some of the heaviest rains seen in recent years. When torrential rain falls, your house and belongings suffer the real risk of significant flooding. A professional flood damage team has the skills, experience, and equipment to get your waterlogged home back to preloss condition.
 
Flooding in your Wilmington home is perplexing, particularly if this is your introduction to the problem. Many homeowners think because they are not near a river, lake, or stream flooding cannot happen to them. Unfortunately, this is not the case, especially when days of persistent rain saturates the ground surrounding a home. We are familiar with the seepage into foundations that happens in these circumstances and can devise a plan to remove the water fast and restore the damage done quickly.
 
Water seeping through cinderblock or concrete foundations can hide in recesses and between the foundation and paneling or drywall in a finished lower level. Our technicians receive advanced training in methods to locate and then release and evacuate pockets of moisture. Expect to see SERVPRO workers measuring moisture levels and perhaps using scanning technology to find any remaining water. Many methods help clear out this residual, including drilling holes in joints, taking out sections of wallboard, and extracting from above if wands can be inserted and reach the water.
 
Sanitization and drying occur next, with SERVPRO crew members applying efficient products to inhibit microbial growth and positioning air movers and dehumidifiers. If necessary, we pack out belongings as the work progresses so good choices can be made to dispose of or dry out personal possessions.
 
Often in the fall, clogged gutter exacerbates the problems heavy rains present. Water overflows drains and pours down the sides of your home, creating more opportunities for moisture to make its way into your dwelling. As the SERVPRO crew works to pump out and extract the water in your basement, we take note of any runoff complications we see because of a damaged or poorly working drainage system. Our goal is always to leave your home looking and feeling “Like it never even happened.” We also want to help you avoid a similar situation in the future.
 
SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties is poised to help you with seasonal flooding in your home. Call (802) 674-8004 to schedule a consultation and constructive response to a difficult situation.

For more information about the City of Wilmington, Vermont visit:  http://wilmingtonvermont.us/

Mold Damage Versus Mildew in White River Junction

10/18/2017 (Permalink)

Whether you discover mold or mildew in your home, you can rely on SERVPRO for advice and remediation services.

Whether You Experience Issues with Mold or Mildew, SERVPRO Can Help

Most homeowners dread mold damage. The tell-tale black or green patches and accompanying musty smell are a sure sign that the spores have found a place to grow in your home. The fungus that is not dealt with spreads further causing more damage, and can even cause health effects or reduce the value of your home. That is why SERVPRO recommends calling us as soon as possible. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster, and we train our technicians to carry out thorough mold remediation in White River Junction.

Sometimes our customers ask us about the difference between mold damage and mildew in their White River Junction homes. Although mold and mildew are both kinds of fungus, they are quite distinct from one another, and knowing the difference helps you discern which is present in your home.

First, let us look at what both types of fungus have in common. The first thing is, of course, that they are both a kind of fungus; also, they both like to grow in moist areas of the home and can grow on a range of surfaces including paper, leather, drywall, or even food.

What are the differences? Mildew is a surface fungus that is classified as either downy or powdery. Mildew is usually either white or gray in appearance, although it can turn yellowish or even brown as it grows. Mildew is most likely to grow on crops or flowering paths; however, it is possible for it to grow in the home as well.

Mold is usually fuzzy or slimy in appearance and manifests as much larger patches than mildew. Mold colonies appear black, green or brown in appearance, and the growth is not merely a surface fungus – it can cause underlying surfaces to rot.

Whether your problem is with mold or mildew, SERVPRO is on hand to offer advice and remediation services. Mildew can often be cleaned using soap and water. Mold, however, requires professional remediation. Our IICRC-certified technicians tackle every stage of remediation from establishing containment and removing visible mold, to lowering humidity to discouraging regrowth.

For help with fungal growth in Ludlow, Stratton, Chester, White River Junction and surrounding areas, call SERVPRO of Windham / Windsor Counties at (802) 674-8004 today.

To learn more about White River Junction, click here.

Expert Fire Damage Restoration Services Available For Your Wilmington Area Home

10/11/2017 (Permalink)

Entering your residence after a fire can be dangerous without the right support.

Expert Fire Damage Restoration Services

Walking back into your Wilmington home after experiencing fire damage for the first time can be devastating. Everything you worked so hard for looks destroyed and you have no idea where to turn for help.

Everything about the experience seems somewhat overwhelming, making recovering from fire damage in your Wilmington area home even that much harder. You need access to a restoration company that understands your situation and can provide you with the equipment, resources, and experienced personnel necessary to recover quickly.

Entering your residence after a fire can be dangerous without the right support. You can slip, trip or fall, cause additional damage, or even become ill due to exposure from unknown substances. SERVPRO uses a variety of personal protective equipment while inspecting your property after a fire. We maintain a safe, secure work site and understand how to keep your restoration moving forward while protecting everyone involved.

Smoke and water damage can be rather extensive, where the majority of your home experiences limited amounts of damage. Without access to the proper services, many of your items may require replacement even though it is possible to repair them. SERVPRO technicians have specific services designed to adjust to your particular situation, minimizing your losses and saving personal belongings you may have thought lost. Never give up on an item before a professional restoration technician has an opportunity to inspect it, you may be surprised by what we can do.

Your furniture, carpeting, flooring, and other household contents all require particular attention after a fire. It takes a trained professional to determine whether or not items remain safe to restore, or if you would be better off replacing an item. Each service that SERVPRO provides works towards limiting your losses and keeping costs down. We also work with your insurance provider to ensure you obtain the results you deserve.

SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties has technicians available 24-hours a day to assist, and since we are locally owned, We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster and provide excellent services you can count on during an emergency. Let us be there when you need us, call today (802) 674-8004.

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Water Removal in Wilmington Can Save Your Belongings

9/26/2017 (Permalink)

Wilmington Water Removal--Call SERVPRO for Fast Extraction with Squeegees and Power Pumps

Rely on SERVPRO to Mitigate Water Related Damages in Wilmington
 

What starts as a tiny trickle under your sink in Wilmington can eventually lead to a major leak. You end up with standing water in the kitchen or bathroom, damaging floors, walls, fixtures, and furnishings.

The water removal experts at SERVPRO in Wilmington recommend that you get any leak, however small, repaired as soon as possible. But we know how surprisingly fast drips and seepage can grow and damage your home. Then give us a call right away. The quicker we can start the water removal process, the less extensive the damage and cash can be.

Sizable amounts of standing water and moisture in the air, typical when pipes spring a leak, are a serious problem. In most cases, the do-it-yourselfer cannot carry out a thorough job in the tight timeframe needed to save your belongings. At SERVPRO, we have the equipment and expertise to do a comprehensive job quickly. We have technicians certified by the (IICRC) Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification, one group that sets standards for our industry.

Drying is key to successful water damage restoration. The process is far more complicated than just sopping up water with towels and turning on a fan. Three major factors are involved, starting with removing standing water, called extraction. We have industrial strength pumps to remove the water rapidly. There is value in extracting as much water as possible since it shortens the drying time significantly.

The next factor is controlling the humidity by removing water in the air with our dehumidifiers, and it happens in conjunction with the third component, air movement. Not to be mistaken for a fan, an air mover is a specialized piece of equipment which pushes wet air away from floors, walls, furniture, and other surfaces. It is a high-velocity device.

Using our equipment, expertise and industry best practices for extraction, air movement and dehumidifying, we can restore your home to its preloss condition "Like it never even happened."

Let SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties handle water removal for you. Call us 24/7 at (802) 674-8004 when you have a water emergency. We are strategically located to serve Brattleboro, White River Junction, and the general vicinity.

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Special Circumstances Surrounding Flood Damage in White River Junction

9/25/2017 (Permalink)

Flooding after a storm can be devastating. Contact SERVPRO today so that we can help you and your family through this disaster.

Professional Technicians Act Quickly After Flooding to Help Prevent Secondary Damages

Located at the meeting of the Connecticut and White Rivers, White River Junction is no stranger to residential flooding. Recently the Upper Valley experienced significant water overflow when heavy rains swelled the waterways, sending mud and debris as well as water into the community. A professional response is welcome as the intensity of the problem is beyond what an average homeowner can manage.
 
Flood damage in White River Junction that includes vegetation and earth slides increases the probability of contaminated water infiltrating your home. The tainted water can contain hazardous chemicals from many places upstream, including fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, and roadway treatments. Add in silt and mud and you face hazards that are nearly impossible to remove without professional grade equipment. Our crews arrive with onboard pumps and extractors that manage the cleanup of this mess far better than any household tools. If the power is out, common and necessary in many cases to avoid electrical shock, our vehicles provide the electricity needed to operate the equipment.
 
Many of your neighbors may also have flooding problems. If faced with a large-scale demand for services, SERVPRO shines as a local company with access to a nationwide network of fully-equipped restoration professionals. Our technicians are highly trained, following industry best practices learned in classes approved by the Institute of Inspection, Restoration, and Certification. You can rest assured that the procedures used to rid your foundation of water and debris have been vetted by this international standards developing organization.
 
The SERVPRO crew attending to your flood damage contains the dirty water and other residues, disposing of them off-site and following local requirements for this dangerous waste. We move on to sanitizing the areas affected with appropriate antimicrobials. If your HVAC system is affected by the flood waters and debris, we inspect, clean, and seal the ducts, working alongside other contractors if repairs and replacement of operating parts are indicated.
 
Finally, we help sort through items stored in the flooded area. SERVPRO follows a precise protocol to inventory and pack out articles damaged. We stage them nearby or at our facility so you can make informed decisions concerning what to discard and what to clean, dry out, and restore. Ask about our document and electronic recovery services, and know we work with most insurers to limit your liability throughout the process.
 
SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties is a full-service restoration company, reachable at (802) 674-8004 any hour of the day or night. We await your call and have as our central mission returning the property of our community members to preloss condition.

For more information regarding White River Junction, click here

Cold Does Not Prevent Mold Damage In Your White River Junction Warehouse

9/12/2017 (Permalink)

Mold can spread quickly in situations where items are packed closely together like a warehouse. If you suspect mold, contact SERVPRO for services.

Commercial Mold Remediation Needs to be Done Correctly to Impede the Constant Spread of Mold at Your Business Location

Mold damage is something all business owners want to avoid. Microscopic spores can quickly spread throughout any business premises and establish new colonies. Those new colonies then release more spores that can travel elsewhere in your White River Junction warehouse and establish new colonies, and so on it goes.
 
Warehouse owners looking to prevent commercial mold damage in White River Junction often find there is a lot of conflicting information out there about mold and how it works. One piece of misinformation SERVPRO hears a lot is that cold destroys mold spores. Many business owners think that if they keep the temperature low enough, the fungus cannot grow. However, the situation is not quite as simple as people think.
 
Mold, like many fungi, is a very resilient organism that can withstand all kinds of conditions. While it is true that UV light dries out and kills mold, low temperatures do not have the same effect. Some molds can even grow in temperatures that are not that much above freezing. Even if the temperature drops below where the fungus can proliferate, it does not die. The fungus simply goes dormant, but can quickly become active again should the temperature rise.
 
The right temperature alone is not enough to cause mold to grow in your warehouse. Fungi also need moisture and a good food source. Potential food sources include organic materials such as wood, drywall, cotton, linen, paper, and even some adhesives.
 
If you notice signs of mold in your facility, it is a good idea to call SERVPRO right away. Our IICRC-technicians are on hand to carry out thorough mold remediation and leave your business “Like it never even happened.”
 
Mold remediation includes setting up containment for the worst affected areas to prevent the spread of spores. We then remove as much visible mold as possible and use dehumidifiers, fans, and air movers to reduce the humidity and discourage regrowth. Our skilled staff is also on hand to advise you on how best to prevent the problem recurring.
 
For help with fungal issues in Brattleboro, Chester, Windsor, Wilmington and surrounding areas, call SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties at (802) 674-8004 today.

For more information regarding White River Junction, click here

Flood Damage in Brattleboro May Be Result of Trend Toward Heavier Rainfalls in Region

8/23/2017 (Permalink)

If a storm causes your home to flood, call SERVPRO for fast and professional cleanup.

Flood damage cleanup after a storm

Intense rainfall, defined as more than two inches in a day, may be on the upswing in our area according to a Dartmouth study. These rain events cause flooding problems for homeowners. Living near the confluence of Vermont's West River and the Connecticut River exacerbates the risk at certain times of the year. Property owners need our trained technicians and leading edge restoration equipment when rain, sewer, or river water invades.

Weather patterns change and cause flood damage in the basement of your Brattleboro home. Recent summer rains saturate the soil surrounding your house, and as the inches add up, the water makes its way through your foundation. If the storm also featured high winds, damaging your roof or siding, it could multiply the ways water enters your home. You need help fast, and our core mission is the provision of flood damage restoration to the property owners of our community.

A complication of storm related flood damage is the level of contamination of the water you find standing in your lower level. Antiquated storm sewer systems in a city or town multiply the misery of homeowners when the relatively clean rainwater is joined with backed up sewage or runoff from roads and lawns. SERVPRO technicians are familiar with the three types of water, graded for contamination -- clean, gray, and black. We know how restoration protocols vary depending on the level of hazardous substances mixed into the flooding within your home.

Gray and black water threatens health and contributes to accelerated microbial growth in your home. The flood waters always need swift extraction, but tainted water also requires containment and proper disposal according to local codes. Our truck-mounted pumps and extractors collect the water so SERVPRO can discard it away from your home and clean water sources.

Contaminated water alerts our flood damage restoration team to use proper sanitization products as we extract the water and begin the drying process. Porous materials saturated with black water from sewage often need to be removed and replaced, although nonporous surfaces restore well with the right cleaning solutions and methods. Thorough drying of all affected areas is the key to limiting any mold growth or structural deterioration. We use powerful air movers and dehumidifiers after removing evident water to meet drying goals we set after measuring the moisture content of the air, structures, fixtures, and belongings.

SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties is ready for the challenges of an unusually stormy and wet season. Call (802) 674-8004 to have an experienced team of flood damage specialists on their way to your flood damaged home.

For more information on flood hazard in Brattleboro, click here.

Trustworthy Mold Damage Remediation in Brattleboro

8/7/2017 (Permalink)

Call the technicians at SERVPRO at the first sign of mold. We will investigate and put together a plan to remediate the damage fast.

SERVPRO Technicians Remediate the Mold Damage and Help Prevent Future Mold Infestations

Mold sneaks up on almost every homeowner at some point. The raw materials for a colony to grow are available in abundance in virtually any home -- moisture, warmth, and organic nourishment and many, many mold spores. SERVPRO has answers to your questions about mold growth and a proven solution that eliminates the current colony and limits the risk of reinfestation.
 
You plan to welcome family and friends very soon, so you are horrified to find mold damage in your Brattleboro vacation cottage. Fungal growth is evident in a bathroom and a corner of one of your guest rooms, probably due to an ice dam that leaked water during the spring thaw. We know you need a fast but effective response, and we are ready with the industry standard Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) protocols.
 
People sleep, shower, and bathe in these areas, so SERVPRO crew members set up a containment system including a multi-filter, negative pressure air scrubber first. The air scrubber vents any mold spore or particles out of the affected areas during removal of the colonies. Our crew assesses the condition of the surfaces underlying the mold to see if simply removing the mold is possible. Drywall may contain too many “roots” of the colony, requiring a piece to be cut out and disposed of with the mold. In the tiled bathroom simply removing the mold is commonly enough.
 
Both rooms then receive a sanitization treatment using industry approved antimicrobials. We do not recommend bleach or other DIY remedies as they actually feed the mold water, and only lighten the stain. SERVPRO crew members then patch the drywall, vacuum the area using high-powered equipment with HEPA filters, and touch up the repairs with paint. We also advise on strategies to deal with the ice dams next winter. If the moisture is not eliminated, mold will return.
 
You are now ready to open the doors wide for your visitors. Enjoy your time together knowing that SERVPRO made it all seem “Like it never even happened.”
 
Find mold when you open your retreat for the season? Call (802) 674-8004. SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties awaits with the specialized equipment and trained technicians to rid your home of mold now and prevent it from coming back later.

For more information about the City of Brattleboro, Vermont visit: http://www.brattleboro.org/

Commercial Flood Damage in a Discount Store in Brattleboro

7/31/2017 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO at the first sign of damage so that we can remediate the issue quickly and get your store back in business.

SERVPRO Technicians Know that Time is of the Essence When Dealing with Flooding on Your Commercial Property

Having customers frequent your discount store is a necessary part of doing business, but even the best customers can create accidents at times. Restrooms and drinking fountains can cause flooding when there are problems with clogged sinks or backed up toilets. Broken water lines to both restroom facilities for customers and in the break room for employees can create flooding, also.
 
Residents in Brattleboro love shopping for the best deals, but commercial flood damage can keep you from providing special offers to them. Being locally owned, we know that even one store by itself can impact our area's economy, so helping you make everything “Like it never even happened” again helps everyone.
 
Flood damage from overflowing sinks or broken pipes is relatively clean and simple to remove and extract from your store compared to water coming from a toilet. Water from the latter source also requires additional decontamination so that your store's interior is once again clean and sanitary, and incapable of spreading pathogens capable of causing disease or illness.
 
No matter what size your store is, or how contaminated the water that has flooded your store is, our technicians implement the knowledge they have gained from their IICRC training to mitigate all of the damage. This also pertains to the case of clean water that becomes contaminated before our arrival, as the water can change from Category 1 to Category 2 when it comes into contact with different substances, or even to Category 3 if that contact is long enough or the substance is highly detrimental to human health.
 
After extracting all standing water and ensuring that we have removed as much moisture as we can, we then use dehumidifiers, heaters, and air movers, which are very powerful and slightly larger-than-normal fans, to restore normal levels of humidity in the air. Cleaning up any of your damaged inventory is also part of our services. You need products to offer your customers, and they need to be in pristine condition. Items that are beyond restoration can be listed in an inventory sheet so you can more easily obtain reimbursement from your insurance agent's office.
 
For large catastrophes and small snafus, call your local mitigation and restoration experts, SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties. Our number is (802) 674-8004, and answered at all hours, day or night, every day of the year. When you have flood damage, we can help get you back up and running quickly, so your regular operations can return to normal soon.

For more information regarding Brattleboro, click here

How Mold Spores Spread and Cause Damage To Your Brattleboro Home

7/7/2017 (Permalink)

Containment Barriers Set Up By SERVPRO Help Prevent the Circulation of Mold Spores in Your Brattleboro Home

SERVPRO Uses Contamination Barriers to Reduce Mold Circulation

Mold is a common problem for homeowners. Nearly any home is a potential breeding ground for mold. The fungus likes damp environments, and all it needs to feed is organic matter, which could include drywall or furnishings!
 
SERVPRO teams are experts in mold remediation, and we know that when it comes to minimizing mold damage to your Brattleboro home, one of the most important things is to prevent the spread of spores. Here is a primer on how mold spores spread and how we help to avoid their spread so we can better remediate any damage to your home.
 
Mold is a type of fungus, and like most fungi, it reproduces by spreading spores into the immediate and further away environments. The mold that grows in a bathroom, kitchen or laundry room will by its very nature attempt to spread further into the house by releasing single cell spores that are far too tiny to be seen with the naked eye. In fact, mold spores are even smaller than pollen grains – that gives you an idea of how small they are.
 
So how does the fungus spread? Most of the time it spreads by way of the spores getting airborne and traveling from room to room. The route might be from one doorway and into another room, or the route might be via the HVAC system. There is also a risk of the mold being carried by animals on their coat, or even on occupant’s clothes.
 
We train our remediation experts to be aware of the dangers of spores spreading through the air. Our technicians take precautions to prevent movement of mold from the contaminated area into other areas of your home.
 
When you call SERVPRO, one of the first things we do is establish containment around the affected area. We use heavy duty plastic sheeting to seal off the area, and we also cover vents and ducts. We set up a negative air machine with powerful HEPA filtration that is capable of trapping the tiny spores so they cannot re-enter the room. The contaminated air is vented outside your home.
 
Our IICRC-certified technicians set up safe working and decontamination areas to ensure we do not carry mold from a zone to another. Because mold is present in the environment it cannot be eradicated; however, our professional remediation service is your best bet for reducing mold and discouraging regrowth.
 
For effective mold cleaning and containment, call SERVPRO of Windham and Windsor counties at (802) 674-8004 today.

Plenty of Festivals here.

SERVPRO is Committed to Restoring Damage to Historic Homes in White River Junction

6/30/2017 (Permalink)

We take pride is restoring rather than replacing. Talk to one of our project managers about restoring your home after water damage.

Quick Response and Trained Staff is How We Succeed in the Water Damage Restoration Business

Any time water incursion threatens a person’s home with permanent harm it is an individual crisis. When the at risk dwelling has more than a century of history, the water damage imperils continuity of community and extended family traditions, as well. Our local SERVPRO franchise takes pride in protecting the venerable homes in the area.
 
Water damage to your White River Junction home can be complicated by the age and history of the building. The current water issues may stem from a burst pipe, but when our restoration teams evaluate the scene decades of unrestored water damage hides behind walls and under flooring. We work with you to determine how extensive the restoration plan becomes, especially as we communicate with your insurance company to limit your actual personal expenditures.
 
Upon arrival at your home, the SERVPRO crew first ensures the water to the leaking pipe is shut off. Water damage to the structures and contents of your home has the potential to be very intense, sometimes urging local authorities to condemn the property. Our mission is to turn back the pages of your water damage story, returning your home to its preloss condition. To save you money as well as honoring the history and charm of your historic home, a focus on restoration rather than tearing down and replacing damaged areas is key.
 
Once water stops flowing, we evaluate the situation and design a restoration plan. Standing water is pumped or extracted using our professional grade equipment. Moisture levels within walls, floors, and ceiling are measured precisely, and drying goals established based upon our technicians’ industry-vetted training and certification. Air movers and dehumidifiers start the work of drying, with other strategies added as needed. If a hardwood floor is soaked through to sub-layers, drying mats may be used, and air movers aimed upwards from a level below, for example.
 
Specialized skills like electronic or document drying are available from SERVPRO if water damages stored records or personal belongings. We discuss the added costs completely and work with homeowners to inventory and treat such items as desired by you and as recommended by your insurer.
 
SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties earned a reputation for professional yet compassionate restoration services in our communities. When water damage strikes your first call to (802) 674-8004 is a positive step towards regaining your preloss life.

For more information regarding White River Junction, click here

Do Not Let Flash Flooding Leave You Without A Plan in Brattleboro

6/20/2017 (Permalink)

Flooding can be devastating. Call SERVPRO quickly to help restore your home after storm damage and flooding.

SERVPRO Technicians are Equipped to Tackle Your Storm Damage Emergency

Weather patterns are changeable, and any home is at risk for a sudden incursion of water. Our local waterways and lakes swell with heavy rains, and low-lying areas or sections of town near large expanses of paving find inches of water seeping or pouring into basements, crawl spaces, and walk-out living areas. SERVPRO is ready to assist whenever flash flooding imperils your property.
 
Several inches of rain falling within a day or two inflicts serious flood damage on your Brattleboro home. Even if you installed a sump pump, the rapid incursion overwhelms the system and possibly damages its components. Our full-service trucks offer industrial grade submersible pumps and water extractors that operate off our vehicles. This is perfect for situations where the power is out or using electricity in your sodden lower level is risky.
 
Our staff trains for emergencies like this, able to put a proven flood abatement plan in operation immediately after arriving at your home. A SERVPRO project manager assesses the layout of the affected area and then the technicians get to work, extracting the standing water and vacuuming as much moisture out of flooring and floor coverings as possible. A quick reaction from you combined with a fast response from us means limitation of secondary water damage issues. Even a lag time of a day or two allows microbial growth to begin and deteriorates some building structures and many fixtures and personal belongings beyond even professional efforts to restore.
 
Our emphasis is restoration. We pledge to use every strategy possible to bring your home back to preloss condition, “Like it never even happened.” Expect us to dry out as much as we can in place, minimizing interruptions to your quiet enjoyment of your living spaces. Our staff measures the moisture content of structures, contents, and the air throughout the restoration process, determining drying goals and monitoring our progress towards achieving them. Carpeting and drywall respond well to properly placed air movers and high-efficiency dehumidifiers. We may use a garage or other outbuilding to assess contents of boxes stored in the affected areas and any furnishings drenched by the flood. Proper techniques to restore these items often result in saving most of your property, as long as you engaged our services early.
 
Flooding does not need to mean ruin. Let SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties restore your home with an immediate call to us at (802) 674-8004.

For more information regarding Brattleboro, click here

Why Mold often Returns, Causing Additional Mold Damage, to Brattleboro Residences

6/1/2017 (Permalink)

Getting rid of mold can be tricky for a homeowner. Call SERVPRO at the first sign of mold for thorough remediation efforts.

SERVPRO Technicians are Extensively Trained in Methods of Mold Remediation

Finding mold on a discarded toy or old book often means the item is cleaned a bit more thoroughly and then left to dry. Even if there are no visible mold stains left behind, the chances all traces of mold having been removed are small. The same goes for when mold is discovered on a wall or other part of your home.
 
In Brattleboro, cleaning items and structures in your home affected by mold damage is often not enough to fix the underlying problem. Mold cannot grow unless it has sufficient moisture. Many of the methods that are touted as DIY solutions for mold growth within the home contain water. Instead of killing mold, these methods are actually encouraging mold to grow. Often, the water in these remedies comes from the bleach used, and the 'eradication' of the mold is in reality just a stripping of the color from the mold.
 
Sunlight can kill mold, which is why hanging white sheets on the clothesline outside can make them seem that much whiter. Not every day is full of sunshine, though, and mold is often found in the colder, rainier months, making that solution unusable on the days many people feel more inclined to clean the interior of their home.
 
Cleaning with a bleach solution seems as if it would work, but the bleach does not penetrate into the same locations that the mold's hyphae are at, leaving them intact, and worse, the water does penetrate, remaining there to hydrate the mold. This is why mold growth often returns and often, even more prolifically than before. The mold is not having the same type of reaction bacteria has come to be known for - resistance to antibiotics. In the case of mold, instead of it becoming resistant to bleach, it is only reacting to its newfound source of water.
 
At SERVPRO, we have many types of specialized equipment that can help decrease the chances of mold being able to return. Our training and experience are always ongoing, ensuring we know the latest in technological developments regarding mold, its containment, and how to restore structures and items damaged by its growth. When we are unable to contain it for removal, we have a spray that encapsulates mold at the microscopic level as the liquid dries.
 
If you have found mold damage in your home, or think there may be a problem with mold and want to stop any problems before they happen, call us. We are SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties, locally owned and operated, making us Faster To Any Size Disaster. Our number, (802) 674-8004, is always answered, regardless of when you call.

For more information regarding Brattleboro, click here

Brattleboro Fire & Smoke Damage Actions

5/23/2017 (Permalink)

Concord Smoke Odors Eliminated with the Help of SERVPRO

SERVPRO Provides an Array of Equipment to Eliminate Smoke Odors

The effects of a house fire can take weeks or even months to overcome. Fortunately, few fires destroy a home or even cause major, structural damage. Restoration costs normally come from the results of the smoke from burning materials and the soot left behind.

Most fire damage to Brattleboro homes come from smoke and soot, but the lasting effect for many owners and residents is the odor. Removing smoke and other fire-related odors are challenging and require a professional company. SERVPRO has the experience to know that leaving furniture out overnight and throwing a new coat of paint over walls and the ceiling only masks odors temporarily. It is why we have an extensive inventory of equipment designed just for this purpose.

Electric Pressure Sprayers – Our technicians use these to dispense chemical cleaners and deodorizing agents at a rate of 50 psi. They spray the cleaners and agents directly onto the surface of the structure, carpets, and fabrics that have heavy smoke and soot residues.

Ventilation Fans – These industrial box fans move air at high velocities, from 3000 to 5000 cubic feet of air per minute. They are especially useful to ventilate a home that is wet from the actions of the firefighters by introducing dry air from outside of the home to displace the moisture air and dry surfaces the air moves across. These axial fans are used when there is no danger of smoke being circulated to unaffected areas of the house.

Ozone Machines – These devices generate a gas of O3 molecules that react with odor-causing molecules in the air. This action oxidizes the molecules, altering them and removing the odor. We evacuate the home of people and pets and remove items made of or containing natural rubber which deteriorates in the presence of ozone. When the process is complete, the ozone gas reverts to normal oxygen, leaving no residues. While smoke restoration is on-going, it is safe to deploy hydroxyl generators which also alter the chemical nature of the odors.

Injectors – We use special pumps and large needles to inject small amounts of deodorizers into confined stains on carpets and furniture upholstery. It is our preferred method instead of pulling up a carpet or sending a sofa off to be recovered. For large spaces, like attics or isolated rooms, we can also perform a thermal fogging which allows the odor destroying particles to follow the path of the odorous smoke particulates.

These pieces of equipment are just a few of the devices we have available to us. The goal for SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties is to return your home to its original condition. "Like it never even happened." We want to help you put the damage and the memory of your house fire behind you. Call us today at (802) 674-8004 for an inspection and free estimate. For more info please visit:

http://www.brattleboro.org

Hobby Turned Tsunami in Brattleboro

5/18/2017 (Permalink)

Don't let a tank break cause extensive damage to your living area. Call SERVPRO for technicians to arrive quickly to your home to start remediation.

SERVPRO Technicians Arrive Quickly to Remediate Your Water Damage

People rarely think about how devastating random water accidents inside the home are. Major flooding or storm damage are the situations that come to mind, yet it is more likely some other event causes significant water harm. Fortunately, SERVPRO makes no distinction as it offers its help, providing top notch water damage restoration regardless of the source of the problem.
 
You and your family enjoy a large saltwater aquarium in the family room. That enjoyment turns to despair when the tank breaks, sending more than 100 gallons of mineral and fish filled water onto your carpeted floor. This water damage is not within the ability of you, the Brattleboro homeowner, to manage. This type of spill needs the expertise of our well-trained and certified technicians to resolve.
 
It may come as a surprise, but even a properly maintained aquarium contains contaminated water. The minerals and chemicals used to bring the water to the right level of salinity are good for the fish, but not necessarily safe for you and your belongings. Also, the water potentially brims with bio-contaminants, including bacteria, algae, viruses, and fungi. Do not delay contacting the SERVPRO team after a tank breaks. Aquarium water is termed “gray,” moderately compromised and needing specialized cleanup. Waiting even 24 to 48 hours transforms gray water to black, a much more dangerous type. The change is due to microbial proliferation.
 
SERVPRO limits the hazards presented if we respond fast to the water damage. Our trucks hold powerful extractors that pull the tainted water out of carpeting and off floors efficiently and speedily. Our staff evaluates the quality of the water to determine whether local rules require us to follow special protocols for disposal of the water.
 
We then determine if the carpeting is salvageable. If it can be sanitized, our crew uses a biocide to clean and disinfect the soiled floor covering in place, allowing appropriate contact time, and using the hot water extraction cleaning method. It is likely we remove and replace the padding, an inexpensive safeguard against lingering health concerns. The cleaned rug and floor need further drying time, and we place air movers and dehumidifiers only after the rug is decontaminated to avoid the spread of infectious materials.
 
You need the experience and skills of SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties for unique water damage challenges. Call our dispatchers at (802) 674-8004 for round the clock assistance.

For more information regarding Brattleboro, click here http://www.brattleboro.org/

Help to Make Cold & Flu Season: Like it never even happend!

1/27/2017 (Permalink)

A thorough, professional cleaning is a great way to limit the possibility of illness at your commercial building this cold and flu season!

Has cold and flu season taken a toll on your office staff? SERVPRO of Cheshire County is here to help you make this year’s illness, “like it never even happened.” When your office needs go beyond the scope of your regular janitorial staff, you can call on SERVPRO for prompt service. We know that the key to a successful business begins with a happy and healthy staff so, whether it’s removing an odor problem or deep cleaning flooring or carpets, you can rely on us to make your workspace look its very best.  Using SERVPRO’s time-tested and industry-approved steps, along with our proprietary cleaning products and methods, we will strive to restore your business to a healthy working environment.

Additionally, ventilation systems are often the biggest culprit in poor indoor air quality. SERVPRO of Cheshire County professionals routinely inspect heating, ventilation and air conditioning units (HVAC) so, make it a priority to inspect the ductwork of your home or commercial building this winter. If your HVAC has been operating for some time without attention, it could be circulating one or more of the following:

• Dust
• Pollen
• Odors
• Dirt and debris
• Other contaminants

Our professionals will make suggestions about the best way to address any indoor air quality concerns. This can save you money and provide peace of mind on the health of you and your system. Call us today for a professional cleaning using state-of-the-art equipment, over 40 years of experience and professionals trained to the highest standards. All of us at SERVPRO of Cheshire County wish you a safe and healthy remainder of this cold and flu season.

Waste No Time With Sewage Backup

12/27/2016 (Permalink)

Damage to this basement was caused by a sewage backup.

Hosting a holiday gathering with family and friends can often be stressful which is why SERVPRO of Windham and Windsor Counties is here to help you avoid a major problem. With homes hosting more guests than usual, there are a few steps you can take to help reduce your risk of a potential backup.

Cooking: With cooking being a staple of the holidays, it's more imperative to be cautious as to what exactly goes down your drain. You should avoid putting grease, cooking oil, sauces, and fibrous vegetables (celery, lettuce, and onion peels, etc.) down your drain. Additionally, pasta, potatoes, rice, coffee grounds, and egg shells are potentially hazardous as well. A good mantra to abide by is, when in doubt, throw it out!

Toilet Tissue: Remind guests to avoid flushing anything except toilet tissue down your toilet. Many common bathroom items such as paper towels, feminine products, and diapers should not be flushed down as they don't disintegrate the same way toilet tissue does. It may be helpful to keep in mind that the drain which connects your home to the main sewer is usually no bigger than four inches wide.

Take Care of Your Sewer Line: Many homeowners don't realize they are responsible for the maintenance and repair of the main sewer line attached to a home or property. Over time, a main sewer line can deteriorate, crack, collapse, or even become obstructed. Also, be mindful of any soggy spots in your yard, especially if it hasn't rained recently. This could indicate a leak in the water line. You should contact your municipality or sewer department immediately with any questions or issues regarding your line.

Time is of the essence in any disaster however, that is even more accurate with sewage or black water damage. With foul odors and bacteria in the air, it's important to act fast to minimize secondary damage. SERVPRO of Windham and Windsor Counties is on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to help you restore your property. 

The 2016 SERVPRO CWWC Food Drive Results!

12/27/2016 (Permalink)

Thank you to all of our gracious contributors for your support!

Our third annual collaborative food drive is in the books and we couldn't be more humbled and amazed at the generosity of our business partners who contributed. Together, we donated a total of 1,048 pounds of food to the New Hampshire and Vermont food banks. 

Between the two states, about 300,000 individuals turn to their local food bank for assistance. We are so beyond grateful to the following businesses for their participation: 

A.H. Rist Insurance. All State Insurance- Ted Harris. Bellows-Nichols Insurance, Bob's Fuel, Campbell & Boyd, Cheshire Oil, Clark-Mortenson Insurance, Finn & Stone Insurance, Galloway Real Estate, Greater Falls Insurance, Hill Family Insurance, Kapiloff Insurance, Keating Plumbing & Heating, Lawrence & Wheeler Insurance, Liberty Mutual- TJ Kelly, The Masiello Group, Muse & Associates Realty, Nationwide-Frazer, The Parker Agency, RE/MAX Town & Country- Keene, The Richards Group-Bellows Falls, State Farm- Greg Carlson, State Farm- Craig Vickers, Swanzey Oil and Woodstock Insurance.

Thank you so much for your support. Merry Christmas to all and best of luck in 2017!

Keep Your Holiday Lights Festive, Not Frightful

12/8/2016 (Permalink)

Santa made an early visit to SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties!

The holiday season is a time for gathering with friends and family to enjoy precious moments and quality time. As the weather outside turns frightful, we rely on the warmth of our homes to host these gatherings with loved ones. Lights, candles, and decorations are part of what makes the holiday season so magical, however, if you are not careful, that magic could turn dark.

SERVPRO and the American Red Cross have teamed up to offer some tips to help you reduce your risk of a fire in your business or home this holiday season.

• Keep Christmas trees, candles, and any other holiday decorations at least three feet away from heat sources such as fireplaces, portable heaters, radiators, heat vents, and candles.
• Always follow the manufacturer's instructions and do not use any light strings or other holiday decorations with frayed electrical cords.
• Before going to bed or leaving your property, ensure tree and holiday lights are unplugged.
• Extinguish candles before before leaving a room or going to bed and never use lit candles to decorate your tree.
• Keep curious pets and young children away from Christmas trees and only use sturdy tree stands.
• When using your stove top, keep anything that can catch on fire away from the area such as: pot holders, oven mitts, wooden utensils, paper/plastic bags, food packaging, towels or curtains.
• After guests leave, designate one person to walk around the home/property to ensure candles and other smoking materials are properly extinguished.

If disaster does strike during the holidays, SERVPRO of Windham and Windsor Counties is on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to make it "Like it never even happened," We wish you a merry and bright holiday season.

2016 SERVPRO CWWC Holiday Food Drive Has Begun!

12/5/2016 (Permalink)

SERVPRO CWWC Co-Owner, Derek Paul, displays one of the collection boxes for this year's food drive.

As the calendar flips from November to December, you can be sure of a few things: the holiday season is here, the threat of snowfall looms, and the SERVPRO CWWC Holiday Food Drive is about to kick off! This the 3rd annual holiday food drive, again with the participation of local businesses, hopes to be the most productive and successful event to date. Since its inception in 2014, SERVPRO CWWC's Food Drive has grown not only in community participation, but total food collection and donation. Last year, 25 businesses from South Western, NH, Southern VT and Northern, MA helped to collect over 1,200 pounds of non-perishable food items which were delivered to NH and VT Food Banks. This year, SERVPRO CWWC is working together with 27 businesses in the area in hopes of collect 1 ton of food items to be donated!

The collection boxes will be at each of the participating business locations until pick up day on December 19th. For a complete list of the participating business locations, please check out our Facebook page. Our office in Westmoreland, NH also has a collection box for your convenience. We hope to see you soon and thank you for your generosity!

Happy Holidays!

Understanding The Behavior of SMOKE

11/9/2016 (Permalink)

The damage to your property following a fire can often be complicated due to the unique behavior of smoke. There are two different types of smoke-wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties professionals are thoroughly trained in fire cleanup and restorations and know the different types of smoke and their behavior patterns. Knowing this information is vital to proper restoration. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO will survey the loss to determine the extent of impact from fire, smoke, heat, and moisture on the building materials and contents. The soot will then be tested to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. Pretesting determines the proper cleaning method and allows your local SERVPRO Windham & Windsor Counties to focus on saving your precious items.

SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties professionals know smoke can penetrate various cavities within the structure, causing hidden damage and odor. Their knowledge of building systems helps them investigate how far smoke damage may have spread. The following are additional facts you may no know about smoke:

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

Different Types of Smoke

Wet Smoke (Plastic and Rubber)-Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.

Dry Smoke (Paper and Wood)-Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke rises.

Protein Fire Residue (Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire)-Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor.

Fuel Oil Soot (Furnace Puff Backs)-While "puff backs" can create havoc for homeowners, SERVPRO Franchise Professionals can, in most cases, restore the contents and structure quickly.

Other Types (Tear gas, fingerprint powder and fire extinguisher residue)- Special loss situations require special care.

SERVPRO Franchise Professionals are trained to handle even the toughest losses. If your home or business suffers fire or smoke damage, contact SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties to help make it "Like it never even happened."

Celebrate Safely With A Recipe For Safety

11/3/2016 (Permalink)

Safely Celebrate the Holiday Seasons!

Each November, families gather to celebrate Thanksgiving by preparing a delicious feast, but if you don't practice safe cooking habits, your holiday could become hazardous very quickly. According to the national Fire Protection Association, cooking fires are the number one cause of home fires and home injuries. The leading cause of fires in the kitchen is unattended cooking. It's important to be alert to prevent cooking fires.

• Be on alert! If you are sleepy or have consumed alcohol don't use the stove or stovetop.
• Stay in the kitchen while you are frying, grilling, boiling or broiling food.
• If you are simmering, baking or roasting food, check it regularly, remain in the kitchen while food is cooking, and use a timer to remind you that you are cooking.
• Keep anything that can catch fire-oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, and towels or curtains-away from the stovetop.

If you have a cooking fire, consider the following safety protocols to help keep you and your family safe.

• Just get out! When you leave, close the door behind you to help contain the fire.
• Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number after you leave.
• For an oven fire turn off the heat and keep the door closed.
• If you try to fight the fire, be sure others are getting out and you have a clear way out.
• Keep a lid nearby when you're cooking to smother small grease fires. Smother the fire by sliding the lid over the pan and turn off the stovetop. Leave the pan covered until it is completely cooled.

SERVPRO of Windham & Windham Counties wishes you a safe and happy holiday season.

National Preparedness Month

9/14/2016 (Permalink)

September is National Preparedness Month. In recent years, many different types of disasters have affected the United States. Flooding, tornados, hurricanes, wildfires and blizzards are natural disasters that can threaten your home, business and community. During National Preparedness Month, SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties professionals want you and your customers to be aware of the steps to take to help prepare for Mother Nature's worst.

How quickly your company can get back to business after a tornado, fire, or flood often depends on the emergency planning done today. The following are basic measures business owners and managers can take to begin preparing.

Develop a Business Continuity Plan

Your organization's risk needs will vary depending on the specific industry, size, scope and location. Carefully assess your internal and external functions to determine which staff, materials, procedures and equipment are absolutely necessary to keep the business operating. Also establish procedures for succession of management.

Review Insurance Coverage

Insurance policies vary: Make sure to check with your agent or provider about things such as physical losses, flood coverage and business interruption. Understand what your policy does and does not cover.

Prepare your Emergency Planed

Your employees and co-workers are your business' most valuable asset. Communication is central before, during and after a disaster. Include emergency information in newsletters, on your company intranet, employee’s emails and other communication tools.

Practice the Emergency Plan

The ability to evacuate workers, customers and visitors effectively can save lives. If your business operates out of more than one location, establish evacuation procedures for each building. If your company is in a high-rise building, an industrial park, or even a small strip mall, it is important to coordinate and practice with other tenants or businesses to avoid confusion and potential gridlock.

Secure your Facility and Equipment

Install fire extinguishers, smoke alarms and detectors in appropriate places. Secure all entry and exit points and plan for mail safety. Plan what you will do if your building, plant or store is not usable. Secure valuable equipment.

Improve Cyber Security

Protecting your data and information systems may require specialized expertise, but even the smallest of business can be better prepared. Use anti-virus software and keep it up-to-date. Don't open e-mails form unknown sources and use hard to guess passwords. Protect your computer from intruders by using firewalls. Back up your computer data and download security protections updates known as patches regularly.

SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties has an Emergency READY Profile (ERP) to help ensure you and your business are "Ready for whatever happens." The ERP is a comprehensive document containing critical information about your business. You can access the ERP online using your computer or tablet; download SERVPRO's free Ready Plan app. Or call your local SERVPRO franchise professional to establish your Emergency READY Profile.

How to Celebrate Summer Safely

6/28/2016 (Permalink)

CELEBRATE SUMMER SAFELY

Summer is synonymous with barbecues, parades and fireworks displays; but along with all the festivities are plenty of visits to emergency rooms—especially during July. Each year, around 230 people are injured badly enough to require medical treatment after fireworks-related incidents, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. In addition to causing injury, fireworks are also responsible for thousands of house fires each year with millions of dollars in property damage. There is nothing like firing up the grill during the summer months! Did you know, July is the peak month for grill fires? A backyard barbecue can become dangerous quickly if proper safety precautions aren’t considered. Your local SERVPRO® Franchise Professionals want you to have an enjoyable and safe summer. Consider the following tips to help ensure your summer celebrations are disaster-free!

• Propane and charcoal BBQ grills should only be used outdoors.

• The grill should be placed well away from the home, deck railings and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.

• Keep children and pets away from grill area.

• Keep your grill clean by removing grease or fat buildup from the grills and in trays below the grill.

• Never leave your grill unattended.

• When using a charcoal grill, let the coals completely cool before disposing in a metal container.

• Anyone using fi reworks or standing nearby should wear protective eyewear.

• Do not try to re-light or handle malfunctioning fireworks. Keep a bucket of water nearby to fully extinguish fireworks that don’t go off or in case of fire. Children should never pick up fire reworks that may be left over as they may still be active.

• The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend a public display conducted by trained professionals.

Firework Facts Facts

• Fireworks cause an average of almost 20,000 reported fires per year.

• In 2013, sparklers caused 41%of fireworks injuries.

• On Independence Day in a typical year, fireworks account for two out of five of all reported fires, more than any other cause of fire.

*Most recent statistics available—provided by the NFPA.

Science of Water Damage Restoration

5/31/2016 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Cheshire County has the latest equipment and industry-leading training to handle water damages of any size.

DID YOU KNOW there is actually a science to drying out a the structure of a building? Being well trained in Psychrometrics is essential in restoring a water damaged home or business to preloss condition. While an initial reaction may be to clean up the mess and install a fan or two in the affected area, the professionals at SERVPRO of Cheshire County are trained in the science of drying and follow detailed industry-approved standards to reduce the chances of secondary damage. If your business or home suffers a water damage, SERVPRO of Cheshire County can perform the following:

Why is it important to speed up the drying process? A wet building can often dry naturally because the environment constantly seeks equilibrium. When materials are wet, moisture will naturally move to drier air at the surface of the material-but only if the air is, indeed, drier. The only problem is, the natural drying process is slow and therefore is a greater chance of secondary damage occurring before it is completely dry.

SERVPRO of Cheshire County have the equipment, tools and expertise to move this process along, including equipment specifically designed for drying hardwood floors, tough-to-reach areas inside walls, and much more. SERVPRO of Cheshire County also uses the latest monitoring equipment, and a proven scientific method to effectively dry your home or business.

The bottom line? SERVPRO of Cheshire County's water restoration professionals have the training, staff and equipment to make water damage "Like it never even happened."

Emergency Supply Kit

5/25/2016 (Permalink)

Sever weather can happen anytime, anywhere. Know your risk of severe weather, and take action to better prepare yourself. Proactive planning can save your own life and the lives of others. 

 Knowing Your Risk

The first step to becoming weather-ready is to understand the type of hazardous weather that can affect where you live and work, and how the weather could impact you, your business and your family. Check the weather forecast regularly, obtain a NOAA Weather Radio, and learn about Wireless Emergency Alerts. Severe weather comes in many forms and your shelter plan should include all types of local hazards. 

 Taking Action

Take the next step in severe weather preparedness by creating a communications plan for your home and business. Put together or purchase an emergency kit. Keep important papers and valuables in a safe place. 

 Build an Emergency Supply Kit

• Water (one  gallon per person per day)
• Food (non-perishable 3-day supply)
• Manual can opener
• Battery operated radio, preferably a NOAA Weather Radio
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Whistle to signal for help
• Clothing
• Dust masks or bandanas
• Plastic sheeting, garbage bags and duct tape
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
• Hygiene items
• Important documents; copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account information
• Cash
• Fire Extinguisher
• Matches in a waterproof container

Be an example

Once you have taken action to prepare for sever weather, share your story with your friends and family. Use social media to encourage and inspire others to do the same. 

Windham & Windsor Counties 24 Hour Emergency Water Damage Service

4/14/2016 (Permalink)

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

We Answer the Phone Ready to Help
Call Today - 802-674-8004

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

What to Expect

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

Our SERVPRO Representative will ask several questions:

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

About SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties

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

Windham & Windsor Counties Smoke and Soot Cleanup

4/13/2016 (Permalink)

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

Smoke and soot facts:

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

Different Types of Smoke

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

Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber

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

Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood

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

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

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

Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions.  We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage.  We will also treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care.

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?
Call Us Today – 802-674-8004

Office Spring Cleaning Tips

4/13/2016 (Permalink)

Spruce up your space

Birds are chirping and the temperatures have warmed up—spring is finally here! Spring cleaning is a tradition allowing us to freshen our environment and get a head start on the hectic seasons of spring and summer. While many people deep clean their homes, this is also a great time to clean and organize your business.

SERVPRO® of Windham & Windsor Counties can help get your facility in tip top shape. In addition to air duct and HVAC cleaning, SERVPRO® Franchise Professionals are trained to use state-of-the-art equipment to remove soils hiding deep within your carpet, as well as focused stain removal and stain resistance applications. Other services include: upholstery and drapery cleaning, hard floor cleaning and care, and odor deodorization. 

 A clean environment is a healthy environment! Improve your living and work spaces this spring. If you need a little help, don’t worry, SERVPRO® of Windham & Windsor Counties has the tools to make your home or business sparkle in no time!

 Spring Cleaning Your Workspace

•  Divide Your Workspace Into Zones:

• Determine how you want and need to use the space and set up zones for your daily functions. You may require a workspace for your computer, a library area for your research, a storage area for supplies and a filing area for your archives. This will provide a foundation for a more efficient use of space.

•  Keep Only What You Need At Arms Length:

• Boxes of pens, stacks of papers and old coffee cups need to go. Rid your desk of visual clutter by paring down the items on top to the essentials only. Supplies, paperwork and personal items should be kept in the zones you’ve established for them.

•  Sort Your Catch-All Drawer:

• Use drawer dividers to give everything a place, like compartments for paperclips and rubber bands. Go through the drawer every six weeks and clear out anything that is out of place or isn’t being used.

•  Eliminate Digital Clutter:

• Digital clutter can be just as stressful as physical clutter. Organize digital files and your e-mail inbox just as you would paper files–with a system of logical and clearly labeled folders. Also, keep the icons on your desktop to a bare minimum, and trade in sticky notes on your monitor for calendar reminders.

•  Create A Daily Paper System:

• Consider creating hanging files or baskets labeled “To Read,” “To Do,” and “To File.” Establish set days for each, so that you don’t get behind or feel the overwhelming need to do everything at once.

•  Disinfect Regularly:

• Prevent the buildup of dust, dirt, food stains and fi ngerprints. Wipe down your desk, phone, keyboard and monitor once a week with disinfecting wipes.

  Tips provided by Forbes, The Dangers of a Messy Desk.

When Storms or Floods hit Windham & Windsor Counties, SERVPRO is Ready

4/13/2016 (Permalink)

Pictured is our fleet in response to a flooded commercial building in Southern, VT following Hurricane Irene in 2011.

SERVPRO ofWindham & Windsor Counties specializes in storm and flood damage restoration.  Our crews are highly trained and we use specialized equipment to restore your property to its pre-storm condition. Here are a few reasons why SERVPRO of Windham and Windsor Counties should be the company you call when disaster strikes.

Faster Response

Since we are locally owned and operated, we are able to respond quicker with the right resources, which is extremely important. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces the restoration cost.

Resources to Handle Floods and Storms

When storms hit Windham & Windsor Counties, we can scale our resources to handle a large storm or flooding disaster. We can access equipment and personnel from a network of 1,650 Franchises across the country and elite Disaster Recovery Teams that are strategically located throughout the United States.

Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today 802-674-8004

Windham & Windsor Counties Residents: Follow These Mold Safety Tips If You Suspect Mold

4/13/2016 (Permalink)

If you see visible mold, do not disturb it. You can inadvertently spread the mold infestation throughout your home. When mold is disturbed, the mold can release microscopic mold spores which become airborne and can circulate inside your home.

What to Do:

• Stay out of affected areas.
• Turn off the HVAC system and fans.
• Contact SERVPRO of Windham and Windsor Counties for mold remediation services.

What Not to Do:

• Don’t touch or disturb the mold.
• Don’t blow air across any surfaces with visible or suspected mold growth.
• Don’t attempt to dry the area yourself.
• Don’t spray bleach or other disinfectants on the mold.

About Our Mold Remediation Services

SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties specializes in mold cleanup and restoration, in fact, it’s a cornerstone of our business.  Our crews are highly trained restoration professionals that use specialized equipment and techniques to properly remediate your mold problem quickly and safely.

If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today – 802-674-8004

Understanding Water Types

3/31/2016 (Permalink)

Understanding Water Types

When your home or business suffers a water damage, understanding what type of water you are dealing with is critical to ensuring proper cleanup. There are three types of water. Clean water is water from a broken pipe, or other water source; rainwater is also considered clean. The term gray water is used to classify slightly contaminated water. Clean water becomes gray water when it is left untreated allowing bacteria and other contaminants to begin growing, making the water hazardous. Black water is highly contaminated and filled with fungi, bacteria, chemicals and more. Black water is typically caused by sewage damage, flooding or any type of natural disaster. Black water should always be handled by trained professionals. When you have a water damage, don’t leave your property to chance. Call your local SERVPRO® Franchise Professionals. Consider taking the following precautions to help minimize damage or prevent further damage while waiting for help to arrive.

  Damage from Clean Water

• Shut off the water source if possible or contact a qualified professional to do so.

• Turn off circuit breakers for wet areas of the building if access to the power distribution panel is safe from potential electrical shock. Do not enter rooms with standing water, as electrical shock hazards may exist.

• Remove as much excess water as possible by mopping and blotting. Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removing lamps and tabletop items.

• Remove and prop up wet upholstery cushions to allow more even drying.

• Move any paintings, art objects, computers, documents and other valuable items that may be sensitive to moisture to a safe place.

• Do not leave books, newspapers, magazines or other colored items on wet carpets or floors as they may cause staining.

• Do not use your household vacuum cleaner to remove water as there is potential for electrical shock or causing damage to the vacuum cleaner.

• Do not turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet; do not enter rooms where ceilings are sagging from retained water.

Damage from Contaminated Water

• Avoid all contact with sewage and items contaminated by sewage. Wash your hands thoroughly if you come in contact with contaminated items.

• Do not walk through contaminated areas, as you could spread damage to unaffected areas.

• Do not turn on the HVAC system if there is a possibility of spreading contaminated air.

• Do not use household fans to dry the structure; air flow could spread contaminants.

• Discard any food and/or products for personal hygiene and cleanliness if exposed to the contaminated areas.