How to Prepare Your Car for Severe Weather

9/11/2023 (Permalink)

Preparing your car for storms is essential for your safety and peace of mind.

Living in the Northeast means we're no strangers to severe weather. While it's crucial to prep your home, your car deserves some attention too! Stormy conditions can be tough on your vehicle, and the last thing you want is to be stuck or facing hefty repair bills. In this blog, we've got you covered with essential steps to make sure your car is ready to take on whatever Mother Nature throws your way.

1. Tire-Check Your car's tires are the unsung heroes when it comes to handling storms, so give them some love:

   • Tire Tread: Ensure your tires have enough tread depth to grip wet or snowy roads. The magic number here is at least 2/32 inches. If you're bracing for heavy snow, consider swapping to winter tires.

   • Tire Pressure: Cold weather can make tire pressure drop. Check it regularly, and keep it at the levels recommended in your vehicle's manual or on the driver's door frame.

2. Brake It Down Good brakes are your best friends when it's slippery out there:

   • Brake Pads: Take a peek at your brake pads' thickness. If they're looking thin, it can seriously affect your stopping distance, especially on slippery roads. Time for a replacement.

   • Brake Fluid: Make sure your brake fluid is at the right level. If it looks murky or dark, consider a flush and replacement.

3. Battery Boost Cold weather can be a battery killer, and nobody wants a dead battery during a storm:

   • Battery Health: Get a pro mechanic to test your battery to ensure it's in top shape and holding a charge.

   • Clean Terminals: Keep those battery terminals free from corrosion and debris for a solid connection.

4. Light Up and Wipe Away Visibility is king in stormy conditions:

   • Light Inspection: Check that all your lights—headlights, taillights, brake lights, and turn signals—are working correctly. Swap out any burnt-out bulbs.

   • Wiper Blade Refresh: Ensure your windshield wiper blades are in tip-top shape and can clear away rain, snow, or ice effectively.

5. Emergency Readiness Being stranded during a storm is no picnic. Be prepared:

   • Emergency Kit: Keep an emergency kit in your car with extra blankets and warm clothes for chilly weather. A flashlight with spare batteries is a must for low-visibility conditions.

   • Snacks and Water: Non-perishable snacks and bottled water can keep you going if you're stuck for a while.

   • First-Aid Essentials: A basic first-aid kit is handy for minor injuries.

Don't wait until the last minute to get your car ready for storms. Checking your tires, brakes, battery, lights, and wipers beforehand can help you steer clear of potential troubles and breakdowns. Plus, having an emergency kit on hand ensures you're ready for any surprises. Stay safe on the road, no matter what the weather throws at you!

Smoke Odor Cleanup: DIY Remedies vs. Professional Solutions - How to Choose the Best Approach

8/14/2023 (Permalink)

Dealing with lingering smoke odor after a fire or other smoking-related incidents can be frustrating and challenging.

Dealing with lingering smoke odor after a fire or other smoking-related incidents can be frustrating and challenging for homeowners. While some may turn to DIY home remedies to tackle the problem, others opt for the expertise of professional smoke odor cleanup services. In this article, we'll explore the pros and cons of home remedies and professional solutions, helping you make an informed decision on the best approach to eliminate stubborn smoke odors from your home.

Home Remedies: The DIY Approach

1. Baking Soda and Vinegar: Baking soda and vinegar are popular household remedies for neutralizing odors. Sprinkling baking soda on affected surfaces and using a vinegar solution to clean can help absorb and mask smoke odors. However, these remedies may not be effective in completely eliminating deeply embedded smoke smells.
2. Charcoal and Coffee Grounds: Placing bowls of activated charcoal or coffee grounds around the house is believed to absorb odors, including smoke. While they may provide temporary relief, their effectiveness may vary based on the severity of the smoke odor and the size of the area being treated.
3. Opening windows and using fans to increase ventilation can help remove smoke odors from the air. While this is a simple and cost-effective approach, it may not be enough to eliminate odors trapped in porous materials or hard-to-reach spaces.

Professional Solutions: The Expert Advantage

1. Thorough Assessment: Professional smoke odor cleanup services start with a comprehensive assessment of the affected areas to identify the source and extent of the odors. This ensures a targeted and effective cleanup plan.
2. Advanced Equipment and Techniques: Professionals have access to specialized equipment and cutting-edge techniques designed to neutralize and eliminate smoke odors at the molecular level. These methods penetrate porous surfaces and hard-to-reach areas, leaving no trace of smoke odor behind.
3. Safe and Environmentally Friendly Products: Reputable smoke odor cleanup companies use eco-friendly cleaning products that are safe for both residents and the environment. They ensure that the removal process doesn't introduce harmful chemicals into your home.
4. Efficiency and Time-Saving: Professionals are trained to efficiently handle smoke odor cleanup, minimizing the time it takes to restore your home to a fresh and odor-free state. This saves you the hassle and potential frustration of experimenting with multiple DIY remedies.
5. Long-Term Results: Unlike temporary home remedies, professional smoke odor cleanup offers long-lasting results. The experts aim to completely eliminate smoke odors, preventing any reoccurrence and providing peace of mind for homeowners.

The Right Choice: When to Choose Home Remedies or Professional Solutions

If the smoke odor is mild, localized, or non-pervasive, home remedies may provide a quick and cost-effective solution. However, for more severe or widespread smoke odor issues, professional services are often the best choice.

For significant smoke odor problems, persistent smells, or extensive damage, enlisting the help of professionals is the wisest decision. Their expertise, advanced equipment, and commitment to thorough cleanup ensure the most effective results.

Eliminating smoke odors from your home requires the right approach. While DIY home remedies may work for minor smoke odors, professional solutions offer the expertise, equipment, and efficiency needed to tackle more challenging scenarios effectively. Consider the severity of the smoke odor and the extent of the damage before making a decision. By choosing the best approach, you can restore your home to a fresh, odor-free environment, ensuring a safe and comfortable living space for you and your loved ones.

6 Common Causes of Basement Floods and How to Prevent Them

7/25/2023 (Permalink)

Basement floods can be a homeowner's worst nightmare, causing extensive damage and requiring costly repairs. Understanding the common causes of basement floods is essential for homeowners to take proactive measures to prevent them. In this blog, we will explore the most frequent culprits behind basement floods and provide practical tips on how to safeguard your basement from water damage.

Heavy Rainfall and Poor Drainage

One of the primary causes of basement floods is heavy rainfall, especially when combined with poor drainage systems. When the ground becomes saturated with water, it can seep into your basement through cracks in the foundation or overwhelmed drainage systems. Regularly inspecting and maintaining your gutters, downspouts, and grading around your home can help redirect water away from your foundation.

Plumbing Issues and Burst Pipes

Leaky or burst pipes can wreak havoc on your basement, leading to sudden flooding. Aging or deteriorating plumbing systems, frozen pipes, or clogs can cause water to back up and flood your basement. Regular inspections, proper insulation, and timely repairs of plumbing issues can significantly reduce the risk of basement floods.

Sump Pump Failure

A malfunctioning or overwhelmed sump pump is another common cause of basement floods. Sump pumps are designed to remove excess water from your basement, but they can fail due to power outages, mechanical issues, or improper installation. Regularly testing your sump pump and ensuring it is in good working condition is vital for preventing basement floods.

Foundation Cracks and Leaks

Cracks in your foundation walls or floors can allow water to seep into your basement. Over time, these cracks can expand, leading to significant water intrusion during heavy rainfall or high water table levels. It's crucial to inspect your foundation regularly and seal any cracks or gaps promptly to prevent basement floods.

Improper Landscaping and Exterior Grading

Inadequate landscaping and improper grading around your home can contribute to basement floods. If the ground slopes towards your foundation instead of away from it, water can accumulate and find its way into your basement. Properly grading your landscape away from your foundation and installing proper drainage systems can help prevent basement floods.

Sewer Backup

Sewer backups can cause severe basement flooding and pose health risks due to contaminated water. Heavy rains or blockages in the sewer lines can result in sewer water backing up into your basement. Installing a backwater valve and regularly maintaining your sewer lines can help prevent sewer backups and basement floods.

Understanding the common causes of basement floods is the first step in safeguarding your home from water damage. By addressing issues such as poor drainage, plumbing problems, sump pump failures, foundation cracks, landscaping, and sewer backups, you can significantly reduce the risk of basement floods. Regular maintenance, inspections, and prompt repairs are key to protecting your basement and ensuring the safety and integrity of your home. Remember, if you do experience a basement flood, it's essential to seek professional help from disaster restoration experts, such as our SERVPRO of East Greenwich/Warwick team, to mitigate the damage and restore your basement to its pre-flood condition.

Storm-Proofing Your Home or Business in East Greenwich, RI

5/31/2023 (Permalink)

Remember, prevention is always better than cure, so take action now to protect your property from storms.

Storms can be catastrophic to your home or business, causing significant damage and even posing a threat to your safety. However, there are measures you can take to avoid storm damage and minimize the risks. In this blog, we will provide you with some tips on how to avoid storm damage to your home or business in East Greenwich, RI.

Check for Vulnerabilities

Before a storm hits, it is crucial to identify the areas of your property that are most vulnerable to damage. For instance, if you have trees close to your house or business, make sure they are trimmed, and dead branches are removed. This will prevent them from falling and causing damage to your roof or windows. Additionally, ensure that your gutters are clear of debris to avoid water accumulation, which can cause leaks and flooding.

Secure Loose Objects

During a storm, loose objects like patio furniture, outdoor decorations, and trash cans can become projectiles, causing damage to your home or business. Therefore, it is essential to secure these items by bringing them indoors or tying them down.

Install Impact-Resistant Windows and Doors

One of the most effective ways to protect your home or business from storm damage is by installing impact-resistant windows and doors. These are specially designed to withstand high winds and debris, preventing them from breaking and causing damage. Moreover, they also provide added security to your property, making it difficult for intruders to gain access.

Invest in a Generator

Storms can cause power outages, leaving you without electricity for days or even weeks. Investing in a generator will ensure that you have a reliable source of power during a storm, allowing you to keep your essential appliances running. Moreover, it can also prevent water damage caused by sump pumps failing due to power outages.

Have a Plan in Place

Having a plan in place for dealing with storms can save you a lot of time and stress. Make sure that you know the evacuation routes in your area, have a designated meeting place for your family or employees, and have a disaster kit containing essential supplies such as food, water, and first aid items.

Hire a Professional Restoration Company

In the unfortunate event that your property suffers storm damage, it is essential to have a reliable restoration company on standby. These professionals, such as SERVPRO of East Greenwich/Warwick/Cranston, have the skills and equipment to restore your property to its pre-storm condition, minimizing damage and preventing further problems.

In conclusion, storm damage can be devastating to your home or business. However, by taking the above steps, you can avoid the worst of the damage and keep your property safe. Remember, prevention is always better than cure, so take action now to protect your property from storms.

Everything You Need to Know About Black Mold

5/16/2023 (Permalink)

Black mold is a serious issue that can pose a threat to the structural integrity of a building and the building occupants.

Black mold, also known as Stachybotrys chartarum, is a type of mold that can grow in damp and humid environments. This type of mold is often associated with water damage and can pose a serious threat to the structural integrity of a building. In this blog, we will explore everything you need to know about black mold, including how it grows, where it can be found, and how to prevent it.

What is Black Mold?

Black mold is a type of fungus that grows in damp and humid environments. It is often found in areas that have been affected by water damage, such as leaky roofs or pipes. Black mold is known for its dark color and musty smell. It can cause serious damage to buildings and can pose a threat to the building occupants.

Where is Black Mold Found?

Black mold can be found in a variety of environments, but it is most commonly found in areas that have been affected by water damage. This includes areas such as basements, bathrooms, and kitchens. Black mold can also grow in areas where there is poor ventilation, such as crawl spaces and attics.

How Does Black Mold Grow?

Black mold grows in damp and humid environments. It requires moisture to grow and can thrive in areas where there is poor ventilation. Black mold can grow on a variety of surfaces, including wood, drywall, and carpet. It can also grow on organic materials such as paper and fabrics.

How to Prevent Black Mold

Preventing black mold starts with controlling moisture in the building. This includes fixing leaky pipes, repairing roofs, and ensuring proper ventilation in areas such as bathrooms and kitchens. Regular inspections of the building can also help to identify areas where moisture may be present and prevent the growth of black mold. Additionally, it is important to clean up any water damage promptly and thoroughly to prevent the growth of mold.

How to Remove Black Mold

If black mold is present in a building, it is important to have it removed promptly and properly. This typically involves hiring a professional mold remediation company, such as our SERVPRO of East Greenwich/Warwick team. The remediation process may include containment to prevent the spread of mold spores, removal of affected materials, and thorough cleaning of the area. It is important to ensure that the source of the moisture that caused the mold growth is also addressed to prevent future growth.

In conclusion, black mold is a serious issue that can pose a threat to the structural integrity of a building and the building occupants. It is important to understand how black mold grows, where it can be found, and how to prevent it. If black mold is present, it is important to have it removed promptly and properly to prevent further damage and protect the health of everyone in the building. By following proper prevention and remediation techniques, building owners can ensure a safe and healthy environment for everyone.

Electronics After the Fire: How SERVPRO Can Help with Cleaning and Restoration

4/13/2023 (Permalink)

It's crucial to act quickly to minimize the damage to your electronics.

Fire is one of the most dangerous and destructive forces in nature. It can cause severe damage to your home, business, and possessions. Fire can also damage electronics, causing them to stop working or even become unusable. 

What Fire Can Do to Electronics

Fire can have a direct and indirect effect on electronics. Directly, fire will damage the internal components of your device, such as the motherboard or hard drive. Indirectly, it may cause corrosion or other damage to the outer casing of your electronic device that can make it more susceptible to breaking down over time. 

If you're not sure what kind of damage has been done by fire and smoke exposure in your home or business, the trained technicians on our team can help identify what needs cleaning and restoration services at no cost to you!

How Our Team Can Help

Here at SERVPRO of East Greenwich/Warwick/Cranston, we can help you with your electronics cleaning needs. Our team has the expertise to safely and effectively clean all manner of electronic devices, including computers, televisions, and gaming consoles. The process begins with a thorough inspection of your device to determine the extent of damage caused by smoke or fire. Once we understand what needs to be cleaned and restored, we'll begin working on it right away!

Our technicians use specialized equipment that allows them to remove soot from inside components without damaging them further. This allows us to restore many electronics back to working condition so they can be used again.

Tips for Electronics Cleaning After a Fire

When cleaning electronics after a fire, it's important to wear protective gear. You should also be aware of the proper way to clean your electronics and what materials to use. The first step in cleaning an electronic device is removing any debris from its exterior. You may need to use tweezers or other tools for this task, depending on what kind of damage has occurred. Once you've removed any visible dirt or debris from the outside of your device, wipe down its surface with a soft cloth dampened with distilled water (or another appropriate cleaning solution). This will remove any remaining soot or ash residue that might have been left behind by firefighters during their efforts at extinguishing the flames around your home or office building.

Next comes drying time--but don't rush this part! It's important not only because moisture can cause further damage but also because it increases the risk of corrosion over time if left untreated long enough.

In conclusion, fire damage can be devastating, and it's crucial to act quickly to minimize the damage to your electronics. Our team can help you with the critical task of electronics cleaning and restoration after a fire. We have the expertise and specialized equipment needed to restore your devices to their pre-fire condition.

4 Ways To Be Proactive And Avoid Plumbing Issues In Your Home

3/13/2023 (Permalink)

Plumbing problems are never fun. They can cause water leaks, flooding, and expensive damage to your home.

Plumbing problems are never fun. They can cause water leaks, flooding, and expensive damage to your home. However, if you're proactive about keeping your plumbing in good condition and recognize signs of trouble before they become major issues, then you can avoid these problems entirely!

Get Regular Plumbing Inspections.

To avoid plumbing problems, you need to be proactive and keep an eye out for them in advance. You can do this by getting regular inspections of your home's plumbing systems and fixtures. This will help you catch issues before they become serious problems that cost thousands of dollars to fix.

To help ensure that your plumbing system is in good working order, it's important to have a professional do a thorough inspection on it at least once every year. During this inspection, they will be able to identify any potential problems before they become serious and expensive to fix later on. If there are any issues with the system found during this inspection, they'll point them out so that you can take care of them right away.

Look Out For Leaking Pipes & Faucets.

Leaking pipes and faucets are a major cause of water damage in the home, so it's important to know how to identify them. The first step is turning off the water supply, then checking for drips or pooling water around your plumbing fixtures.

If you notice any leaks around faucets or pipes in your house, take care of them right away so they don't get worse over time and cause damage to other parts of the house.

Flush the Water Heater.

Flushing the water heater is an important step in maintaining its efficiency. It's recommended that you flush your water heater once every year, but if you live in an area with hard water or high mineral content, then flushing more often may be beneficial.

To flush your hot-water tank: Turn off the power supply to your water heater and drain all of its contents into a bucket or drain outside of your house. Then refill it with fresh cold water and turn on the power again so that it can heat up again before use!

Flush the Drains.

One of the best ways to keep your plumbing functioning properly is to regularly flush out all drains with hot water and a drain cleaner. This will help clear out any debris that may have built up in the pipes, preventing it from clogging up later on.

Avoid Plumbing Problems by Being Proactive.

Plumbing issues can be a pain, but they don't have to be. By taking care of your home's plumbing systems and fixtures on a regular basis, you can easily avoid most problems before they even happen.

Home Fire Evacuation Plan

2/15/2023 (Permalink)

Having a plan in place is important incase of a fire in your home to help keep your family safe.

Fires are a serious threat to our homes and families. In the event of a fire, you need to know what to do. You should be prepared with an evacuation plan for your family and have an escape route that doesn't put anyone at risk. A fire can spread quickly through walls, floors and ceilings so it's important to stay out of the building if there is a fire until firefighters arrive on scene.

Draw a map of your house.

This is the most important step in creating a home fire evacuation plan, so take time to do it right. Your map should include all rooms, hallways, doors and windows in your home. Use arrows to show the direction of traffic flow (for example: if you were leaving through the front door). Use numbers to label each room and label each door or window with its number on your diagram.

Identify two ways out of each room.

You should identify two ways out of each room. If you have a window, make sure it is not blocked by furniture or other items. If you have a door, make sure it is not blocked by furniture or other items. Choose a safe meeting place outside of your home in case of fire. Make sure it is in a safe place and can be easily found by everyone in the family. If you have pets, keep them nearby so they don't get lost or hurt while trying to escape from the fire. If you are unable to get out of your home due to injury or lack of mobility, stay near a window and call 911 using your cell phone or landline.

Escape Safety Ladders.

Safety ladders are a good way to get out of a second-story window in the event of a fire. They should be installed at least one foot above the window sill, and used in pairs with one person holding onto the ladder while another climbs down.

Pick someone who is calm and can help. Make sure they know the escape plan, and that they are nearby when the fire starts. If you have children or older adults in your family, it's a good idea to pick someone who has experience helping these people out of their homes in an emergency situation.

Meeting place outside of the home

Make sure everyone knows when to go outside and where to meet. Make sure you have the phone numbers of all members of your family, including their work and cell phones, written down in case you need them during an emergency. If there are children living at home, make sure they know how to get out of the house without help. Not all children can do this by themselves as young as five years old.

Smoke Alarms

Make sure smoke alarms are installed on every level of your home and inside each bedroom. Test them once a month, if not more often. If you're hearing impaired or hard of hearing, make sure to have a backup warning system such as strobe lights or bells that can be heard through closed doors and windows.

If you have young children or older adults in your home, make sure they know how to escape the home safely. Give SERVPRO of East Greenwich/Warwick/Cranston a call if you are in need of help after a fire loss in your East Greenwich, Rhode Island home.

Restoring Your Home after Storm Damage

1/20/2023 (Permalink)

If you experience storm damage to your Warwick home or business, give SERVPRO of East Greenwich/Warwick/Cranston a call today.

Storm damage is never fun, but it can be especially frustrating if you have limited experience with home repair. In order to understand how to restore your home after storm damage, you need to know what kind of damage has been done and how much work it might take to fix that damage. If you're not sure where to start or what needs repairing first, here are some tips:

Assessing the Damage

Assessing damage to your home after a storm can be a daunting task, but it is important to do so as soon as possible to prevent further damage and begin the process of making repairs. Here are some steps you can take to assess your home for damage: 

• Check for structural damage: Look for any cracks or damage to the foundation, walls, or roof of your home. 
• Inspect the roof: Look for any missing or damaged shingles, as well as any damage to the flashing or gutters.
• Check for water damage: Look for any water stains on the walls, ceilings, and floors. 
• Check for damage to your windows and doors: Look for any cracked or broken glass, as well as any damage to the frames or seals. 
• Inspect your appliances: Check your appliances such as the refrigerator, washing machine and dryer, dishwasher, and HVAC system to ensure they have not been damaged by the storm.
• Take photos or video of the damages: This can help when you are submitting an insurance claim.
• Inspect your belongings: Take pictures of the damage. 

It's important to remember that it is always best to consult with a professional if you notice significant damage or if you are unsure about how to make repairs. 

Cleaning Up After a Flood

One of the first steps in restoring your home after storm damage is to remove all the standing water, wet furniture, appliances, and carpets. If your home has sustained damage from a flood, it's important to take action quickly to prevent further damage by removing wet items. You should also remove any wet insulation, drywall, and wood that was exposed during the flooding. 

Repairing or Replacing

If the damage is severe, you may need to replace the whole thing. If your home has been damaged by flooding, it's important to consult a professional before making any decisions about how to proceed. However, if you live in an area prone to stormy weather, there are resources available that can help you repair and restore your home after a storm.

Check with insurance companies about what type of coverage might be available for home repairs associated with storms. Your insurance company may provide money for repairing damage caused by environmental hazards such as flooding and storms.

Call Storm Cleanup Experts For Assistance

If you experience storm damage to your Warwick home or business, give SERVPRO of East Greenwich/Warwick/Cranston a call today. We will be out quickly to fix the problem and restore your structure and belongings to their preloss conditions.

Workplace Fire Prevention

12/13/2022 (Permalink)

Train employees on fire safety

5 Workplace Fire Safety Tips

Fires are among the most dangerous events that can happen to a business. They can cause massive property damage and put employees at risk of serious injury. To prevent fires and keep your employees safe, follow these five tips for workplace fire safety:

1. Train employees on fire safety

The first step in keeping your employees safe is knowing how to react when a fire starts, and that means they need to be trained on what to do.

• Train all employees on how to evacuate the building safely and quickly.
• Cover what equipment will help them if an evacuation isn't possible. This includes fire extinguishers, smoke masks, and self-rescue devices like ladders or ropes available in stairwells, etc.
• Remind them about the importance of notifying you about any suspected hazards so that you can act immediately—and follow up with regular inspections just to be sure nothing has changed since you last checked it out!

2. Inspect fire exits and evacuation procedures regularly

Due to panic during an emergency situation, not everyone will follow evacuation procedures when there is an emergency. Therefore, it's important that you check that your staff knows what to do. A checklist can be used to ensure all fire exits are clear and the correct equipment is available.

• Make sure the fire alarm system is working correctly by testing it at regular intervals
• Check that all fire extinguishers are in good condition and regularly checked at least once a year
• Ensure that any exit signage has remained in place and hasn't become obscured by furniture over time
• Test emergency lighting systems regularly to make sure they are working properly

3. Select the right fire extinguisher for the job

The first step to choosing the right fire extinguisher for your workplace is to understand what type of fire you are most likely to be dealing with. This information can be found in the manufacturer's guidelines or on the label that comes with your particular extinguisher. 

4. Keep electronic devices and cables away from heat sources

• Keep electronic devices and cables away from heat sources.

• Don't put anything on top of electronic devices, like a laptop or a phone.
• Be careful with lighting. If you're using candles, make sure they're in sturdy holders so they don't tip over when you move around your space or try to grab something off the table.

5. Plan ahead for business continuity

Planning for business continuity can help minimize disruption to your organization, customers, and employees. In the event of a fire or other emergency, following a plan will ensure that critical operations such as communications, human resources, and financial management are not interrupted.

A business continuity plan is a document that details how you intend to continue running your business if an emergency situation occurs. It should include: who will be responsible for what tasks; how the business will continue to operate; how you'll communicate with customers, etc.

Proper training and preparation is essential

Fires are a serious concern for any business owner. A fire can cause thousands of dollars in damage and disrupt your daily operations, but with proper training and preparation, you can prevent fires and keep your employees safe!

The most important thing to keep in mind is that you have the power to protect your employees and your business. By following these tips and staying aware of potential fire hazards, you can prevent fires from happening in the first place. If you do find yourself in a situation where a fire does break out, remember that everyone needs to evacuate calmly without panicking or rushing.