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Storm Safety Tips - National Preparedness Month

9/8/2022 (Permalink)

Flooding clean up after Hurricane H National Preparedness Month - Storm Ready

Storms can strike anywhere and at any time. According to the NOAA, weather incidents could result in nearly $15 billion in damages. 

Think about how different disasters could affect your Bethesda, Potomac, Chevy Chase, and Silver Spring property. Take the necessary steps to become informed and develop an emergency plan for before, during, and after an event for your family and pets. Read more to learn about basic emergency supply kit items you should have.

Basic Emergency Supply Kit

  • First aid kit
  • Water and non-perishable food for several days 
  • Flashlight and extra batteries
  • First aid kit
  • Prescription medication and glasses
  • Cash
  • Can opener (Optional, if your kit contains canned foods)

We Are Here To Help

SERVPRO of Bethesda, Potomac and SERVPRO of Chevy Chase/Silver Spring hope that with a little planning, you can help us approach disasters in a calm manner. A clear plan can reduce fear and anxiety during evacuation so that the process will not become chaotic and messy. Panic tends to exacerbate disaster outcomes, so always remember to keep yourself as collected as possible. 

Emergency Ready Plan

If your company requires assistance developing an emergency plan, let SERVPRO of Bethesda, Potomac and SERVPRO of Chevy Chase/Silver Spring do it for you. We specialize in Emergency Ready Profiles, which help mitigate disruption and business interruption in the event of an emergency.

Learn More About Emergency Ready Profiles >

CALL US 

(301) 530-7400

Fire Damage in Bethesda/Potomac

6/20/2022 (Permalink)

Our certified technicians have extensive fire damage cleanup and restoration training to get your property back to pre-fire condition.

The extent of fire damage can range from minor smoke and soot contained to just a portion of the home to extensive structural damage that must be rebuilt. Once your home or business is deemed safe for entry, SERVPRO-certified technicians will inspect and assess the level of damage to help determine a plan. We will categorize your fire damage upon inspection into one of the three following categories:

  • Minor Fire Damage – Just a portion of the building was affected by light to moderate smoke and soot. Restoration could include dry to wet cleaning and deodorizing walls, ceiling, floor, and personal property, with little or no repainting. Also, very few personal items need replacement.
  • Medium Fire Damage – Moderate smoke and soot require more aggressive cleaning and deodorizing techniques to remove residue. More areas need repainting. The heat caused more extensive damage to surfaces and materials, which may require more items to need repair or replacement.
  • Major Fire Damage – Severe fire damage to contents, finished surfaces, and even structural framing. Smoke has infiltrated most of the building, and emergency intervention like board-up of windows and doors, or roof tarping, is required. Personal property items will likely need to be moved out of the structure for cleaning off-site. All remaining surfaces will be cleaned and deodorized in preparation for painting and repairs.

SERVPRO of Bethesda/Potomac and SERVPRO of Chevy Chase/Silver Spring has the specific damage restoration training, personnel, and equipment to restore your home or business to its pre-existing state. If you need someone to help you with any fire, soot, or smoke damage, our certified technicians will be there to start the restoration process. For more information about what it takes to manage a puff back and prevention steps towards avoiding an expected disaster, please call us at SERVPRO of Bethesda/Potomac and SERVPRO of Chevy Chase/Silver Spring at 301-530-7400.

Water Damage in Bethesda, Potomac, Chevy Chase, & Silver Spring

6/14/2022 (Permalink)

Water damage due to a tub overflow from the 2nd level that affected 3 levels of the home

Thunderstorms occur more in the summer, and the likelihood of a water loss in your home or property increases. If you experience any water damage, we will help you understand the severity of the damage. So, you’re able to make the best decisions for the restoration of your home. SERVPRO of Bethesda/Potomac and SERVPRO of Chevy Chase/Silver Spring uses the most advanced equipment to detect hidden moisture and extract standing water.

What to Expect

When you call, a customer care specialist will ask questions regarding your water damage emergency. These questions are needed to understand your needs, including how many trained professionals may be needed.

Our SERVPRO Specialist will ask several questions:

  • Your name and contact information
  • Your insurance information
  • The street address of the water-damaged home or business
  • When did the flooding or water damage occur?
  • What caused the water damage?
  • Is there electricity and running water available?

Why SERVPRO?

SERVPRO of Bethesda/Potomac and SERVPRO of Chevy Chase/Silver Spring use a scientific approach to water removal and cleanup that emphasizes monitoring and documenting the drying process from beginning to end. From the 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.

AMRT - Applied Microbial Remediation Technician

ASD - Applied Structural Drying Technician

CCT - Carpet Cleaning Technician

CMT - Commercial Carpet Maintenance Technician

ECTP - Employee Certification Training Program

FCT - Floor Care (Hard Surfaces) Technician

FSRT - Fire & Smoke Damage Restoration Technician

HST - Health and safety Technician

IICRC Certified Firm

Master Fire & Smoke Restorer

OCT - Odor Control Technician

OSHA - 10-hour General and/or Construction Industry Training Program

OSHA - 30-hour General and/or Construction Industry Training Program

RCT - Rug Cleaning Technician

RRRP - Lead-Based Paint Activities and Renovation

RRT - Carpet Repair & Reinstallation Technician

UFT - Upholstery & Fabric Cleaning Technician

WRT - Water Damage Restoration Technician

Call SERVPRO of Bethesda/Potomac and SERVPRO of Chevy Chase/Silver Spring at 301-530-7400

When a Storm Strikes, SERVPRO of Bethesda/Potomac and SERVPRO of Chevy Chase/Silver Spring Are Here for You

5/31/2022 (Permalink)

Be prepared for unexpected storms that can damage property.

Planning is the best thing you can do to mitigate storm damage. A recovery plan will help you act immediately and prevent further damage from occurring. Read more to learn about the benefits of choosing SERVPRO of Bethesda/Potomac and SERVPRO of Chevy Chase/Silver Spring as your restoration company.

We Are One Call Away 

Storm damage can cause both structural damage and water damage. Whether you have minor storm damage or something larger to deal with, our certified technicians have the experience & equipment needed to clean up and restore your home, business, or commercial building and help get your life back to normal following storm damage.

Highly trained Certified Professionals 

Our certified professionals specialize in residential & commercial water damage restoration, with training focused on restoring salvageable items and accelerating drying time while documenting the entire restoration process. We adhere to the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) industry guidelines, and we offer classes and online learning tools to provide our customers with the utmost customer service experience.

Available 24/7

SERVPRO of Bethesda/Potomac and SERVPRO of Chevy Chase/Silver Spring is locally owned and operated. Our customer service representatives are ready to take your call, day or night. We have a network of strategically positioned storm teams on standby should a disaster strike near your Montgomery County property. Our water mitigation teams are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Trust SERVPRO of Bethesda/Potomac and SERVPRO of Chevy Chase/Silver Spring

We have more than 45+ years of experience in repair and restoration, so you can trust us to help you develop a storm damage restoration plan to help ensure your home, business, or commercial building is dry, clean, and restored to its pre-existing state. Therefore, we will do everything to work with you and complete your restoration without hassle.

If you have experienced storm damage or want to learn more about our services, call us at 301-530-7400

Commercial Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning Services

5/27/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Bethesda/Potomac and SERVPRO of Chevy Chase/Silver Spring provide Montgomery County residents with commercial carpet and upholstery cleaning services. There are many reasons why you may need your commercial carpet and rugs cleaned, including dust, dirt, pet hair, and the daily traffic of family life. There are several more factors to take into consideration when deciding the best time to have your carpet professionally cleaned.

Professional Carpet Cleaning by SERVPRO helps:

  • Reduce the effects of wear, especially in high-traffic areas 
  • Reduce the spread of germs, bacteria, diseases, and mold
  • Extend the life of the carpets
  • Remove stains and spots already present 
  • Restore the natural, clean appearance and texture of the carpets

Eliminate Pollutants

If you do not clean your carpet regularly, the foot traffic and other conditions make the area an unhealthy indoor place. For best practices, vacuum low traffic areas in your commercial building at least once a week. The lobby and hallways of a commercial building require routine vacuuming because of the higher levels of soil. 

Faster Carpet Drying

SERVPRO of Bethesda/Potomac and SERVPRO of Chevy Chase/Silver Spring uses high-powered fans to speed up the drying process. Cleaning carpets takes a certain amount of time depending on the size of the area and the sort of cleaning we are doing. SERVPRO has five different carpet cleaning processes for different types of carpet fiber and degrees of soiling.

Holds the Value Longer

Professional carpet cleaning promotes a healthy work environment and freshens the appearance of your building. In addition, commercial carpet cleaning increases the longevity of your carpet. To prevent the slow destruction of your carpet, schedule regular carpet cleaning services. It is much easier to upkeep your carpet than to pay for complete replacement. 

Hire SERVPRO for Professional Carpet Cleaning

Our certified technicians’ goal is to clean carpets, rugs, and upholstery to your satisfaction to restore them to their original appearance. Our Disaster Recovery Team applies more than 45+ years of experience in carpet and upholstery cleaning projects of all sizes. To learn more about our professional carpet cleaning services and how we can help promote healthy work environments & keep your buildings sparkling, call SERVPRO of Bethesda/Potomac and SERVPRO of Chevy Chase/Silver Spring at 301-530-7400 or 301-588-2240.

Electrical Home Fires in Montgomery County

5/25/2022 (Permalink)

Prevent electrical fires by using your home's electrical system properly.

SERVPRO of Bethesda/Potomac and SERVPRO of Chevy Chase/Silver Spring want Montgomery County residents to know that by taking precautions, electrical fires may be prevented when using electricity in the home. According to ready.gov, you can help prevent electrical fires at home simply by using your home’s electrical system properly. Certain items can expose you and your family to the risk of fire, such as:

  • Frayed wires can cause fires. Replace all worn, old, or damaged appliance cords immediately.
  • If an appliance has a three-prong plug, use it only in a three-slot outlet. Never force it to fit into a two-slot outlet or extension cord.
  • Immediately shut off, then professionally replace light switches that are hot to the touch and lights that flicker.

Fire Safety Tips

  • Make digital copies of valuable documents and records like birth certificates.
  • Install good-quality smoke detector alarms and fire extinguishers. Contact your local fire department for assistance on proper use and maintenance.
  • Consider installing an automatic fire sprinkler system in your residence.
  • Repair and replace loose outlets as soon as you notice them.
  • Call a qualified electrician who follows the National Electrical Code to look over your home.
  • Do not run cords under floor rugs, which could generate excessive heat.
  • Check cords for excessive heat or exposed wires. If a device makes strange noises or operates improperly, do not wait until the cord catches on fire.

SERVPRO of Bethesda/Potomac and SERVPRO of Chevy Chase/Silver Spring experts understand your unique set of problems when faced with fire damage and can respond immediately to your call. Our certified professionals have the expertise and equipment needed to get the job done to your satisfaction as quickly as possible. Call us at 301-530-7400.

Preventing Home Water Damage This Summer

5/18/2022 (Permalink)

Protect your Montgomery County home from water damage this summer

The worst time for water damage is when you are away from home. While you cannot do anything to control the weather, you may be able to prevent or reduce the outcome of water damage. The following tips will help you protect your home from weather-related water damage.  

Clean Your Gutters and Downspouts

Leaves and sticks accumulate in the gutters and downspouts, preventing rainwater from draining properly. When the gutters are clogged, the water can overflow into your foundation and lead to a basement flood. Remove trash and debris from your gutters and downspouts to prevent significant problems. Also, make sure the downspouts are long enough to discharge the water at least three feet away from your home. 

Shut Off the Main Water & Supply Valves 

Turn off the water in your home at the main shut-off valve. The main shut-off valve will prevent leaks that can lead to major damage, so you won’t have to worry about returning home to a water damage issue. In addition, you can shut off the water supply to the most frequent causes of water damage, such as toilets, washing machines, etc. These appliances will feature individual shut-off valves. Turn the valve clockwise to stop the water flow.

Test Your Sump Pump

Sump pumps prevent excess water from entering your home. Testing your sump pump before leaving on vacation ensures that the groundwater stays out of the basement. You can test the sump pump with a bucket of water and assess whether it is pumping the water out.

Backup Pipes

A sewer backup can occur when wastewater does not properly drain away from your home due to an obstruction or damage. If you experience any difficulties with your sewer lines, call a plumber right away to have them look at them. 

The chances of experiencing water or flood damage are higher during the summer. If you discover significant water damage in your home, business, or commercial building, call SERVPRO of Bethesda/Potomac and SERVPRO of Chevy Chase/Silver Spring. Our certified professionals provide effective water mitigation and flood cleanup services to remove excess water from your home and restore damaged materials.

To learn more about SERVPRO of Bethesda/Potomac and SERVPRO of Chevy Chase/Silver Spring water damage repair and restoration, click here.

Call us at 301-530-7400

Clean Up Services in Montgomery County

4/28/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Bethesda/Potomac & SERVPRO of Chevy Chase/Silver Spring

Sewage leaks or vandalism & graffiti can occur at any time. The water is unsanitary and may contain bacteria, microbes, and other viruses that can cause serious illness.

When a sewage backup occurs, SERVPRO of Bethesda/Potomac and SERVPRO of Chevy Chase/Silver Spring is ready to provide cleanup services to remove the sewage, contaminants, and moisture. We can then clean, disinfect, and deodorize the structure and contents. Our certified professionals will inspect the contaminated water to determine the type of water and plan the appropriate response to restore your home or business safely.

We also offer vandalism and graffiti cleanup services for commercial & residential property owners. Our certified technicians will act quickly to remove vandalism and graffiti from your home and commercial spaces. Our certified technicians can also clean driveways, walkways, asphalt, metal, wood, glass, plastic, and masonry. In addition, we can also offer the following services:

Need Sewage or Vandalism & Graffiti Cleanup Services?

Call Us Today – (301) 530-7400 or (301) 588-2240

If you find yourself dealing with a sewage backup or vandalism & graffiti emergency, SERVPRO of Bethesda/Potomac and SERVPRO of Chevy Chase/Silver Spring is here to help. When fire or water damage strikes your business, you need professional help to get your property back to business. Every hour spent cleaning and restoring is lost revenue and productivity. SERVPRO of Bethesda/Potomac and SERVPRO of Chevy Chase/Silver Spring has the training, experience, and equipment to make it “Like it never even happened.” You can depend on our team for these commercial services.

Fire Damage: Outdoor Grilling Safety 101

4/28/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Bethesda/Potomac and SERVPRO of Chevy Chase/Silver Spring is here to assist you with fire damage

The most popular way to cook food during the summer season is grilling. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), gas and charcoal grills cause an annual average of $1,500 structure fires and 4,200 outdoor fires in commercial or residential properties, resulting in a combined direct property loss of $29.8 million. SERVPRO of Bethesda/Potomac and SERVPRO of Chevy Chase/Silver Spring have the specialized fire restoration training needed to restore your home to pre-fire condition. Read more to learn about fire safety grilling and our fire restoration process.  

This Summer, Make Fire Safety A Priority

  • Always supervise a barbecue grill when in use.
  • When using a charcoal grill, only use starter fluids designed for barbecue grills.
  • When using a gas grill, check for leaks before using it for the first time each year. Applying soapy water to the hoses will easily and safely reveal any leaks.
  • Keep children and pets far away from the grills. 
  • Use propane and charcoal BBQ grills only outdoors.
  • Never store a grill with a propane tank inside your home.
  • When grilling is complete, let the coals cool completely before disposing of them in a metal container. 

Fire Damage Restoration Services

When various materials burn, the soot and residue they create differ greatly and require a specific cleaning procedure. The steps listed below illustrate our process for the “typical” fire damage restoration. 

  • Emergency Contact
  • Inspection and Fire Damage Assessment
  • Immediate Board-Up and Roof-Tarp Service (if needed)
  • Water Removal and Drying (if water damage is present)
  • Removal of Smoke and Soot from All Surfaces
  • Cleaning and Repair
  • Restoration

Even when taking the appropriate measures, fires can still happen. Our team hopes that you do not experience fire damage, but if you do, call SERVPRO of Bethesda/Potomac and SERVPRO of Chevy Chase/Silver Spring. Our certified technicians have the expertise, equipment, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage. 

SERVPRO of Bethesda/Potomac and SERVPRO of Chevy Chase/Silver Spring is locally owned and operated

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?

Call Us Today – (301) 530-7400 or (301) 588-2240

Be Prepared in Case of a Thunderstorm in Montgomery County

4/27/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Bethesda/Potomac & SERVPRO of Chevy Chase/Silver Spring is always Here to Help!

April showers do not always bring May flowers. Residential and commercial property owners cannot always prepare for severe weather. Severe weather can include hazardous conditions produced by thunderstorms, including damaging winds, tornadoes, large hail, and flash flooding. Storms can be incredibly dangerous, and it is important to put your family and pet safety first.

Protecting Your Home from Thunderstorms & Lightning

Pay attention to the weather forecasts for information on thunderstorms in the Bethesda, Potomac, Chevy Chase, and Silver Spring areas. Protect your home before a thunderstorm by cutting down or trimming trees that may fall on your home during a storm. Also, consider buying surge protectors, lightning rods, or a lightning protection system to protect your electronic devices, appliances, and home. In addition, make sure that your sump pump is working properly.

Prepare Your Family and Pets for Thunderstorms

  • Discuss thunderstorm safety and lightning safety with all members of your household.
  • Identify a safe space in your home for household members, including pets to gather during a thunderstorm.
  • Put together an emergency preparedness kit.
  • Pay attention to alerts and warnings.
  • Unplug appliances.
  • Avoid flooded roads, six inches of moving water can knock you down, and one foot of water is not safe for vehicles. 

SERVPRO of Bethesda/Potomac and SERVPRO of Chevy Chase/Silver Spring can respond immediately to storm and water damage. Our certified technicians are ready to restore your home, business, or commercial property quickly. Your home may need construction work, and we can simplify the restoration process by handling the initial damage mitigation and rebuilding the affected areas. You should choose the company with the most storm damage experience and the best understanding of treatment. To learn more about SERVPRO of Bethesda/Potomac and SERVPRO of Chevy Chase/Silver Spring storm resources click here.

SERVPRO of Bethesda/Potomac and SERVPRO of Chevy Chase/Silver Spring is always Here to Help! Call us at (301) 530-7400 or (301) 588-2240.