Preventing Fire Damage!

9/4/2024 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Lancaster East and Southern Lancaster County is continuing to recover properties from fire damage, following numerous requests for assistance.  Many of these incidents could've been easily prevented.  This extreme fire damage was caused by a single candle.  Another situation involved the unsafe use of extension cords under a rug.

When utilizing heat and power sources, our team would like to remind you to follow the proper safety methods.  As we near fall and the cooler temperatures, this will become even more critical!

• Do not leave heat sources unattended, such as a candle or portable heater. 
• Ensure that candles are placed on a stable surface and away from flammable materials. 
• Avoid overloading outlets.
• Never place electric cords under rugs or doors. 
• When having a bonfire, keep flames away from structures and trees, and have a water source nearby. 
• Replace your smoke alarms annually.

By removing the threat of a fire, you can save yourself the stress that comes along with it!  Should you suffer fire damage and not know where to turn, SERVPRO of Lancaster East and Southern Lancaster County can help!  Our 24/7 emergency crew is “Ready for whatever happens!”

Commercial Cleaning!

8/14/2024 (Permalink)

Were you aware that we offer a wide array of general cleaning services?  From carpet cleaning and dryer vent cleaning to upholstery cleaning, hardwood and tile floor cleaning, and post-construction services, SERVPRO of Lancaster East and Southern Lancaster County provides a comprehensive range of commercial cleaning solutions.

Another service we provide is HVAC duct cleaning which helps to remove the dust, debris and contaminants from your HVAC system that end up in the air circulated throughout your business.  This process helps to improve indoor air quality, enhance system efficiency and promote a healthier living environment.  The buildup in your ducts will eventually require a cleaning, which is recommended approximately once every seven years based on the circumstances of your property.  We frequently provide a duct cleaning regarding a pungent odor as well as after fire damage to help eliminate the smoke in the system.  This contributes to maintaining clean and healthy air in your property.

Should you be interested in our commercial cleaning services, please reach out to us for a free estimate!  SERVPRO of Lancaster East and Southern Lancaster County is here to help our residential and commercial clients with any size disaster!

Firefighter Challenge!

8/2/2024 (Permalink)

SERVPRO^® served as the title sponsor for the Firefighter Challenge Championship Series! During this three-day event, first responders competed in vigorous tasks that showcased the immense strength, effort and dedication that goes into their duties on a daily basis. Participants from fire departments nationwide demonstrated their heroic qualities by completing obstacles such as climbing a staircase with a heavy load and carrying a 175-pound dummy across the course in under two minutes.

Our marketing team at SERVPRO of Lancaster East and Southern Lancaster County enthusiastically participated in the event through volunteer work, providing us with the opportunity to connect with representatives from various SERVPRO franchises. Witnessing the impressive feats accomplished by the fire department members left a lasting impression on our team, particularly those individuals we are honored to know personally.

SERVPRO of Lancaster East and Southern Lancaster County remains committed to supporting our first responders through various efforts!

Water Damage Leads to Mold in Lancaster Home

6/20/2024 (Permalink)

A substantial water leak led to water and mold damage in a Lancaster residence.  The leak impacted several areas, including the ceiling, walls and carpet.  Our water damage restoration team conducted extensive mitigation and mold remediation services to restore the property to a dry and safe condition.

Professional water damage restoration services are crucial in restoring properties affected by water damage of any kind.  After the removal of excess water, our air movers and dehumidifiers are utilized in the drying phase.  Often, content removal and cleaning is also necessary.

Additionally, our professional mold remediation services utilize specialized techniques and equipment, such as our air scrubbers and HEPA vacuums, to trap and eliminate harmful mold spores.  Our containment barriers help isolate the compromised space from the unaffected areas.

At SERVPRO of Lancaster East and Southern Lancaster County, we have the expertise and resources necessary to help restore any size disaster to preloss conditions.  We are on standby 24/7 to address any issues that may arise in your Lancaster home or facility!  We are proud to be “Faster to any size disaster”.

Restaurant Fire Damage in Lancaster

5/28/2024 (Permalink)

Despite a minor grease fire in the kitchen, this fast food establishment in Lancaster continued to operate through its drive-thru services.  Although employees successfully contained and extinguished the fire, smoke damage had spread into the dining area.  Our fire damage restoration team promptly restored the restaurant to full operation!

After thoroughly cleaning and wiping down all surfaces to remove smoke and soot residue, we deployed multiple air scrubbers to eliminate any harmful smoke particles in the air.  In addition, our HEPA vacuums were used to help capture even the smallest airborne particles, effectively eliminating the smoke odor and promoting a clean and healthy environment!

Business resumed smoothly and with minimal interruption for this commercial client.  SERVPRO of Lancaster East and Southern Lancaster County is grateful that we had their trust in restoring their building after fire damage!

Prepare for Disasters!

4/30/2024 (Permalink)

What happens when your office or facility suffers fire or water damage?  One way to help prevent further damage and downtime after a disaster is to have a plan in place!

SERVPRO of Lancaster East and Southern Lancaster County provides a free Emergency READY Profile (ERP) for business owners and property managers to have on hand at any given moment.  This free assessment includes an overview of what you need to know in an emergency, including critical details such as where your water shut-off valves and electrical panels are as well as who you should contact for emergency services.  This info is then compiled into an easily accessible app for when it is needed.

By having this information readily available at a moment’s notice, this will help to reduce both damage to the property and downtime for the business.  Planning for an emergency is crucial, which is why the team at SERVPRO of Lancaster East and Southern Lancaster County is happy to provide this free service to help!

Should your property suffer a fire or water damage disaster, our team can help to restore the affected areas to preloss conditions.  To learn more about how we can help in an emergency, click here!

Why is Containment Important?

4/2/2024 (Permalink)

When faced with mold growth, it is critical to protect the unaffected areas from those that pose a health risk.  Our containment barriers allow us to protect a property from further harm while mold remediation is in progress.

SERVPRO of Lancaster East and Southern Lancaster County uses air scrubbers and HEPA vacuums to remove mold, odor and other airborne contaminants from a given space.  Without barriers to contain the harmful particles, they can travel throughout a structure.  During the mold removal process, we place containment in all areas that will require demolition or equipment, or that have otherwise been determined to contain mold.  We perform similar services in instances of sewage or other biohazard events.

SERVPRO of Lancaster East and Southern Lancaster County follows the guidelines set forth by the IICRC, an organization that sets standards for cleaning and restoration in regard to the proper procedures and safety protocols.  Our crew is trained and certified in the industries we serve in order to provide the utmost expertise to our clients!

Preventing Water Damage In The Spring

3/22/2024 (Permalink)

During the spring season, the risk of water damage rises as rainfall occurs.  Water can often enter a property due to structural damage and other issues.  Regular inspection and maintenance of your property is crucial in preventing storm damage.

• Clear your gutters and downspouts of any debris.  A buildup in your drainage system can cause water to flow near your foundation, rather than away from it.
• Ensure that there are no issues with water pooling around the foundation that can eventually find its way into a structure.
• Windows and doors should be sealed to help prevent water from entering a property.
• Check your sump pump for issues and install a battery backup in case of power failure.
• Inspect your roof for signs of structural damage, such as missing roof tiles.  Repair these areas immediately.

Should your home or business suffer water or storm damage this season, SERVPRO of Lancaster East and Southern Lancaster County can quickly restore the property “Like it never even happened".  We provide emergency services for when the unexpected occurs.  We also have an entire reconstruction department on standby for storm disasters and other situations where areas need to be restored!

Furnace Fire in Lancaster

2/22/2024 (Permalink)

After the regulator in his propane furnace malfunctioned, this Lancaster homeowner suffered smoke and soot damage throughout the entire home.  Our fire damage restoration professionals began the mitigation process immediately.  The fire cleanup process is quite extensive.  During this process, we often use our soot sponges to detect if there is soot in areas where it is less evident.  This helps us to ensure that any signs of soot are eliminated from a property.

Once we have established which areas are affected, the removal process can begin!  Our team thoroughly cleaned the structure from top to bottom, including surfaces such as the walls, ceilings and floors.  At SERVPRO of Lancaster East and Southern Lancaster County, we get down to the details, removing the fire damage from the outlets and light fixtures, windows, doors and even the baseboards and trim.

Our odor deodorization techniques are then utilized to eliminate the airborne traces of smoke.  Leaving a property with a clean and healthy environment is one of our top priorities when it comes to restoring a structure after fire damage.  Content cleaning is also a critical component of the restoration process; we can restore damaged items, including even your salvageable documents and photos.  SERVPRO of Lancaster East and Southern Lancaster County offers emergency assistance for fire damage in the Lancaster area while also providing the utmost care for your home and belongings!

Preventing Storm Damage After Severe Weather

2/1/2024 (Permalink)

This time of year brings many weather-related forms of property damage to the Lancaster area.  The recent rain and snowstorms are no exception.  To help prevent storm damage to your own home or business, we can’t stress enough the importance of being prepared!

Inspect your property!

Check for structural issues or have a professional take a look.  Roof and foundation issues are two big ones to handle immediately.  Doing so can save you from a water leak down the road.

Keep the cold air out!

Seal any gaps between your doors and windows to help keep the moisture out.  This will also help with your electric bill.

Do your chores!

After a snowstorm, shoveling your sidewalk and walkways is a given to help avoid slippery conditions.  Removing the snow off your roof is also a good idea after heavy snowfall.  As the snow rests on your roof, the weight can potentially cause a roof leak or collapse, particularly if your roof is not up to par.  In addition, an ice dam can occur overtime and block where the water needs to drain out properly.  These issues can lead to water damage.

Insulate!

Your pipes should be insulated in addition to areas that are more prone to the exposure of moisture or cold air.  This includes attics and basements and will help to prevent frozen pipes.

Check your Sump Pump!

Sump pumps can save you from water damage, so it is important to make sure they are running efficiently.  But what happens when the power goes out?  Install a battery backup for the utmost peace of mind!

Trim Your Trees!

Loose tree limbs or branches should be removed to help eliminate the risk of roof damage during high winds.

These are just a few of the many preventative steps you can take to save your property from storm damage.  Should you suffer a loss of any kind, call SERVPRO of Lancaster East and Southern Lancaster County for a free assessment.  Our storm damage restoration team will guide you through the process as we get things back on track!