Team Hughes is Now Serving Lancaster City!

12/23/2024 (Permalink)

Team Hughes is proud to acquire SERVPRO of Central Lancaster!  We are proud to begin serving Lancaster City with their cleaning and restoration needs!  Our team is available 24/7 to provide assistance in the event of fire damage, water damage, mold, and biohazard situations.  We also provide a full portfolio of cleaning services for residential and commercial clients.  Team Hughes is now the owner of five franchises which include:

SERVPRO of Central Lancaster

SERVPRO of Lancaster East

SERVPRO of Southern Lancaster County

SERVPRO of Kennett Square/Oxford

SERVPRO of Cecil County

Since acquiring the Lancaster area, we have been actively engaging with the local community.  As we begin to assist Lancaster in the city limits, we are excited to make new connections and grow as a reputable restoration company in the region!  Should you suffer a fire or water damage event of any kind, we hope that you will put your trust in us to help restore your property!

Preventing Frozen Pipes!

11/21/2024 (Permalink)

The winter months often bring the risk of water damage.  Due to the low temperatures we experience, pipes have the potential to freeze and burst.  At SERVPRO of Lancaster East and Southern Lancaster County, we often restore properties due to this issue. Water damage due to frozen pipes can be overwhelming for property owners, but there are several ways to help prevent this.

• Insulate exposed pipes.
• Insulate the areas where there is minimal to no heat such as an attic or basement.
• Open your outdoor hose bibs to drain any excess water before it can freeze.  Shut off the outdoor water supply.
• Keep your thermostat set at a consistent temperature.
• In frigid temperatures, open your cabinet doors to allow warmer airflow to reach the pipes.  Turning your faucet on to allow the water to drip will help to keep water flowing through the pipes.
• If a pipe freezes, use a heating pad or hot towel to slowly thaw the pipe before it bursts.  Contact a plumber for assistance.

There are also several issues that can be used to identify a frozen pipe:

• No running water or low water pressure
• Pipes with frost or condensation
• Cracked pipes: The high pressure in the pipe can cause a pipe break if the water supply line is not shut off in time.
• Water damage: A pipe leak can lead to issues such as wet drywall or water marks. Look for signs of water leaks.
• Strange noises from the ice inside your pipe
• Unusual odors from the water buildup, particularly in the case of a sewer line.

Should you suffer water damage due to a frozen pipe, SERVPRO of Lancaster East and Southern Lancaster County can assist you in restoring your property to preloss conditions.  Our team is prepared to respond immediately for water damage events in the Lancaster community!

The Dangers of Puffbacks

11/6/2024 (Permalink)

As the cold weather approaches, now is the time to ensure that your heating systems are functioning properly.  A malfunctioning system can lead to a puffback.  A puffback occurs when a system is leaking oil or doesn't ignite properly.  The oil eventually builds up and has nowhere to go.  This causes soot to burst out of that system and to quickly spread throughout your home, settling onto walls, furniture and even into the ductwork where harmful particles will begin to circulate through the air.

There are several ways to help prevent a puffback in your Lancaster property:

• Inspect and clean your furnace, boiler and chimney annually.
• Look for black soot on surfaces, and check for odd noises or odors.  These signs could suggest that the oil isn't burning properly.
• Look for debris in your fireplace and the flue vent of your chimney that can cause a buildup.
• Replace air filters 1-2 times per year to maintain system efficiency.
• Ensure there are no clogs or cracks in your system.

Should you suffer a puffback, SERVPRO of Lancaster East and Southern Lancaster County provides extensive soot removal, duct cleaning and odor deodorization services to help fully restore your property to a clean and healthy environment.  Our fire damage restoration team is available 24/7 to respond to your property damage needs!

Storm Disaster Recovery Efforts!

10/17/2024 (Permalink)

After a severe storm hits the East Coast, SERVPRO of Lancaster East and Southern Lancaster County heads to the areas most impacted to help recover what was lost!  Our Disaster Recovery Team is proud to travel to those areas when local franchises are overwhelmed by the demand for assistance.  We are among many SERVPRO® franchises on standby, ready to mobilize at a moment's notice to head towards the destruction and where our services are needed the most!

SERVPRO of Lancaster East and Southern Lancaster County has assisted with major storm events including Hurricane Ian in Florida, Hurricane Isaias in North Carolina, and the deep freeze in Texas and Oklahoma that caused extensive water damage.  Most recently, our storm damage team assisted the Carolinas in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.  Throughout these disasters, we dedicate several weeks to serving residential and commercial properties that have suffered various forms of storm damage, including severe flooding and roof damage caused by fallen trees.  Our board up and mitigation crews act quickly to restore storm-damaged properties to preloss conditions.

The aftermath of a powerful hurricane, tornado or flooding event can be catastrophic.  SERVPRO of Lancaster East and Southern Lancaster County is glad that we can offer assistance to those who were affected, no matter the extent of the damage.  

Biohazard Cleanup!

10/4/2024 (Permalink)

In the event of a hazardous biohazard event, it is critical to know who to call!  SERVPRO of Lancaster East and Southern Lancaster County is fully prepared to manage circumstances involving exposure to biological or chemical substances.  We implement specialized cleaning and removal procedures designed to mitigate health risks associated with potential exposure.  These procedures adhere to the standards established by organizations such as OSHA, EPA and the IICRC.

One of the biohazard services we offer is hoarding cleanup.  In these cases, we work with local authorities to determine the best course of action.  Since this type of cleanup often involves bloodborne pathogens or other harmful materials, our team exercises extra caution when disposing of unsalvageable items and disinfecting the impacted areas.  Other biohazard services that we provide include trauma and crime scene cleanup, sewage cleanup, vandalism/graffiti removal, and the cleanup of infectious diseases.

In each of these situations, we follow the proper techniques for cleaning and disposal in accordance with safety guidelines.  We also work with partners such as pest control companies when dealing with an infestation.  At SERVPRO of Lancaster East and Southern Lancaster County, ensuring a safe environment for you and your property is our number one priority when it comes to these types of disasters.

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!