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Stay Safe When Severe Winds Strike Lebanon | SERVPRO of Lebanon County
6/5/2023 (Permalink)
If you've suffered from storm-related damage to your home or business, make SERVPRO of Lebanon County your first call.
During the warm and muggy season, a gust of wind can be a sweet, unexpected escape from the scorching sun. Even though we cannot see it, wind is always present, and we can depend on it, even if it is not exactly what we had hoped for.
When it’s at its worst, though, wind can create a path of destruction that is impossible to avoid. You might think these conditions wouldn’t affect you on a clear day, but wind has the power to wreak havoc on your property during any kind of weather!
Take necessary precautions to ensure your safety and the safety of your home when strong winds blow.
The Different Kinds of Wind
About half of the most hazardous wind incidents are caused by severe thunderstorms, making them an inescapable risk. Winds that come with thunderstorms can lead to winds that are just as destructive as tornadoes.
Wind speeds of up to 60 miles per hour can be produced by thunderstorms, which can lead to flying debris and inescapable damage to homes and businesses.
One form of thunderstorm wind, known as straight-line wind, can reach speeds of up to 100 miles per hour and can cause harm even in areas where it doesn’t rain, unlike tornadoes, which are associated with rotation.
Tornadoes are renowned for their capacity to cause destruction, which is attributed to the diverse types of winds they produce. Lebanon is at high risk for tornadoes, and it’s around this time of year that they most often blow our way. Even when we aren’t visited by tornadoes, the extreme winds from severe storms are enough to leave a mark on local homes and businesses.
Wind Damage and Prevention
The destruction that deadly winds create can quickly lead to downed trees, flying debris and downed power lines. Winds above 80 miles per hour are capable of picking up anchored mobile homes or even ripping off your roof!
One of the most effective ways to stay safe during high winds is to know the different weather alerts and prepare your property accordingly by securing loose outdoor objects and debris that can become dangerous projectiles.
To prevent wind damage, it’s important to keep your trees trimmed and remove any loose branches or debris from your yard. Additionally, invest in storm shutters or other protective measures to safeguard your home during high wind events.
Once the winds have subsided, search your entire property to make sure there’s no damage. Climb up to your roof to fix any missing or damaged shingles before water finds its way into your home. Give our team at SERVPRO a call when you’re left with damage, and we’ll swiftly restore the aftermath of a severe Lebanon storm.
Has your home been damaged by wind? Call us and get things cleaned up fast.
NO Job is Too Big or Too Small for SERVPRO
5/31/2023 (Permalink)
SERVPRO logo with a water drop and fire
SERVPRO Storm Damage Cleanup & Restoration
Disaster Recovery Team
When a natural disaster strikes it can be all too easy to lose hope in light of severe damage and loss. Whether it’s a tornado, hurricane, blizzard or flood – the SERVPRO Disaster Recovery Team can provide help fast.
No Disaster Is Too Big
The SERVPRO System has a network of strategically positioned storm teams on standby should a disaster strike near you. Available 24 hours a day and 365 days a year, SERVPRO of Hershey/Swatara Professionals are prepared for the unpredictable.
With the ability to mobilize local command centers, along with the resources of more than 1,600 Franchises nationwide, no disaster is too big.
Recent mobilizations of the Castastrophic Storm Response Teams include:
- 2012 Sandy
- 2010 Nashville Floods
- 2008 Ike
- 2007 Chicago floods
- 2007 Ohio floods
- 2007 California wildfires
- 2005 Katrina/Wilma/Rita
Should a catastrophic storm strike, call (717) 561-1404. SERVPRO of Hershey/Swatara proudly serves Hershey, Harrisburg, Hummelstown, Lebanon, Camp Hill, and surrounding areas.
Even in the face of a disaster, SERVPRO of Hershey/Swatara Professionals will strive to help make it "Like it never even happened."
Why SERVPRO?
5/17/2023 (Permalink)
SERVPRO truck parked in franchise lot
Have you ever had fire damage, water damage, storm damage, or mold damage at your home or business and wondered what restoration company should I use, why SERVPRO? Here are 3 reasons why you should choose SERVPRO of Lebanon County versus other local restoration companies. But, there are plenty of more reasons.
1. Proprietary Products
The SERVPRO Professional Cleaning Products, LLC., team works diligently to help Franchisees succeed with top-notch cleaning products so we can clean and restore your home or business to make it "Like it never even happened."®
SERVPRO, through SPCP, offers an extensive cleaning product and agent line to the Franchise System. We produce 89 cleaning products on-site year-round. Plus, we have 61 cleaning products from outside vendors. Combined, the SPCP team offers a total of 150 cleaning products to assist our Franchise so we can assist and best serve your residential or commercial property. We make the best products because the heroes at SERVPRO of Lebanon County believe you deserve the best.
Why is this important? When SERVPRO production crews are out on a job for you, they are likely using SERVPRO’s proprietary products. This allows us to own the cleaning and restoring products by offering an exclusive line available only to SERVPRO customers. The SPCP team motto is, “Supporting Franchises through research, development, testing and production of high-quality cleaning products.
2. Community & Globally Oriented
SERVPRO of Lebanon County is both a community-oriented and globally-oriented company. We love to give back to our community year-round. We do this through a myriad of community efforts, such as Food Pantries, partaking in local events, golf tournaments and more. Get a glimpse at some of those local events here.
We do things on a larger scale, too, such as sponsoring children in third world countries. We understand the importance and impact of giving back. Being community & globally-oriented is one of many reasons we attribute our success to.
We’re a locally owned and operated business, so we live, work, play, and worship in this community, too, just like you.
3. Capacity to Handle All Jobs
No matter the size or extent of damage you have at your commercial or residential property, SERVPRO of Lebanon County has the capacity to handle all jobs -- large and small. We have the resources to handle storms and disasters. When a major storm hits, it may overwhelm other local restoration companies. SERVPRO of Lebanon County can scale our resources by accessing the equipment and personnel of 1,800 Franchises. Additionally, we have easy access to Disaster Recovery Teams, which specialize in major storms and catastrophic events.
We have the capacity to handle any of these jobs:
• Fire damage repair & restoration• Water damage repair & restoration• Mold remediation & restoration• Biohazard• Carpet & upholstery• Ceilings, floors & walls• Odor removal• Sewage• Trauma & crime scene• Vandalism & graffiti• Commercial cleaning• Document restoration
Why SERVPRO? Here are 3 reasons why you should choose SERVPRO of Lebanon Countyfor your next residential or commercial cleanup and/or restoration job: proprietary products, community & globally-oriented and capacity to handle all jobs. Remember, those are just three, but there are a number of other reasons. The next time you need the leading restoration company, simply call (717)-273-MOLD
The Smell of Your Home May Be Making You Sick | SERVPRO® Lebanon County 717-273-MOLD
5/10/2023 (Permalink)
Basement wall with possible mold growth and/or moisture.
Dr. Joan Wennstrom Bennett of the Plant Biology and Pathology points-out that VOCs from mold may be an important contributor to Parkinson’s disease. As noted in a recent article in Discover Magazine, Bennett's discovery could possibly explain a long-standing mystery: Every known toxin that causes Parkinson’s is man-made and relatively recent, but Parkinson’s has existed for thousands of years. Bennett says that a variety of natural neurotoxins may lead to the disease.
At SERVPRO of Hershey / Harrisburg East - we work closely with a Council-Certified Indoor Environmental Consultant (CIEC) to assist us in assessing mold damage in your home or office because the full extent of the impact on the air quality can not be assessed by visual inspection only. Once the consultant has defined the extent of the damage - we get to work on remediation.
The consultant then does a post remediation assessment to confirm that mold levels in the building are normal before we say we are done.
SERVPRO Lebanon County 717-273-MOLD
The Smell of Your Home May Be Making You Sick | SERVPRO® of Shippensburg Perry County 717-300-3347
5/10/2023 (Permalink)
Basement wall with possible mold growth and/or moisture.
Dr. Joan Wennstrom Bennett of the Plant Biology and Pathology points-out that VOCs from mold may be an important contributor to Parkinson’s disease. As noted in a recent article in Discover Magazine, Bennett's discovery could possibly explain a long-standing mystery: Every known toxin that causes Parkinson’s is man-made and relatively recent, but Parkinson’s has existed for thousands of years. Bennett says that a variety of natural neurotoxins may lead to the disease.
At SERVPRO of Hershey / Harrisburg East - we work closely with a Council-Certified Indoor Environmental Consultant (CIEC) to assist us in assessing mold damage in your home or office because the full extent of the impact on the air quality can not be assessed by visual inspection only. Once the consultant has defined the extent of the damage - we get to work on remediation.
The consultant then does a post remediation assessment to confirm that mold levels in the building are normal before we say we are done.
Revealing Water Damage’s Most Frequent Hiding Spots | SERVPRO® of Lebanon County
5/9/2023 (Permalink)
Think you may have water damage in your home? Here are some tips from SERVPRO of Lebanon County to find the source.
Water damage can be a hassle for homeowners, and it’s only made worse when the problem isn’t discovered until it’s too late. Water damage in and around your Lebanon house can go undetected for a long time if you don’t know how to spot it, leaving you with costly and extensive damage.
Recognizing that water damage might be a hidden issue will assist you in detecting these hidden concerns before damage occurs! There are a few vulnerable locations in your house that you can keep an eye on to guarantee water damage does not sneak in and cause serious damage.
Safeguard these spots as you work to protect your property from unexpected water damage:
Your roof. Climbing on your roof to inspect for damage is a duty that no homeowner enjoys, so it makes sense that you might discover some unexpected water damage here.
Water damage can also develop extremely gradually on your roof, so you might notice a little leak and disregard it until it starts to grow into a significant problem when the concealed leak is left unattended.
Your attic may be affected by water damage that originates on the roof, creating a different hidden problem. A dark and damp environment paired with concealed leaks and extra moisture make your roof and attic a hot spot for mold growth.
In your bathroom. You’ve probably previously had a run-in with your bathroom’s plumbing or appliances, so you may be aware of how well water damage can stay concealed in this vulnerable area.
Check for signs like water accumulating beneath your sink or a leaky faucet. Keep an eye on your toilet and bathtub as well, as they can cause similar problems such as wet patches and extra moisture.
Without a routine check, these bathroom problems can easily go undetected and lead to substantial damage. Make sure to search your bathroom for hidden damage often so you can prevent a small problem from getting worse.
Other appliances. Your bathroom isn’t the only place you should keep an eye on; your appliances can also cause sneaky problems. Water damage tends to creep around these large appliances, making it difficult to detect.
Pulling your appliances away from the wall will give you a better look and ensure that no water is accumulating beneath.
Check your appliances for damage and any unusual malfunctions so you can stop water before it finds a hiding spot. Remember to retire old appliances as soon as you can, so that you can avoid problems before they arise.
Dealing with a water emergency? Our SERVPRO specialists can be on the scene of the disaster ASAP to restore your water-damaged home!
Select a Competent Team to Restore Your Lebanon Home | SERVPRO® of Lebanon County
5/4/2023 (Permalink)
Is your home or business in need of restoration? SERVPRO of Lebanon County is ready to help you recover.around the clock.
Every decision you make in your Lebanon home affects how safe and comfortable you feel. Certain decisions are simple to make, but major changes, such as finding a restoration team to repair damage caused by a severe storm, can be much more difficult.
The last thing you want after hiring a restoration team is for them to arrive at your home disorganized and unable to do their job. You need a team like SERVPRO that is professional and knowledgeable throughout the entire restoration process!
Relying on SERVPRO ensures that you will always receive the help and support you need. We undergo extensive training, which teaches us the most advanced and cutting-edge restoration practices.
We Adhere to Industry Trainings
Our Lebanon team adheres to the IICRC guidelines, and our experts abide by the education and standards established for cleaning and restoration. These are just a few of the courses we undergo in the process:
To supply our team with the resources they require to excel, we provide employee certification training. Because of the independent nature of this instruction, our professionals have the personalized time they require to fully grasp the methods and regulations.
We Never Stop Learning
The education doesn’t stop after once our team is finished with the initial training courses, though! We offer a comprehensive collection of ongoing instructional classes and e-learning courses to keep this critical information fresh in the mind.
Our technicians are determined to make sure that we have the expertise necessary to support every Lebanon homeowner as they recover from residential damage—and our training is what makes this so effective.
Following the most recent data enables us to fine-tune our procedures as necessary to deliver the greatest restoration methods possible. We want to make certain we're equipped with the resources, skills and machinery to assist you as you recover from calamity, regardless of the severity
Why This Matters for You
Knowing that the restoration team you choose will arrive fully prepared will save you a lot of headaches. Our SERVPRO specialists will keep you informed throughout the restoration process to ensure that you receive the services you require.
Turning to an incompetent team to handle such a major responsibility can have terrible consequences for you and your home. Reach out to SERVPRO when you’re faced with damage of any kind, and we’ll get the job done right.
When you need help recovering from a disaster, SERVPRO is here for you. Get in touch 24/7 to start your disaster recovery.
Standard Water Loss Mitigation and Rebuild
4/19/2023 (Permalink)
This photo shows our drying equipment in action mitigating this water loss
Here we had a standard water loss, pipe break, damages a small portion of ceiling, part of a wall and 80-90% of the floor in the entire space downstairs
Carpet was saturated and found to be de-laminated (back of carpet separates making the carpet unable to be re-stretched, becomes non-salvageable and needs to be replaced), mitigation was a standard removal of necessary material (because it was CAT2 water…clean CAT1 water with a little contamination - there are domestic animals who live in the space) and then drying equipment placed.
This customer then wanted to make some upgrades so as a General Contractor we worked through that process writing a rebuild for their insurance company and then a separate rebuild of what they were looking for, helping them meet their desires within an out of pocket budget.
If this happens in your home be sure to call SERVPRO Lebanon County at 717-273-MOLD
Understanding Appliance-Related Water Damage | SERVPRO® of Lebanon County
4/13/2023 (Permalink)
Close up of a water heater that has leaked on a concrete floor. If this happens to you be sure to call 717-273-MOLD
Household appliances offer a quick hand to complete tasks that would take us days to complete without them. Your appliances save you time and money every day, but if they break down and cause water damage, they could cost you!
Water damage in your Lebanon home can take many forms, and water-reliant appliances are a major source of this devastation. Issues only become more of a headache when appliance-related water damage is left untreated.
A little prevention knowledge and regular upkeep can help you prevent most instances of water damage.
Regular MaintenanceAll it takes to prevent water damage early on is some consistent investigation skills! Looking for any warning signs of water damage on a regular basis will prevent a huge emergency in the future.
Refrigerator or dishwasher leakage is an issue that can be practically invisible without a closer look, so you’ll need to know what to look for. Move your appliance to the side and search for any wet spots, excess moisture or signs of mold growth.
Your HVAC system could use some close upkeep as well to keep everything flowing smoothly. You’ll never miss a water concern as long as you schedule a yearly inspection and check your vents and unit often. These actions could save your home from damage and your wallet from costly repairs!
The water heater is another typical cause of water damage that should not be ignored. Keep your heater in check by consistently searching for any noticeable signs of moisture.
Yearly or Long-Term MaintenanceA little inspection work every few weeks or months can make a huge difference in avoiding water loss, but you could also benefit from adhering to the maintenance schedule listed by the manufacturer.
Make sure the hoses and tubes connected to your fridge, washing machine and dishwasher are free of punctures, bubbling or any other indicators of damage. You should have any issues you catch repaired or replaced quickly to keep your appliance in good shape.
Keep everything running smoothly by scheduling repairs as issues emerge and retiring old appliances at least every 10 to 15 years.
Keep an eye on your appliances because even the smallest leak can lead to a massive water emergency over time. You can keep life convenient by giving your household appliances the close attention they require.
Have water damage in your home from an appliance or another source? Our team is here to help, so call us day or night. SERVPRO of Lebanon County 717-273-MOLD
Fire Extinguisher Training Is Crucial for Your Lebanon Workplace | SERVPRO® of Lebanon County
4/5/2023 (Permalink)
Fire extinguishers mounted on a wall.
A workplace crisis can be stressful, and if your team is unprepared, it will only exacerbate the situation. If a fire emergency were to erupt on your commercial property, you’ll need to trust your team to respond appropriately.
Creating a fire-safe commercial environment through fire extinguisher training can help you ready your team against the unexpected. While it may appear to be a simple task, many of your employees may be completely unaware of the proper usage of this vital tool!
Fortunately, training your team is simple, and before you know it, your entire workplace will know how to fight back against flames:
Start With the FundamentalsOSHA mandates that any workplace that includes fire extinguishers must supply the baseline training needed to operate them. This includes demonstrating to your team how and when to use them, as well as the various types of extinguishers available.
Begin with the basics of how to hold and aim the extinguisher. Once employees have mastered this step, show them how to pull the pin, press the handle and sweep over a fire. During your training, explain the importance of keeping a six to eight feet distance from the fire.
To assist them in remembering your training, introduce the helpful PASS method. Running through these fundamentals at least once a year is another way to keep this essential topic fresh in the mind.
Because newer employees may lack experience with this critical tool, assigning roles can help you ensure it never falls into the wrong hands. Select a couple of employees who are well-trained to be in charge of the fire extinguishers you have stored in your Lebanon building.
There’s a Time and a PlaceHighlighting any commercial hazards that require the operation of a fire extinguisher will help your employees understand when they need to be utilized. Go over any unique risks or scenarios present in your Lebanon workplace as well as the kind of extinguisher that needs to be used for a specific fire.
A break room kitchen fire, for example, will necessitate its own type of fire extinguisher.
Emphasize the importance of realizing when it’s time to put the extinguisher down and walk away. This is critical because fires can quickly escalate, and the safety of your team is far more important than fighting back.
When flames spread beyond a fire extinguisher’s control, your employees need to know to back away, get to a safe place and alert local authorities.
Fire extinguisher training is the best place to start as you introduce your Lebanon workplace to a complete fire safety plan. Once you are all done with your hands-on training, you can begin your next big steps to ensure your team is fully equipped to respond to any size fire emergency.
Dealing with the aftermath of a commercial fire? Our SERVPRO of Lebanon County specialists can restore your losses and return your workplace to its pre-fire condition.
When there’s a fire call SERVPRO of Lebanon County 717-273-MOLD
24/7 Emergency Service