Get ready for Winter

9/3/2024 (Permalink)

The weather is changing now! The cold temperatures are knocking on our door!

When we think about cold weather and how we can plan ahead; one thing often gets overlooked.

Our PIPES!

A burst pipe can create a big problem.Let's learn a little about burst pipes.

Some helpful tips on how to protect your pipes from freezing:

Burst pipes are one of the most common causes of property damage during frigid weather and can cause thousands in water damage.

Research conducted by the "Building Research Council at the University of Illinois" shows that the “temperature alert threshold” is 20° F, especially if you have uninsulated pipes running through an uninsulated space.

Here are some tips to help you keep those pipes in running order:

• Keep garage doors closed, especially if there are water supply lines in the garage.
• Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing.
• Let the cold water drip from a faucet served by exposed pipes. Running water through the pipe—even at a trickle—helps prevent pipes from freezing.
• Keep the thermostat set to the same temperature during day and night. Again, during a cold snap is not the time to set back the thermostat at night to save a few bucks on your heating bill.
• If you plan to be away during cold weather, leave the heat on in your home, set to a temperature no lower than 55° F.
• For the long term, add insulation to attics, basements, and crawl spaces. Insulation will maintain higher temperatures in those areas. And to prevent drafts, seal cracks and openings around windows, doors, and at sill plates, where the house rests on its foundation.

Even with all of the preparations, pipes can freeze and burst leading to water damage. If you have any questions about how you can protect your pipes, give us a call today at 603-298-6942.

Commercial Chem spill and bio hazard tips

6/3/2024 (Permalink)

taking care of businesses while protecting ourselves by using our PPE

Chemical Spill and Biohazard Cleanup Tips for your business.

Exposure to biological and chemical contaminants can pose serious health consequences. 

A failure to properly remove such substances can contribute to unhealthy and dangerous environments.

SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton have professionals trained to safely clean and remove biohazardous substances and dispose of them in accordance with OSHA and all health regulations.

Preparedness is essential.

Familiarize yourself and your employees with these simple steps in the case of a spill:

• Make sure everyone is alerted to the spill
• Determine the chemical nature of the spill and check the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS). Remember that sometimes determining whether or not a waste is a “hazardous waste” is difficult, and that the best policy is to assume all chemicals should be handled as hazardous waste.
• Make sure any electrical and spark producing equipment is turned off.
• If there’s fire, use the fire extinguisher right away.
• If appropriate, outfit yourself and employees in protective equipment or hazmat gear, including respirator, safety goggles and gloves.
• If needed, evacuate yourself and your employees. If the chemical spilled is toxic, volatile, or flammable, evacuation should be carried out immediately.
• If the chemical spilled is hazardous or highly toxic, alert all appropriate authorities and call 911
• In the case of a small spill, create a barrier around the spill with absorbent materials such as paper towels, vermiculite, or sand.
• Put up signs to prevent access to the contaminated area and warn of danger.

If your business has a policy or plan in place for these kinds of events, make sure you know it well!

If you do not have a plan of action in place or need a more comprehensive and detailed plan to go along with what you already have; contact SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton and we will provide you with an Emergency Readiness Profile at no cost to your business.

Biohazard emergencies don't always occur during the day or during your regular hours of business!

That's why SERVPRO of  Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and can be reached at 603-298-6942.

How do I know if there is water damage?

9/27/2023 (Permalink)

How to Check your home for Water Damage

Whether you've just been through a storm or are doing regular maintenance on your home, checking for water is always a good thing!

Don't wait until a BIG disaster happens!

Taking the time to complete the steps below periodically; Can save you from that big disaster and will keep that hard earned cash in your pocket!!

Step 1 - Check the Walls

The easiest sign of water damage to spot is water stains on the walls and ceilings. Also check around the window and door frames for stains.

Any unusual stains should be taken seriously, as they could be a sign of a leaky pipe or drain inside the wall.

Also look for cracks in the drywall and bubbling under the paint. An area of wall that has been exposed to water can also have a swollen appearance and be soft to the touch.

Step 2 - Check the Floors

Water damage can happen to any type of flooring and can also seep down to the sub floor. 

Look for any warping or buckling of the floors, especially in the basement. If the floor looks warped, water damage is most likely the cause.

Step 3 - Check the Pipes

Inspect the piping in the kitchen, bathrooms, laundry room, and basement for corrosion around the pipe connections, leaks, or water stains.

Inspect the caulking around the bathroom fixtures. Missing or loose caulking could be caused by water seepage.

Look for missing grout or signs of mold. Check the water heater for wet spots on the floor and rust on the tank.

Step 4 - Check the Basement

Basement leakage is a common problem found in houses. Water in the basement often causes damage to the flooring, baseboards, walls, and furniture.

Additionally, odors caused by mold and mildew can be unpleasant and even cause health problems.

Inspect for cracks, stains, rust, dampness, mold, and odors. If you have drywall in your basement, Water can wick up it. Check all drywall for signs of water or water stains.

Step 5 - Check the Attic

Check the attic for stains, mold, and other signs of leaks.

Pay special attention to the valleys where 2 roof planes come together, the flashing where the roof meets the walls, and the flashing around roof vents and chimneys.

The insulation should be dry and in good condition. Houses located in cold climates can develop ice dams on the roof, which cause water to leak into the attic from melting snow and ice on the roof.

Also make sure that attic ventilation is sufficient.

Step 6 - Check the Exterior

Make sure to check the exterior of the house as well.

Check the roof for damaged flashing and missing, cracked, or curled shingles. If you see standing water anywhere outside the home, it could be the sign of a problem.

A puddle could be due to poor drainage in the yard, leaky rain gutters, or gutter spouts that don t take water far enough from the house.

The house should be situated on the highest point of the property, with the ground sloping away from the house.

If you see any signs of water damage in your home; call 1-603-298-6942 today. Don't let that small amount of water become a HUGE problem for you!

Let's learn about FIRE

6/30/2023 (Permalink)

A fire can happen to anyone at anytime, but the Holiday season is peak season!

Winter is quickly approaching as well as the holiday season. This time of year automatically raises the chances of fire in our homes. Many of us in the Northeast have woodstoves that heat our homes, upping the risk of fire and puffback.

The holiday season brings with it another element of fire concern, We need to concern ourselves with kitchen safety! We do a lot of cooking and baking during the holiday season. According to the NFPA, Thanksgiving is the peak day for home cooking fires, followed by Christmas Day, the day before Thanksgiving, and Christmas Eve.

Now that we know how prevalent fires are around the holiday season, Let's Learn about FIRE!

Fire is FAST! In less than 30 seconds a small flame can turn into a major fire. It only takes minutes for thick black smoke to fill a house or for it to be engulfed in flames.

Fire is HOT! Heat is more threatening than flames. Room temperatures in a fire can be 100 degrees at floor level and rise to 600 degrees at eye level. Inhaling this super-hot air will scorch your lungs and melt clothes to your skin.

Fire is DARK! Fire starts bright, but quickly produces black smoke and complete darkness.

Fire is DEADLY! Smoke and toxic gases kill more people than flames do. Fire produces poisonous gases that make you disoriented and drowsy. Asphyxiation is the leading cause of fire deaths, exceeding burns by a three-to-one ratio.

Before a Fire Occurs

Create and Practice a Fire Escape Plan

Twice each year, practice your home fire escape plan. Some tips to consider when preparing this plan include:

Find two ways to get out of each room in the event the primary way is blocked by fire or smoke.

A secondary route might be a window onto a neighboring roof or a collapsible ladder for escape from upper story windows.

Make sure that windows are not stuck, screens can be taken out quickly, and that security bars can be properly opened.

Practice feeling your way out of the house in the dark or with your eyes closed.

Teach children not to hide from firefighters.

Smoke Alarms

A working smoke alarm significantly increases your chances of surviving a deadly home fire.

Test batteries monthly.

Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, including the basement, both inside and outside of sleeping areas.

Never disable a smoke alarm while cooking – it can be a deadly mistake.

During a Fire

Crawl low under any smoke to your exit - heavy smoke and poisonous gases collect first along the ceiling.

Before opening a door, feel the doorknob and door. If either is hot, or if there is smoke coming around the door, leave the door closed and use your second way out.

If you open a door, open it slowly. Be ready to shut it quickly if heavy smoke or fire is present.

If pets are trapped inside your home, tell firefighters right away.

If you can’t get out, close the door and cover vents and cracks around doors with cloth or tape to keep smoke out. Call 9-1-1 or your fire department. Say where you are and signal for help at the window with a light-colored cloth or a flashlight.

If your clothes catch fire, stop, drop, and roll – stop immediately, drop to the ground, and cover your face with your hands. Roll over and over or back and forth until the fire is out. If you or someone else cannot stop, drop, and roll, smother the flames with a blanket or towel. Use cool water to treat the burn immediately for 3 to 5 minutes. Cover with a clean, dry cloth. Get medical help right away by calling 9-1-1 or the fire department.

After a Fire

Contact your local disaster relief service, such as The Red Cross, if you need temporary housing, food and medicines.

Check with the fire department to make sure your residence is safe to enter. Be watchful of any structural damage caused by the fire.

The fire department should see that utilities are either safe to use or are disconnected before they leave the site.

DO NOT attempt to reconnect utilities yourself.

If you are insured, contact your insurance company

Try to locate valuable documents and records.

You will need a Fire Damage and Restoration team. Contact SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton at 603-298-6942 24 hours a day.

Common causes for water damage

6/30/2023 (Permalink)

THE 5 MOST COMMON CAUSES OF WATER DAMAGE IN YOUR HOME.

There are so many things that can damage your home. Wind,earthquakes,fires,storms and WATER.

Water Damage being the most frequent of all.

Here are the 5 most common causes of water damage in your home

Air Conditioner

Your air conditioner might seem to be working just fine, but it’s important to adhere to regular service dates (at least once each year) to ensure nothing is malfunctioning behind the scenes. Your A/C removes moisture from the air, and sometimes that moisture builds up within the A/C itself. If not properly drained, that water could be slowly leaking into your home – potentially ruining the flooring and drywall and, in many cases, introducing mold.

Dishwasher

Dishwashers are another possible culprit of water damage in your home. Your dishwasher can cause water damage if not properly sealed, meaning that the latch is broken, or if it was loaded with the wrong soap. Make sure that any leaks are immediately addressed and that your dishwasher is repaired or replaced ASAP.

Washing Machine

Perform regular checks on your washing machine, inspecting beneath the unit as well as behind it. Make sure all fittings are securely connected, and that the underbelly of the washing machine isn’t leaking any water beneath the unit. If you have an older washing machine that gives you frequent issues, consider replacing it altogether.

Leaking Pipes

It might seem obvious, but water damage in the home is often caused by leaky pipes. Let’s pretend that you have a loose-fitting pipe under the kitchen sink or in the bathroom, and you’ve just recently water pooling in that area. Don’t wait to call a plumber – a leak in one place in your home could signify leaks in other areas, too.

Clogged Drains

Clogged drains aren’t just annoying, they also cause water damage (and mold growth) if left unchecked. If your toilet is clogged, it means that not only can you not use the toilet, but you will likely also experience water backing up into the shower, sinks, or bathroom floor. Sewer water is extremely dangerous because it contains raw sewage and bacteria, and must be cleaned up by a professional.

If your kitchen sink drain is backing up, you can experience sink overflow and subsequent damages to your kitchen flooring and cabinetry. Make sure to seek professional help when experiencing frequent drain clogs so you don’t have to deal with water damage to your home on top of the clog itself.

If you are experiencing leaks in your home Call SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton today at 603-298-6942.

COMMERCIAL/LARGE LOSS RESTORATION

5/19/2023 (Permalink)

Commercial Restoration

Why SERVPRO? Because when it comes to Commercial/large loss restoration, SERVPRO is here to help!

The term commercial restoration refers to commercial buildings, schools, nursing homes, multi-unit buildings and can even mean residential property if it is of a usually large size. It includes events such as fire, smoke, burst pipes, heating unit puff-backs, biological occurrences such as bodily fluids, sewer back-ups mold/growth infestation; odor problems and even animal invasions or inhabitants.

We understand how overwhelming everything can seem in a time of crisis. SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton is here for you with trained technicians to make it "Like it never even happened".

Commercial/Large Loss Restoration Services Include:

• Securing the building/facility
• Temporary utility services (Power, Lights, Heating, Plumbing)
• Debris removal
• Complete or partial pack-out of electronics, belongings, documents, equipment, etc. as required
• Water extraction and drying/dehumidification
• Structure and content cleaning
• • Deodorization, disinfection, and odor removal
• Repairs and reconstruction

Restoration Process:

Once the emergency is dealt with; damaged materials removed, content protected, packed and stowed and the drying equipment installed, we move onto the restoration phase. This is where we work with insurance adjusters, specialty tradespeople, owners, and property managers to identify the necessary repairs, develop a scope of work and estimate the costs.

Estimating Process:

The estimating process is actually a fairly smooth process because SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton, Insurance adjusters and many tradespeople use the industry standard software, Xactimate, which provides pricing, calculating formulas and concise descriptions that define the materials and services with each line item. This insures everyone is "comparing apples to apples".

Because time is critical in protection materials and content, you want to hire a company that is experienced, knowledgeable and equipped to do necessary work. Quickly and correctly. Thus, getting your company/facility/business back up and running with the least interruption.

That company is SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton

To find out more about SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton Commercial/Large Loss Services give us a call today at 603-298-6942

When water becomes a hazard

9/21/2022 (Permalink)

Water damage

When water becomes a Bio Hazard!

Homeowners often don't realize that they are responsible for the maintenance and repair of their lateral sewer pipe which is the pipeline between the city sanitary sewer main (which is usually located in the street) and the building.

Sewer backups and toilet overflows can wreak havoc in your home and can create a bio hazard situation very quickly.

Sewage backup should be considered an emergency and dealt with as quickly as possible. We are the water damage restoration specialists with specific training and expertise to safely restore your home or business.

So, what are the most common causes of sewer backups?

In the Northeast we have many older homes, often times these homes can be over 100 years old and one of the causes of sewer backup is aging sewer systems.

The ASCE states that the nation's 500,000-plus miles of sewer lines are on average over thirty years old. This has caused and contributed to the rapid rise of sanitary sewer back ups, overflows and flooded basements.

Tree roots seeking moisture, small roots of trees and shrubs make their way into sewer line cracks and service pipe joints, they can cause extensive damage or blockages as they grow larger. The cost of the clean-up will fall to the problem tree's owner.

Combined pipelines cause problems to arise in systems that combine storm water and raw sewage into the same pipeline.

During many rain storms, the systems are exposed to more volume than they can handle, and the result is a sewage backup situation that allows sewage to spew out into basements and other low lying drains.

There are 3 categories of contaminated water that homeowners may have to deal with in a water leak or sewer back up scenario, they are:

Category 1: "Clean Water"

This is water from a clean source, such as a broken clean water supply line or faucet. If left untreated, category 1 water can quickly degrade into category 2 or 3 water depending upon such factors as time, temperature, and contact with contaminants.

Category 2: "Gray Water"

This water has a significant level of contamination. Sources for category 2 water may include washing machine overflow; toilet overflow with some urine, but no feces; or dishwasher overflow.

Category 3: "Black Water"

This water is grossly unsanitary and any contact should be avoided. Sources for category 3 water could include flooding from rivers or streams, water from beyond the toilet trap, water from the toilet bowl with feces, or standing water that has begun to support microbial growth.

Water can go from Category 1 to category 3 quickly if left untreated and exposed to bacteria.

Give us a call at 603-298-6942 if you are dealing with any water or sewer backup and we'll make it "Like it never even happened"

When water becomes a Bio Hazard!

6/15/2022 (Permalink)

Sewer back ups can lead to a bio hazard situation quickly

When water becomes a Bio Hazard!

Homeowners often don't realize that they are responsible for the maintenance and repair of their lateral sewer pipe which is the pipeline between the city sanitary sewer main (which is usually located in the street) and the building.

Sewer backups and toilet overflows can wreak havoc in your home and can create a bio hazard situation very quickly.

Sewage backup should be considered an emergency and dealt with as quickly as possible. We are the water damage restoration specialists with specific training and expertise to safely restore your home or business.

So, what are the most common causes of sewer backups?

In the Northeast we have many older homes, often times these homes can be over 100 years old and one of the causes of sewer backup is aging sewer systems.

The ASCE states that the nation's 500,000-plus miles of sewer lines are on average over thirty years old. This has caused and contributed to the rapid rise of sanitary sewer back ups, overflows and flooded basements.

Tree roots seeking moisture, small roots of trees and shrubs make their way into sewer line cracks and service pipe joints, they can cause extensive damage or blockages as they grow larger. The cost of the clean-up will fall to the problem tree's owner.

Combined pipelines cause problems to arise in systems that combine storm water and raw sewage into the same pipeline.

During many rain storms, the systems are exposed to more volume than they can handle, and the result is a sewage backup situation that allows sewage to spew out into basements and other low lying drains.

There are 3 categories of contaminated water that homeowners may have to deal with in a water leak or sewer back up scenario, they are:

Category 1: "Clean Water"

This is water from a clean source, such as a broken clean water supply line or faucet. If left untreated, category 1 water can quickly degrade into category 2 or 3 water depending upon such factors as time, temperature, and contact with contaminants.

Category 2: "Gray Water"

This water has a significant level of contamination. Sources for category 2 water may include washing machine overflow; toilet overflow with some urine, but no feces; or dishwasher overflow.

Category 3: "Black Water"

This water is grossly unsanitary and any contact should be avoided. Sources for category 3 water could include flooding from rivers or streams, water from beyond the toilet trap, water from the toilet bowl with feces, or standing water that has begun to support microbial growth.

Water can go from Category 1 to category 3 quickly if left untreated and exposed to bacteria.

Give us a call at 603-298-6942 if you are dealing with any water or sewer backup and we'll make it "Like it never even happened"

Fires during construction and renovations

6/6/2022 (Permalink)

Fire while under construction

The days are longer and the weather is warmer, it's time get those construction and renovation projects underway!

Fires in structures under construction are more common than you may think.

According to the NFPA, fire departments responded to an average of 3,840 fires of structures that were under construction and 2,580 fires in structures that were under major renovations per year between 2013-2017.

The cost annually for this is $304 million in direct property damage and three of every four fires in structures under construction involved residential properties.

Fire at a construction site is bound to endanger the lives of workers and anyone else on site. A fire at the site can also damage the structure and destruction of machinery and materials; ultimately putting the job at a stop and delaying the whole project.

It is imperative that every project has a clearly laid out fire protection plan and a project manager/construction manager to make sure that the plan is in place and that every one is aware of the plan and point of contact.

Fires at construction sites can start for many reasons and it is important to know fire types and how to handle each one.

Class A fires occur in wood, rubber, paper,cloth and most plastics. The most effective type of extinguishing agent is one using water, or solutions containing large concentrations of water,because the ‘‘quenching-cooling’’ effect reduces the temperature of the burning material below its ignition temperature. Fire extinguishers suitable for this type of fire are designated with a classification of “A” on the label

Class B fires occur in flammable or combustible liquids, such as petroleum products and greases.
A “blanketingsmothering” effect of an agent that excludes oxygen or inhibits the chemical chain reaction is most effective. Extinguishers labeled “Class B” employ carbon dioxide, dry chemical, Halon or foam.

Class C fires involve electrical equipment. The extinguishing agent must be non-conductive. Carbon dioxide, dry chemical and Halon are the normal types used for electrical fires.

Class D fires involve combustible metals such as aluminum, magnesium, zirconium and titanium. The use of water and some other conventional types of extinguishing agents are ineffective and may cause a violent reaction. These fires can be extinguished with specially prepared agents. Where this hazard exists, extinguishing agents with a D-class rating should be provided. All on-site fire extinguishers should be serviced and inspected.

According to the NSC, The woodworking area should be set up in a remote area of the project.
Where possible, dust-collecting apparatus should be installed for power equipment. Dust, scraps and refuse should be removed regularly and properly disposed of. Smoking should be prohibited in the area.

Cutting and welding sparks cause more
construction fires than any other ignition source.

The person responsible for fire safety should implement fire protection systems and ensure
adequate precautions are taken.

The NSC also recommends to expedite the installation of automatic sprinklers.

Underground mains, hydrants and a source of
water should be provided in the earliest stages of
construction. The goal should be to get sprinklers
in service ahead of combustible occupancy and
immediately following combustible construction.

Making sure that all local codes are being implemented and followed is imperative to a safe and effective worksite.

SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton welcomes any and all questions about fire safety! Give us a call today at 603-298-6942 

Ticks are back!

5/11/2022 (Permalink)

Photo of male and female adult blacklegged ticks on a sesame seed bun to demonstrate relative size. Photo credit: CDC

The warm weather is returning and the sun is shining, that means more time spent outdoors. After being cooped up for the long Winter months, it's refreshing to be able to get back out there!

We are not the only thing to settle down for the Winter, only to reemerge when the melting and thawing are over.

Ticks!

This is the time of year when ticks rear their ugly little heads and we need to be ready for them!

According to the CDC tick exposure can occur year-round, but ticks are most active during warmer months (April-September).

Knowing which type of tick is common in your local region can help you to determine what steps are best at preventing tick bites.

According to the CDC Geographical Map the most common ticks to inhabit the Northeast are listed below.

American Dog and Brown Dog tick:

• Widely distributed east of the Rocky Mountains. Also occurs in limited areas on the Pacific Coast.
• Transmits: Tularemia and Rocky Mountain spotted fever.
• The highest risk of being bitten occurs during spring and summer. Dog ticks are sometimes called wood ticks. Adult females are most likely to bite humans.

Blacklegged tick (AKA Deer Tick):

• Widely distributed across the eastern United States.
• Transmits: Borrelia burgdorferi and B. mayonii (which cause Lyme disease), Anaplasma phagocytophilum (anaplasmosis), B. miyamotoi disease (a form of relapsing fever), Ehrlichia muris eauclairensis (ehrlichiosis), Babesia microti (babesiosis), and Powassan virus (Powassan virus disease).
• The greatest risk of being bitten exists in the spring, summer, and fall. However, adults may be out searching for a host any time winter temperatures are above freezing. Stages most likely to bite humans are nymphs and adult females.

So, how can we best avoid these guys while still enjoying the great outdoors?

We should first know where to expect ticks.

Ticks live in grassy, brushy, or wooded areas, or even on animals. Spending time outside walking your dog, camping, gardening, or hunting could bring you in close contact with ticks. Many people get ticks in their own yard or neighborhood.

Treat clothing and gear with products containing 0.5% permethrin. Permethrin can be used to treat boots, clothing and camping gear and remain protective through several washings.

*If you are an avid camper or hiker you can buy permethrin-treated clothing and gear.

Use a chemical repellent with DEET, permethrin or picaridin.

Wear light-colored protective clothing.

Tuck pant legs into socks.

Avoid tick-infested areas if possible and stick to the middle of trails when walking them.

Make sure to check yourself and your pets as soon as you come in. It's important to check your clothing as well because ticks may be carried into the house on them and any gear that you or your pet may be wearing.

Any ticks that are found should be removed.

You can tumble dry clothes in a dryer on high heat for 10 minutes to kill ticks on dry clothing after you come indoors.

If the clothes require washing first, hot water is recommended. Cold and medium temperature water won't kill ticks.

The CDC recommends showering within 2 hours of coming inside because it has shown to reduce the risk of getting Lyme disease as well as other tick born diseases. It will also help to wash away any ticks that haven't latched on yet and gives you the opportunity to do an all over body check.

When doing a body check on yourself or your children, pay attention to these areas:

• Under the arms
• In and around the ears
• Inside belly button
• Back of the knees
• In and around the hair
• Between the legs
• Around the waist

Let's look forward to a fun and active Summer free of ticks!!