In the event of heavy rain, water and debris can easily enter sewers which can cause overloads. Along with water, sewage can back up into your home. When this type of backup happens, these sewage flood waters are extremely hazardous to you and your family. It’s important to handle these backups carefully. Make sure to notify the city or town you live in if your home is connected to a public sewer.
If the flooding is due to city water, it’s likely that the water will begin to recede when the rain stops. However, your basement will need to be cleaned and sanitized. Handling this type of back up yourself is risky and requires extensive personal protective equipment, such as gloves, boots and face masks.
The technicians at SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford are specially trained and fully equipped to handle this type of clean up. Sewer backups should be considered an emergency, as the water can contain viruses, bacteria and other microbes that can cause serious illness to you or your family.
We can help you dispose of items that are impacted by the water, clean the floors, walls and other surfaces and perform demolition or removal of wet floors, rugs and walls as needed. Call SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford at any time, day or night if you need assistance with sewage clean up.
As we approach the warmer weather there are different kinds of storms that we face. It's never too early to be prepared for such a storm. By following safety tips and precautions you can prevent being injured and prevent damages to your home and property.Should any of these storms occur and you've been affected as a result, We're here to help you in any event or circumstance. Don't go the battle alone, Let's weather the storm together. Call the professionals at SERVPRO of Dartmouth / New Bedford.
Types of storms:
Hail Storms. Many residents living in the U.S. have already experienced a severe hailstorm and witnessed the damage hail can cause to homes, automobiles, businesses and other property. ...
Thunderstorms
Tornadoes
Heavy Snow / Blizzards
Floods
Derecho Storms
Heavy rain
Lightning
Wind
Ice Storms
If caught outside, take shelter in a sturdy enclosed building or hard top automobile immediately.
Avoid open areas,isolated objects, metal objects.
Get out of boats and away from bodies of water.
Remember, if you can hear thunder, you are close enough to the storm to be struck by lightning.
Take safe shelter immediately inside a sturdy building or basement away from windows, doors and electrical appliances.
Inside tips on storm safety:
Avoid using electrical equipment and telephones. Use battery operated devices instead, like flashlights.
Close outside doors and windows and keep away from windows to avoid lightning strikes.
Stay inside for 30 minutes after the last thunder has settled.
Do not take a bath, shower or use plumbing until the storm has passed.
Keep battery operated flashlights and lanterns ready to go.
Have non -perishable foods, water and emergency supplies on hand in the event of power loss.
If possible, have a charged cell phone available in the event of an emergency.
Stay away from windows, doors and electrical appliances.
We can weather the storm together! Call the professionals at SERVPRO of Dartmouth / New Bedford. We're here to help!
As Hurricane season soon approaches, it can pose a serious threat to both your life and property. These natural disasters can produce wind gusts ranging from 50 to 100 miles per hour or more. Thus causing power outages, down trees and power lines which can cause fires. A storm with that much power can cause catastrophic damage and severe flooding. Not only can flooding occur naturally but from an overwhelmed sump pump, sewer/septic overflow and high water table. Damages can be mild or severe. Weather can be unpredictable, so be prepared for the unpredictable. Thus, why it’s vital to have a hurricane safety plan in place for your home or business. Here’s some things you need to know about hurricane readiness. Below are safety tips for before and after a hurricane.
Battery operated flashlights, lanterns and candles and a lighter
Portable battery operated radio and extra batteries for all
First Aid Kit
Non perishable food items and water
Non-electric can opener
Essential medicines
Natural gas: If you smell gas or hear a hissing or blowing sound, ventilate the area and leave immediately. Turn off the main gas valve from the outside, if you can. Do not smoke or use oil, gas lanterns, candles or torches for lighting inside a damaged facility until you are sure there is no leaking gas or other flammable materials present.
Sparks, broken or frayed wires: Check the electrical system unless you are wet standing in water or unsure of your safety. If possible, turn off the electricity at the main fuse box or circuit breaker.
Appliances: If appliances are wet, turn off the electricity at the main fuse box or circuit breaker. Unplug appliances and let them dry out. Water and sewage systems: If pipes are damaged, turn off the main water valve. Check with local authorities before using any water as the water could be contaminated.. Do not flush toilets until you know that sewage lines are intact.
Have appliances, natural gas, plumbing and electrical checked by a service professional before using them again.
Although we never want a disaster to occur, We can weather the storm together! Call SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford, we are Here to Help!
When in need of additional warmth many people use a portable heater or space heater. While they provide extra heat space heaters are an alternate source of heat and aren't intended to be a primary heating source. Space heaters are responsible for 1/3 of home heat fires and 80% of home heat deaths. Be mindful of the safety tips below when using a portable heater or space heater not only at home but also in cold offices. As any heating element can catch fire, follow the safety tips below to ensure you/your family's safety.
Never leave children or pets unattended near the heating element
Keep 3' clearance from any flammable products (furniture,curtains,bedding, clothing)
Always place heater on a stable surface ( to avoid tipping )
Never use extension cords
Always shut heater off when not in use
Do Not leave on when going to bed or leaving the home
Plug directly into a wall outlet never use a power strip
Never pull by the cord to unplug (Unplug by the adapter)
Be sure the cord isn't hot to touch, check for split wires
Be sure to have a smoke alarm
In the event a fire occurs We're here to help! Contact your local SERVPRO of Dartmouth /New Bedford!
What would you do if you went into work one day and found your business in a disaster situation?
Whether that’s fire damage, water damage, or anything that requires next level clean-up, chances are, your business would be closed for the day.
While your employees may enjoy an unexpected day off, SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford understands that each minute your doors are closed is a minute where you lose revenue. It is for that reason why we pride ourselves in being “faster to any sized disaster.” When you call us, not only do we arrive on scene and immediately work to “stop the bleeding” but we’ll also work around the clock to ensure your business or facility is back up and running in no time.
We’ll work with you so that what we do doesn’t interfere with what you do.
SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford is available to handle any sized commercial disaster, no matter the hour.
Your office's air ducts circulate all of the air throughout the day. This means clean air is healthy air! The air that circulates into your ducts is the same air that fills your home and is breathed in by you and your employees each day. We all know the importance of clean and filtered air. Cleaning your air ducts is an easy process, so let's not delay! Dust particles are cleaned away by powerful vacuums, ensuring they are not recirculating dirty air particles back into your home. They can be disinfected also if needed. As the seasons change and you prepare for the colder/warmer months. It's time to schedule an air duct cleaning appointment. Ducts and heating systems become clogged with dust, filth, and other allergens over time. Cleaning your air ducts from time to time aids in the removal of contaminants that could be bothersome to you and your family, especially if you have breathing problems, asthma or allergies. Therefore your air ducts have an important role in keeping your air clean and healthy. They move air from your cooling and heating system in and out of each office, providing clean consistent inside air quality making your business space more comfortable and healthy. You can do this by removing the dust particles and pollutants from the ducts, cleaning supply and return air ducts, diffusers, and registers in each room. By doing annual duct cleanings you can prevent the following concerns in your office.
Mold
Dust
Air ducts infested with insects
Air quality in the home is improved.
It helps to reduce allergy triggers.
Costs of energy / Less expensive utility bills
For a free estimate on your cleaning your HVAC system, contact our office at 508-999-2380!
Spring makes it’s arrival known by the increase in pollen, and the increase in rainfall.
While both are usually kept outdoors, a sneaky leak can “drop” in whenever it starts to pour.
Water damage caused from burst pipes is common in the wintertime, but just because the seasons change, doesn’t mean we no longer run the risk of dealing with that wet visitor.
Spring water damage can occur in all kinds of manners. At SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford we’ve seen it occur quite often because of unresolved leaks. Whether in the roof in the basement, even the smallest leak can be responsible for great damage.
The tricky thing with leaks, is that you only know after it rains that there was even one to begin with, which leaves homeowners playing catch-up with their water damage.
Thankfully, the crews at SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford are experienced in restoring the damage caused by even the sneakiest leak. Call our office today for all your water damage restoration needs!
SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedfordisn't just trained in disaster restoration, we're also certified in it but the IICRC The IICRC is the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification. It sets the industry standard for successfully restoring homes and businesses. To become certified, individuals must attend an IICRC-approved course, successfully complete a written examination and document skills in the specific subject to become certified. Our crew chiefs technicians, and production personnel are certified in various categories through the IICRC. They have completed courses in water restoration mitigation, fire damage restoration, and microbial growth remediation. Through the IICRC, our team remains equipped to better serve you and your disaster restoration needs.
SERVPRO is certified in:
Water Damage Restoration
Applied Microbial Remediation
Trauma & Crime Scene
Applied Structural Drying
Fire 7 Smoke Restoration
And more!
When it comes to disaster restoration, trust the pros -- SERVPRO.
When water damage strikes, it can feel like chaos has taken over and settled in your home or office. When you call SERVPRO of Dartmouth / New Bedford for the water damage restoration, you may think our technicians careless place our specialized drying equipment throughout the room. However, the location of each of your equipment is intentional and strategically placed for the most efficient use of drying time.
This means, we just don’t bring our equipment in and set it down, we have a method in the madness of the aftermath of a disaster. Our drying equipment is placed in strategic locations to create a vortex to ensure the drying time is complete and thorough.
So while you may not understand why our IICRC certified technicians are moving around our equipment during the drying process, it’s important that our LGRs, dehumidifiers, and air movers are strategically placed to minimize the drying time all while effectively drying your home.
After almost two years, we can finally start to put the pandemic in our rearview. But just because it may be past us, doesn't mean we shouldn't carry to a few cleanliness and safety precautions into the future, post-pandemic world.
When it comes to re-opening your office or place of work after a pandemic, you don’t just want to use your regular cleaning company to wipe down your keyboards and door handles. You also don’t want to put your employees at risk by having them clean it themselves.
To ensure the safety and peace of mind for yourself and your employees as they return to their workplaces, you want to make sure your office or commercial building is not only clean but disinfected as well.
SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford is more than just a cleanup company. One of our specialities include biohazard remediation of all kinds. This means that our technicians are trained and prepared to biohazard disasters, including the disinfection of viral pathogens such as COVID-19 pandemic with our proprietary, hospital-grade, CDC approved disinfectant, SERVPROXIDE™.
Not only are we able and well-equipped to handle all of your commercial disinfection needs, but you’re also able to confidently say that your location has been cleaned and disinfected by a professional cleaning company certified by the IICRC.
For all disinfection questions, call the green team, SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford 509-999-2380
Osmophobia is the fear of bad smells. So if you’ve ever been in a room you couldn’t get out of with a horrible stench, chances are you’ve felt attacked by the odor in air. While the smell is creeping in and taking over the room, your first inclination is to get out! But what if that room happens to be your home or office and you can’t exactly “run away” from the smell?
That’s when you decide to fight back.
Not just by lighting a candle or plugging in a diffuser, some smells need to be kicked out, not masked!
Which is why SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford offers deodorization services on top of the many clean-up and restoration services we provide. Not only do we help you get to the bottom of the smell, or the top if it’s coming from the attic, we’ll also be there to help guide you and your nose back to the clean and fresh air that your nose knows it needs. We also over air duct cleaning services to ensure you’re breathing better and fresher with every whiff you take!
If you’re smelling something that shouldn’t be, give our office at SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford a call and we’d be happy to help!
We think it's safe to say our beloved South Coast knows a thing or two about water damage. Whether its from frozen pipes due to freezing temps, or a rising water table, water damage can be caused by many factors.
Torrential rains, floods, burst pipes caused by below freezing temperatures, and leaks in the roof caused by storm damage, just to name a few culprits. Not mention, if the damage is not treated properly and quickly, mold and musty odors can begin to creep in your home.
Of course, there is always the damage caused to electrical outlets ceilings, walls and floors and personal belongings and furnishings. Whether in an attic, living area, basement or crawl space, all of these situations are unfortunate and can occur at any time. Dealing with these issues everyday, our team also knows a thing or two about water damage. Read below from some water damage safety tips...
Precautions & Safety Tips
Avoid contact with electrical outlets and electrical panels if exposed to water to avoid risk of shock
Never use electricity or extension cords in or around water
Eliminate standing water by using a wet vac to minimize standing water around furnace, hot water tank and oil tank
Consider waterproofing and sump pump if needed
Lastly get the basement dried out as soon as possible, use fans, dehumidifiers, air purifiers
Elevate items off the floor
Remove all wet contents and debris to avoid mold
When storms happen our team at SERVPRO of Dartmouth / New Bedford is Here to Help with anything from water damage mitigation to restoration, and reconstruction.
It's that time of year where we re-discover just how strong the elements can be when the winds and rains beat against and around our homes. After a sunny summer, it can be hard to come to terms with the harsh realities of our coastal winters. Wouldn’t it be ideal to pick out our weather for the day? What if we could always choose to have sunny weekends, rainy days only when we don’t need to go out, and snow just on Christmas Day.
In reality though, our weather forecast doesn’t check with our schedule and preferences when it decides to do what it does. This is especially true in cases of severe storm. Power outages, fallen electrical wires, and downed trees are common when the elements decide to come out in full force. Because storms are unpredictable, we don’t have ways to prevent the damage that follows.
However, the crews at SERVPRO of Dartmouth / New Bedford are always “ready for whatever happens.” Whether it’s the small fire started by an electrical malfunction, or the water that started seeping through the cracks in the foundation, with the specialized training our technicians received, there is no damage that we are not well equipped to handle. Not only are we “Ready for whatever happens” but we’re also here to make it “Like it never even happened.”
When water damages happen, it’s never at a convenient time. Chances are it’s in the middle of a cold winter night or just after you return from a week-long vacation and suddenly find yourself with 5 inches of water in your basement.
Before we get into what steps need to be taken once you determine that you have a water damage on your hands, the most important thing you can do is a call a professional, IICRC certified restoration company such as SERVPRO of Dartmouth / New Bedford to restore the damage.
When you call a professional company, you get professional results. But if you hire subpar, expect subpar work.
Here are three main steps to take when you notice you have water damage:
Shut the main water off.
This may seem pretty straightforward, but you’d be surprised at how overwhelmed people can get when they noticed flooding in their home or office. To prevent the damage from worsening, locate your main water valve and shut off the water.
2. Call an IICRC Certified restoration company, such as SERVPRO of Dartmouth / New Bedford.
When dealing with water damages, time is of the essence and we pride ourselves with being faster to any size disaster.
3. Don’t try to do-it-yourself.
As tempting as it may be to try to “fix-it” on your own, it can actually cause even more damage. Avoid opening windows, changing the temperature in the room, or even using a fan to dry up the water. These changes can have the opposite affect of drying the area. If a water damage isn’t properly dried it can lead to secondary damage such as mold and rotting.
While you may not be able control when a water damage occurs, you do have a say in what you’ll do about it as well as what company you choose to help. Regardless of who your insurance company recommends, it’s important to choose a company with a good reputation and one you can trust. It’s the kind of trust and reputation that SERVPRO of Dartmouth / New Bedford has built for over 30 years. By serving our communities when they need it most, whether it’s day or night, we’ve helped countless people regain control of their lives after a disaster. Although we never wish a disaster on anyone, if you have to call someone, we hope you call us: (508)999-2380. We’re Here to Help.
The year of 2021 was full of storms all over the United States. Our teams were busy away and at home between serving our fellow SERVPRO franchises in Houston, TX. following the freeze, to helping out our local community with storm damage due to the ever changing New England weather.
It’s no secret to us that this year will be no different. As cold fronts and rainstorms continue to make their way across our region, our team also continues to be prepared for when disaster strikes. Though we always wish our community a happy, healthy, and safe New Year, we know that accidents happen, which is why we’re here.
If this new year welcomes you in with damage caused by storms, you can call our team at SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford to make sure it doesn’t ruin the rest of your year. We’ll be right by your side helping you, from mitigation to restoration to reconstruction!
While it may not be everyday that you have to deal with damage caused to your property by weather related events, it is just another day in the office for our team.
That’s not to say we don’t treat every storm damage call as unique, but rather, that we have made it our life mission to serve our communities when they’re affected by forces of nature. This is why when you call SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford, our team will be readily available to expertly assist you in your disaster. From the front desk to the front lines, we’ll be with you to guide you every step of the way in your restoration and reconstruction journey.
Dealing with storm damage is never an easy task, but when you call us, you’ll not only work with a team that understands the ins and out of disaster restoration, but you’ll also find people who understand the stress that comes from disaster — and will help you through it.
When disasters strike at your home or office, do you want to deal with YouTube experts, or actual, certified technicians?
I’m sure you’d agree that going with the pros is the best way tot go when it comes to the clean-up of your home or business. SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford not only has experienced disaster restoration technicians, but we also have IICRC certified technicians who know how the clean-up process works.
Whether the disaster is water damage, fire damage, mold, or biohazards, we don’t believe in “just winging it.” Our technicians are trained to handle all kinds of disasters according to the Institute of Inspection Cleaning Restoration Certification guidelines. This means that when you call SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford, you’re calling the ones who are certified in the restoration industry. Not just someone with a truck and a fan.
When disasters strike, you know you can trust SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford to make it, “Like it never even happened.”
In our experience, smells are narrowed down to two basic categories, good smells and bad smells. Good smells are the ones that comes from candles, essential oils, perfumes, and our favorite foods. Bad smells, on the other hand, can come from anything such as smoke, urine and feces, rodent droppings, or worse, rodent decay, or even worse, human decay, or even worse than that…
Okay, you get it. Things that smells bad, smell… well, bad!
And sometimes you need an extra nose to know where the smell is actually coming from. Thankfully, the technicians at SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford can help. Not only can we confirm if the smell you’re smelling is a very bad, no good, smelly smell. We can also help remove the odor with our advanced technological equipment such as air scrubbers, thermal foggers, and deodorization agents.
Not only does this help remove powerful odors, but these machines also help us remove airborne contaminants and control the air quality in a given room.
If something smells… smelly, give us at SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford a call, and we’ll see if we can sniff it out for you. As always, we’re Here to Help.
There’s nothing quite like winter in the south coast. Although the snow and freezing temps force us indoors, it's a great time to get cozy by the fire surrounded by friends and loved ones. After all, if it gets too cold, you can always turn up the heat.
While your intention may have been to escape the cold, did you know that the holiday season is the peak time for residential fires? With holiday gatherings, more time spent at home cooking, and increased use of fireplaces, these scenarios increase your risk of your home catching fire.
At SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford, our crews are able to handle any kind of disaster no matter the weather. While these are never fun, they don’t have to ruin a special south coast season. If you find yourself escaping the cold but heading from the freeze into the fire, call SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford to ensure fires don’t ruin your winter season.
Did you know that November not only kicks off the holiday season, but it’s also the start of fire season?
That’s right. With the holidays coming in full swing, and cooking dinners and gatherings become regularly scheduled events in our calendars, it’s also the time when our fire fighters are most often called. Cooking fires are the leading cause of house fires — and this is especially in part because of all the holiday cooking that takes place. From amateur turkey chefs to distracted cooking to candles and Christmas trees and decorations catching on fire, there are plenty of ways a home can catch on fire during this season.
While these situations can be traumatizing and life altering moments to the homeowners, the technicians at SERVPRO of Dartmouth / New Bedford are trained to look for what we can restore rather than replace. Trained to see what is salvageable in the scraps, our crews’ mission is to put back the pieces of your home or property and make it “Like it never even happened.”
Winter is the season for locking up the windows and keeping in all the warm air. Or in many cases, cranking up the heat because the air is too cold to bear.
It’s no secret that during the winter months, in an attempt to escape the harsh and bitter cold, most people leave their space heaters running all hours of the day — whether they are home or not.
While that’s a great way to ensure your home is always hot, hot hot, it’s also a great way to increase your risk of an electrical fire. Space heaters, like any other type of heat source, need to be vigilantly monitored. Neglecting your space heater can put you at big risk for a fire. Make sure to regularly monitor your unit to ensure the only thing it’s warming up is the air in your home.
It would be pretty ironic if a space heater were to put you out in the cold due to a home fire. Which is why we at SERVPRO of Dartmouth / New Bedford hope this leaves you aware of the potential dangers a space heater, if not closely monitored, can cause.
While we are not heating professionals, our technicians are thoroughly trained to deal with fire and smoke damage restoration. Call our office for a free estimate, and 24/7 emergency board up services.
Recently, our techs were called to the rescue at a local veterinarian’s office. Thankfully it was not for a biohazard case! But what they saw was a true crime: dusty air ducts. Because of the nature of the business, pet dander and fur contributed to the excess amount of dust trapped in the vents.
We’re glad they called SERVPRO of Dartmouth / New Bedford to handle the clean up and get the vents looking brand —or, you know, “Like it never even happened.” Our techs walked out of that office breathing better and cleaner for the fur babies that walk in.
In additional to air duct cleaning, SERVPRO of Dartmouth / New Bedford also offers carpet cleaning and tile stripping services for our commercial clients, outside of our disaster restoration services.
Call us today for a free, no obligation estimate: 508-999-2380.
Ever think of what happens to the important documentation in a home or office that suffers of a disaster?
Well, we do! Which is why in addition to disaster restoration services, we also offer document restoration services! In the event of a disaster it’s likely important documents, photos, and even yearbooks are damaged. If they’re not kept in a fire and waterproof safe or filing cabinet, these materials are subjected to the same elements as your home or office when a disaster strikes, such as water damage.
While one my think those documents will never be restored to their original, preloss condition, SERVPRO of Dartmouth / New Bedford thinks otherwise. By utilizing vacuum freezing techniques, IICRC certified and HIPPA compliant technicians are able to restore water-damaged documentation. Basically making it, “Like it never even happened.”
Hopefully you’re never in a situation where you would need to utilize any of our disaster restoration services, but if you are, you can rest assured we got you covered and we are Here to Help.
Is your store or office keeping up it’s appearance for your customers and employees?
When it comes to keeping your workplace clean, SERVPRO of Fall River can help. When you use our expert and professional carpet cleaning and tile stripping service, we’ll make sure you’re left with sparkly tiles and carpets that look brand new! Your customers will not only appreciate a clean business, but one that looks and smells fresh as well. You can make sure to breathe easier with our air duct cleaning service as well.
Appearances matter, which is why SERVPRO of Fall River is committed to making you shine for your customers and clients.
For a free, no obligation quote, call our office to schedule your free estimate.
A tidy, professional office sets the tone for not only your employees, but your customers. Even if your workspace is not frequently visited by your customers, a clean space can improve employee morale.
A commercial cleaning by SERVPRO Dartmouth/New Bedford can drive revenue and productivity for your business by providing a healthier and safer environment, we can make sure that the dust is cleared, the floors are vacuumed and moped and the windows are clear.
SERVPRO can also help with emergencies, including floods, fires and natural disasters are obviously unpredictable. But, when they strike, you can depend on SERVPRO of Dartmouth/ New Bedford!
Call today to schedule your commercial cleaning with our team (508)999-2380.
When your home or office is feeling the effects of fire damage, you need someone you can call that will “smoke out” the smoke and soot damage to your damage. You need someone who will bring the heat. We understand that when a fire sparks, it’ll looking to consume more than your home or office. It’s looking to consume your life. That’s why SERVPRO of Dartmouth / New Bedford crews train to deal with extensive fire damage — not just to restore the property damage, but also a sense of normalcy as well. From advanced and top level industry standard training, to the experience our crew chiefs bring to each job — SERVPRO of Dartmouth / New Bedford brings the heat to fight against the flames of disaster that have interrupted the normal, everyday routine of your life. From the first sparks to the last wipe off, SERVPRO of Dartmouth / New Bedford will be there every step of the way.
I’m sure you wouldn’t be surprised if we told you that cooking fires are the number one cause of home fires in the United States.
If you ever cooked a meal, you can understand how easy it is to get distracted or carried away with other tasks in the kitchen. But even with the high probability of a something catching on fire and spreading throughout the kitchen and the home, cooking is still something we do everyday without hesitation. The truth is, we’ve gotten comfortable controlling the kitchen; fire, flames and all.
While it’s always nice to be a great cook, it’s often that level of comfort that can lead to a laid-back approach in the kitchen.
The next time you decide to “chef it up” in the kitchen, make sure to use the same level of care and caution as you did when it was your first time whipping up a meal. There’s no such thing as too much attention when fire of any size is involved. In the way you give your meal extra care and attention, our technicians at SERVPRO of Dartmouth / New Bedford do the same with the work they do in providing our fire and smoke damage restoration services.
If it gets too be too hot in the kitchen, you can be certain that our crews are familiar with the heat. If you find yourself cooking up more than a meal, give SERVPRO of Dartmouth / New Bedford a call. We’re Here to Help!
One of the most common and stressful, head-inducing disasters home and business owners face is the one involving water damage. Even when there’s a fire, it’s the water used for putting the fire out that causes the most damage.
That being said, one of the most common causes of water damage is when pipes burst. And can you guess what is the most common season for pipe bursts? If you guessed winter, then you guessed right!
As the colder temperatures are creeping in on us, our calls for water damage caused by burst pipes is sure to increase. The question is, how do pipes burst?
In the colder months, pipe burst are caused when the water inside the pipes freeze and therefore expand. As the water expands and the pressure in the pipes increase, this causes the pipe to rupture (or burst). However, that’s not when the water damage occurs.
Water damage comes once the frozen water melts and returns to its liquid state. As the water begins to flow normally, the rupture (or bust) that took place when the frozen water expanded is now subject to free-flowing water and this water gets through the cracks and into your ceilings, walls, basement.. basically anywhere where it shouldn’t be!
Burst pipes are headaches for homeowners. Thankfully, SERVPRO of Dartmouth / New Bedford knows just what to do to make it “Like it never even happened.” For all your winter water damage needs, call our office: 508-999-2380. We are Here to Help®
Are you prepared for a winter storm New Bedford? The most extreme winter storms bring snow, ice, sleet, as well as strong winds and frigid temperatures.
To improve your safety in your home during a winter storm, you should make several preparations such as creating an emergency kit, insulating your home and protecting your heating equipment, also make sure to know how to shut off all utilities, especially your water and sprinkler valves.
Here are a few suggestions on how to prep your home to effectively prevail against snow storms, freezing rain and chilly winds:
Install smoke alarms and ensure proper ventilation– take precautions since fire hazards increase drastically when flames are burning in fireplaces and the power systems are overburdened by heaters.
Keep pipes from freezing – wrap pipes to provide some protection and let faucets drip a little as another preventative on really frigid days.
Ensure proper drainage– have downspouts and basins clear of debris and maintain the plumbing system in perfect condition so that the water from the melting ice and snow can easily find its way out and away from your property.
Trim bushes and trees – if you have a yard, make sure no branches spread dangerously near the house.
Clear snow away–remove snow and ice from the roof to prevent collapsing and clear accrued snow away from the foundations of the house to lower the risk of flooding.
The winter season is quickly approaching which means that now is the time to properly prepare your home for the freezing temps that are sure to come.
When it comes to winterizing your home, make sure to take these key steps to ensure you don’t have water damage on hands… or in this case, your home!
1. Clean your Gutters
Making sure your gutters are clear can go a long way to prevent leaks and backups. If the gutters are clogged with leaves, or in some cases, rodents, the water it collects will go into your house instead of flowing outside.
2. Insulate areas in your home that are prone to freeze
This task may be a bit harder to accomplish. But we promise you, when the bitter cold temperatures come and everyone else’s pipes freeze except yours, you’ll be glad you went through the mild inconvenience of re-insulating your home.
3. Detach Your Hoses
On the easier side, this task is very straightforward, but don’t trick yourself into thinking it’s simple. When putting your gardening tools away for the winter, don’t overlook detaching your houses. While you’re at it, make sure to drain them and insulate the faucets so they don’t freeze from the outside temps.
In this area of Massachusetts, winter quickly comes and overstays its welcome. Which is why we at SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford wanted to equip you with these tips so you can successfully ride out the colder months without having to deal with water damage. But if you do have water damage in your home or office, you can trust that we are more than ready to deal with whatever comes our way.
We’ve talked about floods, seepage and water damages due to the weather – but what about those sneaky leaks? It's also the aftermath of the storm that poses the most risk.
Your home’s plumbing or even your window air conditioner can cause major damage inside your walls, ceilings and floors if not caught. If you notice water stains on your walls and ceilings, your first call should be to a plumber to ensure the leaking is stopped.
When the plumber is finished, call SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford to ensure that your home is properly remediated. Long term dripping water can cause mold and structural issues. Our specially trained technicians will ensure that all mold is properly remediated and necessary demolition is completed. In some instances, ceiling tiles will need to be replaced and rugs might need to be removed. Our technicians will ensure that the home is properly dried.
To prevent this type of leak, keep an eye out for a higher than normal water bill, visible mold or a musty odor, or any staining on ceilings, walls and floors. Make sure that you are completing the necessary upkeep on your homes plumbing… Did you know every piece has an expiration date? Plumbing should be checked at least every two years.
New England is known for its rapidly changing weather. The rain has been heavy, especially this summer. Heavy rain storms can cause issues for your home and business, especially if your structure isn’t properly maintained.
Your roof is the first defense against most weather. Make sure you frequently check for loose shingles or soft spots. A crack in your roof can let rain water in, causing further damage to your ceilings and your walls. Your gutters and downspouts being dirty can affect your foundation. Clogging and overflow can direct water towards your foundation, causing cracks and shifting. These cracks allow water into your home.
Water damages can be really costly. And if your insurance determines that it was due to lack of preventive maintenance, they might not cover the costs. In the event of a flooding or rain emergency SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford is here to help. We can walk you through the restoration process and are available 24/7 for water and storm damage emergencies.
It seems like just yesterday we were sent home with our computers and began working and educating from home. But, now that the restrictions have eased and we’re beginning our “new normal,” it is the best time to have your office space cleaned and sanitized!
A tidy, professional office sets the tone for not only your employees, but your customers. Even if your workspace is not frequently visited by your customers, a clean space can improve employee morale.
A routine commercial cleaning by SERVPRO Dartmouth/New Bedford can drive revenue and productivity for your business by providing a healthier and safer environment. Many people dropped their things at some point in March 2020 and haven’t returned since – we can make sure that the dust is cleared, the floors are vacuumed and mopped and the windows are clear.
Keeping air and surfaces clean can also reduce the spread of viruses and other germs, including COVID-19. While the vaccination rate in New Bedford has increased, there is still an inherent risk of COVID-19 in areas where people gather. The technicians at SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford are also trained to provide cleaning and sanitization after a suspected or confirmed case of COVID-19.
Call today to schedule your commercial cleaning (508)999-2380.
Barbecues, fire pits, fireworks and more... these summer activities are usually tons of fun – but they can turn dangerous if proper precautions aren’t taken.
Grill Safety
Mmm, burgers! The National Fire Protection Association offers great tips for grill safety. Grills should be kept clean and closely monitored. Keep them away from your home, deck rails or other structures. Avoid awnings and low hanging branches. Keep children away from hot grills and always make sure that the flames are completely out prior to leaving the grill.
Backyard Fire Pit
S’mores anyone? A backyard fire pit is a great way to add ambiance and a place to gather in your backyard, but left unchecked, they can be hazardous to your property. According to the National Fire Protection Association, fire pits should be placed far enough away from your home, deck, garage or other structures. You should also take into account low hanging trees or powerlines.
Always keep a hose, fire extinguisher or a bucket of water nearby incase the fire gets out of control. Keep children and pet away from the flames. Avoid using gas or igniters. Finally, make sure that your town or city allows fires or if there are burn bans in affect.
Leave Fireworks to the Professionals
Without a license, Fireworks are illegal in Massachusetts. Fireworks can be incredibly dangerous in the wrong hands. The National Safety Council advises that fireworks are enjoyed at public displays and not used at home. The NSC explains that 18,500 fires are started by fireworks each year, including 1,300 structure fires. Fireworks are also dangerous can cause bodily harm, especially burns.
Over the next few weeks, many Massachusetts cities and towns are offering Firework displays. Make sure keep your family safe and enjoy the beautiful displays!
Here’s to a happy and safe summer season, south coast!
This year is the 30th anniversary of Hurricane Bob which impacted the New England Area in August of 1991. According to a Mass.gov article, Hurricane Bob was the third worst hurricane to hit Massachusetts in the 21st Century. The article explains that New England experienced nearly $680 Million in damage (2021 USD). The winds whipped at over 125 mph, destroying boats, trees, buildings, downing power lines and even caused 17 causalities. Hurricane Bob had 10 to 15 foot surges along in local Onset and brought with him six confirmed tornadoes, too.
While there hasn’t been a hurricane quite like Bob in the last 30 years, our area is still impacted by tropical storms. We’re entering “hurricane season” soon and heavy winds and rainfall can wreak havoc on your residential or commercial property. Water can enter your home or building in different ways – often through the roof or the basement. Regardless, water infiltration can be damaging to your structure and dangerous to you and your family or staff.
Here’s a few tips to keep yourself safe during Tropical Storms:
Water and electricity is a dangerous combination, so be sure to turn off the power if water enters through the basement.
If your roof is leaking, try to cover it with a tarp to prevent further damage. Cover broken windows with a board (or call us, we provide this service, too!)
Try to move valuables to a higher surface and away from water intrusion.
When home emergencies happen (think: water heater burst, fire or storm damage) it can be overwhelming! Make a scary, stressful time a little bit easier by calling us. Here at SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford, we are available any time day or night to help you with the restoration process. A fast response is crucial! By taking immediate action, you help minimize the damage to your property.
Our specially trained technicians are prepared to handle any size disaster. Have a water emergency? Our technicians have extensive water restoration training. What about a fire? Our technicians are trained in fire and smoke restoration, odor control and cleaning. And damage from a winter storm or hurricane? Our technicians are specially trained to help with that too! SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford’s main goal is to return your property to pre-emergency condition!
And we offer more than emergency services. SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford can provide mold remediation services, cleaning and disinfection services and much more! Have we mentioned we have highly trained technicians?
Fires are an unfortunate reality, especially in the restaurant industry. The National Fire Protection Association notes that cooking equipment causes 61% of fires in eating and drinking establishments. 50% of businesses do not reopen after emergencies, such as fire. The best way to better your restaurant’s odds after a fire is to call SERVPRO of Dartmouth / New Bedford.
SERVPRO will respond quickly, responding to the scene with the necessary equipment and resources. The first goal is to prevent further damage to your structure. This is accomplished by completing an inspection and damage assessment, then by board-up and roof-tarp services. Windows, roofs and walls are often compromised by fires. Board-up services keep your building secure.
Our technicians then will ensure that water removal and drying is completed if required and then begin the cleanup process. Any restorable items and structures that were affected by the fire will be cleaned and sanitized. Finally, SERVPRO of Dartmouth / New Bedford will assist with the restoration process, ensuring your building returns to its pre-fire condition. We’re equipped to help with minor and major repairs including repainting or even reconstruction.
SERVPRO is Faster to Any Size Disaster and available at a moment’s notice!
We have all been waiting for spring to arrive but with spring also comes storm season which can bring heavy rains and winds. It’s no surprise to question if your home is up for the challenge of dealing with another wet season that’s watering more than just plants and soil.
Oftentimes, it’s only until a disastrous event caused by heavy rains and floods that reveal certain areas in our home or office that need extra attention. And while the spring is the typical season for most home repairs and projects, it may be too late to prevent damage from occurring.
While the main focus can be on landscaping and opening up the pool in preparation for summer cook-outs, if you’re not proactive, your lawn may not be the only thing getting watered. Homeowners should use this time to check key areas in their homes to prevent water from seeping into their homes.
Those areas include the attic to check for leaks in the roof, as well as the basement to ensure your sump pump or french drain is working properly. You can also take this time to visually inspect if there are any cracks in the foundation. A great way to protect the lower level of your home is to waterproof your basement. This provides an extra level of protection which comes in handy when living on the coast and in high flood areas.
No one plans to have emergency fire and water situations, and as such they can catch us off guard and disrupt our daily lives. Fire and water emergencies in our places of business are no different. It can be very difficult to conduct your day to day business operations when your office is floating in a foot of water.
Have no fear... SERVPRO is here!
Whether you have a home or business affected by water or fire damage, we can help.
That’s what we’re all about here at SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford, getting you back to work and making your emergency situation "Like it never even happened."
Call us anytime at 508-999-2380. We truly make it "Like it never even happened."
As heat rises from a home, it melts the accumulated snow on the roof. That melted snow travels down the roof in liquid form until it reaches the eave line and gutter, where it refreezes due to colder temps. This ice ridge continues to expand, blocking the flow of subsequent snow melt.
As water continues to melt higher up the roof, it collects behind the ice dam in the form of a puddle. Because that water sits over the warmer portion of the roof, it doesn’t freeze.
In order for ice dams to form, there needs to be roof snow buildup, home heat loss, and subfreezing temperatures. The more snow, the larger the heat loss, and the longer the subfreezing temperatures remain, the higher the likelihood that ice dams will materialize.
How to Prevent Ice Dams
Homeowners can’t control the weather, but they can do something about heat loss. Proper insulation and ventilation of the attic space is intended to keep the roof surface at or near outdoor temperatures.
Typical steps include insulating the attic floor and installing soffit, gable and/or ridge vents to expel heat. Folding attic stairways and recessed light fixtures also need to be insulated. All penetrations into the attic from the heated living space need to be addressed.
To facilitate sufficient cold air flow from soffit vent to ridge vent, baffles or tubes are installed between the ceiling insulation and the underside of the roof. This might involve opening up the ceiling.
There are many franchises across the country and many operate totally for their sole purpose. One of the great things about being a SERVPRO franchise is that while we operate solely and serve our own communities, we also come together when the need arises.
This year along with a pandemic has also been a huge storm year. We at SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford are happy to have the opportunity to help others who have suffered huge losses and are heading to Texas to assist other storm teams.
When duty calls, we come together as One Team. That's the SERVPRO way!
picture includes different buildings we can restore
How familiar are you with SERVPRO? How about a little reminder about what we can do for you and your family? Did you know that with over 1,700 Franchises in the U.S. and Canada, SERVPRO is a trusted leader in the restoration industry and is dedicated to providing quality service.
As a trusted leader in the restoration industry, we have highly trained technicians that are dedicated to responding faster to any size disaster. We provide 24-hour emergency service and have the training and expertise to handle your restoration and cleaning needs.
Our highly trained technicians respond quickly, whether you need water damage restoration or simply need your upholstery cleaned. You can depend on us for these residential services and more:
We take pride in our work and appearance. You can tell by the pride we all share for our vehicles. Let's face it, cars and trucks are one of the fun parts about what we get to do each and every day.
Next time you see one of us on the road, feel free to give us a wave!
With over 1,700 Franchises in the U.S. and Canada, SERVPRO is a trusted leader in the restoration industry and is dedicated to providing quality service. Our highly trained technicians respond quickly, whether you need water damage restoration or simply need your upholstery cleaned. You can depend on SERVPRO for all of your needs, whether it be water damage restoration, fire damage restoration, mold remediation, storm damage restoration, cleaning services, the list goes on…
Did you know that water damage is one of the most common forms of damage to property?
There are many causes of water damage from a busted water pipe, sewage backup or flooding, water damage can wreak havoc on your property if not addressed immediately. You may know the importance of proper water mitigation following a water loss but there is still a lot that may surprise you about water damage situations. Here are some important facts you should know about water damage restoration:
The more polluted the water, the worse your situation. The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) classifies water into three categories in its S500 Standard:
Category 1: Generally sanitary water
Category 2: Significantly contaminated water
Category 3: Grossly contaminated water
The category of water on any loss will dictate how it is handled.
Mold can be debilitating to your home's structure and to your health. And, it doesn't take long to begin to grow. Mold needs only five perfect conditions to grow in 48-72 hours:
Moisture
Food source
Prime temperature
No/minimal air movement
No/minimal light
Fast action is crucial to lessening the damage. In order to begin processing an insurance claim, your agent needs to know some facts about your water damage situation immediately; what happened, how it happened, the source of the water, etc. The longer you wait, the worse the situation gets and your chances of having an emergency damage claim approved begin to dwindle.
What is an ice dam? “Ice dam” refers to ice that builds up on the lower edge of your home’s roof, preventing water or melting ice and snow from flowing into your gutters and downspouts. Since the water can’t flow off the roof harmlessly, it backs up, eventually finding its way into your home.
Damage usually shows up as water leaking into rooms that are directly beneath the roof, or as water stains on your ceiling, walls and insulation
Ice dams are the result of temperature differences between the main sections of your roof and the roof’s lower edges or eaves.
Since hot air rises the heated air in our homes eventually escapes into the attic. From there, this warmer air melts the snow on the roof with the resulting water running down towards the gutter.
As water flows down the roof, it has a tendency to refreeze at the eaves forming ice which can trap future water flows. Eventually, this water may pool and back up onto the roof, causing the ruinous damage associated with ice dams.
If you live in New England, ice dams cannot be completely eliminated – the snow and cold see to that. You can, however, greatly reduce their onset and resulting damage by taking appropriate steps.
Since ice dams form because of the temperature differential between your attic and roof edges, make sure your attic is properly insulated.
MassSave recommends 18-20 inches of blown-in insulation. Not only will this save on heating and cooling costs, it will keep your attic – and, therefore, your roof – colder during the winter months.
If ice dams are found, immediately have the snow removed from the trouble spots. This is best left to a professional as this can be dangerous.
The New Year has arrived and it’s a great time to get prepared for whatever the year may bring!
Did you know up to 50% of businesses that suffer a disaster may never reopen? Of the businesses that do survive a disaster, the overwhelming majority had an emergency preparedness plan in place.
By developing a SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile for your business, you minimize business interruption by having an immediate plan of action. Knowing what to do and what to expect in advance is the key to timely mitigation and can help minimize how water and fire damage can affect your business.
Here's some of the things you'll get from taking advantage of this free app-
A no cost assessment of your facility. This means there is no need to allocate funds, giving you a great value at no cost.
A concise Profile Document that contains only the critical information needed in the event of an emergency. It will only take a little time to complete and will not take you away from current projects. But it will save a lot of time if ever needed.
A guide to help you get back into your building following a disaster. This can help minimize the amount of time your business is inactive by having an immediate plan of action.
Establishes your local SERVPRO Franchise Professional as your disaster mitigation and restoration provider. You have a provider that is recognized as an industry leader and close by.
Identification of the line of command for authorizing work to begin. This saves time so we can begin the work of mitigating the damage which can save you time and money.
Provides facility details such as shut-off valve locations, priority areas and priority contact information. Having a quick reference of what to do, how to do it and who to call provides solutions in advance of an emergency so that during the emergency you are "Ready for whatever happens."
Ready to Get Started?
Make your first resolution be to help protect your business, your employees and your livelihood. Call SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford South today at 508-999-2380 to learn more about how we can help you be "Ready for whatever happens" in the New Year!
How To Choose the Right Restoration Company - 02747
Selecting a restoration company in the midst of a disaster can certainly be overwhelming and add stress to an already difficult situation.
Water damage compounds quickly and gets more complicated the longer it is unaddressed so it’s crucial to choose a water remediation service that can arrive quickly when you need them.
Does the company respond to calls 24/7?
How fast can they start clean up and repair?
Are they licensed, insured and trained?
Often after storms and other weather related disasters, homeowners find themselves besieged by unreliable, fly-by-night repair services. You’ll want to look for reliable restoration companies with great references from local customers like friends and neighbors. Locally owned and operated companies like SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford greatly rely on word of mouth referrals.
An experienced restoration company will offer a complete assessment of your property’s damage with a FREE estimate of costs so you can make the best decisions how to proceed.
Dealing with an insurance claim can be frustrating so be sure the company you choose can help you navigate this process and deal directly with adjustors and claim representatives.
Both you and your home deserve the best care so hiring a trustworthy and compassionate team can alleviate your worries and help resume life back to normal as quickly and stress free as possible.
SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford has earned the Southcoast Best of the Best Award consistency for the last four years. If you have a disaster in your home, we are Here to Help 24/7, 365 days a year. Call us for a free estimate at 508-999-2380.
Technology is ever changing! Have you ever felt like as soon as you invest in a new cell phone, they announce a newer model? Fortunately, rapid technology and techniques in the restoration industry allow us the opportunity to restore a properly quickly, reliably and more effectively.
The IICRC Institute of Inspection Cleaning & Restoration Certification sets practical standards for restoration and cleaning. Our crews go through these trainings and certifications to provide our customers the best possible experience.
Moisture Detection and Measurement Equipment
Scientific drying principles rely upon specialized equipment to detect, measure, and monitor a property’s moisture levels. Recent advances, like infrared cameras, can help us detect water through a wall, ceiling, or floor.
Water Extraction Equipment
Powerful extraction equipment speeds the drying process by removing the bulk of the water from your home or business.
Drying Equipment
Industrial strength air movers and dehumidifiers are needed to remove the remaining moisture from ceiling, walls, and floors of your home or business. Proper drying helps to prevent swelling and warping of floors, walls, and furniture.
Odor Removal and Deodorization
Water and fire damage often causes powerful odors. The machines we use remove airborne contaminants and control the air quality during the restoration and cleanup process.
Sanitizing Agents, Germicides, and Anti-Microbial Treatments
The use of OSHA-approved cleaning agents may be needed to clean and remove odors and/or contaminants on your property.
Where the industry standard is set, our technicians continuously and consistently exceed them. Whether that’s responding to after hour disaster calls within 5 minutes, where the industry standard is an hour or responding to the scene between one to two hours, where the industry standard is four hours. Or coming up with a plan of action in 4 hours, where the industry standard is eight hours. SERVPRO of Dartmouth / New Bedford is a step above the rest. Why? Because we know our customers aren’t just customers, they are people who’ve suffered a loss and their disaster now becomes our disaster.
Hopefully, you never have to learn first hand about our disaster restoration services, but if you do, you’ll be glad you chose SERVPRO of Dartmouth / New Bedford.
Don't Fall for Storm Chasers - Choose Local - Dartmouth 02748
Ever notice that after a major storm a bunch of construction companies pop up that you’ve never heard of with addresses and locations that are anything but local?
Maybe you never noticed them because you’ve never had the need for them until recent storms damaged your house, or you were never looking so you didn’t find it. As likely as that can be, we caution against using construction and repair companies outside of your local area. The reason is, we’ve found that many of these “companies” pack up their gear and head to where the most recent storm was and prey on vulnerable families that need repairs. After the repairs are done, they pack up and move to the next storm-shattered city, leaving you to fend for yourself in case anything goes awry after the repair.
While the prices may be enticing, and the promise of getting it done quickly appealing, the cons outweigh the pros. Always go with a local and reputable company when choosing to do repairs on your house. Whether that’s gathering information from others who’ve used the company in question in the past or doing your own research online.
When it comes to disasters, you want to choose the best. This is why SERVPRO of Dartmouth / New Bedford is Here to Help. Not only are we a locally owned and operated franchise, made up of employees and members in your local community, we also have other regional franchises at our disposal, should your restoration and clean-up be bigger than anticipated. We’re dedicated to making your disaster, “Like it never even happened.”
Christmas trees are one of the high points of the holiday season but if not cared for properly, they can be a holiday hazard.
Fire departments on average respond to 160 home fires per season that start with a Christmas tree. Pine trees and resin are highly flammable and most trees have unique properties that boost their burn rate. When selecting your tree, be sure the needles are soft and flexible to ensure the tree is fresh. A parched tree can burn faster than newspaper and increases the chance of fire immensely.
Positioning trees away from heating sources, curtains, furniture and carpets can help reduce the spread in case of a fire. One of the key factors and easy ways to greatly decrease the possibility of a tree fire is making sure your tree is watered on a daily basis. Always unplug your tree at bedtime and when leaving the house to decrease your risk.
We want you to have a safe and enjoyable holiday season. Follow these steps to decrease the risk to you and your family.
Snow storms are nothing new to us living in New England and not every storm will be as enormous as the Blizzard of ’78 but being prepared is key.
A little preparation can go a long way so you don’t have added last minute stress when the news arrives that a storm is on the way.
Stock up on de-icing salt & sand and put a little bit down on walkways & sidewalks before it begin to snow. Store this inside as it will harden & freeze.
Prepare your snowblower and be sure it starts and that you have extra gas if necessary.
Gutters should be checked in the Fall but if you didn’t do it then, be sure to have someone check them.
Store water in buckets or bathtubs in case there is no running water.
Have your shovel readily available and spray with non-stick cooking spray to make shoveling easier.
Check that flashlights have working batteries and have a backup supply.
Be sure to have an emergency kit with medical supplies and fill any prescriptions for medications you need on a regular basis.
Make sure home heating sources are working and consider a backup source such as a fireplace or woodstove.
Fully charge cell phones in case of emergency.
Don’t forget your little fur babies and bring them indoors where it’s warm and safe.
This Thanksgiving, we’re especially grateful for the continued support and trust of our customers throughout this year. Although we have always dealt with delicate situations such as the aftermath of fire and water damage, this year has brought a heightened awareness of the sensitivity of the biohazard cleaning services we offer.
We know this year has not been easy for any of us which is why we want to offer our heartfelt thanks to our customers and community for trusting us to keep local businesses open and safe during these unprecedented times. It means the world to us that when it comes to the safety, security, and peace of mind of your employees, customers, and residents, you would choose us to be the ones who do the job.
There aren’t enough thank-you’s and gratitude’s that could sum up our appreciation for your continued support, especially during times such as these. We are so grateful.
We know that this year’s holidays may look and feel a bit different, but one thing has not changed: We are still here and we are Here to Help®.
Local businesses are turning to SERVPRO to provide top level disinfection for their commercial spaces.
If you have a suspected or confirmed case of COVID-19 in your commercial building, whether that is an office, warehouse, or dining establishment, call SERVPRO of Dartmouth / New Bedford for disinfection.
Now more than ever, your customers are looking to your business to provide them with the ultimate proof of customer care and service: the cleanliness and disinfection of your commercial business.
At SERVPRO, we don’t just meet cleaning expectations; we set them. As one of the leading names in cleaning and restoration, our community has looked to us to not only restore their homes and businesses after disasters such as fire and water damage but now also for restoring businesses that have been affected by COVID-19 using our Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned program.
Don’t take chances when it comes to disinfecting your business. Call the professionals: SERVPRO of Dartmouth / New Bedford (508)999-2380.
How to Prevent Dryer Vent Fires - Westport, MA 02791
Did you know that dryer vent fires are the second leading cause of residential fires in the United States? While dryers are often overlooked, the truth is, if you’re not regularly servicing your dryer, you run the risk of falling victim to a dryer vent fire. Here are some things to keep in mind to ensure that your dryer keeps the heat inside:
Use a professional installer
Regularly service your equipment
Keep the surrounding area free of flammable materials
Clean the lint filter before and after each load of laundry
Use only rigid or flexible metal venting material
Ensure air exhaust vent pipe is unrestricted
Do no overload
Inspect Gas Lines
Use the correct plug and outlet
Never run the dryer when you leave home or are sleeping.
While these steps are simple and pretty easy to carry out, they are also crucial in helping to prevent a dryer fire. If you find yourself dealing with the heat outside of the dryer, call SERVPRO of Dartmouth / New Bedford (508) 999-2380 for our fire and smoke damage restoration services. We are Here to Help!
One of the worst nightmares for a home or business owner is one of the things we at SERVPRO of Dartmouth / New Bedford deal with every day. A fire in your home or office can you leave you feeling vulnerable and unsafe. Oftentimes, a small spark will set a whole building or house on fire. We’ve seen it all. Fires are extremely traumatizing and for that reason, we decided to compile a list of the most common causes of fire so you can prevent the likelihood of a disaster happening in your home.
When it comes to conducting business, the main focus will always be on customer service. It’s something that we at SERVPRO of Dartmouth / New Bedford pride ourselves on - serving our customers and our community by helping them in their time of need. We’re certain that business owners feel the same way.
This is why as we move forward to a new normal with businesses back open, it’s important that customers and clients are welcomed back into a disinfected space.
Though the virus is novel; disinfection is not something new to us.
While many cleaning companies are adding sanitization to their list of services, are they using the correct product, equipment, and technique? In addition to our experienced technicians, we are also certified and trained by the IICRC (Institute of Inspection and Cleaning Restoration Certification). Not to mention, our proprietary SERVPROXIDE™ disinfectant is hospital grade, CDC, and EPA-approved. We know what we’re doing.
Your customers deserve clean, and there’s only one team that can deliver it: SERPVPRO of Dartmouth / New Bedford. Call us today to schedule a free disinfection consultation: (508) 999-2380
When storms come, they not only bring strong winds and high water to flood our streets. Storms are also known to bring all sorts of unpredictable and disastrous damage to homes and offices.
When heavy rains and strong winds beat against our lovely south coast community and almost tore it down, we were there to restore homes and offices throughout the area. When our neighbors in Warwick, RI were flooded, literally, with disaster calls we loaded up our trucks and partnered with regional SERVPRO franchises to help them restore their communities. We’ve even been part of the national response team following the attack on September 11, 2001, at the Pentagon. SERVPRO has been to it all, seen it all, and is prepared for it all.
'Tis the season for holiday home cooking fires! Coming in at the top of the list is Thanksgiving Day followed close behind by Christmas and New Year’s.
It’s no surprise to us, and fire departments all around the United States that the holidays are the peak season for cooking fires.
While there may be fewer guests around the table this year due to social distancing guidelines, the holidays have not been canceled. Though there may be less food, the dangers of cooking fires are still present.
Here’s a piece of advice we at SERVPRO of Dartmouth / New Bedford always give out around the holiday season but one that can be used all throughout the year:
On Thanksgiving, deep frying a turkey make seem like a good idea, but it’s also dangerous if you don’t take the necessary precautions (i.e. making sure it’s completely dry!). Most cooking fires occur around the holidays when family is over and guests are being entertained. It’s easy to forget about the oven mitts you left by the stove or the timer that went off but you couldn’t hear it from all the hollering and shouting over the football game. Make sure the cook stays in the kitchen or at least have someone keep an eye on the food while it’s cooking. Never leave the stove unattended.
If you or a family member are victims of letting loose during the holidays and suddenly realize the fire did as well, first call 911, and then call SERVPRO of Dartmouth / New Bedford.
Water damage is one of the hardest things to spot in your home before it’s too late. Normally, by the time we see signs of water damage, the damage itself is extensive.
Here are a few things to look out for if you suspect water damage in your home or office:
Smell:
When water damage occurs, if not treated right away, it can lead to mold growth giving off a musty smell. Your nose knows when something is off so if you suspect water damage try to “sniff it out” and find the source.
Discoloration:
Check your ceiling, wall, or surfaces for discoloration and dark spots. It could look like streaks a puddle mark of dried water.
Leaking:
This one of pretty obvious. Usually, if something is leaking it means there is water trapped on the other side. Don’t just collect the water that is leaking out, find the source to stop the leak.
Of course, these are only a few signs of water damage to look for. In some cases, water damage may be so hidden that it is only discovered until much later when bigger problems arise. To prevent water damage, make sure to keep up with necessary home improvements, and properly winterize your home.
Who doesn’t love candles? There’s nothing quite like lighting an ocean breeze scented candle after a day of cleaning in the middle of spring. Or maybe even an apple cinnamon smell during the holidays. Whatever your nose prefers, there’s a scent for everyone’s taste.
However pleasing that smell may be, candles can play an extremely dangerous role in the event of a fire. Here are some tips to make sure you’re never the victim of a candle fire.
Never leave burning candles unattended or sleep in a room with a lit candle
Keep candles out of reach of children
Make sure candles are on stable surfaces
Don't burn candles near trees, curtains, or any other flammable items
Don't burn trees, wreaths, or wrapping paper in the fireplace
Check and clean the chimney and fireplace area at least once a year
We here at SERVPRO of Dartmouth / New Bedford understand that mistakes happen — if you ever find yourself or your home or office burned by the result of candles, give us a call. We can assure there is no job too big or too small when it comes to serving our community.
3 Things to do in the Fall to Prevent Winter Water Damage - New Bedford 02740
There’s something special about Fall in the south coast. Between the leaves changing colors and the temperatures dropping and sweater-weather making its official comeback, it’s easily a favorite season for many. For homeowners, however, it’s also an important season to consider when it comes to preventing winter water damage.
Common causes of water damage include leaks, burst pipes, and drainage issues. Here are a few tips to keep in mind to help prevent these issues from arising in the cold winter months:
Clean your gutters.
You may ask, “What does this have to do with water damage?” When your gutters are clogged, this stops the outward flow of water collected in your gutters. Leaves are often the guilty party in this. When water isn’t flowing out of your home, you can bet that it’s floating in. Thankfully, this is an easy issue to address.
2. Insulate areas in your home susceptible to freezing.
This goes without saying, but we’ll say it anyway: freezing temperature cause pipes to burst because the pipes are not well insulated (or protected) from the cold. When the temperatures drop, the water in the pipes freezes and expands causing the pipes to burst. When the temperature goes up and the water begins to flow, it flows out of the crack in the pipe and into the walls of your home or office. That can cause a major headache and disturbance. So before that has a chance to happen, make sure your walls are well insulated.
3. Detach your hoses.
This one is often overlooked. When it comes to putting away your gardening tools, it’s easy to forget the hoses. This is another important area to watch out for as we transition into the colder months. Remember to detach your hoses, drain them, and insulate the faucet so it doesn’t freeze from the outside temperatures.
Again, these are just a few tips to get your home ready for the winter months. If one of these things are overlooked, it can easily cause water damage. If that happens, just know that SERVPRO of Dartmouth / New Bedford is here 24/7 to help with your water damage needs.
They say, “no rain, no flowers” but there is something to be said about certain things staying dry and buried. While we may not always be able to prevent certain disasters from happening in the first place, we can certainly prevent it from taking over your peace of mind. Water damages are never quite a day at the beach, but when you call SERVPRO of Dartmouth / New Bedford, they don’t have to be total chaos either.
Living in Massachusetts, the weather is always unpredictable and can often result in many unforeseen disasters taking place. With each flood, we often see a flood of emotions. This is why our team is specially trained in handling these kinds of disasters so you don’t have to. From the moment we arrive on the scene, we look for ways to “stop the bleeding” and prevent the situation from escalating and the water damage from spreading.
In the greater New Bedford area, some common issues our crew deals with are machinery malfunction from washing machines, dishwashers, and hot water tanks. In addition, we also see outside invasion from outdoor faucets that may have frozen over the winter and are now leaking into the basement. As your sprinklers are watering your grass, those same pipes are watering your basement!
When storms approach, it's helpful to be prepared in case it becomes too much to handle which is why we always recommend creating an emergency plan for your and family. At SERVPRO of Dartmouth / New Bedford, we not only specialize in water and fire damage cleanup and restoration but our crews also respond to damage caused by storms from hurricanes and tornadoes to rain and wind storms.
As much as we try to, we can never accurately predict how the elements will impact a certain area, especially during the volatile environments caused by storms.
This is why it’s important to have a concrete plan to follow during emergency situations. Here are some things to consider when preparing a plan for you and your family:
1. Create a Checklist
This can include a list of supplies to grab before leaving your homes such as your emergency kit, pets, and any additional medication or documents.
2. Discuss important decisions
Things like where to meet if your home or neighborhood is not safe, who to contact, and how you should respond to emergencies
3. Tailor your plan.
Each family has different needs and limitations, make sure yours works for everyone in your household.
4. Practice until perfect.
All plans are perfect in theory, but when you actually put the plan into action, you’ll find flaws. Make sure to role-play and make changes if needed.
5. Learn important phone numbers
This one is simple and straight-forward. Memorizing important numbers is key to ensuring you can contact the correct people.
We pride ourselves in being" Ready for whatever happens" and we want you and your family to be ready as well. As you are running from the storm, our techs are running to it to do what we do best: make it “Like it never even happened.”
One of the most damaging things that happen to a home after a fire isn’t the actual fire and smoke damage itself, its the water damage that follows.
When putting out a fire, a substantial amount of water is used to quench the flames. All of that water ends up seeping into the home and in addition to the damage already caused by the fire, water damage also begins to take place. While some home fires are contained to a small area of the home, the water used to put out the fire ends up spreading throughout the rest of the structure.
As the crews of SERVPRO of Dartmouth / New Bedford begin the restoration process, the first thing we want to address is the water damage. By focusing our mitigation efforts on that first, we make sure the water damage doesn’t further compromise the structure.
Unaddressed water damage can lead to mold growth, added structural instability caused by wood rot, and a number of problems can arise if this isn’t treated right away.
For home and property disasters, call the crews at SERVPRO of Dartmouth / New Bedford. We’re more than happy to help you pick up the pieces. (508)999-2380.
When storms make their way across our hometown, the only thing we can do is prepare and hope for the best.
When storms wreak havoc on your property, you can immediately feel helpless and vulnerable. Anything from downed electrical wires to trees falling over can pose a major threat to the integrity of your home or commercial building.
Storm damage can be one of the most dangerous and unpredictable attacks a property owner faces because the damage itself can create an unstable environment. This is why you need an experienced restoration company such as SERVPRO of Dartmouth / New Bedford to bring stability to a shaky scene.
Here are a few things to consider after the storm has passed:
Assess the integrity of your property. Specifically, is it safe for you to be there? Check for signs of damage in your home or around your property.
Make sure to keep clear of damaged buildings, power lines, and trees as these can be dangerous.
If you’re driving, beware of road hazards such as flooded areas, damaged roads, bridges, and debris.
Storms are at best, scary, but at their worst, they are unpredictable and dangerous. Make sure to stay safe and away from any secondary storm damage
We understand the threats your home or property faces each time a storm comes through town. We’re also trained on how to handle them. SERVPRO of Dartmouth / New Bedford is here to help you pick up the pieces after a storm and help restore your property after storm damage.
While the seasons and the weather channel can predict what the temperature will be outside neither the chief meteorologist nor the day in the year can predict how those temperatures outside will affect your home inside.
Storm season in New England is quite unlike any other. It can be sunny and bright one minute and the next minute, torrential downpour.
While we may be used to the temperamental temperatures, our home and office may not be. At SERVPRO of Dartmouth / New Bedford, we’ve seen our fair share of accidents that happen as a result of storm damage and provide all the clean-up and restoration services needed to remedy your building. Whether that’s caused by winds, fallen trees, or heavy rains, our crews are trained and prepared to restore your home or office to its preloss condition.
If this storm season threatens the integrity of your home or office, call SERVPRO of Dartmouth / New Bedford to help — we’ll make it, “Like it never even happened.”
What happens when disaster strikes and you’re left to pick up the pieces? When the worst-case scenario is the one you see before your eyes, who can you trust to restore some sense of normalcy to your everyday life and alleviate the stress that comes with dealing with disaster aftermath?
At SERVPRO of Dartmouth / New Bedford, we exist to lighten your load and take care of your disaster situation. We understand that planning for a disaster is one thing, but going through it is something completely different. While insurance is there for a reason, we make sure your home or business is taken care of by an elite team of highly trained professionals.
Where at once it seemed like all was lost, by utilizing our restore first mentality, our experts come into your home or business looking to redeem what once seemed lost. In addition to salvaging many items that can’t be replaced such as documentation, family heirlooms, or things of sentimental value, our restorative approach is much more cost-effective than replacing everything and starting from scratch.
Though we never wish disaster on anyone, we know very well that these situations unfortunately happen. SERVPRO of Dartmouth / New Bedford exists to alleviate the stress and make those situations “Like it never even happened.”
No matter what kind of mood you’re in, candles have a special power of turning a regular Tuesday into a relaxing night of self-care and aromatherapy.
It’s no secret that candles are a great way to get us relaxed, and even invite some romance in the air. But, if you’re not careful, candles can set a completely different mood if not handled properly.
Candles are one of the top leading causes of home fires. As with any open fires, they are not on a “set it and forget it” schedule. Despite their small flame, a fire of any size poses a threat. It can quickly set a curtain on fire, or a mishap can cause it to fall and spread the flame. As a general rule of thumb, fires, candles included, should be closely monitored at all times. Make sure to keep it away from any flammable materials such as fabric, and keep it away from children and pets. If you are leaving the room, make sure to snuff out the fire.
Fires are traumatic disasters and many times, it can be totally preventable. While the technicians at SERVPRO of Dartmouth / New Bedford are trained in fire and smoke damage restoration, they’re not known for setting a romantic mood when called into your home. But they will make you fall in love with the way we can make your disaster look “Like it never even happened.”
We hope you enjoy your candles responsibly, but we’ll be here if you need us: 24/7/365.
Our time of isolation and quarantining is coming to an end… well, at least for some businesses as our state begins to move toward reopening.
As we look forward to a new normal and a period of added precautions to ensure everyone’s safety and well being, one of the many things businesses, employees, and consumers will keep an eye on is what it means to be clean.
In the past three months, our world has changed its definition of what it really means to be clean. There is a new standard set by the CDC and SERVPRO of Dartmouth / New Bedford is the leading cleaning and restoration company that is helping our community feel safe as they re-enter into a new normal.
Not only that, but our disinfection services offer your employees the peace of mind that comes with knowing their workspace is properly disinfected.
In the rush of day-to-day business operations, it can be easy to let some things slip through the cracks.
Whether that’s quarterly check-ins with vendors, updating contacts, or emailing that person about that thing from that meeting… Keeping track of everything that needs to be done can be a challenge in and of itself.
Fortunately, SERVPRO of Dartmouth / New Bedford makes things a little easier when it comes to keeping up with the integrity of your building and air quality by offering air duct cleaning services.
Depending on the use and frequency of your facility, a thorough air duct cleaning is recommended at least once per year. This helps combat allergies, assists your employees by helping them breathe better, and in some cases, it even increases productivity.
While we know your to-do list can seem never-ending, don’t let this one fall through the cracks and regular air-duct cleaning and go a long way in ensuring a clean and welcoming office space.
For any questions regarding our air duct cleaning service, call the SERVPRO of Dartmouth / New Bedford office at 508-999-2380.
Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned – a defensive cleaning program
Our defensive cleaning program gives your business a way forward by providing your employees and customers ongoing safety and assuredness.
Let us help you get back to business
As our communities re-open, we’re all moving back toward a new kind of normal. The expectations of visitors, customers, and employees who come into our establishments have evolved, and staying safe and well is a top concern. The global COVID-19 pandemic has changed what it means to be clean, and we’ve developed a program to help your business meet the new higher standard of clean that is now expected.
Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned is a defensive cleaning program we’re offering to businesses and commercial locations to address the current COVID-19 pandemic. This proactive viral pathogen cleaning program goes well beyond janitorial or carpet cleaning. By choosing Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, you, your employees, your customers, and your community can rest assured that you’ve selected a higher cleaning standard – you are Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned.
Extensive training and specialized products
As the #1 choice in cleanup and restoration*, we stand on more than 50 years of experience and expertise to help your business become Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned. Beyond fire & water, SERVPRO professionals are trained and experienced in biohazard decontamination and chemical spills – always adhering to the cleaning and decontamination standards set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local authorities.
From formulating and creating our proprietary cleaning products, like SERVPROXIDE, at our headquarters in Gallatin, TN, to taking the utmost care while disinfecting, we will ensure you and your business are set up to inspire consumer confidence as the economy continues to reopen.
3 C’s – Consult, Clean, and Certify
When the stakes are this high, you want a partner who has developed an industry-leading, proprietary training program, cleaning solutions, and remediation processes over decades. We’ve cleaned up some of the most challenging biohazards imaginable. Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned reflects our unique experiences and capabilities. The program is grounded with our unique 3 C’s: Consult, Clean, and Certify.
Consult – Every business is different, which is why you’ll be assigned a Cleaning Protocol Consultant who understands your business and will create a cleaning program to meet your specific needs. This program will be developed based on your business type, size of space, amount of high-frequency touchpoints, foot traffic, and congestion points.
Clean – Based on your specific business needs, your location will undergo a thorough, deep clean, using exclusive cleaning products, according to protocols set forth by the CDC. Our employees have years of experience, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff performs. Cleanup procedures generally include cleaning of porous and non-porous surfaces, disinfecting of non-porous surfaces, cleaning and disinfecting of equipment, tools, and/or supplies used for the cleanup process, and disposal of hazardous materials. In the event of a suspected or confirmed COVID-19 event, we will be there cleaning within 24 hours to ensure you get back to business as quickly as possible.
Certify - Once your business location has been Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, you will gain access to proprietary signage, digital emblems, and other collateral that communicates that you’ve selected a higher standard of clean available to help protect your employees and customers. And because we add the day, month, and year to that proprietary stamp of clean, your guests will know that not only did you choose Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, but that your location is being cleaned regularly at this standard.
Call today for a Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned consultation
We’re Here to Help – 24 hours a day, seven days a week – until life is back to normal in the communities we all call home.
* #1 Choice in cleanup & restoration based Commercial Attitude & Usage Tracking study. Polling 816 commercial business decision-makers on the first choice for future needs related to cleanup & restoration work. Study conducted by C&R Research: October 2019
Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned means professionally trained SERVPRO franchises perform the requested cleaning, sanitizing and disinfection services according to proprietary SERVPRO protocols and recognized industry and CDC standards with EPA approved cleaning products to deliver a SERVPRO certified cleaning experience. Each SERVPRO franchise is independently owned and operated.
If you’re anything like most people, the sound of a leaky faucet is enough to drive you up a wall! Whether that “drip drip” echo comes from the kitchen sink or the attic — we all know the problems it can cause if not addressed quickly and properly.
Water damage is one of the most common insurance claims for homeowners and most of the time, completely preventable. Our technicians have seen what happens when a small leak in the roof results in major damage to the interior of a home, compromising its integrity.
If your home is subject to the effects of water damage; whether it be a burst pipe, flooding, or leaks in the roof, the crews at SERVPRO of Dartmouth / New Bedford are always ready and available to help, no matter the hour. Our technicians are IICRC certified and trained to ensure that we make your disasters, “Like it never even happened.”
We're Still Open, and We're Still Here to Help - Dartmouth 02747
At SERVPRO of Dartmouth / New Bedford when we say we’re open 24/7/365 (366 on leap years) we mean we are open 24/7/365 (and 366 on leap years)! It makes no difference to us if we get a call in the middle of the night, on a weekend, a snow-day, a month-long blizzard, our technicians are still available and Here to Help.
While the times are changing and things may be uncertain, one of the many things we’re proud of is our resiliency and ability to provide a sense of stability when our community needs it most. During uncertain and ever-changing times, we take the necessary precautions to ensure we are keeping our crews and technicians safe, while also caring for our customers who call us in their time of need.
In our pursuit to be the premier cleaning and restoration company in the world, SERVPRO of Dartmouth / New Bedford carries a proprietary line of cleaning products and disinfectants for when we are called in for our general cleaning and bio-remediation services. Not only is this a product that is industry-grade and tested, but it also meets the CDC requirements for cleaning certain viruses and pathogens.
One of the many premier products we use is called SERVPROxide™.
SERVPROxide™ is a hospital-grade disinfectant that has been approved by the EPA. As with all instances of bio-remediation and emerging pathogens, our technicians are required to wear proper personal protective equipment for their safety.
SERVPRO of Dartmouth / New Bedford carries proprietary and industrial-grade cleaning products that are not for sale and are not distributed outside of the SERVPRO franchises.
Here's a look at some of our specialized drying equipment
As a result of technology advancements and innovation being added to the clean-up and disaster restoration industry. This means that we have more access than ever to the specialized equipment we use in our day-to-day operations.
Our headquarters at SERVPRO of Dartmouth / New Bedford is filled with special tools we use to get the job done, no matter how big or small. Whether it be moisture meters, LGR dehumidifiers for large water damages, or HEPA-vacuums for air filtration, we have what we need no matter the disaster.
It’s not every restoration company that is fully equipped with advanced equipment. This is why you can trust that when you call SERVPRO of Dartmouth / New Bedford for a clean-up, we don’t have to scramble to gather equipment. We just load up our trucks, get to the site, and get to work making your disaster, “Like it never even happened.”
Are you noticing water dripping from your ceiling or notice that it’s sagging?
Don’t just put a bucket there and forget about it. A water damaged ceiling is a serious issue that should be resolved as quickly as possible. By not repairing a water damaged ceiling it could be dangerous to the occupants of your home. It can cause mold growth and can even weaken the structure of the building materials. If you see water damage on your ceiling, it may be a significant water issue in your home, most likely your roof. One of the main causes is plumbing, in which case you need to find the source of the leak so you can fix it and stop the water. Also any building materials such as ceiling tiles, insulation, and drywall should all be replaced to avoid any mold sprouting.
There’s something to be said about the finer things in life. It could be because certain objects or experiences bring an air of satisfaction and status to the consumer. Or, it could simply be the sweet feeling of purchasing something that is meaningful to one. Whether it be furniture, paintings, clothing, electronics or other items that are often labeled with HANDLE WITH CARE warnings, it’s important that you do just that when a disaster occurs.
Just because something valuable has been affected by a disaster, doesn’t mean it can’t be restored to its preloss condition. In fact, SERVPRO of Dartmouth / New Bedford has the capabilities to restore damaged items such as those mentioned above through a team of specially trained technicians. So whether the “finer things” in your life is a laptop, a love seat, or a lovely painting, not all is lost after a disaster occurs.
As the weather outside begins to switch to much colder temperatures, our normal routine begins to change as well.
While mold is generally thought to grow during the warmer months, it is actually quite common for mold to grow in the winter season as well. Excessive indoor moisture can be caused by a number of issues: past water damage, plumbing issues, leaky roofs, high indoor humidity, and condensation are lurking concerns. Window condensation occurs when moisture in the warm air inside your home liquefies on the glass or other surfaces that are extremely cooler due to outdoor temperatures. High humidity contributes to this process because there is excess moisture in the air and is trapped indoors. It may seem minor but it’s important to dry the surfaces since mold feeds on it and can develop within 24 hours.
Winter has officially arrived, opening a variety of burdens for homeowners, including water damage from frozen pipes. Water damage caused by burst pipes is one of the biggest risks of property damage during the winter months. The possibility of your pipes freezing in your home escalates as temperatures drop. Water expands as it freezes, putting immense pressure on the pipes containing it, which will cause the pipes to finally burst.
Here are a few suggestions to prevent burst pipes now and prevent water damage services:
Open cabinet doors underneath sinks and other plumbing locations to circulate warm air around the pipes.
Let your faucet drip cold water. The trickle will allow for a steady movement, which relieves strain on the pipes.
Set your thermostat to no lower than 55 degrees when you leave your home.
Keep your heat set at a constant temperature while you're at home and withhold from lowering it at night.
The most extreme winter storms bring snow, ice, sleet, as well as strong winds and frigid temperatures. To improve your safety in your home during a winter storm, you should make several preparations:
Create an emergency kit. You will need a home kit that is stocked for at least three days in case of a power outage. Include necessary items like water, non-perishable food, flashlights, a battery-operated radio, and first-aid supplies.
Insulate your home. Install storm windows and shutters, and insulate your attic and walls to keep the cold air out. Weather-stripping doors and cover windows with plastic from the inside for extra insulation.
Shield your pipes to prevent them from freezing and bursting. If your home is left unattended, leave the heat on to a temperature of at least 55° F to prevent frozen pipes.
Protect your heating equipment. Have your furnace, wood stove or fireplace inspected and cleaned every year to assure they are working properly.
Know how to shut off utilities. Should you need to vacate your home due to flooding, you will need to shut off utilities. Learn how to shut off natural gas, electricity, and water supplies in your home.
Storms are ruthless, and even with extreme preparation, there is still damage that is unpreventable. Remember to call SERVPRO of Dartmouth / New Bedford for all your storm damage needs. As always, we are Here to Help.
Commercial Disaster? Call SERVPRO of Dartmouth / New Bedford! - Dartmouth 02747
This season brings the probability of freezing pipes that burst and heating problems that cause fires. You may not have thought about commercial emergency restoration plans before, but now is a great time to do so. Proactive property owners set procedures in place to prevent disasters from happening. They also create plans to help them act fast should a disaster strike — allow their property to return to its normal functioning quickly and smoothly.
Here at SERVPRO of Dartmouth / New Bedford we know firsthand how a disaster can turn your property and life upside-down. That’s why we help property owners create an Emergency Ready Profile to deal with anything the winter, or any season, throws at you. Contact our office today to find out more information regarding an emergency plan.
When You Need the Best, Call SERVPRO - Dartmouth 02747
When a fire happens in your home or office, you don’t call your neighbor with a bucket of water, you call the fire department. Why? Because they’re the best.
Not only have the people of the south coast voted us as Best of the Best, but we pride ourselves in our trained and certified technicians that respond to disasters no matter the day or hour.
Where the industry standard is set, our technicians continuously and consistently exceed them. Whether that’s responding to after hour disaster calls within 5 minutes, where the industry standard is an hour. Or responding to the scene between one to two hours, where the industry standard is four hours. Or coming up with a plan of action in 4 hours, where the industry standard is eight hours. SERVPRO of Dartmouth / New Bedford is a step above the rest. Why? Because we know our customers aren’t just customers, they are people who’ve suffered a loss and their disaster now becomes our disaster.
Hopefully, you never have to learn first hand about our disaster restoration services, but if you do, you’ll be glad you chose SERVPRO of Dartmouth / New Bedford.
Damaged Documents? We Do That Too. - New Bedford 02740
In the digital age we live in, it can hardly seem like anyone still uses paper as the only written record of important documents. However, in our industry, we see it happen quite often. These documents can hold important legal and sentimental value, and when disaster strikes, such as water damage, the restoration of those documents is just as important as the rest of the affected area.
That’s why one of the benefits of choosing SERVPRO of Dartmouth / New Bedford is that we offer document restoration services. If important documents, photos, photo albums, and even yearbooks are damaged in the event of a water loss, SERVPRO has the ability to restore those documents back to preloss condition. Through the utilization of vacuum freezing techniques, our technicians are able to restore important documents and get them back to you with minimal damage, basically, “Like it never even happened.”
Think you don’t have mold in your home? Think again.
The interesting thing about mold spores is that they’re everywhere! No matter how many promises a company that offers mold services can make, mold cannot be removed, only remediated. This includes minimizing the number of mold spores in the atmosphere by the use of antimicrobials, air scrubbers, and HEPA vacuums and filters. The mold remediation process utilizes this equipment to lower the mold spore count to safe levels.
Our trained and IICRC trained and certified technicians are familiar and ready to deal with all cases of mold. From cases that take over entire bedrooms to large commercial spaces, we’ve seen it all. Not only are we ready for whatever happens, but we are also here to make it “Like it never even happened.”
First Comes Storm, Then Comes Damage - New Bedford 02744
Winter storm damage is usually conjoined with damage to the exterior of your home or building but may cause damage to the interior if the water isn’t stopped. Most severe water damages can be caused by flooding when the foundation's drainage system has been weakened or isn't performing properly.
The best preventive action would be to beware of the damage and have it repaired as soon as it appears. Understandably it isn't a practical thought to check your roof after every storm, you can't predict when a pipe might freeze, and you can't dig up your foundation to check for problems. You can have annual inspections performed and take care of built-up damage as soon as it is found. Contacting a roofer to check the roof and a licensed contractor to and recognize signs of foundation drainage problems.
There’s something magical about seeing snow on Christmas. It could be the way everything really does look calm and bright, or maybe the way everyone gathers inside because it’s too dangerous to be out, or even because it makes us feel as if we’re in a Holiday Hallmark movie — a white Christmas is the icing on the cake of the holiday season.
However, as magical as a white Christmas can be, it can also cause major mayhem if your home isn’t ready to withstand the ever-changing New England temperatures. With the threat of a nor’ easter always above us like a dark cloud, it’s important to make sure both you and your home are storm ready.
Keeping a first aid kit, batteries, non-perishable foods, and extra water are key in making sure you’re prepared and taking care of yourself and loved ones. For all other disasters, you can trust that SERVPRO of Dartmouth / New Bedford is “ready for whatever happens."
Cooking for the Holidays? Keep this in Mind - New Bedford 02744
Did you know that after Thanksgiving, Christmas Day follows as the most common day for home cooking fires? And while the holidays are always a time of cheer and joy, it can quickly turn into a disaster caused by mishaps and mayhem.
As a general rule, we at SERVPRO of Dartmouth / New Bedford encourage our community to pay extra attention whenever the stove is on as cooking is the most common cause of home fires. Keeping flammable materials away from the fire, such as towels, oven mitts, paper napkins, Tupperware… basically, if it can catch on fire, keep it away from the stove.
Another precaution includes keeping small children and toys outside of the kitchen. This helps prevent the potential of trips, slips, spills, and falls, and can keep those kids from testing out how hot fire can really be.
Lastly, keeping a fire extinguisher in the kitchen is always a good idea. It helps to stop the spread of fire if things get out of hand, and it helps to minimize the amount of damage a fire can cause. Just remember: PASS
P - Pull the pin
A - Aim the nozzle
S - Squeeze
S - Sweep
Keeping these precautions in mind will go a long way in keeping you from calling 911, or us at SERVPRO of Dartmouth / New Bedford. However, if you do have to call, rest assure we’re both “ready for whatever happens.”
There are multiple commercial restoration companies able to handle damage resulting from a small plumbing overflow or from stormy rain under a window sill. But when damages intensify and bring your business to a crumbling halt, disarranging employees and negatively impacting your customers, it’s time to require a disaster recovery company with large loss recovery expertise. SERVPRO of Dartmouth / New Bedford has the capability and knowledge to respond to any size job, anywhere.
When your business is in a crunch, you need a comeback partner who understands the negative impact business interruption can have, a large loss recovery services partner who understands that every second your doors are closed, not only affects your bottom line but also disturbs your employees, their families, and your customers.
When resources are limited, SERVPRO’s large loss response team will be there for you and your property, giving you the personalized attention you need and deserve. With company-owned equipment and efficient staff, SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford is able to effectively handle and respond to multiple restoration projects simultaneously, without compromising service.
That School Isn't Supposed to be Underwater - Dartmouth 02747
What do a group of fish and a recent water damage SERVPRO of Dartmouth / New Bedford responded to have in common? They’re both a school.
In the morning hours of a recent flash flooding, our crews were called in to attend to seepage at the entrance of a local school. Thankfully, the school was not yet in session. But that didn’t keep us from responding quickly and remediating the damage.
As our technicians worked hard to restore the lobby where children would be entering through to begin another year of education, we took every precaution to ensure that all was dry and brought back to preloss condition. One of our main concerns with water damages is preventing mold growth, especially in an environment where lots of children will be present for extended periods of time.
With our industry-leading equipment and specially trained technicians SERVPRO was the best choice for the job. Within one week we were able to get the building back to preloss condition. For all your water damage and commercial clean-up needs, you can trust SERVPRO of Dartmouth / New Bedford to make it, “Like it never even happened.”
There’s nothing like lighting the fireplace for the first time during the winter season. Not much else screams “holiday season” like wrapping yourself in a warm blanket, with the fireplace lit, and watching holiday movies.
While it may definitely be the most wonderful time of the year, it can quickly turn into a disaster if your fireplace chimney isn’t maintained properly. Getting your chimney swept at least once a year will decrease the chances of smoke damage in your home, and potentially save the holidays.
Fireplaces are always nice but understand there is great importance in making sure your home is kept safe from the dangers that come with it. If something does go wrong, you can trust that SERVPRO of Dartmouth / New Bedford is always ready to make it, “Like it never even happened.”
Can Your Business Afford a Disaster? - Dartmouth 02747
Did you know that 50% of businesses that suffer a disaster never recover?
Those are sobering statistics. Oftentimes as business owners, one can be focused on merchandising, services, customer retention, pricing, and the list goes on. Disasters are usually not the main concern. With so much going on, it can be hard to even stay above water.
While disaster may not be your top priority, it is ours. This is why SERVPRO of Dartmouth / New Bedford is committed to making sure businesses stay up and running even if a disaster happens. Our trained and certified technicians are available 24/7/365 (and 366 on leap years) to handle disasters on commercial properties with the least amount of business interruption.
Disasters shouldn’t have the final word when it comes to running your businesses. And because SERVPRO of Dartmouth / New Bedford works to restore your business back to preloss condition, they won’t.
As experts in deodorization, SERVPRO of Dartmouth / New Bedford is trained to identify and eliminate offensive odors. These odors can come from a number of sources both inside and outside a structure.
SERVPRO teaches IICRC technical classes in the proper removal of odors. Masking and other short cuts don't work when your odor problem is serious or persistent.
We have the training and equipment to identify and eliminate these offensive odors. By identifying the cause of the odor and determining the conditions in which it contacts any surfaces, the odor can often be removed over time without a trace. Our technicians have access to several odor removal products capable of penetrating surfaces to neutralize an unpleasant odor thoroughly.
The science of identifying and eliminating odors can be a tricky thing, so give us a call, and leave the restoration to us.
It's no secret that storms can cause multiple types of damages to your home, business, and rental properties. The crews at SERVPRO of Dartmouth / New Bedford are well versed in dealing with the uncertainty of the elements.
The overwhelming precipitation, wind speeds, and airborne debris can expose weak points in new construction and batter down even the sturdiest properties. If poorly maintained, gutters and downspouts can cause some serious heachaches during these "acts of God." storms. However, the redirection of water off and away from your roof can help prevent roof leaks caused by pressure and prevent accumulated water from finding the path of least resistance into your home. Having downspout output spouts well connected and directing the water away from your structure's foundation is also very important.
Another way to keep water from accumulatingin your home is to make sure that your sump pump or french drain is working properly. You'll want to do this before the storms come. A simple check to make sure your sump pump isn't unplugged can go a long way. They can often become unplugged by tradesmen working in your basement looking for an electrical source to plug their equipment in; clogged with debris; and of course, the regular mechanical issues that may arise if not maintained properly. A quick test of the sump pump in anticipation of heavy rains can prevent not only disasters from occurring, but also minimizing damage to your property in the event that something does happen. Not mention, avoiding long on-hold times with the manufacturer and the frustration that comes with dealing with water damage. But then again, that is why SERVPRO of Dartmouth / New Bedford is here to make it "Like it never even happened."
Another thing to keep in mind is having some plywood on hand to board up windows if the winds reach higher speeds. Flying debris during heavy winds can easily shatter windows, exposing your home to outside elements.
These are just a few tips for home and business owners, if you would like more helpful tips please visit our storm damage section or for help with storm damage cleanup call us directly (508)999-2380!
Every quarter, we host a continuing education course for insurance agents, realtors, and property managers. Our most recent curse was definitely our yuckiest one: Biohazards & Hazmat Cleaning.
While this course had everything to do with everything you don’t want to see. It’s important that your insurance professional, realtor, or property manager knows what to do in the event that a situation like that arises.
Our certified instructor taught us just how important it is to have a reputable cleaning and restoration company, such as SERVPRO of Dartmouth / New Bedford to do the cleaning and sanitation. What may look like a simple blood spill could potentially be life-threatening if the correct precautions aren’t put in place. Having the correct personal protective equipment is one of the key things we put in place to protect our crews and technicians from contracting any blood-borne pathogens or diseases. Aside from that, it’s important to note that any kind of bodily fluid is potentially harmful to those who come in contact with it.
Some of the Hazmat & Biohazards we clean up after are:
Trauma Scene Cleanup
Blood Cleanup
Sewage Backups
Chemical Spills
Asbestos Removal
Meth Lab Cleanup
Tear Gas Cleanup
Animal Waste Removal
Hoarding
Fire Extinguisher Cleanup
These are just some of the common cases you can call on SERVPRO of Dartmouth / New Bedford to respond to. If you have any questions, feel free to call us at 508-999-2380 for a free estimate.
Mold, Meth, and Marijuana Seminar - New Bedford 02744
Owner, Doug Glassman, addressing the attendees on matters related to mold remediation at the RASEM lunch 'n' learn seminar
Recently, our friends at RASEM (Realtor Association of South Eastern Massachusetts) invited our owner, Doug Glassman, to be one of the speakers for a talk about Mold, Meth, and Marijuana. You can guess which one we spoke about… (hint: it was the one that’s not a drug).
Doug talked about how important it is to take care of mold before it spreads and affects other areas in a home that could lead to greater disasters if not treated in time. He mentioned how the crews and technicians of SERVPRO of Dartmouth / New Bedford take care of mold by walking the attendees through the mold remediation process that consists of:
Finding the root cause.
This is usually done by a contractor and could be as simple as fixing a leak, to sealing up cracks in the foundation.
Set up containment
This prevents the mold spores from spreading once the cleaning begins.
HEPA Vacuum Affected Area
This directly pulls mold spores from the food source
Filter contaminated air
As the mold spores are being HEPA vacuumed, our technicians set up air filters to catch the spores and filter out clean air
Anti-microbial treatment
This is used to clean the affected area and remove any residual bacteria
Encapsulation/Stain Removal
After the affected area has been cleaned, there are still stains leftover by the mold. To make the affected area look cleaner and really, “Like It never even happened.” our technicians paint over the stain to leave no trace of mold.
We were accompanied by a local real estate mentor and investor, Gualter Amarelo, who discussed how the marijuana industry is affecting the real estate market. He cited information and data taken from five-year studies conducted in Colorado and how real estate prices grew by 67% in neighborhoods that had a marijuana dispensary nearby.
The New Bedford Chief of Police, Joseph Cordeiro, also joined us and spoke about meth labs and how the police force is encouraging landlords and real estate investors to take better care of their property by correctly screening tenants and reporting any suspicious activity. “The best way to get these criminals out of your neighborhood,” the Chief said, “is to make sure they know you won’t tolerate illegal activity.”
Overall, it was great getting to speak with local real estate agents about the work we at SERVPRO of Dartmouth / New Bedford do and how we’re able to help when they, and their clients, need it most. If you have any questions, feel free to call us at 508-999-2380 for a free estimate.
If you’re anything like most people, you prefer to stay home when it’s raining out, or in New England’s case— it's pouring!
Maybe you look forward to some R&R on the couch, catching up on your favorite TV shows or curling up with a good book. Using the rain as an excuse to not go outside is always one that works… until the rain decides to make its appearance inside.
The funny thing about leaks and cracks is, you only discover them when water magically starts to drip into your home. Whether it’s through the roof or the basement, water has a funny way of getting in when we would rather it stay out.
If recent rainwater or storm damage has compromised the integrity of your home and things that are not supposed to be wet are now soaked, you can be certain water damage is something the crews at SERVPRO of Dartmouth / New Bedford are familiar with.
No matter how small or large the loss, our technicians are certified and trained to restore and dry out furniture, carpet, and anything else that got wet that was not supposed to be wet!
Call us at 508-999-2380 for a free estimate and evaluation of your water loss.
Common Causes of Fires During the Holidays - Dartmouth 02747
Nothing quite says holidays in New England like streets decorated with bright Christmas lights, dustings of snows, and homes oozing with warmth and welcome. Even tough New Englanders soften up during the last couple of months of the year.
As much as the holidays come with anticipation, excitement, and warm feelings — it also comes with a high risk of fire. Here are some common causes of fire during the holidays:
Electrical shock: make sure you’re using the right light bulbs and not overloading any extension cords. As a rule thumb, only plug three strands of lights into one extension cord. It’s also important to not run any extension cords under rugs as this has caused many electrical fires.
Candle fires: When lighting a candle, make sure you do not place the candle near any flammable material such as bedding, curtains, furniture, decorations, etc. Place candles on a steady surface away from children and pets.
Open fireplaces: While it’s great to light the fire during Christmastime a la “Chestnuts Roasting on An Open Fire” style… it’s important to take certain precautions so that chestnuts remain the only thing roasting on the open fire. Precautions such as making sure that your damper is open. Also, use a gate or a screen to keep any wild sparks from flying, and always have a fire extinguisher nearby in case of an emergency. We also recommend getting your chimney inspected and cleaned to make sure everything is in working order.
Space heaters: Keep an eye on space heaters if you have one in your home, much like candles, keep them away from flammable materials as mentioned above.
Cooking fires: Deep frying a turkey may seem like a good idea, but it’s also dangerous if you don’t take the necessary precautions (i.e. making sure it’s completely dry!). Most cooking fires occur during Thanksgiving when company is over and guests are being entertained. It’s easy to forget about the oven mitts you left by the stove or the timer that went off but you couldn’t hear it from all the hollering and shouting over the football game. Make sure the cook stays in the kitchen or at least have someone keep an eye on the food while it’s cooking. Never leave the stove unattended.
Christmas tree fires: Usually caused by electrical fires, Christmas tree fires are often caused by the lights and decoration on the tree or if the tree is too close to a heat source (heaters, candles, fireplaces, etc.). To prevent this, keep your tree at a safe distance from heat sources. If you have a real tree, make sure to cut the base of the tree before you mount it so it can absorb water and not dry out. Always use flame-resistant trimmings and turn the lights off before you leave the house, or go to bed.
Holidays are truly the most wonderful time of the year, but they’re also the time of year where residential fires are most common. Keep these tips in mind to avoid having to call 9-1-1 during your holiday celebration.
And if you happen to have to call emergency services, know that SERVPRO of Dartmouth / New Bedford is always here to help as well. Our technicians are always available 24/7/365 (366 on leap years) to respond to your call. Just because you experienced a disaster, doesn’t mean the holidays have to be a total loss! We’re here to make it, “Like it never even happened.”
Did you know that November not only kicks off the holiday season, but it’s also the start of the fire season?
That’s right. With the holidays coming in full swing, and cooking dinners and gatherings become regularly scheduled events in our calendars, it’s also the time when our firefighters are most often called. Cooking fires are the leading cause of house fires — and this is especially in part because of all the holiday cooking that takes place. From amateur turkey chefs to distracted cooking to candles and Christmas trees and decorations catching on fire, there are plenty of ways a home can catch on fire during this season.
While these situations can be traumatizing and life-altering moments to the homeowners, the technicians at SERVPRO of Dartmouth / New Bedford are trained to look for what we can restore rather than replace. Trained to see what is salvageable in the scraps, our crews’ mission is to put back the pieces of your home or property and make it “Like it never even happened.”
Experts recommend different inspecting and testing techniques of sprinklers from quarterly to semi-annually to annually and beyond. This is all to ensure that your first line of defense against a fire is in working condition to keep your building and its occupants safe. While these scheduled tests and inspections are usually enough to solidify that the sprinklers work, sometimes sprinklers have a mind of their own. By that we mean, every now and then, they go off to prove that they work — consequently creating some indoor showers, and with it, water damage.
It wouldn’t be the first time we were called into a surprise shower. From furniture stores to hospitals, our techs have seen how a slight bump on a sprinkler head can make them go off and cause water damage. So while sprinklers are great to fight fires, they can also cause pains and extensive cleanup.
Make sure when you inspect and check your sprinklers, you do so with great care. And if anything happens, SERVPRO of Dartmouth / New Bedford is here to help take the headaches away.
The best thing about living on the coast is, well… the coast! Until it’s not.
Being so close to the water is a special treat during the summer months. The days where you pack a lunch and a beach chair and head to the shores to sink your feet in the sand and try your best to catch a tan are the days we remember and miss the most when fall and winter creep in.
Though we may not always be able to dip our feet in the pool or the ocean during the winter months, we may walk into a pool party in our living room if we’re not careful with our insulation and piping systems. Ensuring your home is properly insulated will go a long way to keep you from falling victim to the same elements that draw you to this region in the first place. Burst pipes are one of the main causes of water damage during the winter months. The bitter cold, especially if your property is on the waterfront can wreak havoc in your home if it’s not adequately prepared for it. Burst pipes are one of the major reasons our crews at SERVPRO of Dartmouth / New Bedford are called in to help.
Thankfully, even when the storms come and the stores are emptied of milk and bread, SERVPRO of Dartmouth / New Bedford is always available to help. No matter the weather, we’ll be there for whatever!
South Coast Chamber President Rick Kidder addresses the attendees at the Fourth Annual SERVPRO End of Summer Bash
They say goodbyes are the hardest. Which is why we try to make it a little easier for our professional network and local business community by hosting our annual End of Summer Bash in conjunction with the SouthCoast Chamber of Commerce and the Bristol County Chamber of Commerce.
This Business After Hours is easily one of the most attended events in the region with over 150 business professionals in attendance. Business owners, representatives, and attendees all enjoyed free food and drinks as well as music DJ’ed by local radio station, FUN107. We even had local pageant queens make an appearance and a dog in a backpack!
Over 20 door prizes were donated by local businesses, giving everyone enough chances to go home a winner! Among the prizes were restaurant gift cards, gift baskets, and a getaway to Vermont!
Overall, it was another well attended SERVPRO Bash and one we were happy to host for the local business community. Being so involved in the economic and financial development of the South Coast region and beyond, SERVPRO of Dartmouth / New Bedford understands the importance of establishing and maintaining business connections to continue to thrive and grow in our community. As a result of these connections, businesses helping businesses, we know that everyone benefits. From a local youth sports team to fundraisers, to neighborhoods across the region, local businesses are what makes a community great.
Next year, we hope you’ll join us as you represent your business and help us continue to make the South Coast a great place to live and work!
How many times have you been cruising down the street with the windows down enjoying the summer breeze, when all of a sudden, you hear the music on the radio pause and an alert for a storm warning with flash floods and high winds comes on the radio.
Living on the south coast, we’re used to our weather changing rapidly. You may keep an emergency kit in your car for these exact circumstances. While you may be used to fast-changing weather conditions, your home or office may not be.
With changes in climate as natural disasters becoming more and more common, precautions must be set in place to prepare for the unpreventable. Whether it’s a hurricane or a tsunami, tornado or hail, SERVPRO of Dartmouth / New Bedford is “ready for whatever happens.”
Each new school year brings its own set of changes and challenges for parents, guardians, and children. As a parent or guardian, you may be trying to figure out of modes of transportation and schedules for your young one. Your child, on the other hand, maybe worrying about who they’ll sit with at lunch or if they’ll have classes with any of their friends.
These are all common and worthy worries, however, there is one important precaution that is often overlooked: an emergency preparedness plan. Below are a few tips to help you plan in case of an emergency
Teach your child what to do in case of a fire: get low to avoid smoke inhalation or feeling doorknobs for heat before opening them. Have a fire escape plan in place.
Have a designated meeting place outside of your home
Designate a person (preferably not local who may be affected by the same disaster) that everyone can call if you are separated.
Practice drills!
Put together a first aid kit with enough food and supplies to last you a few days. Here is a link for what should be in the kit
In the event of an active shooter, teach your child to “run, hide, fight.” Click here more information about what to do in the event of an active shooter.
Teach children how to call 911
If you’re unable to pick up your child from school, establish a pre-discussed “password” for the person that will be picking them up.
Always familiarize yourself with the school’s emergency and lockdown plans and procedures.
If your child requires any medication, have extra doses stored in the nurses’ office in case they may have to spend the night at the school.
Disasters can happen at any moment. Preparedness is the key to ensuring you and your family make it out safely. While SERVPRO of Dartmouth / New Bedford South is “ready for any sized disaster” we want to make sure you are too.
For additional information, check out the resources below:
If you’re looking to do any remodeling, finishing your basement is often one of the most common areas to start. A finished basement is a great place for older children to have their privacy, it can make a great home office space, and in some cases, it can even be used as a rented out space to bring home (literally) extra income.
However, one of the most common occurrences we at SERVPRO of Dartmouth / New Bedford South see is water damage resulting from finished basements that were not in fact finished. A key factor the homeowner missed is making sure their basement is waterproofed.
Not only does this prevent your basement from flooding and potentially saving you thousands of dollars in the event of a storm or flood by reducing damage, but it also creates a healthier environment in your home and lowers heating and cooling costs. Protecting your sump pump and preventing structural damage is also another benefit of waterproofing your basement.
Recently, our crews have attended to calls regarding rainwater getting into the basement because of recent storms. If not addressed quickly, these disasters can lead to mold problems and potentially harmful health side effects. The best way to keep your finished basement actually finished is by waterproofing and preventing it in the first place.
If you find yourself ankle-deep in water in your basement, you can always call SERVPRO of Dartmouth / New Bedford South for all your water damage needs. 508-999-2380
While summer on the south coast is unlike any other with its beautiful sunsets on Gooseberry Island, calming waves on Horseneck Beach, and winery tours at Westport Rivers Vineyard…
There are some days, or even weeks when our backyard paradise is put on pause and hit with rain, wind, and lightning storms. But that’s just another south coast storm. While they don’t last long, they can wreak havoc on your streets, home, or office and leave lasting impacts.
SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford South is available rain or shine, night or day to handle any sized disaster that results from our south coast flash storms.
Though you may not know what the next storm will be like or what it’ll bring, or what will happen, you can trust that SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford South is “ready for whatever happens.”
Services offered by SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford South
The only thing on a home or business owner’s mind in the midst of a disaster is: “Who should I call?” Thankfully, SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford South can answer that: call us!
When you’re facing a disaster situation, it’s important to call the best to the rescue. Our crews and technicians are just that. They go through extensive training along with hands-on field experience to ensure you’re getting professionals that will restore your home or office to its preloss condition. In addition to our fire damage, water damage restoration and mold remediation services, SERVPRO Industries also specializes in document restoration and fine art restoration, plus a number of other services that We truly are “ready for whatever happens.”
In the middle of all the decisions, you’ll have to make regarding the aftermath of a disaster choosing SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford South will be the easiest and best choice. We’re here to help.
Living in a coastal area, storms come as quickly as they go. We have a saying in New England that goes, “if you don’t like the weather, wait a few minutes.” One minute you could be tanning by the water and the next minute Mother Nature decides you should be in the water instead… and so it begins to downpour.
Storms may be most prevalent in certain months out of the year, but make no mistake, they are always looming and threatening us throughout the year. Whether that’s snowstorms, flash floods, or wind storms, our beautiful south coast area sees its all. And so does SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford. Our crews and technicians are “ready for any sized disaster” and equipped to handle whatever happens, whenever it happens with our 24/7/365 (366 on leap years) emergency disaster recovery team.
If you’re affected by storms, call SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford: 508-999-2380. We’re here to help.
Fire pits are a great way to gather friends and family around in the backyard during the summertime. Putting out graham crackers, marshmallows, and chocolate is a sure way to have everyone in a good mood. Which is why SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford wants to ensure it’s only the marshmallows getting toasted. Here are some quick and simple fire pit safety tips to keep the fire bright and the mood light:
Clear all flammable materials away from your fire pit. Make sure it’s kept 10 feet away from the home or building.
Pile dirt or rocks to keep the fire on the ground from escaping
Before lighting your fire, check the wind direction. If it’s too windy, do not light your fire pit as the wind can cause the flames to travel.
Contrary to popular belief, lighting fluid is not safe for light a fire pit. Use a commercial fire starter kick with kindling on top.
Once the fire pit it lit, never leave it unattended and never leave children or pets near the fire pit without adult supervision.
Avoid soft woods like pine or cedar to prevent flying sparks and flame “pops”,
Only put enough fuel to keep the fire burning gently to prevent flare-ups and uncontrollable flames.
To extinguish the flames, use water to drown out the fire and stir it with a shovel to make sure it’s fully extinguished. Use the shovel to extinguish any escaped flames as well
Dispose of the ashes in a metal can used only for fire pit ash storage. Careful, even after a few days the ashes are still hot enough to cause a fire.
Accidents happen, even with the correct preventative measures taken. Having a fire extinguisher nearby can greatly reduce the risk of the fire getting out of control.
Make sure to keep these tips in mind for your summertime fun. If you have any additional questions or were affected by open flames from a fire pit, feel free to call SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford at 508-999-2380. We’re here to help.
By now, you probably know that SERVPRO is an industry leader when it comes to commercial fire and water clean-up and restoration. And that we are available to respond to your business fire and water emergencies 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We also have access to resources of a nationwide network of 1,700 franchises, which means no project is too big for us to handle.
Something that you may not be aware of is that we are so much more than just a fire and water clean-up service! We offer professional services to get your business looking its best. Maybe your office’s carpets could use a freshening up, or maybe your restaurant’s kitchen could use a deep cleaning. How dirty are those A/C vents? Imagine how dirty the air ducts are on the inside! We have the right cleaning tools and products to get the job done.
You can depend on SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford South to get your workplace looking it's very best!
By now, you probably know that SERVPRO is an industry leader when it comes to commercial fire and water clean-up and restoration. And that we are available to respond to your business fire and water emergencies 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We also have access to resources of a nationwide network of 1,700 franchises, which means no project is too big for us to handle.
Something that you may not be aware of is that we are so much more than just a fire and water clean-up service! We offer professional services to get your business looking its best. Maybe your office’s carpets could use a freshening up, or maybe your restaurant’s kitchen could use a deep cleaning. How dirty are those A/C vents? Imagine how dirty the air ducts are on the inside! We have the right cleaning tools and products to get the job done.
You can depend on SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford South to get your workplace looking it's very best!
Is Your Business Ready for Anything? SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford Can Help!
Each new season or quarter presents new challenges for business owners. Whether that’s gearing up for a new product launch or hitting quarterly sales, these are all expected obstacles they have prepared to overcome. But what happens when the unexpected knocks on your doors?
SERVPRO of Fall River crews prepare for the unexpected every day. From fire damage to water damage and everything in between. Our technicians train for unexpected disasters so you don’t have to. While you may be occupied with setting up a business plan, our crews are focused on disaster restoration plans to get your business up and running in no time. In addition, we also offer our Emergency Ready Program. While this plan doesn’t prevent disasters from occurring, it can keep them from escalating. By providing business owners, facility managers, and first responders with the most accurate and up to date information about your office building, the quicker we can prevent more damage. The quicker we can prevent more damage, the more we can restore.
This season, don’t let the unexpected throw you off track. Trust SERVPRO of Fall River to clean up the mess so you can get back to running your business.
There is no such thing as being over cautious when it comes to biohazards.
At SERVPRO of Dartmouth / New Bedford South, our crews and technicians are trained to deal with every level of “Gross!” and “Ewww!” you can imagine. That ranges from mold in the basement, to sewage backups in the bathroom, and even to crime scene clean-ups!
Yes, our crews have seen and smelled it all. This is why when our customers call with any kind of biohazard disaster, they know they’re getting experienced and trained technicians who know exactly what they’re dealing with.
It’s often we find our customers in these situations not knowing exactly what to do. Thankfully we have a few tips! If you find yourself in a biohazard situation, it’s important to call the professionals who have the proper personal protective equipment (PPE) and industry grade product to clean up the mess.
SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford South has all the equipment and expertise needed to handle any and all kinds of biohazard clean-ups!
Summer is officially here, and with it comes cookouts, barbecues, and good ole fashioned grilling. It’s the time of year where the hot dogs and hamburgers have a different taste to it, and patience wears thin as the smell coming from the grill makes our tummies rumble.
Although, if the cook isn’t careful, that flavorful scent could soon turn in to smoke and flames if the grill has not been properly cleaned. Did you know that grill fires are responsible for roughly 100 injuries and 10 deaths per year? In addition to the danger they pose, they also cause roughly $37 million in damage each year.
One of the main causes is the mishandling of propane grills. As popular as propane grills are, many forget the dangers it can cause if not handled properly. Here are a few summer grilling safety tips to ensure that only your meat is taking on the heat:
1. Although it’s tempting to step out on your deck and grill right there — all grills should be at least 10 feet away from your house and shouldn’t be used on a combustible surface. A concrete pad is helpful in offering stability and lowering the risk of the fire spreading.
2. Check the hose and connection for leaks and blockages.
3. Check for bees! Bees will get inside of grills and create hives there.
4. Clean your grill of built-up grease from previous uses. Cleaning your grill regularly also lowers the risk of flare-ups and fires.
5. Be extra careful when changing the tank as this can be a biggest potential for a leak occur.
6. Never leave the grill unattended and make sure children and pets are at a safe distance.
7. Don’t pour water on grease fires! The water will quickly evaporate and cause more smoke, making it worse
8. Make sure to have a fire extinguisher nearby, just in case.
9. If you see that the fire is too much to handle, call 911 and evacuate.
10. Call SERVPRO of Dartmouth / New Bedford South for all your fire damage cleanup and restoration needs.
Happy anniversary to us! It’s been six years under the ownership of our fearless and exemplary leader, Doug Glassman. A lot has happened in these six years.
It’s been six years of:
Giving back to our community
Volunteering our time and resources
Contributing to economic development in the south coast
And above all, it’s been six years of not just restoring buildings and homes, but restoring hope after disappointment. Six years of cleaning up damage and wiping away tears. Six years of empathy for those affected by disasters in our community. We’ve seen a lot and grown a lot over these past years and we wouldn’t trade it for a thing! But today is really about the community we call home. Thank you for letting us serve you for six years and for calling us when disaster strikes and trusting us to restore your home or office to its preloss condition. We couldn’t do this without your support.
Here at SERVPRO of Dartmouth / New Bedford, we don’t only talk the talk, but we also walk the walk. By offering a full line of green products for our Earth-conscious customers, we are committed to doing our part to keep our planet safe from harmful chemicals. We understand that Earth is our only planet and one that we plan on inhabiting for a very long time. If we’re being honest (and at SERVPRO we always are), the Earth we know today is not the same it was 20 years ago. With pollution and unsafe waste disposal playing a huge role in today’s world, we want to remind you of a few things you can do to care for our planet:
Follow the three R’s: Reuse, Reduce, Recycle
Conserve water
Shop smart - bring a reusable shopping bag to cut down on plastic
In addition to following the three R’s, at SERVPRO, we added another R to this list: Restore. Whenever possible, after a loss occurs, we always do our best to restore the affected property to preloss condition. This ensures that we minimize our customer’s losses while also keeping unnecessary waste from filling our planet.
Happy Earth Day, from all of us here at SERVPRO of Dartmouth / New Bedford.
This year, SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford South had the pleasure of participating in the RASEM RED Expo once again. Each year, RASEM — Realtor Association of South Eastern Massachusetts , hosts an educational event highlighting market trends as well as keys to realtor success. We found these events to be insightful and beneficial not only to realtors in south eastern Massachusetts but to vendors such as ourselves. We were able to gain insight into today’s market and address concerns and answer questions from realtors in the area. One of the main concerns being mold remediation and how it affects the sale of the home. We’re proud to assist many of the realtors in the area with this issue and more. As a community-focused company, it’s always great to get in front of those we work with and explain a little more of what we do here at SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford South. In addition to answering questions, we were also able to establish great connections and foster relationships we’e developed over the years within the real estate community as well as other vendors at the event. Once again, we are so thankful for the opportunity to be able to be involved in such a great event!
Why Choose SERVPRO for your Water Damage Restoration?
SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford South is the solution to your Water Damage issues
We're Glad you Asked?
SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford South is available 24 hours a day for water emergencies, large or small. When you are dealing with water damage, immediate action is crucial. A delay of just a few hours can greatly increase the severity of the water damage.
We understand that when you call us, you may be feeling confused, stressed, and vulnerable. You need an expert to guide you through this crisis. SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford South has the specific water damage training and experience to help you through this tough time. We specialize in water damage restoration—in fact, it's the cornerstone of our business.
What to Expect
When you call, we will ask several questions regarding your water damage emergency. These questions will help us determine what equipment and resources to bring, including how many trained SERVPRO Professionals may be needed.
Our SERVPRO Representative will ask several questions:
Your name and contact information
Your insurance information (if applicable)
The street address of the water-damaged home or business
When did the flooding or water damage occur?
What caused the water damage (if known)?
Is there electricity available (on-site)?
About Us
SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford South specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From 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.
SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford South's Doug Glassman Recently Honored
“United Way’s dedication to the community and commitment to giving back is the reason why I became involved in this great organization. There are so many who volunteer to support their mission and I'm very happy to play a small part” said Glassman.
SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford South have been proud supporters of the Live United 365 program for a number of years and are happy to help other individuals and businesses join us in helping them achieve their mission. If you are interested in getting involved in this great organization feel free to contact them by clicking here or call Victoria at 508-994-9625 ext 210.
How familiar are you with SERVPRO? How about a little reminder about what we can do for you and your family? Did you know that with over 1,700 Franchises in the U.S. and Canada, SERVPRO is a trusted leader in the restoration industry and is dedicated to providing quality service.
As a trusted leader in the restoration industry, we have highly trained technicians that are dedicated to responding faster to any size disaster. We provide 24-hour emergency service and have the training and expertise to handle your restoration and cleaning needs.
Our highly trained technicians respond quickly, whether you need water damage restoration or simply need your upholstery cleaned. You can depend on us for these residential services and more:
The Team at SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford South
What happens when disaster strikes and you’re left to pick up the pieces? When the worst case scenario is the one you see before your eyes, who can you trust to restore some sense of normalcy to your everyday life and alleviate the stress that comes with dealing with disaster aftermath?
At SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford South, we exist to lighten your load and take care of your disaster situation. We understand that planning for a disaster is one thing, but going through it is something completely different. While insurance is there for a reason, we make sure your home or business is taken care of by elite team of highly trained professionals.
Where at once it seemed like all was lost, by utilizing our restore first mentality, our experts come into your home or business looking to redeem what once seemed lost. In addition to salvaging many items that can’t be replaced such as documentation, family heirlooms, or things of sentimental value, our restorative approach is much more cost-effective than replacing everything and starting from scratch.
Though we never wish disaster on anyone, we know very well that these situations unfortunately happen. SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford South exists to alleviate the stress and make those situations “Like it never even happened.”
SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford South is available 24 hours a day for water emergencies, large or small. When you are dealing with water damage, immediate action is crucial. A delay of just a few hours can greatly increase the severity of the water damage.
We understand that when you call us, you may be feeling confused, stressed, and vulnerable. You need an expert to guide you through this crisis. SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford South has the specific water damage training and experience to help you through this tough time. We specialize in water damage restoration—in fact, it's the cornerstone of our business.
What to Expect
When you call, we will ask several questions regarding your water damage emergency. These questions will help us determine what equipment and resources to bring, including how many trained SERVPRO Professionals may be needed.
Our SERVPRO Representative will ask several questions:
Your name and contact information
Your insurance information (if applicable)
The street address of the water-damaged home or business
When did the flooding or water damage occur?
What caused the water damage (if known)?
Is there electricity available (on-site)?
About Us
SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From 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.
We take pride in our work and appearance. You can tell by the pride we all share for our vehicles. Let's face it, cars and trucks are one of the fun parts about what we get to do each and every day.
Next time you see one of us on the road, feel free to give us a wave!
With over 1,700 Franchises in the U.S. and Canada, SERVPRO is a trusted leader in the restoration industry and is dedicated to providing quality service. Our highly trained technicians respond quickly, whether you need water damage restoration or simply need your upholstery cleaned. You can depend on SERVPRO for all of your needs, whether it be water damage restoration, fire damage restoration, mold remediation, storm damage restoration, cleaning services, the list goes on…
Check out this carpet cleaning job we did, can you believe how clean it is? Your carpet could look this good too after SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford South is done with it!
Carpet cleaning is an important routine that you don't want to ignore. Dirt hides in the deepest fibers of the material and is an important contributor in the shelf life of your investment. Because constant changing of your carpet is expensive, you have to take care of it to save money. It is important to keep it clean at all times.
With over 1,700 Franchises in the U.S. and Canada, SERVPRO is a trusted leader in the restoration industry and is dedicated to providing quality service. Our highly trained technicians respond quickly, whether you need water damage restoration or simply need your upholstery cleaned. You can depend on SERVPRO for all of your needs, whether it be water damage restoration, fire damage restoration, mold remediation, storm damage restoration, cleaning services, the list goes on…
Did you suffer a Water Damage this Winter that effected your Carpeting?
The SERVPRO standard of carpet and upholstery cleaning will not only extract that water and grime stuck in your carpet, it’ll also remove any unwanted dust and dirt. A professionally dried and cleaned carpet will make all the difference in freshening up your home and improving indoor air quality. The major casualties of a flooded home is flooring, particularly carpets. Once it's soaked, both it and the underlying padding will potentially need replacing, which is an added expense that most homeowners would like to avoid. In the case of heavy flooding, whether it's from a natural disaster, broken appliance, burst pipe, or other water emergency, many people think that there's no chance their carpet can ever be saved – but you can rest assured SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford South will be there to make it “Like it never even happened.”
Hot water heaters will typically last you between 10-15 years. When internal components become corroded and mineral build up occurs, your heater can begin to leak. Without correction, this small leak can turn into something more serious – and you may find yourself with a basement full of water. Below are some telltale signs that your hot water heater is on its way out, and some simple maintenance you can do to prevent disaster.
Check
Check for power if there is no hot water. While no hot water can be a sure sign that the water heater has failed, it could also mean the pilot light is out or the circuit breaker tripped.
Examine
Examine the water that comes out of the hot faucet. If it appears rusty, this signals an upcoming failure of your water heater. Look for signs of muddy water or increased sediment in the water tank. Attach a hose to the drainage bib on the water heater, turn the unit off and drain it to examine its contents. Muddy water or increased sediment signals a potential failure of your water heater. When flushing the water heater, remember that the water that comes out of the hose bib at the front of the water heater is going to be extremely hot, as it will not be mixed with cold water. Use caution when flushing the water heater to avoid getting burned. Smell or taste the water. If the hot water has a metallic taste to it, this indicates that the water heater is close to breaking down.
Listen
Pay attention to the noises your water heater makes. While there will be normal sounds as the water heats, loud cracks and pops indicate an interaction between the heating elements inside the heater and the scale and mineral deposits built up on them.
Address
Take immediate action if you see leaking water around the water heater where none has leaked before. Disconnect the electricity or turn off the gas to the unit and let the water cool down before attempting to remove and replace the water heater. Leaking water indicates an internal failure in the water heater.
“I ain’t afraid of no mold!” Can you picture yourself saying that as you’re rolling up your sleeves ready to tackle your moldy mess on your own? Well before you do, here are some things to consider-
What is mold?
Mold is a common type of fungus that thrives in moist, warm conditions. As it is an important part of the ecosystem, it can be a nuisance when it is found in your home or business. Mold is able to reproduce by releasing spores that can be carried through air, water or even animals. There are many different kinds of molds out there.
Some signs of mold are:
A strange odor
Appearance of mold
Known moisture source
If you notice moisture around your home or business or detect a strange odor and are not sure if there is mold present, it is best to call a professional to come in and look at it. SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford specializes in mold remediation and offer free estimates as well!
Here are some common areas of moisture/warmth where mold can grow:
Roof leaks
Indoor plumbing leaks
Outdoor drainage problems
Damp basements/ crawl spaces
Steam from bathroom/kitchen
Condensation on cool surfaces
Humidifiers
Wet clothing drying inside of the home
Poor or improper ventilation of heating or cooking appliances
Although you may think simply wiping it away or putting bleach on it will solve the problem, chances are you could spread it, make it airborne and could cause more potential problems. It is always best to contact a professional. Give SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford a call at (508) 999-2380!
Confusion and misunderstanding surround the topic of mold and mold remediation. Some restoration businesses even make claims to remove all mold from a building. This is a fallacy. Mold spores occur naturally almost everywhere, both indoors and outdoors. These microscopic spores float along in the air and can enter a home or business through windows and HVAC systems. Consider these facts:
Mold is present almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors.
Mold spores are microscopic and float along in the air and may enter your home through windows, doors, or AC/heating systems or even hitch a ride indoors on your clothing or a pet.
Mold spores thrive on moisture. Mold spores can quickly grow into colonies when exposed to water. These colonies may produce allergens and irritants.
Before mold remediation can begin, any sources of water or moisture must be addressed. Otherwise, the mold may return.
Mold often produces a strong, musty odor and can lead you to possible mold problem areas.
Even higher-than-normal indoor humidity can support mold growth. Keep indoor humidity below 45 percent.
If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today – (508) 999-2380
“How about this weather we’re having?” Have you heard or used this conversation starter lately? If you have, odds are it wasn’t in relation to a hailstorm, especially around here. Although hailstorms are not very common in this area, here are some helpful tips just in case those “golf balls” start to fall from the sky!
Preparing for a hailstorm
If you have time to get prepared before a hailstorm here are some helpful tips to go by:
-It is best to store (if possible) vehicles, boats and other expensive items in a garage.
- Placing garbage bins, patio furniture, umbrellas and umbrella stands into a closed area such as a shed. This can help prevent further damage to your home if winds pick up.
-Making sure all doors and windows are closed.
-Closing blinds and curtains can help keep shattering glass from blowing towards you and your family while seeking shelter inside.
-Check trees around your home. If you have large branches close to the house it is best to trim them down. These branches can cause more damage during a storm if they were to break off and hit your homes windows.
-Checking your roof is another good step towards preparedness. If you see any broken shingles, getting them replaced right away can help lessen the damage from a hailstorm.
What is hail?
According to the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Hail is a form of solid precipitation that occurs when updrafts in thunderstorms carry raindrops upward into extremely cold areas of the atmosphere where they freeze into little balls. They can range from pea size to the size of a grapefruit. As hail is denser and hits with a lot more force than rain does it causes far more damage. According to NOAA, hail causes up to $1 billion in damages to crops and property each year.
Hopefully this never happens to you, but if it does don’t hesitate to call SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford. For all your storm related questions. Feel free to reach out to us for help at (508) 946-2397.
*Reference: National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
Don’t you just love that clean smell? Of course, who doesn’t? But have you ever thought of what lurks in your buildings air ducts?
When it comes to air duct cleaning, not many people think about it. But according to the NADCA (National Air Duct Cleaning Association) “If your air ducts look dirty, they probably are.”
Though we clean thoroughly, we generate a lot of air pollutants such as dander, dust and chemicals. These air pollutants get sucked into the HVAC system and can circulate up to 7 times a day on average. Over the course of a year this causes buildups that amount to roughly 40 pounds of buildup for a house annually. Can you imagine what it is for a commercial building? The U.S. Department of energy has said that “25 to 40 percent of the energy used to heat/cool a home (or business) is wasted. When it’s not cleaned it makes it run harder and can make for a shorter life span.”
Having your air ducts cleaned has benefits:
- Helps restore efficiency
-Helps reduce potential of mold growth
-May help with offensive odors
SERVPRO of Marion/Middleborough specializes in air duct cleanings. Once our professionals inspect your commercial duct system, they have the equipment and the expertise to get the job done.
So, the next time you’re wondering what kind of party is going on in your air vents, give SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford a call at (508) 946-2397!
*Resource: NADCA (National Air Duct Cleaning Association)
With frigid temperatures moving in, you’ll want to ensure your home is winter ready and prepared for the harsh elements. Below are recommendations on how to avoid dealing with frozen or burst pipes this season; we hope you’ll find new ways of winterizing your home on the inside and outside with these helpful tips and tricks!
Interior Weatherization Tips:
Open bathroom and kitchen cabinet doors to allow warm air to circulate around pipes
Get a slow drip going from the faucet to keep water moving to prevent freezing
Set up a fan to help blow hot air into those cold rooms that just don’t seem to warm up
Exterior Weatherization Tips:
Disconnect outside hose, turn water off and attach a cover over faucet
Apply insulated pipe sleeves around piping in your basement or crawl space
Add extra insulation to the attic, basement, or crawl space areas
If frozen or burst pipes do occur, you'll want to contact the professionals at SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford to mitigate and remediate the damage, making it "Like it never even happened."
With the holidays in full effect, it’s important to note safe travel practices before heading out on the road this year. Below you’ll find ways to help ensure a safe departure this holiday season - Read on to learn more!
Prepare your Vehicle for Long Distance
Check your wipers and fluids. Have your radiator and cooling system serviced. Simple maintenance can prevent many of the problems that strand motorists on the side of the road.
Plan Ahead
Before you get on a highway, know your exit by name and number, and watch the signs as you near the off-ramp. Drivers making unexpected lane changes to exit often cause accidents.
Do not cut in front of large trucks
Remember that trucks are heavier and take longer to make a complete stop, so avoid cutting quickly in front of them.
Beware of truck blind spots
When sharing the road with large trucks, be aware of their blind spots. If you can't see the truck driver in his or her mirrors, then the truck driver can't see you.
Check your emergency kit.Contents should include a battery-powered radio, flashlight, blanket, jumper cables, fire extinguisher, first aid kit, bottled water, non-perishable foods, maps, tire-repair kit and flares.
Keep your eyes on the road
Distracted driving is a major cause of traffic accidents. Even just two seconds of distraction time doubles the chances of an accident. Use your cell phone when stopped and never text while driving.
Leave early and avoid risks
Leave early so you won't be anxious about arriving late and to accommodate delays. Road conditions may change due to inclement weather or traffic congestion.
Avoid extreme weather conditions
Ice, hail and snow make roads difficult to travel. Try to avoid driving through extreme weather conditions, and travel during daylight.
Remove ice and snow from your vehicle
Clear snow from your windows and roof to ensure that you have maximum visibility and are not creating a hazard for the vehicle behind you. Don't allow ice and snow to create additional blind spots on your vehicle.
Beware of the vehicle in front of you
Leave extra room between you and the vehicle in front so you can avoid snow and ice blowing onto your windshield or maneuver around patches of ice.
Slow down
With the extra highway congestion due to holiday travel, speeding becomes even more dangerous. Allow plenty of space cushion and reduce your speed.
Buckle up
Safety belts reduce the risk of fatal injury by 45 percent and are a simple way to increase your safety on the road.
*Information courtesy of the American Trucking Associations
With the New Year brings opportunity for new beginnings! Start 2019 off right be being READY!
Did you know up to 50% of businesses that suffer a disaster may never reopen? Of the businesses that do survive a disaster, the overwhelming majority had an emergency preparedness plan in place.
By developing a SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile for your business, you minimize business interruption by having an immediate plan of action. Knowing what to do and what to expect in advance is the key to timely mitigation and can help minimize how water and fire damage can affect your business.
Here's some of the things you'll get from taking advantage of this free app-
A no cost assessment of your facility. This means there is no need to allocate funds, giving you a great value at no cost.
A concise Profile Document that contains only the critical information needed in the event of an emergency. It will only take a little time to complete and will not take you away from current projects. But it will save a lot of time if ever needed.
A guide to help you get back into your building following a disaster. This can help minimize the amount of time your business is inactive by having an immediate plan of action.
Establishes your local SERVPRO Franchise Professional as your disaster mitigation and restoration provider. You have a provider that is recognized as an industry leader and close by.
Identification of the line of command for authorizing work to begin. This saves time so we can begin the work of mitigating the damage which can save you time and money.
Provides facility details such as shut-off valve locations, priority areas and priority contact information. Having a quick reference of what to do, how to do it and who to call provides solutions in advance of an emergency so that during the emergency you are "Ready for whatever happens."
Ready to Get Started?
Make your first resolution be to help protect your business, your employees and your livelihood. Call SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford South today at 508-999-2380 to learn more about how we can help you be "Ready for whatever happens" in the New Year!
The holidays have officially arrived, and with them comes decorating for Christmas, Hanukah or whatever it is you may celebrate! Even with this time of the year being the most magical, fire damage can still affect each and every one of us if we’re not careful.
The Christmas Season typically brings an up rise in the number of extension cords used in a home. While extension cords are a great way to shorten the gap between an appliance’s cord and the wall’s outlet, they can become extremely dangerous if not used correctly. Below you’ll find ways to safely utilize extension cords in your family’s home this holiday season.
Do not overload extension cords or allow them to run through water or snow on the ground.
Do not substitute extension cords for permanent wiring.
Do not run through walls, doorways, ceilings or floors. If cord is covered, heat cannot escape, which may result in a fire hazard.
Do not use an extension cord for more than one appliance.
A heavy reliance on extension cords is an indication that you have too few outlets to address your needs. Have additional outlets installed where you need them.
Multiple plug outlets must be plugged directly into mounted electrical receptacles; they cannot be chained together.
Make sure the extension cord or temporary power strip you use is rated for the products to be plugged in, and is marked for either indoor or outdoor use.
The appliance or tool that you are using the cord with will have a wattage rating on it. Match this up with your extension cord, and do not use a cord that has a lower rating.
Never use a cord that feels hot or is damaged in any way. Touching even a single exposed strand can give you an electric shock or burn.
Never use three-prong plugs with outlets that only have two slots for the plug. Do not cut off the ground pin to force a fit. This defeats the purpose of a three-prong plug and could lead to an electrical shock. Never force a plug into an outlet if it doesn’t fit.
Use extension cords with polarized and/or three-prong plugs.
Buy only cords approved by an independent testing laboratory, such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL), ETL-SEMKO (ETL) or Canadian Standards Association (CSA).
The Emergency Readiness Profile is a necessary precaution for any business owner
When fire and water cleanup is needed, getting help is now quicker and easier than ever before using the SERVPRO Ready Plan app. The Ready Plan is an emergency preparedness tool for home and business owners.
Are you Ready for Whatever Happens?
Disasters and resulting business interruption can devastate companies. It is estimated that up to 50% of businesses that close due to a disaster never reopen.
Of those that reopened, the majority had some type of response plan in place.
No One Plans on a Disaster, But You Can Plan For It.
Disasters and emergencies always strike without warning.
Planning ahead speaks trust to your clients and your employees. In the event your business is affected by a disaster, you don’t necessarily have to be.
By preparing now, you demonstrate excellence in readiness planning by compiling a comprehensive information resource to use in case of a disaster.
Is your Business in need of a Ready Plan? Contact us today to learn more 508-999-2380
Offering Post Construction Clean-Up to Commercial & Residential Spaces
Whether you’ve just built a new facility or had minor renovations done to an older one, SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford South will have your business up and running with our list of post construction clean-up services.
After any kind of construction service, you’ll want your commercial building cleaned before opening to the public. Indoor air quality can be negatively affected from the construction process, and things like sawdust and other debris may find their way into your Air Duct & HVAC system.
Flat surfaces such as window and door frames may also need some extra attention, as well as any leftover debris not removed prior to our arrival. You’ll also want to be sure no foul odors or other contaminants are lingering inside.
Contact us today to learn more or set up a free estimate at 508-999-2380
Mold on your Belongings? We Can Fix That - New Bedford, MA - 02740
This Customers Family Heirloom was Restored back to Pre-Loss Condition
A New Lease on Life for this Old Heirloom
We we’re recently approached by a woman who was having issues with mold in a split unit A/C system in her home. This particular unit was located in her tiny 10’ x 10’ bedroom, and simple enough to clean where she felt comfortable doing it on her own.
Unfortunately, the system was situated in a way where the air flow blew directly on a foot stool her mother had passed down to her. Unbeknownst to her, the air blowing from the unit spread mold which attached to her family heirloom. She expressed feelings of devastation to us and how badly she’d like for it to be fixed.
We were able to completely remediate the moldfrom this item and get it back to preloss condition for her. She was very satisfied with the outcome and relieved that this piece could continue to live on in the family for the next generation.
How to Prepare your Home (and yourself) for the Cold Weather - Fairhaven, MA 02719
Yep, Winter is Officially on its Way in New England!
When it comes to winterizing your home, it may feel like just one more chore on top of the already dozen piled onto your to-do list. Still, winterizing is a crucial part in preparing your home for the frigid temps that can roll in off of the waterfront and cause thousands in property damage.
To help simplify this process, we’ve created a home weatherproofing checklist – because let’s face it, you’re already under enough stress from the holidays to do it yourself! Here you’ll find ways to ensure your home is ready before the season’s first snow fall:
Clean gutters & downspouts in mid-fall then double check them before winter
Close any vents in your home that may have been opened for the warm weather
Drain & disconnect hoses from outside faucets and turn off the water supply
Buy snow shovels, salt and other winter supplies before the bad weather hits
Caulk or apply weather stripping around draft areas
Have your chimney cleaned before firing it up
Run fans in reverse
Replace the filter in your furnace
Turn down your water heater
Keep a hefty supply of non-perishables (and wine)in your home. It's going to be a long winter
If any unwanted surprises do happen to occur this holiday season (and we’re not talking about the in-laws staying for Christmas) you can count on our 24/7/365 emergency response team to take control of the situation so you can take back your life (sorry, still not talking about the in-laws) and make things “Like it never even happened.”
They’ve been called soot chains, soot tags, and have even been mistaken as dirty cobwebs… but what are they really?
Soot webs are indicative of a fire. They are ionized soot particles that stick together in chains, and tend to gather along the edges of walls and ceilings where there’s cool air. The soot migrates to these cooler areas in order to create a sort of equilibrium after a fire.
Although they may look easy to clean, soot chains should only be handled by a professional. Things like household cleaners can lock in the soot, making something that was once simple and easy to clean more complex and time consuming – every second counts when remediating a fire loss!
Our experience with fire and its aftermath dates back to 1967. Rest assured your home will be treated with respect and restored back to preloss conditions with our team of highly trained professionals on scene.
Call the Fire Restoration Experts today at 508-999-2380.
When it comes to your home or business mold is not something you want to mess around with. It doesn’t take very much time for mold to spread quickly. Mold can become extremely hazardous to your health, and if left untreated can cause costly structural damage to building materials. If you find mold growing in your home, it’s important to call in a professional who has the experience and expertise to have the mold completely removed by using the correct process.
Mold is a living organism that belongs to the fungi family. There are over 100,000 species of mold, and all of them can be harmful if not properly taken care of.
As long as oxygen and moisture are present, mold can virtually grow on any organic surface such as paper, wood, insulation, food, and carpet padding. Because mold will eat or digest what it is growing on, if left untreated, mold can even cause structural damage to buildings and furnishings.
Here are some Places to Watch for Mold Growth in Your Home:
Basements or cellars that have been flooded
Underneath kitchen sinks
Attics & Crawl Spaces
Underneath or behind refrigerators
Behind walls that also house plumbing
Stacks of damp or wet newspaper or cardboard boxes
Around air-conditioning units
Wallboard or around windows that leak
Under carpeting that may have become wet
Bathroom shower or under sink
You can prevent damage to your home or business, its contents, save money, and avoid potential health problems by controlling moisture and eliminating mold growth.
Reminder: With any type of water damage in the home drying the affected areas within three days or less will help prevent the growth of toxic mold that can make you extremely sick.
The Mold Remediation Process
Every mold infestation is different, from the amount of mold to the types of materials affected. Each scenario requires a unique solution, but the general process stays the same. The steps listed below illustrate our process for a “typical” mold remediation infestation:
Emergency Contact - 508-999-2380
Inspection and Mold Damage Assessment
Mold Containment
Air Filtration
Removing Mold and Mold-Infested Materials
Cleaning Contents and Belongings
Restoration
How Often Should you Clean your Bathroom to avoid Mold Growth?
When it comes to bathrooms, it seems like it’s the least favorite room for homeowners to clean. However, dust, dirt, grime, and moisture sitting on your bathrooms surfaces can lead to mold and mildew. So, why avoid the cleanup and put your family’s health at risk? Bathrooms should be cleaned weekly, but there’s also little things that can be done daily that can help make that weekly cleanup seem less daunting.
Daily:
After a shower, squeegee your tiles to remove the excess water
Keep the shower stall door or curtain open after a shower for at least 10 minutes to help exhaust the humidity that has built up inside
Close the shower curtain afterwards to help dry them so moisture doesn’t get trapped when they are bunched up when closed
Empty garbage bins every other day. Think of what gets thrown out: wet naps, damp paper towels, Kleenex, tissue paper, etc. After a few days, your garbage bin can start to get musty and moldy
Hang towels right away after a bath or shower. Leaving them on the floor can lead to musty odors
Run your exhaust fans or open windows during your shower and keep them open/on afterwards for at least 20 minutes
Weekly:
Toilet bowls
Shower head; build-up can occur causing mold and clogging, preventing you from having a relaxing shower experience.
Counters and sinks
Walls and floors; dust, grime and hair is mold food when left on surfaces for too long
Shower mats
Replace hand and bath towels with fresh, clean linens
Mirrors
Door handles and faucets can hold onto bacteria
The main objective is to keep moisture levels to a minimum so not to create the perfect breeding ground for mold. By following these tips, you'll have a better control on minimizing mold growth.
We are all aware of the recent tornado warnings that have been broadcasted across The Weather Channel, and how much of an abnormality they are in this part of the country. Normally, our knowledge of tornadoes comes from blockbuster dramas like Twister, or Storm Chasers – but what are these weather anomalies really like?
What is a Tornado?
A tornado is a funnel-shaped vortex of violent winds that form under a major storm system. Wind speeds can reach anywhere between 65mph to upwards of 300mph, depending on the scale of the tornado.
There are two forms of tornadoes, supercell and non-supercell. Supercell tornadoes are spawned from supercell thunderstorms, and are the most common tornado and typically the most dangerous. Non-supercell tornadoes are circulations that do not form from an organized storm front.
Supercell tornadoes develop from a rotating updrift. One theory on how this rotation begins is that a column of air begins to rotate from wind shear, which is then fed by warm, moist air flowing in at ground level.
Non-supercell tornadoes form from a vertically spinning parcel of air already occurring near the ground, caused by wind shear from a warm, cold, or sea breeze front, or a dryline. When an updraft moves over the rotation, and stretches it, a tornado can form.
There are still many unanswered questions scientists face when examining supercell and non-supercell tornadoes, but with the help of modern technology and equipment, we are making strides towards learning more about these super storms every day.
What do to in the event of a Tornado?
When the tornado sirens sound, you may only have minutes to find safe shelter. It is recommended that you bunker down in your bathtub if an underground shelter isn’t available.
A bathtub is a great form of shelter given that they are strong, sturdy objects which are piped directly into the ground. Normally, bathtubs and loo’s are the only remnants of a home left after a tornado has passed through it.
One incredible story of survival comes from a 60-year-old woman from Louisiana who hid in her bathtub as a tornado was ravaging her home. The tornado picked up the tub, while she was hiding in it, and carried it to a wooded area not far from her home. Miraculously, the tub was placed gently on the ground, and she suffered only minor cuts and bruising.
It’s time to FALL BACK! The U.S. Fire Administration recommends that Daylight Saving Time be a reminder for you to change the batteries in your smoke and fire detectors, and ensure that they’re working properly. To test that your alarms are working, you should:
Station a family member at the furthest point away from the alarm to help make sure the alarm can be heard everywhere in your home
Press and hold the test button on the smoke detector. It can take a few seconds to begin, but a loud, siren-like noise should emanate from the smoke detector while the button is pressed.
It is important to remember that this protocol is recommended at both the beginning and end of Daylight Saving Time to make certain that your alarms are in safe, working condition in the event of a fire.
We hope this blog has been informative and resourceful for your home and that the end of Daylight Saving Time is good to you!
Stachybotrys, Penicillium/Aspergillus, and Chaetomiumspp are all molds you don’t want to mess with... and that's just to name a few! These types of molds are commonly found within the home and can be extremely dangerous to your health if not handled properly or by a professional.
Stachybotrys, or black mold, are part of the Aspergillus family and are known to cause an array of human health problems. This type of mold is identified as being a greenish black, slimy mold that grows on waterlogged paper and wood. It should be noted that Stachybotrys does not grow on tile, linoleum or concrete.
Penicillium/Aspergillus are ubiquitous with one another; where one is present, the other is typically lingering close by. They are the most common mold species to appear in indoor air quality samples. Aspergillus is usually found in fabrics and damp wallboards while Penicillium are known to hide in decaying fabrics, wallpaper, house dust, and oddly enough… moist clipboards. It is also pretty amazing to think that the antibiotic penicillin derives from the mold penicillium
It can be argued that Chaetomiumspp are the most dangerous of these three species, causing a slew of health problems. This species should be avoided at all costs.
With over 50 years of experience, the professionals at SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford South are proficient in dealing with the various strains of mold that may find their way into your home. If you think you are suffering from mold in your home or business, call us today for a free consultation at (508) 999-2380.
Fire Safety Tips you’ll Fall for this Season - Acushnet, MA
As the cool fall weather starts to roll in, it is important to practice fire safety in the home to ensure your holiday season goes uninterrupted. Things like heating, holiday decorations, and candle burning can all leave room for disaster if not addressed properly.
Home Heating Safety Tips
Central Heating
If you heat your home centrally, it is important to have your system inspected and cleaned of any build up before the start of the fall season. A blocked air duct can be a potential fire hazard waiting to happen. Make sure to get your system routinely checked by a Certified HVAC professional, and call SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford South for any cleanings it may require.
Fireplace
You should have your chimney inspected every year to make sure it’s in safe, working condition. Utilize your local Chimney Sweeper when necessary, and have any cracks within the foundation of the chimney filled if need be. It is also advised that a fireplace screen be used to keep sparks within the pit, and unwanted debris out. Finally, you should never use gasoline or any other combustible substance to start a fire and most importantly, never under any circumstances leave a fire unattended!
Space Heater
Space heaters are a great resource for heating areas of the home that otherwise don’t receive a lot of air flow. There are many precautions to follow when relying on a space heater, though, which include making sure there is at least a 3-foot radius of empty space between your space heater and any other objects. You should also never place clothing or any other flammable articles on your space heater, and avoid putting it near furniture or curtains. Lastly, it is very important you turn off and unplug your space heater when leaving the house or going to bed to avoid the possibility of fire.
Holiday Décor Safety Tips
Jack-O-Lanterns
Although Jack-O-Lanterns are a great way to add spook to your home during Halloween, you should never burn a real candle within one. Instead, try safer alternatives like a battery operated light.
Fried Turkey
One of the biggest fire starters on Thanksgiving Day are the infamous fried turkeys!
If you plan to deep fry your bird this Thanksgiving, we suggest you follow these tips so not to blow your house up;
Set up the fryer you’ll be using AT LEAST 10 feet away from the home, or any other structure for that matter, and make sure it is situated on a level surface
Make sure the turkey is thawed and dried out completely
Keep a watchful eye on the oil temperature
Christmas tree Lights
Make sure when leaving the house or going to bed you turn your Christmas tree lights off and unplug them. Christmas trees are beautiful, and we all want to show off our decorating skills, but leaving your lights on when away from the home is dangerous. You’ll also want to make sure you’re watering your tree enough to prevent the pines from becoming dry and brittle, whereas they are extremely flammable in this state.
With the New England weather changing faster than you can say “Wicked”, it can be hard to tell what season is coming next! Though through all of this, one thing remains constant here at SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford South. The bulk of losses we cover are caused by some form of water damage. So, how can we as homeowners prevent this? Take a look at the list we’ve pulled together below for some helpful tips on making sure your home is prepared when disaster strikes.
Inspect your Roof & Gutters
Inspect your roof by walking around the outside perimeter of your home to look for signs of sagging, aging and damage such as buckled or missing shingles.
Examine the inside of your Home; like Leaky Windows & Doors
Keep an eye on windows and doors during heavy rain fall to make sure no water is seeping in. If you do come to find that water is making its way into your home, try resealing around the frame with caulking. If the water persists, contact a local professional to have your siding inspected.
Test that your Sump Pump is in good working condition
This can be performed by simply unplugging and plugging the pump back in. If the pump does not immediately turn back on, it is in need of repair.
Another way of testing your sump pump’s ability is by running water through it. You will only need enough water to lift the float until the pump kicks on. The pump kicking on will confirm that the pump is working properly.
Check for any leaks coming from your Hot Water Heater
Inspect the area around your hot water heater to make sure no puddles have formed. Water around your heater typically indicates the temperature and pressure release valve have failed. This can lead to major water damage.
Know the location of your Main Water Shut Off Valve
Out of all of these guidelines, this one may be the most important. You should know where your main water shut off valve is located in the event that water flow to your home be immediately terminated. It is important to note that as long as the water is coming from your homes water supply, you can shut it down quickly.
Are you experiencing unexplained water or moisture on your basement walls or floor? It may be caused by ground seepage.
Seepage is different from flooding and is treated like so by the insurance company.
Ground seepage is looked at as a maintenance problem, not “sudden & accidental” and is excluded from home insurance coverage.
It is important to recognize the difference between these two scenarios when purchasing home owners insurance to avoid any confusion when filing a future claim.
After contacting SERVPRO, it is important you also talk with a water proofing professional about ways to prevent future damage to your basement.
Water Damage or Mold? Call us today at (508) 999-2380.
As the cool fall weather starts to roll in, it is important to practice fire safety in the home to ensure your holiday season goes uninterrupted. Things like heating, holiday decorations, and candle burning can all leave room for disaster if not addressed properly.
Home Heating Safety Tips
Central Heating
If you heat your home centrally, it is important to have your system inspected and cleaned of any build up before the start of the fall season. A blocked air duct can be a potential fire hazard waiting to happen. Make sure to get your system routinely checked by a Certified HVAC professional, and call SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford South for any cleanings it may require.
Fireplace
You should have your chimney inspected every year to make sure it’s in safe, working condition. Utilize your local Chimney Sweeper when necessary, and have any cracks within the foundation of the chimney filled if need be. It is also advised that a fireplace screen be used to keep sparks within the pit, and unwanted debris out. Finally, you should never use gasoline or any other combustible substance to start a fire and most importantly, never under any circumstances leave a fire unattended!
Space Heater
Space heaters are a great resource for heating areas of the home that otherwise don’t receive a lot of air flow. There are many precautions to follow when relying on a space heater, though, which include making sure there is at least a 3-foot radius of empty space between your space heater and any other objects. You should also never place clothing or any other flammable articles on your space heater, and avoid putting it near furniture or curtains. Lastly, it is very important you turn off and unplug your space heater when leaving the house or going to bed to avoid the possibility of fire.
Holiday Décor Safety Tips
Jack-O-Lanterns
Although Jack-O-Lanterns are a great way to add spook to your home during Halloween, you should never burn a real candle within one. Instead, try safer alternatives like a battery operated light.
Fried Turkey
One of the biggest fire starters on Thanksgiving Day are the infamous fried turkeys!
If you plan to deep fry your bird this Thanksgiving, we suggest you follow these tips so not to blow your house up;
Set up the fryer you’ll be using AT LEAST 10 feet away from the home, or any other structure for that matter, and make sure it is situated on a level surface
Make sure the turkey is thawed and dried out completely
Keep a watchful eye on the oil temperature
Christmas tree Lights
Make sure when leaving the house or going to bed you turn your Christmas tree lights off and unplug them. Christmas trees are beautiful, and we all want to show off our decorating skills, but leaving your lights on when away from the home is dangerous. You’ll also want to make sure you’re watering your tree enough to prevent the pines from becoming dry and brittle, whereas they are extremely flammable in this state.
Tenant Fires can cause Water Damage in your Apartment
After the fire department leaves, you may experience water damage left behind from firefighting efforts. Unfortunately, we often find ourselves in these situations when we least expect to, and are typically unprepared for the aftermath.
You can rest assured that SERVPRO professionals will be ready 24/7 to attend to any damages left behind. Since 1967, we have been the leading restoration company for water remediation, and with over 1700 local franchises, you will always receive personable and attentive care to guarantee all of your needs are exceeded!
Open communication and transparency are traits we pride ourselves on before, during and after the water loss remediation process. Our technicians will first assess the extent of the damage and come up with a specialized plan to properly dry out the area and any contents that may have become water logged.
If you are suffering from water damage due to firefighting efforts, give yourself the peace of mind you deserve by calling us today to set up a free estimate!
“Where is that noise coming from?!” You ask yourself, as the pitter patter of unknown water damage grows louder. You look up, and suddenly… a water droplet hits you square between the eyes! Only then do you realize it’s coming from the upstairs bathroom!
But it’s already too late.
You’re left with sopping wet sheetrock in the shape of a large pumpkin.
“What now…?” You wonder.
The water damage restoration process begins as soon as you contact SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford South. Our highly trained team of professionals will first assess the extent of damage by using industry leading tools such as moisture meters and thermographic cameras. This allows us to have a better understanding of how far the moisture has migrated in order to set up drying equipment accordingly.
Next, we will begin the water extraction process. Any excess water that may be left behind after a flood is quickly sucked up using our powerful pumps and vacuum units. This will prevent any secondary water damage from occurring and deter the possibility of mold growth.
After extraction, we follow a specialized drying & dehumidification process. Our industrial grade fans, air scrubbers and dehumidifiers are positioned just so to create a type of vortex (similar to that of a whirlpool) of leftover moisture to be drawn in from all corners of a room, wicked up, and trapped in our dehumidifiers.
Lastly, our team will clean and sanitize any restorable items damaged by the water. Using specially formulated antimicrobial's and deodorizers, your property will soon be back to pre-water damage condition and looking Like it never even happened!
SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford South offers an array of bio-hazard cleanup services. Our highly trained team of technicians follow rigorous OSHA and EPA regulations when dealing with blood borne pathogens to ensure that a once unsafe environment is restored back to safe living conditions. If you or someone you know is suffering from a biologically hazardous situation, contact us today at (508) 999-2380.
What classifies as a Bio-hazard?
A bio-hazard is defined as being a risk to human or environmental health through biological work, especially with microorganisms. There are many forms of bio-hazards that some of us may come into contact with on a daily basis. For example, Waste Management Workers are exposed to infectious diseases in their working day-to-day lives. Luckily, with the help of modern medicine, we can protect ourselves from contracting some of those hazardous diseases (i.e. hepatitis A, B and tetanus) by receiving the proper vaccinations. Though, other forms of bio-hazardous materials are not as easy to prevent as receiving a shot in the arm.
Below is a list of common bio-hazard scenarios you’ll want to seek professional help for in the event of contact. Follow the link on each one to learn more about our cleanup protocol.
When is it a good time to get your home or business carpets cleaned? You might be surprised by the answer. Carpet cleanings rely heavily on a number of factors, whereas there are a variety of different cleaning methods used that are not always one size fits all.
Before getting started, we’ll want to identify a few key factors about your carpet or area rug. This will help us decide which method to use when cleaning, in order to give you the best possible outcome for your carpet or rug.
What kind of material is your carpet made from?
Is your carpet short piled or long piled?
What type of traffic does your carpet see on a daily basis?
How soiled is your carpet? Light, moderate, heavy?
What is the colorfastness of your carpet?
When was the last time you had your carpets professionally cleaned, if ever, and by which method(s)?
After assessing these factors, our team will then decide on the proper procedures necessary for your carpet cleaning. These methods range from bonnet cleaning, to truck mounted extraction, to deluxe precondition & rinse, to showcase premier cleaning, and even dry cleaning.
Preventative maintenance is also an important aspect in preserving the life of a carpet, and professional cleaning is recommended once every 12 months. It is important to remember that carpeting acts as a filter; trapping food particles, dirt, gases and other soils like animal hair and dead skin cells. The better care you take of your carpet, the better it will age! If a high-traffic area is carpeted, we suggest that walk-off mats be laid down so as to not wear out the rug. Spot removal, regular vacuuming and changes in traffic patterns are also recommended as a preventative measure.
For all other carpet cleaning questions, or to set up a free consultation for the carpet in your home or business contact us at (508) 999-2380.
Danny is a Crew Chief here at SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford South and is extremely knowledgeable when it comes to the cleaning and restoration process. Having been with us for five years, Danny has taken IICRC Water Damage Restoration classes to stay on top of his WRT certifications, as well as Carpet & Upholstery cleaning training courses. Danny is always eager to help in any way he can and is typically regarded as being a SERVPRO veteran!
Outside of work, Danny enjoys spending time with his family including his 7 month old son, playing basketball with his friends, and working on his Fantasy Football team. When asked about his favorite part of working at SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford South, Danny said “My favorite part is definitely the people I work with. I just love to help people, too, and I like that every day is different. From carpet cleaning, to water damages, to fire clean-ups… every day is different.”
If ever you may find yourself in need of our services, you can count on Danny as being just one of our incredible technicians to help make your problems "Like it never even happened."
Brieanna is our newest Sales & Marketing Representative here at SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford South. Although she has only been with us for a few months, she’s dove head first into her position and we are very excited to have her as part of our team! With a passion for Marketing, Brieanna attended Bristol Community College after graduating from New Bedford High School to obtain her Associates in Communications.
While working towards her degree, Brieanna began interning at the SouthCoast Chamber of Commerce, where she put her schooling to the test and learned valuable skills that would stick with her for years to come. Brieanna’s involvement at the Chamber allowed her to create valuable connections with other local businesses, which to this day she has been able to maintain. Her experience also helped lead her to the conclusion that Marketing is exactly what she wants to do as a career, and plans to finish her degree at some point in the future.
In the midst of school and her internship, Brieanna worked her way into management with her previous employer. Doing so shows that she has the drive and determination that we are looking for in our employees. There, she was able to hone her leadership skills while preparing herself professionally for her career with SERVPRO.
Outside of work, Brieanna enjoys spending quality time with her boyfriend, hanging out with friends, going to concerts and travelling to new and exciting places. Brieanna’s favorite part about working at SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford South has been the wonderful people she’s met and the relationships she’s been able to build with them, and with the people she works with! She also enjoys being able to help people that are dealing with stressful situations and make their worries Like It Never Even Happened!
Joyce is a part of our Administrative team here at SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford South and has been for the past two months.
Before SERVPRO, Joyce had worked in the Hospitality/Customer Service industry for eight years. The experience she has had suits her perfectly for her role at SERVPRO and ensures that customers are treated with empathy and helpfulness.
Outside of work, Joyce enjoys spending time with her fiancé and family, going to the beach, traveling and making new adventures. Joyce’s favorite part about working at SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford South is the tremendous amount of knowledge she’s learned in a relatively short period of time. And in addition to being able to help those in need, she loves the work environment and is excited to be part of the team!!
Tropical Storm vs. Hurricane – What Are the Warning Signs?
Hurricane season in New England runs June 1st through November 30th, with its peak season along the East Coast between mid-August and mid-September. Hurricanes can be extremely destructive, and are generally described as a large rotating storm with high speeds of wind that gust at least 74 mph. These storms form over warm waters in tropical areas, and develop from tropical storms. The difference between a tropical storm and a hurricane is determined by wind speed, with anything greater than 74 mph being classified as a hurricane. Hurricanes can then be classified into five different categories which, again, is determined based on their wind speed.
The formation of a hurricane is a lot like baking a cake. It takes a particular set of ingredients to get it just right, so with that being said, it is important to note that not all tropical storms develop into hurricanes. To learn more about the warning signs of a hurricane formation, take a look below:
Tropical disturbance
When the water vapor from the warm ocean condenses to form clouds, it releases its heat to the air. The warmed air rises and is pulled into the column of clouds. Evaporation and condensation continue, building the cloud columns higher and larger. A pattern develops, with the wind circulating around a center (like water going down a drain). As the moving column of air encounters more clouds, it becomes a cluster of thunderstorm clouds, called a tropical disturbance.
Tropical depression
As the thunderstorm grows higher and larger, the air at the top of the cloud column is cooling and becoming unstable. As the heat energy is released from the cooling water vapor, the air at the top of the clouds becomes warmer, making the air pressure higher and causing winds to move outward away from the high pressure area. This movement and warming causes pressures at the surface to drop. Then air at the surface moves toward the lower pressure area, rises, and creates more thunderstorms. Winds in the storm cloud column spin faster and faster, whipping around in a circular motion. When the winds reach between 25 and 38 mph, the storm is called a tropical depression.
Tropical storm
When the wind speeds reach 39 mph, the tropical depression becomes a tropical storm. This is also when the storm gets a name. The winds blow faster and begin twisting and turning around the eye, or calm center, of the storm. Wind direction is counterclockwise (west to east) in the northern hemisphere and clockwise (east to west) in the southern hemisphere. This phenomenon is known as the Coriolis Effect.
Tropical cyclone
When the wind speeds reach 74 mph, the storm is officially a tropical cyclone. The storm is at least 50,000 feet high and around 125 miles across. The eye is around 5 to 30 miles wide. The trade winds (which blow from east to west) push the tropical cyclone toward the west—toward the Caribbean, the Gulf of Mexico, or the southeastern coast of the U.S. The winds and the low air pressure also cause a huge mound of ocean water to pile up near the eye of the tropical cyclone, which can cause monster storm surges when all this water reaches land.
SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford South is locally owned and operated, meaning we understand the effects storm damage can have on the community. We are also part of a national network of over 1700 Disaster Recovery Teams, which can respond fast and with additional resources in the event of a catastrophic storm.
Have you ever wondered what kind of work goes into remediating a flood?
At SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford South, our WRT certified technicians are trained on how to remediate just about anything you may find yourself knee deep in.
We utilize a set of standards like special drying equipment, and an algorithm of service that’s sure to dry out even the worst water damages. Take a look below to learn more about our water extraction process and remediation:
Typically, hundreds or thousands of gallons of water are removed using our powerful pumps and vacuums during the water removal process. SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford South starts this process as soon as possible to minimize further damage and to help prevent mold growth.
After the bulk of the water has been removed, we’ll use specialized equipment to target the water that’s harder to access. We use less intrusive, scientific drying methods to draw the remaining water and moisture from your property with air movers and dehumidifiers.
Water damage also affects your belongings, like furniture, clothing, and personal items. SERVPRO can clean restorable items using a number of specialized cleaning techniques. We also sanitize with antimicrobial treatments and remove odors using industrial air scrubbers and fogging equipment.
The last step is restoring your home or business back to its pre-water damage condition. The restoration step can be relatively minor, such as replacing a few drywall panels, or could include major reconstruction, such as rebuilding entire rooms of a home or business.
Darcey is part of our Administrative team at SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford South and has been with us for eight months. Before SERVPRO, Darcey had worked as a Production Supervisor for eight years at an asset retrieval company. Her experience has contributed to the skills necessary for her role at SERVPRO, and is known around the office as being a ray of sunshine. She continually brings peace of mind to our customers, as well as our team, through her incredible multitasking skills and calm persona.
Outside of work, Darcey enjoys spending time with her family, including her fiancée and two sons. She enjoys going to the beach with her kids, spending time at the playground, and watching and playing basketball as a family. When Darcey is off mommy duty, she enjoys pampering herself and shopping.
Darcey’s favorite part about working at SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford South has been the knowledge she’s learned about the restoration process, as well as the opportunity it’s brought. During her time with us, she’s also become a certified Notary Public. On top of the ability to help those in need, Darcey loves the work environment at SERVPRO and is happy to be part of such an awesome team!
Our technicians are trained through The IICRC Training Program. IICRC is a standard-setting non-profit organization for inspection, cleaning, and restoration industries, like ourselves. On top of the already rigorous training our Production Technicians and Crew Chiefs go through with IICRC, they are also certified as:
Applied Microbial Remediation Technician (AMRT)
This four-day course covers mold and sewage remediation techniques and how to perform these procedures in the field while protecting the health and safety of workers and occupants on your property.
Applied Structural Drying Technician (ASD)
Technicians learn to dry water-damaged structures efficiently and effectively using monitoring devices, extraction systems, and drying equipment. This three-day course includes comprehensive classroom and hands-on training to develop technical and practical drying expertise.
Carpet Cleaning Technician (CCT)
This two-day course covers pre-inspection, fabric identification, cleaning chemicals and equipment, and proper cleaning techniques for residential and commercial applications.
Fire and Smoke Restoration Technician (FSRT)
Technicians will learn about types of smoke and fire damage, job planning, equipment, and practical cleaning procedures in fire and smoke settings. This two-day course also includes instruction on odor and deodorization concepts.
Odor Control Technician (OCT)
Technicians learn to address odors and deodorization techniques. This one-day course covers odor control caused by biological sources such as decomposition, urine contamination, mold, and other sources.
Upholstery and Fabric Cleaning Technician (UFT)
Technicians learn fiber identification and upholstery cleaning methods. This two-day course also covers identifying upholstery cleaning problems before fabrics shrink, bleed, crown, or distort.
Water Damage Restoration Technician (WRT)
This three-day course covers the concepts of water damage and its effects in residential and commercial settings. Technicians learn techniques and procedures to deal with water losses, sewer backflows, and contamination such as mold.
* IICRC – Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification
Locally Owned and Operated with Nationwide Resources
For 25 years, SERVPRO has been serving the communities of Dartmouth & New Bedford, along with its surrounding areas. Within that time, we’ve gone through some major changes. We’ve undergone a change in ownership, as well as an expansion in territory (double to what it was before!) We are honored to be your first choice in cleanup & restoration, and look forward to serving the community for many more years to come.
No Job Too Big or Too Small
The SERVPRO Commercial Large Loss Division is composed of our best of the best in restoration. Our elite large-loss specialists are qualified and strategically positioned throughout the United States to handle any size disaster, at any given time. Every large loss is supervised by a commercial operations manager to help ensure seamless communication and timely mitigation.
If your home or Business has suffered a Recent Loss, Contact us at (508) 999-2380
Chris is the Marketing Manager at SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford South and brings with him over 20 years of sales and marketing experience. Chris’s knowledge and experience with relationship & social media marketing, event planning and restoration services makes him a great asset that we are lucky to have! Over the years, Chris has been able to build strong relationships with local business owners, sales professionals and others in the communities we serve. He’s very active with the Bristol County Chamber of Commerce and the SouthCoast Chamber of Commerce, serving as an Ambassador for both. In addition to being a Chamber Ambassador, Chris is the President of Bristol County Business Connect (BCBC) East, a Board member for Westport Business to Business, was named Affiliate of the Year with the Realtors Association of South Eastern Mass (RASEM) and serves on multiple committees for various organizations.
Utilizing his Culinary Arts Degree, Chris was in the restaurant business for over a decade, managing restaurants and café’s from Nantucket to California! To add to his management skills, Chris has owned his own cleaning company as well as his own insurance business for 8 years. His experience in these two industries has him well equipped with the skills necessary for his position here at SERVPRO.
Some interesting facts about Chris include the fact that he’s a proud father of two, he’s a foodie and he drove cross country twice when he moved back and forth from California! Chris’s favorite part about working for SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford South has been building strong relationships and using those connections to help others succeed, coupled with the fact that he’s able to help people going through disasters to get their lives back to normal, kind of "Like it never even happened."
We had a great time at this years Best of the Best Awards and are honored to have been named best Carpet Cleaning Company for the second year in a row! Thank you to those of you who also voted for us in this years first ever Clean-Up & Restoration Services category.
We'd like to congratulate everyone who was nominated for this years event. It is a great honor to be considered best small business in the South Coast area!
We look forward to serving our community for many years to come, and take great pride in making all of our customers accidents, whether they be big or small, "Like it never even happened."
We hope to see you all at next years event, along with the possibility of some new faces!
Matt is a Production Technician with SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford South and has six months experience working in the world of cleanup & restoration. Matt is extremely knowledgeable in this line of work thanks to his past, and has shown himself to be a great addition to our SERVPRO family. His experience includes HVAC installation & maintenance, which he attended Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School for, and learned how to install, repair, replace and maintain HVAC systems for homes and businesses in a range of building types. This skill has allowed him to work in a variety of settings and assist our customers with any questions or concerns they may have about their own system.
Outside of work, Matt enjoys spending time with his two daughters and fiancée, as well as fishing, camping, going to the beach and watching & playing sports such as baseball, basketball and football. A fun fact about Matt is he lived in Las Vegas for five years! Matt’s favorite part about working for SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford South is tackling a new challenge every day and to the best of his ability, to ensure our customers disasters were handled in a way that makes them “Like it never even happened.”
When you think a situation is hopeless, you have to remind yourself that anything is possible. When in the thick of it all, take a step back and analyze everything that is happening. Only then will you realize what the next step is to take. If that next step involves us, you can count on the professionals at SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford to make things “Like it never even happened.”
From water, fire, and mold, to everything else in between, our highly trained staff work miracles for your home or business- no disaster is too big or too small for us! The next time you’re feeling like a muffin, let us make you feel like the cupcake you were born to be. We’ll be here 27/7/365 for all of your cleanup & restoration needs.
Shamere is the newest member of our SERVPRO family and part of our Production Team here at SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford. Shamere’s background includes serving four years in the United States Army.
Serving in the 82nd airborne infantry division, Shamere was able to advise and assist Iraqi security forces while also completing one tour in Baghdad. Shamere now serves one weekend a month on duty, and two weeks a year in training with the Army Reserves. We thank him for his service! In his free time, Shamere enjoys going out with friends, and hobbies such as basketball. He is a member of the American Legion which is an organization that supports and advocates for veterans and active military along with their families. Shamere’s favorite part of working at SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford is the ability to work with people, all while helping make disasters “Like it never even happened.”
Andres, or more commonly referred to as Dre, is a Crew Chief here at SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford. Andres has been with SERVPRO Dartmouth/New Bedford for one year, with a year’s worth of industry experience, but within that time has shown himself to be a natural in this line of work. When Dre isn’t working, he spends his free time practicing music he writes with his band, which has been together for five years and has even played shows at local venues! Along with band practice, he enjoys writing music, playing the drums and spending time with friends. There are many aspects about working for SERVPRO Dartmouth/New Bedford that Andres enjoys, including the ability to help see people through difficult times in their lives during a disaster, travelling, and the comradery within the crew.
Jordin is our Estimator/Crew Chief and has been with SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford for 10 years, with 13 years overall industry experience. He has truly seen everything there is to see in this business and is typically referred to as a walking textbook of Disaster Cleanup & Restoration knowledge. When Jordin isn’t working, he enjoys spending time with his daughter and fiancée, along with playing sports such as basketball and tennis after work and on the weekends. He is also on a Billiards League that meets locally. Jordin’s favorite aspect about working for SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford is the ability to help people in their time of need. He is ready at all times for any size disaster and looks forward to making every single one of them "Like it never even happened."
How Clean is the Air in Your Commercial Work Space?
HEPA stands for high-efficiency particulate air. A HEPA filter works by filtering air and trapping dangerous particles. The smaller mesh design helps to trap smoke, pollen, dander and other fine particles that traditional filters miss. The HEPA filter design is essentially similar to the way a water filtration system works.
SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford only uses the highest quality HEPA filter machines in order to fully eradicate mold and other particles from the air. It is a vital component to purifying the toxins and that pollute the air we breathe. SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford uses equipment with a HEPA filter after sewage and similar category 2 and 3 losses, mold mitigation to remove the mold spores from to prevent health hazards as well as contamination of previously uncontaminated areas of the building, as well as biohazard cleanup jobs where a room or structure is contaminated.
Water Damage Restoration is Our Specialty - New Bedford, 02740
Water Damage Doesn’t Care if you’re Already Having a Bad Day
When water damage hits, we hit harder. With our 24/7 emergency response team. We’re faster to any size disaster.
Water Damage or Flooding? Contact SERVPRO Dartmouth/New Bedford today at (508)999-2380
The photo pictured to the right shows a job we were called in on last year where there was an extensive amount of water damage present due to roofing issues. A severe tropical storm had made its way down the SouthCoast and into New Bedford, causing the roof on this commercial property to become unsecured, and allowing water to find its way in & begin accumulating.
Immediately after we received the call, our highly trained team of technicians rushed in and began extracting the water. After extraction, we began setting up dehumidifiers and fans to dry out the area and prevent mold growth.
Due to our quick emergency response times, SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford was able to prevent further damage caused to the property while saving the customer money.
Fire, Smoke, and Soot Damage - What You Need To Know
Have you ever wondered about the sort of work that goes into remediating a fire?
With SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford’s specialized fire restoration training, we work to make every aspect of your disaster as stress-free and straightforward as possible. With every fire comes a unique set of difficulties, but the overall process remains the same – and our highly trained team of technicians are equipped to deal with even the most challenging of fire damages.
Take a look at the list below to better understand the fire restoration process.
Emergency Contact
The restoration process begins when you call us. Our representative will ask questions regarding the fire damage event that will help us respond immediately with the appropriate equipment and resources.
Inspection and Fire Damage Assessment
We carefully inspect and test adjoining rooms of your property to determine the extent of the fire, smoke, and soot damage. This step is crucial to developing a plan of action.
Immediate Board-up and Roof Tarp Service
Fire damage can often compromise windows, walls, and roofs. To maintain security and to protect against further damage, we can board up missing windows and walls and place tarps on damaged roofs.
Water Removal and Drying (if water is present)
The water removal process begins almost immediately and removes the majority of the water. We then use dehumidifiers and air movers to remove the remaining water and complete the drying process.
Removal of Smoke and Soot from All Surfaces
We use specialized equipment and techniques to remove smoke and soot from ceilings, walls, and other surfaces
Cleaning and Sanitizing
We clean, sanitize, and disinfect all of the restorable items and structures that were damaged by the fire. We use a variety of cleaning techniques to restore your belongings to pre-fire condition. We’re also trained to remove odors using industrial air scrubbers and fogging equipment.
Restoration
Restoration is the final step—getting your home or business to its pre-fire condition. Restoration may involve minor repairs, such as replacing drywall, painting, and installing new carpet; or it may entail major repairs such as the reconstruction of various areas or rooms in a home or business.
Happy National Small Business Week! We'd like to take the time today to recognize all of you who've made the courageous decision of following your dreams, and congratulate you on the success of this crazy rewarding journey we call entrepreneurship!
This past April, we celebrated 5 years of serving the community. It's been a wild ride, with up's and down's like any business, but there's nothing we'd rather be doing than lending a helping hand to those who need it most.
Happy Air Quality Awareness Week! Here at SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford, nothing is more important to us than ensuring that the air you breath in your homes and businesses is the absolute purest of quality. In doing so, we proudly follow EPA regulatory guidelines.
For the last 20 years, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has remained committed to bringing you the latest information on air quality. They've worked tirelessly on building their air quality maps, and stand out as the leading resource in readily available and current air quality information and forecasts for ozone and particle pollution from over 500 cities.
Some common air pollutants include: Lead Sulfur Dioxide Particulate Matter Nitrogen Dioxide Carbon Monoxide Ground-Level Ozone
To learn more about how air quality effects your health and see what steps you can take in reducing your contribution to air pollution, head over to https://www.airnow.gov/.
Don't forget to show your support for Air Quality Awareness Week by using thehashtag #AQAW2018!
Dust mites, mold, cockroaches & pests, secondhand smoke and pet fur & dandruff... what do these all have in common? They are airway irritants, commonly found in the home, and are responsible for triggering 80% of all asthma attacks. Asthma, which is a chronic infection of the lungs that causes difficulty in breathing and inflammation & narrowing of the air passages, effects 25 million people, or 8% of the population, in the U.S. alone.
Poor indoor air quality is often the biggest culprit in triggering an asthma attack. Having your air ducts and HVAC systems routinely cleaned of dust, pollen, odors, dirt & debris, and other contaminants is an effective way of neutralizing asthma related irritants.
On this World Asthma Day, we encourage you to look into the variety of services we offer to help remedy your long term exposure to these allergens.
To see a full list of services offered, click here.
SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford rang in the New Year with all hands on deck! Here on the South Coast, several consecutive weeks of freezing temperatures led to numerous residential and commercial pipe-bursts. We also experienced a duration of heavy snow and rain precipitation. These combined circumstances contributed to a large demand for immediate water mitigation of many homes and businesses. The most public of which was a local High School that had a 6 inch water main let go overnight. SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford was called immediately to extract & dry over 50 thousand gallons of water that affected the various areas of the school. Restoring order to ‘business as usual’ for government facilities & businesses are of high priority. We take pride in working diligently to make things ‘Like it never even happened’ and limit any loss of use for city officials and business owners.
If you need dependable, fast & effective emergency services call our 24-Hour emergency line (508)999-2380
Characteristics of Alternaria- Fairhaven, MA 02717
Ever wonder how much rain or water forms an inch of snow? When the snow melts, and streets and basements flood and ice dams allow back-flow of water into your home, you may be asking yourself just that. Depending on the density of the snow it can range from 10-15” equals 1” of water. The simplest way to remember this is that 1 foot of snow equals 1 inch of water. Density is dependent on the outside temperature. Typically the warmer the weather the lighter the snowflakes and the less moisture they contain. The ratio is not one fixed rate however weather forecasters and similar occupations use this as a baseline estimation.
So as all this snow, that southeastern Massachusetts has recently experienced, melts we advise all of our friends and neighbors to keep a keen eye on your roofs and basements. The frozen ground easily becomes overwhelmed with massive amount of snow we still have and if temperatures continue to rise steadily we will see influx of water with nowhere to go flooding homes and businesses.
If you experience any water damage issues call (508)999-2380 to schedule your free on-site estimate & have us make it "Like it never even happened."
Winter Weather Worries- Ice Dams- Padanaram, MA 02748
Here in New England, winter weather can result in more issues than icy roads and snow removal. Temperatures here are known to consistently drop well below the 32 degree freezing point. This drop in temperature increases your risk for major disasters to occur at your residential or commercial property. There are two major winter weather disasters that SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford encounters far too often during these frigid frozen temperatures.
The first and probably most commonly known: Frozen Burst Pipes, typically caused by an extended or extreme freeze the ruptured pipe may burst at the site of the ice blockage however it is typically caused by the backflow pressure created between the water source and the blockage.
Ice dams are another winter weather worry that we have frequent calls about during times of heavy snow and extreme cold. Ice dams occur when snow accumulation on a roof is heated by warm air exiting the home or business through the roof. The warm air melts a portion of the snow and the gutters build up with ice creating a dam for any additional melted to snow. When the water has nowhere to go it can back-flow under the roofs shingles and into the building’s interior. This can cause minimal to excessive water damage.
To learn more about SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford water restoration process and how we can help make it "Like it never even happened." visit our website.
Government Facilities need to stay open... Fairhaven, MA 02719
When disaster strikes a government facility, SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford answers the call quickly to assess the damage and start mitigation procedures, helping to ensure minimum service interruption and lower recovery costs. Our team of professionals respond to disaster situations with the right personal and equipment to provide timely mitigation- the key to controlling damage, lowering recovery costs and minimizing interruption to the public and employees. From large disasters to those special cleaning needs that exceed the capabilities of a facility’s janitorial service, SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford is committed to timely response and total customer service.
The Pentagon: A Case Study
Following the events of September 11, 2001, SERVPRO Franchise Professionals were called upon to assist with the cleanup and restoration of the pentagon. In spite of the emotions and difficulties involved in the restoration effort, SERVPRO Franchise Professionals dried nearly 300,000 square feet in addition to providing fire, soot and smoke cleanup and restoration services. Upon completion of the drying assignment, SERVPRO Franchise Professionals provided mold remediation services in other sections of the facility. SERVPRO Franchise Professionals met the challenge and completed the process in just 90 days
SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford is ready to respond to your emergency call 24/7/365 to get your facility to be "Like it never even happened." Call us today for your Free On-site Estimate (508)999-2380
Preventing Frozen and Burst Water Pipes- New Bedford, MA
Preventing Frozen and Burst Water Pipes- New Bedford, MA
Did you know, in just one day, 250 gallons of water can be discharged from a pipe crack as small as 1/8 inch. So, it's imperative to be proactive and take action to protect your home. Drastic drops in winter temperatures can cause extensive water damage as pipes begin to freeze and burst, causing damage to walls, ceilings, floors, carpets, furniture and other possessions. Even a small crack in your water pipe can leak enough water to flood your home.
What to do Right Away to Prevent Water Damage from Frozen Pipes
Before extreme weather strikes, preparation is key to prevent water damage before it occurs. When temperatures dip, take these immediate steps to prevent water damage:
Open kitchen & bathroom cabinets to allow warm air to circulate around water pipes. Insulate pipes when possible.
Open water taps throughout the house to allow water to drip and to keep water pipes from freezing.
When going out of town, keep thermostat at a minimum of 55 degrees and ask a trusted neighbor or friend to watch your home for possible leaks. Also, turn your water off and drain water supply lines.
Keep in mind that homeowners’ insurance are more likely to pay your water damage claim if you can show that you've done your due diligence and maintained your property in a reasonable manner.
Prevent Frozen Pipes from Bursting
When pipes freeze in sub-zero weather and then thaw out as temperatures rise, frozen pipes tend to crack and burst, which causes water leaks and flooding. If you discover a frozen pipe in your home, you can still prevent it from bursting and causing water damage.
Turn off the main water supply.
Turn and leave your water taps on.
Remove any valuables and household possessions from the area that might be exposed to water damage if the frozen pipe bursts.
Gradually thaw out the ice in the frozen pipe by melting it with a heat pack. Begin applying heat at the area that is closest to the tap and slowly move further away towards the rest of the frozen pipe.
Call SERVPRO Dartmouth/New Bedford When Frozen Pipes Burst
If you are faced with an emergency water damage situation in your home or business property, give SERVPRO Dartmouth/New Bedford a call at 508-999-2380. When dealing with water damage emergencies, immediate attention to the situation will minimize damage and prevent further loss. For an immediate remedy to any frozen pipe situation, contact us immediately.
Many people choose to travel during the holidays by automobile, with the highest fatality rate of any major form of transportation. In 2013, 343 people died on New Year's Day, 360 on Thanksgiving Day and 88 on Christmas Day, according to Injury Facts 2015. Alcohol-impaired fatalities represented 31% of the totals.
Use a designated driver to ensure guests make it home safely after a holiday party; alcohol, over-the-counter or illegal drugs all cause impairment
Make sure every person in the vehicle is properly buckled up no matter how long or short the distance being traveled
Put that cell phone away; distracted driving causes one-quarter of all crashes
Properly maintain the vehicle and keep an emergency kit with you
Be prepared for heavy traffic, and possibly heavy snow
Keep a blanket, flashlight, water and some non-perishable food in your vehicle in case you become stranded.
Print-out directions as back-up to your navigation. Service & software outages happen.
Give yourself ample time to travel. Unexpected weather conditions can hinder drive time as well as all other means of transportation.
Remember, when guests are staying in your home, make sure areas have night lights or easy-to-reach lamps in case they need to get up during the night. And, whether you are visiting someone else's home or you have guests in your home, make sure all medications are kept up and away and out of sight from young children.
These Holiday Safety Tips were provided by the Consumer Product Safety Commission; in an effort to help everyone have a healthy & safe holiday season! From all of us at SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford South HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!
Don't Give the Gift of Food Poisoning - No. Dartmouth, MA 02747
1 in 6 people are affected by Food Poisoning annually
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services does a wonderful job educating us with safety and wellness tips year-round. Here are some of their tips to help you prevent unexpected trips to the ER this holiday season:
Do not rinse raw meat and poultry before cooking
Use a food thermometer to make sure meat is cooked to a safe temperature
Refrigerate food within two hours
Thanksgiving leftovers are safe for four days in the refrigerator
Bring sauces, soups and gravies to a rolling boil when reheating
When storing turkey, cut the leftovers in small pieces so they will chill quickly
Wash your hands frequently when handling food
In the case of an emergency call the Poison Control Hotline (800)222-1222
Thousands of deaths are caused by fires, burns and other fire-related injuries every year, and 12% of home candle fires occur in December, the National Fire Protection Association reports. Increased use of candles and fireplaces, combined with an increase in the amount of combustible, seasonal decorations present in many homes means more risk for fire.
Never leave burning candles unattended or sleep in a room with a lit candle
Keep candles out of reach of children
Make sure candles are on stable surfaces
Don't burn candles near trees, curtains or any other flammable items
Don't burn trees, wreaths or wrapping paper in the fireplace
Check and clean the chimney and fireplace area at least once a year
SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford wishes all of our friends and neighbors a safe & happy holiday season!
It's Better to Give... Safely - Westport, MA 02790
They say it brings more joy to give, especially during the holidays! Taking the time to pick out thoughtful gifts shouldn't end with 'if they'll enjoy it' but also 'is it safe?'.
We've all heard it's important when choosing toys for infants or small children to avoid small parts that might prove to be a choking hazard. Here are some additional gift-related safety tips:
Select gifts that are not heavy or awkward to handle for older adults
Be aware of dangers associated with coin lithium batteries; the ingestion of button batteries is of particular concern.
For answers to more of your holiday toy safety questions, check out this Consumer Product Safety Commission blog
This information was provided by the National Safety Council shared by SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford South in hopes to reduce incidents this holiday season.
Holiday safety is an issue that burns brightest from late November to mid-January, when families gather, parties are scheduled and travel spikes. Take some precautions to ensure your family remains safe and injury-free throughout the season.
Putting up decorations is one of the best ways to get in the holiday spirit, but about 15,000 injuries involving holiday decorating were seen in emergency rooms during the 2012 season.
"Angel hair," is made from spun glass and can irritate your eyes and skin; always wear protective gloves or better-yet substitute with non-flammable cotton.
Decorating with artificial snow spray can irritate your lungs if inhaled; follow directions carefully.
Decorate the tree with your kids in mind; move ornaments that are breakable or have metal hooks toward the top.
Always use the proper step ladder; don't stand on chairs or other furniture.
Lights are among the best parts of holiday decorating; make sure there are no exposed or frayed wires, loose connections or broken sockets.
Plants can spruce up your holiday decorating, but keep in mind those that may be poisonous (including some Poinsettias) should be out of reach of children or pets; the National Poison Control Center can be reached at (800)222-1222
Make sure walkways are clear so no one trips on wrapping paper, decorations, toys, etc.; NSC provides tips for older adults on slip, trip and fall protection
This article's information was provided by The National Safety Council website. We here at SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford share this information in an effort to help our friends & neighbors have a safer & happier holiday season!!
In this time of gratitude; we at SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford would like to give thanks to all of our loyal customers, reliable vendors and to everyone who helps spread kind words of our company and refer us to their friends, family and customers!
We understand the value of a referral. More importantly, we understand the importance of living up to unspoken expectations set while being referred. It takes great trust in our ability to provide excellent service. A referral is a reflection of the individual or company giving the referral; we do not take that lightly.
Fire, water and biohazard clean-ups, such as hoarding, bodily fluid and infectious disease clean-ups, require a certain compassion and empathy. People ‘grieve’ differently. While some express sadness, others anger, and some shut down completely. Life prepares us to face certain inevitable situations; however, as often as unexpected disasters occur, people tend to not expect it will ever happen to them. We take pride in staffing employees who are understanding of the obscure job responsibility that most onlookers wouldn’t immediately associate with a company like ours. To our staff; thank you.
A referral to us is more than a simple transaction. It is a testament to all that we strive to be. Not only as restoration specialists but as compassionate, problem solvers. We strive to make the customers experience with SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford nothing shy of exceptional.
Happy Thanksgiving, From our family to yours!!
Benefits to a clean workplace- Fairhaven, MA 02719
In our career-driven day and age; most people tend to spend as much time at the office as they do at home, if not more. A clean, healthy work environment can impact business in more ways than you may think.
Having a tidy, professional appearance portrayed to customers and business associates, who frequent your business, is probably the most obvious benefit. A clean office space can portray your business as organized, competent and professional upon first impressions. The same way you wouldn’t show up to an important meeting with disheveled clothing on; you would not want your office space to give the impression your business as messy, neglected or chaotic. Even if your work space doesn't have frequent customer traffic a clean commercial space can improve business in many ways.
Here are a few ways routine commercial cleaning by SERVPRO can drive revenue & productivity for your business:
-Healtheir environment- keeping air & surface quality high reduces unanticipated employee ‘sick’ days.
-Improved morale & productivity in employees
-Safer work environment- Avoid and/or reduce: the number workers compensation injuries, spread of viruses and diseases
Call today to schedule your commercial cleaning (508)999-2380
Tip: The average cost of new carpet & pad is $30-$40 per square yard, plus installation. Our average cost to clean & restore is about 35 cents/sq
Why is it important to shampoo your carpets periodically? Accumulated dirt, when left untreated, can lead to limiting the life of your carpet. If routine cleanings of the carpet are not performed dust mites and bacteria can cause health hazards. Staining is more likely to become permanent. Timely deep-cleaning is crucial to the ability to remove the stain before the soils fall deeper into carpet fibers and dries. Unsightly dirt buildup and stains in your business can have a negative impact of customers, leading them to subconsciously associate your business as being neglectful, unorganized and potentially not the right company for them to do business with.
According to Home Advisor, the average cost of new carpet & pad is $30-$40 per square yard, plus installation. Our average cost to clean & restore your existing carpets is about 35 cents/sq.ft. Imagine the savings, of prolonging the look and cleanliness with a carpet cleaning, compared to replacement costs.
At SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford We have specially formulated cleaning products developed by our scientists/chemists. If there is any stain we have not encountered we have access to the expertise of those who formulated our cleaning products for advice. All of our carpet cleaning technicians are IICRC trained and certified.
Call SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford today for your free carpet cleaning estimate! (508)999-2380
EPA's suggestions for choosing your Duct Cleaning service provider- Westport, MA 02790
Do not hire duct cleaners who make sweeping claims about the health benefits of duct cleaning — such claims are unsubstantiated. Do not hire duct cleaners who recommend duct cleaning as a routine part of your heating and cooling system maintenance. You should also be wary of duct cleaners who claim to be certified by EPA. Note: EPA neither establishes duct cleaning standards nor certifies, endorses, or approves duct cleaning companies.
Check references to be sure other customers were satisfied and did not experience any problems with their heating and cooling system after cleaning.
Contact your county or city office of consumer affairs or local Better Business Bureau to determine if complaints have been lodged against any of the companies you are considering.
Interview potential service providers to ensure:
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they are experienced in duct cleaning and have worked on systems like yours;
they will use procedures to protect you, your pets and your home from contamination; and
Ask the service provider whether they hold any relevant state licenses. As of 1996, the following states require air duct cleaners to hold special licenses: Arizona, Arkansas, California, Florida, Georgia, Michigan and Texas. Other states may require them as well.
If the service provider charges by the hour, request an estimate of the number of hours or days the job will take, and find out whether there will be interruptions in the work. Make sure the duct cleaner you choose will provide a written agreement outlining the total cost and scope of the job before work begins.
At SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford we are confident we will meet & exceed your expectations! Please contact us directly (508)999-2380 to schedule your duct cleaning!
The three types of contaminated water- Somerset, MA 02725
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.
Water from a clean source like a broken water line
If left untreated, can degrade into category 2 or 3
Category 2: "Gray Water"
This water has a significant level of contamination that could cause discomfort or illness if ingested. Sources for category 2 water may include washing machine overflow; toilet overflow with some urine, but no feces; or dishwasher overflow.
May contain bacteria and viruses
Can quickly degrade into category 3 if left untreated
Category 3: "Black Water"
This water is grossly unsanitary and could cause severe illness or death if ingested, 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.
May contain untreated sewage, harsh chemicals, and microbes
Water from flooding rivers or sewer backup
SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford is here to help with the cleanup and disinfecting of all categories of water. Call us today to schedule a free on-site estimate (508)999-2380
Below are the Continuing Education Requirements for Massachusetts Insurance Agents. This information is provided by the Massachusetts Association of Insurance Agents:
“A newly licensed insurance producer must complete 60 hours of continuing education credits prior to their initial license renewal date; otherwise a licensed producer must complete 45 such credit hours during the 36-month period prior to license renewal.
As of 9/17/14, Insurance producers must complete an approved 3 hour ethics program for each renewal cycle. This new requirement does not increase the overall number of CE hours an insurance producer must complete, it only requires that ethics training make up at least 3 hours of the total CE earned.
If you do not comply with the continuing education law, the Division of Insurance may suspend your license pending completion of your CE requirement and/or you may be subject to a civil fine of not less than $20.00 nor more than $100.00 for each hour of instruction you fail to complete.”
At SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford we understand the importance of continuing education; we also understand that costs to maintain credits can add up quickly. We strive to offer our neighboring agents the opportunity to attend one of our complimentary CE courses. It is our goal to provide agents with 2-3 annual courses, helping with costs and ensuring there are local course options, here in the Southcoast. Breakfast & lunch are also provided.
Like us on Facebook to follow our event calendar or call our office directly (508)999-2380 to find out when our next complimentary course is being offered.
50% of Businesses Never Reopen! Dartmouth, MA 02747
According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): “Almost 50 percent of small businesses never reopen their doors following a disaster because just a few inches of water can cause tens of thousands of dollars in damage. During the 5 year period of 2006-2010, the average commercial flood claim had amounted to just over $85,000.” With the raise in construction and residential and commercial building prices on the rise, we can suppose that that figure has only increased over the last 7 years.
While commercial property insurance may cover your structure and belongings, depending on your policy endorsements, loss of business revenue can be a major factor for whether or not your business survives. Regardless of annual income; an unexpected halt in revenue accompanied by a slow claims process, can affect businesses of all sizes. Whether your business generates hundreds of dollars, or hundreds of thousands, per day; minimizing damage quickly can potentially save your business.
To learn more about ways you can prepare your business please visit our Emergency Response Profile section or contact SERVPRO of Marion/Middleboro to schedule your complimentary ERP today!
Minimize Business Loss due to Storm Damage- Fairhaven, MA
With the recent devastation caused by various storms impacting the United States it brings about the question for a lot of business owners what would they do in the event a major storm were to hit our area. What can we do to prepare? How would this affect business financially?
50 percent of businesses that are affected by a disaster do not reopen. Sure insurance covers belongings and structural damage however the main cause of business closures after a disaster is loss of business. Most small business owners rely on the business income as their sole revenue stream. SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford has seen this happen time and time again. In an effort to reduce that percentage we developed the Emergency Ready Profile (ERP).
For more information or to schedule an appointment for your complimentary ERP please contact SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford
Storms can lead to an array of types of damage caused to your home, business, and rental properties. The overwhelming precipitation, wind speeds, airborne debris can expose weak points in construction such as poorly maintained gutters & downspouts. The redirection of water off and away from your roof can help prevent roof leaks caused by pressure and/or accumulated water finding the path of least resistance into your home. Having downspout output spouts well connected and directing the water away from your structures foundation is also a very important as an already overwhelmed groundwater level around your home.
Checking to make sure that your sump pump is working properly is another great precaution before a storm. Sump pumps can often become unplugged by various tradesmen working in your basement looking for an electrical source to plug their equipment in. Become clogged with debris and animals over time and of course can have mechanical issues. A quick test of the sump pump in anticipation of heavy rains can prevent long on-hold times with the manufacturer and the anxiety of trying to prevent a water loss while time is limited.
Of course with heavier storms, it is always a good idea to have some plywood on hand to board up windows in preparation or as need. Flying debris during heavy winds can easily shatter windows, exposing your home to outside elements.
These are just a few tips for home and business owners, if you would like more helpful tips please visit our storm damage section or for help with storm damage cleanup call us directly (508)999-2380
Ways to help prevent Mold growth- Seekonk, MA 02771
When people hear the word mold, they automatically have a negative reaction to it, but did you know mold is everywhere? It’s in the air we breathe, and on many surfaces. Not all molds are harmful, and in fact, some molds have found their way into our homes willingly, such as penicillin and in blue cheeses.
Mold can however, affect people in different ways. The following is a list of tips for mold prevention:
Keep humidity levels as low as you can – no higher than 50% - all day long. An air conditioner or dehumidifier will help you keep the level low.
Bear in mind that humidity levels change over the course of a day with changes in the moisture in the air and the air temperatures, so you will need to check the humidity levels more than once an day.
Be sure your home has enough ventilation. Use exhaust fans which vent outside your home in the kitchen and bathroom.
Make sure your clothes dryer vents outside your home.
Fix any leaks in your home’s roof, walls or plumbing so mold does not have moisture to grow.
Contact SERVPRO Dartmouth/New Bedford immediately to clean up and dry out your home thoroughly and quickly after flooding.
Add mold inhibitors to paints before painting.
Clean bathrooms with mold-killing products.
Remove or replace carpets and upholstery that have been soaked and cannot be dried promptly.
Consider not using carpet in rooms or areas like bathrooms or basements that may have a lot of moisture.
For help with Mold issues call our office (508)999-2380 to schedule your free on-site estimate!
Tip: We carefully inspect and test adjoining rooms of your property to determine the extent of the fire, smoke, and soot damage. This step is crucial.
A small, contained kitchen fire will more than likely leave you thankful there was no permanent damage caused to your belongings and the structure. You may not think that a specialty restoration company would be necessary. We recommend calling SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford before attempting to clean anything. Soot is sometimes invisible to the untrained eye especially when it has settled on porous surfaces. Using certain common house-hold cleaning agents on the smoke-affected areas will 'set the stain' making it almost impossible to clean correctly. In addition to permanent staining, the smell of smoke can become locked into porous materials such as drywall, some wallpapers, wood and similar structural materials found throughout your home or business.
At SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford we provide all customers with a complimentary on-site analysis and proposals to match them with options that best meets their needs. Our saying is "No job too big or too small" and we stand behind that claim by assisting our neighbors with educated information and direction, whether it turns into a job for our company or not.
We are always more than happy to help a customer decide what their best options are. If you would like to speak to one of our specialists please Call us at (508)999-2380
The Aftermath of Rogue Tenants- Sconticut Neck, MA 02719
If you are a landlord or property manager you understand the importance of the tenant screening process. Unfortunately, there is only so much information you can gather before renting your property to tenants. So what do you do when a previous tenant has left your property in ruin?
We have all seen, in one way or another, the aftermath of a rogue tenant who decides to take hammers and spray paint to the walls, leave mounds of trash and personal belongings, or even have an infestation of sorts that they leave for their landlord to clean up. Whether it is caused by intentional destruction or the tenants neglectfulness on issues that would have been minor if addressed immediately but have grown into much larger issues now, restoring your property back to inhabitable conditions can be quite the daunting task for any property owner. Most property managers do not have the time or desire to take on such a project. SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford is equipped and trained to handle every aspect of the cleanup and restoration. Saving homeowners valuable time and money. Call SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford when you want to make it "Like it never even happened!"
Hoarding disorder can affect our friends and family. When it does, it can be an extremely difficult task to help them cope with letting go of items they have collected over the years. At SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford our employees are trained in highly sensitive situations. From office staff to our cleaning crews we understand the situation can be highly sensitive.
Living with a hoarding disorder can become extremely dangerous; posing risk to fires, contamination, infestation and much more. We understand that when the decision has been made to call a company like ourselves that there is great deal of distress to the homeowner and/or family members involved. We will remove all belongings, discard or store depending on the customers’ requests and clean and sanitize the rooms requested in order to make it “Like it never even happened.”
Why is containment of mold so important during the removal/mitigation process?
There are many different types of mold. Most are not harmful to the human body however some types of mold can be very toxic. The toxins within the mold are called mycotoxins. There are various factors, for each individual, as to how much exposure is considered safe. Finding and removing or encapsulating these mold spores before they continue to grow or spread is critical; especially if children, elderly or persons with a critical/immune illness inhabits the area where mold was found.
Containment of these mold spores during the mitigation/removal process, by a professional, is extremely important in avoiding any mold spores that detach from the surface during cleaning from becoming airborne and spreading to other areas throughout the building that were not affected. These minuscule particles can quickly spread throughout previously unaffected areas of your home, including air ducts, bedrooms, etc.
To learn more about mold or Call to schedule your Free Estimate today (508)999-2380
American Red Cross Statistics- Fairhaven, MA 02719
Although frightening, these fire statistics provided by The American Red Cross are an eye-opening reminder that no one is immune to having a fire happen at their property.
-Fire-related deaths and injuries are highest in homes without smoke alarms. -Last year the American Red Cross responded to nearly to Home Fires each day in our area. -50% of all Residential Heating related fires are reported during the month of December January and February. -heating is the second leading cause of residential fire deaths -more than 60% of fire deaths occur in homes without a working smoke alarm
SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford takes pride in helping those effected by Fire & Smoke damage. We understand that having a fire occur on your property can be traumatic, and although everyone getting out safely is the importance; we know that often times there are certain possessions such as heirlooms, documentation/photos, etc. that hold sentimental value. Our goal is to do everything we can, using the latest and greatest technology available, to restore your keepsakes!
Take a look at our before & after photos or call our office (508)999-2380 to schedule your free estimate today
Turning your homes heat on for the first time can be bittersweet for most of us here in New England. It is a sign that summer and all its glory and sunshine is over. Nonetheless autumn means beautiful foliage stretching down I95, flannel, and spending more time inside with family and friends.
Like most mechanical appliances, turning them on for the first time in a while can lead to discovering some issues that weren't present the prior season. There is a serious risk of starting a fire or causing a puff-back which can be extremely dangerous and costly.
Whenever dealing with an appliance that heats up it has the potential to be dangerous. Avoid potential carbon monoxide and fire hazards and further complications by taking the time to monitor your boiler or furnace during the first run of the season. SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford wants to help keep you safe this winter.
HEPA stands for high-efficiency particulate air. A HEPA filter works by filtering air and trapping dangerous particles. The smaller mesh design helps to trap smoke, pollen, dander and other fine particles that traditional filters miss. The HEPA filter design is essentially similar to the way a water filtration system works.
SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford only uses the highest quality HEPA filter machines in order to fully eradicate mold and other particles from the air. It is a vital component to purifying the toxins and that pollute the air we breathe. SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford uses equipment with a HEPA filter after sewage and similar category 2 and 3 losses, mold mitigation to remove the mold spores from to prevent health hazards as well as contamination of previously uncontaminated areas of the building, as well as biohazard cleanup jobs where a room or structure is contaminated.
In our last blog “FIRE- Turning the heat on pt.1” we identified the issues that arise while starting up your furnace for the first time. Here now in part 2 of that segment we are offering some tips to help you start your system up safely.
Here are a few tips: -When turning on heating unit for first time stay home for the night to monitor the system. The ability to intervene & limit damage is invaluable. -Keep an eye on the carbon monoxide monitor. -You will most likely smell a slight burning of dust when turning on the unit. Use windows and fans to help ventilate the smell out. If any actual smoke or fire is visible shut unit off immediately, if safely able, and call 911. -Unusual noises, coming from the pipes in walls, can be normal however you will want to monitor. If sounds persist the heating system may require a tune-up.
We advise calling your local HVAC specialist with any questions.
Post-Construction Cleanup: Done Right the First Time! New Bedford, MA 02740
Tip: Avoid delays of when your building will be ready by inquiring about post-construction cleanup early on during construction.
Aside from dusty sills and floors, newly constructed or renovated commercial buildings can cause a great deal or dust and debris to penetrate even the smallest crevices and corners of the building. Depending on the construction material used for walls, ceilings, flooring, etc. sawdust and other construction debris will eventually settle onto those surfaces. Most construction companies will do a quick cleaning of the area, sweeping, wiping window sills, but that is the extent of it as that is not what they specialize in or were hired to do. Building owners are left with a newly constructed business however often times need to hire a company to come in and prep the structure before moving in furniture and belongings.
SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford specializes in deep sanitation cleanup. Hospitals, hotels, restaurants and similar businesses who are required to uphold a level of cleanliness and sanitation have an added pressure to insure the company that they hire to perform the cleaning is going to be thorough the first time! Any red flags to health inspectors can cause endless visits and disruption in business.
At SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford was take pride it not only meeting but exceeding our customers’ expectations. Click here to learn more!
Call SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford today for your free estimate! (508)999-2380
Importance of Mold Containment- Part 1- New Bedford, MA 02746
Upon discovering the presence of mold in your home it is critical to hire a well trained and experienced professional to perform the mitigation/cleanup. Do It Yourself mold removal is not something you want to attempt.
Trust us; the allure of saving money will only cost thousands more in the end; if not done correctly by a professional. The prevention of mold spores from spreading to other areas of the building is a very intricate and precise process. Here at SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford this type of containment is only performed by the highest trained professionals. To help you understand, the process and importance of proper containment, we will go into detail about the mold mitigation process in our next blog (which will be labeled part 2) or visit our Mold Section.
If you would like to speak with one of our experienced mold mitigation specialists please contact SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford at (508)999-2380
Accumulated dirt, when left untreated, can lead the limiting the life of your carpet. If routine cleanings of the carpet are not performed dust mites and bacteria can cause health hazards and staining is more likely to become permanent. Timely deep-cleaning is crucial to the ability to remove the stain before they fall deeper into carpet fibers and dries. Unsightly dirt buildup and stains in your business can have a negative impact of customers, leading them to subconsciously associate your business as being neglectful, unorganized and potentially not the right company for them to do business with.
At SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford we have specially formulated cleaning products developed by our scientists/chemists. If there is any stain we have not previously encountered, we have access to the scientists who formulated our cleaning products' expertise for advice. All of our carpet cleaning technicians are IICRC trained and certified.
Learn more about ways to extend the life of your carpets here or call SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford today for your free carpet cleaning estimate!
MRSA or Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus is responsible for several different difficult to treat infections in humans. MRSA, although originating from a hospital-acquired infection, is now also prevalent in prisons, nursing homes and setting where there are open wounds, catheters and other invasive devices. It has since spread from hospital only settings to be more community-acquired as well as livestock-acquired.
To limit the spread of any infections the patients are usually isolated and proper decontamination of all surroundings is vital. MRSA and similar infectious diseases are very easily spread. It takes highly trained professionals with the proper personal protective equipment (PPE), chemicals and equipment to properly contain and sanitize affected areas. If improper sanitization is performed it can quickly lead to an endemic situation affecting all who come in contact with the infected materials that are thought to be clean.
At SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford we are fully certified, experienced and equipped to handle highly sensitive, highly contagious biohazard contaminations. For more information please contact us at (508)946-2397
As explained in the last two 'water damage' blogs; the two major reasons how water seeps into basements through the foundation walls and slab. Seepage is very different than flooding. A flood is described as water that has accumulated above the grounds surface and then enters into your home or business.
When investigating water in your basement it is important to identify which method the water traveled in by in order to then address and resolve the standing water/ moisture issue.
At SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford we have highly trained professionals with the knowledge and experience as well as state-of-the-art equipment to help our customers not only dry out there space but also pinpoint the cause to prevent future damages.
Check out our section about water losses or call SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford to schedule your FREE ESTIMATE! (508)999-2380
Condensation on basement walls? Fairhaven, MA 02719
Why are the interior foundation walls in my basement wet?
Condensation builds up on interior foundation walls due to the dramatic difference in temperature inside and outside of our homes. Basements are built with the majority of the exterior wall under the grounds surface. The inside of our basement foundation walls are usually a lot warmer in the winter due to our heating systems running (usually older furnaces lose enough heat to warm the basement even without heating output vents installed down there). Condensation accumulates on the inside of foundation walls. It then follows the laws of gravity and can trickle down the wall creating a small puddle along the perimeter of the basement floor.
This usually causes the most issues for homeowners with finished basements. The moisture and condensation is hidden between the foundation wall and the interior drywall. If the contractor who finished the basement used wood framing the combination of damp cool environment and organic material can be a feeding ground for mold to thrive. The hazard is the mold you don't see.
Here at SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford we often receive calls from homeowners puzzled as to why there is a puddle in their basement; where did it came from? Basement foundations are made of cement/concrete which is porous in nature. Even with a sound foundation water can seep into your basement. Heavy bursts of rain, or accumulation of rainwater over a few consecutive days, can quickly overwhelm the soil surrounding your homes foundation. Like a sponge, the ground's soil is only able to absorb so much precipitation before it finds somewhere else to go. Ground water will take the path of least resistance and unfortunately mixed with the added pressure will find least resistance through your foundation walls.
This happens more so if there are any structural weak points such as tie rod holes that were improperly patched or left open. A perfectly sound, average sized foundation will let in approximately 15 GALLONS of water PER DAY. Now imagine if there is a crack or the surrounding exterior soil was recently backfilled. These factors will lead water to/through your foundation walls faster.
Tip: Hire a company with state-of-the-art equipment and IICRC certified technicians to properly clean & sanitize your carpets.
At SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford we often hear people want to wait until after the winter is over to wash their carpets. Winter in New England is known for it's bitter cold and heavy precipitation. Why clean your carpets when mud, snow and rock-salt are bound to end up tracked into your home the next few months?!
Carpet cleaning- when done correctly will make the air in your home cleaner. All that dust, dander, and bacteria that we see settles on the bookcase, only a few days after dusting, imagine how much settles into the carpet fibers. Vacuuming helps but carpet cleaning equipment is much more powerful and thorough; washing your carpets fibers clean. The longer the carpet isn't washed the more debris packs into fibers which can cause cuts and frays of the fabric and permanent change in coloring due to the way the sun hits the now damaged fibers. In the winter we are inside much more, we have guests more often due to the holidays and having more indoor events.
Preventative Maintenance
Carpets act as a filter, trapping dust, dirt, gases, animal hair, and other soils. All carpet manufacturers agree on taking proper actions between carpet cleanings to increase the life span of your carpet.
Regular vacuuming
Spot removal
Pilating the carpet to prevent matting
Moving furniture to change traffic patterns
Using walk-off mats to limit the amount of soil tracked onto the
For more information or to schedule your Free Estimate call SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford at (508)999-2380
Vandalism to a home or business can be disruptive, have a negative impact on business, and can lead to vulnerability in security. Broken windows, gates and doors can lead to unauthorized access and/or theft of property. SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford has a corporate standard to respond & be on-site quickly. Our team will assess the damage and repairs needed, secure your building and mitigate any preventable secondary damages.
We are set to a 1-4-8 service guideline meaning we will respond to your call within 1 hour, be onsite to assess any damage within 4 hours and start any necessary mitigation within 8 hours. These time frames are often exceeded.
We are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to respond quickly and be at your home or business to board up and secure your property, remove any graffiti or destruction to your property and help restore order so that it's business as usual moving forward. We understand that any loss of business, especially to single location businesses, can be devastating.
The truth is that floods can hit anyone. Unfortunately, floods lead to great loss. In essence, floods are considered as a disaster anywhere. There are so many things that emanate from floods including; molding, destruction of property, and loss of lives. Here are some steps you should be ready to take that will bring you back to normal.
Here is what you should do:
Contact A Professional- There are businesses that have been setup to help with the effects of these disasters. You should be fast in contacting these professionals because time will only lead to further damages. SERVPRO stands among the few companies that will respond quickly and address your damages effectively.
Evaluate The Loss- To recover you must have the value of the loss suffered in mind. You cannot evade the a budget when recovering from losses caused by floods. However, your home or business insurance may cover these losses. Contacting them should be high on your priority list.
Implement Safety Measures- Do not wait for the next floods to hit you, especially if you live in an area susceptible to these types of flood disasters. It is wise to have the right measures in place to avoid losses and protect your assets in the future.
When you are dealing with storm, flood, and water damage, immediate action is crucial. You should choose the company with storm damage experience and expertise that has the resources and equipment to handle the job. SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford can respond immediately to storm and flooding conditions.
Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today (508) 999-2380
Why Choose SERVPRO of Dartmouth / New Bedford South?
We're Faster to Any Size Disaster
When a storm hits your New Bedford home or business, you need help immediately. Our quick response will help prevent secondary damage and help reduce restoration costs.
As water and storm damage specialists, we have the experience and advanced training that enables us to restore your property quickly. We use scientific drying principles and provide validation and documentation that your property is dry and the job is complete.
We Have the Resources to Handle Storms and Disasters
In addition to our own resources, we can access equipment and personnel from over 1,700 Franchises across the state and country. We can even call upon strategically located Disaster Recovery Teams for catastrophic storms and major events.
Locally Owned Company with National Storm Resources
SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford is locally owned and operated—so we live and work here too, and are proud to be part of the New Bedford community. We are also part of a national network of 1,700 with special Disaster Recover Teams that can respond with additional resources during catastrophic storms and major events.
Naturally, there are certain places that are more vulnerable to disasters than others. If you live in such places, there is the need to be highly cautious. This implies that you should have strategies in place to ensure that you are safe should a disaster strike. Most disasters strike unannounced and that is why it is important to have the right preventive measures in place.
So, what should you do to reduce damages and keep people safe in the event of a disaster?
Register with an Emergency Unit- Almost all areas of the U.S. have disaster and emergency response units. Whether private or public; it is important to register with one or have a plan set for who you're preferred vendor will be.
Master Evacuation Routes- Identify areas in your house or workplace where one can escape through in an event of disaster. Let your loved ones know the routes too. This is especially important in the event of a fire!
Know the Threats You Face- It is important to know what kind of disasters that are likely to hit in your area. (i.e. Coastal Flooding)
Everyone Should Be Prepared- Perhaps you have people in your family or workplace, who needs prior preparation during disasters. It is important to keep them in mind and prepared, when planning for these unforeseen events. (i.e. Elderly)
In case of a disaster occurring, contact SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford for professional and well-articulated help.
We know how to address all different types of disasters on the residential and commercial front.
Commercial Water Restoration Presents Unique Challenges
SERVPRO of Dartmouth / New Bedford South has the training, experience, and equipment to handle large commercial flooding or water damage emergencies. Whether your water emergency occurs in a small office building or big box store, we will respond quickly to mitigate the damage and manage the restoration project through to its completion. Learn more about Learn more about our training and certifications..
Water Damage Restoration Technician
Applied Structural Drying Technician
Odor Control Technician
Upholstery & Fabric Cleaning Technician
Locally Owned Company with National Resources
SERVPRO of Dartmouth / New Bedford South can respond immediately to your commercial water damage emergency regardless of the size or scope of the damage. We are part of a national network of over 1,600 Franchises with special Disaster Recovery Teams placed strategically throughout the country to respond to large scale events and disasters.
Have a commercial building? Here's what we can do for you!
Your commercial property’s appearance speaks volumes to your clients. So when the need arises for professional cleaning or emergency restoration services, SERVPRO of Dartmouth / New Bedford South has the training and expertise to help make it “Like it never even happened.”
When it comes to commercial and residential restoration services, SERVPRO is a leader in the industry. Available 24 hours a day and seven days a week, SERVPRO of Dartmouth / New Bedford South responds quickly to your New Bedford business’s fire, water, and mold damage emergencies. No commercial project is too big, because we have access to the resources of a nationwide network of 1,700 Franchises. Learn more about our commercial restoration services:
Whether your need is removing an odor problem or deep-cleaning flooring or carpets, you can depend on SERVPRO of Dartmouth / New Bedford South to get the job done right the first time. We’ll respond promptly and make your workspace look its very best. Learn more about our commercial cleaning services:
Why Choose SERVPRO of Dartmouth / New Bedford South?
We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster
When your New Bedford home or business experiences fire or smoke damage, you need professional help quickly. SERVPRO of Dartmouth / New Bedford South is dedicated to responding immediately, which helps to prevent secondary damage and to reduce the cost of restoration.
We specialize in fire and water damage restoration, the cornerstone of our business. We have extensive fire damage cleanup and restoration training to get your property back to pre-fire condition.
Our “restore first” mentality helps to lower costs and get you back in your home or business sooner. This focus relies upon our specialized training and equipment to restore your property back to pre-fire condition.
Your commercial property’s appearance speaks volumes to your clients. So when the need arises for our emergency restoration services, SERVPRO of Dartmouth / New Bedford South has the training and expertise to help make it “Like it never even happened.”
When it comes to commercial and residential restoration services, SERVPRO is a leader in the industry. Available 24 hours a day and seven days a week, SERVPRO of Dartmouth / New Bedford South responds quickly to your New Bedford business’s fire, water, and mold damage emergencies. No commercial project is too big, because we have access to the resources of a nationwide network of 1,700 Franchises. Learn more about our commercial restoration services:
SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford specializes in the restoring of contents damaged by fire, water, or mold. Our expertise and “restore” versus “replace” mentality can help you save money while preserving precious keepsakes that can’t be replaced. We pretest your contents to determine what items can be restored back to their condition before the water damage. We utilize several methods of cleaning your contents, including the following:
Dry Cleaning
Wet Cleaning
Spray and Wipe
Foam Cleaning
Abrasive Cleaning
Immersion Cleaning
No matter what type of disaster you are facing, you can rest assured that we have highly trained technicians that are dedicated to making sure that what ever you are going through, it will be dealt with efficiently and in no time we will have your place looking "Like it never even happened." Please, don't hesitate to contact at 508-999-2380 ASAP if you are ever in need!
Are you Maintaining Your Furnace? You may be at risk for a Puff Back!
Winter is most definitely here. If you have been holding out on turning your heat on you will most likely be forced to do it sooner than later. And if you haven’t maintained your furnace properly, you may be in for quite a mess when you turn that thermostat. That’s right, I’m referring to a furnace “puff back” that will cause your house to be covered in soot and smoke.
What Causes a Furnace Puff Back?
It’s basically a misfiring in the furnace that causes a puff back that will essentially send soot and smoke into every crevice of your home. Basically if there is a delay in the oil burner immediately igniting, and oil fumes are allowed to build up before it ignites, a small explosion can occur – just like the backfiring of a car. Furnace puff backs can also stem from a buildup of debris in your furnace that creates an explosion when the furnace is ignited. In both situations, the explosion will cause debris to shoot through the furnace's entire exhaust system and into your home. For buildings with a forced hot air system, the damage can be a lot more extensive since the air ducts will help spread the soot easily throughout your home. In addition to the damage caused to your home by a puff back, it's also a sign of a problem in your heating system that will need to be repaired to prevent any further misfiring of your furnace.
What to Do and Not to Do:
Don't attempt to wash any walls or surface yourself
Don't turn on your ceiling fans, windows, doors, etc. It will increase air circulation that will spread the soot around even more.
After a puff back occurs, try not to move around a lot. This will help prevent soot from getting embedded into the carpeting, upholstery, etc.
Don't send garments to an ordinary dry cleaner. This may cause the smoke odor to set into the material.
The good news is that most puff back cleanups are covered by insurance
Make sure a repairman is hired to repair the malfunctioning furnace
Furnace puff backs will require professionals to restore your home so you’ll need to call SERVPRO of Marion/Middleboro at 508-946-2397
Keep your hands clean so as not to further spoil upholstery, walls, and woodwork.
Place clean towels or old linen on rugs, upholstery, and carpets
Clean and protect chrome with a light coating of petroleum jelly or oil
Tape double layers of cheesecloth over air registers
Throw away all exposed food
By calling us at SERVPRO of Marion/Middleboro you are ensuring that your property in the event of a furnace puff back is taken care of with the utmost of care. Our crews have been highly trained in smoke and fire damage. And we have the equipment and training to quickly turn your house into a home again. We're not only faster to any size disaster you have our word that we will make it…. (you guessed it) “Like it never even happened”!
When people hear the word mold, they automatically have a negative reaction to it, but did you know mold is everywhere? It’s in the air we breathe, and on many surfaces. Not all molds are harmful, and in fact, some molds have found their way into our homes willingly, such as penicillin and in blue cheeses.
Mold can however, affect people in different ways. If you’d rather not find out if you’d have a bad reaction to mold, the following is a list of tips for mold prevention:
Keep humidity levels as low as you can – no higher than 50% - all day long. An air conditioner or dehumidifier will help you keep the level low.
Bear in mind that humidity levels change over the course of a day with changes in the moisture in the air and the air temperatures, so you will need to check the humidity levels more than once an day.
Be sure your home has enough ventilation. Use exhaust fans which vent outside your home in the kitchen and bathroom.
Make sure your clothes dryer vents outside your home.
Fix any leaks in your home’s roof, walls or plumbing so mold does not have moisture to grow.
Contact SERVPRO Dartmouth/New Bedford immediately to clean up and dry out your home thoroughly and quickly after flooding.
Add mold inhibitors to paints before painting.
Clean bathrooms with mold-killing products.
Remove or replace carpets and upholstery that have been soaked and cannot be dried promptly.
Consider not using carpet in rooms or areas like bathrooms or basements that may have a lot of moisture.
Buying and selling real estate can be fun I suppose, but it can also unearth a number of issues with the properties. Previous owners may have had pets that left stains on carpets, or were heavy smokers and there is staining and the smell is just lingering. SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford has partnered with many local Realtors to make sure that the homes being sold and purchased in our area are move in ready.
If you’re looking to sell your home and just want to have the carpets freshened up for the new owner, we can usually provide service with about a week notice. Maybe you just purchased a new home and you want to make sure the duct work is clean and allergen free, we can take care of that as well.
If you’re a real estate agent, keep us in mind for your clients’ needs. We offer many services, such as mold remediation and nicotine cleaning, to help your real estate transactions go off without a hitch. We're only a phone call away at 508-999-2380!
An immediate response helps to minimize the damage
In many cleaning and restoration situations, like storms immediate action is needed. With over 1,700 U.S. and Canadian Franchise locations, SERVPRO is strategically positioned to be faster to any size emergency. An immediate response helps to minimize the damage and the cleaning and restoration costs.
Water is particularly invasive, quickly spreading throughout your property and being absorbed into floors, walls, furniture, etc. SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford arrives quickly and starts the water extraction process almost immediately.
Water Damage Timeline
Within Minutes
Water quickly spreads throughout your property, saturating everything in its path.
Water is absorbed into walls, floors, upholstery, and belongings.
Furniture finishes may bleed, causing permanent staining on carpets.
Photographs, books, and other paper goods start to swell and warp.
Hours 1 - 24:
Drywall begins to swell and break down.
Metal surfaces begin to tarnish.
Furniture begins to swell and crack.
Dyes and inks from cloth and paper goods spread and stain.
A musty odor appears.
48 Hours to 1 Week:
Mold and mildew may grow and spread.
Doors, windows, and studs swell and warp.
Metal begins to rust and corrode.
Furniture warps and shows signs of mold.
Paint begins to blister.
Wood flooring swells and warps.
Serious biohazard contamination is possible.
More Than 1 Week:
Restoration time and cost increase dramatically; replacing contaminated materials and structural rebuilding may be extensive.
Structural safety, mold growth, and biohazard contaminants pose serious risks to occupants.
Thanks for asking! Here's just one, but it's a big one. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s Corporate Training Facility to regular IICRC industry certifications, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property. Here's just one of the types of training and certification we do:
IICRC Training and Certification
The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) certifies and sets the standards for the cleaning and restoration industries. Our Professionals study IICRC standards and best practices in water restoration, fire restoration, mold remediation, carpet and upholstery cleaning, and other cleaning and restoration courses.
IICRC Certifications
Applied Microbial Remediation Technician (AMRT)
This four-day course covers mold and sewage remediation techniques and how to perform these procedures in the field while protecting the health and safety of workers and occupants on your property.
Applied Structural Drying Technician (ASD)
Technicians learn to dry water-damaged structures efficiently and effectively using monitoring devices, extraction systems, and drying equipment. This three-day course includes comprehensive classroom and hands-on training to develop technical and practical drying expertise.
Carpet Cleaning Technician (CCT)
This two-day course covers pre-inspection, fabric identification, cleaning chemicals and equipment, and proper cleaning techniques for residential and commercial applications.
Fire and Smoke Restoration Technician (FSRT)
Technicians will learn about types of smoke and fire damage, job planning, equipment, and practical cleaning procedures in fire and smoke settings. This two-day course also includes instruction on odor and deodorization concepts.
Odor Control Technician (OCT)
Technicians learn to address odors and deodorization techniques. This one-day course covers odor control caused by biological sources such as decomposition, urine contamination, mold, and other sources.
Upholstery and Fabric Cleaning Technician (UFT)
Technicians learn fiber identification and upholstery cleaning methods. This two-day course also covers identifying upholstery cleaning problems before fabrics shrink, bleed, crown, or distort.
Water Damage Restoration Technician (WRT)
This three-day course covers the concepts of water damage and its effects in residential and commercial settings. Technicians learn techniques and procedures to deal with water losses, sewer backflows, and contamination such as mold.
Life is just messy, isn’t it? Kids and pets tracking mud and dirt into the house. General clutter around the house that keeps piling up. Dust that seems to be a never ending battle. Most messes require little more than warm soapy water and a little elbow grease. But then there are other messes. The ones that make you say something like " There's no way I'm touching that!" Those types of cleanups are categorized as biohazards. That's a whole different story.
Certain precautions need to be taken when dealing with biohazards. You could put yourself, or family in danger if you try to take care of them yourself. SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford has the training, equipment and expertise to handle all types of biohazards, such as:
sewage backups
crime scene residues
suicide/homicide/death accidents
blood cleanup
hoarding scenes
animal waste/remains
chemical spills
tear gas cleanup and
meth lab cleanup
the list goes on...
We at SERVPRO hope you never have to deal with these types of situations, but if you do, we’re here to help. All you need to do is call us at 508-999-2387.
No one plans to have emergency fire and water situations
No one plans to have emergency fire and water situations, and as such they can catch us off guard and disrupt our daily lives. Fire and water emergencies in our places of business are no different. It can be very difficult to conduct your day to day business operations when your office is floating in a foot of water.
Have no fear... SERVPRO is here!
Most recently we had a busy chiropractic office with a leak in the roof that caused a number of their exam rooms to be affected. We worked around their busy schedule to get the damages taken care of, so that they could get back to helping patients.
That’s what we’re all about here at SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford, getting you back to work and making your emergency situation like it never even happened.
We are so much more than just a fire and water clean-up service!
Odds are that you know SERVPRO is an industry leader when it comes to commercial fire and water clean-up and restoration. And that we are available to respond to your businesses fire and water emergencies 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We also have access to resources of a nationwide network of 1,700 franchises, which means no project is too big for us to handle.
Something that you may not be aware of is that we are so much more than just a fire and water clean-up service! We offer professional services to get your business looking its best. Maybe your office’s carpets could use freshening up, or maybe your restaurant’s kitchen could use a deep cleaning. How dirty are those A/C vents? Imagine how dirty the air ducts are on the inside! We have the right cleaning tools and products to get the job done.
You can depend on SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford to get your workplace looking its very best. Call us today at 508-999-2380.
When your home or business is under water, every minute counts.
When it comes to life's emergencies, more often than not it is not a matter of IF they will happen- it is WHEN they will happen. You can never fully prevent them from occurring, but home and business owners can however take steps to prepare for and try to prevent disasters that may occur to their property.
An ice dam forms causing your roof to leak, a pipe bursts, a storm blows in dozens of gallons or water..... chances are your home or business may eventually suffer some sort of emergency. SERVPRO professionals are trained to respond quickly and efficiently when mitigating your business. When your home or business is under water, every minute counts. SERVPRO Dartmouth/ New Bedford is available and ready to respond 24/7 and make it "Like it never happened". Call us if you need us at 508-999-2380.
In recent years many forms of disasters have affected the U.S. Whether it's flooding, tornadoes, hurricanes, wildfires, blizzards, etc. are all natural disasters that can threaten your home or business.
Storms can have a devastating effect on the entire community. SERVPRO Dartmouth/New Bedford wants to help you and your family be prepared for an unexpected situation.
The time to prepare for a disaster is now
Here are a few things to take into consideration while preparing an emergency kit. More often than not, during severe weather & storm conditions many businesses and households tend to lose power. Due to heavy winds and the nature of our power line system here in the Northeast; our power seems to be the first thing to go. Forcing us to resort to non-perishable food items and conserving our fresh bottled water.
It is recommended to keep at least a 3 day supply (for each member of your household, including pets) of both non-perishable food and bottled water readily available.
A battery operated radio is also an important item to keep available to keep up to date on any storm condition warnings or evacuations of your area.
Flashlights and plenty of batteries only (candles can be quite dangerous especially during windy conditions and dim lighting).
First aid kits, extra clothing, dust masks and duct tape are also important.
Keeping a wrench or pliers handy to shut off any utilities if necessary is probably a good idea as well.
With a little preparation you can make weathering a storm a little more comfortable and more importantly, safe. Be sure to always follow any safety and/or evacuation protocols issued by your state and/or county.
Every mold damage scenario is different and requires a unique solution
If you discover mold in your business, do not attempt to take care of it on your own. The safety of your staff and the public could be put at risk if it's not address properly. Please call the professionals at SERVPRO Dartmouth/New Bedford. We are trained and registered by the State of Massachusetts to safely and effectively perform mold remediation services. We are locally owned & operated, and respond to emergencies 24 hours a day. We are highly trained in the most up to date mold remediation techniques.
Mold Removal vs Mold Remediation...What's the difference?
Since microscopic mold spores exist naturally almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors, removing all mold from a home or business is impossible. Some restoration businesses advertise “mold removal” and even guarantee to remove all mold. This is a fallacy.
A qualified restoration company understands the science behind mold and mold growth. SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford has the training and expertise to remediate the mold in your home or business. Mold remediation focuses on getting mold levels back to normal, natural levels.
Every mold damage scenario is different and requires a unique solution, but the general mold remediation process stays the same. Here's what the process entails:
Step 1: Emergency Contact 508-999-2380
Step 2: Inspection and Mold Damage Assessment
Step 3: Mold Containment
Step 4: Air Filtration
Step 5: Removing Mold and Mold-Infested Materials
Step 6: Cleaning Contents and Belongings
Step 7: Restoration
Leaving the Country- Could be harder than you think!
There seems to be a number of people saying they'll be putting your home up for sale and that they're moving to Canada in response to results of the presidential race?
Unfortunately, there is something that can cause your run for the border to turn into more of a crawl. Going through the sales process is actually how many people find out they have mold in their homes. If your home inspection comes back with possible mold colonization, remember that we’re here to help.
We' hope you change your mind and stay where you are but either way, here are a few tips to keep in mind when dealing with a mold problem in your home.
What to Do:
Stay out of the affected areas
Turn of your HVAC system and fans
Contact SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford for mold remediation services
What Not to Do:
Do not touch or disturb the mold
Do not blow air across any surfaces with visible or suspected mold growth
Do not spray bleach or other disinfectants on the mold
SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford has the training, equipment and expertise to handle your mold growth problem. Please call us today at 508-999-2380 and we will not only help you with your mold issue but we'll try to help you see that staying put is the best course of action. Besides do you really want to start saying "Eh" after everything you say? I think not!
The glow from a lighted candle can be a warming and tranquil sight. It’s no wonder why many people are more likely to burn candles during the winter months than any other time of year. While candles can create a more enjoyable atmosphere, it is good to remember that they are open flames and should be handled very carefully.
The following are candle safety tips found on the National Fire Protection Association website:
Blow out all candles when you leave the room or go to bed. Avoid the use of candles in the bedroom and other areas where people may fall asleep.
Keep candles at least 12 inches away from anything that can burn.
Think about using flame-less candles in your home. They look and smell like real candles.
Use candle holders that are sturdy, and won’t tip over easily.
Put candle holders on a sturdy, uncluttered surface.
Light candles carefully. Keep your hair and any loose clothing away from the flame.
Don’t burn a candle all the way down — put it out before it gets too close to the holder or container.
Never use a candle if oxygen is used in the home.
Have flashlights and battery-powered lighting ready to use during a power outage. Never use candles.
Please use your candles responsibly. If you don't, then you may need to call SERVPRO Dartmouth/New Bedford And we would much rather you not have to make that phone call.
Picture this: It rained heavily last night, and you woke up to find a small puddle on your kitchen floor. You mopped it up, and it looks like the ceiling is dry. You think the situation has been dealt with, so you forget about it and go on with your day. What you do not realize is that above those ceiling tiles, the pink insulation has soaked up the water and is completely saturated. The longer that the wet insulation sits there, the more likely you will be having mold grow above the ceiling.
Even the slightest amount of moisture in your home can turn to mold in the right conditions. If you do see signs of water damage, such as staining of ceiling tiles. Even if the stain is light, it is best to have the area moisture tested. It is much easier and less costly to dry out your home after a water damage, than it is to have mold re-mediated.
Contact SERVPRO Dartmouth/New Bedford today at 508-999-2380!
When your home or business has been damaged by fire, water, or storm damage, the immediate concern should be temporary protective measures such as placing roof tarps to prevent additional damage, and boarding up to secure the building and remove water and debris.
After protecting and securing the structure, professionals at
When your home or business has been damaged by fire, water, or storm damage, the immediate concern should be temporary protective measures such as placing roof tarps to prevent additional damage, and boarding up to secure the building and remove water and debris.
After protecting and securing the structure, professionals at SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford can begin the restoration process. Your home or business may need reconstruction work to get your property back to its preloss condition.
The professionals at SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford can simplify the restoration process by handling both the initial damage mitigation and rebuilding the affected areas. Having one qualified company for the entire process can save time and keeps costs low.
SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford can provide this continuity by supervising a full range of restoration services that will bring a building back to full functionality. Contact us at 508-999-2380 to see how we can help you today!
The Holidays are right around the corner, and with it brings all the wonderful festivities and traditions. One of the most beloved tradition is the Christmas tree.
Whether it be real or artificial, a Christmas tree can really add to the wonder and enjoyment of the season, but it can also be a very dangerous fire hazard. They do not occur very frequently, when they do occur however, Christmas tree fires can be very damaging.
Here are just a few ways to prevent a Christmas tree fire:
- When purchasing a real tree, make sure the needles are green and do not fall out easily. Brown needles can indicate that the tree is dried out. You may even consider purchasing a live potted tree that can also be replanted in your yard after the Christmas season.
- When setting up your tree, cut 2” off of the bottom of the trunk to give it a fresh surface. Make sure to add plenty of water to the tree stand, and water daily to prevent it from drying out.
- Do not place the tree near any heat source, such as fire places, heaters, candles, or radiators.
- Make sure to check the manufacturer’s label of the lights you are using, and only use lights meant for indoor use.
- Check all light strings for frayed or damaged chords, and for loose bulb connections.
- Make sure to turn off your tree lights when you go to bed, or when you leave the house.
Wishing you all a safe and healthy Holiday season from all of us at SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford!
They say you are what you eat so that may be difficult, but do your best. With November upon us, the holidays will be here before we know it. While signature dishes are a staple at every families holiday gathering; we would like to take the time to address the dangers of deep frying a turkey.
With a minimal amount of preparation there are a few simple precautionary steps that you can take in order to keep your home and family safe while still impressing the socks off your in-laws.
Safety Tips for Deep Frying a Turkey
1.Be sure to place your turkey fryer on a solid, even ground a safe distance away from any flammable objects. They are known to tip easily; spilling hot cooking oil over a large area.
2.Be sure to take into consideration the size of the turkey when filling the cooking oil. An overfilled fryer will displace hot oil when the turkey is placed into the fryer.
3.Due to a change in temperature, a partially frozen turkey when being placed in the fryer will cause cooking oil to splatter, be sure to thaw properly.
4.Be sure to wear heat proof gloves when handling the pot, lid or turkey in any way as the fryer surfaces can become dangerously hot.
5.Without thermostat controls, deep fryers can easily overheat and start fires, even the slightest amount of cooking oil spilling on a hot burner can cause a very large fire.
6.Most importantly, always use turkey fryers indoors or on wooden surfaces.
If you decide to be a turkey and blatantly disregard these tips, you may end up causing damage to your property. If that's the case SERVPRO Dartmouth/New Bedford will be here to help. We would much rather have enjoying your dinner with your family and friends however. We hope you all have a safe and happy holiday season.
Whether you realize it or not, there is mold everywhere.
Whether you realize it or not, there is mold everywhere. Mold spores are a part of life. The most important factor in how it affects your health is in the quantity and the particular combination of moisture, temperature and food source that is perfect for specific types of mold to grow.
What happens with the mold spores in the air at your home and at work?
In homes and offices with central HVAC systems, properly maintained in-system or in-duct filters should remove many of the spores present. Nonetheless, many occurrences are known where the HVAC system itself served as breeding ground for spores. In these cases, mold has been found growing on air filters as well as in the ducts. This can often be prevented by routine maintenance. Mold growth in the home is often noticeable, it may be visible and often produces a musty odor. If you suspect mold in your home, you should get preliminary air quality testing done. Whether mold is visible or not, contact SERVPRO Marion/Middleboro today at 508-946-2397 and we will help you make it like it never even happened!
If you have a small fire in your house, car, boat, etc. and you have an appropriate extinguisher near by, putting out something small on your own can be quick and relatively simple. What you may not have time for however, is reading the instructions fully on how to use the extinguisher. The goal is for you to learn BEFORE the burn.
So here are the basic instructions for most extinguishers. In short, this is what to do...
1-Pull the Pin at the top of the extinguisher. The pin releases a locking mechanism and will allow you to discharge the extinguisher.
2-Aim at the base of the fire, not the flames. This is important - in order to put out the fire, you must extinguish the fuel.
3-Squeeze the lever slowly. This will release the extinguishing agent in the extinguisher. If the handle is released, the discharge will stop.
4-Sweep from side to side. Using a sweeping motion, move the fire extinguisher back and forth until the fire is completely out. Operate the extinguisher from a safe distance, several feet away, and then move towards the fire once it starts to diminish.
POP QUIZ: How long does a fire extinguisher typically last when trying to put out a fire?
A minute, two minutes maybe? NO. In fact, a typical fire extinguisher contains only 10 seconds of extinguishing power! It could actually be less if it has already been partially discharged.
That's why SERVPRO Dartmouth/New Bedford encourages you to read the instructions that come with the fire extinguisher beforehand and become familiarized with its parts. It is highly recommended by fire prevention experts that you get hands-on training before operating a fire extinguisher. Most local fire departments offer this service.
Once the fire is out, don't walk away. Watch the area for a few minutes in case it re-ignites. Replace or Recharge the extinguisher immediately after use.
We hope you and your family never have to use an extinguisher and never have to call us. But in the event that you do, please know we are just a phone call away. 508-999-2380.
So last time we spoke, we were talking about the reasons mice tend to work their way inside especially during the winter months. Now we are going to focus on how to keep the mouse out of your house.
Six Tips to Keep Mice Away
Seal up all cracks, holes and openings in the exterior of your home
Make sure doors and windows are closing properly
Stack firewood away from the home
Store food and pantry items in glass or metal containers with tight fitting lids
Make sure to dispose of food waste as soon as possible
Use natural repellents around the home like mint and bay leaves
If your attempts to fend them off are unsuccessful and you find yourself with a mouse infestation, do not use poisons to kill the mice, as they will not die right away. The mice will consume the poison, crawl back into the walls and then die there where the bodies will rot. And trust me, the smell will be horrendous. Your best bet would be to call an exterminator to help to get rid of the rodents.
Once the rodents are out of your home, then call SERVPRO Dartmouth/New Bedford at 508-999-2380 and we can come in to clean and disinfect the areas where they were living. And you guessed it…we’ll make it like it never even happened!
I think we can all agree that the answer to that question is obvious. Unless of course you are a mouse listening to this right now. If that's the case, I apologize for what I'm about to say.
With the cooler days of fall upon us, it's time to get our yards and homes prepared for the winter months. While we are busy shoring up our homes, getting them ready for the snow, rodents are busy trying to find a nice warm spot to hole up in.
Due to their body shape mice are able to pass through openings smaller than you would think possible. Once inside your home, they will find their way into the walls, where they will make nests in the warm, fluffy pink insulation. Mice are very quick breeders, and what starts out as just a couple of mice can quickly become an infestation of epic proportions.
Mice are known to be carriers of disease and pestilence, and it is best to prevent them from entering the home in the first place. Be sure to check out the upcoming blog from SERVPRO Marion/Middleboro entitled “Keep the Mouse out of My House” where we will provide a list of some basic things you can do to prevent mice from invading your home.
The general public is typically familiar with identifying visible mold growing on surfaces that you can see. Most people know the immediate dangers and will work towards resolving the issue.
Unfortunately, mold often lurks in places that are not so visible to homeowners including behind drywall. Typically found in finished basements after a flood or water is seeping through a home’s basement cement wall or an improperly sealed tie rod hole. Broken, or leaking pipes and even houses with poor ventilation can all factor into moisture collecting and creating the environment needed for mold to grow.
If not taken care of properly, this can cause prolonged exposure and health risks to residents of the home, without their knowledge. Symptoms are often very similar to common seasonal allergies such as; itchy, watery eyes, sinus congestion, itchy throat, runny nose or even asthma attacks. With prolonged exposure mold poisoning may develop. Symptoms become much worse. Respiratory infections, scar tissue build up and bleeding of the lungs, joint pain and even depression are just a few of the symptoms. If left untreated these health problems can become chronic, life altering issues.
Be proactive and do your best to keep your house mold free. If you believe that you may have a mold problem, contact SERVPRO Dartmouth / New Bedford today at (508) 999-2380 .
Protect your investment by calling us to clean and maintain your carpet and upholstery.
Even the highest-quality carpet and upholstery can show soiling over time. Protect your investment by calling us to clean and maintain your carpet and upholstery. The SERVPRO System offers a number of cleaning options to match any type of upholstery or carpet.
Need Carpet or Upholstery Cleaning? Contact us Today!
We also offer a range of specialized cleaning methods:
Bonnet Cleaning: A less aggressive method for short piled carpets.
Hot Water Extraction: A deeper cleaning method for all carpet types.
Deluxe Precondition and Rinse: Helps restore deeply soiled areas.
Showcase Premier Cleaning: The most thorough cleaning method in the industry.
Dry Cleaning: When color-fastness is an issue.
Preventative Maintenance
Carpets act as a filter, trapping dust, dirt, gases, animal hair, and other soils. All carpet manufacturers agree on actions you can take between carpet cleanings to increase the life span of your carpet.
IICRC states that 79% of soil in carpet is dry soil. Vacuuming is a key component to proper care and maintenance of carpet.
Preventative maintenance actions include:
Regular vacuuming
Spot removal
Pilating the carpet to prevent matting
Moving furniture to change traffic patterns
Using walk-off mats to limit the amount of soil tracked onto the carpet
Ventilation systems are often the biggest culprit in poor indoor air quality.
Ventilation systems are often the biggest culprit in poor indoor air quality. Make it a priority to inspect the ductwork of your home or business.
If your HVAC has been operating for some time without attention, it could be circulating one or more of the following:
Dust
Pollen
Odors
Dirt and debris
Other contaminants
SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford & SERVPRO Marion/Middleboro Professionals routinely inspect the heating, ventilation and air conditioning unit (HVAC). Keeping them clean can extend the life of the equipment. This can in turn save you money and give you cleaner air to breathe.
However, duct cleaning is not always necessary. We will make recommendations about the best way to address any indoor air quality concerns. This can save you money and provide peace of mind on the health of your system.
The benefits of servicing your HVAC unit include:
Helps to restore peak energy efficiency.
May help to eliminate offensive odors.
Helps reduce the potential for mold growth.
For more information on HVAC and air duct cleaning, contact us today!
We have the expertise and equipment to properly restore your property.
When your home or commercial property has water damage from flooding or leaks, we have the expertise and equipment to properly restore your property. Our experience and scientific approach to water removal and water cleanup enable us to properly dry and restore your property.
Water or Flood Damage? Contact us Today!
Every water damage event is a little different and requires a unique solution, but the general process stays the same. You can click on any of the steps below to learn more about that process.
Step 1 - Emergency Contact
The restoration process begins when you call us. Our representative will guide you through the crisis and may ask several questions to help us better understand the equipment and resources.
Step 2 - Inspection and Water Damage Assessment
We determine the scope of your water damage at this stage. We inspect and test to determine the extent of damage and how far the moisture has traveled to ensure proper and complete restoration.
Step 3 - Water Removal / Water Extraction
The water removal process begins almost immediately and removes the majority of the water. We use powerful pumps and vacuum units to quickly remove hundreds or thousands of gallons from your property, which helps prevent secondary water damage and mold growth.
Step 4 - Drying and Dehumidification
We use specialized equipment to remove the remaining water that is harder to access. Our Professionals will use room measurements, temperature, and relative humidity to determine the optimal number of air movers and dehumidifiers needed to dry your home or business.
Step 5 - Cleaning and Sanitizing
We clean all of the restorable items and structures damaged by the water. We are adept at cleaning contents using a number of techniques. Our professionals are trained to provide sanitizing treatments and to remove odors and deodorize your property.
Step 6 - Restoration
Restoration is the process of restoring your home or business to its pre-water damage condition. Restoration may involve minor repairs, such as replacing drywall and installing new carpet, or may entail major repairs, such as the reconstruction of various areas or rooms in a home or business.
We provide cleanup and recovery services for many biohazard situations.
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 Dartmouth / New Bedford and SERVPRO of Marion/Middleboro is trained to safely remove biohazards and dispose of them properly in accordance with OSHA and health regulations.
Equipped with the necessary safety apparatus and cleaning products, we can help transform these unhealthy environments back into clean, safe homes and offices.
Need Biohazard Cleanup Services? Contact Us Today !
The decontamination of a home or business due to trauma, sewage backups, chemical spills, hoarding or other biohazards can be both dangerous and emotional. Specialized training and experience is key when choosing a cleanup company to resolve these circumstances.
We provide cleanup and recovery services for many biohazard situations. These include the following:
Sewage backups
Crime scene residues
Suicide/death accidents
Homicide cleanups
Blood cleanup
Accident cleanup
Hoarding scenes
Animal waste/remains
Chemical spills
Tear gas cleanup
Meth lab cleanup
SERVPRO provides 24 hour emergency Water Damage Service
SERVPRO Dartmouth/New Bedford and SERVPRO of Marion/Middleboro provides 24 hour fire and water damage restoration services.
SERVPRO ofDartmouth/New Bedford and SERVPRO of Marion/Middleboro are available 24 hours a day for water emergencies, large or small. When you are dealing with water damage, immediate action is crucial. A delay of just a few hours can greatly increase the severity of the water damage.
We understand that when you call us, you may be feeling confused, stressed, and vulnerable. You need an expert to guide you through this crisis. SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford and SERVPRO of Marion/Middleboro has the specific water damage training and experience to help you through this tough time. We specialize in water damage restoration—in fact, it's the cornerstone of our business.
What to Expect
When you call, we will ask several questions regarding your water damage emergency. These questions will help us determine what equipment and resources to bring, including how many trained SERVPRO Professionals may be needed.
Our SERVPRO Representative will ask several questions:
Your name and contact information
Your insurance information (if applicable)
The street address of the water-damaged home or business
When did the flooding or water damage occur?
What caused the water damage (if known)?
Is there electricity available (on-site)?
About Us
SERVPRO ofDartmouth/New Bedford and SERVPRO of Marion/Middleboro specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From 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.
How familiar are you with SERVPRO? How about a little reminder about what we can do for you and your family? Did you know that with over 1,700 Franchises in the U.S. and Canada, SERVPRO is a trusted leader in the restoration industry and is dedicated to providing quality service.
As a trusted leader in the restoration industry, we have highly trained technicians that are dedicated to responding faster to any size disaster. We provide 24-hour emergency service and have the training and expertise to handle your restoration and cleaning needs.
Our highly trained technicians respond quickly, whether you need water damage restoration or simply need your upholstery cleaned. You can depend on us for these residential services and more:
Mondays Motivation- "Quality means doing it right when no one is looking". A lot of the work we do, is done when the homeowner is not present due to the safety measures that are put in place. We take that responsibility very seriously. You can rest assured that the only corners that we cut are actual corners that need to be cut...with a saw. If you don't believe us, feel free to click on our Testimonials tab to see what others are saying about us! We're here 24/7 at 508-999-2380.
With over 1,700 Franchises in the U.S. and Canada, SERVPRO is a trusted leader in the restoration industry and is dedicated to providing quality service. Our highly trained technicians respond quickly, whether you need water damage restoration or simply need your upholstery cleaned. You can depend on SERVPRO for all of your needs, whether it be water damage restoration, fire damage restoration, mold remediation, storm damage restoration, cleaning services, the list goes on…
Mondays Motivation- "If people LIKE you they will listen to you, but if they TRUST you, they'll do business with you." People do business with people they trust. We work hard everyday to prove to you that we are worthy of your business. And we will do our best to go above and beyond every single day. If there are ever any issues or concerns that arise, they are addressed immediately and once we're through it's "Like it never even happened." If you don't belive us, feel free to click on our Testimonials tab to see what others are saying about us! We're here 24/7 at 508-999-2380.
With over 1,700 Franchises in the U.S. and Canada, SERVPRO is a trusted leader in the restoration industry and is dedicated to providing quality service. Our highly trained technicians respond quickly, whether you need water damage restoration or simply need your upholstery cleaned. You can depend on SERVPRO for all of your needs, whether it be water damage restoration, fire damage restoration, mold remediation, storm damage restoration, cleaning services, the list goes on…
Mondays Motivation- "Stay strong, the storm will pass." Everyday at SERVPRO we meet people that are dealing with a tragedy in their home or business. Whether it's a fire that seemingly destroyed everything or a flooded basement that has them thinking everything's ruined. Our highly trained technicians are not only the best at what they do, they are also some of the most compassionate people you will ever meet.If you don't believe us, feel free to click on our Testimonials tab to see what others are saying about us! We're here 24/7 at 508-999-2380.
With over 1,700 Franchises in the U.S. and Canada, SERVPRO is a trusted leader in the restoration industry and is dedicated to providing quality service. Our highly trained technicians respond quickly, whether you need water damage restoration or simply need your upholstery cleaned. You can depend on SERVPRO for all of your needs, whether it be water damage restoration, fire damage restoration, mold remediation, storm damage restoration, cleaning services, the list goes on…
Mondays Motivation- "You don't build a business. You build people and then people build the business." Having high quality technichicans, top notch crew chiefs and managers as well as stellar office & marketing staff is what makes us so successful. Without their drive and focus on customer service we wouldn't be where we are today. If you don't believe us, feel free to click on our Testimonials tab to see what others are saying about us! We're here 24/7 at 508-999-2380.
With over 1,700 Franchises in the U.S. and Canada, SERVPRO is a trusted leader in the restoration industry and is dedicated to providing quality service. Our highly trained technicians respond quickly, whether you need water damage restoration or simply need your upholstery cleaned. You can depend on SERVPRO for all of your needs, whether it be water damage restoration, fire damage restoration, mold remediation, storm damage restoration, cleaning services, the list goes on…
Mondays Motivation- "They way I see it if you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain." I'm pretty sure this is a metaphor for dealing with life's problems. But here at SERVPRO we also take it as a reminder that if you ever have flooding in your house you need to give us a call. After we're finished and your house is a home again, you'll be so happy you'll think you've seen a rainbow! If you don't believe us, feel free to click on our Testimonials tab to see what others are saying about us! We're here 24/7 at 508-999-2380.
With over 1,700 Franchises in the U.S. and Canada, SERVPRO is a trusted leader in the restoration industry and is dedicated to providing quality service. Our highly trained technicians respond quickly, whether you need water damage restoration or simply need your upholstery cleaned. You can depend on SERVPRO for all of your needs, whether it be water damage restoration, fire damage restoration, mold remediation, storm damage restoration, cleaning services, the list goes on…
We’ve finished unpacking and have officially completed the big move! Welcome to our new modern facility centrally located in the City of New Bedford (formerly Sam Giammalvo's Auto Sales). It’s crazy how quickly time goes by! Since the beginning of 2013, we have increased the number of vehicles in our fleet as well as doubled the number of employees. Not to mention, getting to the point where we’ve invested in a larger facility in New Bedford on Rt 18 that is centrally & conveniently located to access all major highway routes for quick emergency response.
Here at SERVPRO we’re prepared to help you no matter the day or the hour. We receive calls on a daily basis from individuals, families and businesses that are at their worst. It’s heart wrenching to see the pain they’re dealing with. There is a small comfort however, in knowing that we’re giving peace of mind to those we’re helping. They know that they’re in good hands and that pretty soon, things will be like it never even happened.
Whether it’s a fire, burst pipe, flooded basement, moldy attic/basement, a puffback, etc. please don’t hesitate to contact us!
Mondays Motivation- "Success in Business Requires training, discipline & hardwork". Here at SERVPRO we have an extensive amount of training for all of our employees, strict guidlines they are all required to go by and you would be hard pressed to find harder working individuals than the ones that work for us here at SERVPRO. If you don't belive us, feel free to click on our Testimonials tab to see what others are saying about us! We're here 24/7 at 508-999-2380.
With over 1,700 Franchises in the U.S. and Canada, SERVPRO is a trusted leader in the restoration industry and is dedicated to providing quality service. Our highly trained technicians respond quickly, whether you need water damage restoration or simply need your upholstery cleaned. You can depend on SERVPRO for all of your needs, whether it be water damage restoration, fire damage restoration, mold remediation, storm damage restoration, cleaning services, the list goes on…
Enter to win a family pack of tickets to the Pack 100 Westport Touch a Truck. That's a $20 value!
If you have kids, you're going to want to take them to this amazing Touch a Truck event. It will be held at UMass Dartmouth on June 12th from 12 noon to 3:30pm. We are giving away 3 family packs of tickets. So basically, if you and your spouse have 16 kids you'll all get in for free! Simply share this post on your facebook page and you'll automatically be entered to win!
With over 1,700 Franchises in the U.S. and Canada, SERVPRO is a trusted leader in the restoration industry and is dedicated to providing quality service. Our highly trained technicians respond quickly, whether you need water damage restoration or simply need your upholstery cleaned. You can depend on SERVPRO for all of your needs, whether it be water damage restoration, fire damage restoration, mold remediation, storm damage restoration, cleaning services, the list goes on…
Mondays Motivation- "The Secret of Success is Consistency" Here at SERVPRO we pride ourselves on having stellar customer service and consistently going above and beyond for everyone that we deal with. If you don't belive us, feel free to click on our Testimonials tab to see what others are saying about us! We're here 24/7 at 508-999-2380.
With over 1,700 Franchises in the U.S. and Canada, SERVPRO is a trusted leader in the restoration industry and is dedicated to providing quality service. Our highly trained technicians respond quickly, whether you need water damage restoration or simply need your upholstery cleaned. You can depend on SERVPRO for all of your needs, whether it be water damage restoration, fire damage restoration, mold remediation, storm damage restoration, cleaning services, the list goes on…
We are pleased to announce that we've outgrown our current space and we recently purchased the former Sam Giammalvo's Auto Sales building at 1476 Purchase St. in New Bedford, MA!
There has been an increased demand for our services throughout the area and we are very excited about moving into a larger space to accommodate our growing fleet, increased number of employees, equipment, etc. In business, location is key and we couldn't ask for a better one. We'll keep you posted as the move progresses and when our official move in date will be.
With over 1,700 Franchises in the U.S. and Canada, SERVPRO is a trusted leader in the restoration industry and is dedicated to providing quality service. Our highly trained technicians respond quickly, whether you need water damage restoration or simply need your upholstery cleaned. You can depend on SERVPRO for all of your needs, whether it be water damage restoration, fire damage restoration, mold remediation, storm damage restoration, cleaning services, the list goes on…
Academica Restaurant is temporarily closed due to multiple pipe breaks.
The very popular Academica Restaurant famous for its portuguese cuisine such as Portuguese Steak and Shrimp Mozambique, recently fell victim to burst water pipes right along with many other businesses and homes throughout the Southcoast Region. SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford was immediately called in to clean up the aftermath.
We know all of their faithful customers are eagerly anticapating their reopening. Rest assured, our dedicated team is working side by side with the ownership to make that happen. There is no reopen date as of yet but we will be sure to let everyone known once that's all figured out.
With over 1,700 Franchises in the U.S. and Canada, SERVPRO is a trusted leader in the restoration industry and is dedicated to providing quality service. Our highly trained technicians respond quickly, whether you need water damage restoration or simply need your upholstery cleaned. You can depend on SERVPRO for all of your needs, whether it be water damage restoration, fire damage restoration, mold remediation, storm damage restoration, cleaning services, the list goes on…
Check out the 'dirt' line comparing the dirty and dull portion of carpet to the clean and vibrant portion. (Picture curtesy of Jordin)
Dirty carpets??? Ohh yes, we do that!
Check out the 'dirt' line comparing the dirty and dull portion of carpet to the clean and vibrant portion. (Picture curtesy of our carpet cleaning guru Jordin.)
Carpet cleaning is an important routine that you don't want to miss. Dirt hides in the deepest fiber of the materials and is an important contributor in the shelf life of your investment. Because constant changing of your carpet is expensive, you have to take care of it to save money. It is important to keep it clean at all times.
With over 1,700 Franchises in the U.S. and Canada, SERVPRO is a trusted leader in the restoration industry and is dedicated to providing quality service. Our highly trained technicians respond quickly, whether you need water damage restoration or simply need your upholstery cleaned. You can depend on SERVPRO for all of your needs, whether it be water damage restoration, fire damage restoration, mold remediation, storm damage restoration, cleaning services, the list goes on…
We take pride in our work and appearance. You can tell by the pride we all share for our vehicles. Let's face it, car and trucks are one of the fun parts about what we get to do each and every day.
Next time you see one of us on the road, feel free to give us a wave!
With over 1,700 Franchises in the U.S. and Canada, SERVPRO is a trusted leader in the restoration industry and is dedicated to providing quality service. Our highly trained technicians respond quickly, whether you need water damage restoration or simply need your upholstery cleaned. You can depend on SERVPRO for all of your needs, whether it be water damage restoration, fire damage restoration, mold remediation, storm damage restoration, cleaning services, the list goes on…
The doors have opened at the new home for SERVPRO of Dartmouth / New Bedford South!
You've heard correctly, as of Monday April 22nd, there's a fresh new home office for SERVPRO of Dartmouth / New Bedford South. Right in the heart of New Bedford, the new space is centrally and conveniently located to access all major highway routes for quick emergency response. As your local community neighbor, SERVPRO of Dartmouth / New Bedford South is just a quick call away.
With over 1,700 Franchises in the U.S. and Canada, SERVPRO is a trusted leader in the restoration industry and is dedicated to providing quality service. Our highly trained technicians respond quickly, whether you need water damage restoration or simply need your upholstery cleaned. You can depend on SERVPRO for all of your needs, whether it be water damage restoration, fire damage restoration, mold remediation, storm damage restoration, cleaning services, the list goes on…
24/7 Emergency Service
