Archived Blog Posts
When Its Time To Change A Leaking Toilet
10/12/2021 (Permalink)
Toilets can cause water damage very quickly, if your toilet is clogged and you flush it so many times thinking one more flush will do it, it will start leaking all over the floor. The bathroom is one of the most used rooms in any Newport News house and once the toilet starts getting too old, problems start to begin.
When it's time to replace your toilet:
- Constant Clogging
- Cracks
- Plentiful Repairs
- Excessive Age
- Wobbing
- Inefficient Flushing
- Surface Damage
- Built Up Mineral Deposit
Don't wait until the last minute to change the toilet as waiting too late can cause unnecessary water damage. Here at SERVPRO of Newport News will be glad to help, we will make it as “Like it never even happened.” If you experience any type of water damage you can give us a call at 757-244-8467
Were always ready no matter what time you call.
Difference In Water Color
10/12/2021 (Permalink)
When water damage occurs there can be different types of water. To start there are three different types of water. Clean water, greywater and black water. Knowing the difference can help when trying to remove water damage.
“Clean” water is free of contaminants and is not the type to pose an immediate threat to your health, much like its name infers. This water can come from:
Broken water lines
Malfunctioning appliances
Toilet holding tanks
Snow melt and rainwater
Cleanup will be the easiest for damage from this type of water damage since there are fewer microbes living in the water. But after a 48-hour period and contact with the surfaces of buildings, clean water can change to category two, which is gray water.
“Gray” water is where water damage cleanup and restoration can become a bit more complicated. It may pose a health risk due to chemical or biological contamination. That slight contamination in gray water means that it will have to be properly and thoroughly treated before safe consumption.
Gray water is a product of dishwashers, aquariums, showers, etc. Also, the 48-hour exposure time applies here as well, with gray water turning into black water if not treated.
“Black” water presents a hazard and is the most serious of the three classifications because it is considered highly contaminated by harmful chemicals and biological matter. This includes floodwaters containing soil and all sewage waters.
Sewage carries with it contamination caused by microbes, including bacteria, protozoans, molds, fungi and more—many of these can be harmful to humans.
Diseases that can be transmitted by black water are:
Cholera
Typhoid
Hepatitis
Gastroenteritis-type illness
When dealing with water damage you want to leave it up to the professionals when trying to get it cleaned up. Here at SERVPRO of Newport News were always ready to help as were open 24/7 and 365 days a year.
Disasters In Hotels
10/12/2021 (Permalink)
Hotels in Newport News are a vital component to the infrastructure of the entire area, helping tourism to continue to be as prevalent and steady as ever. With the massive structures that many of these accommodations are, a single disaster or emergency can spread over a broad area in a brief time. Incidents like fire loss offer multiple levels of damaging effects that can move far beyond the ignition point and can be a devastating force for multiple rooms in your hotel.
Structural concerns are most often the priority for addressing fire damage in your Newport News lodging. With experts with extensive training in fire and smoke damage restoration and recovery, as well as education in the modern approaches for deodorization and fire residue removal, our SERVPRO staff on site is knowledgeable and confident in work to get done. In most cases, containment of the effects is critical because even after extinguishment occurs, soot/smoke residues and carcinogens can continue to spread throughout the building.
Containment strategies for our SERVPRO professionals often come down to our advanced equipment like our generators, air scrubbers, and other physical barriers. Plastic sheeting can often be a literal hindrance for airborne particulates and contaminants from reaching other areas of the hotel. With these effects limited to a specific space, our contracting division can get to work on controlled demolition and fire debris removal.
One of the risks of fire effects in your area hotel is how easily certain conditions like harsh odors can pass through construction materials and structural elements. The longer that your business goes without the appropriate preventative actions like the use of ozone machines, the more widespread and overwhelming these symptoms can become. A significant spread of these effects compromises not only your ability to offer rooms to potential guests but can affect your overall reputation with current customers.
Fire loss can produce multiple damaging effects that can spread quickly through your hotel. Our SERVPRO of Newport News team can help. Give us a call anytime disaster strikes at (757) 244-8467
KEEP WASHING YOUR HANDS
10/12/2021 (Permalink)
Give us a call at 757-244-8467
With COVID-19 cases spiking up in Virginia, we're here to help you get Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned! We can help minimize the spread of germs with proactive cleaning! At SERVPRO of Newport News, we’re trained to adhere to the highest cleaning and sanitization standards, making us the #1 choice for cleanup and restoration. Stop the spread of germs with a professional cleaning for your home or business.The world has changed what it means to be clean, so let customers and employees know that SERVPRO, the nation’s #1 choice in cleanup and restoration, was there with a higher cleaning standard, Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned. You can always give us a call at 757-244-8467
But don't forget these tips that can help us slow down the spread of COVID-19.
- Wash hands
- Avoid touching face
- Clean and sanitize house
- Clean and sanitize office
As the #1 choice in cleanup and restoration, we can minimize the spread of germs with proactive cleaning for your home or business.The comfort of our customers and employees is our top concern, so that’s why we’ve made sure all our locations have received a higher cleaning. Here at SERVPRO of Newport News we will have your business Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned.
Water Damage In Office Building
10/8/2021 (Permalink)
Commercial water damage is a job for professionals, and were just the right professionals you're looking for. Here at SERVPRO of Newport News we have a ton of experience when it comes to water damage. Water damage in commercial buildings is a serious problem that should be addressed as soon as possible. There are many causes of water damage, like damaged windows, roof leaks, damaged pipes, sewer clogs, HVAC leaks, and sprinkler system leaks.
When water damage occurs, call SERVPRO of Newport News because steps could be missed, let us worry about it so you don't have to.
Here at SERVPRO of Newport News, we will respond quickly with the right equipment to dry and help protect your business. Even small water damage has the potential to cause serious structural and indoor air quality issues over time. The key to avoiding costly future restoration is to handle every water problem as a real threat to your property. If you have any questions or need help to ensure your business is drying properly give us a call at 757-244-8467.
We Can Help Finish Your Project
10/8/2021 (Permalink)
Working on reconstruction, or remodeling your business? Well here at SERVPRO of Newport News we can help you finish the project! You want your business to look its best when it's go time, and we are here to help. SERVPRO of Newport News provides cleaning services to give your business that extra touch. We help with carpet, resilient non-resilient floor prep and finish, ceiling, walls, and cleaning, deodorization, air duct cleaning, debri removal, and window cleaning. We help you prepare for interior designing. There is so much to worry about when opening a business. Have us help you! Give SERVPRO of Newport News a call at 757-244-8467 if you have any questions about our services. We will have your business look beautiful and ready for opening! We are open 24/7, 365 days a year for any other restoration needs as well. Don't hesitate to give us a call.
When You Need To Get To Business QUICK
10/8/2021 (Permalink)
When damage occurs to your home or business this is the process we will use to try to figure out how to stop further damage, fix the problem, and then make it “Like it never even happened.”
Here is how the SERVPRO of Newport News process works...
Within 1 hour from notice of loss, we will contact you to arrange for service. You will know help is on the way.
Within 4 hours, we will be on site to start mitigation services. The key to reducing damage and saving money is responding quickly to damage.
We then give you a detailed explanation, a trained, uniformed, and equipped professional will walk you through the job process step-by-step, explaining what to expect and the anticipated outcome.
Next is pretesting, we begin pretesting for restorability, working from the source of the damage outward.
Within 8 hours of an on-site arrival, a verbal briefing of the scope will be communicated to the appropriate person, normally the adjuster or property manager.
Now we have the good part...the Cleaning and Restoration step. We will work neatly and efficiently to help you regain control of your property when a damaging event has taken over.
Lastly, we have the final walk-through. After the work has been completed. a final walk-through will be conducted to help ensure satisfaction will our results.
SERVPRO's 1-4-8 Service Response Guidelines help ensure timely communication and response. Quick and accurate response can minimize loss expense from secondary damages.
Give us a call at 757-244-8467
Flood Prevention Strategies
10/8/2021 (Permalink)
Flooding is one of the most destructive natural hazards, and here at SERVPRO we are ready to be faster to any disaster. SERVPRO has mobilization trams across the country to travel as needed to support large storm events. Flash flooding is the most hazardous weather disaster in the United States. Floods cause power outages, damage infrastructure, trigger landslides, and can be deadly. Here are some tips you can keep in mind before the flood.
- Avoid building in a floodplain—an area especially prone to flooding during heavy rains.
- If you do live in a floodplain, consider buying flood insurance to help with losses if, and when, a flood occurs.
- Construct barriers (levees, beams, floodwalls) to stop flood water from entering your home. Sandbags can provide a temporary levee in an emergency.
- Seal walls in basements with waterproofing compounds to avoid seepage.
- Pay attention to weather forecasts. When heavy rain or storms are forecasted, listen to the radio or television for information on flooding risk.
Here at SERVPRO of Newport News, we are able to help with any storm damage. Give us a call at 757-244-8467
What To Do During A Lightning Storm
10/8/2021 (Permalink)
Here in the Newport News area, during the summer time, we have quite a few lightning storms. Lightning can cause some severe storm damage. Here at SERVPRO we have a few tips when a thunderstorm comes.
-NO PLACE outside is safe when thunderstorms are in the area!!
-If you hear thunder, lightning is close enough to strike you.
-When you hear thunder, immediately move to a safe shelter-
-Stay in a safe shelter at least 30 minutes after you hear the last sound of thunder.
-Stay off corded phones, computers and other electrical equipment that put you in direct contact with electricity.
-Avoid plumbing, including sinks, baths and faucets.
-Stay away from windows and doors, and stay off porches.
-Do not lie on concrete floors, and do not lean against concrete walls.
-If you are caught outside with no safe shelter anywhere nearby the following actions may reduce your risk:
-Immediately get off elevated areas such as hills, mountain ridges or peaks
-Never lie flat on the ground
-Never shelter under an isolated tree
-Never use a cliff or rocky overhang for shelter
-Immediately get out and away from ponds, lakes and other bodies of water
-Stay away from objects that conduct electricity (barbed wire fences, power lines, windmills, etc.)
If you experience storm damage from a thunderstorm you can always give us a call at 757-244-8467!
Hurricane Season Almost Coming To An End..
10/7/2021 (Permalink)
Hurricane season last until about November 30th so we still have a couple more weeks left until were out of the season. Were always watching the weather here at SERVPRO of Newport News to make sure we are always prepared ahead of any storm big or small. We have crew that work every minute of the clock of every day to make sure were ready for you. Looks like our area is pretty clear for hurricanes as of now, but southern Florida could still be impacted. But even with a small rain storm your home or business can have water damage impact it. As of now, try to prepare yourself for future storms as when everyone is looking for supplies they tend to sell out quick!! Dont wait until the last minute to prepare. Here at SERVPRO of Newport News were ready for anything, you can always give us a call at 757-244-8467.
What Exactly Do We Do?
10/7/2021 (Permalink)
Give us a call at 757-244-8467
Have you heard of SERVPRO?
What is SERVPRO?
SERVPRO of Newport News offers restoration services for:
- Fire, Smoke, and Soot
- Water Removal and Dehumidification
- Mold Mitigation and Remediation
- Catastrophic Storm Response
- Move Outs and Contents Restoration
- Electronics and Equipment
- Document Drying
- Contents Claim Inventory Service
We also offer many cleaning services which include:
- Air Ducts and HVAC
- Biohazard, Crime Scene and Vandalism
- Carpet, Upholstery, Drapes and Blinds
- Ceilings, Walls and Hard Floors
- Deodorization
If you are stressed about any of the above jobs to be done DONT WORRY, SERVPRO has you covered.
SERVPRO of Newport News is insurance protected, we have exclusive products and equipment, extensive training programs for all crew members, safety compliances, defined work processes, active customer communication, and FAST work completion. The faster we head out to you the more money you save, and who doesnt like saving money?
Give us a call at 757-244-8467!!
What we know about Hurricane Larry
9/3/2021 (Permalink)
Were ready for the storm, are you?
Like if we didn't get enough with Hurricane Ida. Luckily it went right around us and hit south and north of us. This time will we be as lucky?
Hurricane Larry is the next storm forming and its a big one.
The 12th named storm of the hurricane season, Tropical Storm Larry, formed in the deep Atlantic. Larry will pose no threat to the U.S. or any landmass over the next five days. Hurricane season is just reaching the half way point.
Larry is expected to become a category 4 in the deep Atlantic this weekend
It is located 970 west of the southernmost Cabo Verde Islands and has maximum sustained winds of 90 mph, according to the National Hurricane Center. It is moving west-northwest at 20 mph.
There are no watches and warnings on land at this time.
Let's get prepared now before its too late and supplies are out. Always know you can give us a call at 7572448467 with any of your needs.
Tropical Storm Elsa
7/6/2021 (Permalink)
Give us a call at 757-244-8467
As we are in hurricane season we got our first hurricane that that has started to brew.
As it begins to hit Florida it looks like it has dropped to a tropical storm.
ABC News is expecting Elsa to be around our area Thursday evening so we still have time to prepare.
Just in case things go south, but they aren't looking like they are here are some tips
- Have emergency food and water supply
- An emergency medicine supply.
- Emergency power sources such as flashlights (don't forget extra batteries).
- Safety and personal items.
- Important documents, including medical documents, wills, passports, and personal identification.
- A fire extinguisher.
- Lastly, have our phone number if any leaks happen in your home
We are always working around the clock no matter what time of day. We are open 24 hours a day. 7 days a week. We are always here to help.
As Hurricane Season Approaches
6/30/2021 (Permalink)
Do you know when hurricane season starts?
Hurricane season started June 1st and goes until September 30th. Time is money, the faster you deal with your problem the less money you spend here trying to get your home or business back to normal.
Heres some helpful tips from your friends at SERVPRO of Newport News.
When it comes to your home make sure to cover all your windows with plywood to protect your windows from high winds. Bring in all outside furniture if they are unable to be tied down. Trim those trees so they can be wind resistant. Turn off all utilities and keep the refrigerator door closed to prevent food from going bad. Turn off all propane tanks and ensure there is a supply of water for sanitary purposes.
Now when it comes to your business carefully assess how your company functions, both internally and externally. Identify operations critical to survival and recovery. Lastly, plan what you will do if the building is not accessible.
Try to keep these tips in mind as we are in the beginning of hurricane season. Luckily there are no hurricanes in sight for the east coast but we can never be too sure!
If you need any cleanup due to a hurricane you can always give us a call at 757-244-8467!
What's the point of a Containment?
6/2/2021 (Permalink)
Give us a call at 757-244-8467
SERVPRO® of Newport News is asked many times why placing a Containment is important and if it's really necessary. Well the answer is Yes! Containments are very important and can play a huge role in Fire, Water and Mold Damage Restoration Losses.
A Containment is placed to control the environment, minimize the work space and/or to keep something that can potentially be harmful under control and to avoid cross contamination. In most cases Containments are placed to block the affected areas from the unaffected areas which stops the spread of any further contamination.
Containment's are placed by using thick plastic sheeting with the assistance of tension/support poles or wooden frames and strong tape. The Containment's are usually placed around doors, openings, stairwells or even to divide rooms.
It is recommended that no one enters through the Containments once set up and in place!
For more Information on Containments or Concerns with Fire, Water and Mold Losses give us a call at 757-244-8467
Water Damage and Your Business
6/1/2021 (Permalink)
When water damage threatens your business or office, you need to act fast. Pools of water can hide in your business in hidden areas. Some common places for water damage to occur include:
- ceilings
- walls
- floors
- attics
- roofs
If by chance you find water damage here are a few steps you can follow:
- If you can, locate the problem area
- Take any necessary steps to prevent any further damage. You may need to soak up standing water on the floor with towels, unplug leaky appliances, or shut off your office water supply
- Call SERVPRO® of Newport News at 757-244-8467
Calling SERVPRO® of Newport News is the right way to help handle your commercial water damage, we are the professionals that can help 24/7. We make it seem "Like it never even happened."
Even though COVID restrictions are dying down, we are still here to help you out with COVID
6/1/2021 (Permalink)
As restrictions are dying down, we still are here if COVID-19 breaks out in your business. During this unprecedented time caused by the global pandemic of COVID-19, this is a reminder to our customers that we are specialist in cleaning services, and we adhere to the highest cleaning and sanitation standards.
Specialized Training
We are prepared to clean and disinfect your home or business, according to protocols set forth by the Centers for Disease control and Prevention. We have years of experience in dealing either with biological contaminants, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform on a daily basis.
The CDC encourages cleaning of high-touch surfaces such as counters, tabletops, doorknobs, light switches, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets and tables. Other spaces include:
- Kitchen/Food Areas
- Bathrooms
- Schools/ Classrooms
- Offices
- Retail Spaces
- Water Fountains
- Shelving Racks
- Sales Counters
- Carpets/Rugs
- Stair Handrails
- Elevator Cars
- Playground Equipment
- Fitness Equipment
Specialized Products
The CDC recommends usage of a labeled hospital-grade disinfectant with claims against similar pathogens to the corona virus. Multiple products in the SERVPRO® product line carry the EPA-approved emerging pathogens claims. While there is currently no product tested against this particular strain of the corona virus, we are following all guidelines as provided by the CDC and local authorities.
Call Today for a Proactive Cleaning
If your home or business needs deep cleaning services, call the experts today-
SERVPRO® of Newport News (757) 244-8467
Water Damage After a Dishwasher Leak
6/1/2021 (Permalink)
Give us a call 757-244-8467!
If you find your home flooded from a failed dishwasher, call SERVPRO of Newport News to properly remove the water and repair the damage.
The Importance of Humidity Levels in a Water Damaged Home
When you purchase a new dishwasher, you trust that the company who comes to deliver and install it knows what they are doing. However, sometimes you may run into a problem with it not being installed correctly, and you soon have a mess of water flooding your kitchen. You need to act fast to get the water cleaned up before it creates more damage than it already has.
A leaking dishwasher can put many gallons of water out into your home very quickly. Once you get the water turned off and not flowing anymore, you need help in cleaning up the water damage, so it gets dried properly. SERVPRO of Newport News can come to your rescue anytime you need, so be sure to give us a call.
As water damage technicians we always make a drying goal for any water damage situation. We also monitor the drying process each day to see whether the goal is being accomplished. A drying goal is a condition that we want to bring about in the affected area of your home. Our goal is to get your home completely dry again and to correct any damage which has happened due to the standing water.
Our process includes moisture content readings from dry, unaffected contents and the structure. We take readings in percentage for wood materials and in points for materials which are not made of wood.
Our technicians use drier air to increase the rate of evaporation. Drier air means air with low humidity. A relative humidity of less than forty percent is essential for an efficient drying process. Relative humidity of under forty percent lets us know that the air is dry and thirsty, and pulls more water out of materials.
Measurements for relative humidity are however not as accurate as specific humidity readings. Reaching low relative humidity readings does not mean the structure is dry 100%, so we use specific humidity readings to make sure the humidity in the affected area is going down. When it is thoroughly dry, the specific humidity in the area should be the same or lower than the specific humidity in an area which was not affected.
SERVPRO of Newport News ensures your home is dry again before we say the job is complete. Doing this avoids any additional damage in your home in the Hampton Roads area such as mold growth, give us a call (757) 244-8467 when you have a water damage problem
Here are some emergency fire damage tips to keep in mind...
5/17/2021 (Permalink)
Here are some emergency fire damage tips to keep in mind...
- Keep hands clean
- Limit movement in the home to prevent further damage
- Place dry, colorfast towels or old lines on carpeted traffic area to prevent more soiling
- If electricity is off, empty freezer and refrigerator and prop doors open
- Wipe soot from chrome on faucets and appliances then protect with a light coating of lubricant
- Do not attempt to wash any walls or painted surfaces without first contacting SERVPRO of Newport News
- Do not attempt to shampoo carpet or upholstered furniture without first consulting SERVPRO of Newport News
- Do not attempt to clean any electrical appliances that may have been close to fire or water without consulting a repair service
Give us a call at 757-244-8467 we are available 24/7
Prepare Your Family For A House Fire
5/17/2021 (Permalink)
A house fire can be frightening and preparing your family ahead of time can ensure everyone gets out safely. Take a few minutes to review the tips below and go over them with your family.
Escape Plan
You should first ensure that your entire family knows what to do in case of a fire in your home. Make an escape plan and practice it several times per year with your family. Make sure your family members know not to put their lives in danger to save possessions, but instead go the way out that is most direct. If you must exit through smoke, know to drop down under it and try to cover your mouth to keep from breathing smoke indirectly. If a door is hot to the touch, do not open it or go through it.
Stop, Drop, Roll
Everyone should know how to do this if fire catches on your clothes. Drop to the ground right away, cross your hands over your chest, and roll forward and back until you smother the flames completely. Cool the area that is burned with water and call for medical attention right away for serious burns.
Fire Extinguishers
A workshop, fireplace, and kitchen should have fire extinguishers nearby. Every family member should know how to use it properly. Extinguishers need to be regularly recharged, inspected or replaced as necessary.
Stove Fires
A small kitchen fire can be put out by suffocating the fire by putting a lid on the pan, turning the stove off and letting the pan sit unmoved until the flames are smothered. Extinguish small grease fires by putting baking soda on them, but do not ever use water.
SERVPRO of Newport News is available to help you clean up fire damage at any time. We know how important it is to act quickly, the sooner you call us (757) 244-8467, the sooner we can stop further damage from soot and smoke.
Why Have an Emergency Ready Profile
5/17/2021 (Permalink)
Give us a call at 757-244-8467
According to FEMA, around 40% of businesses fail to reopen after a disaster. To make things worse, the United States Small Business Administration found that over 90% of businesses close within 2 years of a disaster. These statistics may be alarming, but you can lessen the impact of a disaster if you make preparations in advance. One of the easiest ways to prepare is by creating an Emergency Ready Profile.
All of Your Business’ Vital Information
An Emergency Ready Profile (ERP) is a document comprised of all of your business’ vital information. It includes emergency contact information, utility shut-off locations, and other information you or your employees might need in an emergency situation.
Your local SERVPRO® franchise will create an ERP for your business—free of charge! A representative will come in and ask a few questions, then get the necessary information regarding shut-offs and emergency exit points. The whole process should take no more than a few minutes of your time!
After your representative compiles the documents, they will present both a physical and a digital copy of the ERP. And in some cases, they will give a copy to your local fire department to have for their own records.
Recovering Your Business
After a disaster, your priority should be to get your business back to its normal operations. Fortunately, an ERP allows you the opportunity to quickly respond and take crucial actions. If you would like an ERP for your business in the Hampton Roads area, call SERVPRO® of Newport News today at 757-244-8467
With any leak it's the water you don't see that causes the most damage
5/17/2021 (Permalink)
There is no such thing as a small disaster. Especially when the water you don't see contains bacteria. Water damage can affect the value of your property. Before you get out the mop bucket and box fan to try and clean it up yourself, consider how this will affect your property.
SERVPRO of Newport News understands how disruptive unseen water damage can be for your business. For this reason, SERVPRO of Newport News offers 24-hour emergency response.
Before you risk further damaging the value of your facility by attempting to clean up the mess yourself, call SERVPRO of Newport News!
Trained and equipped to quickly dry and protect your facility and contents...
A mop and common cleaning products may not be enough for serious water instructions. SERVPRO of Newport News is trained to safely clean and restore your building, utilizing the following procedures:
- Identify the source/type of water.
- Measure temperate and humidity for drying analysis.
- Survey the extent of damage and inspect the premises.
- Perform emergency water extraction.
- Apply necessary treatments.
- Utilize drying equipment and monitor drying.
Give SERVPRO of Newport News a call at 757-244-8467. We are available 24/7, and 365 days a year!
We Moved!
10/15/2020 (Permalink)
Come see us at 527 J Clyde Morris Blvd!
SERVPRO of Newport News has a new location! We are so excited as we have a bigger warehouse to help us store more equipment to better service our customers. Our new location is 527 J Clyde Morris Blvd, Newport News, VA 23601.
We are located right next to the SPCA, we don't have our sign up quite yet but we welcome our doors to you if you have any concerns or needs.
Our phone lines will be down for the day as we transition to the new building, please excuse this inconvenience.
How To File Your Insurance Claim
8/10/2020 (Permalink)
757-244-8467
Having a water damage problem in your home can be a stressful situation. To make sure that you’re being compensated for your trouble, it’s important to understand how to correctly file an insurance claim. Here are some tips to keep in mind before you make a claim for water damage in your Kempsville/Military Circle home.
Determine What Your Insurance Will Cover
In most cases, an insurance company will only cover certain types of water damage. This is a crucial point to consider as you work on preparing your claim. Some of the forms of damage that may not be covered by insurance include:
Gradual pipe leaks
Seepage from cracks
Damaged areas of roof
Steady toilet leaks
If you're facing a more serious problem such as a flood, your claim is more likely to be approved. It’s important to discuss your specific damage with your insurance adjuster to have a clear idea of what to expect during the claim filing process.
Ask Questions
If you aren’t completely sure about something when making your insurance claim, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, whether you’re looking for information about your state’s claim filing laws or want to confirm that your pipe burst is covered by insurance. Ensuring that you have a clear understanding of your expectations can help the process go more smoothly.
Keep Track of Lost or Damaged Items
In order to effectively support your damage claim, you need to keep records of all of your lost or damaged items. Make a list of any articles that have been harmed or destroyed completely by the event that caused water damage. It is also a good idea to hold on to these damaged items before your insurance adjuster visits so you can provide physical proof of what you lost.
Filing an insurance claim is only one step towards having peace of mind. Contact water damage restoration specialists immediately to prevent excess water from causing further damage to your home.
Fire Escape Plan
8/6/2020 (Permalink)
Give us a call at 757-244-8467!
Have you ever thought what would happen if a fire were to happen? What stairwell will you use? What emergency exit will you go to? Do you know where to meet the others so you know everyone is out? Having a fire escape plan before the fire can help keep everything organized when the fire does occur. You should also practice a fire escape plan at least twice a year so every employee knows exactly what to do. Here are a few steps to do when trying to figure out your plan.
- Visualize multiple situations that might occur: Ask yourself. Where might the fire occur? How and where would they start? What if this happens? Make sure you are always prepared for every situation that may occur.
- Establish roles and responsibilities: When a fire emerges and your business must evacuate, employees will look to their leaders for reassurance and guidance. Create a clear chain of command with backups that states who has the authority to order an evacuation. Knowing who to go to helps ensure no one is stuck inside
- Plan and map routes: Once your people are out of the building, where do they go?
Designate an assembly area for employees to gather. Someone should be at the assembly area collecting a head count and providing updates.
- Know your tools and inspect them: always test fire alarms, emergency lighting, fire doors, and escape ladders. Also make sure every employee knows where the fire extinguisher is.
- Rehearse fire evacuation: Having your employees know what to do during a fire helps the process go smoothly so there's not so much chaos when the fire does occur.
Here at SERVPRO of Newport News we are ready to help with any damage that may occur due to a fire. Give us a call at 757-244-8467!
Fire, Smoke and Soot Restoration
7/14/2020 (Permalink)
Give us a call at 757-244-8467
Smoke and Soot Damage Can Cause a Pervasive Odor in Your Newport News Home.
Smoke and soot is very invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your home, causing hidden damage and odor. Our smoke damage expertise and experience allows us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damage to develop a comprehensive plan of action.
Here are a couple smoke and soot facts:
-Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.
-Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.
-The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.
Now, there is also different types of smoke.
There are two different types of smoke–wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of Newport News will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. The cleaning procedures will then be based on the information identified during pretesting. Here is some additional information:
Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber
Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.
Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood
Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke rises.
Protein Fire Residue – Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire
Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor.
Our Fire Damage Restoration Services
Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions. We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage. We will also treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care.
Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?
Call Us Today -757-244-8467
How To Prevent A Fire
7/13/2020 (Permalink)
Here in Newport News we get jobs for fire damage quite regularly. We want to help people in the community stop creating fires by just a few tips. Anything flammable can create a fire so quickly, and fire can spread faster than you think. A simple candle being lit can make you and your family lose everything. Here are a few tips from us here at SERVPRO of Newport News.
- Test your smoke alarms regularly
The easiest way to prevent a fire is by testing your fire alarms weekly, most fires spread faster when no one is alerted to know a fire has begun.
- Inspect all your heating sources
If your heating sources aren't working correctly it could trigger a fire. You should have them checked out by a professional annually.
- Keep your stove and oven clean
Cleaning leftover food that spilled onto the burner can get too hot and cause a fire. But it's not only food that can create a fire. It's also if a curtain is too long and touches the burner, or if a kitchen towel gets too hot.
A fire can occur in just seconds, always watch the food you are cooking. If for some reason you need to leave the room, have someone watch over the food for you.
When doing laundry, always make sure to clean out the lint vent as this is one of the ways most homes catch on fire. No matter the hurry, always clean and check behind the dryer as lint can be behind or around the dryer
- Properly Store Flammable Items
Household cleaners and common cosmetic items like hairspray and shaving cream can be hazardous. If they are exposed to a large heat source, they can combust
- Practice Caution with Candles
Everyone loves scented candles especially during the holidays. Always make sure to put out the candle before you leave the room, if you are going to bed make sure the candle is off. An unattended candle can cause a fire quickly.
Here at SERVPRO of Newport News we are here if you experience fire damage. Our phone number is 757-244-8467 and we are open 24/7, 365 days a year.
Is Your Business Prepared for Storm Damage?
6/8/2020 (Permalink)
SERVPRO® of Newport News has experience restoring businesses affected by storms and flooding. We can respond immediately with highly trained technicians who employ specialized equipment and techniques to restore your business back to pre-storm condition.
Why Call SERVPRO® of Newport News?
We're Faster to Any Size Disaster
When a storm hits your Newport News business, you need help immediately. Our quick response will help prevent secondary damage and help reduce restoration costs.
We're Highly Trained Storm Damage Specialists
As leaders in the storm and water damage industry, we have advanced training and expertise, not to mention a tremendous amount of hands-on experience. We use this training and experience to quickly dry your home and restore it back to pre-storm condition.
- Water Damage Restoration Technician
- Applied Structural Drying Technicians
We Have the Resources to Handle Storms and Disasters
We can scale our resources to handle any size storm or disaster. We can access resources from a network of 1,700 Franchises across the country and elite Disaster Recovery Teams strategically located throughout the country.
The Severity of Hail Damage
6/8/2020 (Permalink)
Hail damage is bad for a roof when it leads to roof leaks and other issues
Hail damage to the roof of your house can be devastating. Following a hailstorm, you should check your roof and address any problems immediately. Otherwise, water could enter your home from holes in the roof and flood the property.
What Affects the Severity of Hail Damage?
Some hailstorms can cause little or no damage to your Newport News, VA home. Others, however, can create disastrous holes in your roof. How much harm hail creates depends on several factors:
- Density and size of the hail
- Home barriers
- Wind
Obviously, the larger and denser the hailstones, the more damage they can cause. The size of hailstones varies wildly based on the storm. The stones can be as large as a softball or as small as a pea.
Certain barriers can also shield your home from hailstones. If you have fences or large trees near your house, your roof could be spared from major damage.
Hailstones are not the only feature of hailstorms. They also usually include high winds. The speed and direction of this wind can affect the amount of hail damage to the roof.
Finally, certain characteristics of the roof itself can affect how susceptible it is to harm from hailstorms. Hail can ding aluminum sidings but cause cracks in vinyl sidings. Roofs that are older or poorly maintained could also get damaged more easily.
What Are Signs of Hail Damage?
To be safe, you should inspect your roof after every hailstorm. Of course, not every roof defect is caused by hail. However, if your composition or asphalt shingles look shiny or lose granules, they may have been affected by hail. Wood shingles, meanwhile, could have sharp or brown splits as a result of hail. If you notice any of these issues, contact hail damage repair specialists immediately.
Depending on the nature of your home and the size of the storm, hail damage to the roof can be extensive. To limit the harm to your property, keep the roof well-maintained, and fix any defects right away.
Tips For Using A Generator
6/8/2020 (Permalink)
Portable Generators can supply power for basic needs during a storm power outage
If you have a generator on hand for power outages during severe weather, follow these safety tips that have been provided by the American Red Cross.
- Never use a generator, grill, camp stove, or other gasoline, propane, natural gas, or charcoal burning devices inside a home, garage, basement, crawl space, or any partially enclosed area.
- To avoid electrocution, keep the generator dry and do not use it in wet conditions. Operate it on a dry surface under an open canopy like structure, such as under a tarp held up on poles. Do not touch the generator with wet hands.
- Opening doors and windows or using fans will not prevent carbon monoxide (CO) buildup in the home. Although CO can’t be seen or smelled, it can rapidly lead to full incapacitation and death. Even if you cannot smell exhaust fumes, you may still be exposed to CO. If you start to feel sick, dizzy, or weak while using a generator, get to fresh air immediately.
- Install CO alarms in central locations on every level of your home or property and outside sleeping areas to provide early warnings.
Prepare for Hurricanes
6/8/2020 (Permalink)
Hurricane season is currently underway. For the Atlantic, the season begins June 1 and runs through November 30. The Eastern Pacific hurricane season began in mid-May and also ends November 30.
Hurricanes can be life-threatening as well as cause serious property-threatening hazards such as flooding, storm surge, high winds, and tornadoes. While the primary threat is in coastal areas, many inland areas can also be affected by these hazards, as well as by secondary events such as power outages as a result of high winds and landslides due to rainfall.
Preparation is the best protection against the dangers of a hurricane. Plan an evacuation route and your emergency plan, take inventory of your property, and take steps to protect your home or business.
For more information and preparation tips, visit the Ready campaign website at www.ready.gov/hurricanes.
SERVPRO of Newport News is ready to help in the event of a storm loss.
DID YOU KNOW?
- About 40% of hurricanes hit Florida.
- 2004’s Hurricane Ivan produced 127 tornadoes in nine different states over a five-day period.
- To identify these storms, the World Meteorological Organization maintains a six-year rotating list of names.
SERVPRO of Newport News is ready to help in the event of a storm loss.
Source: noaa.gov
One City Marathon
3/5/2018 (Permalink)
Vanessa giving away some goodies!
Over the weekend SERVPRO of Newport News had the pleasure of participating in a huge city marathon. The marathon is actually 26.2 miles long, those runners ran almost all around key areas of Newport News. The marathon started near Newport News park, and ended on 25th street. How crazy is that? Thats almost a 20 minute drive, imagine how long it took those participants to run it! One of our own marketing representatives, Vanessa was out there since before 7am to give out cookies and Gatorade for the runners. Of course she was there until the last runner was able to get some treats from us. SERVPRO of Newport News was able to participate with the Villanueva Agency Ltd. - Nationwide Insurance. We had such a fun time and cant wait for the next marathon to take place!
Furnace Maintenance Tips To Keep You Cozy This Winter
2/26/2018 (Permalink)
1. Give your unit a once-over
The first thing you need to do when maintaining your furnace is a spot-check of the entire system. Visually check your furnace for any signs of damage—warning signs generally include combustion residue or soot around the unit, cracks in your ducts, and debris around the flue and/or vents. Make sure the pilot light is on and that the flame is a steady blue, not flickering yellow or orange. Finally, don’t forget to inspect exterior vents and the portions of your HVAC Systems that are kept outside since any debris or buildup of leaves, snow, and ice can wreak havoc on your system over the winter and make your unit unusable in the spring and summer months.
2. Clean out your vents
Although it may seem obvious, cleaning the heating vents around your home is one of the most important regular furnace maintenance jobs you can do and requires little to no specialist knowledge. In order to keep your furnace running efficiently throughout the winter, make sure to vacuum your floor vents and remove dust and debris from all of your vents throughout the house. In addition to helping your furnace work better, this basic cleaning task will drastically improve the air quality in your home (a dirty furnace vent will just blow dust and other particles around your home whenever the heating comes on).
3. Inspect furnace filters
If you don’t mind doing some DIY furnace maintenance, you can inspect and clean the filters inside your furnace on your own. However, before you open your furnace unit, make sure it is completely cooled and switched off. Disposable filters—usually made from fiberglass or pleated fabric paper—should be changed around every three months, while permanent filters should be washed and cleaned regularly during the heating season as best practice.
4. Protect your home
After you’ve successfully inspected, cleaned, and repaired your furnace, you can further ensure that your home is safe by installing a carbon monoxide detector near your HVAC unit. In addition to a smoke or heat detector, a carbon monoxide detector is essential for any homes that are heated with gas (remember that this also applies to fireplaces.) Simply place the detector near your furnace (see instructions for specific placement distances) and turn it on, making sure to test it regularly.
Now that you’ve taken all necessary winter prep precautions, you can enjoy a cup of hot chocolate in front of the fireplace!
Residential Services
2/6/2018 (Permalink)
We are here in you community and we are Here To Help!
You have so much invested in your home... Choose SERVPRO of Newport News to protect your most valuable assets.
You invest your time, energy, and hard earned resources to maintain, protect and increase the value of your home.
You need work done on your home? You should expect the very best at a fair price. SERVPRO of Newport News is committed to providing fire and water cleanup and restoration services, as well as top-quality professional cleaning services for your entire home.
What we can do for you?
Fire, Smoke, and Soot Cleanup and Restoration: Pretesting helps SERVPRO of Newport News determine what type of fire has taken place. Knowing the types of smoke and their behavior patterns are vital to proper restoration.
Water Removal and Dehumidification: SERVPRO of Newport News can identify the source and type of water, which determines the proper course of action. Drying equipment controls temperature and humidity, minimizing secondary damage.
Crime Scene, Biohazard and Vandalism Cleanup: SERVPRO of Newport News are trained to safely and effectively clean bio-hazardous substances and prepare waste for proper disposal according to OSHA, EPA, and state and local health regulations.
Mold Mitigation and Remediation: SERVPRO of Newport News work to control and remove mold contaminants while protecting the health and safety of building occupants.
Air Duct and HVAC Cleaning: SERVPRO of Newport News can inspect your HVAC system and ductwork. Cleaning services can be provided to help restore peak energy efficiency, eliminate offensive odors and improve indoor air quality.
Carpet and Hard Floor Cleaning and Care: SERVPRO of Newport News use the latest IICRC training as we as state-to-the-art equipment to remove entrapped soils from deep within your carpets pile and backings.
Stain Removal, Stain Resistance Applications: Using IICRC standards for carpets as a guide, SERVPRO of Newport News will show you what cleaning options would be best for your carpets level of soiling and explain the benefits of soil protection.
Odor Identifications and Deodorization: SERVPRO of Newport News will find the source of the odor and determine the best methods to neutralize and eliminate the odor form your home.
Give us a call at 757-244-8467 to help you with your residential services!
Firework Fire Prevention
12/27/2017 (Permalink)
HAPPY NEW YEAR
New Year’s Eve is a wonderful time to celebrate the start of a new year. Fireworks are always a fun way to celebrate, and also very common. However, If they are not used correctly things can turn out bad...
In 2013, fireworks caused an estimated of 15,600 reported fires in the Unites States.
If you due choose to set fireworks off on your own, here are some tips to prevent a firework fire from happening:
- Never allow children to handle fireworks
- Dispose of spent product by wetting it down and placing it in a metal trash can away from any building until the following day
- Never try to re-light or pick up fireworks that have not ignited fully
- Light fireworks one at a time, and then move back quickly
- Make sure fireworks are legal in your area before buying them
- Read and follow all warnings and instructions
- Wear eye protection
If anything you can always call SERVPRO of Newport News at 757-244-8467
SERVPRO of Newport News wish you a safe and Happy New Year!
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