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Preventing Water Damage When It Rains | SERVPRO of Lowell
11/22/2023 (Permalink)
Home water damage always happens when least expected. SERVPRO of Lowell is Here to Help®. Don't hesitate to call us today!
We certainly are no strangers to rain here in the Lowell community. We can experience rain during many months out of the year, so we can expect storm conditions to pop up here and there at any time.
While we can sometimes be grateful for a gentle, steady rain in the heat of the summer, heavy rain during intense thunderstorms can be troublesome and can leave you with serious water damage.
Catching a water leak early can minimize the damage, but stopping it entirely is always the best-case scenario. Use these tips below to help you avoid water damage when the next storm comes to town.
Preparing Your Home
Each storm brings its own threats and levels of intense rain, so being prepared for anything can help make sure you stay safe and dry no matter what is going on outside. Start with your gutters!
Cleaning out your gutters regularly will ensure water will flow down and away from your home without backing up onto your roof or pouring over the sides of your home. A single gutter clog can be responsible for significant damage to your home.
If you have a sump pump, having it inspected regularly will ensure that any issues or maintenance needs are taken care of quickly. Sump pumps are a great investment in your home and can keep your property from experiencing significant water damage, but only if they are in good working condition throughout the season.
Routine Inspections
One place in your home that we suggest to inspect routinely is your roof. Our roofs put up with a lot over the course of the year, so it is only natural for them to experience damage from time to time. A single gap or crack along your roof line can cause water to leak down your walls and cause significant water damage all over your home.
Grab a ladder and do a visual inspection of your roof at least once a month, especially after a strong storm passes through. Look for missing or broken shingles or visible hail damage and address these issues right away.
You should also do the same for your windows and doors. A single leak around one of these spaces can lead to water damage that travels throughout your home.
Where SERVPRO® Comes In
Even if you prepare as best you can and take these precautions, water can still be sneaky and leak into your home at any point during a storm. Call us right away so our team can get started on your repairs and water extraction process.
The longer water sits on your floors or lingers behind your walls, the greater the chance that your home will start to experience structural integrity issues or even mold growth.
Our team will tackle these issues head on and ensure your space is cleaned, dried and repaired as quickly as possible. We will make sure every soggy piece of drywall and every inch of your soaked carpet is replaced and restored to its preloss condition.
You deserve to recover quickly after suffering from water damage. Call SERVPRO of Lowell right away.
When a Fire Breaks Out, Call SERVPRO® | SERVPRO of Lowell
11/21/2023 (Permalink)
When an unexpected fire strikes, the damage can seem overwhelming. That's why SERVPRO of Lowell is here to restore your house. Call us now!
House fires are perhaps one of the scariest experiences that any homeowner can suffer through. The sheer amount of damage and the serious danger that they pose to your family can keep you up at night.
While it can be an overwhelming experience while it is happening, it can also seem insurmountable when you are standing in your fire-damaged home after the flames are out.
That’s where SERVPRO of Lowell comes into play! Our fire damage restoration team will handle your entire recovery from start to finish with confidence.
Our First Conversation
Once the fire is out and the authorities leave, get us on the phone right away. We are here 24/7, and someone will always be there to answer your call.
We will first identify the emergency contact for the project and then we will start asking questions about the origin of the fire and the extent of the damage. This helps us create our recovery plan more extensively, and it can give us a heads-up as to what we will see when we arrive for our visual inspection.
While you are waiting for us to arrive, stay calm and be cautious about walking around your property. Take note of any damage you see by taking photos, noting that some damage may have occurred that wasn’t originally caused by the fire. Water damage is also a common part of any insurance claim after a fire because of the chemical agents and water used to put the fire out.
Removing the Damage
Once we arrive, we will assess the damage and create a recovery plan tailored to your home’s specific needs. We will work on pulling out damaged debris while also tackling soot and smoke damage.
We will go from room to room assessing the extent of the damage because smoke can travel to areas of your home that were never touched by the flames.
After the debris is gone, we will get to work cleaning your entire space. This will include water extraction and the drying of your possessions as well as documenting all possessions and addressing damage for salvageable furniture and other keepsakes. We have special upholstery and fabric cleaning techniques that allow us to clean your fragile materials without damaging them any further.
Rebuilding Your Home
The damage has been done, there is no doubt about that. However, we can reverse that damage quickly and return your home to its preloss condition quickly!
Our team can rebuild entire sections or levels of your home, but we are also trained to handle smaller, more intricate restoration projects like rebuilding cabinets or rebuilding ruined walls. We will make sure every inch of your home overcomes the fire damage, soot and smoke that is left behind.
We are here to help you overcome fire damage. Contact SERVPRO of Lowell for immediate assistance.
How to Avoid Appliance-Related Water Damage | SERVPRO® of Lowell
5/19/2023 (Permalink)
Water damage can happen anytime and anywhere. Call SERVPRO of Lowell day or night to help get your home or business back in order.
Our day-to-day is made so much easier by the helping hand of our trusted household appliances. We owe a lot to our hardworking appliances, and failing to upkeep them with the proper maintenance can result in major damage.
Staying on top of your appliance upkeep is a way to prevent a water damage disaster. Failing to catch problems like leaks early on can have a significant impact on your Lowell home in the long run.
Thankfully, you can keep your appliances running smoothly by including these vital prevention methods in your chore list:
Regular Maintenance
Checking for water damage on a regular basis is the most effective way to avoid it. A simple look around can often help you catch a vital issue before they get the chance to escalate.
Leaks can sneak in under your refrigerator or dishwasher, so it’s important to inspect these areas for wet spots or puddling often. Moving them out of the way allows you to get a better look and makes cleaning up around these unseen areas easier.
Your HVAC is another important part of the home that can hide major water issues in places you can’t see. To avoid water damage in these areas, be sure to check your vents for water on a regular basis and repair the damage as soon as you spot it.
It might not come as a surprise to learn that your water heater can be a main culprit of water damage. Pay close attention to your heater and check for leaks as often as you would with your other water-using appliances.
Yearly or Long-Term Maintenance
Consistent maintenance can help you avoid massive water damage, but following the maintenance schedule recommended by the manufacturer can be even more beneficial.
Inspect hoses and tubing on your fridge, washing machine and dishwasher for punctures, knots and other indicators of damage. Regular repairs and replacing damaged parts can help to prevent future appliance issues.
To ensure your appliances and parts are always up to date, you should retire older equipment at least every 10 to 15 years.
Our appliances can make life easier, but unexpected issues can turn them into a headache. Avoid issues and protect your home by working hard to prevent water damage and keep your equipment running smoothly.
Have water damage in your home from an appliance or another source? Our team is here to help, so call us day or night.
Dealing with the aftermath of a commercial fire? SERVPRO of Lowell is your local restoration expert.
4/3/2023 (Permalink)
Provide Your Lowell Workforce With Fire Extinguisher Training | SERVPRO® of Lowell
Disaster can be difficult to recover from, especially when it strikes an unprepared business. Business owners must prepare their teams for anything, not only to protect themselves but also the workplace in which they work every day.
For example, a fire emergency can be chaotic, especially if your team reacts erratically and irresponsibly. Training your team to respond appropriately is critical for keeping situations like this under control. Fire extinguisher training is an excellent place to begin and can put your team on the path to full workplace disaster preparedness.
To enhance a fire-safe Lowell business, teach your team how to use this firefighting tool:
Start With the FundamentalsOSHA mandates that all commercial buildings with fire extinguishers should supply the needed training to utilize them. This involves going over how to use them, when to use them and what type of extinguishers to use.
Begin the training by showing your team how to hold and aim the extinguisher. Next, you should teach them how to pull the pin, press the handle and glide the tool over a fire. Throughout your training, emphasize the importance of keeping a safe six to eight feet distance away from a fire.
To help them retain this information, you can introduce the PASS method. It’s best to revisit this topic at least once a year to help newcomers—and even seasoned staff members—keep this content in mind.
Assigning roles can ensure emergencies like workplace flames are dealt with quickly and properly. Pick a couple of well-trained employees to operate the fire extinguishers you have stored inside your Lowell building.
There’s a Time and a PlaceLet your team know about the different fire risks located around your building that require the operation of fire extinguishers to ensure they are always used at the correct moment. Talk through any relevant scenarios, hidden hazards and the type of extinguisher required for each one. For example, an electrical fire caused by an overloaded circuit requires a different extinguisher than a fire in the break room microwave.
Teaching your team when to give up and evacuate is one of the most important parts of fire extinguisher training. Fire extinguishers can be incredibly beneficial, but there are occasions when the flames are simply too powerful to fight without the assistance of officials.
Ensure your employees understand that once flames grow out of their control, they need to evacuate and contact local authorities.
Proper fire extinguisher training can make a significant difference in the safety of your Lowell workplace. Once you’ve gotten through the basics, you can equip your team with even more safety strategies that will protect them in the middle of an unexpected blaze.
Dealing with the aftermath of a commercial fire? Our SERVPRO specialists can restore your losses and return your workplace to its pre-fire condition.
Spring Tips for Storm
3/22/2023 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Lowell team is always here for you, if you experience any storm damage call us right away.
Spring is on the way, and we can’t wait to see a change in the weather. As you gear up for all of your outdoorsy spring activities, it’s a good idea to ready up your home at the same time.
Spring weather can bring a number of weather threats that can cause water damage if your Lowell home isn’t prepared!
While you write out your spring-cleaning list, make sure to complete a few of these vital outdoor chores around your property. We put together a few of the most important places you’ll need to maintain before spring has sprung.
Clean It OutAs winter comes to a close, it’s vital to maintain the parts if your home that might be dealing with a buildup of debris. Wind, rain, snow and ice can all lead to clogged gutters.
Leaves, twigs and other debris can clog up your gutters and downspouts, causing water to leak down onto your roof and into your home. Before spring arrives, ensure your downspouts, gutters and outdoor vents are all clear of blockages from excess debris.
Make sure to check your outdoor faucets for any leaks or gaps. It can get freezing cold here in Lowell during the winter, so there’s a good chance you might be dealing with frozen pipes. Checking these areas will ensure your pipes are good to go when the warm spring weather arrives.
Fix Issues FastWe typically don’t spend a lot of time outdoors when winter is in full swing. This can cause important issues on your roof or outside of your home to go unnoticed.
The heavy snow that visited our area this winter could’ve damaged your roof without your knowledge! Make sure any broken shingles, cracked gutters or other wear and tear are fixed before springtime.
Even the tiniest leaks and out-of-place shingles can result in a substantial water emergency when the first spring shower begins to pour. Checking these issues early on could save you from an even bigger problem in the future.
Get Ready for the WaterIf you have a sump pump in your home, you understand how critical it is that it works when spring arrives. A sump pump helps protect your basement and foundation from excess water, especially during rainy seasons like spring. Check that your sump pump is operational to avoid clogs or malfunctions when you begin using it.
Spring weather can change fast, so ensure your family is ready by updating your emergency kit, making any needed changes to your safety plan and finding more than one way to stay updated on local weather events.
Our crew at SERVPRO of Lowell knows that water damage can catch you off-guard, even when you work hard to prevent it. That’s why we are available 24⁄7 to respond to any of your water emergencies! We can be on the scene in a flash to begin restoring your Lowell home to its pre-water state.
Got water damage? We are here to help 24⁄7 and can restore your home quickly.
Keep Your Property Safe From the Dangers of Lightning
9/26/2022 (Permalink)
If you are dealing with smoke or fire damage from a recent fire, call SERVPRO of Lowell to learn about a restoration solution for your issue.
House fires can be disastrous, but when you follow safety measures, you can usually ensure the safety of yourself and your family. However, while many house fires have manmade causes and are preventable, natural causes are also capable of sparking unintended flames and much more difficult to prevent.
In 2020 alone, there were over 70,000 damage claims related to lightning strikes. Although being personally struck by lightning isn’t very common, your home is much more susceptible to damage. When lightning does strike, it can blow out your power, destroy trees or even ignite a fire.
It’s predicted that lightning strikes around 6,000 times per minute. This makes the risk of lightning even more significant and we should all make a point to keep ourselves safe when a storm is on the way.
What Is Lightning?Lightning is a huge, bright bolt of electrical current that occurs between the clouds and the ground. While thunderstorms produce lightning, they can also strike during volcanic eruptions, severe wildfires and even intense snowstorms.
We relate lightning to extreme weather, but it can also strike on a clear and dry day. “Dry lightning” is created without rain and is capable of sparking wildfires. This means we need to make room for fire safety while we prepare for the dangers of storms.
Protecting Your Home From Lightning FiresQuite a lot of destruction, including fires, can result from a lightning strike on your property. The heat of the impact itself or an electrical surge brought on by it can both spark a fire.
It’s possible that a fire that results from a strike won’t be immediately evident as it will typically start in a place like your walls or up in your attic. As soon as you discover your home has been struck, look for burn marks, and call the fire department as soon as you spot any black spots or detect any smoke.
One of the greatest methods for avoiding lightning-related fire is to install a lightning rod. This metal pole can deflect the force of a lightning strike away from your house so that it is not directly affected by the heat and electrical current.
When Lightning Strikes NearbyLightning is a leading cause of wildfires and other outdoor fires. Different parts of the country experience varying “peak” seasons for lightning fires, but an estimated 9,000 fires are sparked each year due to lightning strikes.
Maintain a tidy yard free of deceased or dying trees and plants, and think about utilizing defensible zones to shield your house from the impact of lightning strikes. To notify you as soon as a fire starts, your home should also include smoke detectors on every floor.
If your home suffers from damage after a fire, our team can be on the scene ASAP. Our team is trained to take care of fire damage of any size, no matter the source. With years of training and the use of advanced technologies, we can restore your home as fast as possible.
Have you experienced smoke or fire damage in your home? Call us today to finish the restoration quickly.
Is Your Home at Risk of a Flood?
9/13/2022 (Permalink)
Experienced water damage in your home? Call SERVPRO of Lowell to get the restoration process started right away
Water can be incredibly destructive around your property and your home. Even though water will eventually dry up, it can leave widespread damage behind.
As if dealing with damages inside your home isn’t enough, there is also the chance that your insurance won’t cover the cost to recover from the damage. That alone should make you take preventive steps against flooding right away!
We are in a particularly interesting flood risk location, nestled in right below the Merrimack River and amongst the Pawtucket Canal. If any of these water sources overflows or the water level gets high enough, we could experience flooding issues.
Utilizing Your Yard to Reduce Flood RiskTake a few simple steps to keep water moving through your yard and away from your home. If you have gutters, keep them clear and remove any blockages to prevent water from building up on your shingles.
You can also use your landscaping to your advantage! Gardens are a great way to absorb excess water, or install a rain barrel below your gutters to catch the run off. That way you can have complete control of where all of that water goes.
If your property relies on propane, take the time to anchor down your propane tanks to make sure they stay put during any sort of flooding situation.
Taking Care of the InsideA watertight home begins with a waterproof foundation. If you have a crack or a weak spot, you will find out quickly! Seal up any cracks and address any issues you discover right away.
You can also help out your home by installing a sump pump to keep the water continually moving away from your home.
Most families rely on their appliances to run the household, but those appliances are also at a higher risk of causing a water issue. Check on your water heater, dishwasher and washing machine while they are running to look for dripping or leaks, or install a leak sensor to help alert you of any issues as they originate.
In the end, most of your possessions will dry out, but some can be ruined and those things are usually the most important! Protect your precious photos and other keepsakes by keeping them high off of the ground or away from the basement.
Don’t panic if you do end up finding water in your home even after doing all you can to prevent it! Just address the issue quickly and thoroughly, and call us so we can help make sure your restoration is done professionally.
Experienced water damage in your home? Call SERVPRO of Lowell today to get your restoration completed faster.
Follow These Preventive Measures to Keep Backyard Fires Under Control
8/8/2022 (Permalink)
If you have experienced fire or smoke damage, contact SERVPRO of Lowell
There is no better way to enjoy a warm summer evening than relaxing by the fire with your family in your backyard. Scary stories, hot dogs and s’mores are just a few ways to make some unforgettable memories.
We use these backyard fires for a variety of reasons, including entertaining, cooking a meal, keeping mosquitoes away and clearing yard debris, but even what we believe to be a safe fire has its own set of risks. According to the National Park Service, people are responsible for almost 85% of wildfires.
Wildfires in Massachusetts seem to be growing, with 1,000 wildfires occurring in 2021. Most of these fires are manmade, but some of them can be caused by conditions like lightning.
Of course, you’re still able to burn your yard debris, light up your tiki torches, toast your marshmallows and grill your hotdogs. As long as you follow simple safety precautions and local regulations allow, you can continue to enjoy your backyard fires and minimize any hazards.
Recreational Fire HazardsAny open flame can be hazardous, but campfires, barbecues, fire pits and fireworks are all common causes of outdoor fires. Approximately 8,800 house fires are started by grills each year, usually due to irresponsible usage. Double-check the propane tanks and gas lines that fuel your grill before firing it up, and never leave your grill unsupervised, even after you’re done using it.
When constructing a campfire, find a safe area away from any trees or buildings, and only light your fire with a match or a lighter. Once the fire is lit, make sure to only use wood to fuel the flames and keep a close eye on the ashes even after you’re done making your s’mores.
Fire pits are a safe and easy way to create a camp-like feel in your own backyard, but this equipment should be used with the same precautions as a conventional campfire. If your fire pit is portable, be sure to locate it in a safe area. Your fire pit should never be placed near an area with an overhang or on a wooden deck.
While your fire pit may seem like a simple way to eliminate construction or trash, make sure to only burn approved firewood.
Other Outdoor Fire HazardsEven with their hazards, combustible materials and fires can still be put to good use. If your yard collects a large number of leaves in the fall and you don’t have a waste disposal option, burning your yard debris may be the only way to tidy up your yard.
In Lowell, open burning is prohibited at all times, but you can still use your grills and fire pits. Of course, this equipment should only be used for recreational purposes and should never be used to burn debris.
We all utilize our sheds and garages to store items like gasoline, but irresponsible storage can have a deadly impact. Gas should only be stored in approved containers, and you should keep your container out of reach of children. Also, gas should only be used for its intended purpose, so don’t reach for the gas can if you are unable to light your campfire.
Before lighting any outdoor fire, check your local weather forecast and local regulations. If conditions are dry or if heavy winds are blowing, reschedule your weenie roast and light your fire on a different day.
And if your home is impacted by an outdoor fire, contact our team at SERVPRO. Our team is trained to restore any kind of fire damage and will work to restore as much of your property and belongings as possible.
Burn safely outdoors. And save some chocolate for us! If you have experienced fire or smoke damage, contact us today to get restoration started faster.
Call on SERVPRO for Your Restoration Needs
8/8/2022 (Permalink)
No matter what type of disaster you face, SERVPRO of Lowell is only a phone call away.
As a locally owned and managed SERVPRO location, we recognize the challenges business owners tackle regularly. When running a successful business, there are a variety of problems you can run into, and one of the worst obstacles you’ll face is a disaster that halts productivity.
While you can’t predict and most likely cannot prevent an actual disaster, you can prepare your organization for one.
Aside from the destruction that businesses may face, we acknowledge the damage that homeowners may suffer as well. Picking up the pieces after a disaster can be overwhelming, no matter the extent of damage your home or business has suffered.
To better prepare your family to handle a disaster, you should develop an emergency plan as well. Making an emergency plan starts with knowing the types of disasters that might affect our area.
The American Red Cross has created an amazing tool that collects data from resources around the nation to assist you in preparing for any calamity. There are Red Cross locations throughout the Massachusetts area that can help your Lowell household be prepared for any emergency!
Whether you own a company or own a house or both, you’ll undoubtedly face the effects of destruction at some point. In any case, the restoration process needs to begin immediately to prevent any more damage. Here’s why we are the team to turn to:
Why Choose SERVPRO?We recognize every scenario is unique. While disaster events that require restoration happen all the time in the United States, every situation is completely different.
For example, over 14 million homes are at risk of flooding yearly, but the destruction inflicted to each property will be varied.
This is why our team of professionals is trained and certified to handle any size damage so that you can feel safe in your decision to choose us for your home or business restoration. We will inspect the distinct factors of your unique situation to come up with an effective solution.
We are here for you 24 hours a day. When it comes to property damage, the most crucial thing to know is that a rapid response is extremely necessary. This is important not only to return your home or business to its previous condition but also to keep the destruction from getting any worse.
When water infiltrates your property, it can lead to damage to furniture, fabrics and paint. And when this water is left untreated for a long period, mold and mildew can begin to grow and compromise your home’s infrastructure. That’s why our team offers 24-hour emergency services all days of the year.
We deliver more than just damage repair. In addition to repairing the damage caused by a disaster, we handle every part of the procedure.
Our team can help you pack things up to prevent further destruction, and we can work closely with your insurance agent to make the claims process stress-free. Our goal is to provide you and your family with our assistance in any way possible throughout your home or business’ recovery process to make it a lot easier on you!
No matter the type of disaster, your local professionals at SERVPRO of Lowell can take on any damage with years of experience and training. Our restoration experts use industry-leading tools and techniques that can quickly restore your property back to preloss condition as soon as possible.
When you suffer damage to your home or business, it’s important that you know who to call! Contact us today to get restoration started faster.
What Storm Warnings Can Mean For You And Your Home
7/12/2022 (Permalink)
If you suspect any damage to your home from a recent storm, call SERVPRO of Lowell.
There are many kinds of weather alerts, around 42 types to be exact. These are categorized into seven weather-related groups. When a storm is approaching, this might be a lot to take in!
Understanding what these warnings could mean for your safety can help you know what precautions to take and how soon you should take them. They can also help you secure your home if a storm is imminent.
Knowing about all the different types of weather emergencies is important, but being aware of what weather may hit Lowell is even more crucial.
How Alerts Are IssuedSo, how do weather warnings get sent out to begin with? How can these forecasts be so accurate when they are merely predictions? There are many variables that play into why and when these alerts are issued.
The National Weather Service works to forecast weather conditions as accurately as possible as well as issue warnings as conditions develop. To make these warnings more location-specific, there are six regional offices all around the country that send out these alerts. Lowell’s alerts are sent from the Eastern Regions headquarters in Bohemia, New York, along with local offices nearby.
Forecasters and other workers at the NWS use various types of information to predict the weather, including satellites, weather balloons, seismic activity meters and even solar activity.
While this kind of information varies depending on the severity of a weather event, meteorologists’ main goal is to deliver as accurate a forecast as possible.
The Most Important Alerts to UnderstandThere’s a good chance you’ve received a weather advisory with the words “watch” or “warning” in it. This wording is used in almost all weather warnings, including those for thunderstorms, winter storms and tornadoes.
A watch indicates a storm is being monitored and you should begin preparing for the worst-case scenario. Watches are typically sent to a wider area, while a warning is more precise and may only be issued to a county or city. A warning indicates that severe weather is on the way, and you should prepare yourself and your home immediately.
Being aware of what type of weather may impact our community can help you understand the warnings that may be issued to you during weather events. The Merrimack River, for example, runs through Lowell, and it can overflow and cause floods on occasion. When the conditions are right, flood warnings will be issued.
Protecting Your Home During a StormKnowing what a local weather alert means for your home can help you take steps to prepare for disasters, and there are many simple methods to do so around your property.
Clearing your gutters of debris and fastening any outdoor valuables are two ways you can prepare before weather conditions like floods and strong winds wreak havoc. Locate a shelter to take cover with necessary supplies, and in the event of an evacuation, know where you and your family can relocate.
After a storm, contact SERVPRO to repair any damage your home may have suffered. We can be there whenever you need us to restore as much of the damage as possible.
To keep you and your property safe, stay aware of the kinds of weather that may strike your neighborhood. Learn about the many notifications that may be issued for your property so you can best prepare for any weather that comes your way.
Experienced storm damage to your home or property? Contact us today for a quick response!
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