Tree Collapse Destroys North East Shed

7/5/2024 (Permalink)

A homeowner in North East contacted us following a tree collapse in his yard that resulted in the destruction of a shed.  In such instances requiring tree removal, SERVPRO of Cecil County collaborates with local partners to provide assistance.  Our team then will relocate all items for storage, demolish the structure if necessary, and clear the area of debris.

When needed, SERVPRO of Cecil County offers storage services until a property is fully restored, often extending this support during fire or severe storm incidents.  Additionally, we provide board up and other services like security fencing to safeguard properties when necessary.  This particular area was quickly cleared within hours to prevent further damage or risks.

SERVPRO of Cecil County provides a variety of services to aid home and business owners with their unique needs.  When your property suffers a natural disaster, give us a call to learn how we can help!

Preventing A Garage Fire!

6/13/2024 (Permalink)

Garage fires can pose significant risks to both property and personal safety.  SERVPRO of Cecil County is currently helping to restore a property in Conowingo after a garage fire.  This property requires extensive fire damage cleanup services, including smoke odor removal to completely restore the affected space to a clean and healthy condition.

A garage fire can be very hazardous to your Cecil County property.  To prevent this type of fire damage, it is crucial to have proper fire prevention measures in place, such as regular maintenance of electrical systems, storage of flammable materials, and installation of smoke detectors.  In the event of a garage fire, immediate action is essential to minimize damage and ensure the safety of occupants.  Properly storing hazardous materials away from ignition sources and having a fire extinguisher readily available can help mitigate the impact of a garage fire.  Regularly inspecting and maintaining garage doors, electrical outlets, and appliances can also reduce the likelihood of fire damage.

SERVPRO of Cecil County provides emergency response services for residential and commercial properties that have suffered fire damage.  Our team is always prepared for the worst in order to assist our clients at a moment’s notice!

Summer Preparation!

5/28/2024 (Permalink)

As we approach the summer season, it is important to recognize the potential risks to both yourself and your property due to the shift in climate and activities associated with this time of year.  SERVPRO of Cecil County would like to remind you to stay cautious while enjoying the season!

• Grilling: If you're planning a barbecue or cookout, make sure to follow proper grilling safety guidelines to help prevent fire damage.  Keep your grill at least 10 feet away from your home or any flammable materials, and never leave it unattended while in use. Regularly clear the grill of excess grease and cooking residue.
• Fireworks Safety: If you plan to use fireworks during any celebrations, follow local laws and regulations regarding their use.  Always have a designated adult supervise fireworks activities, and never point them at people, animals, or structures.
• Mold: Regularly clean areas that are prone to moisture. This will help to prevent mold from growing. Bathrooms and the area around your windows are often found to contain mold.
• Hurricane Season: Stay alert to local weather reports and have an evacuation plan prepared. Create an emergency kit in the event of a power outage or other storm damage disaster.

By keeping these safety tips in mind, you can ensure an enjoyable summer while prioritizing the well-being of yourself and those around you.  Should you suffer an unexpected disaster, SERVPRO of Cecil County can restore the affected areas to preloss conditions!

Preventing A Sewage Backup

5/16/2024 (Permalink)

Sewage damage can be unsettling and cause harmful health issues when improperly removed or disinfected.  It is critical to hire a certified restoration professional to handle the cleanup for you to ensure a clean and healthy environment.  After a sewage backup, SERVPRO of Cecil County can restore any size property to preloss conditions.  However, there are ways to prevent a sewage leak in the first place!

• Inspect the sewage system for signs of damage.  Cracks should be repaired before sewage has the chance to leak through.
• Clean your drains each month to help prevent clogs.  Pour baking soda and white vinegar into the drains, let that sit for approximately an hour and flush the solution out with warm water.
• Do not flush tissues or paper towels that can build up and potentially clog the system.
• Do not overuse the water.  Keeping the faucet running for long periods of time can eventually lead to a clog or system damage.
• Install a backwater valve to ensure sewage exits the system properly.  This will also prevent sewage from entering a property again through that system.

In the event of a sewage backup or biohazard situation, SERVPRO of Cecil County responds immediately to help limit both the health risks and downtime for your family or business.  Our team utilizes our advanced anti-bacterial and anti-microbial cleaning solutions to help ensure that a property is safe from harmful contaminants.  In addition, we offer hospital-grade disinfectant solutions when needed.  We take our clients’ safety first and foremost!

Do’s and Don’ts of Water Damage

4/30/2024 (Permalink)

When faced with water damage in Cecil County, there are ways to prevent and hinder further water or structural damage before help arrives.

Do:

• Shut off the water supply.
• Turn off the circuit breakers from any affected areas, only when it is safe to do so.
• Furniture should be propped up from the floor to prevent content from being affected.
• Excess water can be mopped or blotted up from surfaces, including furniture.
• Remove damage-prone items such as paintings and electronics to a dry space away from moisture.

Don't:

• Do not enter a room with water and electrical components.  This can be highly dangerous.
• To avoid staining, do not leave rugs or other content on a wet surface.
• If the ceiling is wet, do not use the ceiling fan.  If a ceiling is beginning to collapse from the weight of water, do not enter that area.
• Don't wait for assistance!  The longer water sits and has a chance to travel through your walls and floors, the greater the risk of mold later on.

Should you experience water damage, please use your best judgment and leave the rest to a professional!  SERVPRO of Cecil County provides immediate water damage restoration services to local properties.  Our team can determine the best plan of action and guide you through the mitigation and reconstruction process.

Taking The Plunge!

4/2/2024 (Permalink)

Our Business Development Specialist, Michael Bailey participated in the annual Ice Splash held by the Cecil County Board of Realtors!  This event takes place each year to help raise funds for local youth and the Special Olympics in Cecil County.  Mike takes the plunge every year to assist with this goal!

SERVPRO of Cecil County is proud to partner with the Board of Realtors throughout the year.  Mike also serves as a member of the Board’s CARE committee which helps to strengthen our community in various ways.

The plunge was just the beginning for Mike who also worked hard to raise donations for the event during several fundraising efforts.  Thanks to the hard work of the Board members and our community, over $9,000 was raised!  SERVPRO of Cecil County is proud to be active in the county while helping to make a difference!

What Are Those "Cobwebs"?

3/18/2024 (Permalink)

When your Cecil County property suffers fire damage in the form of a smoke or soot explosion, you may be wondering what those webs are on your walls and ceilings.  Those webs are soot carbon chains which often form when oil explodes out of a heat source, such as a furnace or boiler.

When a heat source is leaking oil or doesn’t function properly, the oil vapors in the system can build up to a dangerous level.  Eventually, the oil will have nowhere to go, leading it to burst out of the system and into your property.  The smoke and soot damage that occurs will quickly find its way throughout a property and onto many surfaces.  The carbon in the soot then begins to strike other sources of soot, which causes the carbon chains that take the appearance of cobwebs.

While this form of fire damage can be overwhelming, there are several actions you can take to help prevent this:

• Heating systems should be maintained and cleaned annually.  A professional can help to address any issues.
• Be aware of any signs that your system is not burning oil properly.  Soot can slowly appear on your walls, ceilings or other surfaces when there is a problem.
• Be mindful of any offensive odors that could mean an oil leak.
• Check for any signs of debris or buildup.

Should you have a puffback, we recommend hiring a fire damage restoration professional to clean and restore the affected areas.  Improperly attempting to remove soot can lead to additional damage.

SERVPRO of Cecil County offers 24/7 emergency fire damage services for residential and commercial properties!  We provide the utmost urgency and care for your property and belongings.

Preventing Mold Damage in the Spring!

2/22/2024 (Permalink)

Spring brings its own mold challenges.  The rainy season and warmer climate can cause mold to form unexpectedly.  Luckily, there are ways to stop mold in its tracks!

Keep your home dry. 

Mold feeds on moisture and wet areas.  Check your property for signs of leaks or cracks along your windows and doors where warm air can get in.

Inspect mold-prone areas.

Mold can grow quickly in places such as bathrooms where shower curtains and wet tiles are present.  Laundry rooms attract mold due to damp clothes or a humid environment, while window sills can collect moisture.  Clean these areas often.

Invest in an air purifier.

These help to trap and eliminate mold spores in a given space in addition to helping prevent those spores from entering a property.

Look for signs of water damage or strange odors.

After a water leak, mold can often be found inside the walls where it needs to be tested by a professional for the degree of severity.  A strong odor can be a questionable concern.

If you suspect mold, act fast!  Mold can spread in as little as 48 hours, but SERVPRO of Cecil County is equipped to respond immediately!  For a free assessment, give us a call!

Preventing Seasonal Water and Storm Damage

2/1/2024 (Permalink)

While we typically think of snow and frigid temperatures this time of year as well as what that may bring, we have also experienced a vast majority of rain this season!  It is important to always remain prepared for any storm when it comes to your Cecil County property.  Below, we list several preventative actions that can help!

When it rains…

• Clear your gutters and downspouts of any debris to avoid a potential blockage. You should also ensure that your drainage system is pointing away from your property.
• Make sure that your sump pump is working properly.  We recommend investing in a battery backup to help prevent water damage.
• Look for signs of leaks. Moisture or wet walls are a bad sign.

 When it snows…

• Do not let snow accumulate too heavily on your roof. When the snow freezes, the ice can cause a blockage and leave the melting snow to have nowhere to go but into your property.
• In low temperatures, check for signs of frozen pipes.  This includes strange noises or odors as well as low or no water pressure.
• Check any signs of roof damage before and after any severe storm. This could save you from water damage later. Look for broken or missing roof tiles or signs of leaks.

SERVPRO of Cecil County is on standby for when water or storm damage strikes!  Should you suffer an unexpected disaster and not know where to turn, give us a call!  We will guide you through the process as we perform the proper cleaning and restoration services!

Severe Storm Damage in Cecil County!

1/17/2024 (Permalink)

Cecil County has suffered multiple severe storms recently, keeping our storm damage restoration team busy day and night.  With over two inches of rain and wind gusts up to 50 mph, storm damage was a given for many property owners.  Power outages led to more problems, including sump pump failures.  In addition, the heavy winds led to downed trees and roof damage.

Like SERVPRO of Cecil County which is always “Ready for Whatever Happens,” emergency personnel in Maryland were prepared for the incoming storms.  The county was put under a State of Preparedness for the most recent weather event in order to have emergency personnel ready in the certain case of storm-related risks, including potential water rescues or damaged power lines.  The tide of local rivers had also risen up to four feet above average, flooding roads and properties located nearby.

It’s been a messy couple of months for the county, but SERVPRO of Cecil County is proud to always have a resourceful team on standby for when storm damage occurs!  Should you suffer any extent of flooding or storm damage, please do not hesitate to give us a call so that we can immediately begin the process of restoring your property!