Check Your Sprinklers!

11/6/2024 (Permalink)

This water damage was due to a busted sprinkler system in a Cecil County property.  In situations like this, demolition is performed along with water mitigation, thorough drying procedures and cleaning services.  Our reconstruction department can also replace the structural components removed such as the drywall, insulation and trim.

Water damage due to sprinkler systems can occur for various reasons.  Some of the common issues include malfunctioning sprinkler heads, leaking pipes, backflow issues and overwatering due to excessive timer settings.  A damaged sprinkler system can lead to structural damage as well as increase your utility costs, so it is important to inspect your system and address any concerns immediately.

To help prevent property damage due to sprinkler issues, there are several measures you can take:

• Conduct regular inspections and maintenance of the system.
• Monitor water usage and adjust timers based on seasonal needs. 
• Winterize the system in colder months to prevent freezing and burst pipes. 
• You should also adjust the sprinkler heads to ensure proper coverage.

By maintaining your sprinkler system in your Cecil County facility, you can save yourself the headache of a significant water damage issue.  SERVPRO of Cecil County also provides a free Emergency READY Profile program where key information such as your water shut-off location is compiled in a digital file.  During an emergency, this can help you to act quickly!  Our water damage restoration team is available 24/7 for emergencies in commercial and residential properties!

Storm Disaster Recovery Efforts!

10/16/2024 (Permalink)

After a severe storm hits the East Coast, SERVPRO of Cecil County heads to the areas most impacted to help recover what was lost!  Our Disaster Recovery Team is proud to travel to these areas when local franchises are overwhelmed by the demand for assistance.  We are among many SERVPRO® franchises on standby, ready to mobilize at a moment's notice to head towards the destruction and where our services are needed the most!

SERVPRO of Cecil County has assisted with major storm events including Hurricane Ian in Florida, Hurricane Isaias in North Carolina, and the deep freeze in Texas and Oklahoma that caused extensive water damage.  Most recently, our storm damage team assisted the Carolinas in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.  Throughout these disasters, we dedicate several weeks to serving residential and commercial properties that have suffered various forms of storm damage, including severe flooding and roof damage caused by fallen trees.  Our board up and mitigation crews act quickly to restore storm-damaged properties to preloss conditions.

The aftermath of a powerful hurricane, tornado or flooding event can be catastrophic.  SERVPRO of Cecil County is glad that we can offer assistance to those who were affected, no matter the extent of the damage.  

Water...Then Mold!

10/4/2024 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Cecil County recently completed water restoration services for properties in Conowingo and Elkton.  In both cases, the water damage had become so extreme that it had led to mold.  Water is a critical factor in the growth of mold, as it provides the necessary moisture that mold spores need to thrive.  When surfaces become damp due to leaks, flooding or high humidity, mold can begin to develop quickly.

Contacting a professional immediately to assist you with water damage is important in preventing this!  We also do not recommend attempting to remove the water on your own, since thorough water extraction requires specialized equipment and techniques to effectively dry a structure.

After discovering mold in these properties, our mold remediation professionals set containment barriers between the affected areas and those that did not contain mold in order to prevent further spread of mold spores. During this process, we then employ our equipment to capture airborne spores while our cleaning treatments help to eliminate mold on surfaces.

SERVPRO of Cecil County provides mold remediation services for heavily impacted properties as well as for minor issues that could escalate.  Mold grows quickly, and our team is prepared to respond immediately!

Preventing Property Damage

8/30/2024 (Permalink)

Property damage can be overwhelming!  Cleaning and maintaining your Cecil County property can help to prevent potential damage.  There are several preventative measures you can take.

• Maintain your outdoor drainage system to prevent flooding and water damage.
• Clean and declutter your living spaces to reduce fire hazards and improve safety.
• Perform duct cleanings as necessary. The National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) recommends a duct cleaning approximately every 3-5 years. We are proud to be NADCA certified!
• Dryer vents should be cleaned at least once per year to help prevent clogs and fire damage, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).
• Regularly clean and inspect appliances to prevent malfunctions.
• Clean and maintain your plumbing fixtures to prevent water leaks.
• Maintain and inspect your roof to help reduce storm damage.

Should your property suffer fire, water or mold damage despite your best efforts, please give us a call to assist!  SERVPRO of Cecil County provides emergency services for disasters in our area!

Preventing The Threat of Mold!

8/14/2024 (Permalink)

Mold is a type of fungus that grows in damp and humid environments.  It can be found both indoors and outdoors and comes in various colors, such as black, green, or white.  Mold spores can spread easily through the air and can cause health issues for individuals with allergies or respiratory problems.  It is important to address mold growth promptly to prevent further spread and potential health risks.

SERVPRO of Cecil County recently completed mold remediation projects for several homes, one of which involved mold damage in a child’s toy room.  The North East homeowner expressed concerns about the health of her young children.  After assessing the site, our mold remediation team developed and executed a comprehensive mold removal plan in accordance with our IICRC health and safety guidelines.  We’re glad we were able to help create a healthier environment for this family.

Firefighter Challenge!

8/2/2024 (Permalink)

SERVPRO^® served as the title sponsor for the Firefighter Challenge Championship Series! During this three-day event, first responders competed in vigorous tasks that showcased the immense strength, effort and dedication that goes into their duties on a daily basis. Participants from fire departments nationwide demonstrated their heroic qualities by completing obstacles such as climbing a staircase with a heavy load and carrying a 175-pound dummy across the course in under two minutes.

SERVPRO of Cecil County continues to be impressed by the feats accomplished by the fire department members, and we are honored to know several of them personally.

SERVPRO of Cecil County remains committed to supporting our first responders through various efforts!

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!