The Dangers of Lithium-Ion Batteries in Southern Maryland

3/7/2023 (Permalink)

The Dangers of Lithium Batteries

Lithium Batteries are a power source for many day to day devices such as cell phones, laptops, toys, vapes, smoke alarms, and my other items. These batteries are known to store a lot of energy and if damaged or used improperly can cause them to catch fire. 

Some safety tips when dealing with Lithium Batteries

• Make sure they are listed by a qualified testing laboratory.
• Read and follow the manufacturer's instructions.
• Don't leave batteries charging overnight.
• Use proper charging cord.
• Do not charge on a flammable source such as furniture. 

If you are using the battery and notice any problems with it such as odor, change of shape, fluid coming out if it, smoking, increase of heat, and odd noises. Stop using the battery and device and move if to a safe place away from anything flammable and call 911. 

If you experience a fire on your home or property in St. Mary's or Calvert Counties give us a call today to make it "Like It Never Even Happened." 

Steps To Take If Your Pipes Burst In Your Home / Business

2/6/2023 (Permalink)

Caution Floor is Wet

When water freezes it expands in volume by 9%. This increase in pressure can cause your pipes to break at a weak spot causing water to come rushing out the break. Important steps to follow if you ever encounter such experience are:

Step 1: Locate your main water shut off valve and turn it off to stop the flow of water. 

• For houses on well water: if you are unable to locate your main water shut off, the other solution is to shut off your well in order to stop the water. 

Step 2: Call your most trusted restoration experts to analyze and start the restoration process to ensure no further damage, such as mold growth, occurs. 

Step 3: Call your plumber to fix your broken pipes. If you need assistance with locating a plumber SERVPRO will always guide you in the right direction. 

Do you sleep with the door open at night?

2/1/2023 (Permalink)

Closing the door can save your life.

When you go to bed at night, do you sleep with the door open? If you do you might want to think twice. Years of research conducted by UL's Fire Safety Research Institute (FSRI) have shown that simply closing your door at night could save your life if a fire is to occur. 

The research shows that a closed door is a safety barrier to buy you more time and protection from fire and smoke. The reasoning behind this is when you open a door during a fire it is giving that fire oxygen which will feed the fire and in return will cause that fire to expand. If you close the doors and windows to your home it will cut off the oxygen and contain the fire improving your chances of survival. Another benefit of closing your doors is if a fire does happen it creates a safer environment inside that room by greatly reducing entry of smoke, poisonous gasses, and temperature. 

It's extremely important for you and your family to have a plan if an emergency is to happen. Talk with your family come up with an exit plan and where to meet if a fire is to happen in your home. If you experience a fire remember SERVPRO of St. Mary's and Calvert Counties is always here to help. 

Don't Fall for Duct Cleaning Scams in St. Mary's and Calvert Counties.

3/9/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of St. Mary's and Calvert Counties Duct Cleaning.

Duct Cleaning Scammers are everywhere in St. Mary's County and Calvert County. They use a Variety of tactics to get you to fall into their trap such as cut rates, blow and go scams, and bait and switch. 

<h2-cut-rates">Cut Rates

That old phrase, "If it's too good to be true, it probably is," comes into play here. Illegitimate air duct cleaners love to outbid their competitors for offering "whole house duct cleaning" for $50 or $100. In some cases, these deals simply help them get in the door to upsell you for more work or do a quick and unthorough job before disappearing.

In other more sinister instances, particularly online, scams like these are a method to get your personal information. Never send a deposit, sign forms, or answer personal questions on the phone without verifying the air duct company as certified and insured. Real companies will not demand personal and financial data upfront.

<h2-blow-and-go-scams">Blow-and-Go Scams

This old scam has happened so many times that it's earned a nickname. Blow-and-go scams simply involve the company coming into your home, quickly vacuuming your vents, and hitting the road for the next house. Reputable experts should inspect all the various parts of your system, not just the vents themselves.

These scammers may also perform the bare minimum of work before alerting homeowners of the extensive and costly work they need to perform in addition to the base price. Be sure to research a company's name on the Better Business Bureau site and ask for recent customer testimonials to ensure the quality of the team's work.

<h2-bait-and-switch">Bait-and-Switch

Similar to blow-and-go, the infamous bait-and-switch adds unwanted services on top of what you already agreed to pay. While the advertised price may have looked like it included all your vents, the scammer may claim that the rate only covered a small part of the system. By the time the work is done, you're paying far more than originally expected. Always be sure to read the small print on flyers and ask cleaners to clarify their contracts before getting started.

You may encounter someone who "found mold" or "needed to apply a sealant or biocide" to your vents. While reputable contractors often offer biocides and sealants, the EPA has not registered either of these as necessary at this time. 

Always make sure that you have a full contract in writing before the work begins and report any bait-and-switch tactics to the Better Business Bureau immediately.

How do you find a reputable duct cleaner? Go to National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) which will provide you with a list of professionally certified duct cleaners in your area. SERVPRO of St. Mary's and Calvert Counties is NADCA certified. If you wish to have your ducts cleaned give us a call today at 301-862-9500 to have one of our technicians come out and give a FREE estimate.

Dirty Ducts can lead to fires in Southern Maryland

3/2/2022 (Permalink)

Before and After of Duct Cleaning

When thinking about fire prevention tactics, duct cleaning to prevent a fire from starting is probably not the first thing you would think about. Not to mention, ducts are typically hidden above the ceiling, so they are always out of sight. But there is more than just ducts above a facility’s ceiling. There are mechanical systems, structural elements, wires and anything else that would be hidden above the ceiling. And with work from insulation, fire-stopping as well as construction, dust can easily build up quick.

Accumulated dust can pose as a fire hazard. Dust is flammable and a fire can start from a spark of energy, or an extremely hot surface. The more dust build up there is, the more chances there are for a fire to happen. According to NFPA 654, annex D states that cleaning is needed immediately “whenever a dust layer of 1/32- inch thickness accumulates over a surface area of at least 5% of the floor area of the facility or any given room.” The same rule applies when it comes to cleaning a facility’s ductwork.

Although duct cleaning may not be the first thing you think about in fire prevention, it is important to clean your facility’s ducts. Not only does cleaning ducts help reduce the risk of a fire from starting, but it improves airflow in your facility’s HVAC system. All dust can be a fire hazard, and by cleaning your facility’s ducts, you are preventing dust from accumulating. By preventing dust from accumulating, you are ultimately helping to reduce the chances of a fire from starting.

If you have dirty ducts or experience a fire/smoke loss at your Southern Maryland property give us a call today at 301-862-9500. 

St. Mary's County and Calvert County Smoke and Soot Cleanup

1/11/2022 (Permalink)

Cleaning of Soot

Smoke and soot are 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.  

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.

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 St. Mary's and Calvert Counties 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 – 301-862-9500 for St. Mary's County or 410-535-4733 for Calvert County. 

Faster to your St. Mary's and Calvert Counties Water Damage Event

1/5/2022 (Permalink)

We are always here to help.

Flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we. SERVPRO of St. Mary's and Calvert Counties provides emergency cleaning and restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—including all holidays.

Faster To Any Size Disaster

Flooding and water damage is very invasive. Water quickly spreads throughout your home and gets absorbed into floors, walls, furniture, and more.  SERVPRO of St. Mary's and Calvert Counties arrives quickly and starts the water extraction process almost immediately. This immediate response helps to minimize the damage and the cleaning and restoration costs.

Need Emergency Service? Call Us 24/7 – 301-862-9500 for St. Mary's County or 410-535-4733 for Calvert County

Water Damage Timeline

Within Minutes

• Water quickly spreads throughout your property, saturating everything in its path.
• Water is absorbed into walls, floors, upholstery, and belongings.
• Furniture finishes may bleed, causing permanent staining on carpets.
• Photographs, books, and other paper goods start to swell and warp.

Hours 1 - 24:

• Drywall begins to swell and break down.
• Metal surfaces begin to tarnish.
• Furniture begins to swell and crack.
• Dyes and inks from cloth and paper goods spread and stain.
• A musty odor appears.

48 Hours to 1 Week:

• Mold and mildew may grow and spread.
• Doors, windows, and studs swell and warp.
• Metal begins to rust and corrode.
• Furniture warps and shows signs of mold.
• Paint begins to blister.
• Wood flooring swells and warps.
• Serious biohazard contamination is possible.

More Than 1 Week:

• Restoration time and cost increase dramatically; replacing contaminated materials and structural rebuilding may be extensive.
• Structural safety, mold growth, and biohazard contaminants pose serious risks to occupants.

About SERVPRO of St. Mary's and Calvert Counties

SERVPRO of St. Mary's and Calvert Counties specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Does Your Southern Maryland Home Have A Mold Problem?

12/29/2021 (Permalink)

In Southern Maryland, mold can spread through a home in as little as 48 hours.

Microscopic mold spores naturally occur almost everywhere, both outdoors and indoors. This makes it impossible to remove all mold from a home or business. Therefore, mold remediation reduces the mold spore count back to its natural or baseline level. Some restoration businesses advertise “mold removal” and even guarantee to remove all mold, which is a fallacy. Consider the following mold facts:

• Mold is present almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors.
• Mold spores are microscopic and float along in the air and may enter your home through windows, doors, or AC/heating systems or even hitch a ride indoors on your clothing or a pet.
• Mold spores thrive on moisture. Mold spores can quickly grow into colonies when exposed to water. These colonies may produce allergens and irritants.
• Before mold remediation can begin, any sources of water or moisture must be addressed. Otherwise, the mold may return.
• Mold often produces a strong, musty odor and can lead you to possible mold problem areas.
• Even higher-than-normal indoor humidity can support mold growth. Keep indoor humidity below 45 percent.

If your home or business has a mold problem, we can inspect and assess your property and use our specialized training, equipment, and expertise to remediate your mold infestation.

If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today – 301-862-9500 or 410-535-4733

Having a plan for when serve storms strike.

12/28/2021 (Permalink)

We are here to help.

Storms can bring devastation to our area. It is always important for you and your family to have a plan for when devastating storms are coming.  

• Write down emergency phone numbers and keep them on the refrigerator or near every phone in your house.
• Prepare an supply kit
• Locate the nearest shelter and different routes you can take to get there from your home. 
• Pet owners: Pre-identify shelters, a pet-friendly hotel, or an out-of-town friend or relative where you can take your pets in an evacuation. 

Gather emergency supplies.

During and after a storm, you may need supplies to keep your family safe and healthy. Remember that a storm could cut off your power and water supply. You also may not be able to drive because of damage to your car. Roads may be flooded or blocked.

That’s why it’s best to be prepared—stock up on everything you might need now. Be sure to prepare the following:

• Food and Water.
• Medical supply
• Emergency power (Generators) 
• Medical documents, wills, passports, and personal identification.
• A fire extinguisher. Make sure your family knows where to find it and how to use it! 

Get your car ready.

Make sure your car is ready before the storm hits.

• Fill your car’s gas tank.
• Move cars and trucks into your garage or under cover.
• Always keep an emergency kit in your car.

If you don’t own a car, consider making plans with friends or family or call authorities to get a ride if you need to evacuate.

Get your home ready.

• Clear your yard. Make sure there’s nothing that could blow around during the storm and damage your home. Move bikes, lawn furniture, grills, propane tanks, and building material inside or under shelter.
• Cover up windows and doors. Use storm shutters or nail pieces of plywood to the outside window frames to protect your windows. This can help keep you safe from pieces of shattered glass.
• Be ready to turn off your power. If you see flooding, downed power lines, or you have to leave your home, switch your power off.
• Fill clean water containers with drinking water. You’ll want to do this in case you lose your water supply during the storm. You can also fill up your sinks and bathtubs with water for washing.
• Check your carbon monoxide (CO) detector’s battery 

Be ready to evacuate or stay at home.

Always listen to authorities regarding whether you should evacuate or stay at home.

If a storm is coming, you may hear an order from authorities to evacuate (leave your home). Never ignore an order to evacuate. Even sturdy, well-built houses may not hold up against a serve storm. Staying home to protect your property is not worth risking your health and safety.

You may hear an order to stay at home. If driving conditions are dangerous, staying at home might be safer than leaving.

• Keep your emergency supply kit in a place you can easily access.
• Listen to the radio or TV for updates on the storm
• Stay inside. Even if it looks calm, don’t go outside. Wait until you hear or see an official message that the hurricane is over. Sometimes, weather gets calm in the middle of a storm but then quickly gets bad again.
• Stay away from windows—you could get hurt by pieces of broken glass or flying debris during a storm. Stay in a room with no windows, or go inside a closet.
• Be ready to leave. If emergency authorities order you to leave or if your home is damaged, you may need to go to a shelter or a neighbor’s house.

Remember we are always here to help. Give us a call if you suffer from storm damage. 

Preparing your commercial property for the winter

12/20/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of St. Mary's and Calvert is always here to help.

The winter time brings challenges to commercial  property owners. Regular maintenance is key to preventing disasters which can stop business operations. Here are some tips to help you prepare your property this winter. 

1. HVAC System Check-Up. During the winter months your HVAC system is going to be working hard to heat your property. Make sure you check your air filters and replace if needed, Inspect vents and hoses for holes, ensure that thermostats are working, and empty condensation drain traps. 
2. Prepare Plumbing. Frozen pipes are a huge culprit when it comes to water damage during the winter months. Wrap pipes and faucets in the least heated area of your property. Seal areas where there are cracks and openings around exposed pipes. Maintain a temperature of at least 55 degrees Fahrenheit within your building. 
3. Inspect your Roof. Keep an eye out for any damage and repair that as soon as possible. Clear out your gutters to prevent ice build ups on top of them. 
4. Create an E.R.P. Give us a call and ask about our Emergency Readiness Profile for your business. We will have one of our technicians come out and do a walk through of your property and identify critical information such as where your water shut off is located, points of contact such as plumbers and electricians so if you experience an emergency you already have a plan to prevent future damages and to get your business back up and running.  

Give SERVPRO of St. Mary's and Calvert Counties a call if your experience a disaster at your commercial property.   

IICRC Certified Firm

12/20/2021 (Permalink)

IICRC certified firm

SERVPRO of St. Mary's and Calvert Counties is an IICRC firm. The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) creates the standards for the restoration industry and provides training and certification to restoration companies. IICRC Certified Firms have the right to display the IICRC Certified Logo.

IICRC Certified Firms must

• Present accurate information to consumers and conduct business with honesty and integrity.

• Require a technician on all jobs who has been formally trained and passed all required tests.

• Require a continuing education program to keep technicians up-to-date on the latest changes in the industry.

• Maintain liability insurance to protect all parties in the event of an accident.

• Maintain a written complaint policy and agree to Better Business Bureau or similar arbitration to resolve disputes, and accept the conclusions and recommendations of arbitration.

The IICRC Develops The Standards For The Restoration Industry

The IICRC has been the driving force in establishing the main industry standards and reference guides for professional carpet cleaning, water damage restoration and mold remediation. These IICRC standards take years to develop and require the coordination of experts in the field: manufacturers, industry organizations, insurance professionals, training schools, contractors, and public health professionals.

Every five years, the standards are reviewed and updated. The water damage restoration field changes rapidly with advancements in technology and science, and therefore the standards must evolve to keep pace.

About SERVPRO of St. Mary's and Calvert Counties

SERVPRO of St. Mary's and Calvert Counties specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration and we are an IICRC Certified Firm. We believe in continuous training: from initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

24 Hour Emergency Water Damage Service

12/16/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of St. Mary's and Calvert Counties

SERVPRO of St. Mary's and Calvert Counties is available 24 hours a day for water emergencies, large or small. When you are dealing with water damage, immediate action is crucial. A delay of just a few hours can greatly increase the severity of the water damage.

We Answer the Phone Ready to Help
Call Today - 301-862-9500

We understand that when you call us, you may be feeling confused, stressed, and vulnerable. You need an expert to guide you through this crisis. SERVPRO of St. Mary's and Calvert Counties has the specific water damage training and experience to help you through this tough time. We specialize in water damage restoration—in fact, it's the cornerstone of our business.

What to Expect

When you call, we will ask several questions regarding your water damage emergency. These questions will help us determine what equipment and resources to bring, including how many trained SERVPRO Professionals may be needed.

Our SERVPRO Representative will ask several questions:

• Your name and contact information
• Your insurance information (if applicable)
• The street address of the water-damaged home or business
• When did the flooding or water damage occur?
• What caused the water damage (if known)?
• Is there electricity available (on-site)?

About SERVPRO of St. Mary's and Calvert Counties

SERVPRO of St. Mary's and Calvert Counties specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

When Storms or Floods hit St. Mary's and Calvert Counties, SERVPRO is ready!

12/8/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of St. Mary's and Calvert Counties is always ready for whatever happens.

SERVPRO ofSt. Mary's and Calvert counties specializes in storm and flood damage restoration.  Our crews are highly trained and we use specialized equipment to restore your property to its pre-storm condition.

Faster Response

Since we are locally owned and operated, we are able to respond quicker with the right resources, which is extremely important. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces the restoration cost.

Resources to Handle Floods and Storms

When storms hit St. Mary's and Calvert counties, we can scale our resources to handle a large storm or flooding disaster. We can access equipment and personnel from a network of 1,650 Franchises across the country and elite Disaster Recovery Teams https://www.SERVPROstmarysandcalvert.com/storm-flooding-restoration  that are strategically located throughout the United States.

Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today 301-862-9500 

Restoring Your St. Mary's and Calvert counties Commercial Property After A Water Damage Event

12/8/2021 (Permalink)

Commercial Water Damage Events Present Unique Challenges

Flooding and water damage events at St. Mary's and Calvert county commercial properties are often complex with numerous issues that require a knowledgeable and flexible response. Whether we’re dealing with a relatively small water cleanup scenario or a large scale event, we work quickly to assess each unique situation and isolate the damaged area. In many instances, normal operations can continue in a temporary space while we restore your facility.

Restoring Commercial Properties Presents Unique Challenges

Our professionals are trained to be mindful of legal and environmental concerns and strive to fully restore the damaged area while working within your budgetary constraints. We understand that every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when an emergency situation arises in your business, give us a call and we’ll be there fast with the help you need.

About SERVPRO of St. Mary's and Calvert Counties

SERVPRO of St. Mary's and Calvert counties specializes in the cleanup and restoration of commercial and residential property after a water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

For Immediate Service in St. Mary's and Calvert Counties call SERVPRO

12/3/2021 (Permalink)

One of trucks on scene at a local residential property.

SERVPRO of St. Mary's and Calvert Counties provides 24-hour emergency service and is dedicated to being faster to any-sized disaster in St. Mary's and Calvert Counties. We can respond immediately to your emergency and have the expertise to handle your restoration or cleaning needs.

• 24-Hour Emergency Service
• Faster to Any-Sized Disaster
• Highly Trained Restoration Technicians
• A Trusted Leader in the Restoration Industry
• Locally Owned and Operated
• Advanced Restoration and Cleaning Equipment 

Have Questions? Call Us 24/7 – 301.862.9500 or 410.535.4733

Residential Services

Whether your home needs emergency flood damage or your upholstery cleaned, you can depend on us.  Our technicians have extensive cleaning and restoration training and can make your property look its best. Learn more about our residential services:

• Water Damage Restoration
• Fire Damage Restoration
• Mold Remediation
• Storm Damage Restoration
• Cleaning Services
• Building/Reconstruction Services

Commercial Services

There's never a convenient time for fire or Water damage to strike your commercial property. Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when the need arises for professional cleaning or emergency restoration services we have the training and expertise to respond promptly with highly trained technicians to get your property back to business. Learn more about our commercial services: https://www.SERVPROstmarysandcalvert.com/commercial-restoration-cleaning 

• Commercial Water Damage Restoration
• Commercial Fire Damage Restoration

Holiday Season Fire Prevention

11/18/2021 (Permalink)

Stove top fires are very common during the holiday season.

The Holidays are here and you know what that means? Large Family gatherings with lots of food! With all this cooking it should come to no surprise that there is a clear increase of fires. According to the National Fire protection Association from 2014 to 2018 fire departments nationwide responded to approximately 172,900 cooking related fires, that averages out to 470 fires per day. 

here are some tips to prevent cooking related fires,

• Never leave a cooktop unattended when in use.
• Use a timer to remind you when the food is done cooking. 
• Don't Cook if you are sleepy or intoxicated. 
•  Keep Flammables away from stove tops.
• If you leave the kitchen shut off the stove top.  

Here at SERVPRO of St. Mary's and Calvert Counties we hope you have a wonderful holiday season.  

Generator Safety

11/17/2021 (Permalink)

Generator Safety

After a large storm it is common to have power loss if your powerlines were effected. A way to combat this is to have an emergency or portable generator to give your home some temporary power. while using these generators here are some basic rules to follow. 

• Keep generators outdoors and away from any structure. Generators put off large amounts of carbon monoxide which can be fatal. 
• Turn generator off and allow for it to cool before refueling. Any fuel that spills to hot parts of the engine could cause a fire.  
• Don't run generator in the rain. Best to keep dry to prevent any issues that may occur from water entering your generator. 
• Keep extra fuel on hand. It is important to understand how fast your generator runs through fuel so you don't run out. 
• Don't plug into your home. Generators are not designed to power your house, this is known as back feeding. If you plug this into a wall outlet it creates a high risk for utility workers and can also cause an electric fire in your home. 

If you experience any storm damage give us a call so we can make it "Like It Never Even Happened".

Water Stains on your ceiling?

11/16/2021 (Permalink)

Water Staining on a ceiling in a residential home.

Have you ever glanced up and saw a stain on your ceiling and wonder what causes it?  The stain is normally caused by moisture or water that seeped into the ceiling and dried up causing the stain. This stain should cause you to figure out what the source of the moisture or water is that is seeping through and into your ceiling. 

There could be a few different causes of the staining such as follows. 

• Roofing Problem- Damages such as missing shingles or faulty flashing can cause leaking after a minor rain storm. 
• Leaking Pipes- Plumbing leaks from pipes that are overhead are on of the most common factors of these stains. having a plumber come out and fix the leak is a must. 
• Attic Condensation- A issue with a lot of attics is that there is a lack of ventilation it can cause high levels of moisture which in return cause condensation which drips onto your ceiling. 

If you are experiencing any of these problems it is highly recommend that you get it fixed right away so it does not lead to future and more costly problems. Give us a call today so we can make it "Like It Never Even Happened".

Do you have a Plan for when disaster strikes your business?

11/15/2021 (Permalink)

Our ERP App fully customized for you.

Do you have a plan for when disaster strikes? Who are you going to call? Do your employees know what to do? As many as 50% of businesses do not recover after experiencing a disaster and here at SERVPRO of St. Mary’s and Calvert Counties we have a solution for you, our Emergency Ready Profile.

The SERVPRO Emergency Ready Profile (ERP) is a plan of action for when disaster strikes your business or property.  The ERP provides you with an emergency list of contacts and critical information that will be needed when you have an emergency. We come to your facility and do a walk through of your property to identify the chain of command for authorizing work to be done, where your water and gas shut off valve locations are, priority areas are that need special attention, and where the best access is for our vehicles and our crews to use. The best part about all if this is that it is free, you won’t owe us anything.

Give us a call today so we can get your Emergency Ready Profile started!

Common Water Damages Homeowners Experience

11/11/2021 (Permalink)

We are here to help.

Here at SERVPRO of St.Mary's and Calvert Counties we see a lot of different water damages ranging from a small leak under the kitchen sink to a commercial water loss. Here are a few of the most common ones we see and some tips on how to avoid them. 

1. Washing machine hose burst. When was the last time you inspected your washing machine hose? Over time the rubber hose that connects to your washing machine eventually wears down and burst which leads to a water damage. A way to fix this is to upgrade your hose to a stainless steel reinforced hose. 
2. Leaky Roofs, your roof is exposed to the elements at all times and will eventually suffer some wear and tear. A great way to stay on top of this is to regularly inspect your roof especially after a storm for missing or damaged shingles. 
3. Refrigerator leaks, with refrigerators they also have a hose like washing machines, make sure those lines are unkinked and in good condition as well. 

If you experience a water damage give us a call, We are here to help. 

Commercial Duct Cleaning

10/21/2021 (Permalink)

In your place of work have you ever noticed the vents covered in dust? If you haven't, next time take a look. Those vents lead to your duct work which circulates the air within the building. It is highly important to make sure the ducts are clean. Here are a couple reasons why.

• Improved indoor air quality: When you have dirty ducts that are pumping dust, mold spores, and many other debris into the air that you breath. 
• Increase life and efficiency  of your HVAC: By having your ducts cleaned it keeps debris out of the components of the unit which can cause malfunctions within the HVAC system. 
• Reduced energy cost: When you remove debris build up from your ducts it allows your HVAC to work at a more efficient rate which in return allows for lower energy cost. 

Give us a call today to have a free estimate to have your duct and HVAC system cleaned! 

Commercial pressure cleaning

10/21/2021 (Permalink)

The newest addition to the fleet, our brand new power washing trailer.

Here at SERVPRO of St. Mary's and Calvert Counties we do commercial pressure washing. We have just recently purchased a trailer mounted power washer that holds 525 gallons with two wands to meet the demands for our commercial clients. We have brought on two techs who have extensive background within the pressure washing industry to ensure we provide the best possibly service to our clients. We have done jobs ranging from basic home to a 100,000 square foot facility. 

Some reasons why you should have your property power washed is that it increases your curb appeal, imagine walking into a building that looks brand new or walking into a building that looks dirty, first impressions are huge when it comes to customers. 

Improves the life of your building, it washes away harmful contaminants that can degrade your property over an extended period of time  

If you are interested in having your property or even residential home give us a call today!  

Winter Storm Preparation

10/18/2021 (Permalink)

As winter approaches we are thinking about those harsh winter storms that come with it. These storms bring a lot of risk and challenges to property owners. In this blog we will share with you a few tips on how to prevent and protect your property from these hazards that winter storms present. 

Outside your property 

• Inspect and clean your gutters. Remove any debris that you find. The debris can cause build ups which wont allow to the to drain, when this water freezes up it causes ice damming which will cause water to flow into your home from the ceiling or walls. 
• Remove tree branches that can fall onto your property which can case damage to your roof. 

Inside your property

• Have your heating system serviced by a licensed contractor. If you have an indoor fireplace make sure to have it cleaned to prevent smoke or fire damage. 
• Add extra insulation to your home especially in unfinished spaces, exterior walls, and pipes to prevent pipe burst.
• Know where your main water shut-off valve is located. If you are put in the situation of having a pipe burst it is crucial to know how to shut off the water to prevent further damages.
• Have a back-up power source to aid in the event of power loss. Back-up power such as a generator will be able to provide you with heat and also help prevent frozen pipes.  

If you experience damage to your property from a winter storm give us a call at 301-862-9500 so we can make it "Like It Never Even Happened".

The many Services that we offer.

10/5/2021 (Permalink)

We can handle it all.

When you hear about SERVPRO you think of Mold Mitigation and Remediation, Fire and Water Cleanup & Restoration, but did you know we offer many other services! These other services that we offer go hand in hand with our line of work.

After we provide mitigation services on your property we can also do the Rebuild and Construction of your property. We have an experienced construction crew that has seen it all and understands what needs to be done. They work with our mitigation crews to ensure the job is done right. 

We do Move outs and Contents Restoration, we will gather your belongings after your property has suffer a disaster take an inventory of them and bring them to our facility where we do specialized cleaning on them. 

We provide Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning for both commercial properties and residential homes. We put our technicians through extensive training provided by the IICRC (Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification). 

Biohazard and Crime Scene Cleaning ranges from unintended deaths to graffiti. We work with local first responders and have specialized training and equipment that we use for these jobs.

Duct Cleaning, General Cleaning, and Power Washing are a few more services that we offer. Our crews for Duct cleaning are certified through NADCA (National Air Duct Cleaners Association). General cleaning is a top to bottom cleaning of your home or property. Our power washing crew can handle everything from commercial properties to residential homes.

When disaster strikes give us a call here at SERVPRO to make it "Like It Never Even Happened".  

Outdoor Bon Fire Safety for Southern Maryland

10/4/2021 (Permalink)

Bon Fire Season

This time of year in St. Mary's and Calvert county we are starting to experience cool fall weather that many in our area love! These dropping temperatures are brining out an outdoor activity that is loved by most...Bon Fires! They are a great way to sit back, relax, and enjoy some time with family and friends. While bon fires are fun to be around they can also be extremely hazards and pose a threat to your home. Here are some tips to keep you and your home safe while enjoying a fire.  

First is to have the right location. Never have an fire with overhead structure such as roofing from your home or overhang from tree branches . Keep your fire pit at least 15-20 feet  from any structure. It is important to make sure you rake away any dead leaves and twigs from your fire pit. Also make sure your fire pit is lined with a barrier such as rocks. 

Second is to check the wind. You don't want to have a fire on a windy day due to the fact it can blow embers and sparks towards flammable material such as the woods (Dry leaves and sticks) or your home which can result unintentional fires. When you have a good wind advise your guest and family to sit upwind of the fire so they don't have smoke blowing on them.  

Third, make sure you have a way to extinguish the fire. It would be good to have a bucket of water or even a fire extinguisher nearby so if something happens you are prepared. Lastly, never leave the fire unattended and make sure somebody is there to keep an eye on it.

We here at SERVPRO of St. Mary's and Calvert hope these tips will be useful for you this fall season. If you have any questions about fire safety give your local fire department a call and they will be glad to help. 

Why dirt Crawl Spaces are bad for your home

9/21/2021 (Permalink)

Damp Crawl Space.

Having a dirt crawl space below your home is essentially exposed earth which can lead to many problems such as mold and air quality issues. The exposed earth is naturally damp and can also retain moisture from groundwater seeps, leaks, and block walls which damp air can travel through. As damp soil dries below the house the water vapor moves upward onto exposed wood, which then creates mold. Now you have moldy environment below your home.  The air in your crawlspace can travel through your home one of two ways. The first is called the stack effect. As warm air rises in your home it needs to be replaced. Air from the crawlspace is drawn upward throughout the next level of our home to replace that air. The other way is through your duct work. Ducts are held together by screws and they are crimped which do not provide an air tight seal. This allows for air from your crawlspace to enter and travel through the rest of your home.

We have solutions for these problems when they occur. The first task we tackle is to stop the groundwater leakage. We do this by creating a slight ditch in your crawlspace and installing a sump pump at the low point with a drainage ditch. We install a sump pump liner to keep mud and other debris away from the sump pump to prevent clogging. The next step is addressing the mold, we will have our team come in inspect the crawlspace and the identify the areas which are affected and determine which method of cleaning for mold necessary. This can range from treating the area with an EPA registered disinfectant, Soda blasting, and or hepa vacuuming. Now, we create conditioned area by sealing the vents and installing a thick plastic linear ranging from 10 to 20 mil to prevent minor rips and tears. On top of that we install a dehumidifier to create permanent controlled environment below your home. If you find these problems within your crawl space, give SERVPRO of St. Mary’s and Calvert Counties a call today to have us come out and inspect your crawl space and see what can do for you.

Are You Prepared For A Drought Here In Southern Maryland?

4/29/2021 (Permalink)

Drought!?

While here in Southern Maryland we do not often suffer from droughts, we do go long stretches without much rain and it is always important to be prepared as droughts can lead to an insufficient amount of water which many rely on to survive. 

It is important that you always are practicing conserving water in your daily lives even without a drought. Conserving an essential resource now will keep you ahead of the game if it ever becomes a necessity. 

If a drought ever comes our way, practice these tips that way you can conserve as much water as you can until the drought passes. 

• Avoid flushing the toilet, taking baths and letting the water run longer than needed
• Place a bucket in the shower to catch excess water to use on your plants
• Hand wash dishes in two containers and only run the dishwasher once it is completely full
• Store drinking water in the refrigerator

For more tips go to, https://www.mass.gov/info-details/drought-safety-tips. 

Top Performer: Contractor Connection

4/28/2021 (Permalink)

Top Performer Award

SERVPRO of St. Mary's County and SERVPRO of Calvert County earned Contractor Connection's Top Performer Award for the third year in a row! SERVPRO of St. Mary's County has been a member of the Crawford Contractor Connection network for over 15 years and we are honored to be receiving this award, yet again. 

The Top Performer Award is earned by providing top notch customer service, and program accuracy for one of our biggest clients! We could not have done this without our amazing team of associates as well as our outstanding clients. 

If you or someone you know is looking for services we provide, give us a call! We are always here for our community and would love to help in any way we can. 

Keeping Your Storm Drains Clear Of Debris

4/21/2021 (Permalink)

Storm Drains

As severe weather begins to come into our region it is wise to understand the importance of keeping your storm drains clear! Storm drains can become clogged with leaves, sticks and other debris that are washed towards them with excess rain and heavy winds. If your storm drains become clogged that could lead to the flooding of your streets, yard and even your basement if not taken care of. 

Here are some tips to help ensure that your storm drains will not become clogged.

• Keep a tight lid on your trash cans and recycling bins
• Pick up trash around your community
• Do not rack your leaves into the street
• Do not blow your grass clippings into the street

If you have stairs that lead down into your basement from the outside, it is VERY important that storm drain remain clear and unclogged ALWAYS. The drain is one of the most important to keep clear as that area will quickly fill up and eventually make way into your basement. 

If you or someone you know experiences water damage from a storm, do not hesitate to call. We are available 24 hours a day 7 days a week, including holidays. 

NOW HIRING

4/21/2021 (Permalink)

Join our team!

SERVPRO of St. Mary’s and Calvert currently looking for highly motivated, hardworking individual to fill two open production technician positions. 

Production technicians assist in all aspects of performing job specific tasks related to fire and water damage restoration, as well as various additional cleaning services.

Applications can be submitted through our website at www.SERVPROstmarysandcalvert.com or in person at 22690 Three Notch Road in Lexington Park. You can also send a complete resume directly to chad@SERVPROsomd.com

Is Your Name On The List?

4/12/2021 (Permalink)

Hurricane Season 2021

With hurricane season right around the corner, SERVPRO of St. Mary's and Calvert Counties wants to know if your name is on the list?!

FUN FACT: If you are named after the Greek alphabet then we can answer that question for you. No! Your name is not on the list. Say what?! Yep, this year the World Meteorological Organization has taken out all of the Greek alphabet names that typically are used once the hurricane season runs out of names. 

Hurricane seasons official start date is June 1st but with the consecutive years of early tropical cyclones the National Hurricane Center will start storm forecast May 15th. Here is the list of hurricane names for the 2021 season. 

1. Ana
2. Bill
3. Claudette
4. Danny
5. Elsa
6. Fred
7. Grace
8. Henri
9. Ida
10. Julian
11. Kate
12. Larry
13. Mindy
14. Nicholas
15. Odette
16. Peter
17. Rose
18. Sam
19. Teresa
20. Victor
21. Wanda

Did you find your name?! If not here is the list for if all those names get exhausted. 

1. Adria
2. Braylen
3. Caridad
4. Deshawn
5. Emery
6. Foster
7. Gemma
8. Heath
9. Isla
10. Jacobus
11. Kenzie
12. Lucio
13. Makayla
14. Nolan
15. Orlanda
16. Pax
17. Ronin
18. Sophie
19. Tayshaun
20. Viviana
21. Will 

Prepare For The Worst, Always Have A Plan

4/12/2021 (Permalink)

Have a plan!

Have you and your family members established a plan in the case of a fire? While we hope you never have to use your plan but it is always important to plan for the worst. 

SERVPRO of St. Mary's and Calvert Counties would like to help you establish an emergency plan for you and your family. 

Step 1: Have a family meeting and walk through all exits of your home including windows. 

Step 2: Choose an outside meeting place. one that is a safe distance from your house and easily to remember and access. 

Step 3: Make sure all members of the family know the household number and know how to call the fire department 

Step 4: if there are infants or older adults that need assistance assign one person to be responsible for them

Step 5: test your plan!

Once you have successfully exited your home make sure you do not return inside until you have been given the all clear from the fire department! Be sure to give us a call for all your clean-up and restoration needs. 

Red Flag Warning For Southern Maryland

4/8/2021 (Permalink)

Red Flag Warning

A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity and warm temperatures are all contributing factors in a red flag warning. A Red Flag Warning means the current or future weather conditions are favorable for critical fires. 

SERVPRO of St. Mary's County and Calvert County wants to educate you on what NOT to do during a Red Flag Warning here in Southern Maryland as temperatures continue to rise. 

During a Red Flag Warning you should avoid all outdoor burnings including bonfires, fireworks, smoking and more, especially near wildland. If you are grilling or other equipment be cautious of your area. 

Brush fires can spread quickly cause widespread damage and evicting thousands of animals from their homes. If you see a Red Flag Warning, do you part and avoid any potential factors that could increase the risk of a fire. 

Check out the link below to read an article on a local Brush Fire that happened this past March 2021. 

https://smnewsnet.com/archives/488242/update-department-of-natural-resources-investigating-large-fire-at-myrtle-point-park-no-injuries-reported/

Cleaning Your Gutters 101

4/8/2021 (Permalink)

Spring Cleaning

If you do you not ensure that your gutters are clear of debris and are able to properly direct that water away from your home then you increase your homes chance of water damage. The main function of the gutters around your home are to collect the water that is falling around your home and direct it to an outside area that is not near your home foundation. 

Clogged gutter can cause multiple issues within your home and property. Check out Allstate for more detail descriptions on these issues. It is recommended that you have your gutters cleaned by professional at least twice a year. It is possible to clean your gutters yourself but for your safety make sure you use protective eye wear, dust mask and a spotter, along with tools to remove the debris.

We LOVE To Sponsor

4/6/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO

Not only is sponsoring a great way to get our name out there but an awesome way to show our love and support for our community. 

SERVPRO of St. Mary's County and SERVPRO of Calvert County loves to find any way to connect with the community, as we are all personally apart of it. Currently we are sponsoring the Calvert County Little League as well as an Adult Mens Soft Ball Team! 

In addition to sponsoring sports event, we also love to donate to many different local events such as food drives and school fundraisers. 

Are you a part of something that you need sponsors for or know of any events that could use donations? Reach out! We are always looking for more and would love to participate. 

Did You Know Their Are Many Benefits To Dogs In A Workplace?

3/23/2021 (Permalink)

We want more pups!

March 23 is National Puppy Day so what better day to talk about why dog-friendly work places have been proven to be very beneficial for the work environment. 

Getting to see all your lovely coworkers faces shinning bright every morning is always something to look forward too but I think we can all agree a fluffy, sweet pup wagging its tail as you walk through the door is that much better. 

Now one may think it is just a preference to having dogs at a work place but it has actually been proven that having dogs there is very beneficial!

How?

• Improves mental health
• Drive recruitment
• Overall enjoyment of job
• More of a welcoming & healthy environment
• Improves productivity

So, no more saying goodbye to your dog at your front door every morning, grab their leash and bring them along! And not to worry, SERVPRO of St. Mary's and Calvert Counties will be happy to clean up any accidents or messes!

We Treat Your Valuables As If They Were Our Own

3/16/2021 (Permalink)

You Can Count On Us!

Letting strangers into your home can sometimes feel uncomfortable. SERVPRO of St. Mary's County and SERVPRO of Calvert County wants to ensure you that when we our in your home, you will be handled with the best care. 

How can we be certain? Starting from our intense hiring process that includes a full background check, we choose those we would trust in our own home. We stress the importance of handling all valuables with the upmost care. When valuables are spotted within the job, we take the time to first make sure they are properly wrapped and moved to an area where they will be out of our way and have minimal chance of being damage. 

Our technicians go into each job as if it were happening in their own home and always have the customers best interest in mind. When you call SERVPRO of St. Mary's and Calvert Counties you can be certain that your home will be in the best hands. 

Separated By Franchise, Together As One

3/11/2021 (Permalink)

Here to help!

While each SERVPRO is separated by different Franchise owners, when in need we work as one. This past February we sent our crews to assist with the cleanup and restoration in Texas. The historic arctic cold snap caused power outages across the southern plains. The freezing temperature caused pipes to burst in both residential and commercial properties. As members of SERVPROs National Storm Team we immediately mobilized crews and equipment.

SERVPRO prides itself in being the fastest to any disaster and no job is too big. While any disaster is devastating, having SERVPRO on your side makes all the difference. In the event of a large natural disaster, SERVPRO has the capabilities to keep everyone as their main priority. While we are separated by franchises, we always work as a team.

Kitchen Cooking Fire Facts

3/2/2021 (Permalink)

Prevent a kitchen fire!

It is important to keep your family safe while cooking them one of your delicious meals. 

Here are some fire statistics according to the National Fire Prevention Association:

• Cooking is the leading cause of home fires and fire injuries. 49% of home fires resulted in 21% of the fire deaths and 44% of the injuries.
• Clothing is the item first ignited in less than 1% of these fires, but clothing ignitions lead to 8% of the home cooking equipment fire deaths.
• Stovetops account for 61% of home cooking fire incidents.
• Leaving your cooking unattended is a factor in 31% of cooking fires and 53% of the associated deaths.
• Frying is the number one cooking fire problem.
• Thanksgiving is the number one day for home cooking fires, followed by Christmas Day, the day before Thanksgiving, Easter, and Christmas Eve.

To keep yourself and other safe while cooking SERVPRO of St. Mary's and Calvert Counties wants to remind you of these simple cooking safety tips:

• Never leave your cooking unattended 
• Always double check that you have turned everything off before exiting area including leaving the house and going to bed
• Keep anything that can catch fire away from the stovetop
• Use a timer to be reminded when you food is done

Fireplace & Wood Stove Safety

2/12/2021 (Permalink)

Heat your home safely!

During these chilly, snowy winter days it is important to keep your home heated well to help from the freezing of your pipes as we have mentioned before but it is also very important to keep your home safe from a fire while doing so. 

SERVPRO of St. Mary's County and SERVPRO of Calvert County would like to highlight a couple key points to keep in mind while you are lighting up your fireplace or wood stove to help protect your home from a fire damage. 

• Keep object and anything flammable at least 3 feet way from your fire place
• Never burn paper 
• Never leave the fire unattended
• Have a professional check and clean your fireplace once a year
• Ashes should be place in a metal tin with a lid and set outside at least 10 feet from your home
• Keep glass or metal in front of your fire to prevent embers or sparks from flying out

More tips for fireplace and wood stove safety can be found on the USFA page. 

Winter Weather Can Lead To Water Damage

1/6/2021 (Permalink)

Frozen Pipes!

Winter weather has the potential to lead to water damage! Wait what do you mean a type of weather can lead to water damage? Well no, not the weather itself but the factors that fall in between. 

Winter weather brings low temperatures. When water is mixed with low temperatures, the water freezes. When water freezes, it expands. That water could be within your pipes and a solid structure will be filled with more pressure than it can handle leading to the bursting of your pipes if they are not properly thawed. If your pipes burst, the water needs to go somewhere and unfortunately that place will be your home. 

Some simple factors to take into mind as the temperatures continue to drop are:

• Remove any excess water from water sources around your home such as hoses or sprinklers
• Add insulations to places such as your attics, basements and crawl spaces to help maintain higher temperatures within your home 

If water starts to trickle out of your faucets, your pipes are most likely frozen.

What to do:

• Open the cabinets or doors where your pipes are to allow heat to reach them
• Keep faucets open. The water will need to drain out once pipes are thawed
• Place some sort of heat around or near the pipes
• Check all faucets to determine what other pipes are frozen

As always, if you are not able to unthaw your pipes before it is too late... give SERVPRO of St. Mary's County and SERVPRO of Calvert County a call!

A New Year....

12/24/2020 (Permalink)

2021

2020... WOW. The year is coming to an end and I think everyone can agree that this year did not go as planned. We all knew that this year was going to be an historic one as we turned to a new decade but none of us could prepare for what the year has brought. As the days are winding down, people have started to look back on all that the new year has brought to our country and world. It is safe to say that more than most are ready for a new year. 

While this year did not go as planned, SERVPRO of St. Mary's County and SERVPRO of Calvert County would like to thank all of you for simply making it through this tough year. It has not been easy for most and we all have had to make many sacrifices. While it is hard to see more bad than good right now, we urge you to take the time to still reminisce on the positive features that came out of 2020. Such moments where you got to spend more time with your family, grew a greater bond with community members, supported a small business or thanked a health care worker / first responder. One thing that is for certain we all learned from 2020 is to not take things for granted and that time and people are precious.  

2021 is right around the corner but there is still time in 2020 so take these next couple days and cherish them! We have made history and lets all do are part in not letting 2020 slide into 2021.

Happy Holidays and a very HAPPY New Year. 

Things To Know About Your Local Snow Forecast

12/16/2020 (Permalink)

Snow!

There are typically two types of emotions people have when it comes to the thought of snow. You either love it or hate it. But when it comes to the idea of snow, people typically have the same questions. 

How many inches will we get?

Will it stick?

Will I be trapped inside?

Will I be able to drive?

All questions we hope that the meteorologist will be able to give us answers too. SERVPRO of St. Mary's County and SERVPRO of Calvert County would like to enlighten you about 6 things they learned from about Meteorologist when it comes snow forecasts from the weather channel while looking at the latest forecast. 

• They typically are not able to predict precise snow totals beyond a couple of days
• Model Snowfall graphics are not necessarily a forecast
• The first snowfall forecast you hear a few days out will likely change
• Snow can be highly variable over short distances
• Timing, temperatures and winds matter
• It is important to pay attention to light snow, too

For more information about these 6 features check out The Weather Channel. 

SERVPRO of St. Marys and Calvert Counties would also like to remind you that we have endless resources when it comes to Storm Damage. If our community gets hit with a natural disaster and your home or business is effect, give us a call! We will be sure to help you faster than the rest. 

Sump Pump Failure

12/11/2020 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO today

SERVPRO of St. Mary's County and SERVPRO of Calvert County handle many calls yearly that deal with water damage from a sump pump failure. Does not seem fair right because sump pumps are supposed to be your emergency appliance you use when you need to get rid of water quick. But, like all machinery and equipment there is always a chance of a malfunction.

Some reason you see sump pumps failing according to City WIDE Plumbing are:

• power failure
• stuck switch
• overwhelmed pump
• frozen or clogged discharge pipe
• lack of maintenance
• old age
• improper installation
• product defect

While there is time where sump pumps malfunction, sump pumps are typically what saves your basement from becoming a swimming pool. Regular maintenance on your sump pump will definitely lower your odds of it failing. In the case that it does, know that SERVPRO of St. Mary's County and SERVPRO of Calvert County will be there to make it "Like it never even happened."

Safe and Healthy Work Environment

12/10/2020 (Permalink)

Stay Safe and Healthy

With Flu Season coming quickly and COVID-19 making another hard hit to our community it is important to do our part in making sure that ourselves, families and people around us are staying healthy. SERVPRO of St. Mary's County and SERVPRO of Calvert County care deeply about our community and are here to help in any way we can. There are many precautions we can all take to slow the transmission of these diseases and it is important to pay close attention to them when at work or in other public settings. 

During the work day, it is possible that you come in to contact with many objects, surfaces and people that are caring various germs. It is vital that you avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth and that you are washing your hands often. Some examples when you should definitely be washing your hands are before you eat, after using the toilet, after sneezing, coughing or blowing your nose and after moving room to room. While washing your hands make sure you are using a combination of water and soap, scrubbing all areas for at least twenty seconds and using a towel to dry off. If possible it is always best to elbow the faucet shut. 

If someone in your office comes down with an illness, know that we have the proper PPE and disinfects to help sanitize and clean the area. Help stop the spread and give us a call for all your cleaning needs!

Preparing Your Home For The Winter

12/9/2020 (Permalink)

Winter is coming!

Winter is coming quick and it is important not only you are prepared but your home is too. The last thing you want to do during the mist fridig cold is have a to deal with house maintence, so do it now!

Some important tips while preparing your home SERVPRO of St. Mary's County and SERVPRO of Calvert County want to point out to you are:

• Clean out your gutters
• Re-caulk any doors or windows 
• Inspect your roof 
• Clean out your chimney 
• Make sure your insurance coverage is up to date 
• Wrap/Seal off windows 
• Reverse ceiling fans to push any heat on your ceiling down

There are many ways to ensure your home is prepared for the winter and completing the tasks in advance will allow more time to snuggle up on the couch with a warm blanket and hot cocoa. 

As always, in you come to a situation and need our assistance do not hesitate to call!

We LOVE To Give Back To Our Community

12/3/2020 (Permalink)

Helping Keep Our People Strong

SERVPRO of St. Mary's County and SERVPRO of Calvert County always loves an opportunity to give back to our community. Being that SERVPRO of St. Mary's and Calvert Counties is a locally owned and operated business we want nothing but the best for our people. 

Over this tough year, SERVPRO of St. Mary's and Calvert Counties has been looking very every opportunity to help support and keep our community strong. 

SERVPRO of St. Mary's and Calvert Counties has been able to donate a variety of services to our local first responders. The technicians spent weeks cleaning and disinfecting patrol cars, fire trucks and living quarters to help show our gratitude to our first responders. 

SERVPRO of St. Mary's and Calvert Counties was also able to give back to our local hospital by making a fine donation, yet again, to the Med-Star St. Mary's Hospital. 

Most recently, SERVPRO of St. Mary's and Calvert Counties donated boxes filled with canned foods, baby food, baby formula and diapers to the St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office annual "Stuff the Squad" food drive. 

While those are just a few of the events SERVPRO of St. Mary's and Calvert Counties has been to do over the year, they do a great job at highlighting SERVPROs love for their community. 

Dirty Air Ducts Leading To Fire

11/19/2020 (Permalink)

Check Your ~Air~ Ducts!

Dirty air ducts can be not only a health hazard but also a fire hazard. It is important to routinely get your air ducts professionally cleaned every 3-5 years.

Overtime, dust, dirt and lint will build up within your air ducts which can cause an ignition automatically leading to a fire. Cleaning your air ducts is comparable to cleaning the lent out of your dryer, except unlike the dryer you do not need to do it every use. 

Unfortunately, SERVPRO of St. Mary's and Calvert Counties in the past has received calls for fire damage clean up where the fire started from dirty vents in their bathroom. We want to help you prevent that from happening, so if you have not had you air ducts looked at in a while, give SERVPRO of St. Mary's and Calvert Counties a call! We can get you scheduled quickly and have the best technicians around to ensure that your home and family will be taken care of. 

301-862-9500

Is That Mildew Smell In Your Car Water Damage?

11/12/2020 (Permalink)

Water Damage Within Your Car

Have you ever got into your car and noticed an unwanted mildew or mold smell? Finding the water is not necessarily a hard task but locating where the water came from can be difficult at times. With laws of gravity in mind, water will always sit at the lowest point but can often travel in many unique ways to reach that point. 

Some important questions to ask yourself once you notice the water are:

• Was it raining?
• Did you just go through a car wash?
• Did you just use your heat, defroster or AC?

Some causes amongst your car that could be causing the leaks are:

• Door Membrane
• Door Seal
• Window Seal
• Sunroof 
• Cabin Air filter 

It is important to get the water out of there as quickly as possible. Sitting water can damage the interior of your car as well as cause mold. Mold can grow as quickly as within 24 hours. Once you have identified what is causing the water damage you need to fix that problem in order to avoid more water. Drying your car completely is very important and calling the professional may be wise!

Did you know we treat cars as well? Give us a call!

Tropical Storm Eta & Topical Storm Theta

11/12/2020 (Permalink)

Flood Watch!

Tropical Storm Eta made landfall in Florida (Southwest of Jacksonville) and continued to move North-Northeast at about 15 mph. As the storm continues to move, Southern Maryland and other Northern regions along Eta's path have been experiencing heavy rain and slight cold fronts. 

According to WeatherBug, two to five inches of rain will fall this afternoon before the storm pushes off the Southeast Atlantic Coast. Flash Flood watches have been issued all over St. Mary's County! Be careful driving the next couple of days as many roads have been covered with water. Remember to always turn around and never try driving through! Most flood death occur while in a vehicle. 

On the latest update record setting 29th storm of the 2020 Hurricane Season, Tropical Storm Theta is currently being located 455 miles of the Azores packing strong winds of 65 mph. According to WeatherBug, "Theta will turn eastwards within the next couple of days before turning northeastward and passing several hundred miles of Azores on Saturday and Sunday."

Does Your Company Have A Plan For COVID-19?

11/3/2020 (Permalink)

What Is Your Plan?

Emergencies cannot be predicted and the future is unknown. With COVID still present, has your company came up with a plan for the unforeseeabe future? Having a plan can help eliminate stress and help keep your company and employees on their feet.

SERVPRO of St. Mary's and SERVPRO of Calvert County would like to highlight some key elements you may want to consider and add into your plan. 

Keep your business running. When an emergency strikes, how will you keep the business flowing? In present times, the majority of companies have had to move virtual. Was your company prepared? Have you continued to make improvements for you employees? Are you taking notes to refer back to if needed? 

Communication... is key! It is nearly impossible to keep a business running if you are not having the proper communication with your employees and clients. Technology is growing daily; is your company updated with the latest? Zoom and other video calling programs have been vital during the past couple months. Has your company figured out what is working best to keep communication flowing?

Safety & Health. What will your company do differently once back in office? How will you ensure that your employees and customers will feel comfortable and safe once they return from home? Will it always be an option for your employees to work from home? Will you have cleaning professionals, such as SERVPRO, sanitizing and disinfecting regular?

How Do I Identify Water Damage Within My Home?

11/2/2020 (Permalink)

Idenitfy Water Damage Quickly!

Water damage can sometimes be easily spotted but other times it can be hiding behind structures and you can months without recognizing it. It is important to identify water damage quickly as mold can begin to grow in as little time as 24 hours. How do you identify water damage? Here are some signs:

Some early signs of water damage on the walls or ceilings are bubbling or peeling paints. More serious water leaks can cause the ceiling to bloat or bulge and eventually burst. In areas where the water damage is present the surface may feel damp. Another way to identify water damage is by a stain or possible mold growth. Identifying water damage on carpet may be tricky as the carpet can easily hide the water. If your carpet feels wet or spongy, there is water present. 

Identifying water damage quickly is the best way to reduce the amount of damage done to your home. That is why if you notice any of the signs above, give SERVPRO of St. Mary's and Calvert Counties a call!

Professional Cleaning Services for St. Mary's County Schools

10/21/2020 (Permalink)

Call us today!

St. Mary's County Public Schools Grades K-12 began the 2020 school year with virtual learning. Since then the county has been actively working on a plan to allow students to return to in-person learning. At the end of October and early November, St. Mary's County Public Schools will begin phase 1 which includes a strict hybrid teaching plan. 

(For more information click here)

However, while public schools have not yet returned in person other private schools, day cares and colleges were able to open their doors to their students. Those schools are following strict guidelines and protocols to ensure that the staff and students are safe. 

SERVPRO of St. Mary's County would like to remind you of the variety of professional cleaning services that will offer; such as proactive cleaning, disinfecting, sanitizing and fogging. We have been helping our residences and businesses stay safe and protected during COVID-19.

With some learning facilities being open and our public schools phasing into a hybrid setting we want to make sure that we are keeping our county sanitized and safe! Call us today for all your cleaning needs and add us into your plan.

301-862-9500 

Professional Cleaning Services for Calvert County Public Schools

10/21/2020 (Permalink)

Call us today!

Calvert County Public Schools Grades K-12 began the 2020 school year with virtual learning. Since then the county has been actively working on a plan to allow students to return to in-person learning. Starting the beginning of November, Calvert County Public Schools will begin phase 1 which includes a strict hybrid teaching plan. 

(For more information click here)

However, while public schools have not yet returned in person other private schools, day cares and colleges were able to open their doors to their students. Those schools are following strict guidelines and protocols to ensure that the staff and students are safe. 

SERVPRO of Calvert County would like to remind you of the variety of professional cleaning services that will offer; such as proactive cleaning, disinfecting, sanitizing and fogging. We have been helping our residences and businesses stay safe and protected during COVID-19.

With some learning facilities being open and our public schools phasing into a hybrid setting we want to make sure that we are keeping our county sanitized and safe! Call us today for all your cleaning needs and add us into your plan.

410-535-4733 

We Get There Faster Than The Rest

10/19/2020 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO!

SERVPRO being the number one premier cleaning and restoration company in Southern Maryland comes with great responsibility to our customers in their time of need. Even under the highest amount of pressure and stress you will never have doubt we will be there faster to your disaster. When mother nature strikes, it is our time to shine. What separates us from the other Cleaning and Restoration companies is we are never alone. SERVPRO is a Family and when disaster strikes, we have the resources to handle any disaster no matter the size or volume. We would like to thank SERVPRO of Rockville/Silver Spring North, SERVPRO of Gaithersburg/Germantown, SERVPRO of Frederick County, SERVPRO of Washington DC, SERVPRO of Bethesda/Potomac and SERVPRO of Loudon County who sent multiple crews to Southern Maryland when Tropical Storm Isaias struck. When YOU call SERVPRO you won’t ever be alone.

Flu Shot Vaccination in St. Mary's and Calvert Counties

10/8/2020 (Permalink)

Let's stay safe together!

Do you typically get the flu shot every year? If not every other year, have you looked into why it is more important to getting the flu shot this year than any other year? Well here is something to think about...

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, "getting a flu vaccine during 2020-2021 is more important than ever" because while the vaccination cannot protect against COVID-19, healthcare systems may be overwhelmed with the amount of flu and COVID cases that are predicted to be rising during this fall and winter.

Two key reasons for getting the flu vaccine that the CDC highlighted are that the flu vaccination has been proven to reduce the risk of the flu illness, hospitalization and death. The second reasoning being the flu vaccination will allot more time for healthcare workers and resources to focus on patients with COVID-19. 

Healthcare experts are uncertain what effects the two diseases (Influenza and COVID-19) combined may have on one. While getting the flu vaccination is not mandatory, it may be wise to take a deeper look into why you should get the flu vaccination this year. 

As always, it is important to continue to wash your hands regularly and wear you mask when in public places. Stay safe!!

Halloween Fire Safety For Your Leonardtown, MD Family

10/7/2020 (Permalink)

Happy Fall!

That time of the year again where you are able to bring out your spooky, creative and characteristic side. Have you decided what you are going to be for Halloween this year? 

Halloween is the stable for the year coming to an end and a start for many for the countdown of Thanksgiving and Christmas. The best part about Halloween is that it is a time for kids to show off their favorite character and adults to bring out their inner child. 

Unfortunantely, it seems that with every Holiday there is always a risk and here today we want to highlight some of the most common Halloween fire risk that the National Fire Protection Association has documented. We want to ensure that you and your families can be cautious and safe this Halloween season.

The tradition way to light up your Jack-0-Lanter is to put an open flame candle but to eliminate the fire hazard that comes along with that, it is wiser to put a battery-operated candle or a glow stick. 

Staying away from costumes that have long pieces are fabric will help keep from your costume accidentally landing in an open flame. 

Decorations such as dried flowers, hay or cornstalks catch fire easily. It is highly recommended to keep all open flames a good distance away from decorations. 

Lastly, always have a defined, clear exit route in case of an emergency and a fire extinguisher nearby.

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned – a defensive cleaning program

5/18/2020 (Permalink)

Our defensive cleaning program gives your business a way forward by providing your employees and customers ongoing safety and assuredness.

Let us help you get back to business

As our communities re-open, we’re all moving back toward a new kind of normal. The expectations of visitors, customers, and employees who come into our establishments have evolved, and staying safe and well is a top concern. The global COVID-19 pandemic has changed what it means to be clean, and we’ve developed a program to help your business meet the new higher standard of clean that is now expected.

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned is a defensive cleaning program we’re offering to businesses and commercial locations to address the current COVID-19 pandemic. This proactive viral pathogen cleaning program goes well beyond janitorial or carpet cleaning. By choosing Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, you, your employees, your customers, and your community can rest assured that you’ve selected a higher cleaning standard – you are Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned.

Extensive training and specialized products

As the #1 choice in cleanup and restoration*, we stand on more than 50 years of experience and expertise to help your business become Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned.  Beyond fire & water, SERVPRO professionals are trained and experienced in biohazard decontamination and chemical spills – always adhering to the cleaning and decontamination standards set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local authorities. 

From formulating and creating our proprietary cleaning products, like SERVPROXIDE, at our headquarters in Gallatin, TN, to taking the utmost care while disinfecting, we will ensure you and your business are set up to inspire consumer confidence as the economy continues to reopen.

3 C’s – Consult, Clean, and Certify

When the stakes are this high, you want a partner who has developed an industry leading, proprietary training program, cleaning solutions, and remediation processes over decades. We’ve cleaned up some of the most challenging biohazards imaginable. Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned reflects our unique experiences and capabilities. The program is grounded with our unique 3 C’s: Consult, Clean, and Certify.

• Consult – Every business is different, which is why you’ll be assigned a Cleaning Protocol Consultant who understands your business and will create a cleaning program to meet your specific needs. This program will be developed based on your business type, size of space, amount of high frequency touchpoints, foot traffic and congestion points.
• Clean – Based on your specific business needs, your location will undergo a thorough, deep clean, using exclusive cleaning products, according to protocols set forth by the CDC. Our employees have years of experience, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform. Cleanup procedures generally include cleaning of porous and non-porous surfaces, disinfecting of non-porous surfaces, cleaning and disinfecting of equipment, tools, and/or supplies used for cleanup process, and disposal of hazardous materials.  In the event of a suspected or confirmed COVID-19 event, we will be there cleaning within 24 hours to ensure you get back to business as quickly as possible. 
• Certify - Once your business location has been Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, you will gain access to proprietary signage, digital emblems, and other collateral that communicates that you’ve selected a higher standard of clean available to help protect your employees and customers. And because we add the day, month, and year to that proprietary stamp of clean, your guests will know that not only did you choose Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, but that your location is being cleaned regularly at this standard.

Call today for a Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned consultation

We’re Here to Help – 24 hours a day, seven days a week – until life is back to normal in the communities we all call home.

Call SERVPRO of St. Mary's and Calvert County today at 301-862-9500 or 410-535-4733 for your Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned consultation.

* #1 Choice in cleanup & restoration based Commercial Attitude & Usage Tracking study. Polling 816 commercial business decision makers on first choice for future needs related to cleanup & restoration work. Study conducted by C&R Research: October 2019

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned means professionally trained SERVPRO franchises perform the requested cleaning, sanitizing and disinfection services according to proprietary SERVPRO protocols and recognized industry and CDC standards with EPA approved cleaning products to deliver a SERVPRO certified cleaning experience.  Each SERVPRO franchise is independently owned and operated.

How To Conserve Water In Your Calvert County Home

4/30/2020 (Permalink)

Conserve Your Water

Conserving water can extremely useful for many things. Not only is water the second most important element we humans need, next to air but it is also very easily conserved. 

Need some cost effective, simple tips on lowering your water bill?

• Check your toilet for leaks
• Check your faucets and pipes for leaks
• Put a plastic bottle filled with rocks or sand safely in your water tanks
• Take shorter showers
• Turn off water when you are brushing your teeth
• Turn off water while you are shaving
• Only do laundry with a full load
• Only use your dishwasher when you have a full load
• Turn off the water while you are hand-washing your dishes
• Put a layer of mulch around your trees and plants
• Use a broom, instead of a hose, to wash your driveway/steps
• Capture rainwater

These simple steps will not only help YOU save money but will be beneficial to our environment. Consider these steps and take action today!

Protect Your Commercial Property From Flood Damage

4/29/2020 (Permalink)

Flood Warning

According to FEMA, "flooding most common natural disaster in the United States and can happen anywhere." 

A flood is when an area of land that is usually dry fills with water covering a couple inches or covering an entire building. Flooding can happen when a lake or river cannot contain the amount of water that has been put into it from excessive rain, snowmelt, waterways are blocked and various other factors. 

Floods have the ability to have serious impacts that automatically depends on the speed and level, duration, terrain and soil conditions and the property environment. Meaning flood can have a great effect on your property and it is important that if you are in a flood watch or flood warning that you take the necessary precautions.

Some precautions you may want to take are:

• elevating critical utilities 
• make sure your sump pump is functioning properly 
• install a battery back-up on your sump pump
• clear debris from your gutters and downspouts
• move valuable items to a safe place

Small Craft Advisory In St. Mary's and Calvert Counties

4/28/2020 (Permalink)

Small Craft Advisory

When checking the weather via the news or internet often times there are alerts that run through a banner on the bottom of the screen with different advisories, watches or warning or show as alerts at the top the internet screen. Often times during the spring season you see an alert for a Small Craft Advisory and here in St. Mary's and Calvert Counties we are luckily enough to have our communities surrounded by water and the education behind this advisory is important. 

According to the National Weather Service, a Small Craft Advisory is, "Sustained wind speeds or frequent gusts* of 20 to 33 knots (regionally defined**) and/or seas or waves 4 feet and greater and/or waves or seas are potentially hazardous due to wave period, steepness, or swell direction and/or waves in or near bars are hazardous to mariners due to the interaction of swell, tidal or river currents in relatively shallow water."

When a Small Craft Advisory is issued, it would be wise to avoid the water without the proper training and equipment. The Coast Guard recommends that boaters take precautions and to be prepared for whatever is thrown at them. The ocean, along with other bodies of water can be very unpredictable. Hazards can arise with little to no warning. 

Worried A Freeze Warning Might Ruin Your Plants?

4/22/2020 (Permalink)

National Weather Service Freeze Warning

Freeze Warnings are to alert you when there is expected to be significant and widespread freezing temperatures. According to the National Weather Service a Freeze Warning is issued in the spring at the start of growing (when it is late enough to cause damage to new plants and crops).

Have you recently planted new crops and/or plants and are worried that the upcoming Freeze Warning is going to damage them? 

Check out this tips that could help protect your plants and crops from the frost:

• water the soil around them thoroughly the night before as wet soil holds heat better than dry soil
• lay a bed sheet, blankets, cloths or tarp over the plants but use material to keep them from coming into contact with the crop or plant
• Mulch can be used as a protective layer on the short plants but must be removed once danger has passed
• 100-watt outdoor lamp can be used to protect a small tree

Huntington Home Humidity Solutions

4/21/2020 (Permalink)

Avoid Humidity!

Humidity can be very uncomfortable, leaving everything feeling damp and moist and when it comes to your home humidity is one of the last thing people want to feel when they walk in. Humidity can create many problems within your home, one being mold. 

According to Energy Star, the ideal humidity that you want to have present within your home is 30-50 percent. If you are able to keep your home in between those percentages you may see a variety of positive effects on your home, such as, improve personal comfort, prevent moisture damage on home's wood, paint, and siding, increase indoor air quality and more.

According to State Farm, here are some ways that you can help reduce and control the humidity levels within your home.

• Set the fan to automatic
• Invest in a unit with a variable-speed air handler.
• Consider installing a whole-house dehumidifier.
• Install vent fans in kitchens and bathrooms.
• Run a dehumidifier.
• Select houseplants that absorb moisture from the air, such as Boston ferns.

For more ways on how to control and/or remove excess humidity within your home check out https://www.statefarm.com/simple-insights/residence/conquer-home-humidity-problems-with-these-tips. 

Flash Floods In Prince Frederick, MD

4/13/2020 (Permalink)

Turn around, Don't drown

Did you know that flash floods are the #1 weather related killer in the United States? According to the National Weather Service, there are two key factors that relate to a flood. The first one being the rate of rainfall (intensity) and the second being how long the rainfall last (duration). 

Flashfloods can occur within minutes or hours of rainfall and can cause the rolling of boulders, trees, destroy buildings, take out bridges and sweep up cars. It is important to know your areas floods risks and avoid those areas when there is heavy rainfall. 

Never try and drive or walk through a heavy stream of water. It only takes as little as six inches of water to sweep you off your feet and two feet of water to uplift your car. If you see flood waters, turn around do not try and cross!

Listed below are the multiple different types of floods:

• River Floods: along rivers caused seasonally in winter and spring from rain and melting snow
• Coastal Floods: Tropical storms, hurricanes or intense offshore low pressure system driving ocean water inland.
• Urban Floods: land converted from woods or fields to parking lots and roads losing its ability to absorb rain water. Can lead to roads and streets becoming swift rivers and basements filling with deep waters. 
• Flash Floods in Arroyos/Washes: Water carved gully or a normally dry creek-bed that can quickly become filled with fast moving water
• Ice Jam: Floating ice that stops the flow of water

Grilling Season In Charolette Hall, MD

4/13/2020 (Permalink)

Grill Safely

As the weather is getting warmer, people have started to uncover their outdoor grills and putting them back into use. As the usage of outdoor grills increase, so does the increase of accidentally grill fires. According to National Fire Protection Association, Gas grills were involved in an average of 8,700 home fires per year, including 3,600 structure fires and 5,100 outdoor fires annually. Leaks or breaks were primarily a problem with gas grills. Eleven percent of gas grill structure fires and 23% of outside gas grill fires were caused by leaks or breaks.

While using your grill on these warmer days and as we head into summer use these safety tips provide by Nationwide on how to keep you safe as you whip up your delicious meal. 

1. Grill outside and away from any structures

2. Make sure you grill is level and stable 

3. Clean your grill before and after use

4. Check for leaks in your propane tank

5. If the flame goes out, turn your grill off and gas off and wait a couple minutes before re-lighting

6. Never leave the grill unattended and keep children and pets away

7. Be precautionary with charcoal started fluid

8. Be properly dressed

9. Always have a fire extinguisher nearby if things go south

How To Properly Water Your Dunkirk, MD Garden

4/9/2020 (Permalink)

DON'T water too little but DON'T water too much

Do you ever feel like you either are watering your garden too much or not enough?

According to HGTV, "Water for too long, and you engrave an open invitation for fungus. Water too little, and roots become shallow. Water in the evening, and insects come out to feast. Water from too high, and half the moisture is lost to evaporation."

Not so simple, huh? Well you are not the only one but the good thing is it only takes a little education and a small amount of practice before your become good! Check out a few of my favorite tips from HGTV and follow the link to check out all of their Do's and Don'ts on "The Proper Way To Water Your Garden."

DO's:

• Water early in the morning when sunlight is weakest, the ground is coolest and foliage will have hours to dry before nightfall.
• Water deeply and at fewer intervals so that you reach roots, the part of the plant that needs the nutrients, sugars and hormones contained in water.
• Direct water at the base of a plant and avoid wetting foliage, which invites fungus.
• Give trees and shrubs—especially newly-planted ones—direct watering every 7 to 10 days.

SAFETY Burning Candles In Mechanicsville, MD

4/9/2020 (Permalink)

Candle Safety!

Candles can really make or break your home. They put out amazing smells that capature an entire room, they add as decoration to empty areas in your home, they have the power to make a room feel istantly cozy and they add just that little bit of light needed but if the proper safety measures are not taken, they can tear down your home in minutes. 

According to "U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission suggests that 85 percent of candle fires could be avoided if consumers followed three basic safety rules:

• Never leave a burning candle unattended.
• Never burn a candle on or near anything that might catch fire.
• Keep candles out of the reach of children and pets."

Let's talk about a couple safety burning measure to be taken:

• Never leave a candle unattended
• Never burn the candle around anything that can catch on fire
• Keep candles at a safe distance, away from children or pets
• Never leave a candle on while you are sleeping 

Using Cloth Face Masks During Covid-19

4/7/2020 (Permalink)

#HERETOHELP #InThisTogether

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention it is important to wear a cloth face masks during these unpreceded times while you are in public. Wearing a cloth face mask in public will help slow the spread of the virus especially in areas where there is a significant amount of community transmission. 

SERVPRO of St. Mary's and Calvert Counties being a locally owned and operated business, they have a strong relationship with the community and care greatly about their people's safety and health. To show their support during the difficult and scary time, SERVPRO of St. Mary's and Calvert Counties has started collecting a variety of fabric and elastic to use to create mask that will be donated back out to the community. 

It is important to note that although these masks can help prevent the spread, they are not a cure and should be washed regularly! Throwing them in the washer machine with normal detergent will properly wash them. It is also important to avoid touching your face while putting on the mask as well as taking it off and to wash your hands immediately after. 

SERVPRO of St. Mary's and Calvert Counties is making a variety of sizes. The main ones being Adult Medium (6x11) and Adult Large (7x12), with also a smaller portion of Adult Small (5x10) and kid's ones. There are multiple different patterns that will hopefully bring some color and smiles to someone's day! 

We are all in this together and together we can do anything! SERVPRO of St. Mary's and Calvert Counties hopes everything is safe and healthy during this difficult time.

Keeping You and Your Work Community Safe

3/23/2020 (Permalink)

Stay Safe & Healthy

During this unprecedented time, it is important that we are keeping our workspace safe! 

Here are a couple things as a business we are during and encourage you to do the same.

Practice good hygiene:

• Stop shaking hands
• Wash hands frequently and use hand sanitizer 
• Avoid touching your face including nose, eyes & mouth
• Cover your coughs and sneezes 
• Disinfect highly touched areas like doorknobs, tables, desks, handrails and keyboards/tablets regularly 
• Open windows or adjust air conditioning to increase ventilation 

Hold virtual meetings / avoid traveling

• Use videoconferencing 
• If not possible, hold meetings in open, well ventilated areas 
• Postpone large meetings or travels

Stay home if you are...

• Able to work virtual 
• Feeling sick
• Have a household member who is feeling sick

The safety and health of our employees and those around us are very important to us. We went to make sure everyone is staying safe during this uncertainty time and we hope you can follow the same!

We Are Cleaning Experts

3/17/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO, always HERE TO HELP

SERVPRO is Here to Help during this time of need

During this unprecedented time caused by the global pandemic of coronavirus, this is a reminder to our customers that we are specialists 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 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 mentioned in the CDC’s guidance for commercial spaces include:

• Kitchen/Food Areas
• Bathrooms
• Schools/Classrooms
• Offices
• Retail Spaces
• Water Fountains
• Shelving/Racks
• Sales Counters
• Carpets and 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 coronavirus. 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 coronavirus, 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 St. Mary's and Calvert Counties, 301-862-9500 or 410-535-4733]

20% of Carpet Cleaning & Lock Yourself In For One In the Fall For The SAME Price

3/12/2020 (Permalink)

20% of Carpet Cleaning AND lock yourself in for a Carpet Cleaning in the Fall for the SAME price if scheduled before Christmas!

Spring is just around the corner! Flowers are starting bloom and we are already feeling the warmer temperatures.

Have you started to think about when you are going to get started on your Spring cleaning!? Well let SERVPRO of St. Mary's and Calvert Counties get you started!

SERVPRO of St. Mary's and Calvert Counties is offering a special that you will NOT want to pass up on. 

20% off Carpet Cleaning AND if you schedule one with us before May 1st, you can also lock yourself in for another Carpet Cleaning in the Fall for the SAME price as long as you schedule it before Christmas. 

Give us a call and schedule your cleanings today at 301-862-9500 or 410-535-4733! 

Why Should You Sleep With Your Bedroom Doors Shut In Prince Frederick?

3/3/2020 (Permalink)

Close Your Doors!

As a kid, did you prefer your bedroom door shut or closed when you were sleeping? As you got older, did those habits change. And now maybe as a parent, do you shut your kids door or shut yours? 

While I am sure there are some pros and cons of sleeping with your bedroom door shut, today I would like to highlight a key reasons why you should sleep with your bedroom door shut, that being in case of a fire.

According to, UL's Firefighters Safety Research Institution (FSRI), only 29% of people close their door while they are sleeping. Having a closed door can be the difference between 1000 degree temperatures and 100. A door closed is critical to ones survival when it comes to a fire. Most people see that there is smoke and they want to get the smoke out so they open a door or a window but really what they are doing is feeding the fire. Fires need oxygen to survive, the second you open the door or window you may be letting the smoke out but you are letting the air in, giving the fire exactly what it needs to grow larger and move faster. A closed door can give you those extra seconds you need to get yourself out of the house. 

The FSRI has continued to promote the Close Your Door public fire safety campaign which give real life examples of how closing your doors can make all the difference when it comes to a fire. For more information check out their site, https://closeyourdoor.org/. 

Have You Cleaned Your Dunkirk Home's Exhaust Fans?

2/13/2020 (Permalink)

Exhaust Fan Fire

When you are doing your daily, weekly, monthly or even seasonal cleaning, does cleaning your bathroom exhaust fans ever cross your mind?

If it has been over 6 months or you never have clean your exhaust fans at all, you should get to it right away. Exhaust fans present great fire hazards. An exhaust fan is used to eliminate steam from the bathroom that cause fogged mirrors, windows and damp walls as well as remove odors. You can imagine what is passing through those fans and over time the lint that is building up. Build-up of lint can cause the fan to become over-heated igniting the lint, plastic fan blades and the combustible wood structure. 

Some newer exhaust fans have a sensor that will automatically turn off the fan if it starts to over-heat but with that being said you should not always rely on it. It is important that you clean and maintain your exhaust fans twice a year. If you can see lint building up on the outside of the fan, it is time for a deep cleaning! If you start to notice a bad smell or hear a notice, it may be time to replace the fan. 

Don't let the small things go unnoticed!

Prevent Your Pipes From Freezing!

1/7/2020 (Permalink)

Frozen disaster

You won't think it will happen to you, until you go to wash your hands and the water does not come out. With temperatures dropping in the next couple of days it is important to take the necessary precautions to prevent your pipes from freezing and potentially bursting. 

So what do you do?!

• Open cabinets in your kitchen and bathrooms where the pipes are to allow heat to reach your pipes.
• Let water drip from your faucets. The constant flow of water, even if it is at a drip, will keep the water from becoming stagnate and freezing 
• Keep your thermostat at a steady temperature. You want there to be a constant flow of warm heat circulating throughout your home.
• Look into adding insulation in your attic, basement or crawl spaces and seal off any draft areas such as windows or doors. 

While some of these task may cost you a couple extra dollars at the end of the month, you will feel much better about paying that bill than paying the bill when your pipes burst and flood your home.  

What if you come home and you notice that your pipes have frozen? There is still time to save them!

• Make sure all cabinet doors in kitchen and bathroom.
• Turn on the faucets to allow the flow of water once the water begins to melt.
• Use a space heater warm up the pipes or wrap a heating pad around the pipe to get the water thawed out.
• Apply heat until the full pressure of the water is restored. 

The New Decade: 2020

12/27/2019 (Permalink)

This New Year is your year! This decade is your decade!

The New Year is right around the corner and this year we turn over a new decade. As the days are winding down, people have started to reminisce on all that the new year has brought to them. Most are all the amazing things that have happen and some are the things we wish we could change. Although we all know leaving things in the past is easier to say than do... it is time to leave the bad things in the past and look for the future!

Have you started thinking about what you want to accomplish, create or resolute in the New Year? Let's do it together!

• Become an expert! We all have thing we are good at and things that we could be better at. Write them down, pick one or a couple and use the year to become an expert at them.
• Highlight your traits. Do you have a trait about yourself that you feel sometimes you don't apply it to yourself well enough? Focus on it, learn ways in which you can make that trait stand out among the others.  
• Get rid of the old! Don't bring the negative aspects in your life with you into the new year. Trade a bad habit with a good one and a negative person with a positive one. 
• Small accomplishments matter. Some days will be harder than other but don't doubt yourself. Success takes time and failure means you are trying. Be patient and understanding. 
• Make a goal each day! They can be a small as making your bed in the morning or washing your hair. Little goals can be both mind and life changing. 
• Try something you said you would never try. Step out of your comfort zone. Fear is often what stops people, don't let it stop you. Use that fear as motivation and energy to do it!
• Be grateful. The journey is long, tiring and rewarding. Let the people who were brave enough to take the journey with you know how much they mean to you and how much you appreciate their presences. 

The good life is at your finger tips. Whether you grab on and hold tight or let it slip away is on you. Go into this New Year looking for the best and that is what you will get. 

Have You Thought About Winterizing Your Business?

12/12/2019 (Permalink)

Is Your Business Prepared For December 21st?

Winter is coming quick and we want to make sure you are prepared! These simple procedures will help keep your business both safe and warm this winter season. 

• Install weather stripping, insulation, and storm windows to keep needed heat in.
• Clean out gutters and inspect your roof to ensure that there are no needed repairs.
• Remove any broken tree limbs that could fall due to weather such as wind, rain, ice and snow. 
• Have your heating system serviced to ensure it is working properly.
• Test your smoke detectors
• Identify any potential flood hazards and ensure the proper flow of drainage systems. 
• Install mats and/or carpets in areas where water could be present. As well as check handrails and steps to avoid slipping hazards. 

December 21st is coming up quick! Implement those steps above and give us a call to get your business set up with a Emergency Ready Profile. 

Winter Is Coming!!

12/12/2019 (Permalink)

Is Your Home Prepared?

Two days ago Southern Maryland saw its first glimpse of snow! December 21st is coming faster than we know it. You already are worried about how we can possibly see it through another cold winter, you don't want the extra task of getting your home fixed if a tragedy were to arise. Protecting your home this winter is a must! 

PIPES:

• When water freezes, it expands. Therefore, if you have water in your pipes that freeze, your pipes could crack and burst. A burst pipe can cause massive destruction within your home. 
  • To Avoid:
    • Drain water from outdoor faucets and sprinkler systems.
    • Protect water pipes that run through unheated areas of your home with insulation.
    • Know where your water shut off valve is
    • If you notice your water stops running, open cabinet doors where pipes are located to allow the flow of heat to reach the pipes to hopefully unfreeze the water before the pipes burst or crack.

ICE DAMS

• Ice dams form when melted snow flows to your roof's edge and refreezes. Which then creates a later problem when other snow melts and does not have an area to properly drain. 
  
  • To Avoid:
    • Make sure gutters are clear of any dirt or debris that could potentially cause a clog
    • Make sure all possible leaks or cracks are sealed

FIREPLACE

• Fireplaces are not only decorative for your home but are also a large part in keeping your home warm and cozy. 
  • Before Use:
    • Clean out soot and other debris
    • Close flue when fireplace is not in use to keep cold air from coming in

Snowy Driving In St. Mary's and Calvert Counties

12/10/2019 (Permalink)

A smart driver is a good driver!

Driving period can be dangerous and frightening to many and factoring in bad weather only makes it worse. According to research that was done by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, more than 2,000 road deaths every winter are factored in by winter storms, bad weather and sloppy road conditions. 

It is important every day when you are driving that you drive with caution and awareness especially when there is snow on the ground. We want everyone to get home to their families at the end of the day. Follow our snowy driving safety tips will help make that possible. 

• If you are not comfortable driving in the snow, STAY HOME! 
• Drive slowly and with caution. Accelerate and decelerate appropriately. There is no need to hurry
• Increase your following distance. Remember it takes longer to stop on ice or snow.
• Keep contact with your brake. Have your heel on the floor and ball of foot on the petal. 
• Try to always be moving. Unless you have to stop try to maintain a low speed as it is harder to regain traction at a complete stop. 
• Don't apply extra power as that will only cause your tires to spin
• Let go of gas when you are traveling downhill. Too much speed will make it harder to stop and easier to spin out.
• Don't stop going up a hill, you will get stuck. 

A smart driver is a good driver. Be safe while driving and remember that your not only in the hands of your life on the road, but the others around you. 

15% Off Duct, Carpet and/or Upholstery Cleaning

12/3/2019 (Permalink)

Holiday Special: 15% Off Duct, Carpet and/or Upholstry Cleaning! Schedule your appointment before Christmas and mention this ad to receive offer.

Can you believe that we have entered the countdown stage for the holidays!?

It seems like just yesterday we were packing our bags for a weekend trip to the beach and now we are packing our bags for a long day at the office. The never-ending list of things that need to get done before the holidays come rolling through seem to only be getting longer. And with our daylight coming to an end by five, it seems that our days are only getting shorter. 

Here at SERVPRO of St. Mary's and Calvert Counties we would like to spread our Holiday cheer and tackle some of the items on your list for a great deal. We are offering a limited time holiday special of 15% off any duct, carpet and/or upholstery cleaning if you schedule an appointment before Christmas and mention this ad!

We know cleaning is the last thing one wants to worry about with the other long list of items that need to be completed during such a busy time. But also understand that it is a vital part of the list. Allowing us to take care of some of your household cleaning will allot that extra time you need for different tasks while making sure your ducts, carpet and upholsteries are well taken care of. We will make sure that you are nothing but satisfied during this holiday season. 

Give Thanks & Use Our Turkey Safety Tips

11/25/2019 (Permalink)

How do you cook your turkey?

Did you know that according to the National Fire Protection Association, fire departments responded to about 1,570 home cooking fires on Thanksgiving in 2016, the peak day for such fires? And that the number 1 reason was because of unattended cooking. 

It seems so simple to not let should disaster happen but as simple as it is to think that way, is as simple it is for those flames to sparks. You may believe that this will never happen to you, but here at SERVPRO of St. Mary's and Calvert Counties we want to help ensure that your holiday doesn't turn into flames. 

Planning on frying your turkey?

• Don't use fryer inside! Keep fryers off decks, out of garages and a safe distance away from trees and other structures.
• Make sure the turkey is thawed and dry before cooking. Extra ice or water mixing into the hot oil can cause the oil to overflow leading to flare-ups.
• Place the fryer on a level surface, and do not move it once it's in use.
• Keep a safe distance between the tank and the burner (when using a propane-powered fryer).
• Choose a smaller turkey for frying. A bird that's 8 to 10 pounds is best.
• Never leave fryers unattended.
• Watch the oil temperature carefully. If you notice the oil is smoking, turn the fryer off.
• Turn off the burner before lowering the turkey into the oil. Once the turkey is submerged, turn the burner on.
• Wear protective eye-wear, use oven mitts and keep a fire extinguisher close by. 
• Keep children and pets away from the fryer at all times.
• Once finished, carefully remove the pot from the burner, place it on a level surface and cover to let the oil cool overnight before disposing.

Baking?

• Make sure bird is completely thawed and dried
• Ensure the appropriate time for cooking the turkey. Use a meat thermometer to check if the bird is cooked.
• Clean the oven and areas around
• Use pot mittens 

Thanksgiving is a time for family and holiday traditions! Don't let a simple mistake turn into huge disaster. 

SERVPRO of St. Mary's and Calvert Counties would like to wish you a very Happy Thanksgiving!

Need Ways To Lock In The Heat In Your Home Without Having Your Energy Bill Skyrocket?

11/13/2019 (Permalink)

Are you trying to save money?

As the weather is getting colder on the outside, so is it on the inside. The days of opening a window to let the fresh air in are over and the days of wrapping yourself up in a cozy blanket on the couch are in. One day soon a blanket, jacket, scarf, hat, socks and whatever else you can find laying around the house to keep you warm will not be enough and you will have to turn the heat on higher. 

Are you looking to save heat and fuel this winter and in turn save money!? Below of tips on how you can do just that.

• Take advantage of the heat from the sun. Open curtains during the day to allow the natural sunlight to heat your home and close them at night to trap the heat in
• Cover your windows with a clear plastic sheet on a frame or tape clear plastic film to the inside of your windows. Tight fitted drapes or curtains installed on your windows is a good option too.
• When you are home and awake set your thermostat to as low as comfortable. When you are asleep turn down your heat 10 to 15 degrees to save energy overnight. 
• Seal any air leaks around utility cut-through for pipes, gaps around chimneys and/or unfinished spaces. Use caulk or weatherstripping for leaks around doors or windows 
• If you have a fireplace:
  • Keep damper closed unless a fire is burning 
  • If you don't use the fireplace, plug and seal the chimney flue 

5 Factors That Can Affect The Cost Of Water Damage Repairs

11/13/2019 (Permalink)

Mold Damage

Here at SERVPRO of St. Mary's and Calvert Counties, one of our goals is salvage as much as we can to minimize your losses. Although, there are a number of factors that your cost will depend on.

How Quickly You Contact Us:

Time is of the essence when it comes to water damage. The longer the water sits in your home, the higher your cost can get. 

Mold: 

Untreated moisture can lead to mold growth. In the event of mold present our water removal experts are trained to make repairs that will save you the most money.

Roof Repairs:

If the cause of water came from your roof, the repair of the roof will be an extra cost. The repair can be as simple as fixing a few shingles, finishing around the chimney or skylight. 

Basement Flooding:

Depending on the amount of water needed to be pumped out of the basement would vary the prices. As well as the damages found after water was removed. 

Plumbing Problems:

How serve the damage is to the busted pipe or the reason to why the pipe is leaking. Having regular plumbing expectations can go a long way for your home. 

November 11th - 101st Veterans Day - 2019

11/12/2019 (Permalink)

"We don't know them all, but we owe them all"

There is no doubt that we are forever indebted to the service and sacrifice paid by both past and present veterans. The courage and bravery those men and women show every day is one of a true hero.

Yesterday was the 101st Veterans Day and SERVPRO of St. Mary's and Calvert County would like to provide you with interesting facts about Veterans Day.

• Why November 11?: To honor the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month of 1918, the date and time that signaled the end of World War I. 
• Name Change: In 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower changed the holiday's name from Armistice Day to Veterans Day.
• Veterans of Vietnam: Approximately 35% of the veterans living today served in the Vietnam War.
• A Change Nobody Wanted: In 1968, the Uniform Holidays Bill was passed by Congress, which moved the celebration of Veterans Day to the fourth Monday in October. That did not last long as the law went into effect in 1971 and in 1975, President Gerald Ford returned Veterans Day to November 11th.
• Two Different Holidays: People often confuse Memorial Day with Veterans Day. The difference is that Memorial Day honors those who died while serving in the military and Veterans Day honors all those who have served in the U.S. military, alive and deceased. 
• A Nation of Veterans: 18.2 million living veterans served during at least one war as of 2018.
• The Greatest Generation: Of the 16 million Americans who served during World War II, about 496,777 were still alive in 2018.
• East Coast: Connecticut was home to the highest percentage of WWII veterans as of 2018 at 7.1 percent. 
• Highest Percentage of Veterans: As of 2017, the top three states were Alaska, Maine, and Montana 
• Leonardtown: Our own St. Mary's County holds one of the largest Veterans Day Parades in Maryland.

Remember to thank a Veteran not only on Veterans Day, but every day. SERVPRO of St. Mary's and Calvert Counties thank our Veterans with respect, honor and gratitude. 

Don't Let The Flu Swipe Through Your Southern Maryland Commercial Building!

11/12/2019 (Permalink)

Have you gotten your flu shot this season?!

As the colder weather moves in, so does the flu. Keeping the flu far away from our office is extremely important as we are sure it is the same for you! When one employee get sick the chances of it spreading to other colleagues is high which in return leads to more sick days and lose of production. Which is why we want to ask you, have you thought about getting the flu shot?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the best way to prevent yourself from getting the flu this season is to get vaccinated. You can get yourself vaccinated at any local health clinic, select pharmacy's and health fairs. Some places even give the flu shot for free!

You may wonder why people should be getting the flu shot?

Influenza is the "flu's" official name and is a disease that can lead to hospitalization or even death. Millions of people get the flu each year with hundreds of thousands hospitalized and thousands to tens of thousands of deaths due to flu related illnesses. The flu shot will reduce the risk of flu illnesses, hospitalization and/or flu related death in children.

Why does one need the flu shot every year?

That reason everyone should get an annual flu shot is because a person's immune protection declines over time. Another reason is because the flu virus is constantly changing, therefore, the vaccination can be altered and updated from one season to the next. 

Can I still get the flu even if I get vaccinated?

The answer is yes. Yes, you can still get the flu even if you get vaccinated because you could have already been exposed to the virus shortly before you received the vaccination or during the time it takes your immune system to gain protection from the virus. You could also be exposed with a different strain of the flu that is not included in the seasonal flu vaccination. The flu vaccination is not perfect, so although you may receive the vaccination there is always still a chance to be exposed which can be based on your age and health factors. 

Preventative Flu Tips for Your Office:

• Have your employees get vaccinated!
• Avoid close contact with those who are sick
• Feeling sick? Stay home!
• Cover your mouth and nose
• Clean your hands regularly 
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth
• Disinfect frequently touched areas 
• Get plenty of rest
• Be physically active 
• Manage your stress
• Drink plenty of fluids 
• East nutritious foods

Commercial Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning For Your St. Mary's and Calvert Counties Business

11/4/2019 (Permalink)

Which kind of carpet do you have? When was the last time they were professionally cleaned?

Did you know that even the highest quality of carpets and upholsteries still will show soiling as time goes on? Luckily for St. Mary's and Calvert County business owners, SERVPRO has numerous carpet and upholstery cleaning services available to you. 

Some of our cleaning procedures include:

• Bonnet Cleaning: A less aggressive method for short piled carpets.
• Hot Water Extraction: A deeper cleaning method for all carpet types.
• Deluxe Precondition and Rinse: Helps restore the deeply soiled areas.
• Showcase Premier Cleaning: The most thorough cleaning method in the industry.
• Dry Cleaning: For when color-fastness is an issue.

To expand the life of your carpet there are a couple actions you can do in between carpet cleanings such as:

• Regular vacuuming
• Spot removals 
• Pliating the carpet to prevent matting
• Moving furniture to change traffic patterns
• Using walk-off mats to limit the amount of soil tracked onto the carpet

It is important to keep up to date with your professional carpet and upholstery cleaning (about every 12 months) to help maintain the glow and comfort your carpet or upholsteries. How often you may need the professional carpet cleaning will differ on the amount of traffic, type and color of your carpet. Waiting until your carpet is completely soiled can result in them not being able to be restored to their original appearance. Most times you are only seeing the top layer of dirt on your carpet, the other layers are hidden below the surface. 

Call us today, (301)-862-9500, to ensure that your commercial carpet and upholsteries won't lose their professional appearance. 

How To Save Water Damaged Photos

11/4/2019 (Permalink)

Need helping saving important documents or photos after a disaster strikes!?

After a major storm hits causing flooding in your home or office, your first thought is not couch or desk that is going to be damage but the pictures that hold special memories or files that contain important documents that are submerged under water. While it may seem like a hopeless cause to try and salvage them, following a few simple steps cause make it possible. 

1. Carefully lift the photos/files from the water and separate them so they stand alone. 
2. Gently rinse the photos/files in cold, clear water. Do not rub photos/files!
3. Lay each photo/file on a dry non-inked paper towel, face-up. Change the paper towel every hour until the photos/files are dried. To avoid your photos/files from curling faster, dry them inside away from the sun or wind. You can also create a clothesline inside and hang the files from there. 
4. If you do not have to dry your photos/files right away, rinse all photos/files and stack them between wax paper and then put them in a zip lock bag in the freezer. Freezing your photos/files will allow you to properly defrost, separate and air dryer your photos/files.
5. It is a good idea to have a fan circulating air where you are drying your photos/files to speed up the process. 

When dealing with photos or files that have been damaged by water, it is important to remove them from the wet surfaces and to a dry area as soon as possible. 

Damages books or files can often times linger a musty smell. If so, place them in a cool, dry place for a couple of days. If the smell is still present, place them in an open box, placed inside a larger closed container with an open box of baking soda which will absorb the smell. 

Need Help Conserving Water In Your Southern Maryland Home?

11/1/2019 (Permalink)

Converse water and reuse rain-water to garden your plants!

The privilege of having a steady supply of clean water is one that not everyone around the world has. It is often times that we abuse and take for granted that privilege but with minimal care and a little common sense you can work to minimize your water waste. 

Follow our tips to help conserve water at your St. Mary's or Calvert County home:

• Turn off all faucets while not in use: never leave the water running while you are washing dishes, brushing your teeth, washing your face or shaving. 
• Check all faucets for leaks or drips and get them fix immediately 
• While waiting for your water to warm up, save the cold water and repurpose it. Such as watering your plants or garden, or rinsing food off. 
• Fill your sink with soapy water to rinse your dishes and reuse the water
• Scrape your dishes off instead of rinsing them before putting them in the dish washer. Only run the dish washer if there is a full load.
• Switch your toilet out to a Water-Sense toilet or a Dual-Flush toilet
• Take shorter showers
• If you have a small garden, avoid using the hose. Hand watering your plants can save gallons of water
• Capture rain water from gutters and downspout that can be used reused. Lay a cover over the bucket to keep bugs out. 

Halloween Safety Tips

10/31/2019 (Permalink)

Happy Halloween, Trick-Or-Treaters!

Today is the day! Where kids are swarming the streets, running house to house trying to collect as much candy as they can, dressed up as their favorite character. Whether you are going to be passing out the sweets or going door to door with the trick-or-treaters, SERVPRO of St. Mary's and Calvert County wants you and your children to be safe during this spooky evening. Below are simple tasks and procedures that could be important to you and your children on All Hallows Eve.

• Never let children trick-or-treat alone! Always have a trusted adult travel with them. Bringing a flashlight and/or phone is always a good idea. 
• Never trick-or-treat alone. If you are of age, find a group of people to go along with and have a way of communication or plan with your parents.
• Make sure costume shoes fit and the outfit is not too long to prevent tripping, falling or contact with flames. 
• Travel to well-lit neighborhoods or communities and always walk on the side walk.
• Avoid walking in the street, on long trails or long driveways as those can be dangerous. If necessary, the adult should walk through as well. 
• Adding reflective tape or bright clothing to your costume is always recommended for better visibility in the dark.
• Trade in your mask for face paint as mask can block proper eye sight and avoid sharp objects to avoid injuries.
• Parents should remove any tripping hazard from the front door or front yard such as a garden hose, toys or lawn decorations.
• Parents should turn on front porch light for better visual and to signify they are passing out candy 
• Remove wet leaves from the porch or driveway to avoid slips and falls
• Have your pets away inside where they cannot get outside to jump or bite the trick-or-treaters.
• Never enter a home! Candy should always be passed out at the front door, lawn or in a bowl sitting outside. 
• Always check your children's candy when they get home for any wrappers to look to be opened or tampered. 

St. Mary's and Calvert County Fall Bonfire Safety Guideline

10/30/2019 (Permalink)

Create memories without losing other memories and follow out bonfire safety guidelines!

There is truly nothing better than sitting near the water on a chilly fall Southern Maryland night, next to a warm bonfire, with family and friends gazing at the stars. Although it is a time to relax and debrief from the day, it is especially important to remember bonfire safety tips. 

Follow these brief safety guidelines to help ensure the safety of those around before, during and after you set fire!!

Before:

1. Only burn dry material, wet material will cause more smoke
2. Build the bonfire away from structures such as trees, sheds, buildings and fences
3. Using petrol or paraffin can cause the fire to get out of control
4. If the winds are strong, pick another day to build the fire!

During:

1. Keep a bucket of water or fire extinguisher near by
2. Do not leave the fire unattended
3. Keep children and pets away from fire 
4. Do not burn aerosols, canisters, plastic or anything containing foam or paint - many produce toxic fumes and some containers may explode, causing injury

After:

1. Wait till the fire has completely turned to ash
2. Pour water until all pieces are wet
3. If you hear a hissing sound or see red embers, the fire is still lit... pour more water!
4. Dirt or sand are also good tools to use to cool the fire
5. Never leave a fire that is still hot!

Do Not Wait To Call Your Southern Maryland SERVPRO

10/29/2019 (Permalink)

Small water puddle on the floor the could be resulting from a much more serious issue

You know the saying, "Don't read a book by its cover?" Well that can also be true for water leakage. When you walk into your St. Mary's or Calvert County business after a night of heavy rain fall and notice wet floor, be sure to dial our number and give us a call. Something as small as a little drip or small puddle can be the least of your problems from what is hiding behind the walls or under the floor. A pipe can burst overnight and turn small problem into a much larger disaster for your business. One single pipe can outburst hundreds of gallons per hour so it is important to not hesitate on call, even when you think the problem is minuet. 

Our water damage restoration technicians are highly trained and experienced in mitigating commercial water damage in St. Mary's and Calvert County businesses of all types. We will make sure to properly handle any water related damages and work with you on the best arrival time so there is minimal disruption to your business, such as overnight or off hours. Amongst arrival, we will locate the source of water and stop the flow to further evaluate the situation. Once the source if fixed and the flow of water is stopped, we are then able to begin the water removing and drying process.  

If you or someone you know is threatened by water damage be sure to give us a call or refer them our way, SERVPRO of St. Mary's and Calvert County.

Southern Maryland Bio-hazards, Crime Scene and Vandalism

10/16/2019 (Permalink)

Although SERVPRO of St. Marys and Calvert Counties is a recognized leader in the fire and water damage restoration company, we also specialize in bio-hazard, crime scene and vandalism clean-up for both commercial and residential properties. 

Clean-up for such substances can be very critical due to the dangers that are present when bio-hazardous substances are left within one's home or commercial property. These substances can be very dangerous to one's health when these living conditions are present. Professional and equipped equipment are key in returning your home or commercial property to clean and safe living conditions. 

That is why our certified technicians have gone through the proper training and have the experience to make sure that all bio-hazardous materials will be safely and properly removed from your property and disposed following the state and local health agency guidelines. 

Our team is ready to tackle any bio-hazardous conditions such as:

• Sewage backups
• Crime scene residues
• Suicide death/accidents
• Homicide cleanups
• Blood cleanups
• Accident cleanups
• Hoarding scenes
• Animal waste/remains
• Chemical spills
• Tear gas Clean up
• Meth Lab Cleanup

If you ever find yourself living or working in a dangerous environment due to one of the above, do not hesitate to call. We are always here to help!

Important! Good Smoke Detector

10/15/2019 (Permalink)

Having a reliable and efficient smoke detector in your home is crucial in protecting your home from extreme fire damage, your loved ones and your prized possessions. There is never a bad time to update your smoke detector and huge variety of options to pick from on the market.

Although a fire detector will not stop a fire from starting in your home, a good fire detector will help minimize the damage and can make all the difference.

Listed below are a couple of great options that may be suitable for your lifestyle (2019). 

The Best Smoke Detector Overall:

• First Alert and Carbon Monoxide Alarm - This detector has an electrochemical CO sensor and will alert the other connected alarms when there are dangerous conditions. You can also program up to 11 locations and the detector will tell you where hazards exist. 

The Best Hardwired Smoke Detector:

• Kidde Smoke Alarm Dual Sensor Detector - The dual portion of this detector is that it has both photoelectric (smoldering fires) and ionization (flaming fires) sensors. This device can be hardwired into your homes electrical system but also has a 9V battery backup in case of a power outage. 

The Best Smoke Detector:

• Nest Protect Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm: If you are not home a lot, this detector might be the right fit for you. This detector will send notification to your phone when problems are sensed, including internal systems issues. 

2019 Beach Safety Tips!

7/9/2019 (Permalink)

Vacation is a time to relax with family and friends, not to be stressed or worried. Here at SERVPRO of St. Mary's and Calvert Counties, we want to make sure when you take that trip to the beach this summer you are being safe!

Things to remember:

• Always swim near a lifeguard, and never when they are not on duty!
• Ask the lifeguards about hazardous water conditions and things to look out for while taking a dip.
• The ocean is not a pool! Swim where you are comfortable. 
• Be aware of your surroundings. Know where you are staying so if you drift away you can find your way back.
• Apply sunscreen regularly throughout the day and be sure to drink plenty of fluids.
• SMILE, you are at the beach! Enjoy your time and make smart/safe decisions.

July Fireworks In Southern Maryland!

7/9/2019 (Permalink)

The Fourth of July is such a great time of the year. So many families and friends coming together to celebrate our country and honor those troops who have found for the country we live in. Watching the fireworks crackle all over the dark sky is something that everyone looks for to every year and we want to make sure you are being responsible and safe with them!

Fireworks can be extremely dangerous; they can cause injuries such as burns, blindness and even death. By following a few simple rules, you can help prevent unwanted injuries. 

• Never allows children play and ignite fireworks.
• Always have an adult present to supervise. 
• Never place any part of your body directly over the firework while igniting. Maintain a good distance while lightening and immediately back up when lit.
• Have a clear open area to light the fireworks off. Never inside a building or in an area where the sparks can fall on objects creating a fire. 
• Never try to relight a firework.
• Do not point or throw fireworks at each other.
• Have a water supply nearby in case of an emergency.
• Never carry fireworks in pockets or light them off in glass or metal.
• Once fireworks have completed their burnings, drench them in plenty of water and then dispose of them properly. 
• Allows make sure your fireworks are legal. 

Hand held sparklers can also be very dangerous. The above steps can be used to help prevent the chance of injuries. 

How To Identify Water Damage

5/2/2019 (Permalink)

Water damage can detrimentally to your structures or create other problems if left untreated. Sometimes, water damage can be easily spotted but other times you may not even noticed. Here are a couple things to look for when detecting water damage within your home.

• Check Floors: For tile and wood, look for cracked, buckling or warped flooring. For carpet, be aware of wet spots, gradual rises, softs spots or the smell of mildew.
• Stains: Check for water stains around the bathtub, toilet and sink. As well as, stains on the ceilings and walls. Be aware of peeling paint and cracks in the drywall or areas that seem swollen and soft to touch. 
• Outside: Looks for pools or standing water on the exterior of your house or gutter spouts that are not transporting water far enough away from the house. Those could affect the foundation of your house. It is important to also check your roof for pools of water.
• Rust or Mold: Check your water heater and look for rust on the tank, which could indicate a slow leak, or damp spots on the floor. Look for any visual spots of mold that could be forming in the nooks and crannies of your home. A musky, unpleasant smell could also be an indicator of mold. 

Are You Prepared?

4/29/2019 (Permalink)

Disasters and emergencies strike without any given warning. It is important that your company is ready to take on any event that may come your way. Planning ahead is not only beneficial for your company but speaks trust to your clients and your employees. Did you know that up to 50% of businesses close due to a disaster never reopen? And that those that do reopen, it is determined that they had some type of response plan in place.

Timing is everything when it comes to a crisis and having a plan in place can be crucial to getting your company back up and running. It can minimize business interruption and associated loss revenue, as well as, save thousands of dollars in reduced secondary damages. Developing a SERVPRO Emergency Ready Profile for your business will help you know what to do, who to call and what to expect in advance which will help minimize the effects of water and fire damage. 

SERVPRO's Emergency Ready Profile is a vital component of any pre-existing contingency plans. The SERVPRO ERP addresses two out of the three main parts in a contingency plan which include, incident response and disaster recovery. This plan is a non-cost assessment of your facility, designed only to contain critical information for the event of an emergency and established SERVPRO as your disaster mitigation and restoration provider, identifies the line of command for authorizing work to begin and provides the facility with shut-off valve locations, important areas and priority contact information. 

Emergency Ready Profile Development:

• Employee and Emergency Contacts 
• Utility Contact and Shut Off Locations 
• Primary Contact Information 
• Insurance Contact Information 
• Property Overview Information 
• Building Access Information 

What May Happen If Your Water Damage Is Not Treated?

4/29/2019 (Permalink)

When we see unexpected water in our home, we hope that it is just going to dry up and disappear. Unfortunately, that is not how it works. Water damage needs to be treated right away to avoid any further damage that will be created. You may be wondering what exactly might happen, so below we have provided you with some of the potentials. 

• House Value Depreciates: Water damage can show far after the event if it is not taken care of properly. When you late try to sale your home, the value of your house will immediately become lower with these shown damages.
• Electrical System: Water and electrics do not go hand in hand. If you have water damage it is important that a professional comes out to take a look to verify that your electrical system has not be damaged. 
• Mold: Standing water that is not properly removed and dried can turn into mold. Mold will hide in areas that you cannot even see, which causes further damage to your home and can create health problems
• Toxic to your health: Water that has formed within your home could be caused by a busted pipe, toilet, dishwasher overflow, washing machine or other home system malfunctions that can contain bacteria, toxics, pollutants and sewage which can all be extremely hazardous to your health.
• Insects: Standing water creates a great environment for bugs. Many bugs need water to hatch their eggs, which can lead to an infestation of various bugs, bacteria and fungus. 

If you have water damage within your home, it is important that the situation is taken care of immediately. SERVPRO of St. Mary's and Calvert Counties takes pride in their water damage restoration and clean up and we can be sure to take care of it for you!

Education On Fire

4/26/2019 (Permalink)

Every 24 seconds a fire department respond to a fire and approximately 80% of all fire death happen in a home, with an average of 7 deaths daily. 

In just two minutes a fire can become deadly and it only takes five minutes for your residents to become engulfed in flames. 

Fires are fast; a small flame can turn into a major fire with 30 seconds. In minutes, the house can be filled with thick black smoke. 

Fires are hot; the heat of the flame is more threatening than the flame itself. At floor level, the temperature of the room can be 100 degree and rise to 600 degrees at eye level. These temperatures will melt your skin and scorch your lungs.

Fires turn dark; at first the fire is a bright orange, red, yellow and blue colored but will quickly turn into complete darkness with the black smoke. 

Fires kill; fire produces poisonous gases that make you disoriented and drowsy. The smoke and gases kill more people than the flame does itself. 

Safety Precautions For Lightning Storms

4/26/2019 (Permalink)

The odds for getting struck by lightning are pretty low, about 1 in 500,000, but that does not mean you want to test your odds. 

If you hear thunder roar, go inside. During a lightning storm you should consider the following:

• Avoid water; lightning can travel through a plumbing system.
• Avoid electronics; lightning can travel through electrical systems, as well as, radio and television reception systems. 
• Avoid phones with cords
• Avoid concrete floors and walls; lightning can travel through any metal wires or bars in concrete walls or floors

Stay inside for at least 30 minutes after the last thunder has been heard. 

If you are outside during a lightning storm and can not seek shelter; crotch as low as you can, with as little of your body touching the surface of the ground. Distance yourself from tall objects, such as a tree. You never want to stand under a metal pole or tree during a lightning storm! Those objects can act as a lightning rods. Lightning causes electrical currents along the top of the ground that can be deadly as far as 100 feet away. 

There Is Never A Good Time

4/26/2019 (Permalink)

Could you imagine showing up to work and your building engulfed in flames or became a swimming pool? No, because we could not either! There is never a good time for the event of a fire or water damage to strike your business. Luckily, no job is too big for SERVPRO of St. Mary's and Calvert Counties. Our Commercial Large Loss Division is composed of the best of the best in the restoration business. We understand that every day your business is put out of business is a loss of revenue and we will work quickly and efficiently to make sure your business is back in full force. Whether it is 2 in the afternoon or 2 in the early morning, we are always prepared and ready to help. So, when an emergency arrises, give us a call. We will be there fast and ready to restore and rebuild your property. 

Not A Sewage Overflow...

4/25/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO

Coming home to a flooded basement is already a nightmare in itself but could you imagine if it were a sewage system backup or an overflown toilet? Not only would the smell be horrific, but they can also be very dangerous. Sewage can contain many viruses and bacteria that could ultimately lead to serious health issues. Luckily, at SERVPRO of St. Mary's and Calvert Counties we have the necessary training and equipment to safely get rid of contamination. 

All types of sewage flooding should be considered an emergency but to educate you on the severity of the contamination we have provided you with the three different types of contaminated water:

1. Clean Water: This is water from a clean source, such as a clean water line or faucet. Although this may start at a category 1 water, it can quickly turn into a category 2 or 3 if remained untreated.
2. Gray Water: This water has containments in it and if ingested could lead to illness. Example for this source are, dishwasher, washer machine and toilet with some urine but no feces. 
3. Black Water: This water is terribly unsanitary and could cause severe illness would could lead to death if ingested. You should avoid any contact with the type of water and call professionals immediately. Sources for this water could include, flooding in streams or rivers, water beyond the toilet trap, toilet water with feces or standing water with microbial growth. 

Did You Know?

4/25/2019 (Permalink)

Did you know that a clean work environment can be very beneficial to your company?

Here's why:

• Health: Frequently cleaning high touched areas, like desks, door knobs and phones can help prevent the millions of gems that are carries on those objects. Reducing the chance of sick days and the loss of revenue.
• Reduced Stress & Anxiety: Cluttered and dirty areas can cause stress and anxiety among the employees. Providing a clean work area can allow the employees to feel more organized and focused. 
• Safety: Cleanliness can reduce the likelihood of a fall, trip or slip in the work area which could lead to time off and a loss of revenue.
• Increased Productivity: A clean work environment will heighten overall productivity because employees are less distracted by the clutter and disorganization.
• Increased Satisfaction: Overall, a clean environment will make the employees as well as visitors feel as if hygiene is important for the company. 

For a lot of people their office is their second home. No one wants to live and in a dirty environment. Ask yourself this question, has your office been deep cleaned in a while? If not, call SERVPRO of St. Mary's and Calvert Counties and we will bring that office shine back. 

Cooking Fires

4/24/2019 (Permalink)

Thousands of deaths are caused by fires, burns and other fire related injuries a year and cooking fires are the leading cause of home fires and fire injuries. We all love a good home cooked meal, but it is important to keep fire safety as a priority so it will not be your homes last meal.

• Be alert; make sure if you are going to bed the oven or stove is turned off
• Do not leave the fryer, grill, boiling or broiling unattended
• Remain in the kitchen while cooking and check regularly
• Use a timer 
• Keep items that can catch on fire away from the stovetop

In the event of a cooking fire, have a fire extinguisher in reach. Only use if you are confident in your ability to active and use it. While using the fire extinguisher, remember the acronym P.A.S.S.

• Pull the pin
• Aim low at the base of the fire
• Squeeze the handle slowly
• Sweep the nozzle side to side

Your safety is one of our priorities!

Preventing Storm Damage To Your SOMD Home

4/24/2019 (Permalink)

Severe storms can come out of nowhere and we want your home to be prepared and protected for when they do. Preparing your home can be what saves you from having to deal with the cost of damage in repairs. 

• Remove Dead Limber: Trim trees and bushes around your property to help prevent branches from falling onto your home from heavy winds. Be sure to remove the entire tree or bush if it is dead.
• Secure Outdoors Items: Tables, chairs, grills, decorations. High winds, rain or hail can damage or move your outdoor items. Bring them inside if you can or make sure they are secured to your home 
• Drainage System: Clear out your gutters, drain tiles and pipes to allow the precipitation to flow properly off your home. 
• Inspect Roof: Check for whole, cracks or loss ends that could be further damaged by the storm. Have repaired to avoid water from entering your home.

Allows be aware of the weather. It is better to take extra precautions in event of a storm rather than having to pay the cost of not. 

Do I Need Renters Insurance?

4/24/2019 (Permalink)

Renters Insurance?

You may wonder if Renter Insurance is a necessity or if it is just an extra cost and if you really need to have it. Well the answer is YES! Yes, Renter Insurance is a must. 

As a renter, you need insurance to protect your belongings. The owner of the property you are renting from will likely have insurance on the house but that does not include what you own. For example, if you have damage to your property from a pipe burst, a flood, a fire, hail, trees falling or other related events that were not planned, renters insurance will have you and your belongings covered.  

Renter Insurance is affordable and will help you have that peace of mind in the event of the unthinkable happening. SERVPRO of St. Mary's and Calvert Counties works directly with your insurance company to insure your belongings are repaired and restored "Like It Never Even Happened". Be sure to call us if you need services to your retail property!

Tornado Warning in St. Mary's and Calvert Counties

4/16/2019 (Permalink)

On Sunday, April 14th, the National Weather Service issued a Tornado Watch early evening leading into the dawns of the night and ending around 4am for many Maryland Counties. Around 2:45am, the Southern area of St. Mary's County Tornado Watch was turned into a Tornado Warning and residents were advised to take immediate shelter. 

SERVPRO of St. Mary's and Calvert Counties urges the importance of knowing the difference between a Tornado Watch and a Tornado Warning and the precautions you should take. 

Tornado Watch: Conditions are favorable for a tornado to develop

• Have a reliable weather source in reach to keep you updated on weather changes
• Have a plan of where and how you will take shelter 
• Watch for changes in the weather. Green or orange sky and hail are tornado-friendly conditions

Tornado Warning: A tornado is in the area or radar indicates that a tornado is developing 

• Take immediate shelter. Go to the lowest level in the building or safety shelter
• Stay away from windows and grab blankets/furniture to cover yourself to avoid being injured by flying debris
• If you are outside, find the lowest area like a ditch and lay face down covering your neck and head with your arms and hands. (Do not go under a bridge or overpass) 
• Do not leave safety area until Warning is lifted 

If your area is heading into the night with a Tornado Watch in affect, make sure you have a way to get alerts while you are sleeping. Have your phone set up to get emergency alerts and listen for the Fire Departments siren. 

Mold At Its Finest

4/12/2019 (Permalink)

If moisture finds its way into your home, mold can quickly take over in as little as 48 hours. Mold can be a major health risk and cause significant damage to your St. Mary's and Calvert Counties homes. 

There are a few things to understand when it comes to mold:

• Mold can present a greater risk to children, elderly people and those with respiratory problems
• Mold is not always seen. Mold can hide behind drywall or under carpeting and can be noticed by a strong musty odor.
• Mold can spread within 48-72 hours

If you suspect mold in your home do not hesitate to call SERVPRO of St. Mary's and Calvert Counties. We have the training, equipment and expertise to make it "Like It Never Even Happened" and will be there in no time.

In the meantime while you wait for our arrival:

• Stay out of affected areas 
• Turn of HVAC system and fans 
• DO NOT touch or disturb the mold
• DO NOT attempt to dry 
• DO NOT blow air near the area
• DO NOT spray any products on affect area 

Flash Back Friday

4/12/2019 (Permalink)

Talk about a flash back! This photograph was taken with SERVPRO of St. Mary's and Calvert Counties original sign back in 1984, located on their present office on 235. Photographed is the owner Vince Whittles, with five of the first employees to ever work for him. Three of the six photographed are still with us today, but with a little more grey hair.

• Vince (second one on the left) has been the Owner of SERVPRO of St. Mary's and Calvert Counties for the past 35 years, with many years to come.
• Frank Turner (furthest one from the right) started back in 1991 as the Production Manager and still is 28 years later.
• Eddy Farell (last one on the left) has been with us since 1996 making 22 years as Duct Cleaning Production Manager.

Since this photo, SERVPRO of St. Mary's and Calvert Counties has grown significantly through excellent costumer service and dedication to the brand. Having employees still with us from the start, we can definitely say that we are one of the most experienced restoration companies in Maryland. We are excited about the future for SERVPRO of St. Mary's and Calvert Counties as we get ready for our next move into a larger facility. Relocating to a larger facility in the area will allow us to provide even better services for our customers and allow us to build our brand, SERVPRO of St. Mary's and Calvert Counties, even larger. 

Is That Thunder You Hear in Southern Maryland?

4/12/2019 (Permalink)

With May being right around the corner, it is time to start preparing yourself for the season of thunderstorms here in Southern Maryland. While thunderstorm can happen at any time of the year, they are most common within in the months of May - August. A thunderstorm is considered severe when it contains one or more of the following: winds 57.5 mph or above, hail one inch or greater or a tornado. Here at SERVPRO of St. Mary's and Calvert Counties we want you to be safe during all storms! 

Tips for Safety:

• When you hear thunder, go inside!
• Follow weather reports and warning signs
• Be prepared to change plans if weather permits
• Avoid windows, running water or using landlines phones
• Unplug appliances and other electric devices
• If necessary take shelter in a vehicle.
• Avoid flooded areas, fast moving water can knock you down and take you away

What Should You Do If A Fire Has Happened?

4/11/2019 (Permalink)

Fires are devastating. They leave a hopeless feeling and worry of what you should do after the flames are extinguished. All you can see is the soot and smoke damage that is left behind on your ceilings, walls, carpet and floors. SERVPRO of St. Mary's and Calvert Counties see your property restored to back to pre-fire. 

If your home or business has suffered a fire it is important that appropriate steps are taken in order to prevent further damage. SERVPRO of St. Mary's and Calvert Counties wants to make sure that your property has a successful restoration, therefore, we would like to provide you with some helpful tips.

• Limit movement in the home to prevent soot particles from being embedded into upholstery and carpets 
• Place clean towels or old linens on rugs, upholstery and carpets.
• Keep hands clean to not further soil upholstery, walls and woodwork.
• If electricity is off, empty refrigerator/freezer and prop doors open 
• Clean soot off of appliances and protect them by applying a light coat of petroleum jelly or oil
• Change HVAC filter and tape doubles layers of cheesecloth over air registers to prevent foot from entering

It is also important to know what NOT to do after a fire to ensure you are not further damaging your property.  

• Do NOT attempt to wash walls or painted surfaces or shampoo carpet or upholstery
• Do NOT attempt to clean any electrical appliances that may have been close to fire, heat or water
• Do NOT use any canned or packaged food or beverages that may have been stored near the fire, heat or water
• Do NOT turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet
• Do NOT send garments to an ordinary dry cleaner. Improper cleaning could set smoke odor.

In an event of a fire call, SERVPRO of St. Mary's and Calvert Counties, to ensure that your property is in great hands and follow our tips for a successful restoration. 

Clothes Dryer Safety

4/10/2019 (Permalink)

Over 2,900 house fires are reported each year with the cause being a clothes dryer. Leading to an estimated 5 deaths, 100 injuries and $35 million in property damage. 

It is important to know how to keep yourself safe from fire. Regular cleaning and maintenance can be the simple solution to protecting your family and home. Knowing when and how often is a key step.

First - you want to have your dryer is properly installed. Have a professional make sure the correct plug and outlet are being used and that it is connected correctly. 

Cleaning:

Before Each Load - make sure that you clean the lint filter out before each load. Cleaning the lint filter is simple; all you have to do is pull the screen out a wipe the lint out. If it seems that the filter is clogged, submerge it into hot water and use a bristle brush to remove any excess lint. Check areas around the dryer to make sure there is no lint being built up.

Every Three Months - remove the lint from the lint pipe which is usually located behind the dryer and can be removed. Taking a damp wash cloth can help make sure any remaining lint is cleaned out.

If your clothes seem to be taking longer to dry call a professional to come inspect your dryer. 

Don't:

• Use without a lint filter or one that is damage or lose
• Overload
• Leave dryer on when you are not home or going to bed 
• Dry foam, rubber or plastic  

Rain Tips for Your Southern Maryland Home

4/9/2019 (Permalink)

Spring is here! The weather is getting warmer, birds are chirping in the morning and trees are starting to get their color back. Does it not make you want to jump into a cool pool!? Well of course that being outside and not in your home or business.

We all know, here in Southern Maryland our Spring weather typically brings a decent amount of rain. Often times rain can show problems within our homes or business that we did not know were there. Such as, holes in your roof which can lead to water damage and flooding in your basement. 

SERVPRO of St. Mary's and Calvert Counties knows the excitement Spring brings and want to make sure you are fully prepared for what the weather could bring. 

Tips:

• Check Roofing: carefully inspect your roof to locate any damaged area or areas that look susceptible to leaks. 
• Check Door and Windows: make sure no water can slip through the cracks of your window sills or under your doors. An easy fix could be purchasing waterproof sealer.
• Clear Gutters: gutters tend to get clogged with leaves and debris stopping the water being able to flow proper off the roof which can cause flooding or even in caving your roof. Check your gutters every couple of weeks, especially after a storm bringing a lot of rain and/or wind.
• Garden: heavy mulch or hay along your property helps reduce the effect rain has on soil.

Here at SERVPRO of St. Mary's and Calvert Counties we want to quickly Cleanup and Restore any small disaster before they become a big disaster. SERVPRO is always here to help. In result of an emergency or a simple question give us a call!

What Can SERVPRO Do For You?

4/8/2019 (Permalink)

Did you know that SERVPRO has over 1,700 Franchises in the United States and Canada!? Or that SERVPRO is a trusted leader in the restoration industry and are the preferred vendor for many National and Local Insurance Companies!? 

Our highly trained restoration technicians are dedicated to responding faster to any disaster. We provide 24 hour services with experts that are highly qualified and trained to properly take care of your cleaning and restoration needs. 

We are here to take the stress and worry you may have when a disaster occurs and make it "Like it never even happened." You can depend on us for services to your residential and commercial properties that include but are not limited too: 

• Fire Damage Restoration
• Water Damage Restoration
• Mold Remediation
• Storm Damage Restoration
• Carpet Cleaning
• Air Duct Cleaning
• Cleaning Services 
• Building Services 

St. Mary's Ryken Hall of Fame

10/31/2018 (Permalink)

St. Mary's Ryken Hall of Fame

On October 26th, 2018 Vince Whittles, SERVPRO of St Mary's County owner was inducted into the St. Mary's Ryken High School Athletic Hall of Fame.

Vince began coaching at St. Mary's Ryken during the 1988 season. Over the past 30 years he has had a distinguished career coaching the wrestling team. During his tenure, SMR has won the "B" Division State Championship and taken various wrestlers to win first in WCAC, State and National Prep-All-American Championships. Overall, the wrestling coaching staff have produced ten WCAC Champions, four Maryland State Champs, five All-Americans and one National Prep champion. In addition, Vince has coached three Nationally Ranked Wrestles.  

We couldn't be more proud of the example set by Mr. Vince Whittles.

Top Performer

10/19/2018 (Permalink)

Top Performer

SERVPRO of St. Mary's County is honored to be heading to Las Vegas, Nevada for the Crawford Contractor Connection top performer symposium.  SERVPRO of St. Mary's County has been a member of the Crawford Contractor Connection network for over 15 years and this is the first time the Top Performer award has been received. Our General Manager, Chad Day, will be flying to Las Vegas for a two day seminar and round table discussion about  the industry and the services we provide. We are looking forward to the opportunity to spend time with other top performing SERVPROs which will allows us to further expand our knowledge base and improve the level of service we can provide.  SERVPRO of St. Mary's County is excited about any opportunity that helps us make it "Like It Never Even Happened".

It's the people

10/8/2018 (Permalink)

Crew

Here at SERVPRO of St. Mary's County we often get the question of Why SERVPRO? What is that SERVPRO can do differently than all the other cleaning and restoring companies out there. The answer to the questions always starts the same way, with the list of all the training and certifications held by SERVPRO employees, the systematic process that are used to manage different projects, and the support provided by corporate and the SERVPRO network. While those are all valuable assets what truly sets SERVPRO of St. Mary's County apart is the people. Between the office manager, production manager and four crew chiefs they average 15 years of experience just with SERVPRO. This amount of experience provides them all of the tools and knowledge necessary to handle project of any type or size. Whether its routine carpet cleaning or a large commercial water or fire damage, the crew at SERVPRO of St. Mary's County has the experience to make it "Like It Never Even Happened". 

Trauma Cleanup

4/2/2018 (Permalink)

Trauma Scene

Due to its uncomfortable nature, Trauma scene cleanup is a topic that is rarely considered until something happens. 

Once the need for trauma scene cleaning is required it is generally accompanied by a high level of emotional distress, which is compounded by the fact that most people have no idea what options they have.  

That's where the Trauma Scene and Bio-recovery experts at SERVPRO of St. Mary's and Calvert County come in. SERVPRO of St. Mary's and Calvert has been providing trauma scene cleaning services in St. Mary's and Calvert county for more than 15 years. SERVPRO production managers have been independently trained and certified through the American Bio Recovery Association. This training allows them to provide the highest level of technical expertise and professional service.

SERVPRO of St. Mary's and Calvert County sincerely hopes that no-one ever has to deal with a trauma scene situation. But, we take pride in knowing that, if the unthinkable happens, we are always here to help. 

HVAC system cleaning

12/1/2017 (Permalink)

Duct cleaning equipment

SERVPRO of St. Mary's County just took deliver of our new duct cleaning system produced by Nikro Industries Inc.  

SERVPRO of St. Mary's County has been providing HVAC system cleaning services to the homes and business of Southern Maryland for over 20 years.

With NADCA (North American Duct Cleaning Association) certified technicians, following industry standard processes and using the latest in HVAC system cleaning and inspection equipment.  We are confident that, when given the opportunity, SERVPRO of St. Mary's County will perform to the highest standards.

Whether you're in a brand new home or it's been at least 5 years since the system was cleaned, duct cleaning can greatly improve indoor air quality and increase the efficiency of your HVAC system.

Give SERVPRO of St. Mary's County a call today to schedule your no cost estimate and start enjoying the benefits of clean ducts!

Celebrating 34 years in business

8/25/2017 (Permalink)

Owners Vince and Sherry Whittles Enjoying Seattle during the 2017 SERVPRO Convention.

2017 marks the 34th year in business for SERVPRO of St. Mary's and Calvert owners Vince and Sherry Whittles. Over the past 34 years SERVPRO has witnessed the tremendous growth experienced throughout Southern Maryland. The business was originally operated from the basement of a local home with 4 employees and route 235 was two lanes each way. Since that time SERVPRO of St. Mary's and Calvert has grown to be a pillar of the business community, owning commercial space, employing over 20 people and the Whittles family has raised 4 children. Never one to settle, SERVPRO has plans for expansion and even great involvement in the Southern Maryland community.

"Being part of the business community in Calvert and St. Mary's county has been a huge honor and we look forward to the next 34 years in business" -V. Whittles

Carpet Cleaning

8/25/2017 (Permalink)

carpet cleaning in progress!

Did you know that SERVPRO of St. Mary's and Calvert offers carpet cleaning.

SERVPRO of St. Mary's and Calvert has been providing residential and commercial carpet cleaning services since we opened our doors in 1984.  

With our list of production managers averaging 13 years of experience providing carpet cleaning services.  We are confident our level of service is second to none. 

SERVPRO of St. Marys and Calvert also provided no cost estimates. This gives our production managers the opportunity to inspect the areas to be cleaned, and provide an accurate cost without using high pressure sales methods. 

Using state of the art equipment and IICRC approved cleaning methods SERVPRO of St. Mary's and Calvert can improve the appearance and condition of the carpets in your home or business.

Call SERVPRO of St. Mary's and Calvert today to schedule your free estimate!

IICRC Certfied Firm

8/25/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of St. Mary's and Calvert is an IICRC firm. The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) creates the standards for the restoration industry and provides training and certification to restoration companies. IICRC Certified Firms have the right to display the IICRC Certified Logo.

IICRC Certified Firms must

• Present accurate information to consumers and conduct business with honesty and integrity.

• Require a technician on all jobs who has been formally trained and passed all required tests.

• Require a continuing education program to keep technicians up-to-date on the latest changes in the industry.

• Maintain liability insurance to protect all parties in the event of an accident.

• Maintain a written complaint policy and agree to Better Business Bureau or similar arbitration to resolve disputes, and accept the conclusions and recommendations of arbitration.

The IICRC Develops The Standards For The Restoration Industry

The IICRC has been the driving force in establishing the main industry standards and reference guides for professional carpet cleaning, water damage restoration and mold remediation. These IICRC standards take years to develop and require the coordination of experts in the field: manufacturers, industry organizations, insurance professionals, training schools, contractors, and public health professionals.

Every five years, the standards are reviewed and updated. The water damage restoration field changes rapidly with advancements in technology and science, and therefore the standards must evolve to keep pace.

About SERVPRO of St. Mary's and Calvert

SERVPRO of St. Mary's and Calvert specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration and we are an IICRC Certified Firm. We believe in continuous training: from initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Southern Maryland Summer Safety Times

6/1/2017 (Permalink)

Here are some general tips for the summer to help ensure that you stay safe and have a great summer.

Sunburn

How to relieve sunburn and when to see a doctor because of sunburn. Use cold compresses along with creams and gels to relieve pain. You should see a doctor about your sunburn if you have a fever greater than 102, have blisters everywhere, or have serve pain.

Dehydration

Signs of dehydration:

• Fatigue
• Loss of appetite
• Light-headedness
• Dry Cough
• Flushed Skin
• Dark-colored urine

When to see a doctor:

• Decreased urine production
• Confusion
• Weakness
• Trouble breathing
• Fainting
• Seizures

Jellyfish Stings

Symptoms of jellyfish stings

• Burning/stinging pain
• Red marks on skin
• Itching
• Swelling
• Numbness
• Throbbing pain radiating 

Relief for jellyfish stings

• Remove tentacles from jellyfish if on your body
• Rinse effected area with vinegar or use baking soda
• Apply cold water or ice to the sting