Musty Smell After A Storm? | Culpeper & Fauquier Counties

11/15/2023 (Permalink)

For a general understanding of what is considered "mold" and what to be concerned about, read this article taken from the National Institute of Health Sciences. For More information, go to https://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/agents/mold/index.cfm

Molds are microscopic organisms that play an important role in the breakdown of plant and animal matter. Outdoors, molds can be found in shady, damp areas, or places where leaves or other vegetation is decomposing. Indoor molds can grow on virtually any surface, as long as moisture, oxygen, and organic material are present. When molds are disturbed, they release tiny cells called spores into the surrounding air.

How do people get exposed to mold?

People are exposed to molds every day and everywhere, at home, at work, at school, both indoors and out. Molds are generally not harmful to healthy humans.

Inhalation is considered the primary way that people are exposed to mold. Mold spores and fragments can become airborne and get into the air we breathe. People may also be exposed to mold through the skin. Workers should be properly protected with safety equipment when remediating, or cleaning up mold after a disaster. In some cases, people may be exposed to mold through their diet.

What are the most common forms of mold?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the most common indoor molds are:

• Cladosporium
• Penicillium
• Aspergillus
• Alternaria
• Stachybotrys chartarum (also known as black mold)

What can I do to get rid of mold in my home?

According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), residents can do any of the following to prevent, and or get rid of, mold in their homes:

• Keep your house clean and dry.
• Fix water problems, such as roof leaks, wet basements, and leaking pipes or faucets.
• Make sure your home is well ventilated, and always use ventilation fans in bathrooms and kitchens.
• If possible, keep humidity in your house below 50 percent, by using an air conditioner or dehumidifier.
• Avoid using carpeting in areas of the home that may become wet, such as kitchens, bathrooms, and basements.
• Dry floor mats regularly.

Be Prepared: Winter Storms Impact Your Business & Residential Home | Culpeper & Fauquier Counties

11/15/2023 (Permalink)

If you have storm damage, give us a call at 540-423-6688.

You see a big winter storm in the forecast. What can you do to make sure you and your home are ready for it? Well, we’ve got a few tips for you. First of all, make a list of anything you need from the store and get there well before the storm is set to hit. Chances are, everyone in town will be doing the same thing, so give yourself plenty of time to make it through the store and get back home. Make sure you have some backup sources of heat such as space heaters. Also, having some flashlights or candles on hand is a great idea in case you lose power. You’ll need to make sure that you have a snow shovel to dig your way out and some rock salt so that you and your family don’t slip once you do. If you have pipes in any part of your house that is unheated or not insulated well, run cold water through them. Even a small trickle of water can help them not to freeze up. If they do freeze, you not only run the risk of not having water, but them bursting and causing water damage in your home that can be devastating. Make sure your windows and doors are sealed well to keep the warm air in and the cold air out! Sometimes, even with all this preparation, things are beyond our control.

Does winter storm damage have you worried about your business? We know how stressful that can be, especially in Northern Virginia! You could have a day that’s fifty degrees and sunny, and the next be stuck in your house because there is so much snow. With so much unpredictability in our weather, one thing you can depend on is that we are always here to help! With our 24 hour emergency services, we are faster to any size disaster. We know how important your business is. We also know you can’t run it effectively if you’re worried about how you’re going to get the water cleaned up from that pipe that froze and burst. So let us worry about that for you! We’ll do whatever you need to work with your schedule, insurance carrier and any other needs you may have. We know getting you back to preloss conditions as quickly as possible is the priority, so all of our managers and technicians are trained to be efficient and effective in their work. Let us take it from here. 

National Child Abuse Prevent Month: April

5/2/2023 (Permalink)

National Child Abuse Prevention Month recognizes the importance of families and communities working together to prevent child abuse and neglect. Prevention services and supports developed by this collaboration can help to protect children and strengthen families.

About 4 million cases of child abuse and neglect involving almost 7 million children are reported each year. The highest rate of child abuse is in babies less than one year of age, and 25% of victims are younger than age three.

The majority of cases reported to Child Protective Services (CPS) involve neglect, followed by physically and sexual abuse. It is not always easy to recognize when a child has been abused. Children are often afraid to tell anyone, because they think they will be blamed or no one will believe them.

Be sure to always communication with your child, instead of teaching them that they are surrounded by danger, teach them that they are strong, capable, and can count on you to keep them safe.

SERVPRO of Culpeper & Fauquier Counties not only helps restore your residential or commercial property but we also take part in the community by sponsoring SAFE – Child Prevention.