Do's & Don't | Culpeper & Fauquier County

4/8/2024 (Permalink)

DO:

• Shut off the water or contact a qualified party to stop the water source. 
• Turn off circuit breakers for wet areas of the building, when access to the power distribution panel is safe from electrical shock. 
• Remove as much excess water as possible by mopping and blotting. 
• After removing lamps and tabletop items, wipe excess water from wood furniture. 
• Remove and prop up wet upholstery cushions for even drying.
• Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting.
• Remove any paintings, art objects, computers, documents, and other sensitive items to a safe, dry place. 
• Use wooden clothespins to keep furniture skirting and draperies off damp floors.

DON'T:

• Enter rooms with standing water where electrical shock hazards may exist. 
• Leave colored rugs/items on wet carpets or floors which mat cause staining. 
• Use your household vacuum cleaner to remove water. 
• Use TVs or other appliances while standing on wet carpets or floors, especially wet concrete floors. 
• Turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet or enter rooms where ceilings are sagging from retained water. 

Do You Know How to Stay Safe During a Hurricane?

4/8/2024 (Permalink)

Our local SERVPRO of Culpeper & Fauquier Countiesis Here to Help® when your home or commercial business in the surrounding areas sustain hurricane damage. Below is some information on how to stay safe during a hurricane: 

Stay Informed

• Listen for emergency information and alerts
• If told to evacuate by local officials, do so immediately

Dealing with the Weather

• Determine how best to protect yourself from high winds and flooding
• Take refuge in a designated storm shelter, or an interior room for high winds
• If trapped in a building by flooding, go to the highest level of the building. Do not climb into a closed attic. You may become trapped by rising flood water.
• Do not walk, swim, or drive through flood waters. Turn Around. Don’t Drown!
• Stay off bridges over fast-moving water
• Avoid being in a room with multiple windows. If possible, go to a room that has no windows or a designated storm shelter room within your home. 

Personal Safety

• Be prepared to take cleaning items with you like soap, hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes, or general household cleaning supplies to disinfect surfaces you may need to touch regularly
• Maintain at least 6 feet between you and persons not part of your immediate family while at the shelter [by avoiding crowds or gathering in groups] as much as possible 
• Anyone over two years old should use a cloth face covering while at these facilities
• Only use generators outdoors and away from windows

Call Us Today!

When you have storm damage in your home or commercial business, our local team will restore your property damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 540-423-6688.

Storms Can Cause Flood Damage...Beware For Scammers

1/4/2024 (Permalink)

Storm scammers are everywhere and tend to target distressed homeowners who have suffered damage, especially seniors. Below are some tips on what to look out for and how to protect yourself from those individuals.

1. Scammers will pretend that they represent your insurance company and ask for personal information over the phone. Your insurance company will always notify you if a representative or contractor will be sent to your home.
2. Never sign up with the first contractor to your home. Always get more than one estimate to make sure you do not end up being the victim of price gouging.
3. Officials with government disaster assistance agencies do not call or text asking for financial information. Anyone who calls asking is an imposter.
4. Contractors may call claiming to be partners with your insurance company. If this were to happen, do not provide any personal information.
5. A major red flag is when a contractor says they will only charge you half of what the others will charge. Most times they will take your money and run.

SERVPRO of Culpeper & Fauquier is always available to help you navigate through your storm damage. Call us at (540)423-6688 today!

The Calm After the Storm

1/2/2024 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Culpeper & Fauquier Counties 540-423-6688!

The storm has passed, but unfortunately, you’ve been left with some damage to your home and/or property. Here’s a quick checklist that will help you stay organized if you’re unsure where to begin.

Assess Injuries

Most immediately, you’ll want to make sure that everyone in your home is safe and that you call 911 without delay if anyone is injured.

 Contact Your Insurance Company

Most homeowners’ insurance companies have a 24-hour customer service line where claims can be reported. It’s important to report damage to your home without delay so your insurance company can schedule an adjuster to inspect the damage. This is especially important if the storm damaged many neighborhoods in your community because your insurance company may have a backlog of claims. 

Document, Document, Document!

Videos or clear, labeled photos of the damage will be extremely helpful to your insurance company when they begin to assess the damage. Consider taking some property photos now so that you’ll have before and after shots in the unfortunate case of storm damage. You’ll also want to catalog any items that were damaged, including personal items. If you have the model or serial numbers for big-ticket items like televisions or computers, make sure to include that on the inventory list. A thorough inventory of damaged items can ensure you recover the most from your homeowners’ claim.  

Contact a Home Restoration Company

The professionals at SERVPRO specialize in roof-tarping and board-up techniques that will help mitigate further damage to your home while waiting on your claims adjuster to document the damage. Restoration professionals can also provide clean-up services after a storm.

Here at SERVPRO we always want to help you put your best foot forward to avoid any fire, water, or mold damage. In the event that you do experience fire, water, or mold damage, we’re here to help! 

Give us a call for your quote today at 540-423-6688

We take pride in serving your neighborhood! We are a locally owned and operated franchise with employees dedicated to providing a quality customer experience!

After a Storm Passes

5/9/2023 (Permalink)

After a storm passes, it's important to stay safe while waiting for help to arrive. Here are some tips to help prevent further damage after a storm, especially if your home has some water damage:

Shut Off Water Source: Shut off the water source if possible or contact a qualified party to stop the water source. 

Turn Off Circuit Breakers: Turn off circuit breakers for wet areas of the home when access to the power distribution panel is safe from electrical shock.

Remove Excess Water: Remove as much excess water as possible by mopping and blotting.

Prop Up Wet Upholstery: Remove and prop up wet upholstery cushions for even drying. Do not put cushion covers in the washing machine.

Use Aluminium Foil for Barrier: Place aluminium foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting.

Move Paintings or Art: Move any paintings, art, objects, computers, documents or other sensitive valuables to a dry place.

Hang Furs and Leathers: Hang furs and leather goods separately at room temperature.

Don't Enter Affected Areas: Don't enter affected areas if electrical outlets, switches, circuit breakers or electrical equipment are exposed to water. Always avoid electrical shock hazards.

Don't Use Household Vacuum: Don't use your household vacuum cleaner to remove water; this could cause electrical shock or damage to the vacuum cleaner. 

Don't Turn on Ceiling Fixtures: Don't turn of ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet or enter rooms where ceilings are sagging from retained water. 

Summer Weather - Natural Disasters

5/8/2023 (Permalink)

Every summer, the U.S. goes through an "active weather" season. The middle of spring through summer is a prime time for hurricanes, tornadoes, flooders, thunder storms, and fires. Here at SERVPRO, we've already begun to see the impact of severe weather. Luckily, our SERVPRO team is here for any natural disaster. We respond to water, wind and fire damage! Here are some events to look out for during the spring and summer months.

• Hurricanes–Hurricanes, with the accompanying wind, water, and flood, cause a lot of destruction in areas where they hit. When hurricanes gather strength, buildings, trees, and water infrastructures are commonly destroyed. The storms can also knock down power lines, posing a risk of electrocution.
• Tornadoes– Tornadoes are characterized by whirling winds and debris and can endanger life and property. They are common from spring until the middle of summer but can occur any time of the year.
• Floods– Floods are becoming more common in the U.S., with flash floods as the top weather-related killer. A few inches of water could bring extensive damage to homes and buildings. Heavy rains, levee breaches, and tsunamis cause floods. Many floods occur in areas that cannot absorb rainwater.
• Fires– The heat of the summer and the years of drought experienced in many parts of the country can precipitate massive forest fires that, in many instances, affect dwellings. Spontaneous combustion, volcanic eruption, and faulty electrical wires are other common causes of fires.

Storm Damage

4/19/2023 (Permalink)

Its storm season which increases the probability of high winds and rain that lead to the risk of storm damage to your property. SERVPRO of Culpeper & Fauquier is faster to any size disaster and will help you step by step through the restoration process.

What if a tree falls on my house?

• Instead of worrying about calling individual services like electricians, tree removal and plumbers, simply make one call to SERVPRO of Culpeper & Fauquier and we will find the right service providers including a system that each Technician has been fully trained to follow.
• Do not re-enter the property without being advised to do, so. Do not worry about your personal belongings. We will make sure that your home is secured until repairs are complete. If items need to be removed, we can facilitate that process and make sure the belongings are returned to their original place.
• Evacuate the property

Storm Damage Restoration

Many homeowners like to be fully informed about the restoration process. We want you to have peace of mind and feel good about trusting SERVPRO of Culpeper & Fauquier with your cleanup and restoration.

• Ensure the tree and tree debris is removed from the property.
• Secure the roof with a temporary tarp to prevent no further damage inside.
• Make sure any tree debris indoors has been removed.
• Assess damage and ensure demolition of damaged areas including ceilings and walls.
• Spray exposed surfaces an antimicrobial agent

Our #1 priority is to make storm damage as stress free as possible.

Hurricane Tips & Tricks

4/19/2023 (Permalink)

Here’s a few tips and tricks to better prepare!

• Before the Storm: Gather food, water, medicines and power supplies.  Organize supplies into a Go-Kit and a Stay-at-Home Kit. Keep personal, financial, and medical records safe. Anchor objects that would be unsafe to bring inside, such as gas grills and propane tanks. Trim or remove trees close enough to fall on your home. Stockpile protective materials such as plastic sheeting and sandbags. Consider elevating the heating system, water heater, and electric panel.

• During the Storm: Take refuge in a small interior room, closet, or hallway on the lowest level during the storm. Put as many walls between you and the outside as you can. Stay away from windows, skylights, and glass doors. If the eye of the storm passes over your area, there will be a short period of calm, but at the other side of the eye, the wind speed rapidly increases to hurricane force winds coming from the opposite direction. So, make sure you stay secured and connected to what’s going on.

• After the Storm: Stay out of floodwater!  Floodwater can contain many things that may harm health, including germs, dangerous chemicals, human and livestock waste, wild or stray animals, and downed power lines among other things. If the power is out, use flashlights instead of candles. If you must use candles, keep them away from anything that can catch fire.  Watch out for fallen power lines that may be hanging overhead. Stay clear of fallen power lines. Call the electric company to report them. Always make sure it is safe to leave before you try to evacuate the area.

Ways To Prevent Damage and Prepare for a Winter Storm

1/19/2023 (Permalink)

A winter storm can be beautiful, but it can also be a nightmare for your business if you are unprepared for it in Culpeper & Fauquier Counties. The heavy snow, wind and ice that accompanies the storm can cause severe damage and costly repairs. When these disasters happen, call your insurance company and a storm damage restoration service immediately to file a claim and begin repairs. While you cannot prevent a storm from coming your way, there are several steps you can take to prevent some of the damage from happening and mitigate loss. Here are a few ways to prepare your business for winter weather.

1. Insulate Your Building

Make sure your building is properly insulated. If temperatures drop below freezing, your pipes could freeze and burst, causing flood and water damage. Routinely inspect your building’s heating system to ensure it is working properly and keep the temperature above 55°F to avoid a pipe break.

2. Perform Regular Maintenance

Keep a regular maintenance schedule to make sure windows, doorways and the outside of your building are in good condition. Over time, building materials can wear down, allowing cracks and gaps to form which can reduce the structural integrity and insulation of your building and make it more susceptible to storm damage and flooding. In addition, you should routinely inspect your roof. Replace any broken shingles and make sure shingles are intact and firmly nailed down to prevent roof leaks and wind damage.

3. Stock Emergency Supplies

Create an emergency weather kit that includes snow shovels, ice-melting salt and a first aid kit in case a winter storm comes through unexpectedly. Keep non-perishable food items available in case you are stuck in your building overnight and cannot go home.

4. Watch Local Weather

During the winter months, stay on top of the local weather forecast. Start preparing early if a snowstorm is heading your way, and make sure your staff is adequately prepared.
A winter storm can cause severe damage if you do not take it seriously. Performing routine maintenance on your building and keeping an eye on the weather can greatly reduce damage and keep your business safe.

How Can I Protect My Business?

1/6/2023 (Permalink)

What is the Emergency Ready Program?

• As many as 50% of businesses may never recover following a disaster, according to the latest research.
• The overwhelming majority of them had a preparedness plan in place. Pre-Planning can serve as an insurance policy aimed at peace of mind.
• SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile for your business, you minimize business interruption by having an immediate plan of action. Knowing what to do and what to expect in advance is the key to timely mitigation and can help minimize how water & fire damage can affect your business.

As a business owner you ALWAYS want to make sure you have an action plan if ever an emergency occurs. If there was a flood, major leak, tornado you would want contacts and action plan close by.

- A no cost assessment of your facility.
(This means there is no need to allocate funds, giving you a great value at no cost)

- A concise Profile Document that contains only the critical information needed in the event of an Emergency. (It will only take a little time to complete and will not take you away from current projects. But it will save a lot of time if ever needed)

- A guide to help you get back into your building following a disaster.
(This can help minimize the amount of time your business is inactive by having an immediate plan of action)

- Establishes your local SERVPRO Franchise Professional as your disaster mitigation and restoration provider. (You have a provider that is recognized as an industry leader and close by)

- Identification of the line of command for authorizing work to begin. (This saves time so we can begin the work of mitigating the damage which can save you time and money)

- Provides facility details such as shut-off valve locations, priority areas and priority contact information. (Having a quick reference of what to do, how to do it and who to call provides solutions in advance of an emergency so that during the emergency you are "Ready for whatever happens.")

SERVPRO of Culpeper & Fauquier wants to ease that stress and we realize that you might not think about the unexpected things that may happen, therefore we have implemented the ERP Program

Heavy Rain Leads to Flooding...

5/20/2022 (Permalink)

Heavy Rain Leads to Flooding…

Our team here in Culpeper & Fauquier restores storm damage throughout the year.

Although, we don’t experience many Tornadoes in our county here are the National Weather Service alert definitions for tornadoes and high winds:

Tornado Watch: This means a tornado is possible.

Tornado Warning: This means a tornado is already occurring or will occur soon.
Go to a safe place immediately.

High Wind Watch: Be Prepared! Sustained, strong winds are possible. Secure loose items and adjust plans as necessary, so you’re not caught outside.

Wind Advisory: Take Action! A thunderstorm is happening or is imminent in the warning area. Severe thunderstorms have wind gusts of 58 miles per hour and or hail one inch or larger. Seek shelter inside a sturdy building.

Preparing for High Winds

• Remove any dead trees or overhanging branches near structures
• Remove loose objects outdoors, on patios, roofs, or balconies that could blow away.
• Shutter windows securely and brace outside doors
• Bring in unsecured objects from outside and secure things that could blow away and cause damage or injury

Give us a call!

When your home or commercial business has storm damage, you can trust our local team here in Culpeper & Fauquier to restore the damage, “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 540-423-6688.

Lightning Safety Tips…

5/20/2022 (Permalink)

Even though your home is a safe shelter during a lightning storm, you may still be at risk.

Here are some indoor safety tips per CDC:

• Avoid Water – Do not bathe, shower or wash dishes. Lightning can travel through a building’s plumbing.
• Avoid Electronic Equipment – Do not use your computers, laptops, game systems, washers, dryers, stoves or anything connected to an electrical outlet. Lightning can travel through electrical systems, and any metal wires or bars in concrete walls or flooring.
• Avoid Corded Phones – Corded phones are not safe to use during a thunderstorm. However, it is safe to use cordless or cellular phones during a storm.
• Avoid windows, doors, porches and concrete – Do not lie on concrete floors during a thunderstorm or lean on concrete walls. As mentioned lightening can travel through any metal wires or bars.

If you have experienced any damages interior or exterior give us a call we are always here to help 540-423-6688!

What to do before a thunderstorm?

4/5/2022 (Permalink)

Thunderstorms can be dangerous and not taken for granted. Every thunderstorm produces lightning and other hazardous weather conditions, which can include tornadoes, strong winds, hail, and flash flooding.

In Culpeper, VA we tend to get a mix of heavy rain and dry thunderstorms. Below are great tips from the READY to help prepare you for what to do before, during, and after a thunderstorm.

What to do before a thunderstorm

• To begin preparing, you should build an emergency kit and make a family communications plan.
• Remove dead or rotting trees and branches that could fall and cause injury or damage during a severe thunderstorm.
• Postpone outdoor activities.
• Secure outdoor objects that could blow away or cause damage.
• Get inside a home, building, or hard-top automobile (not a convertible). Although you may be injured if lightning strikes your car, you are much safer inside a vehicle than outside.
• Remember, rubber-soled shoes and rubber tires provide NO protection from lightning. However, the steel frame of a hard-topped vehicle provides increased protection if you are not touching metal.
• Shutter windows and secure outside doors. If shutters are not available, close window blinds, shades, or curtains.
• Unplug any electronic equipment well before the storm arrives.
• Lightning Risk Reduction When Outdoors

SERVPRO of Culpeper & Fauquier counties urges each and every one of you to PREPARE before a thunderstorm comes. And whenever they do come, SERVPRO of Culpeper & Fauquier counties will be here to help.

Flood facts!

4/5/2022 (Permalink)

Floods are one of the most common and widespread natural disasters in the United States.

There is always potential for flood damage no matter where you live. According to the American Red Cross floods cause more damage in the United States every year than any other weather related disaster. The American Red Cross offers these flood safety tips:

-Stay away from floodwaters. If you come up on a flowing stream where water is above your ankles, stop, turn around and go another way. Six inches of swiftly moving water can sweep you off of your feet.

-If you approach a flooded road while driving, turn around and go another way. If you are caught on a flooded road and waters are riding rapidly around you, get out of the car quickly and move to higher ground. Most cars can be swept away by less than two feet of moving water.

-Keep children out of the water. They are curious and often lack judgment about running water or contaminated water. 

If a flood occurs and affects you, call SERVPRO of Culpeper & Fauquier counties.  Even minor floods have potential to cause major damage. We are faster to ANY size disaster. Let us help you get your life back in order. 

Is standing water dangerous?

1/13/2022 (Permalink)

Surface water can affect your home and its tenants in multiple ways. While this standing water can absorb into materials and ultimately allow for the deterioration of exposed structural elements, pooling can also present potential health effects or hazards for those exposed and remaining in the area. 

SERVPRO offers fast extraction and drying solutions for your home after a flood. 

We can help reduce the standing water concerns by offering efficient flood removal. To accomplish this, we can call upon a wide array of extraction and moisture removal tools in our broad inventory. 

What Tools Are Best for Drying Up Flood Damage? 

Because every flooding situation is different from the last, there are different tools and devices that are best to remove water or dry the area. Identifying the most efficient solution is always the priority, as the sooner standing water gets addressed, the less damaging flooding typically becomes. Some of the standard water removal and drying tools include:

• Air Movers
• Dehumidifiers
• Positive Pressure Systems
• Floor Mat Systems

After a flood, you want your home to look like it did before the disaster as soon as possible. Our SERVPRO of Culpeper & Fauquier counties team can help anytime you need us.

Why do sump pumps pail?

1/5/2022 (Permalink)

Sump pumps are drainage systems that are commonly found in the basements of commercial buildings. They work to pump water out of the basement and away from the building, preventing flooding and water damage. A sump pump failure can lead to a flooded basement and cause water damage to furniture, essential materials, and other important objects, which could prove costly. Understanding why sump pumps fail is the first step in preventing a sump pump failure in your commercial building.
Causes
Power outages are one of the most common causes of sump pump failures, especially during the stormy summer months and hurricane season. Storms can dump large amounts of rain water for the sump pump to drain, but a power failure that prevents the sump pump from doing its job can leave your building defenseless and at risk for flooding. To prevent disaster, consider having your sump pump hooked up to a backup generator.
Sump pumps require regular cleaning in order to function properly, so infrequent maintenance can have serious consequences. To keep your sump pump from failing, clean its vents and run a vinegar solution through the unit.
Lastly, your sump pump might fail simply because it’s old. Over time, sump pumps will start to feel the effects of usage and therefore, failure is inevitable after 7-10 years. It’s recommended that your sump pump be replaced after 10 years in order to protect your building from a sump pump failure.
Sump Pump Failure? Call SERVPRO
If your commercial building’s sump pump has failed, resulting in water damage, remember that SERVPRO has you covered. We’re trained in flood and water damage and will use our trusted, advanced drying techniques to prevent mold and mildew growth, rapidly restoring any water damaged areas. Don’t hesitate. Call SERVPRO of Culpeper & Fauquier counties today and learn more about the commercial water damage services that we provide here.

Is water trapped in your walls?

3/24/2021 (Permalink)

Many homeowners attempt to extract the water using shop vacs and setting fans.  The water may appear to be gone and dried up.  What about the walls?

If water gets deep enough, it will wick up drywall or can be forced in around windows and doors as wind-driven rain.

This trapped water is very difficult to dry using conventional fans.  A professional restoration company like SERVPRO of Culpeper & Fauquier Counties has special equipment and the knowledge to check for moisture in the walls and to dry it.

If walls remain wet for more than 48 hours, the opportunity for mold growth increases.  Once mold has begun growing in wall cavities, it is difficult to identify and normally requires significant demolition to properly remove.

If you have a significant amount of water, don't try and dry it yourself.  Give SERVPRO of Culpeper & Fauquier Counties a call.  If you had water damage this season and dried it yourself and now find that there is a musty odor that remains, let us know.

The technicians at SERVPRO of Culpeper & Fauquier Counties are not only certified for water damage restoration but also for mold remediation.  We can make your home "Like it never even happened."

Flood Damage could affect your Home

3/19/2021 (Permalink)

Help Us Help You When Flood Damage Descends On Your Home

Our customers can make a substantial positive impact on the harm flooding can inflict on their home and its contents. Making some changes in how you store items or install systems or appliances can avoid a significant catastrophe if extreme seasonal weather strikes. If you travel or reside in another location for part of the year, establishing a relationship with our team can give you peace of mind even if you are elsewhere when flooding threatens. 

Hurricane season stretches over half the year, and even less intense weather systems can expose your home to flood damage. Having a personal safety plan for yourself and every member of your family is wise. Extending this concept to preparing for potential damage to your home makes sense. 

Be prepared with the SERVPRO ERP Plan 

SERVPRO of Culpeper & Fauquier Counties offers both business and residential customers the opportunity to collaborate with us to design an individualized Emergency Ready Plan and Profile (ERP). We send an experienced project manager or SMR sales and marketing rep to your home.  While there, we check the layout and evaluate the strengths and vulnerabilities of your storage, utility, and other systems, and more. 

How to “Weather the Storm”

Expect recommendations to make your home and contents less likely to sustain significant flood damage. Moving items to higher ground and clearing the way to shut off and control panels make it easier for us to respond safely to any emergency. As we work with you developing the ERP, we come to a consensus on the best ways to approach a flood in your home. We need to understand your priorities.  We show you how we intend to mitigate and remediate a possible flooding event. 

Contact information is crucial

SERVPRO of Culpeper & Fauquier Counties also suggests you nominate a local contact to act on your behalf if you are unavailable during a flooding event. Even if friends or family are vacationing in your home, it is a good idea to have a preselected point person both you and our team relies upon if a disaster occurs. 

SERVPRO of Culpeper & Fauquier Counties encourages proactivity to our busy customers. To ready yourself and your property or business for flood damage, call (540) 423-6688 to schedule an ERP assessment.

How To Identify Odors in Your Home After a Flood

3/8/2021 (Permalink)

Identify Odors After A Flood And Eliminate Their Cause

When storms cause serious flooding and affect your Culpeper & Fauquier Counties, home, you may notice several different types of foul odors in the aftermath, even when the waters recede. From mold growth to sewage chemicals, the flooding may leave your home smelling less than pleasant. Learning to identify these odors can be the first step to finding and eliminating their cause.

Musty Smells

If you detect an odor like wet dirty laundry after a flood, then you may be dealing with mold. There are many different types of fungi that can take hold after a flood, and many can develop as soon as 24 hours after the event. Mold does not require sunlight to grow and may grow unchecked in a variety of locations:

• Behind drywall
• Around insulation
• Under carpeting
  
  

Having your home inspected after a serious flood can help to uncover hidden mold.

Sewer Odor

The strong, bitter smell of a sewer is hard to mistake for anything else. The odor may also smell like rotten eggs, especially if a nearby sewer has malfunctioned and sewage loss caused a flood in your home’s basement. Because any standing water in your home may contain contaminants and bacteria, you may want to seal off the area until you can call a water damage and mitigation service to come to drain it away and deodorize your home so the offensive smell from the flood water does not linger.

Dirt or Mud Smells

Serious flooding can bring silt, dirt and debris into your home. The moisture it contains can also encourage increased mold growth. You may detect an earthy, fishy or wormy odor from dirt or mud left behind in the wake of a flood. Your flood technicians can remove this debris and offer you options for odor removal as well, such as using ozone machines to clear the air.

Serious flooding can affect your home and cause foul smells from mold growth and dirty standing water. Learning how to identify different odors can give you a head start on cleanup efforts, especially once help arrives.

What Steps Must Begin Right After Flooding Occurs?

3/8/2021 (Permalink)

Flood damage can be a devastating force, meaning that mitigation and recovery efforts should begin as soon as possible.

There are often times where homeowners look at their Culpeper & Fauquier property and determine the best course of action after a flood emergency. The longer this process takes in choosing the right professionals to begin restoration and recovery, the more your home and its belongings could become irreparably damaged. Knowing what to do when flooding first occurs can help you to appreciate your need for professional restoration despite possible mitigative efforts you can begin on your own.

Regarding your home in Culpeper & Fauquier Counties, several steps must occur, beginning with emergency services when our team arrives. With flooding scenarios, often, the most pressing concern is standing water in the affected areas. Surface water damage can quickly penetrate porous materials, forcing water into structural cavities and causing more substantial concerns like deterioration, microbial threats, or spreading bacteria. The earliest actions that our professionals can take after a flood loss include:

• Extraction
• Content Management
• Debris Removal

What Happens to Damaged Belongings?

Content management is one of the vital services that we offer during your flood-damaged home's mitigation period. The objective begins with assessing the damage to each item or personal belonging still in the house after flooding occurs. Some of these items can get moved to a safer location on the property to prevent damage, while others must get restored on-site or offsite at our SERVPRO facility. In our care at our warehouse, we can offer focused drying, cleaning, and safe storage.

Flooding can be a threatening situation for your home. However, with mitigation beginning as soon as our professionals arrive, there is little to stop you from reaching out to our SERVPRO of Culpeper & Fauquier Counties team as soon as possible. We can make flood losses "Like it never even happened." Call us at 540-423-6688

Is it Time to Contact a Storm Restoration Expert?

1/6/2021 (Permalink)

Is it Time to Contact a Storm Restoration Expert?

As a homeowner, you probably don't want to have to think about your roof leak or getting a roof repair. You probably don't want to deal with flooding, river flooding, hail damage, or hurricane damage. You don't want think consider how frozen pipes and ice damage can cause roof damage or a roof leak. Unfortunately, it might be time to contact a home restoration expert to deal with storm remediation. If you've been thinking about home restoration or water restoration, the time to get started is now. If you aren't sure whether it's time to reach out to a storm restoration or home restoration expert, there are a few things you need to consider.

Have you recently experienced a severe storm?

If you have recently experienced river flooding, flooding, storm damage, hail damage, or hurricane damage, your house may have been physically damaged and you may need storm remediation. Many homeowners don't realize just how severe roof damage, hail damage, hurricane damage, and ground water can be after a severe storm. Pay attention to when there are storms in your area, as any place that is prone to hail damage, hurricane damage, or storm damage may be susceptible to problems.

Does your home have standing ground water?

Does your area frequently have river flooding? Flooding due to high rains? Ground water after flooding?  Standing flood water in your yard? Many homes experience flooding after river flooding in the area, but flooding can also be caused by frozen pipes. Frozen pipes can burst and cause flood water to accumulate inside your home. Does your house have flood water? It could be time to seek storm remediation. A water restoration expert can help to remove ground water with a flood pump. A flood pump can effectively remove water from your house minimizing secondary water damage effects such as mold. Make sure you contact a water restoration and storm restoration professional.

Is there visible damage to your home?

If you experience ice damage, storm damage, hurricane damage, or hail damage in your area, make sure you visually inspect your home. Do you notice holes in the side of your house from hail damage? Do you have a roof leak from roof damage? Do you need a roof repair? Do you have visible storm damage? If you notice any of these damages call SERVPRO of Culpeper & Fauquier Counties 540-423-6688

If you're ever in doubt about getting help from a storm restoration professional, go ahead and reach out. We are here to help repair problems with your home and fix any damage. Visit https://www.SERVPROculpeperfauquiercounties.com/ for more information on storm damage.

Preparing for Winter Storms

12/23/2020 (Permalink)

Winter storms are not uncommon in the Southern Virginia area and to be stuck unprepared in blinding, wind-driven snow that lasts for several days is not ideal. Many winter storms are accompanied by extremely low temps and potentially strong winds, icing, sleet, or freezing rain.

No matter the severity of a winter storm, you should be prepared to ensure your safety in these events and know that SERVPRO of Culpeper & Fauquier Counties is here to help.

Know the Difference

Meteorologists may not always be accurate in their predictions, but more often than not they are able to give out a notification for what kind of weather is to come. It is important to note the difference between a Winter Storm Outlook, Winter Weather Advisory, Winter Storm Watch, and a Winter Storm Warning.

• Winter Storm Outlook - storm conditions possible between 2-5 days
• Winter Weather Advisory - conditions are expected to cause inconveniences and be hazardous
• Winter Storm Watch - storm conditions possible within 36-48 hours. Be alert of changing conditions
• Winter Storm Warning - Life-threatening & severe conditions have begun or will begin < 24 hours. Take precautions immediately

Preparation

Now that you know what each warning means - it's time to prepare before scary weather happens!

Winterize your vehicle. Keep the fuel line full to prevent freeing.

Insulate your home. There's nothing worse than a cold home and frozen pipes. Cover windows with plastic and insulate any exposed pipes outside your home. If you speculate that there is a frozen pipe, call your local SERVPRO of Culpeper & Fauquier Counties.

Put together a Supply Kit. Ensure you have your basic necessities of food and water for several days. Batteries, flashlights, medication, a multi-purpose tool and various personal hygiene items.

Now that you know how to prepare for the different types of winter weather, maintain your awareness of the ongoing situations. Listen to the local Weather radio, keep your loved ones close, and avoid traveling if it isn't necessary.

If we can be of any assistance, call us day or night. There will always be a live person on the other end of the line available for whatever you need, even if it is just to answer questions. We are eager to help 703-644-0620.

What Is A Storm

3/27/2020 (Permalink)

What is a storm?

A storm can be defined as anything from dust devils, whirlwinds, high winds, rain, lightning, thunder, ice storm, snow storm, hail, sandstorm, and more. Depending on the severity of the storm and its form, it can cause all sorts of damage.

A storm occurs when there is a disturbance in the atmosphere.

What is a disturbance?

A disturbance is when two opposing forces, like high and low pressures are surrounding one another/combined. The level of disturbance will depend on the level of pressure.

Going back to the damages a storm can cause, what are those damages and how can they occur?

Damages from a storm can be done to the environment, to a home, or both.

Lighting can have contact with a tree or dry grass causing wildfires, or an electrical pole starting an electrical fire, or strike an electrical system in a home causing a house fire.

Too much rain/snow can cause flooding. This could take trees down, block roads, flood basements, or affect other aspects in a home.

High winds can cause power outages affecting street lights, blowing over signs, or power outages in the home.

No matter what type of storm it is, or what type of damage you may have because of it, SERVPRO of Culpeper & Fauquier Counties is ready to help fix it.

Hurricane Storms

3/27/2020 (Permalink)

The Atlantic Hurricane season does not always affect us. However, it is still good to be prepared for when a hurricane does hit Virginia. Why is that? Hurricanes are very powerful and cause a lot of damage. The hurricane season is also very long. The Atlantic Hurricane season is June – November. That means that for almost half of the year we could possibly be affected by a hurricane!

Since the 1900’s there have been approximately over 37 hurricanes in VA. Instead of continuously naming the hurricanes after the area/year/month it occurred, we started naming the hurricanes. In 1953 Virginia had their first hurricane with a name; the hurricane was named Barbara. The latest hurricane that affected Virginia was named Dorian.

For safety tips on how to prepare for hurricanes check out http://www.hurricaneville.com/safety.html

https://www.weather.gov/media/akq/miscNEWS/hurricanehistory.pdf

Thunderstorm preparation

3/4/2020 (Permalink)

Thunder

In our area, every year we can experience a lot of rain, which can lead to thunderstorms. It’s important to be prepared and have a plan in place. Talk with your family and create an emergency plan for thunderstorms, floods, and tornadoes. Think about an emergency shelter and evacuation plan. Below we have a few suggestions to make sure you and your family are ready for whatever happens. 

Protect your electronics

Your electronics can get fried if they are not properly protected. Plug electronics into a surge protector to avoid damage during a storm. 

Prepare for power outages

Have battery-operated flashlights and lanterns in easy to get to places. Check on these items from time to time to make sure the batteries still work, replace them if necessary. Also, think about keeping the refrigerator and freezer doors shut to keep food from spoiling. If these food items rise above 40 degrees for 2 hours or more, they should be disregarded. Call your local power company to inform them of the outage and to get information regarding when the power should be restored. 

Stay away from power lines

Do not go near power lines should they fall to the ground, they can be very hazardous. Call 911 if you see downed power lines. 

Go inside when you hear thunder

If you hear thunder, it is likely that lightning is also occurring. Lightning can be dangerous, therefore, make sure to go inside when thunder occurs. 

Seek shelter

There are many different natural elements which can occur and be harmful when outside during a disaster. Therefore, during a storm, it is important to seek shelter and be safe. If your inside, a good place to be is at the lowest level of your home. If you have a basement or storm cellar you can hang out in until the storm passes. 

Keep an emergency kit ready

Consider putting together a kit of things you may want to have on hand during a storm. Items you may want to include would be water, non-perishable food, flashlights, blankets extra batteries, a radio, and a first aid kit. If you have an emergency does strike your home during a thunderstorm, SERVPRO of Culpeper & Fauquier counties is ready to help get your life back to normal. 

How to Prepare Your Animals For a Storm

3/3/2020 (Permalink)

Fluffing my Feathers. Photo Credits: Rebecca Henenlotter

Animals can't prepare for a disaster themselves Therefore, that job is left within your own hands. 

Here are some tips on how to help you if a sticky situation ever arises in your area.

• Keep a list of how many animals you have, their species, and their location (with their favorite hiding spots).

You can google "fire department stickers for pets" and order stickers online or go in person to a store like Petco. The sticker should say something like "in case of an emergency ___ Dogs ___ Cats ___ etc". The sticker is good to put on your house windows, stable, barn, or even car/trailer.

• Create an evacuation kit (specific to each species).

Make sure to label the species on each kit. Let a good friend or family member know where all of these kits are located in case you are out of town during an emergency. 

• Create an evacuation plan (with multiple location options)

Let a good friend or family member know what this plan is. It will keep you and your animals safe in case your route is compromised.

• Have the proper equipment to move your animals (crate, cage, trailer, etc)

Make sure to discuss this with your neighbors. As you or your neighbor may have extra equipment that you would be willing to share.

• Have at least a week's worth of food and medication ready (along with the veterinarians information).

Make sure to label the food and medications. As well as which animal should be consuming/taking what.

• Have plenty of water for you and your pets!

It is very important to have things ready for yourself as well because if you are not okay you won't be able to help your animals

• YOUR ANIMALS RELY ON YOU. PLEASE BE PREPARED!

Winter Storm Weather Ready

1/6/2020 (Permalink)

Preparation:

• Always have your vehicle checked (car battery, fluids), install good winter tires, and fill your car with gas prior to a storm
• Have plenty of Salt or kitty litter for your walkway/driveway
• Emergency ready radio flashlights, extra batteries, candles, and matches in case of an outage due to the storm
• Canned food and bottled water that is saved in case of emergencies
• Extra Blankets, gloves, and hats
• If you have animals, have extra supply for them too
• Caulk weather strip doors or windowsills to keep cold air out
• If you have a fireplace, keep extra wood on hand
• Make sure your family knows what to do, where to go, where supplies are located in case of an emergency.

During:

• Pay attention to the local weather
• If you do not have to leave your house, then don’t
• If you have to drive, a highway will always be safer than a back road
• If you have to drive, let someone know where you are going and your eta
• Eat regularly because it will help your body produce its own heat
• Keep your body hydrated with anything but caffeine or alcohol. Both Caffeine and alcohol will actually dehydrate the body.
• Save on your electric bill by closing the door to any unused room, lowering the heat at night, covering any cracks or windows
• Wear layers and keep dry
• Cards, board games, books for entertainment/bonding time

Post:

• Stretch before you go outside and shovel; and don’t over exert yourself
• Clear off your sidewalk, car, and driveway
• Keep updated with your local news
• Try to avoid the roads until you know for certain they are clear
• Once the storm is over, enjoy the snow and go sledding

Storm Sweet Storm

12/30/2019 (Permalink)

After visiting your family for the holidays, and long travel time, you can't help but be excited to get home and unwind. After all, the saying goes "home sweet home." 

However, some are not so lucky to come home and relax. With the weather constantly changing from warm to cold, and ice to rain, some are missing the crazy weather, but are coming home to the storm's damages. 

With the weather we have been having so far this winter we have seen pipes freeze, pipes freeze and burst, flooded basements, even molded rooms and water damage from houses being left unattended for a handful or more days.

If you come home, are ready to relax, and see that your house has been damaged, don't fret. Call SERVPRO, because we are here to help, we know just what to do, and we will quickly clean up and fix the terrible aftermath of that storm! 

Power Outages

2/22/2019 (Permalink)

Extended power outages may impact the whole community and the economy. A power outage is when the electrical power goes out unexpectedly. A power outage may:

• Disrupt communications, water, and transportation.

• Close retail businesses, grocery stores, gas stations, ATMs, banks, and other services.

• Cause food spoilage and water contamination.

• Prevent use of medical devices.

PROTECT YOURSELF DURING A POWER OUTAGE:

• Keep freezers and refrigerators closed.

• Only use generators outdoors and away from windows.

• Do not use a gas stove to heat your home.

• Disconnect appliances and electronics to avoid damage from electrical surges.

• Have alternate plans for refrigerating medicines or using power-dependent medical devices.

• If safe, go to an alternate location for heat or cooling.

• Check on neighbors.

HOW TO STAY SAFE WHEN A POWER OUTAGE THREATENS: 

Prepare NOW

• Take an inventory of the items you need that rely on electricity.
• Talk to your medical provider about a power outage plan for medical devices powered by electricity and refrigerated medicines. Find out how long medication can be stored at higher temperatures and get specific guidance for any medications that are critical for life.
• Plan for batteries and other alternatives to meet your needs when the power goes out.
• Sign up for local alerts and warning systems. Monitor weather reports.
• Install carbon monoxide detectors with battery backup in central locations on every level of your home.
• Determine whether your home phone will work in a power outage and how long battery backup will last.
• Review the supplies that are available in case of a power outage. Have flashlights with extra batteries for every household member. Have enough nonperishable food and water.
• Use a thermometer in the refrigerator and freezer so that you can know the temperature when the power is restored. Throw out food if the temperature is 40 degrees or higher.
• Keep mobile phones and other electric equipment charged and gas tanks full.

https://www.ready.gov/power-outages

Time is money

2/22/2019 (Permalink)

When you need it done right and done fast, call SERVPRO of Culpeper & Fauquier Counties. Did you know when you hire us for maintenance cleaning, you get around-the-clock restoration services built with you in mind? Quality cleaning and quick response - that is the SERVPRO way.

Can't figure out how to get the job done? Call SERVPRO of Culpeper & Fauquier Counties for all your emergency restoration needs. When you experience a fire, water or mold damage in your home or facility, you need fast response and the expertise to get the job done right, ensuring you can get back into operation as quickly as possible. Through it all, you expect the most reliable information and the very best service at a fair price. 

American Red Cross safety tips

5/2/2018 (Permalink)

Check out www.redcross.org for more information!

TORNADOES Tornadoes can strike without warning and destroy a community in seconds. Before a tornado warning is issued for your area, here are some things you should do:

1. Know your community’s warning system.

2. Pick a place where family members can gather if a tornado is headed your way. It could be your basement or, if there is no basement, a center hallway, bathroom, or closet on the lowest floor. Keep this place uncluttered.

3. If you are in a high-rise building and don’t have enough time to go to the lowest floor, pick a place in a hallway in the center of the building.

4. Remove diseased and damaged limbs from trees.

5. Move or secure lawn furniture, trash cans, hanging plants or anything else that can be picked up by the wind and become a projectile.

THUNDERSTORM SAFETY STEPS Thunderstorms injure an average of 300 people every year, and cause about 80 fatalities. Here are the top thunderstorm safety steps you should follow:

1. If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to the storm to be struck by lightning. Go to safe shelter immediately.

2. As the storm approaches, take shelter in a building.

3. If you are driving, pull off the roadway and park. Stay in the car with the windows closed and turn on the emergency flashers. Avoid touching metal or other surfaces that conduct electricity in and outside of the vehicle.

4. If you are inside, unplug appliances and avoid using the telephone or any electrical appliances. Avoid taking a bath or shower, or running water for any other purpose.

5. If you are caught outside and cannot reach a safe building, avoid high ground, water, tall, isolated trees and metal objects such as fences or bleachers. Picnic shelters, dugouts and sheds are not safe.

FLOODING Heavy rains could fill rivers and streams, bringing flooding to the area. If your neighborhood is threatened with the possibility of flooding, here are some things you should do:

1. Be prepared to evacuate at a moment’s notice. When a flood or flash flood warning is issued for your area, head for higher ground and stay there.

2. Stay away from floodwaters.

3. If you come upon a flooded road while driving, turn around and go another way. If you are caught on a flooded road and waters are rising rapidly around you, get out of the car quickly and move to higher ground. Most cars can be swept away by less than two feet of moving water.

4. Keep children out of the water.

5. Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize flood danger.

DOWNLOAD EMERGENCY People should download the free Red Cross Emergency App to receive emergency alerts and information about what to do in case of tornadoes, flooding and other disasters, as well as locations of shelters. The App also includes emergency first aid information and a Family Safe feature which allows people to instantly see if loved ones are okay. The free Emergency App is available in app stores by searching for the American Red Cross or going to redcross.org/apps.

Flood facts

5/2/2018 (Permalink)

Floods are one of the most common and widespread natural disasters in the United States.

There is always potential for flood damage no matter where you live. According to the American Red Cross floods cause more damage in the United States every year than any other weather related disaster. The American Red Cross offers these flood safety tips:

-Stay away from floodwaters. If you come up on a flowing stream where water is above your ankles, stop, turn around and go another way. Six inches of swiftly moving water can sweep you off of your feet.

-If you approach a flooded road while driving, turn around and go another way. If you are caught on a flooded road and waters are riding rapidly around you, get out of the car quickly and move to higher ground. Most cars can be swept away by less than two feet of moving water.

-Keep children out of the water. They are curious and often lack judgment about running water or contaminated water. 

If a flood occurs and affects you, call SERVPRO of Culpeper & Fauquier counties.  Even minor floods have potential to cause major damage. We are faster to ANY size disaster. Let us help you get your life back in order.