How to Protect Your Home While on Vacation

7/22/2024 (Permalink)

At SERVPRO, we understand the importance of safeguarding your home from potential water damage, especially when you're away on vacation. Here are some expert tips to help you prevent water damage and ensure peace of mind during your trip:

1. Inspect for Leaks

Before leaving, inspect your home for any signs of leaks or water damage. Check under sinks, around appliances, and in the attic and basement. Address any issues immediately.

2. Turn Off the Main Water Supply

Shutting off the main water supply is one of the best ways to prevent water damage. If a leak occurs while you’re away, this simple step can save your home from significant damage.

3. Drain Your Pipes

After turning off the main water supply, drain the pipes by opening faucets and flushing toilets. This helps to remove any remaining water and reduces the risk of leaks.

4. Check Your Sump Pump

Ensure your sump pump is in good working order. A malfunctioning sump pump can lead to a flooded basement, especially during heavy rain. Test it before you leave to make sure it’s operating correctly.

5. Install a Water Leak Detection System

Invest in a water leak detection system with automatic shut-off capabilities. These systems can alert you to leaks and shut off the water supply to prevent extensive damage.

6. Clean Gutters and Downspouts

Clogged gutters and downspouts can cause water to overflow and seep into your home. Clean them out to ensure proper drainage and prevent water from pooling around your foundation.

7. Inspect and Maintain Appliances

Check appliances like your washing machine, dishwasher, and water heater for any signs of wear and tear. Replace old hoses and ensure all connections are secure.

8. Adjust Your HVAC System

Set your thermostat to a temperature that prevents freezing pipes if you're traveling during winter. Consider installing a smart thermostat to monitor and adjust temperatures remotely.

9. Arrange for Regular Checks

Ask a trusted neighbor or friend to check your home periodically. They can look for signs of water damage and address any issues promptly.

10. Review Your Insurance Policy

Ensure your homeowner's insurance policy covers water damage and that you understand the terms and conditions. Consider adding extra coverage if necessary.

By following these steps, you can help protect your home from water damage while you enjoy your vacation. At SERVPRO, we're here to provide expert assistance and support for all your home restoration needs. Safe travels and peace of mind are just a few precautions away.

Be Storm Ready!

10/2/2023 (Permalink)

There are many different storm disasters that can strike when you're least prepared.  Whether its a flood, hurricane, blizzard, or even wildfires, any of these can give no warning before they hit.  The time to prepare for a disaster is not as it approaches, or even worse as its happening, the time is now! It does not matter where you live, you will be affected by a storm disaster at some point.  When these occur SERVPRO Burlington Twp./Mt. Holly is always ready to make it "Like it never even happened."  Here are some tips and information to have you prepared.

• Know your risk. These means understanding what types of weather can affect you based on where you live and your environment.  Also check the forecast regularly, and learn about Wireless Emergency Alerts. Make sure your shelter plan includes all types of hazards.
• Put together an emergency supply kit, and keep important valuables and papers in a safe dry place.
• A few important items that should always be handy are: bottle water, non perishable food, flashlight, radio, first aid kit, extra clothing, and a whistle to signal for help are some of the necessities. 

It's always best to be prepared, so use these tips to get ready for the next big storm!

Inspect Your Fireplace!

9/29/2023 (Permalink)

It's almost that time of year again. Where the family is going to gather around the warm fireplace. But, before you throw those logs on and light it up, it's important to inspect that your fireplace and chimney are properly cleaned. If you're unsure when the last time your chimney was cleaned, you need SERVPRO of Burlington Twp./Mt. Holly!

During the spring and summer seasons, when your fireplace is not in use, a variety of things could build up in the chimney. Such as soot, leaves and sticks, or even a variety of critters! A chimney is a great place for birds, squirrels, and others to build there nests.

Always take a flashlight and do a self inspection to make sure your chimney schutte is clear of all debris. Even if you think you've done a sufficient cleaning, its always safe to have a professional come out an inspect it properly.

If you own a gas fireplace make sure all gas lines are tightly secured, and don't have any leaks. Although it may seem alright to leave it unattended, you should always turn it off when leaving your home or going to sleep. Fireplaces are nice and cozy, but if not properly cleaned and unattended to, they can become a huge fire risk for your home. SERVPRO of Burlington Twp./Mt. Holly is open 24/7, 365 days including holidays! 

6 Tips to Protect Your Burlington Home While on Vacation

7/20/2023 (Permalink)

Many people go on vacations during the summer months, leaving their properties unattended. SERVPRO is the #1 choice in restoration services to property owners, property managers, and vacation rental agencies. The need for routine inspections, maintenance, and restoration is very important to prevent any potential damage while the properties are vacant.

Here are some tips to make sure your property is taken care of while you’re relaxing! 

• Secure doors and windows: Before leaving, double-check that all doors, windows, and entry points are securely locked. You don’t want water to make its way uninvited.
• Inform trustworthy neighbors or friends about your vacation plans. Provide them with your contact information and ask them to keep an eye on your property. 
• Maintain your property's exterior: Before leaving, ensure that your property's exterior is well-maintained. Trim trees and bushes, mow the lawn, and remove any potential hazards or debris that could cause damage during your absence.
• Unplug non-essential appliances: To prevent electrical fires or power surges, unplug non-essential appliances, such as computers, TVs, and kitchen appliances. This also helps conserve energy while you're away.
• Check water sources: Turn off the main water supply or shut off individual water valves to prevent leaks or flooding. Consider installing leak detection devices that can alert you to any water leaks or pipe bursts.
• IF EMERGENCY OCCURS: Inform your security company and emergency contacts, such as SERVPRO of Burlington Twp./Mt. Holly. We are available 24/7.

Vacation is supposed to be a relaxing getaway from reality. Performing these tips and tricks will help your family have a stress-free trip!

9 Tips to Keeping Your Pets Safe

7/6/2023 (Permalink)

Saturday, July 15th is National Pet Fire Safety Day! It is important to include your furry family members into your emergency plan should a fire ever occur. You want to make sure they know their way out of the house during an emergency.

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) in the United States, an estimated 500,000 pets are affected by house fires annually, with a significant number suffering injuries or losing their lives. Here are some tips to keeping your pets safe during a fire emergency:

1. Develop a clear and well-rehearsed evacuation plan that includes your pets. designate a meeting point outside where everyone, including your pets, can gather safely.
2. Display pet alert window stickers.
3. Ensure that your pets wear collars with identification tags at all times.
4. Pets can accidentally knock over candles, lamps, or space heaters, causing fires.
5. Consider installing pet-specific fire alarms or detectors that can detect the unique frequencies of a pet's distress call.
6. Take steps to minimize the risk of fires in your home. Don't leave pets unattended near open flames or hot appliances.
7. Include essential supplies for your pets in an emergency kit, such as food, water, medications, and copies of vaccination records. Keep this kit easily accessible in case of an evacuation.
8. Inform neighbors or nearby friends
9. During a fire emergency, pets may become frightened and seek hiding spots. Be aware of their favorite hiding places and inform firefighters or rescue personnel about their likely locations. 

Show some love to your pets and make sure they are ready to escape during or following an emergency. Call SERVPRO Team Paparone immediately following any fire damage restoration services. We are HERE TO HELP® 24/7.

What Your Homeowners/Renters Insurance Covers

9/22/2022 (Permalink)

Do you live in Burlington Twp. NJ with renter’s insurance or homeowners insurance? Do you know what your insurance covers if you are hit with water damage?

No worries, SERVPRO of Burlington Twp./Mt. Holly has your back. Our partnership with State Farm has allowed our professionals to understand the ins and outs of insurance. Here is what renter’s insurance covers - in short, it covers all the things you own. 

Accidents - this includes objects damaging your property

Weather impacts - any damage resulting from a natural 

Malicious mischief - this includes vandalism, theft, riots, & vehicle damage

Loss of use - if your home or property is damaged and uninhabitable after a covered loss, living accommodations and expenses that accrue will be covered by this type of insurance.

According to Forbes and the Insurance Information Institution, every year about one in 50 homeowners file water damage claims, accounting for 29% of all homeowners insurance claims. It is important to be aware of what your insurance covers and the steps to take in the event of water damage.

SERVPRO of Burlington Twp./Mt. Holly takes pride in relieving stress from our customers and clients. Our professionals are equipped with the knowledge and resources to be the middle person between our business and their insurance claims.

Is You New Jersey Business Emergency Ready?

9/16/2022 (Permalink)

Aftermath of a pipe bursting from a water heater

ARE YOU READY FOR WHATEVER HAPPENS?

No one plans for disasters, but that doesn’t mean you don’t have too. Partnering with SERVPRO of Burlington Twp./Mt. Holly, ensures you’re ready for whatever happens to your business or commercial property.

By preparing now, you demonstrate excellence in readiness planning by compiling a comprehensive information resource to use in case of a disaster. 

WHY SERVPRO’S EMERGENCY READY PLAN?

By having an immediate plan, you minimize potential business downtime when disaster strikes. Here’s why SERVPRO’s ERP is the way to go! 

1. 50+ years in disaster recovery experience
2. 2,000+ service provider locations
1. This means there is a SERVPRO in your area within a two-hour distance
3. 20,000+ SERVPRO Personnel
4. No Retainer/Upfront Costs
1. SERVPRO’s Emergency Ready Plan is completely free to utilize. We will come out to do a free assessment of your property while storing all the property information in one place.
5. Largest Supply of Owned Equipment

Our Ready Plan is designed to be a start-up approach that provides critical information needed to begin mitigation and recovery services. 

If you and your business are interested in learning more about our ERP profile, please contact our offices at 609-326-3663.

Immediate Response is Crucial for Water Damage

9/16/2022 (Permalink)

Property damage doesn’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we. SERVPRO of Burlington Twp./Mt. Holly provides emergency cleanup and restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—including all holidays. No damage is too big or small for our team! 

Why is immediate response time crucial?

The short answer: to keep a bad situation from getting worse. In many cases an immediate response will help contain and minimize damage, thus reducing cleaning and restoration costs. The sooner the cleanup process starts, the better.

Here are a few immediate steps you can take to help speed up the process:

1. Call your insurance company as soon as possible. Once you have filed a claim with your insurance company, SERVPRO of Langhorne/Bensalem can take it from there to determine next steps. 
2. Call SERVPRO of Burlington Twp./Mt. Holly, who provides 24 hour, 7 days a week emergency service by having a network of strategically positioned storm teams on standby should a disaster strike near you.
3. Document the damage by taking pictures or videos for the insurance claim. 
4. Shut off the water source so no further damage is created.
5. Turn off circuit breakers. 
6. Don’t enter affected areas! 

Use technology such as alarms and/or smart home monitoring systems that can be managed and monitored even when you aren’t home!

What To Do Before, During and After Water Damage

9/16/2022 (Permalink)

We cannot control Mother Nature; when she hits Philadelphia, we need to make sure we are ready to go for whatever damage she leaves behind. We can’t control the weather but we can control what we do to prepare for the before, during and after water damage.

Here are the things you should do before, during and after water damage to make the remediation process easy for you.

BEFORE:

• Make a list of all the things you own; furniture, clothing, valuables
• Fill out a Family Emergency Plan (list of all emergency contacts), or if you are a business owner/property owner - fill out our Emergency Ready Plan.
• Have a To-Go Bag that you can grab if you are rushing out in a hurry
• Be aware of what your insurance company covers when damage unexpectedly hits your home or business

DURING:

• Turn off water valves and electricity circuits 
• Call you insurance company to file a claim
• Stay away from any flood water whether it’s from a storm or a leaking pipe. You’re unfamiliar with where the water came from.
• Call SERVPRO of Burlington Twp./Mt. Holly, give them the insurance claim number. After communicating with the insurance company, our crews will be dispatched out to your home to assess the situation and discuss next steps.

AFTER:

• Depending on the damage will determine what happens after the damage is assessed by our professionals. We take pride in making sure the water damage remediation process is as smooth as possible for our customers. 

Flooding is the most common U.S. natural disaster, and New Jersey has one of the highest flooding rates of all states.

If your home or business is suffering from water damage, don’t hesitate to call SERVPRO of Society Hill now at 609-326-3663.

SERVPRO Hosts The First Responders College Bowl Game

9/16/2022 (Permalink)

It’s that time of year! Football season is upon us and SERVPRO hosts The First Responders College Bowl Game on December 27th in Dallas, Tx. SERVPRO takes pride in supporting their local first responders and SERVPRO of Society Hill is proud to be a part of that initiative. 

SERVPRO has been sponsoring the bowl game since 2014 and has given our franchises the opportunity to honor local first responders on a national level. Rick Isaacson, CEO of SERVPRO, said, “The SERVPRO First Responder Bowl is one way we celebrate these dedicated first responders and their families as the hometown heroes they are.” 

Each franchise will nominate a local first responder to be considered for special recognition at this year's game. One nominee will be selected to experience an all-expenses-paid trip to the game where they will be presented with an award. 

The SERVPRO First Responders Bowl also has a virtual Everyday Heroes Wall that honors these courageous people in our community. If you know someone who has committed to risking their lives every day, view the Everyday Heroes Wall page to submit a photo of your frontline hero!