When water becomes a hazard

9/21/2022 (Permalink)

Water damage

When water becomes a Bio Hazard!

Homeowners often don't realize that they are responsible for the maintenance and repair of their lateral sewer pipe which is the pipeline between the city sanitary sewer main (which is usually located in the street) and the building.

Sewer backups and toilet overflows can wreak havoc in your home and can create a bio hazard situation very quickly.

Sewage backup should be considered an emergency and dealt with as quickly as possible. We are the water damage restoration specialists with specific training and expertise to safely restore your home or business.

So, what are the most common causes of sewer backups?

In the Northeast we have many older homes, often times these homes can be over 100 years old and one of the causes of sewer backup is aging sewer systems.

The ASCE states that the nation's 500,000-plus miles of sewer lines are on average over thirty years old. This has caused and contributed to the rapid rise of sanitary sewer back ups, overflows and flooded basements.

Tree roots seeking moisture, small roots of trees and shrubs make their way into sewer line cracks and service pipe joints, they can cause extensive damage or blockages as they grow larger. The cost of the clean-up will fall to the problem tree's owner.

Combined pipelines cause problems to arise in systems that combine storm water and raw sewage into the same pipeline.

During many rain storms, the systems are exposed to more volume than they can handle, and the result is a sewage backup situation that allows sewage to spew out into basements and other low lying drains.

There are 3 categories of contaminated water that homeowners may have to deal with in a water leak or sewer back up scenario, they are:

Category 1: "Clean Water"

This is water from a clean source, such as a broken clean water supply line or faucet. If left untreated, category 1 water can quickly degrade into category 2 or 3 water depending upon such factors as time, temperature, and contact with contaminants.

Category 2: "Gray Water"

This water has a significant level of contamination. Sources for category 2 water may include washing machine overflow; toilet overflow with some urine, but no feces; or dishwasher overflow.

Category 3: "Black Water"

This water is grossly unsanitary and any contact should be avoided. Sources for category 3 water could include flooding from rivers or streams, water from beyond the toilet trap, water from the toilet bowl with feces, or standing water that has begun to support microbial growth.

Water can go from Category 1 to category 3 quickly if left untreated and exposed to bacteria.

Give us a call at 603-298-6942 if you are dealing with any water or sewer backup and we'll make it "Like it never even happened"

When water becomes a Bio Hazard!

6/15/2022 (Permalink)

Sewer back ups can lead to a bio hazard situation quickly

When water becomes a Bio Hazard!

Homeowners often don't realize that they are responsible for the maintenance and repair of their lateral sewer pipe which is the pipeline between the city sanitary sewer main (which is usually located in the street) and the building.

Sewer backups and toilet overflows can wreak havoc in your home and can create a bio hazard situation very quickly.

Sewage backup should be considered an emergency and dealt with as quickly as possible. We are the water damage restoration specialists with specific training and expertise to safely restore your home or business.

So, what are the most common causes of sewer backups?

In the Northeast we have many older homes, often times these homes can be over 100 years old and one of the causes of sewer backup is aging sewer systems.

The ASCE states that the nation's 500,000-plus miles of sewer lines are on average over thirty years old. This has caused and contributed to the rapid rise of sanitary sewer back ups, overflows and flooded basements.

Tree roots seeking moisture, small roots of trees and shrubs make their way into sewer line cracks and service pipe joints, they can cause extensive damage or blockages as they grow larger. The cost of the clean-up will fall to the problem tree's owner.

Combined pipelines cause problems to arise in systems that combine storm water and raw sewage into the same pipeline.

During many rain storms, the systems are exposed to more volume than they can handle, and the result is a sewage backup situation that allows sewage to spew out into basements and other low lying drains.

There are 3 categories of contaminated water that homeowners may have to deal with in a water leak or sewer back up scenario, they are:

Category 1: "Clean Water"

This is water from a clean source, such as a broken clean water supply line or faucet. If left untreated, category 1 water can quickly degrade into category 2 or 3 water depending upon such factors as time, temperature, and contact with contaminants.

Category 2: "Gray Water"

This water has a significant level of contamination. Sources for category 2 water may include washing machine overflow; toilet overflow with some urine, but no feces; or dishwasher overflow.

Category 3: "Black Water"

This water is grossly unsanitary and any contact should be avoided. Sources for category 3 water could include flooding from rivers or streams, water from beyond the toilet trap, water from the toilet bowl with feces, or standing water that has begun to support microbial growth.

Water can go from Category 1 to category 3 quickly if left untreated and exposed to bacteria.

Give us a call at 603-298-6942 if you are dealing with any water or sewer backup and we'll make it "Like it never even happened"

Fires during construction and renovations

6/6/2022 (Permalink)

Fire while under construction

The days are longer and the weather is warmer, it's time get those construction and renovation projects underway!

Fires in structures under construction are more common than you may think.

According to the NFPA, fire departments responded to an average of 3,840 fires of structures that were under construction and 2,580 fires in structures that were under major renovations per year between 2013-2017.

The cost annually for this is $304 million in direct property damage and three of every four fires in structures under construction involved residential properties.

Fire at a construction site is bound to endanger the lives of workers and anyone else on site. A fire at the site can also damage the structure and destruction of machinery and materials; ultimately putting the job at a stop and delaying the whole project.

It is imperative that every project has a clearly laid out fire protection plan and a project manager/construction manager to make sure that the plan is in place and that every one is aware of the plan and point of contact.

Fires at construction sites can start for many reasons and it is important to know fire types and how to handle each one.

Class A fires occur in wood, rubber, paper,cloth and most plastics. The most effective type of extinguishing agent is one using water, or solutions containing large concentrations of water,because the ‘‘quenching-cooling’’ effect reduces the temperature of the burning material below its ignition temperature. Fire extinguishers suitable for this type of fire are designated with a classification of “A” on the label

Class B fires occur in flammable or combustible liquids, such as petroleum products and greases.
A “blanketingsmothering” effect of an agent that excludes oxygen or inhibits the chemical chain reaction is most effective. Extinguishers labeled “Class B” employ carbon dioxide, dry chemical, Halon or foam.

Class C fires involve electrical equipment. The extinguishing agent must be non-conductive. Carbon dioxide, dry chemical and Halon are the normal types used for electrical fires.

Class D fires involve combustible metals such as aluminum, magnesium, zirconium and titanium. The use of water and some other conventional types of extinguishing agents are ineffective and may cause a violent reaction. These fires can be extinguished with specially prepared agents. Where this hazard exists, extinguishing agents with a D-class rating should be provided. All on-site fire extinguishers should be serviced and inspected.

According to the NSC, The woodworking area should be set up in a remote area of the project.
Where possible, dust-collecting apparatus should be installed for power equipment. Dust, scraps and refuse should be removed regularly and properly disposed of. Smoking should be prohibited in the area.

Cutting and welding sparks cause more
construction fires than any other ignition source.

The person responsible for fire safety should implement fire protection systems and ensure
adequate precautions are taken.

The NSC also recommends to expedite the installation of automatic sprinklers.

Underground mains, hydrants and a source of
water should be provided in the earliest stages of
construction. The goal should be to get sprinklers
in service ahead of combustible occupancy and
immediately following combustible construction.

Making sure that all local codes are being implemented and followed is imperative to a safe and effective worksite.

SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton welcomes any and all questions about fire safety! Give us a call today at 603-298-6942 

Ticks are back!

5/11/2022 (Permalink)

Photo of male and female adult blacklegged ticks on a sesame seed bun to demonstrate relative size. Photo credit: CDC

The warm weather is returning and the sun is shining, that means more time spent outdoors. After being cooped up for the long Winter months, it's refreshing to be able to get back out there!

We are not the only thing to settle down for the Winter, only to reemerge when the melting and thawing are over.

Ticks!

This is the time of year when ticks rear their ugly little heads and we need to be ready for them!

According to the CDC tick exposure can occur year-round, but ticks are most active during warmer months (April-September).

Knowing which type of tick is common in your local region can help you to determine what steps are best at preventing tick bites.

According to the CDC Geographical Map the most common ticks to inhabit the Northeast are listed below.

American Dog and Brown Dog tick:

• Widely distributed east of the Rocky Mountains. Also occurs in limited areas on the Pacific Coast.
• Transmits: Tularemia and Rocky Mountain spotted fever.
• The highest risk of being bitten occurs during spring and summer. Dog ticks are sometimes called wood ticks. Adult females are most likely to bite humans.

Blacklegged tick (AKA Deer Tick):

• Widely distributed across the eastern United States.
• Transmits: Borrelia burgdorferi and B. mayonii (which cause Lyme disease), Anaplasma phagocytophilum (anaplasmosis), B. miyamotoi disease (a form of relapsing fever), Ehrlichia muris eauclairensis (ehrlichiosis), Babesia microti (babesiosis), and Powassan virus (Powassan virus disease).
• The greatest risk of being bitten exists in the spring, summer, and fall. However, adults may be out searching for a host any time winter temperatures are above freezing. Stages most likely to bite humans are nymphs and adult females.

So, how can we best avoid these guys while still enjoying the great outdoors?

We should first know where to expect ticks.

Ticks live in grassy, brushy, or wooded areas, or even on animals. Spending time outside walking your dog, camping, gardening, or hunting could bring you in close contact with ticks. Many people get ticks in their own yard or neighborhood.

Treat clothing and gear with products containing 0.5% permethrin. Permethrin can be used to treat boots, clothing and camping gear and remain protective through several washings.

*If you are an avid camper or hiker you can buy permethrin-treated clothing and gear.

Use a chemical repellent with DEET, permethrin or picaridin.

Wear light-colored protective clothing.

Tuck pant legs into socks.

Avoid tick-infested areas if possible and stick to the middle of trails when walking them.

Make sure to check yourself and your pets as soon as you come in. It's important to check your clothing as well because ticks may be carried into the house on them and any gear that you or your pet may be wearing.

Any ticks that are found should be removed.

You can tumble dry clothes in a dryer on high heat for 10 minutes to kill ticks on dry clothing after you come indoors.

If the clothes require washing first, hot water is recommended. Cold and medium temperature water won't kill ticks.

The CDC recommends showering within 2 hours of coming inside because it has shown to reduce the risk of getting Lyme disease as well as other tick born diseases. It will also help to wash away any ticks that haven't latched on yet and gives you the opportunity to do an all over body check.

When doing a body check on yourself or your children, pay attention to these areas:

• Under the arms
• In and around the ears
• Inside belly button
• Back of the knees
• In and around the hair
• Between the legs
• Around the waist

Let's look forward to a fun and active Summer free of ticks!!

Keeping Covid at a distance

5/9/2022 (Permalink)

Let's keep Covid away!

Mask mandates are being lifted in most states due to the downswing in Covid cases overall in the US.

As life begins to go back to normal, this is a reminder to us that we can take precautions to prevent the spread of Covid in the future by following the CDC recommendations.

Not all storms come in the form of a weather related disaster; some storms can't be seen. But; they can still be prepared for.

The CDC is still striving to continuously gather data and information in an attempt to give us the most current information available.

Pandemics are something most of us have not had to deal with in our lifetime but are something that we have seen before.

A pandemic is a disease outbreak that spans several countries and affects a large number of people. Pandemics are most often caused by viruses, like Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), which can easily spread from person to person.

A new virus, like COVID-19, can emerge from anywhere and quickly spread around the world. It is hard to predict when or where the next new pandemic will emerge.

According to the CDC, if a pandemic is declared, there are some basic steps to follow.

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds and try not to touch your eyes, nose or mouth.
• Keep a distance of at least six feet between yourself and people who are not part of your household.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a mask when in public
• Clean and disinfect high-touch objects and surfaces.
• Stay at home as much as possible to prevent the spread of disease.

Follow the guidance of the CDC

How to Prepare Yourself for a Pandemic

In addition to what we have already learned during the Covid outbreak, following the recommendations below can save you time and allow you to focus on what's important.

Learn how diseases spread to help protect yourself and others. Viruses can be spread from person to person, from a non-living object to a person and by people who are infected but don’t have any symptoms.

Prepare for the possibility of schools, workplaces and community centers being closed. Investigate and prepare for virtual coordination for school, work (telework) and social activities.

Gather supplies in case you need to stay home for several days or weeks. Supplies may include cleaning supplies, non-perishable foods, prescriptions and bottled water. Buy supplies slowly to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to buy what they need.

Create an emergency plan so that you and your family know what to do and what you will need in case an outbreak happens. Consider how a pandemic may affect your plans for other emergencies.

Review your health insurance policies to understand what they cover, including telemedicine options.

Create password-protected digital copies of important documents and store in a safe place. Watch out for scams and fraud.

Preparation is key to any disaster or storm and we've covered what you can do to be as prepared as you can be. The CDC offers much information on how you can keep yourself safe during and after a pandemic.

Staying safe and prepared for ANY disaster is the SERVPRO way!

Which Fire Extinguisher should I use?

5/4/2022 (Permalink)

Do you know how to put this fire out?

Know your fire types so that you can be prepared.

Not all fires are the same and that means not all fires are handled the same. For example, you would never want to throw water onto a grease fire. Learning about fire, can save your life.

Let's take a look at the different types of fires and their classification.

Fire Classes:

Class A: Ordinary Combustibles

• Wood
• Paper
• Cloth
• Trash
• Other ordinary materials

Class B: Flammable Liquids

• Gasoline
• Paints
• Oils
• Grease
• Other flammable Liquids

Class C: Electrical Equipment

• Wiring
• Fuse Box

Class D: Combustible Metals

• Combustible metal and metal alloys such as Aluminum and Magnesium.

Class K: Combustible Cooking

• Cooking Vessels
• Vegetable oils
• Animal Fats
• kitchen fires

Now that we have learned about the different types and classifications of fire, Let's find out which extinguisher is appropriate for each fire type.

There are a few different types of fire extinguishers available and each serves it's own purpose.

Types of extinguishers:

Water: This extinguisher is for use on Class A fires.

This type is used on paper, wood, coal, cardboard and other solid fuel fires. 

Foam: This extinguisher is for use on Class A and B fires.

• This type can be used on paper, wood, coal, cardboard and other solid fuel fires. This type is used on paper, wood, coal, cardboard and other solid fuel fires.

Powder: This extinguisher is for use on Class A,B,C,D and Electrical.

• This type is used on paper, wood, coal, cardboard and other solid fuel fires.
• This type can also be used on flammable liquids, Flammable Metals, Flammable Gases and Electrical.

CO2:This extinguisher is for use on Class B and Electrical fires.

• This type is used on Flammable Liquids and Electrical fires.

Wet Chemical: This extinguisher is for use on Class A and K fires.

• This type is used on paper, wood, coal, cardboard and other solid fuel fires 
• Cooking Oil fires such as a deep fat fryer.

Fires spread quick and can be deadly!

Knowing what type of fire extinguisher to use and having it readily available can make all the difference in the world.

If you have any questions about fire remediation or just want to learn more about fire prevention; give us a call at 603-298-6942 or visit our website for blogs and more.

Commercial Duct Work Cleaning

4/29/2022 (Permalink)

Is your duct work dirty?

Is my duct work dirty? Should I have it checked?

The ventilation system within your commercial space is key to your air quality.

Estimates made by the World Health Organization say that poor indoor air quality cost $60 Billion in employee sick leave and lost production.

Poor air quality can spread illness, cause respiratory irritation, and cause employees to feel drowsy or apathetic. In some cases, it can spread illness and cause employees to become sick frequently.

You don’t want to keep the air in your commercial space too dry nor too humid. Both ends of the humidity spectrum cause health issues and can make your staff uncomfortable. Instead, try to keep the humidity level in your building between 40 and 50 percent.

The ventilation system is often the biggest culprit in poor indoor air quality. Inspecting the ductwork must be a high priority.

In most cases, the HVAC system has been operating for some time without much attention. Dirty ducts can circulate odors, contaminants such as mold and irritating dust throughout your office building.

Another problem that affects ductwork in commercial businesses is when input and output vents become blocked by boxes, equipment, furniture or dust. This reduces the free flow of air through ducting systems and, by association, reduces air circulation throughout the entire commercial building.

Part of your responsibility to the tenants, workers, and/or students who work and play in your buildings includes proper maintenance and prompt response to any situation that could cause illness or health concerns.

SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton can help:

• Remediate bacteria, fungi and mold
• Reduce potential for mold growth
• Restore peak energy efficiency
• Eliminate offensive odors

SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton will inspect your HVAC system and ductwork. This inspection can save you money and provide peace of mind on the health of your HVAC system and ductwork.

To schedule a duct cleaning or inspection call 603-298-6942.

Like it never even happened

Commercial flooding

3/23/2022 (Permalink)

local businesses suffer from flooding

2022 has been a wet one.

Between the rain and snow storms, now the snow melting; we have been inundated with water losses.

Spring has sprung and local businesses have been dealing with one water loss after another.

What are some of the things that SERVPRO can do when my business suffers storm damage?

Flooded business dry Out:

• Pump Deep Water
• Carpet Water removal
• Moisture Test walls
• Set up Drying Equipment
• Apply Antimicrobials
• Test Drying Complete

Acting quickly is key!

Leaving water or moisture can cause damage to the rest of the structure as well as where the damage occurred. Imagine the condensation that could happen when it's 90* outside.

The concrete or cement blocks used to construct basements and buildings are susceptible to mold growth as well as odor.

Imagine all of the exposed framing. Framing lumber does and will absorb moisture and thus, grow mold. The metal framing ties may not be porous enough for mold growth; but they will corrode.

How about the plumbing and wiring?

Again, any metal parts can and most likely will corrode with excess moisture in the air.

The insulation! Perfect for mold growth!

SERVPRO of Lebanon / Hanover / Littleton has the training, experience, and equipment to handle large commercial flooding or water damage emergencies.

Whether your water emergency occurs in a small office building or big box store, we will respond quickly to mitigate the damage and manage the restoration project through to its completion.

If you have a flooding situation, SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton are prepared and ready! Call 603-298-6942 24hours a day, 365 days a year!

"Like it never even happened."

Flash Flooding in the Upper Valley

3/11/2022 (Permalink)

Be prepared for flash flooding

The Summer months are not that far away and it got me thinking about warm weather preparedness..

We think about vacations, going to the beach and just enjoying the hazy days of Summer. We are lucky in the Upper Valley that we don't often have to deal with damaging storms that other parts of the country do.

The Upper Valley has been unfortunate enough to have been stricken with drought conditions and sudden heavy rains the past couple of Summers leading to flash flooding, locally in the Lebanon area where numerous roads were washed away leaving some stranded until the roads could be repaired.

Preparation for the Summer months is just as important as preparing for the Winter months.

So, what can we do to prepare for flooding and sudden Summer storms?

According to ReadyGov flooding is a temporary overflow of water onto land that is normally dry and floods are the most common natural disaster in the United States.

Floods can result from rain, snow ,storms surges and more, floods can develop slowly or quickly. Flash floods come with no warning.

If you are under a flood warning you should find shelter immediately and NEVER drive through or walk through flood waters,6 inches of water can knock you down and 1 foot of water can sweep away your vehicle.

Having the necessary supplies at home is important if you find yourself living on a washed out road and without electricity as we did in Lebanon Two years in a row.

Learn and practice evacuation routes, shelter plans, and flash flood response. Gather supplies, including non-perishable foods, cleaning supplies, medications and water for several days, in case you must leave immediately or if services are cut off in your area.

For information on how you can receive alerts, follow this helpful link: Alerts

Stay safe during the Summer months and remember that SERVPRO is just a phone call if you need us! 603-298-6942 #stayprepared

Children and Youth Preparedness

2/9/2022 (Permalink)

Children and Youth Preparedness for disasters and emergencies of all kinds.

Preparing for a disaster as an adult can be overwhelming and taxing, especially if you have children to factor into all of your decisions.

If you plan ahead, you can involve your children in all of the steps that need to be taken. The more prepared your child is, the less anxiety they will feel if an emergency or disaster occurs.

Let's start with the basics

• Teach your child how to dial 911 BEFORE an emergency and show your child the steps for calling 911 on your mobile phone.
• Make sure your child can say his/her first and last name clearly and provide his/her address or location.
• Teach your child to identify a location by buildings, signs or other landmarks. Some 911 centers cannot automatically locate a caller.
• Most of us now have cell phones with us wherever we go, which is great in an emergency situation ,but ,most of us have lock screens on our phones for security, as we should. It's important to teach your children how to unlock your phone in the case of an emergency.
• Go over your mobile phone's keypad several times to help your child become familiar with making a call.
• Have your child practice making a phone call from your mobile phone by calling a family member or friend. Remember not to actually call 911 with your child, unless it's an emergency.

Having people set up as your "emergency contact" is very important. Who’s your emergency contact? Make sure the kids know who it is and how to contact them. Pick the same person for each family member to contact. Pick someone out of town as they may be easier to reach in a disaster.

Make an emergency plan with your family and make sure that your emergency contact and school know the plan in case your child is in school when a disaster occurs.

Things to consider when making a plan

• Your family may not be together if a disaster strikes, so it is important to know which types of disasters could affect your area.
• Know how you’ll contact one another and reconnect if separated.
• Establish a family meeting place that’s familiar and easy to find.

Practice, practice, practice!

Have an emergency kit ready for your child. Include medications that your child takes as well as some comfort items such as stuffed animals, board games and books.

Get kids involved in building their own emergency kit! Make it a family activity or part of a game and explain how the kit and the items in it will help them.

For a more detailed list of items that should go in your kit, follow this helpful link: Build A Kit

Let's stay prepared! 

#YouthPrep #ReadyKids