Happy Earth Day!

 

Celebrate Earth Day with Our Green Products!!!!!!!!!!! Tell us how you are helping to save the Earth!

Things to Know…

I may not be an expert, but I’ve seen a lot in the 8 years I’ve worked for Servpro of Newtown & Southern Litchfield County.

Winter is a miserable season. We all know it, even if you like spending a day on the slopes and coming into the lodge for a cup of hot cocoa, or building a snowman with the kids in the yard.

The fun activities of winter are usually overshadowed by enormous amounts of snow, sleet and ice. The past few years has seen hurricanes in October, Blizzards on Halloween, ice dams galore and more snow than I can think about right now. This year is deceptively different…a little El Nino and we have 60 degree weather in February (yes, I wore flip flops). I sit in my office thinking about tips that can help all the readers out!

So here we go…

1. Make sure you shovel off your roof after a heavy storm. This will help alleviate the chance for ice dams. Of course, proper attic or gable ventilation is important as well. Remember, heat rises.
2. Make sure you are keeping your heat at a decent temp. No lower than 65. The cold from outside will combat the warmth. Last year, the “keep it at 60” mentality failed as we had below zero weeks, which strained the ability of the heating systems to maintain adequate ability to heat homes.
3. Be careful heating your houses with alternate methods. Fireplaces and pellet stoves are wonderful alternatives, but can be very dangerous. Make sure your chimney is inspected at least once every 2 years.
4. If you do have a water damage, please give us a call. Water damages should be mitigated by professionals in the field. Servpro of Newtown and Servpro of Putnam County are IICRC Certified in Water and Fire remediation.
5. Make sure you turn off the water promptly. This will help save you from any additional secondary damages.
6. Call your insurance company and notify them of the issue. Most of the time, the damage is a covered loss.
7. We understand the disaster that can happen with water or fire damage and we are available to assist you throughout the entire process. Why don’t you give us a call!

We can be reached at 203-743-5362 or 845-228-1090!

The Dreaded Flu :(

Flu season is upon us…as the debate to be vaccinated or not rages on… here are some helpful tips and hints about preventing the spread of germs.

 

Did you know this is what a flu virus looks like???

 

 

 

 

And some tips..

 

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m4340140_SeasonalFluChecklist

National Preparedness Month Continues

See what Servpro of Newtown & Southern Litchfield County can do for you.  We are here to help in any size disaster.  From a hot water heater leak to a puffback cleanup, you can count on us to make it like it never even happened.

Business need to stay prepared for any disaster.  Making sure that you have an Emergency Plan in place will ensure that you stay in business.  Please see the picture below about how Ready Business, an extension of the National Ready Program can help you!

Weathering Summer Storms

 

Weathering Summer Storms

 

The spring season is known for the potential to see stormy weather across the United States, but that threat still exists through the summer months. In fact, the potential for sever weather actually increases in some areas. June 1st signals the beginning of hurrican season in the atlantic and runs through November 30th. The Eastern Pacific hurricane season begins May 15th also ending November 30th.

While it may be difficult to prepare for the unpredictable, you can take necessary steps to protect your home and business now to ensure you are ready if disaster strikes.

Hurricanes

Hurricanes are one of nature’s most fierce and unpredictable forces. According to the National Weather Service, an average of eleven tropical storms develop over the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico each year. Many remain over the ocean and never impact the U.S. coast line. Six of these storms become hurricanes each year. Hurricanes can produce additional hazards including storm surge, high winds, tornadoes and flooding. It is important to be prepared for all of these threats.

Know if you are located in an evacuation area. Know your vulnerability to storm surge, flooding and wind. Have a written plan based on this knowledge; inventory your personal and business property.

Check your emergency supplies, replace batteries and stock necessary supplies.

During the season, monitor the tropics. If a storm threatens, heed advice from local authorities. Evacuate if ordered.

Tornadoes

Unlike hurricanes, tornadoes can affect any region of the United States, though some area are more likely than others. “Peak” season run May through July, but tornadoes can occur any time of the year, if conditions are favorable. Around 1,000 tornadoes hit the United States anually. Damage is usually caused by strong tornadic winds that can reach 300 mph. It is important to be prepared if a tornado watch or warning is issued for your area, and to know the difference.

• Tornado Watch: Tornadoes are possible in and near the watch area. Reivew and discuss your emergency plan and check supplies. Be ready to act quickly if a warning is issued or you suspect a tornado is approaching. Acting early helps save lives.

• Tornado Warning: A tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. Warnings indicate imminent danger to life and property. Go immediately to a storm cellar, basement, or interior room suchs as a closet, hallway or bathroom.

For more tips, please visit the National Weather Service’s website.



Controlling Mold In Your Environment

 

Mold- It is a four letter word that makes most people cringe. But contrary to popular belief, not all mold is dangerous; some mold is even quite useful. Fungi and mold naturally occur in our environmen. More than 100,000 different types of fungi have been identified. you can find fungi in our everyday lives in bread and baked products; the unique flavor of blue cheese is the result of mol.  Though some types of mold can be useful, many other forms can be harmful. Excessive amounts of mold and mold exposure may present health concerns for some people.

The intrusion of water into your home or business can result in mold growth. Water intrusions can result from storm damage, plumbing or equipment failures, long standing leaks and poor humidity control. When these water intrusions are not addressed right away, the resulting damage can be an increased risk of harmful mold growth. Mold spores are normally present in most environments. If the humidity and moisture levels in a water damaged environment are not controlled, mold spores can grow and multiply.  Organic materials found inside a building, like wood, drrywall, paper and insulation, provide a food source for mold, allowing growth to flourish. This can lead to indoor environmental conditions that pose a health threat.

Servpro of Newtown & Southern Litchfield County handles water damages everyday and know prompt actions is required to prevent mold growth.  Mold is more likely to spread when an environment has been subject to moisture for an extended period of time.  If your property has sustained a recent water damage, it is vital to remove excess water and dry the structure promptly. Once the environment is dry, it is important the structure is properly cleaned.

When determining if you have a mold problem, be alert for: the presence of visible mold, strong musty odors, evidence of past moisture problems and excessive humidity.

IF you fear you have a mold problem, call Servpro of Newtown & Southern Litchfield County at 800-352-0019. A technician trained in mold remediation will examine the structure and determine the steps needed to contain and clean the affected areas.

For more information on Mold visit: WWW.EPA.ORG