Archived Blog Posts

Storm Season: Is Your Business Ready?

Name: SERVPRO of Cape May County & SERVPRO of Cumberland County
Address: 1149 US Route 9, South Cape May Courthouse, NJ, 08210
Telephone: (609) 624-0202

7/26/2022 (Permalink)

BEFORE the storm hits, have an Emergency Supply Kit ready and an evacuation plan.

Communicate with your co-workers and offer to help people who may be elderly, disabled or living with small children.

Every Office should have an Emergency Supply Kit - put one in your car trunk, too.

Emergency Supply Kit List:

Water (one gallon per person per day
Food (non-perishable, 3-day supply
Manual can opener
Battery powered radio, preferably a NOAA weather radio with tone alert and extra batteries
Flashlight and batteries
First Aid Kit
Whistle to signal for help
Clothing
Dust masks or bandannas
Plastic sheeting, garbage bags, and duct tape
Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
Local maps
Hygiene items
Cash - when there is no power, ATMs will not work
Fire extinguisher
Matches in a waterproof container

If you suffer storm damage to your business, call the Franchise Professionals at SERVPRO of Cape May & Cumberland Counties at 609-624-0202. A timely response is key to minimizing secondary damages caused by a severe storm or hurricane.

Business Owners and Property Managers should ask about our Emergency Ready^® Program.

Storm tips are provided by FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency). For more information on severe storms and other emergency situations, visit their website.

20 Bad Habits That Can Burn Down Your House!

7/26/2022 (Permalink)

House fires are more common than you may realize, with potential fire starters like light bulbs, laptops, and lint traps hiding in plain sight throughout your home, disguised as harmless, everyday necessities.

Are you guilty of one of these bad habits that could burn your house down? Read on to find out.

Piling Up Dirty Rags/Oil Soaked Rags

A wood stain can bestow the perfect finishing touch on a DIY furniture project. But later on, that pile of oil-soaked rags you tossed in the corner could trigger the perfect storm: Left unattended, those rags are a very real fire hazard, as they could oxidize and spontaneously combust, causing a house fire. To dispose of oily rags properly, place them in a metal can that's been filled with water, and cover it with a tight-fitting lid, or lay them flat outside to dry.

Misusing Electric Blankets/Electric Blanket Fire

A warm and cozy electric blanket is a welcome comfort in the cold of winter, but it also poses a potential fire hazard if used improperly. Never allow pets to snuggle up on top, and don't pile extra covers over the electric blanket, because excessive heat buildup may lead to fire. Keep your electric blanket at its lowest setting, never bend the coils, and always turn it off in the morning.

Neglecting Appliance Recalls

During the last decade, home appliances caused an estimated 150,000 fires each year, and a significant number of these were caused by defective appliances. To keep on top of recalls and prevent disaster in your home, register your appliance with the manufacturer or go to www.recalls.gov to find out if any of your models are on the list.

Lingering Dryer Lint/Lint Trap Fire Safety

We all know that emptying the lint screen increases your dryer’s efficiency, but did you know that lint is also flammable? Mixing excessive heat with lint buildup is a recipe for disaster. Clean the dryer vent and exhaust duct regularly, as well as the interior of the dryer frame, to clear away lint and clogs, and reduce the risk of fire.

Letting Your Laptop Overheat/Laptop Fires

If you own a laptop, you know how hot it can get. When you leave your computer on your bed, couch, rug, or other soft, flammable surface, you run the risk of restricting airflow through the cooling vents, which can cause your laptop to overheat and possibly catch fire. To prevent fires, keep your laptop on a desk or table instead.

Choosing the Wrong Wattage/Light Bulb Fire Safety

If you've ever thought to yourself, "It's probably OK to use this 60-watt bulb in a 40-watt socket," you're not alone. You are, however, putting your home at risk. Installing a light bulb with a wattage that is too high for a lamp or light fixture is a leading cause of electrical fires. Always check the light fixture’s maximum wattage, and never go over the recommended rating.

Using Too Many Extension Cords/Extension Cord Fire

Extension cords are meant to be a temporary response to a lack of electrical outlets, not a permanent solution. This is why: Connecting a large number of cords for a significant amount of time can cause an overload that leads to a short circuit—which could ignite a fire. If you need additional outlets, hire a qualified electrician to install them, and you'll avoid this problem altogether.

Performing DIYs You're Not Qualified to Do/Electrical Fires

Americans will spend about $200 billion this year fixing up their homes, and nearly a fifth of this expense will go toward DIY projects. But jobs involving electrical wiring, plumbing, and HVAC units should never be completed without a qualified professional, because gas leaks and electrical sparks resulting from improper installation are a common cause of house fires. Don't put your home and your family at risk by attempting these dangerous DIYs on your own—hire a licensed professional instead.

Disregarding Dust/Dust Fires

Believe it or not, built-up dust can be a fire hazard if it collects in and around electronics, electrical sockets, and even floor heaters. By vacuuming on a regular basis, especially behind your electronics, you’ll significantly reduce the likelihood that particles of dust will catch fire due to prolonged exposure to heat sources.

Storing Batteries Improperly/ Battery Fires

If you store 9-volt batteries in your kitchen junk drawer, you may be putting your home at risk. When loose batteries roll around with other metals, such as screws or paper clips, the two terminals could short out and generate enough heat to ignite nearby flammables. Put a piece of electrical tape over the terminals, or store the batteries in their original packaging to prevent this possibility.

Ignoring Uninvited Guests/ Rodents Cause House Fires

Mice and other rodents like to gnaw on electrical wires to control the length of their teeth. Over time, they can remove the sheathing, leaving the wires exposed. Unfortunately, the electric current that travels through the wire generates heat, and in the absence of sheathing this could lead to sparks caused by short circuits, which in turn could ignite the surrounding surfaces. If you suspect a rodent infestation, call a professional exterminator immediately.

Forgetting the Chimney Sweep/Chimney Fires

Dead birds, raccoon nests, cracked mortar, and built-up creosote are all common causes of chimney fires. The National Fire Protection Association recommends scheduling a professional chimney sweep at least once a year to ensure the safe operation of the chimney. And when you're building a fire in your fireplace, always light it with an approved fire starter—never kerosene. The consequences could be disastrous.

Overlooking the Range Hood/Range hood fire

While ovens and cook tops are the most common sources of kitchen fires, range hoods also pose a potential threat. Over time, grease that has built up on the vent hood filter can drip down onto the cook top, possibly igniting a fire. From there, the flames could easily reach your cabinets, and before you know it, your kitchen could be consumed by fire. Don't let this happen to you! Regularly clean and maintain your range hood to keep your kitchen out of harm's way.

Arranging Furniture Unwisely/Furniture fire hazard

If your furniture is too close to your wood stove, it could spontaneously ignite. Pyrolysis, a chemical decomposition of a combustible item, occurs when an object (say, a sofa) is continually exposed to a heat source (a wood stove) and eventually dries out. This leading yet seldom-considered cause of structural fires does not require a direct flame; all it takes is heat and time for ignition to occur.

Leaving Candles Unattended/Candles fire hazard

Candles add ambiance and aroma to any interior, but their soft glow can grow into a blaze far bigger than you planned for if left to burn unsupervised. While you’re away, Fido could knock the votive over, or a draft could cause the flame to flare up and ignite nearby flammable items. Always keep lit candles in sight and out of reach of pets, children, or flammables like drapes. Before leaving the room, use a snuffer to completely extinguish candles.

Smoking Indoors

Cigarettes, pipes, and other smoking materials sparked around 17,200 home fires in 2014; careless smoking practices indoors are all too often to blame. The embers of an improperly extinguished cigarette can interact with newspapers or other nearby flammable items and start a fire. While smoking in bed can cause nearby bedding to go up in flames, especially if the smoker accidentally dozes off while puffing. To avoid a visit from the fire department, only smoke outside, and be sure to pour water on cigarette ashes and butts before tossing them in the trash.

Stepping Away from the Stove/Kitchen fire

You may think you have enough time to get the laundry out before the onions on the stove brown, but resist the urge to leave the kitchen with the stove still on. A small flame can turn into a conflagration in less than 30 seconds, so keep your feet in the kitchen and your eyes on the stove whether you’re sautéing vegetables or searing meat. If you must step away, turn off the stove before doing so; it won’t take as long as you think to reheat!

Ignoring Loose-Fitting Plugs/Outlet fire

If no plug seems to stay put in one of your electrical outlets, it’s likely because the metal contact points in the receptacle have deteriorated and no longer allow for a secure connection. Continue plugging into the shoddy outlet and the missed connection could ignite a spark and cause a house fire as the current moves across air gaps, a phenomenon known as “arcing.” For peace of mind when plugging in, call an electrician to replace the at-risk receptacle right away.

Not Giving Space Heaters Space/Space heater fire

The same space heaters that keep you toasty when the duvet alone doesn’t cut it are the culprit in 43 percent of home heating fires and 85 percent of home heating fatalities. When placed too close to other combustible items, those items can get too hot to handle—so hot in fact, that they can catch fire. Only use heaters that automatically shut off when knocked over, and park them no less than three feet from any item that can burn, be it clothing or bedding.

Leaving Traces in the Toaster/Toaster fire

Every time you brown bread or a bagel in the toaster, they shed crumbs that fall into the bottom of the appliance. During the next toasting cycle, these same crumbs can heat up and catch fire, and your toaster, along with the kitchen, could, well, be toast. If your toaster has a removable crumb tray, regularly unplug and cool down the toaster, take out and empty the tray, and wash it with warm soapy water to prevent crumb build-up. If the unit doesn’t have a crumb tray, unplug it and then gently tip over and shake it to get rid of most of the crumbs.

Adjust these bad habits now to avoid a dangerous situation in the future.If you have a fire in your home or business and need the help of a specialist trained in fire cleanup and restoration, contact a Franchise Professional today: 609-624-0202 or EMAIL.

SERVPRO of Cape May & Cumberland Counties - we're Here To Help and are Faster to Any Size Disaster!

Information obtained by: Jill Lawrence O'Hara and Manasa Reddigari - BobVila.com

SERVPRO Gets the Job Done Quickly and Thoroughly with Less Business Interruption!

7/26/2022 (Permalink)

We have the specialized training, using CDC and EPA approved products to clean and disinfect areas with potential biohazard contaminants.

We are called on by many businesses and community leaders in the nation to perform commercial cleaning and disinfecting. Why? Because we're the industry leader in cleaning and restoration. We go in and get the job done faster!

We Offer Proactive Cleaning and Sanitizing Services Pertaining to:

Germs and Pathogens
Biohazard cleanup
Air Ducts and HVAC
Carpet and Upholstery
Ceilings, Floors and Walls
Drapes and Blinds
Odor Removal (Deodorization)

The CDC recommends cleaning and disinfecting the following areas/items:

Kitchen| Food areas | Bathrooms
Schools | Classrooms | Offices
Retail spaces | Water Fountains
Shelving | Racks | Sales Counters
Carpets | Rugs | Stair Handrails
Elevators and Escalators
Playground and Fitness Equipment

We're Here to Help - 24/7/365 in the communities we work in and call home.

Interested in more information or in scheduling a proactive disinfection service? Call 609-624-0202 or EMAIL.

SERVPRO of Cape May & Cumberland Counties serves all communities in Cape May and Cumberland counties including: Ocean City, Cape May, Marmora, the Wildwoods, Woodbine, Vineland, Millville, Bridgeton, Fairton and Port Norris.

Your Business & Hurricane Season!

7/26/2022 (Permalink)

It's Officially Hurricane Season! Is Your Business READY? We Are Here To Help 24/7, 365.

Tips from the Federal Emergency Management Agency ("FEMA") for Preparing Your Business for a Hurricane:

Carefully assess how your company functions, both internally and externally, to determine which staff, materials, procedures and equipment are absolutely necessary to keep the business operating.
Identify operations critical to survival and recovery.
Plan what you will do if your building is not accessible.
Consider if you can run the business from a different location or from your home.
Develop relationships with other companies to use their facilities in case a disaster makes your location unusable.
Ask a SERPVRO^® of Cape May & Cumberland Counties Franchise Professional about developing an Emergency READY Profile for your Business.

Call 609-624-0202 when you need help recovering after storm damage. We're Here to Help 24/7, 365. We make it, "Like it never even happened."

^{SERVPRO of Cape May & Cumberland Counties serves Ocean City, Cape May, The Wildwoods and surrounding communities in Cape May County. We also serve Vineland, Millville, Bridgeton, and the surrounding communities of Cumberland County.}

Smoke Damage to a Commercial Building?

6/30/2022 (Permalink)

Smoke Damage After a Fire in Your Vineland Office Building?

Here's What To Do:

If you experience a fire in your commercial building, it’s not only the flames that you need to be concerned about. In some cases, smoke can cause even more damage.

The following are a few reasons that smoke cleaning should be performed as soon as possible after a fire.

Smoke Travels Farther Than Flames

Even if the fire was small or contained to a specific area, there may be smoke damage beyond this point. Smoke travels through the air and carries soot and other contaminants as it does. Because of this, it is important to have smoke cleaning done throughout the building, whether the flames spread far or not.

It Can Cause Long-Term Damage

While fire damage is often obvious, smoke damage can be less so. Smoke and soot particles can find their way into small crevices where they can begin to cause problems for your belongings. This is especially true for electronics, as the acidic elements in the smoke can cause the metal and hardware to corrode. If you believe that your computers, televisions or equipment have been affected, do not turn them on until they have been examined to prevent making the damage worse.

Odor Can Be Difficult to Remove

It may be fairly easy to remove the visible signs of smoke and fire damage, but the smell can linger for long afterward. Smoke particles can become trapped in the walls, carpeting and porous items, so you should include these in the cleanup process as well. Smoke odor can be stubborn, but a fire restoration company will have professional equipment that should be able to remove it from the air and your belongings.

After a fire, it can be easy to focus on the damage that you can see, but you should be sure to pay attention to that which is less visible as well. Performing smoke cleaning is an important part of the restoration process and should be done thoroughly to return your building to its previous condition.

For questions about cleaning smoke and soot after a fire, call the Franchise Professionals at SERVPRO of Cape May & Cumberland Counties at 609-624-0202. We are proud to serve the following communities:

Preparing for Thunder & Lightning Storms

6/6/2022 (Permalink)

Preparing for severe weather is critical to your safety and keeping your property safe from damage.

30/30 Rule for Lightning

If there is less than 30 seconds between a flash of lightning and the sound of thunder, seek shelter.
Wait at least 30 minutes from the last sound of thunder before leaving shelter.

Severe weather can happen anytime, in any part of the country. Severe weather can include hazardous conditions produced by thunderstorms, including damaging winds, tornadoes, large hail, flooding and flash flooding, and winter storms associated with freezing rain, sleet, snow and strong winds.

Know your Risk

Understand the type of hazardous weather that affects you and your family where you live:

Lightning is a leading cause of injury and death from weather-related hazards. Although most lightning victims survive, people struck by lightning often report a variety of long-term, debilitating symptoms.

Thunderstorms are dangerous storms that include lightning and can create or cause:

Powerful winds over 50 mph
Hail
Flash floodingand/or tornadoes

For more tips on preparing for thunder and lightning storms follow these tips from Ready.Gov: Prepare for Thunder & Lightning.

If your property is damaged in a severe storm, call the experts at SERVPRO of Cape May and Cumberland Counties, 609-624-0202. We're a preferred vendor for many insurance companies and can work with you and them to get you back up and running as quickly as possible.

Minerva Alvarado Wins Award for Greater Vineland Chamber of Commerce Volunteer Work.

5/24/2022 (Permalink)

We are proud to announce that our Business & Marketing Development Coordinator, Minerva Alvarado has been awarded the "Best of the Bunch" award by the Greater Vineland Chamber of Commerce. The award was presented at the President's Party at The Grove at Centerton on Wednesday, May 18, 2022.

Minerva's volunteer work for the chamber dates back a few years when she was asked to help the Partnerships & Recognition Committee, chaired by Jason Scythes, First National Bank of Absecon.

"Minerva's volunteer work and dedication to helping us promote our chamber marketing campaigns is of great help. She knows our business members and also supports them by shopping local. We have seen a great increase from the community in our campaigns, and we owe that in large part to Minerva and her skills with social media marketing and create great promotion videos. Thank you, Minerva," said Jason Scythes who along with Executive Director, Dawn Hunter, presented the award to Minerva.

SERVPRO Sponsors Leadership Development Classes for Firefighters & EMS

5/20/2022 (Permalink)

Photo of Trainer, Frank Viscuso and a list of training for firefighters and EMS personnel

Announcement by Minerva Alvarado, Marketing Development Coordinator for SERVPRO Team Fabiani:

As a heartfelt THANK YOU for their dedicated service, SERVPRO Team Fabiani cordially invites Firefighters and EMS Personnel in our New Jersey locations to Leadership Development training at no cost to the attendee. This is a win-win for fire departments and the communities they proudly serve.

The instructor, NJ Deputy Chief (ret.) Frank Viscuso is an international speaker, and author of eight books, including bestsellers “Step Up and Lead” and “Step Up Your Teamwork.” Chief Viscuso’s seminars move people to action and will provide attendees with the knowledge of what skills they will need to lead, inspire, and motivate their teams. We hope this training will inspire others to recruit and retain much-needed personnel. Learn more about his training here:

Two classes are being offered:

June 20, 2022 - 4 HR
"Step Up and Lead" (.25 NJDFS Credits)
Registration/Sign-in: 12-12:45PM
Training: 1-5PM

June 27, 2022 - 2 HR
"The 4 Stages of Team Development"
Registration/Sign-in: 5:30-6:15PM
Training: 6:30-8:30PM

Register early to get exclusive access to a 90-Minute webinar by Chief Viscuso entitled, "Command and Management of Structure Fires."

Training will take place at the Vineland Public Schools Administration Building, 61 W. Landis Avenue, Vineland. Certificates of Completion will be provided to everyone.

You may register for one or both classes here: Leadership Training REGISTRATION.

Anyone with questions may contact Training Coordinator, Minerva Alvarado at: marketing@SERVPRO11562.com.

Six Tips for Accident & Disaster Preparedness

5/20/2022 (Permalink)

Six Tips for Summer Accident and Disaster Preparedness

^{The days are growing longer and warmer on the Atlantic coast. That means tourism season – and hurricane season – are almost upon us. Summer 2022 is predicted to be record breaking both in terms of travel and significant weather events. Whether you are concerned about slips and falls or a Category 5 storm, below are six tips to help mitigate potential harm to your business, your employees, and your customers when disaster strikes:}

^{Assess your risks.}^{First, identify the potential risks and hazards specific to your business. Think about your location, layout, operations, and clientele. For example, is your building in a flood zone? Do you stock food subject to spoilage? Is your establishment kid-friendly? Considering your business’s particular attributes will go a long way in helping you prepare for any accidents that may occur.}

^{Make a plan.}^{Next, create written policies and procedures tailored to the risks and hazards identified. Stress caused by emergency situations can affect decision making and judgment. Having a written plan can dramatically reduce chaos and confusion, saving property, equipment, and lives. Periodically review the policies with your employees, and revise them if necessary.}

^{Train your employees.}^{Employees must be familiar with and trained regularly on the policies and procedures in place. Depending on the type of risk involved, it may be beneficial to run simulations or drills. Every employee should know their roles and responsibilities in a time of crisis.}

^{Document, document, document.}^{Proper recordkeeping is essential to risk management. Maintain records of employee training. Record incidents when they occur so you can appropriately evaluate your policies and decide if they need updating. Consider taking photographs and/or videos of your establishment so you are prepared if you need to file an insurance claim.}

^{Safeguard information.}^{It is vital to ensure sensitive business records and customer information stay protected. With cybersecurity threats on the rise, make sure your technology is up to date. Use different passwords for different accounts. Instruct your employees not to open suspicious emails or attachments. Separate your public Wi-Fi network from the business Wi-Fi. Enlist the help of an IT professional if needed. As your SERVPRO Franchise Professional about our Emergency Ready Profile program (“ERP”). A free assessment of your property designed to serve as a quick reference of important building and contact information. It provides the critical information needed to begin mitigation and recovery services. It's the best way to be "Ready for whatever happens."}

^{Check your insurance.}^{Confirm you have proper insurance coverage. Commercial property insurance can cover damage to your building and its contents due to a fire or storm. Flood insurance can cover losses caused by flooding. Liability insurance can protect you if an allegation is made against you by an injured patron. Are your employees covered by workers’ compensation insurance if they are injured on the job? Cyber insurance can also help protect you in the event of a cyberattack.}

^{The above is by no means a complete list of everything that you can do to prepare for an accident or disaster; however, considering these steps can give you a start for deciding what your business needs and help prevent further loss or injury in the event of a disaster.}

^{For more information, please call our office: 609-624-0202 and speak to a Franchise Professional today.}

^{We are proud to serve our local communities:}

The Company You Trust With Storm Damage

5/7/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO orange roof and fleet vehicles plus franchise information for PA and NJ locations

When your Ocean City home or business has been damaged by a storm, preventing further destruction from the elements with tarp placement and protective measures can be crucial.

We provide 24 hour emergency services including tarp placement, temporary fencing, temporary power and more to Atlantic City, Hamilton Twp. and Hammonton.

We are locally owned and operated, and our experienced Franchise Professionals are quick to respond and Here to Help^® 365 days a year. We're the company you can trust to get the job done right the first time.

The restoration company you can trust: SERVPRO^® of Cape May & Cumberland Counties. If you’ve been hit with a disaster, call: 609-624-0202.

Smoke Damage After A Fire

5/7/2022 (Permalink)

Smoke Damage In Your Building After a Fire? Here's What To Do:

If you experience a fire in your commercial building, it’s not only the flames that you need
to be concerned about. In some cases, smoke can cause even more damage.

The following are a few reasons that smoke cleaning should be performed as soon as possible after a fire.

1. Smoke Travels Further Than Flames

2. It Can Cause Long-Term Damage

3. Odor Can Be Difficult to Remove

It may be fairly easy to remove the visible signs of smoke and fire damage, but the smell can linger for long afterward. Smoke particles can become trapped in the walls, carpeting and porous items, so you should include these in the cleanup process as well. Smoke odor can be stubborn, but a fire restoration company will have professional equipment that should be able to remove it from the air and your belongings.

For questions about cleaning smoke and soot after a fire, call the Franchise Professionals at SERVPRO of Cape May & Cumberland Counties at: 609-624-0202.

We serve Ocean City, Cape May, Wildwood and surrounding communities in Cape May County. We also serve Bridgeton, Vineland, Millville and surrounding communities in Cumberland County.

The Long Term Risks of Standing Water

5/7/2022 (Permalink)

The Long Term Risks of Standing Water.

Standing Water can be dangerous for as long as it's left alone. If you have standing water in your dwelling, be sure to call your local restoration expert, SERVPRO^® of Cape May & Cumberland Counties!

Clearing standing water requires multiple tools and practices happening as quickly as possible. As challenging as this situation can be, it can be even more damaging and destructive to the materials exposed. Water removal is always one of the focal points of water loss mitigation, and that is why our SERVPRO^® professionals arrive with an array of powerful machines capable of reducing standing water promptly and efficiently.

Choosing the right approach to treat water damage depends on multiple factors. Finding the ideal device for specific standing water concerns can make the process more efficient and help our customers to save both time and money throughout the restoration. Appreciating the urgency in the situation is vital to reducing total property loss, so it is critical to know the risks of allowing standing water to continue longer than necessary.

Structural Degradation.

Perhaps one of the most direct paths that standing water can take to cost a homeowner money in a restoration sense is destroying exposed materials. With direct interaction with walls, flooring, and even ceiling material, porous surfaces can absorb moisture and allow the liquid to alter the molecular design to warp and distort the affected material. An excellent example of this is wood plank flooring absorbing water and the planks swelling at the seams.

Water Migration.

Water rarely stops moving and is always looking for a new path to get to another location. After a water loss incident, this behavior of water could mean more and more damage to your property until the situation gets brought to the attention of our capable SERVPRO® restoration professionals.

Microbial Threats (Mold).

Mold is always a concern when elevated moisture levels exist in an environment possibly causing further damage.

Several potential problems could arise from waiting to address standing water in your home or business.

Give SERVPRO^® of Cape May & Cumberland Counties a call to help avoid these concerns as much as possible. We’re Here to Help^® and available 24/7 at 609-624-0202 or 609-965-0885.

SERVPRO^® of Cape May & Cumberland Counties serves Cape May, Ocean City, The Wildwoods and surrounding areas of Cape May County. We also serve Vineland, Millville, Bridgeton and surrounding areas in Cumberland County.

Water Damage Prevention Tips

5/7/2022 (Permalink)

5 Water Damage Prevention Tips for New Homeowners in Cape May & Cumberland Counties.

After investing in your most valuable asset, the last thing you want to face is the hefty expense of water damage repairs. However, this is a reality all homeowners should prepare for — especially since floods are the most frequent and costly types of natural disasters in the United States.

SERVPRO of Cape May & Cumberland Counties reminds consumers that there are several ways to protect against damage caused by storms, floods, and plumbing emergencies. To help you keep your property in good condition, this residential restoration service offers a few important tips to follow:

Invest in Roof Inspections

Small roofing problems can develop rapidly — and result in serious leaks the next time a heavy storm comes along. Visually inspect your roof at least once every year, especially after bad weather occurs. You should also hire a professional roofer to thoroughly inspect the structure about once every three years. If you spot any issues — such as missing shingles — have them repaired immediately.

Test Your Sump Pump Annually

When you have a flooded basement, your home’s sump pump can help clear water out to prevent damage. However, these devices only have an average life span of 10 years and can often experience issues after long periods of inactivity. To avoid flooding damage, test the sump pump once a year and promptly repair any problems.

Keep Your Gutters Functional

If your gutters don’t provide proper drainage, excess water can spill over and damage the walls and foundation of your home. Regularly clean your gutters to promote the flow of water away from your home. And if you spot sagging or broken gutters, have them replaced as soon as possible.

Watch Your Water Bill

Since the majority of your home’s plumbing system remains hidden behind the walls, it can be tough to spot leaks that may cause water damage. However, unusual upticks in water bills can be a sign of a potential leak. If you notice increasing water usage, call a plumber for a professional inspection.

Check Your Insurance

While proactive inspection and repairs can help new homeowners avoid water damage, some incidents can’t always be avoided. In these cases, strong homeowners and flood insurance policies can help cover the cost of water restoration and mold remediation.

When water damage occurs, it’s important to restore the area as quickly as possible to prevent structural deterioration and mold growth. You’ll find fast and reliable care from the Franchise Professionals at SERVPRO of Cape May & Cumberland Counties. To learn more about our emergency restoration services contact us at 609-624-0202.

We serve Cape May, Ocean City, Wildwood and surrounding communities in Cape May County. We also serve Bridgeton, Millville, Vineland and surrounding communities in Cumberland County.

Resolving Commercial Water Damage Odors

4/27/2022 (Permalink)

Flooding May Leave Offensive Odors. SERVPRO^®of Cape May & Cumberland Counties has the training and equipment to remove those odors.

Resolving Commercial Water Damage

When we talk about water issues in your commercial property, we’re talking about the impact of moisture on furnishings as well as microbial damage. All moisture carries microbes which can produce unpleasant odors.

In older commercial properties, structural contents like blinds or carpets can carry pre-existing issues like grime buildup or mold. Exposure to moisture can loosen embedded grime producing further unpleasant odors.

We work closely with facility managers of commercial properties to restore property damages quickly and efficiently. This is cost-effective and saves you money!

Our Franchise Professionals are highly trained specialists with certificates in a range of remediation areas. These certificates include Water Repair Technicians (WRT), Applied Structural Drying (ASD) and Odor Control Technicians (OCT).

Depending on the scale of your requirements, we can send a unit with the correct qualifications to restore your property to a safe working environment for both staff and customers.

The ability to mobilize equipment is a crucial aspect of restoring a commercial business. At SERVPRO^® we rely mainly on truck-mounted extraction units for drying a property. These machines are capable of removing excess quantities of water from both soft and hard flooring by combining vacuum power with a heating element. They are up to a thousand times more efficient than merely placing dehumidifiers and rapid air movers.

Getting your business "Back to Business” is our specialty. We're Here to Help and READY for whatever happens.

Contact SERVPRO of Cape May & Cumberland Counties when you need help. Call 609-624-0202.

We serve Vineland, Millville, Bridgeton and surrounding communities in Cumberland County. We also serve the Cape May, Ocean City, Sea Isle City, The Wildwoods, and surrounding communities in Cape May County.

Restoring Commercial Property After Water Damage

4/13/2022 (Permalink)

Water damage on floor and contents in a commercial property

Restoring Commercial Property After Water Damage.

Flooding and water damage events in Cape May County and Cumberland County commercial properties can be complex and come with numerous issues that require a quick, knowledgeable, and flexible response.

Whether you're dealing with a small water cleanup scenario or a large loss event, we work quickly to assess each unique situation and isolate the damaged area to prevent further damage. In many instances, normal operations can continue in a temporary space while we restore your facility.

Unique Challenges

Our Franchise Professionals are trained to be mindful of legal and environmental concerns and strive to fully restore the damaged area while working within your budgetary constraints. We understand that every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when an emergency situation arises in your business, give us a call.

We serve Cape May, Ocean City, Wildwood, and surrounding communities in Cape May County. We’ll be there fast with the help you need.

About SERVPRO^® of Cape May County

SERVPRO of Cape May County specializes in the cleanup and restoration of commercial and residential property after a water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our Franchise Professionals in the office and in the field are equipped with the knowledge to act fast to restore your property.

Meet our Crew | Our Certifications

Who's Got the Story? We Do!

4/11/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Cape May & Cumberland Counties - Team Fabiani Southern NJ, Hot Off The Press!

Follow this link to read our April Team Fabiani E-Newsletter! Hot Off The Press!

SERVPRO^®Team Fabiani is the largest SERVPRO^®Franchise Operation in the tri-state area, and we're here to serve you 24/7, 365! Call us any time:

SERVPRO Team Fabiani Northeast PA
570-424-2290
Southern Monroe County | Pike County | Northeast Monroe County

We make it, "Like it never even happened."

Best Practices in Healthcare Construction

4/6/2022 (Permalink)

Infection Control Risk Assessment (ICRA) Best Practices in Healthcare Construction

Did you know? We have a certification in Infection Control Risk Assessment (ICRA) Best Practices in Healthcare Construction. This certification teaches members how to contain pathogens, control airflow, protect patients, and work without disrupting adjacent operations. Certificate holders learn how to:

classify work areas to minimize risks
understand and adhere to ICRA protocols
communicate with the facility’s ICRA team
In a healthcare facility, patient care is everything. Unfortunately, thousands fall victim every year to infections caused by dust stirred up during renovation projects.
Completing construction without releasing harmful contaminants or disrupting daily operations while also meeting project schedules are primary concerns for healthcare officials.

For additional information visit ICRA For Builders

Visit us at the Cape May County Business at the Beach Expo.

4/1/2022 (Permalink)

Advertisement for Business at the Beach Expo on April 26, 2022

SERVPRO of Cape May County Participates in the Annual "Business at the Beach" Expo 2022.

Stop by the Wildwoods Convention Center on Tuesday, April 26th - you'll see Harold Lapp, Jr., Business Development Representative for SERVPRO of Cape May County.

This premier business networking event in Cape May County allows you to network with potential customers and find out what's new with products and services for your business. The Expo has always been known for its quality attendance and conducive atmosphere, which is key to making that important business deal.

Hosted by the Cape May County Chamber of Commerce, the Business at the Beach Expo is your one-stop place to shop for all of your business needs and to network with important contacts in the Cape May County area.

Be sure to register for the Expo Keynote Session, "THINKING ENTREPRENEURIALLY, CREATIVELY & INNOVATIVELY" at 3 p.m. with Speaker, Susan Adelizzi-Schmidt, President of Suasion Communications Group. Participants will learn how to address the principles, skills, attitudes, and mindset of creative entrepreneurial leaders in a complex, dynamic, and ambiguous environment. The event is free to attend!

For more information about SERVPRO, contact Harold Lapp:609-339-0297 or via email.

SERVPRO Specializes in Storm Damage.

3/13/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO warehouse with rows of equipment stacked outside

SERVPRO^® of Cape May & Cumberland Counties specializes in storm and flood damage restoration.

We are locally owned and operated - with easy access to all areas of Cape May County, and Cumberland County.

Faster Response.

Since we are locally owned and operated, we are able to respond quickly with the resources you need for any disaster, which is extremely important. Our storm response after Hurricane Sandy saved many properties from further damage. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces the restoration cost.

Resources to Handle Floods and Storms.

When high-tide flooding and storms hit Cape May County or when massive flooding hits Cumberland County, we can scale our resources to handle a large storm or flooding disaster. We can access equipment and personnel from a network of over 1,900 Franchises across the country and as an elite Disaster Recovery Team^® we have the resources of other SERVPRO storm teams that are strategically located throughout the United States. Our Franchise Professionals are highly trained, and we use specialized equipment to restore your property to its pre-storm condition. We have also participated in helping other areas of the country with storm damage, cleaning, and restoration.

Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today 609-624-0202 or 856-692-0041. We're Here to Help^® and We Are Faster to Any Size Disaster!

SERVPRO of Cape May & Cumberland Counties serves Cape May, Ocean City, Wildwood and surrounding communities in Cape May County. We also serve Vineland, Millville, Bridgeton and surrounding communities in Cumberland County.

Where Should You Place Smoke Detectors?

3/13/2022 (Permalink)

Man on ladder checking smoke detector on ceiling

Where to Place the Smoke Detectors in Your Home.

Whether you’re building a new home or adding an addition to your home, you want to be sure you put smoke detectors in the right place for the greatest fire safety.

There are guidelines for the placement of smoke detectors that you should keep in mind. You may need to upgrade the smoke detectors in older parts of a home at the same time that you install new smoke detectors in an addition. Same applies if you are upgrading your office. The International Building Code (IBC), is a comprehensive compilation of safe building guidelines, which includes a requirement to upgrade an entire home’s smoke detection system at the same time any major remodeling occurs, such as a large addition.

Did You Know? Smoke detectors must be connected to one another and wired to the home’s electrical system. This is called an “interconnected” system, and if one smoke detector goes off, all of them will, alerting folks throughout the house. The battery-operated smoke detectors already in your home will probably need to be replaced by an interconnected system, if you don’t already have one.

You should call your local building authority to find out if your community has adopted IBC’s smoke detector rules. Fortunately, the guidelines as to where to put smoke detectors are simple, so be sure to learn how many you’ll need and where to place them to protect your family. Here are some good guidelines:

Install detectors on or as near to the ceiling as possible. Many smoke detectors are designed to mount to a ceiling, but some can also be wall-mounted when attaching to a ceiling isn’t feasible. In this case, smoke detectors should be within a few inches of the ceiling. IBC requires a detector be installed within 12 inches of the ceiling, but the closer, the better.
Install a smoke detector in every sleeping area. This means every bedroom or any other space in your home where someone might sleep.
A detector should be installed in a hallway if one or more bedroom doors open from the hallway. Just one detector is necessary for this spot, whether the hallway serves one bedroom or three. The detector should be centrally located between the bedroom doors.
Install a detector in any room that lies on the path between a sleeping area and the closest exterior door. For example, if a bedroom door opens into a hallway and to get outside from there, you’d have to go through a great room, put a detector in the great room. If the route of escape then passes through the kitchen, a detector should be located in the great room and in the kitchen. Any room you’ll pass through from the bedroom to the exterior door should have a detector.
Install at least one smoke detector on every level of your home. While smoke detectors are vital in sleeping areas, you’ll need to put one on every floor, even if that floor has no bedrooms. This includes an unfinished basement.
To prevent false triggering of the smoke detectors, don’t install them too near a stove or a steamy bathroom. Nothing’s more frustrating than all the detectors in the house going off because someone burned the toast. The IBC recommends positioning smoke detectors a minimum distance away from stoves, ovens, and bathrooms, depending on the type of detector being installed:
- A photoelectric smoke detector (triggered when smoke or steam blocks a beam of light) should be located no closer than six feet from a cooking appliance, such as a stove or oven, and no closer than three feet from a bathroom door.
- An ionization smoke detector (smoke enters a chamber and interrupts an electrical current, which triggers the alarm) should be installed no closer than 20 feet from a cooking appliance, and no closer than three feet from a bathroom door. Ionization smoke detectors are sensitive to even tiny amounts of smoke or steam.

Should you experience fire damage, be sure to call SERVPRO 609-624-0202. We're the fire and water cleaning and restoration experts. We’re Here to Help^®24/7, 365, and our goal is to make it, “Like it never even happened.”

Have a Heart For Our Veterans

3/8/2022 (Permalink)

Letter from New Jersey Veterans Memorial Home

SERVPRO of Cape May County Participates in "Have a Heart for Our Veterans" Initiative.

This past February, SERVPRO of Cape May County along with the United Methodist Church communities in Southern New Jersey, area service organizations and local businesses took part in the “Have a Heart for Out Veterans” initiative. Donations of clothing, snacks and hygiene items were collected and given to the residents of the Veterans Memorial Home in Vineland, New Jersey. Over 300 veterans received a “Have a Heart” bag.

Harold Lapp, Jr., our business development representative said, “We hope this gesture shows our great pride for American veterans. Every time we think of our freedoms – we think of our veterans, and say thank you. We’re honored to support the men and women who so bravely served our great country. They may not think of themselves this way, but to all of us at SERVPRO, they are Heroes.

The gratitude from our veterans is clear as is mentioned in the letter received thanking those who took part in this very special Valentine initiative. God bless America and our Veterans!

SERVPRO of Cape May & Cumberland Counties is proud to support American Veterans and participates in community activities local to Cape May County and Southern New Jersey. We serve Cape May, Ocean City, Wildwood and surrounding communities in Cape May County. We also serve, Vineland, Millville, Bridgeton and surrounding communities in Cumberland County. We are part of SERVPRO® Team Fabiani - Southern New Jersey - the largest SERVPRO® Franchise operation in the tri-state area. For more information, please call: 609-965-0885.

Happy International Women's Day 2022

3/8/2022 (Permalink)

Sign saying International Woman's Day 2022

SERVPRO Team Fabiani Celebrates International Women's Day!

Team Fabiani celebrates the women who contribute to our success and who make Team Fabiani a great place to work!

Some of our female professionals are highlighted in this special video:

Happy International Women's Day 2022!

The Team Fabiani women have positions in all areas of our franchise business, including: Administration, Marketing, Operations, Production, Reconstruction and Sales. Their combined experience is over 50 years strong, and we applaud them for their efforts and contributions over the years!

SERVPRO Team Fabiani serves Atlantic City, Hamilton Twp., Hammonton, Voorhees, Haddon Heights, Cape May County and Cumberland County.

Why SERVPRO? Because our talent and experience speaks for itself. Call 609-624-0202 to speak to a Franchise Professional today!

Why SERVPRO® Team Fabiani?

3/4/2022 (Permalink)

Servpro roof and office locations and photo of fleet trucks

SERVPRO^®of Cape May & Cumberland Counties - Team Fabiani is Ready to Help When Disaster Strikes!

We service all industries, including: Retail, Food Service, Healthcare, Hospitality, Education and Property Management, and here's why we should be Your Local Disaster Recovery Team^®

We're the #1 Cleaning/Restoration Company in Entrepreneur's 2022 Top 500 Franchises
Largest SERVPRO Franchise Operation in the Tri-State Area
Over 16 years in Commercial/Industrial Restoration and Construction

We're Faster to Any Size Disaster and Provide Emergency Services 24/7, 365.

We have the equipment, training and resources to be Ready for Whatever Happens. Here is who we are:

Catastrophic Restoration Specialists
Nationwide Resources (1,900+ Franchises)
Best in Class: Technology & Equipment
Commercial Emergency Ready Program
Preferred Vendor for Insurance Companies
Master Service Agreement

Call a Franchise Professional at 609-624-0202 when you need:

Fire, Smoke, Water, Mold, Biohazard or Vandalism Cleanup
Restoration, Remediation and Bio-remediation
Structural Drying
Smoke and Soot Removal
Deodorization
Structural Cleaning/Decontamination
Specialty Building & Contents Cleaning
Commercial HVAC Cleaning
Hoarder Cleanouts

Emergency Services & Deliverables:

Generators | Temporary Power
Roof Tarping and Boardups
Temporary Fencing
Structural Stabilization
Shrink Wrap Protection
Site Containment / Property Security
Water Extraction (Category I, II, III)
Dehumidification
Demolition

Complete Reconstruction with Quality Workmanship:

General Contracting
Structural Repairs / Insulation
Basement Refinishing
Kitchens, Bathrooms, Floors, Doors & Windows
Cosmetic Finishes / Millwork

We also offer: Building Damage Consulting; Damage Reports Services; Industry-Standard, Detailed Estimates; Environmental Testing (Mold, Asbestos & Lead); Electronic Equipment Restoration; Textile, Garment, Art & Photo Restoration; Onsite and Offsite Storage; and Document Drying & Reproduction.

Our office located in Buena, NJ - we serve all locations in Cape May County and Cumberland County. When disaster strikes, we make it, Like it never even happened.^®

The Company You Trust with Storm Damage.

2/26/2022 (Permalink)

Storm damage to a house with fallen trees

Storm Damage in Your Cape May New Jersey Property?

When your home or business has been damaged by fire, water, mold, or a storm, preventing further destruction from the elements with tarp placement and protective measures can be crucial.

SERVPRO of Cape May & Cumberland Counties provides 24 hour emergency services including tarp placement, temporary fencing, temporary power and more to Cape May, Ocean City, Wildwood, and surrounding Cape May County communities.

We are locally owned and operated, and our experienced Franchise Professionals are quick to respond, and Here to Help® 365 days a year. We're the company you can trust to get the job done right the first time.

Call SERVPRO® of Cape May & Cumberland Counties if you’ve been hit with storm damage: 609-624-0202.

Women to Watch in 2022 - Minerva Alvarado!

2/26/2022 (Permalink)

Women to Watch in 2022 by South Jersey Biz Magazine

We are very proud of our Business & Marketing Coordinator, Minerva Alvarado, who was named as "Women to Watch" in 2022 by South Jersey Biz Magazine. Follows is an excerpt of the article:

Minerva Alvarado

After filling a variety of roles at numerous area New Jersey law firms, Minerva Alvarado switched gears in 2015 when she joined SERVPRO, an industry leader in cleanup and restoration after water or fire damage, storms and disasters, construction and more. SERVPRO ranks #1 in its category and #8 in Entrepreneur Magazines Top 500 Franchises.

Minerva oversees business and marketing development for SERVPRO Team Fabiani - Southern NJ, the largest franchise operation in the tri-state region. SERVPRO Team Fabiani includes locations across South Jersey, Northeastern PA and Southeastern PA.

Minerva has been a dedicated volunteer since the age of 9, when she volunteered with her Mother for the American Cancer Society. Minerva was recently named the Cumberland County Distinguished Citizen and Woman of Achievement in 2021.

How do you approach work/life balance?

As women, we take on a lot of responsibility in work and in life. Taking the time I need for work and life is important, and being true to myself as well. Getting organized, delegating and learning to say no are key. Equally as important is to work when you’re working and enjoy life/family when you’re not working. My employer ensures that there is a good balance of work and family time!

If you could meet any woman in the world, past or present, who would it be and why?

Two women immediately come to mind. I would want to ask both women the very same question you have asked me or I would say, “Tell me about yourself,” and listen to every word. [The two women are] my paternal grandmother, Rosín Hernandez, who passed away before I was born, and Mother Teresa.

SERVPRO Team Fabiani - Southern NJ covers Atlantic City, Hamilton Twp., Hammonton, Voorhees, Haddon Heights, Cape May County and Cumberland County. To speak to a Franchise Professional, call 609-965-0885.

SERVPRO is Faster to Any Size Disaster!

2/23/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO crew with equipment loading a truck.

SERVPRO of Cape May County and Cumberland County is faster to any size disaster!

We have the experience, equipment and advanced technology to handle Storm Damage Cleanup and Restoration in Cape May County and Cumberland County!

Follow any of the links below for more information of the services we offer when you suffer storm damage.

Floods can strike everywhere - so when disaster strikes, call the Franchise Professionals who have the experience and equipment to help. We're here 24/7, 365. Call 609-624-0202 to speak to a Franchise Professional.

Overview of Storm & Flood Services

24-Hour Emergency Service
Faster to Any Size Disaster
Highly Trained Water Restoration Technicians
A Trusted Leader in the Water Restoration Industry
Locally Owned and Operated

SERVPRO of Cape May & Cumberland Counties responds immediately to your flood and storm damage emergencies. We have the storm damage restoration experience and specialized equipment to restore your home or business back to pre-storm condition. When the storm is a major event, you need more comprehensive restoration support.

SERVPRO is "Ready for whatever happens" in Ocean City, Cape May, Wildwood, Vineland, or Millville plus all surrounding communities in each County.

We understand the unique weather patterns and flood concerns unique to this coastal area. We know the seasonal demands of our resort towns. We're Here to Help® make it "Like it never even happened."® Call 609-624-0202.

SERVPRO Disaster Recovery Team®

2/19/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Disaster Recovery Team^®

As part of the SERVPRO Commercial Large Loss Division (SERVPRO Disaster Recovery Team^®), we are the best of the best in restoration. Commercial large-loss specialists are pre-qualified and strategically positioned throughout the United States to handle any size disaster.

Every large loss is supervised by a commercial operations manager to help ensure seamless communication and timely mitigation.

At SERVPRO, the difference is our ability to dispatch trained production professionals and cut costs through the strategic placement and oversight of temporary labor. Get the professionals, call SERVPRO of Cape May & Cumberland Counties.

The industries we service are:

Retail
Food Service
Healthcare
Hospitality
Educational Facilities
Property Management
Government buildings and schools (ask who cleaned the Pentagon after 9/11)

Catastrophic Storm and Major Event Response

Our Disaster Recovery Team^® can provide help whether you're dealing with a tornado, hurricane, blizzard or a flood. The SERVPRO System has a network of strategically positioned storm teams on standby should a disaster strike near you. Available 24 hours a day and 365 days a year, SERVPRO Franchise Professionals are prepared for the unpredictable.

With the ability to mobilize local command centers, along with the resources of more than 1,900 SERVPRO franchises nationwide, no disaster is too big. Recent mobilizations of the Catastrophic Storm Response Teams include:

2021 Tornado Outbreak (KY/IL//TN/MS/AR)
2021 Hurricane Ida
2020 Hurricane Laura
2019 Hurricane Dorian
2018 California Wildfires
2017 California wildfires
2017 Hurricane Irma
2017 Hurricane Maria
2016 Hurricane Matthew
2015 Carolina floods
2014 Polar Vortex
2012 Hurricane Sandy
2010 Nashville floods
2008 Hurricane Ike
2007 Chicago floods
2007 Ohio floods
2007 California wildfires
2005 Katrina/Wilma/Rita

Should a storm or major event strike, call 609-624-0202 our state-of-the-art call center is ready 24/7, 365.

Don't Be the 50% Cape May County!

2/14/2022 (Permalink)

WHEN DISASTER STRIKES, YOU CAN BE RUINED OR YOU CAN BE READY

The Best Way to Reduce Business Interruption Following a Disaster is to Plan For it NOW.

According to the latest industry research, as many as 50% of businesses may never recover following a disaster. Of the businesses that survive, the overwhelming majority of them had a preparedness plan in place. Pre-planning can serve as an insurance policy aimed at peace of mind.

By developing a 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 and fire damage can affect your business.

Are You Ready?

Preparation is a key component for making it through any size disaster, whether it’s a small water leak, a large fire or an area flood. The best time for planning for such events is not when the event happens, but well before it happens. Now is the time to ask yourself, “Are you ready for whatever could happen?”

The SERVPRO^® Emergency READY Profile™ is a start-up approach that provides the critical information needed to begin mitigation and recovery services. It is designed to serve as a quick reference of important building and contact information. By working with the SERVPRO Emergency READY™ Profile, your business will receive the benefit of over 50 years of experience in reducing the impact of any natural or man-made disaster. SERVPRO^® is a leader in water and fire damage response and can help you quickly get your property back in working order.

The SERVPRO^® Emergency READY Profile™ Advantage:

A no cost assessment of your facility
A concise Profile Document that contains only the critical information needed in the event of an emergency
A guide to help you get back into your building following your disaster
Provides facility details such as shot-off valve locations, priority areas and priority contact information.

Contact us to Get Started! Call and speak to a Franchise Professional about our Emergency Ready Profile: 609-624-0202.

Gas Leaks and Fire!

2/14/2022 (Permalink)

The Signs Of A Gas Leak

They are sometimes hard to recognize, but it doesn't take much of a leak to cause a gas fire. These disasters are all too common.

Fortunately, you can avoid a fire or worse by recognizing signs of a leak:

A hissing or whistling sound near the line
The smell of rotten eggs or sulfur
Bubbles in the water
Dead indoor plants
Visible dust near the gas line
Damage to the gas pipe

People or pets may show signs of a natural gas leak, as well!

These may include nosebleeds, reduced appetites, nausea, mood changes, irritation to the eyes and throats, disorientation, and breathing difficulties.

How to Stay Safe:

Avoid a gas fire or explosion by following these top tips:

1. Check Gas Stoves

If you have a gas stove, the dials may have been turned on or left on accidentally. If you're confident it's safe to remain in your home, move to the stove and turn off any flames.

2. Do Not Flip Switches

Simply flipping the light switch to on or off could make a spark that causes a gas explosion. Instead, use a flashlight for any other actions you take in the house. Don't use the phone inside the house, either. In fact, don't use lighters, candles, or anything else that could ignite.

3. Ventilate the Home

Open all the windows and doors, so fresh air can come in and gas will move out of the house. Don't worry about taking any steps further than this. Instead, wait to contact emergency or fire remediation professionals when you and your family are safely outside.

4. Go Outside

Get everyone outside and go across the street. From this safe distance, call 911 or the appropriate authorities.

Learn as much as you can about what may cause a gas fire and how to avoid them to keep your family safe. Teach your family about natural gas and how to stay safe if they suspect a gas leak. Click the following link for more fire safety tips.

It is highly flammable, and gas leaks increase the risk of fire and explosion. If people suspect a gas leak, it is essential that they evacuate the area immediately, and call 911, the local fire department, or the utility company's emergency line.

Suspect Mold? Follow These Safety Tips.

12/2/2021 (Permalink)

If you see visible mold, do not disturb it. You can inadvertently spread the mold infestation throughout your home. When mold is disturbed, the mold can release microscopic mold spores which become airborne and can circulate inside your home.

What to Do:

Stay out of affected areas.
Turn off the HVAC system and fans.
Contact SERVPRO of Cape May & Cumberland Counties for mold remediation services.

What Not to Do:

Don’t touch or disturb the mold.
Don’t blow air across any surfaces with visible or suspected mold growth.
Don’t attempt to dry the area yourself.
Don’t spray bleach or other disinfectants on the mold.

About Our Mold Remediation Services

SERVPRO^® of Cape May & Cumberland Counties specializes in mold cleanup and restoration - in fact, it’s a cornerstone of our business. Our crews are highly trained restoration professionals that use specialized equipment and techniques to properly remediate your mold problem quickly and safely.

If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today –609-624-0202. We'll be able to answer your questions and provide you with the help you need to make it, "Like it never even happened."

24 Hour Emergency Services

12/2/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Cape May & Cumberland Counties is a trusted leader in the restoration industry, and our highly trained Franchise Professionals provide 24-hour emergency services.

We’re dedicated to responding faster to any size disaster with the training, equipment, and experience to respond to your restoration or cleaning needs. We are Here to Help all communities in Cape May County and Cumberland County. Call us today for your residential or commercial restoration and cleaning services. Whether you have a question or an emergency, we're here 24/7 365 days a year! You can count on us to give you industry-specific, knowledgeable information and will take the time ensure all of your questions and concerns are addressed and answered to your satisfaction. Call 609-624-0202.

Need Emergency Service? Call Us 24/7 – 609-624-0202

Faster to Any Size Emergency

In many cleaning and restoration situations, immediate action is needed. With over 1,900 U.S. and Canadian Franchise locations, SERVPRO is strategically positioned to be faster to any size emergency. An immediate response helps to minimize the damage and the cleaning and restoration costs.

Water Damage is Quick to Spread!

12/2/2021 (Permalink)

Water is particularly invasive, quickly spreading throughout your property and being absorbed into floors, walls, furniture, etc.

SERVPRO of Cape May & Cumberland Counties arrives quickly and starts the water extraction process almost immediately.

WATER DAMAGE TIMELINE

Within Minutes:

Water quickly spreads throughout your property, saturating everything in its path.
Water is absorbed into walls, floors, upholstery, and belongings.
Furniture finishes may bleed, causing permanent staining on carpets.
Photographs, books, and other paper goods start to swell and warp.

Hours 1 - 24:

Drywall begins to swell and break down.
Metal surfaces begin to tarnish.
Furniture begins to swell and crack.
Dyes and inks from cloth and paper goods spread and stain.
A musty odor appears.

48 Hours to 1 Week:

Mold and mildew may grow and spread.
Doors, windows, and studs swell and warp.
Metal begins to rust and corrode.
Furniture warps and shows signs of mold.
Paint begins to blister.
Wood flooring swells and warps.
Serious biohazard contamination is possible.

More Than 1 Week:

Restoration time and cost increase dramatically; replacing contaminated materials and structural rebuilding may be extensive.
Structural safety, mold growth, and biohazard contaminants pose serious risks to occupants.

When water damage strikes, call the Franchise Professionals at 609-624-0202. We'll make it, "Like it never even happened."

Protect Your Home Now!

11/28/2021 (Permalink)

We urge Cape May and Cumberland County residents to prepare for severe weather by following these winter safety tips.

How to Protect Your Home in Severe Weather

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) says to be sure you have these things:

Snow shovels – more than one because they can break, and four hands are better than two, if you have them
De-icers, preferably the pet-safe type*
Extra fuel such as firewood, a full propane tank, or a generator
Clean blankets, pillows, warm clothing, etc., because you might not be able to do laundry for awhile
Food and water that doesn’t require refrigeration
Transistor radio with new batteries — and backup batteries

*When it comes to de-icers, some of the more environmentally-safe types include calcium magnesium acetate and sand to improve traction. Be sure to stock up early in the season, as they become scarce before a well-publicized storm.

How to Winterize Your Home

High winds, ice, and moisture from winter storms can easily strip off roof tiles and gutters, exposing your home to serious damage. Make sure no roof tiles are loose or missing. Do the same with your gutters and siding.

Check roof tiles, shutters, siding, and other exterior materials to ensure they’re secure
Seal air leaks around the home to keep it warmer (and save energy costs)
Insulate all exposed plumbing pipes to prevent burst pipes
Trim tree branches away from your roof to prevent roof damage

Clean Your Gutters.

If you don’t, you risk an ice dam. What’s an ice dam? Ice dams occur when ice melts off the roof during the day and then re-freezes as it drips into a clogged gutter. This can force water back under the roofline and cause serious leaks, often thousands of dollars in damage!

Overgrown tree branches are a risk to your home, vehicles, and loved ones. But trimming and removal can be dangerous, too, so don’t attempt it on your own. Best to hire a professional!

Insulate Your Pipes.

Buy foam insulation to cover your pipes. Invest in a temporary patch kit in case you need it later in the season. While you’re insulating your pipes, remind yourself where all water shut-off valves are so you can turn off the water supply in case of any leaks.

NOW you’re ready for a snow day, but if you find yourself with winter storm or severe weather damage, read more HERE for important tips to help. We're here 24/7, 365 days a year to make it, "Like it never even happened."

Winterize Your Most Valuable Asset!

11/17/2021 (Permalink)

Winterize and Protect Your Most Valuable Asset!

Check off these items to protect your home or business from storm damage:

Have a professional inspect your heating system annually.
Clean your fireplace or stove and have your flue checked for any buildup of creosote. Be sure other fuel burning equipment is properly vented to the outside.
Insulate your home properly. If necessary, insulate walls and attics to conserve energy.
Caulk doors and windows to keep cold air out.
Install storm windows, or cover windows with plastic from the inside to provide an extra layer of insulation.
Protect pipes from freezing:

Wrap pipes in insulation or layers of old newspapers. Cover the newspapers with plastic to keep out moisture.
Turn both hot and cold faucets to continuously drip a little.
Keep a wrench near the valves and know how to shut off your water valves if a pipe bursts.

Inspect and flush your water heater.
Clean gutters. Leaves and other debris will hamper drainage.
Cut away tree branches that can fall on the house during an ice storm or from heavy snow. Notify the utility company of branches that overhang power lines; do not attempt to trim by yourself.
Replace batteries for smoke, and carbon monoxide detectors. If you did not do this when you set the clocks back, do it now.
Have a back-up power source in place if you are dependent upon electricity for medical or mobility needs.
Know where your snow shovel is located and have a supply of sand or a sand substitute.
Prepare a warm, safe place for your animals in severe winter weather. Make sure any outbuilding that houses or shelters animals can withstand wind, heavy snow and ice.

Bring pets indoors. Horses and livestock should have a shelter protected from wind, snow, ice and rain. Grazing animals need access to a protected supply of food and non-frozen water.
Make sure your animals have access to high ground in case you do not have time to relocate them during a flood.

Be aware of the potential for flooding when snow and ice melt.
Consider purchasing flood insurance. Homeowners' policies do not cover damage from floods. Ask your insurance agent about the National Flood Insurance Program if you are at risk.

If the Power Goes Out Follow These Tips:

Dress in warm, light layers and wear a cap for warmth.
Close off unused rooms.
Eat well-balanced meals for energy.
Use only safe sources of alternate heat such as a fireplace, a small well-vented wood or coal stove, or portable space heaters. Always follow manufacturers' instructions and never substitute one type of fuel for another.

Clearing Your Roof:

Clearing your roof is a dangerous task. Always think about safety first. If possible, do not attempt to clear the roof alone.
When possible use long-handled rakes or poles.
If you must use a ladder, make sure the base is securely anchored. Ask someone to hold the ladder while you climb.
Know where the snow is going to fall before clearing the area.
Make sure you do not touch electrical wires.
If the job is too big for you, HIRE HELP.

If you have storm damage to your property, call the Franchise Professionals at SERVPRO of Cape May & Cumberland Counties, 609-624-0202. We make it, "Like it never even happened."

The information in this blog is obtained from Ready.nj.gov (the New Jersey Office of Emergency Management).

Faster to Any Size Disaster!

11/12/2021 (Permalink)

Whether it's from wind, ice, rain or fire, SERVPRO of Cape May & Cumberland Counties provides 24-hour emergency services and is FASTER to any size DISASTER!

Board-ups/Roof Tarping/Property Securing - In some cases it may be important to secure openings to your home or structure using sturdy, durable materials designed to protect it from both weather intrusion and intrusion by outsiders. SERVPRO of Cape May & Cumberland Counties Franchise Professionals may perform the board-up and tarping themselves, or outside subcontractors may be utilized.

Move-Outs - If prolonged exposure to the loss event could cause additional damage to your contents, your contractor requests relocation of the contents, or the safety of your contents is a concern, a move-out may be recommended. In these situations, SERVPRO of Cape May & Cumberland Counties Franchise Professionals are trained to properly inventory, move out and control the contents from the structure during the cleaning, restoration and deodorization process.

Reconstruction Services - Once the damaged materials are removed from your home or business other construction may be needed to restore your property to preloss condition. Your local SERVPRO of Cape May & Cumberland Counties Franchise Professional is trained with the proper equipment to replace flooring, carpet, tile, hardwood floors, and doors (interior, exterior, steel & storefront). We can paint many surfaces, work on acoustic ceilings, trim, bathroom/kitchen remodels and home/office renovations.

We also provide the following services:

Temporary Power Rental
Temporary Fencing
Storage Services
Packing Supplies
Furniture & Fine Art Restoration

For all of your restoration and reconstruction needs, contact the Franchise Professionals at SERVPRO of Cape May & Cumberland Counties: 609-624-0202 or email.

We make it, "Like it never even happened."^®

SERVPRO of Cape May & Cumberland Counties serves Cape May, Ocean City, Wildwood and surrounding communities in Cape May County. We also serve, Bridgeton, Millville, Vineland and surrounding communities in Cumberland County.

How Can You Prevent Mold in Your Home

11/12/2021 (Permalink)

How Can You Prevent Mold in Your Home?

When there’s moisture in your home, there’s a risk for mold growth. While this is usually a harmless fungus found everywhere in nature, it can be particularly dangerous inside homes. Specifically, when mold spores are inhaled, some individuals—such as those with asthma or allergies—can develop breathing problems, skin irritation, and congestion.

Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to protect your household. Offering advanced mold remediation services in Cape May County, SERVPRO^® of Cape May & Cumberland Counties highlights some of the best ways to keep the problem at bay:

Ways to Prevent Mold Growth

Repair Water Damage Risks

Water damage of any size can spark mold growth within 24 to 48 hours. To stay proactive, routinely inspect for moisture risks—such as leaking pipes and drafty windows—and have them repaired. You should also take care to maintain proper drainage outside the home, as dysfunctional gutters can cause water to seep into the walls and basement.

In the event your home experiences water damage, acting fast will help reduce the risk of mold growth. Whether you have a flood or a plumbing emergency, call a water restoration service to quickly dry and clean the area. If growth has already begun, these professionals will provide thorough mold remediation to stop the problem from spreading.

Control Humidity

Mold thrives in humid conditions, so it’s recommended you keep your home’s humidity levels at 60% or below. You can monitor these levels using a simple tool known as a hygrometer. If there’s too much humidity, dehumidifiers and air conditioners will help bring the levels down.

Invest in Ventilation

Cooking, taking showers, and washing laundry are all common activities that introduce moisture. To prevent the need for mold remediation, it’s important to ensure your home has the proper ventilation that allows moisture to escape. For example, use exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathroom to direct moist air outside. If you don’t have these, it can help to open windows or doors to promote air flow.

Whether you’ve found mold in your home or want to keep water damage from causing problems, SERVPRO of Cape May & Cumberland Counties is here to help. Equipped with heavy-duty tools, our restoration specialists are able to provide fast, thorough, and affordable mold remediation services. If you’re facing an emergency, such as a flooded basement or crawlspace, our experts offer round-the-clock service to get water out and dry wet areas to prevent mold growth. Call a Franchise Professional at 609-624-0202.

Guest Speaker Services in Cape May County

11/12/2021 (Permalink)

Need a Guest Speaker for Your Next Seminar or Meeting?

We would be happy to host a breakfast or lunch at your office and connect with your colleagues. We offer a wide range of residential and commercial topics and services that may help your clients and educate you with industry-specific tips to prepare for emergencies.

Our presentations are delivered by a Franchise Professional trained as a presenter. Our topics and services include: Fire, Water, Mold & Biohazard Cleanup, Remediation and Restoration. We're the experts in catastrophic storm response and can explain the how and why of cleaning, water removal and dehumidification, mold remediation, and the cleaning of air ducts, HVAC units, and restoration after fire damage.

For more information about our free guest speaker services, please contact Harold Lapp, Jr., 609-624-0202 or Email.

Recent Guest Speaker Appearances: Berkshire Hathaway-OC & SIC, Sea Isle Realty, Long & Foster-CM, Re-Max Beach Home Realty-SIC, Jersey Cape Realty-CM, and Berger Realty-OC.

Keep Fall FIRE Free

10/3/2021 (Permalink)

Cooler temperatures and beautiful colors define the beginning of the Fall season; and with an abundance of outdoor family activities, it's a good idea to plan ahead to make sure your Fall is FIRE Free.

DECORATIONS: Fall decorations, like dried flowers and cornstalks, are highly flammable. Be sure to keep these decorations away from any open flames, including light bulbs and heaters, which are other heat sources.

It is safest to use a flashlight or battery-operated candle in a jacko-lantern. Use extreme caution if using a real candle. Place lit pumpkins away from anything that can burn and out of the way of doorsteps, walkways, and yards.

EXITS: Keep emergency exits of your home or business clear of decorations so nothing blocks escape routes.

TEACH: Teach your children to always stay away from open flames. Be sure they know how to stop, drop, and roll if their clothing catches fire.

Stay safe this Fall, and KEEP FALL FIRE FREE.

*This information is provided by the National Fire Protection Association, nfpa.org.

5 Things to Know About Water Damage

9/28/2021 (Permalink)

Leaking pipes, burst sewer lines, and natural disasters can often leave your home severely water damaged. If your property is affected by water damage, it’s critical to identify the cause and act quickly to avoid further destruction.

Household water damage can be very stressful to deal with, especially when it leads to more problems down the line. While these repairs often require the help of professionals, there are a few DIY steps you can follow to help limit the damage where possible.

What Does Water Damage Affect?

Water is critical to life, but it can also destroy everything in its path – leaving you with a huge mess to clean up. As a homeowner, it is important to understand what areas water can seriously damage within your home. To be safe, always inspect the following locations for damage:

Drywall
Plaster
Insulation
Wood
Framing
Floor coverings
Electrical wiring
Pipes
Appliances
HVAC

As you can see, water can wreak havoc on your home’s foundation and quickly wrack up a hefty restoration bill if left unattended. Therefore, important to act swiftly before the damage becomes worse.

What to Consider Before Water Damage Restoration?

To determine whether you will clean up the area yourself or hire water damage restoration experts, the first thing you want to do is to evaluate the situation and consider a few of the following factors:

Water Volume

If your home is experiencing a small or moderate amount of water, you can typically manage it on your own if you have the proper tools. However, if there is significant flooding that is not going away despite your efforts, it might be best to call a professional.

If your neighborhood is recovering from a natural disaster or large flood, and your home has suffered significant damage, it may not be the time for a DIY project. Follow the instructions from your local disaster relief authorities and leave these repairs to the experts.

Source of Damage

Before you dive into water damage restoration, you need to discover where the water is coming from. There are three types of water you need to look out for when you have a flooding issue in your home.

Clean water: From rain or leaky pipes, this water does not contain harmful chemicals and is safe to handle yourself.
Gray water: Leaking from appliances like your dishwasher, toilet, or washing machine. Gray water may be slightly contaminated. With the proper precautions, you can clean this yourself.
Black water: The most harmful type of water, blackwater comes from the sewer or flooding from a nearby water source such as a river. It often contains health hazards and is unsafe to handle.

Damage Level

Lastly, you’ll want to assess the level of damage. Light damage can often be handled by the homeowner, however, significant damage can be hazardous and dangerous to repair without the help of a professional. For example, if flooding on an upper level has seeped through the floor onto the ceiling, the damage is beyond your ability to safely restore.

5 DIY Water Damage Restoration Tips for Your Home

Now that you have properly assessed the situation, consider these water damage restoration tips to ensure repairs are done quickly. It is important to note that wet materials may begin to develop mold after 24 hours, so you don’t have time to wait!

1. Disconnect Outlets

The first thing to do when you discover water damage in your home is to unplug all electronics immediately. While you may not see the severity of the water damage just yet, it’s important to be cautious around appliances and gas lines. Using this equipment despite the situation could cause electrical shocks or even explosions.

2. Inspect Mold

Certain mold strains are toxic to humans and can pose serious health risks. Most of the time, mold can spread quickly once it infests an area, so it is in your best interest to inspect for growth to avoid any health hazards. For small issues, you can cut out the affected area, bag it, and dispose of it immediately. However, with serious mold infestations, you need to shut down any airflow to stop contamination and then call a mold specialist. Oftentimes, mold can appear inside the walls or floors, so it’s important that this inspection is ongoing throughout the restoration.

3. Dry Water Out

Before more damage occurs, you need to eliminate all moisture and dry out the affected areas. You can use fans or a large-capacity dehumidifier to circulate air and dry out the carpet, wood, and other surrounding materials. While this won’t prevent mold growth altogether, properly drying out the area will help lessen the damage.

4. Remove Damaged Materials

If your porous materials, like insulation or carpet, are soaked with water, you need to dispose of them immediately to avoid mildew. It is important to focus on the ceiling and floors first. This means unsealed cement, drywall, and wood need to be addressed and replaced so the home’s structure can support water damage repair.

5. Disinfect Remaining Areas

Depending on the type of water you are dealing with, it can contain a lot of bacteria and other hazards that can cause health problems. The water could also encourage the growth of mold, so it is important to sanitize immediately. Once the damaged materials have been removed, you will want to disinfect the entire area before you begin the restoration process. Spray and wipe down the surfaces with bleach so the mold spores don’t grow before you continue with the repairs.

Call SERVPRO of Cape May & Cumberland Counties for Your Water Damage Restoration

While water damage can be very stressful for homeowners, it is possible to restore your home back to normal with the right steps. When taking on your own restoration, it’s important to properly assess the situation before moving forward to avoid any health hazards.

If you’re looking for guidance or believe the damage is beyond what you can handle, it’s always a good idea to leave water damage restoration to the professionals – contact a Franchise Professional for 24/7 support by calling 609-624-0202 or contact us via EMAIL.

We guarantee your satisfaction. Want proof? Read any of our testimonials or view any of our recent videos.

SERVPRO of Cape May County serves Cape May, Ocean City, Wildwood and surrounding communities in Cape May County. SERVPRO of Cumberland County serves Bridgeton, Millville, Vineland and surrounding communities in Cumberland County.

Commercial Building & Reconstruction Services

9/28/2021 (Permalink)

Photo of boarded up door after storm damage

Commercial Building and Reconstruction Services For Your Business

When your home or business has been damaged by fire, water, or storm damage, the immediate concern should be temporary protective measures such as placing roof tarps to prevent additional damage, and boarding up to secure the building and remove water and debris.

After protecting and securing the structure, the Franchise Professionals at SERVPRO of Cape May & Cumberland Counties can begin the restoration process. Part of the restoration process may include reconstruction work for your home or business to get your property back to its preloss condition.

The Franchise Professionals at SERVPRO of Cape May & Cumberland Counties can simplify the restoration process by handling both the initial damage mitigation and rebuilding the affected areas. Having one qualified company for the entire process can save time and keeps costs low.

SERVPRO of Cape May & Cumberland Counties can provide this continuity by offering a full range of restoration services that will bring a building back to full functionality. SERVPRO of Cape May & Cumberland Counties holds a general contractor license (NJ #13VH05808500), and a home improvement contractor's license (#PA130066)- as well as the specialized experience to rebuild the damage and make it, "Like it never even happened." Our services include:

Board Up
Carpet Repair and Installation
Document Drying
Dry Cleaning
Drywall Installation
Drywall Removal
Electrical
Electronics Restoration
Fine Art Restoration
Furniture Restoration
General Contracting
Hardwood Floor Repair
HVAC Services
Linoleum Floor Repair
Marble Floor Repair
Move Out
Painting
Plumbing
Portable Power
Roof Tarp
Roofing Services
Scalable Resources
Temporary Fencing
Temporary Warehouse Space
Tile Floor Repair
Tree Removal

Call a Franchise Professional Today: 609-624-0202. We're Here to Help 24/7.

Need A Guest Speaker for an Event?

9/27/2021 (Permalink)

Planning an educational event for your organization? Need a Guest Speaker?

We can help! SERVPRO of Cape May and Cumberland Counties offers Guest Speaker services at no charge. Our Franchise Professionals are experienced in delivering keynotes, moderating panels, conducting training sessions, and more - we are available for events of all sizes and are eager to share our knowledge and expertise that your organization may be looking for in your next training event.

SERVPRO is a trusted leader in the cleaning and restoration industry with over 1,900 franchises in the United States. We know cleaning and restoration from A to Z.

We offer many topics of interest that are engaging, relevant, and important. We'll also do our best to accommodate your schedule. We can come to you or as an alternative, you can come to us! Need a venue? Let us know!

To request a speaker for your next event, or to for more information about the topics we can cover, contact us via email. The opportunities are endless!

Winter Storm Damages A Commercial Building

9/25/2021 (Permalink)

Winter Storms Can Cause Havoc Inside Your Property, Too.

During a January winter storm, a drain pipe froze on the roof of this commercial building, causing a leak from the roof. Once the roof was repaired, SERVPRO of Cape May & Cumberland Counties was called in to clean up the water damage from the leak.

Cleanup began by removing all of the fallen debris from the ceiling being wet, followed by tarping all displays in the store to protect them from further damage. Last but not least, we began the drying process, placing our drying equipment inside so that anything wet could dry as soon as possible.

Whether it's snow, water or fire - when the next storm hits call the Franchise Professionals at SERVPRO of Cape May County to clean up the damage, and get your business back open ASAP! We're here 24/7 - just call 609-624-0202 or contact us via EMAIL.

SERVPRO of Cape May County serves Cape May, Ocean City, Wildwood and surrounding communities in Cape May County. SERVPRO of Cumberland County serves Bridgeton, Millville , Vineland and surrounding communities in Cumberland County.

Preparedness For Pets

9/24/2021 (Permalink)

Have you accounted for Fido, or Lucy when emergency planning?

Pets are just as important as any family member to most people, so why would you not make them a part of your preparedness planning? There are several things you can do to make sure they stay safe as well during an emergency.

PET EMERGENCY KIT

Ready.gov/pets lists the below items as essential to building your Pet Emergency kit.

Food. At least a three-day supply in an airtight, waterproof container.

Water. At least three days of water specifically for your pets.

Medicines and medical records.

Important documents. Registration information, adoption papers and vaccination documents. Talk to your veterinarian about microchipping and enrolling your pet in a recovery database.

First aid kit. Cotton bandage rolls, bandage tape and scissors; antibiotic ointment; flea and tick prevention; latex gloves, isopropyl alcohol and saline solution. Including a pet first aid reference book is a good idea, too.

Collar or harness with IT tag, rabies tag and a leash.

Crate or pet carrier. Have a sturdy, safe crate or carrier in case you need to evacuate. The carrier should be large enough for your pet to stand, turn around and lie down.

Sanitation. Pet litter and litter box if appropriate, newspapers, paper towels, plastic trash bags and household chlorine bleach.

A picture of you and your pet together. If you become separated, a picture of you and your pet together will help you document ownership and allow others to assist you. Add species, breed, age, sex, color and distinguishing characteristics.

Familiar items. Familiar items, such as treats, toys and bedding can help reduce stress for your pet.

EVACUATIONS

While practicing fire escape or evacuation plans, be sure to include pets. If an evacuation happens, don't leave pets behind as they can be lost or injured.

IDENTIFICATION

Microchipping pets is a great way to locate them. Most veterinary clinics and shelters have scanners that will read the microchip information to help find a pet's owners.

Be sure to take four-legged friends into consideration when planning for emergencies. Visit ready.gov/pets for further tips and safety precautions to think about for your pets during a disaster.

After Hurricane Katrina, "It's estimated that over 15,500 animals were ultimately rescued. Of the 15,500 animals rescued, only 15% - 20% were ever reunited with their owners."*

*Source: Louisiana Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, la-spca.org.

Kitchen Cautions

9/24/2021 (Permalink)

Each year, around the holidays, families gather together to celebrate by preparing a delicious feast. However, not everyone practices safe cooking habits.

According to the National Fire Protection Agency, cooking fires are the number one cause of home fires and injuries. The leading cause of fires in the kitchen is unattended cooking. It's important to be alert to prevent holiday cooking fires.

Be on alert! If you are sleepy or have consumed alcohol, do not use the stovetop or oven.
Stay in the kitchen while you are frying, grilling, boiling, or broiling food.
If you are simmering, baking, or roasting food, check it regularly, remain in the kitchen while the food is cooking, and use a timer to remind you that you are cooking.
Keep anything that can catch fire, like oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, or hand rowels, away from the stovetop.

If you have a cooking fire, consider the following safety protocols to help keep you and your family safe.

Just get out! When you leave, close the door behind you to help keep you and your family safe.
Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number after you get out safely.
For an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the oven door closed.
If you try to fight the fire, be sure others are getting out and you have a clear path out.
Keep a lid nearby when you're cooking to smother small grease fires. Smother the fire by sliding the lid over the pan and turn off the stovetop. Leave the pan covered until it is completely cooled.

Everyone at SERVPRO of Cape May & Cumberland Counties wishes you a safe and happy fall season.

Source: National Fire Protection Association

Minerva Alvarado Receives Women of Achievement Award

9/23/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Cape May & Cumberland Counties is proud to announce their Business & Marketing Development Coordinator, Minerva Alvarado, has been awarded the 2021 Women of Achievement Award for Cumberland County by the Garden State Council, BSA. The wine reception and awards dinner is set for November 10, 2021 at Auletto’s in Deptford. For more information about the event, please email: patrick.linfors@scouting.org.

This is the 10^th annual Women of Achievement event that recognizes outstanding women business leaders in South Jersey. Minerva will represent Cumberland County. Honorees are selected based on the respect and esteem of their colleagues with a focus on character, leadership and service. Other Honorees are: Joanne Carrocino, Anne Caruso, Joanne Connor, Christina Renna and Theresa Widger. The Woman Scouter of the Year is Vivian Badon.

“This is an amazing accomplishment for Minerva,” said SERVPRO owner, Barbara Stafford-Jones. “Minerva is truly a philanthropist and also has a keen interest in the success of local businesses in the community. She is very deserving of this award, and we are very happy for her.”

Minerva serves on the Board of Directors for Gateway Community Action Partnership in Bridgeton where she recently recruited co-workers in her department to volunteer during National Volunteer Week. She is an Advisory Board Member for The Salvation Army Vineland Corps, and serves on the Public Relations Committee and the Turkey Drive Committee. She has helped to make their annual grassroots turkey drive event one of the largest and most successful in the State of New Jersey. She has received numerous awards through her work with the Salvation Army. Minerva takes special interest in mentoring teen girls and to match them with non-profits in need of volunteers. Minerva also serves as Corporate Secretary for the Bridgeton Area Chamber of Commerce where she chairs the Education Programs Committee and co-chairs the Hispanic Business Committee. The Hispanic Business Committee was responsible for over 100 attending the chamber’s June meeting, “Hispanic Business: The Power of a Culture.” Minerva is a member of the Vineland Chambers of Commerce and serves on the Partnerships & Recognition Committee, and she is also a member of the Millville Chamber of Commerce. Minerva also volunteers for the M25 Initiative.

Minerva’s passion for volunteering stems from her parents who were both very active in church and community organizations. “Through my parents, I learned the importance of paying it forward, helping those less fortunate and giving back to my community,” said Minerva. “I can’t always afford to donate money, but I can donate my time and share my business and computer skills to help the initiatives of local charities and non-profits. You have to be part of the change you want to see.”

Minerva was born and raised in Vineland and enjoys music, scrapbooking and cooking. When she isn’t working or volunteering, she likes to spend time with family and friends and visit her son in upstate New York.

Got Mold? No Problem!

9/20/2021 (Permalink)

From the Ordinary...

Fungi and mold naturally occur in our environment. In fact, over 100,000 kinds of fungi have been identified. Even though some forms of mold can add value to our lives, other forms can cause health effects. Excessive amounts of mold, different types of mold, and/or exposure to mold may present health effects for some people.

To the Unhealthy.

Intrusion of water into your home or place of 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 water intrusions are not addressed right away, the resulting damage can present increased risk of potentially harmful mold growth. If the humidity and moisture levels in a water-damaged environment are not promptly returned to normal, mold spores may grow and multiply.

Take Precautions

SERVPRO^® of Cape May & Cumberland Counties handles water damages every day and know prompt action is required to prevent mold growth. If there is an ongoing moisture problem in the building, be alert for:

The presence of visible mold.
Strong musty odors, which may indicate mold is present.
Any evidence of past moisture problems that might have caused undetected mold growth.
Excessive humidity.

These conditions may require the expertise of a qualified Indoor Air Quality/Environmental Professional to inspect the building for mold growth and water damage problems.

SERVPRO of Cape May & Cumberland Counties cares about proper restoration of your home or business, and, in most water damage situations, can safely restore your property building to preloss conditions.

If You See or Smell Mold, Call Us Today: 609-624-0202 or 856-692-0041. We're Here to Help®!

What Is A Furnace Puff Back?

9/20/2021 (Permalink)

A Furnace Puff Back is Something You Don't Know About Until it Happens (but - it's not too late).

If you use an oil furnace, it’s important to know about the risk of puff backs. Essentially, furnace puff backs occur when burners do not ignite on start-up, causing excess oil fumes to combust. This reaction produces a great deal of smoke that causes soot to spread throughout the house.

When this happens, SERVPRO of Cape May & Cumberland Counties recommends acting fast to protect your health and your belongings from smoke damage. To help you stay prepared, we highlight a few do’s and don’ts to follow when you experience a furnace puff back:

DO:

Protect your belongings.

Soot can spread quickly, so you’ll need to act fast to keep it from setting on your belongings. If you have a forced air system, tape cheesecloth over the vents to help keep particles from coming through the ducts. You can also place towels over carpets, rugs, and upholstery to provide a protective barrier.

Review your homeowner’s insurance policy.

Since it takes special tools and experience to properly clean smoke damage, you’ll need to call a residential restoration service provider to clear your home of soot. But before you call, check your homeowner’s insurance policy, as most providers cover this kind of restoration.

Have your furnace inspected.

Although puff backs can be one-off events, the problem may have occurred due to a mechanical issue with the equipment. To prevent further puff backs, have a heating specialist inspect and repair your furnace.

DON'T:

Touch or breathe soot.

Soot can cause health effects when inhaled, as it contains a variety of toxic components and carcinogens. Limit movement and keep individuals out of the home until the problem is resolved. As you protect your belongings, cover your mouth and nose with a face mask. Additionally, throw away any exposed food.

Try to clean surfaces.

While it’s fine to take steps to shield items from smoke damage, you shouldn’t try to clean surfaces. Standard cleaning supplies will not remove soot and may only cause particles to settle in further. Instead, wait for a professional smoke and fire damage restoration team to clean the area.

Increase air circulation.

You may be tempted to turn on a fan or open windows to eliminate smoke, but increased air circulation will only spread particles. To keep the problem contained, try to keep airflow to a minimum.

When furnace puff backs occur, SERVPRO of Cape May & Cumberland Counties offers fast, thorough, and affordable restoration services. Equipped with specialized cleaning products, our Franchise Professionals minimize smoke damage in your home and eliminate stubborn odors. To request assistance, call 609-624-0202. We're here 24/7, 365!

We're Flood Cleanup and Restoration Experts

9/17/2021 (Permalink)

Flooded Crawlspace or Basement?

A crawlspace or basement can flood at any time, although flooding most often occurs during heavy rainfall. These areas are inherently prone to flooding because they are the lowest level of a building and are normally built partly or entirely below ground level. There are a number of reasons why your property could flood, including:

A blocked or failed sewer lateral pipe
Heavy rain causing surface water to pool around your home
Storm sewer backup
Sanitary sewer backup
Foundation drainage failure
Water supply-line break or hot-water tank failure
And many more…

The flooding in this home was caused by heavy rain runoff. The area received several inches of rain that week and it overwhelmed the system.

At this particular job, we were on site within an hour to inspect the damage and to begin the water extraction process. In less than four days we had the area dry. We used advanced inspection and monitoring equipment to determine that the structure of the home was dry.

If water damage is not handled quickly and properly, it can cause severe damage to your home’s structure, not to mention the potential harmful health effects of mold. Remember, the longer you wait, the worse the problem will get!

We are Flood Damage Experts, and we:

Are Available 24 hours/7 days per week
Are a Preferred Vendor to many National Insurance Companies
Bill the Insurance Company Directly – One Less Thing For You To Worry About!
Highly-Trained Technicians in Water Restoration Techniques
Use s500 IICRC Restoration Standards
Have advanced inspection and extraction equipment

Have Questions? Call Us Today – We’re Here To Help^® 24/7 at 609-624-0202. We make it, "Like it never even happened."^®

About Fire Damage, Smoke and Soot

9/17/2021 (Permalink)

Smoke and soot is very invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your home or business, causing hidden damage and odor.

Our smoke damage expertise allows us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damage to develop a comprehensive plan of action.

Smoke and Soot Facts:

Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.
Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.
The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.

Different Types of Smoke:

There are two different types of smoke–wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of Cape May & Cumberland Counties will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. The cleaning procedures will then be based on the information identified during pre-testing.

Additional helpful information:

Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber

Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.

Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood

Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke rises.

Protein Fire Residue – Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire

Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor.

Our Fire Damage Restoration Services.

Since each smoke and fire damage situation is different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for specific conditions. We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage. We will also treat your family with empathy and respect and also treat your property with care.

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage? Call Us Today – 609-624-0202.

24 Hour Emergency Water Damage Service

8/27/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Cape May & Cumberland Counties is READY 24 hours a day for water emergencies, large or small. We're Faster to Any Size Disaster!

When you are dealing with water damage, immediate action is crucial. A delay of just a few hours can greatly increase the severity of the water damage.

We Answer the Phone Ready to Help! Call Today: 609-624-0202. You may be feeling confused, stressed, and helpless. You need an expert to guide you through this crisis. SERVPRO of Cape May & Cumberland Counties has the specific water damage training and experience to help you through this tough time. We specialize in water damage restoration—in fact, it's the cornerstone of our business.

What to Expect.

When you call, we will ask several questions regarding your water damage emergency. These questions will help us determine what equipment and resources to bring, including how many trained SERVPRO Franchise Professionals may be needed.

Our SERVPRO Franchise Professional will ask several questions:

Your name and contact information
Your insurance information (if applicable)
The street address of the water-damaged home or business
When did the flooding or water damage occur?
What caused the water damage (if known)?
Is there electricity available (on-site)?

About SERVPRO of Cape May & Cumberland Counties:

SERVPRO of Cape May & Cumberland Counties specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage incident. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our franchise professionals are equipped with the knowledge to restore your property and make it, "Like it never even happened."^®

Professional Cleaning Services for Summer Rentals

8/27/2021 (Permalink)

The End of Summer Season is Almost Here - Now is the Time to Prepare for Next Season.

Any property used as a rental all season should be cleaned thoroughly before closing for the season. You'll be glad you when next season approaches!

CLEAN your property before closing for the season
ELIMINATE ODORS now not next season, when they could be smell worse
IMPROVE the operating efficiency of the HVAC unit
CONTROL moisture
REDUCE mold

Our professional cleaning services help rental property owners take the worry out of closing for the season. It's not clean until it's SERVPRO clean!

OVERVIEW OF PROFESSIONAL CLEANING SERVICES:

Duct & HVAC Cleaning

Carpet & Upholstery

Odor Removal & Deodorization

Ceiling, Floor, & Wall Cleaning

Drapes & Blinds Cleaning

Call Harold Lapp, 609-624-0202 for more information or to answer your questions about your end-of-season professional cleaning services.

SERVPRO of Cape May & Cumberland Counties serves Cape May, Ocean City, Wildwood and surrounding communities in Cape May County. Thank you for supporting a local small business.

Here's Your Business Summer Checklist.

8/16/2021 (Permalink)

Own a Commercial Property? Here’s Your Business Summer Maintenance Checklist.

Owning a commercial building has many challenges that residential property owners do not experience. Instead of maintaining a building for one family, many times you are managing multiple offices, renters or customers.

This type of responsibility requires planning and organization, and staying in front of problems before they occur will allow you to handle emergencies as they pop up. Get your building ready for the summer months by following this handy checklist.

What to Check for Outdoors

Landscaping is sometimes overlooked, especially before the weather becomes warm and sunny. However, after the winter, it is important to start cleaning up any debris, twigs, leaves, etc. that clutter the yard. Once the grass is clear, you can begin to water and fertilize the grass as needed to make it green and lush for summer!
Clear and clean the gutters. This will prevent any water blockage from flooding into your commercial building and causing water damage or mold growth. Cleaning the gutters is a job that should be completed twice a year. Remove any leaves or trash that has made its way into your gutters.
Check the roof for any shingles that are broken or damaged. This is a prime way for water to make its way into the building, and if not caught in time, it can cause major problems over time.
Make sure all light bulbs are changed and working properly. If your property has lit walking paths or parking lots, test all lamps to verify they are doing their job.
Walk through any common areas and check for obvious problems like large cracks in foundations or broken siding and repair immediately.

What to Check for Inside

Look closely at all windows and ledges. Seals around windows can wear away, causing an opportunity for water and mold to find their way inside. Once mold has taken up residence inside your building, it can become difficult, or nearly impossible, to stop mold spores from spreading. Repairing seals around windows will keep moisture at bay, and mold away.
While you are checking the windows for mold, look in other common areas like basements and crawl spaces. Mold thrives in damp and dark areas, and only needs a minimal amount of time before taking hold and becoming quite comfortable in your building.
Verify that all fire extinguishers and suppression methods are working properly. Check the batteries in smoke detectors and test the extinguishers. Fire inspectors will also verify that everything is in order, but double checking is never a bad thing.
Check that all residents are aware of evacuation and fire safety plans. Each should be posted in obvious spots and readily available.
Verify that all HVAC systems are running properly. Remember to schedule your HVAC cleaning with a reputable company such as the franchise professionals at SERVPRO of Cape May & Cumberland Counties. Contact us at 609-624-0202 or via EMAIL for more information. Call today for your free estimate!

For more information on commercial cleaning services follow this link: Commercial Cleaning Services. We serve Cape May, Ocean City, Wildwood and surrounding communities in Cape May County. We also serve Vineland, Millville, Bridgeton and surrounding communities in Cumberland County.

Certified Commercial Cleaning Experts

8/9/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is The Industry Leader in Cleanup and Disinfection Services

We are Here to Help^® and Ready to Respond

Related Cleaning Services

Need Specialized Cleaning Services? Call Us Today at: 609-624-0202.

EXPERT-LEVEL CLEANING SERVICES

SERVPRO Franchise Professionals are uniquely prepared during this unprecedented time to clean and disinfect your home or business according to the protocols set forth by the CDC. We have years of experience in dealing with biological contaminants, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform on a daily basis. Our professionals are trained to perform a proactive cleanup that involves facility or structure cleaning and disinfection. Cleanup procedures generally include cleaning of porous and non-porous surfaces, disinfecting of non-porous surfaces, cleaning and disinfecting of equipment, tools, and/or supplies used for cleanup process, and disposal of waste.

The CDC encourages cleaning of high-touch surfaces such as counters, tabletops, doorknobs, light switches, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets and tables. Other spaces mentioned in the CDC’s guidance for commercial spaces include:

Kitchen/Food Areas
Bathrooms
Schools/Classrooms
Offices
Retail Spaces
Water Fountains
Shelving/Racks
Sales Counters
Carpets and Rugs
Stair Handrails
Elevator Cars
Playground Equipment
Fitness Equipment

Specialized Products

The CDC recommends usage of a labeled hospital-grade disinfectant with claims against similar pathogens to the coronavirus. Multiple products in the SERVPRO product line carry the EPA-approved emerging pathogens claims. While there is currently no product tested against this particular strain of the coronavirus, we are following all guidelines as provided by the CDC and local authorities.

Minimize Your Risk. Follow our tips and best practices to minimize your risk and your exposure:

Practice Good Hygiene

Wash you hands with soap and water frequently or clean hands with sanitizer
Avoid touching your face and cover coughs and sneezes
Disinfect “high touch” surfaces like doorknobs, light switches, tables, doorknobs, and handrails regularly
Increase ventilation by opening windows or adjusting air conditioning

At The Office

Stop shaking hands – use other non-contact methods of greeting
Use videoconferencing for meetings when possible
Disinfect “high touch” surfaces like desks, keyboards, light switches, doorknobs, and telephones

Stay Home if...

You are feeling sick
You have a sick family member in their home

SERVPRO of Cape May & Cumberland Counties serves Vineland, Millville, Bridgeton and surrounding areas of Cumberland County as well as Cape May, Ocean City, The Wildwoods and surrounding areas of Cape May County.

*Sources of Information from the CDC Website

Prevent Summer Grilling Fires!

8/2/2021 (Permalink)

Summer grilling in Cape May or Cumberland County? Grill Fires Can Turn Dinner into Disaster - if you aren't prepared in Advance!

Safety Tips to Help Your Outdoor Chef Prevent Fire Disasters and Burn Injuries.

As the summer season approaches, local fire and disaster remediation specialists, SERVPRO of Cape May & Cumberland Counties knows that the number of grill fires will continue, after peaking in July. Charcoal and gas grills, barbeques and the like are involved in an average of more than 5,000 structure fires each year and almost 5,000 additional outdoor fires. Beyond that, grilling accidents result in 19,700 trips to the hospital annually. Thermal burns account for 9,500 of those visits, and children under the age of five account for an average of 2,000, or 39 percent, of those burns.¹

SERVPRO knows that families can take steps to protect their home from damage and their family from injuries and still enjoy home-grilled, summer meals.

Before You Grill:¹

READY: Clean grill racks and grease trays. For gas grills, check the gas tank hose for leaks at the beginning of the season.
SET: Choose a safe, firm, level spot for the grill away from coolers, running children and pets, and mingling guests. Grill outside, never in a garage or under the awning on a deck, the eaves of your home, or low-hanging branches.
GO: Prepare the grill for cooking carefully. For charcoal grills, use a charcoal chimney with newspaper, a charcoal starter fluid, or an electric charcoal starter plugged into an outdoor-rated extension cord. For gas grills, open the lid before turning the grill on. If you smell gas after the grill is lit, do not try to move the grill. Get away from the grill and call the fire department.

While You Grill:²

SAFE ZONE: Keep children and pets at least three feet away from the hot grill, both while you are cooking and after you serve the food. Grill surfaces can remain hot for an hour or more.
SAFE TOOLS: Use long-handled grill utensils in good condition; avoid loose, flowing clothing; and wear flame-retardant mitts to adjust vents to help prevent burns.
SAFE COOKING: Keep the fire under control. Manage flareups by adjusting grill height, using grill controls, or spreading out the coal bed. Keep baking soda within reach to control grease fires. Watch for blowing embers and have a fire extinguisher, a garden hose, or a bucket of sand handy to extinguish spark-triggered fires. Never attempt to move a hot grill.

Home fires can be devastating, both financially and emotionally, because smoke and water damage often amplify the destruction to both the structure and its contents. Our SERVPRO-trained Franchise Professionals are Here to Help^®you recover - "Like it never even happened."^®

If you do experience a structure fire, we believe that prevention is better than a cure. Fires and burn injuries caused by grills are not strictly a summer phenomenon. Nearly half of home grillers use their grill year-round, so it's important to keep these safety guidelines in mind all year long.

SERVPRO Of Cape May & Cumberland Counties specializes in fire and water cleanup and restoration services and repair services, helping to remediate damage for both commercial and residential customers. To contact a Franchise Professional, please call 609-624-0202 or send us an EMAIL. For additional fire damage information please visit: SERVPRO.

Information mentioned in this blog is from:

¹https://www.nfpa.org/grilling

²https://www.hpba.org/Consumer-Information/Barbecue-Outdoor-Living/Grill-Safety

Water Damage? Here's What To Do!

8/2/2021 (Permalink)

Affected by Water Damage? We're here to help in Cape May County and Cumberland County!

Did you know that the first 24 hours after a storm causing flooding and water damage are the most important in preventing secondary or permanent damage?

Many flood situations require professional equipment and knowledge of the science of drying to mitigate, however, there are steps you can take to help minimize damage until a Franchise Professional arrives.

Do not operated any equipment that requires electrical power in areas that have standing water or moisture.
If the water has entered the structure through the flooding of a creek, stream, or river, if it is seawater, or if it has filtered through insulation during its intrusion, it is considered to be black water and could be hazardous to your health. For this type of damage, avoid contact with contaminated items as much as possible.
Take caution while entering your home, and wear sturdy shoes and protective clothing when dealing with flooded areas.
Throw away all foods - even canned goods - that have come into contact with flood waters.
Remove and prop wet upholstery and pillow cushions for drying. Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removal of lamps and tabletop items.
Only open windows to promote drying if the air outside is less humid than the air inside.
If your home has a crawlspace, be aware excess moisture in this area can often foster mold growth.

SERVPRO^® of Cape May & Cumberland Counties has responded to many large loss and storm events in the state of New Jersey and across the country. Hurricanes Sandy, Matthew, and Katrina and the flooding in Louisiana, Houston, and Mid-Atlantic, to name a few. Water damage is our business! When you need help, contact a Franchise Professional at 609-624-0202. We make it, "Like it never even happened."^®

Your Business and Hurricane Season!

7/19/2021 (Permalink)

Is Your Business READY? SERVPRO of Cape May County and SERVPRO of Cumberland County is Here To Help 24/7, 365.

Tips from the Federal Emergency Management Agency ("FEMA") for Preparing Your Business for a Hurricane:

Carefully assess how your company functions, both internally and externally, to determine which staff, materials, procedures and equipment are absolutely necessary to keep the business operating.
Identify operations critical to survival and recovery.
Plan what you will do if your building is not accessible.
Consider if you can run the business from a different location or from your home.
Develop relationships with other companies to use their facilities in case a disaster makes your location unusable.
Ask a SERPVRO^® of Cape May & Cumberland Counties Franchise Professional about developing an Emergency READY Profile for your Business.

Call 609-624-0202 when you need help recovering after storm damage. We're Here to Help 24/7, 365. We make it, "Like it never even happened."^®

^{We serve Cape May, Ocean City, The Wildwoods and surrounding communities in Cape May County. We also serve Vineland, Millville Bridgeton and surrounding communities in Cumberland County.}

When Storms Hit, SERVPRO is Ready!

7/12/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO^® of Cape May & Cumberland Counties specializes in storm and flood damage restoration.

Our headquarters is located in Ocean View - with easy access to all areas of Cape May County, and our Cumberland County office is located in Millville between Vineland and Bridgeton.

Faster Response

Since we are locally owned and operated, we are able to respond quicker with the right resources, which is extremely important. Our storm response after Hurricane Sandy hit saved many properties from further damage. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces the restoration cost.

Resources to Handle Floods and Storms

When high tide flooding and storms hit Cape May County or when massive flooding hits Cumberland County, we can scale our resources to handle a large storm or flooding disaster. We can access equipment and personnel from a network of over 1,700 Franchises across the country and elite Disaster Recovery Teams that are strategically located throughout the United States. Our Franchise Professionals are highly trained, and we use specialized equipment to restore your property to its pre-storm condition. We have also participated in helping other areas of the country with storm damage, cleaning, and restoration.

Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today 609-624-0202 or 856-692-0041. We're Here to Help and We Are Faster to Any Size Disaster!

Protecting Your Home from Mother Nature!

7/11/2021 (Permalink)

Protecting Your Home from Mother Nature's Wrath is Always Better Done Before the Storm!

Turns out a tidy yard and clean gutters do way more than just look nice.

Protect your home like the asset it is. Here’s how to disaster-proof your home against water damage and power outages. Take steps now to prepare—and reduce the risk of costly weather damage.

These things may not seem like much now, but when a storm ravishes your home, you'll be glad you completed the task ahead of time.

1. Clean Your Gutters to Prevent Home Damage

Clogged gutters mean storm water can overflow, saturating — and possibly penetrating — your home's foundation. Gutter build-up can also contribute to water seeping into your attic and damaging walls.

2. Protect Your Roof by Trimming Trees

Huge tree limbs dangling over your house, are a risk for major roof damage. Cut back limbs to reduce their weight. Also, make sure they're at least four feet above the roof. Tree limbs close to your roof allow for critters to find their way into your attic!

3. Install a French Drain to Keep Storm Water Away

A French drain — is a lightly sloped trench (1 inch per 8 feet) filled with round gravel and a pipe that diverts water away from your house. The drain can be shallow or deep depending on whether you've got a soggy lawn or a bigger problem with water entering your basement during heavy storms.

4. Invest in a Generator

An hour or two in the dark is an inconvenience, but a power outage of a day or two — especially when it's 100 degrees outside — can be hazardous to your health (and pricey, as all your refrigerated and frozen foods spoil). Invest in a generator (portable or standby, depending on how much you want to spend and how much power you need). Do your research!

5. Prevent Fires with Hardscaping and a Tidy Yard

A well-maintained lawn and a flagstone patio aren't just great curb appeal - it's also a fire deterrent because stone doesn't burn! You can also deprive flames of fuel by keeping the grass short and irrigated, removing dry leaves and dead plants, and pruning dead branches.

6. Install Impact-Proof Doors and Windows

Think a door is just a door? When it's rattling on its hinges mid-storm, you'll change your mind. Impact-resistant windows, doors and garage doors can inhibit high winds that cause structural damage to your property.

7. Update Your Insurance

Sometimes you really do need to read the fine print. Once a year, review your homeowners insurance to make sure you can rebuild your whole house in case of a disaster. See if your insurance adequately covers things like flood damage.

8. Check Fire Extinguishers

It is scary, but thousands of people die in home fires every year. Purchase fire extinguishers and check the seal to ensure it has weakened over time, causing the pressure to drop and rendering it useless. Check that the locking pin is intact and the pressure gauge or indicator is pointing to "full." (Sometimes this is a green bar.). Keep a fire extinguisher on each floor. Do your research. Different rooms require a different type of extinguisher.

9. Purchase Fire-Wise Plants

Consider how your plant choices help or hinder a fire. Plants with stems that contain wax, terpenes, or oils are super flammable — as are junipers, hollies, eucalyptus, and pines.

Choose fire-resistant foundation plantings like azalea, boxwood, hydrangeas, and burning bushes. (Ironic, right?)

Succulents, like sedum, have high water content and are less flammable. If you use bark mulch, which is highly flammable, keep it moist. Less flammable mulches are gravel, decorative rock, or bark-and-rock combinations. You can find a whole bunch of plants appropriate for your area at nfpa.org.

SERVPRO of Cape May & Cumberland Counties serves Cape May, Ocean City, Wildwood and surrounding communities in Cape May County. We also serve Bridgeton, Millville, Vineland and surrounding communities in Cumberland County. We're Here to Help 24/7/365! Call 609-624-0202.

The First 24 Hours

7/1/2021 (Permalink)

HOW CRITICAL ARE THE FIRST 24 HOURS AFTER A FIRE?

Fire or water losses, even smaller incidents, can result in costly claims over time. The longer smoke, soot, or moisture have to permeate contents and structural components, the more secondary damage one can expect to encounter.

SERVPRO^® Franchise Professionals have been performing fire and water cleanup and restoration services for over 50 years. Experience has shown that fast, appropriate action delivered within the first 24 hours can dramatically reduce secondary damage. Smoke and soot have less time to chemically interact and damage or destroy contents, and moisture is prevented from spreading and breaking down structural components or promoting the growth of mold and mildew.

We offer 24-hour Emergency Services, and SERVPRO^® Franchise Professionals are committed to responding to fire and water claims during the most critical time period following a loss. Usually onsite in less than four hours, SERVPRO^® arrives prepared to begin emergency mitigation services to help prevent secondary damage to the structure and contents. SERVPRO^® utilizes specific industry technology designed for the collection and reporting of claims information for the insurance industry. SERVPRO^® Franchise Professionals can quickly gather the necessary information an adjuster will need to authorize the cleanup and restoration process. The end result is a better, more informed decision-making process, which can speed up the cleanup and restoration of the policyholder's property.

The objective of critical response is to help return homeowners and business owners' properties back to its preloss condition while also controlling claims costs. Your local SERVPRO^® franchise can provide the emergency service, mitigation, cleanup and restoration experience and industry-specific technology to help you accomplish these goals. When a policyholder experiences a fire or water loss, even those that fall under the deductible limit or are excluded under their policy, reach out to your local SERVPRO^® team to help protect their property and contents now and in the future.

Contact us at 609-624-0202 or EMAIL for more information. We’re Here to Help^®24/7, 365 days a year!

SERVPRO^®of Cape May & Cumberland Counties serves Vineland, Millville, Bridgeton and surrounding communities in Cumberland County as well as Cape May, Ocean City, Wildwood and surrounding communities in Cape May County.

Hispanic Business: The Power of a Culture.

6/24/2021 (Permalink)

L-R: Carol Musso, Jonathan Cummings, Jasmine Velazquez, Luis De La Hoz, Minerva Alvarado (SERVPRO) and Ray Lamboy.

Over 100 Gather in Bridgeton, NJ to Discuss “Hispanic Business: The Power of a Culture.”

Bridgeton Chamber Executive Board Members and Co-Chairs of the Hispanic Business Committee, Minerva Alvarado (SERVPRO of Cape May & Cumberland Counties) and Jonathan Cummings, (Revive South Jersey, Inc.) with members of the committee, Ileana Serrano (Burgos Serrano Insurance Solutions), Jasmine Velazquez (El Manantial Restaurant, Woodbury) and Colleen Ayala (SERVPRO of Cape May & Cumberland Counties), assembled an impressive list of leaders from around the region: The National Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce, the Mexican Consulate in Philadelphia, Cumberland County Commissioners, Cumberland County Government, Bridgeton Mayor Albert Kelly, Millville Mayor Michael Santiago, Bridgeton Main Street Association, Bridgeton Public Schools, Rowan College of South Jersey, Rutgers University, Workforce Development Cumberland, Cape May & Salem County, The Salvation Army Bridgeton Corps, and three partnering chambers of commerce: Greater Millville, Salem County and Southern New Jersey.

The Bridgeton Area Chamber of Commerce (“BACC”) and representatives of partnering chambers of commerce met to discuss “Hispanic Business: The Power of a Culture.” Over 80 business and community professionals gathered at the Alms Center in Bridgeton and over 20 more on Zoom at the Chamber’s June meeting. The keynote speakers were invited to start the conversation about the potential of Hispanic business owners in the area and how to maximize their positive impact to the local economy, including a revitalization plan for Downtown Bridgeton.

Luis De La Hoz, Vice President of Community Lending at Valley Bank and Chairman of the Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (the largest chamber in the state of New Jersey), traveled over two hours to attend in-person. He led the conversation with, “There are over 61 million Hispanic Americans in the United States. Hispanics are the principal driver of the nation’s demographic growth. Hispanic entrepreneurs are the fastest growing segment of business owners and today, Hispanic entrepreneurs own one out of every seven small businesses in the United States.” He added, “It is very important to follow through with community outreach to build relationships in Hispanic business communities - because when you connect to the heart of a community like Downtown Bridgeton, the potential for maximizing economic growth in and around the City is a boost that positively affects everyone.”

Next to speak was Ray Lamboy, President and CEO of the Latin American Economic Development Association (“LAEDA”). Mr. Lamboy said, “Thank you to the Bridgeton Area Chamber of Commerce, Jonathan and Minerva for creating an opportunity for us to have this crucial conversation to work with the Hispanic business community. It was great meeting so many business professionals together with the same goals for Hispanic businesses.” Mr. Lamboy stated LAEDA’s commitment includes working with local and potential business owners to provide business training and information for available resources. Mr. Lamboy has already begun working with Jonathan Cummings, Executive Director of Revive South Jersey. Mr. Cummings said, “It was exciting to see the greater South Jersey community come together in support of Hispanic businesses and the promise they hold for our communities into the future. We look forward to working together with all in attendance here today to continue the conversation and create opportunities to help our business owners and communities succeed."

The Meeting Sponsors were Century Savings Bank and Revive South Jersey. As David Hemple, CEO of Century Savings Bank stated, “We are committed to the success of Hispanic businesses in our communities and offer our support here today and going forward.” Jonathan Cummings, Executive Director of Revive South Jersey said, “As an example of our commitment to support local businesses, the meal provided to us today was prepared by Los Molcajetes Mexican Restaurant here in Bridgeton.” Minerva Alvarado added, “Everyone here gave their thumbs up when asked about their meal - the food was a hit. Many thanks to Karen, Maria, Angel and their staff at Los Molcajetes for preparing delicious food for over 80 in-person attendees!”

The next Call to Action will be scheduled promptly in order to start the community outreach in the Downtown Bridgeton Area. The Hispanic Business Committee is also planning an event in September to celebrate Mexican Independence Day. For more information about the Bridgeton Chamber of Commerce Hispanic Business Committee, please visit baccnj.com or call the chamber office, 856-455-1312.

SERVPRO of Cape May & Cumberland Counties serves Cape May, Ocean City, the Wildwoods and surrounding communities in Cape May County. We also serve Bridgeton, Millville, Vineland and surrounding communities in Cumberland County. We are committed to serving our communities and volunteering for local non-profit organizations that advocate to help all local businesses to help them thrive and continue to grow.

Is Your Business Prepared For a Hurricane or Storm?

6/24/2021 (Permalink)

PREPARE YOUR VINELAND BUSINESS FOR A HURRICANE OR STORM.

Tips from FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) for Preparing Your Business for a Hurricane.

Carefully assess how your company functions, both internally and externally, to determine which staff, materials, procedures and equipment are absolutely necessary to keep the business operating.
Identify operations critical to survival and recovery.
Plan what you will do if your building is not accessible.
Consider if you can run the business from a different location or from your home.
Develop relationships with other companies to use their facilities in case a disaster makes your location unusable.

Ask your SERPVRO of Cape May & Cumberland Counties Franchise Professional about setting your business up with a Disaster Recovery Profile.

When you need help preparing for or recovering from storm damage call our Franchise Professionals: 609-624-0202. At SERVPRO, we make it, "Like it never even happened."^®

GOT MOLD?

6/17/2021 (Permalink)

Mold Remediation is One of Our Primary Areas of Expertise at SERVPRO of Cape May and Cumberland Counties.

We have the training and experience to contain the infestation, scrub health-threatening spores out of the air, remove the contaminated materials, and help prevent future microbial growth.

Have A Moldy Situation?

Imagine you were cleaning out a storage closet, and you found mold growing on the back wall. A number of situations may have created an ideal situation for microbes to grow in this closet. Once you identified and resolved the source, you would still want to contact a professional to mitigate the mold and ensure healthy air for your home or office. Healthy air for all to breathe.

Containing the Infestation.

When our Franchise Professionals begin a mold job, our first concern is to contain the mold infestation. The mold you can see is only a small part of the danger posed to building occupants. Mold reproduces by releasing invisible spores into the air. Therefore, we begin by preventing air from the contaminated area traveling to other parts of the building.

Scrubbing Mold Out of the Air.

Each job is unique in its challenges and solutions. However, in most cases, our mold mitigation team will set up a containment barrier and create a “negative air” situation inside the infested area. A “negative air” situation is essentially a vacuum that ensures air only flows into and not out of the contained area while the air scrubbers filter the spores and other contaminants from the air.

Removing Contaminated Materials.

Organic materials like drywall, carpeting, and ceiling tiles must be removed and discarded once they become contaminated with mold. This is why we encourage our customers to contact us immediately after a water loss to dry all the materials before microbial growth begins. Blowing a fan across moldy materials hoping to dry them and save them spreads mold spores in the air and may increase the possible health effects to building occupants.

Inhibiting Future Growth.

We can never promise to prevent all future mold growth. Mold spores are everywhere in the atmosphere, and they take root and thrive whenever they find the perfect mix of moisture, food (organic materials) and temperature. However, we have several SERVPRO products that discourage microbial growth. Once your moldy materials have been removed and the air has been scrubbed to reduce the concentration of spores, we can apply one of these anti-microbial agents to help protect your building’s structural elements.

When You See Mold, Call 609-624-0202 ASAP!

When you see mold, remember you cannot see the biggest threat that mold presents. Call us for a free estimate and good advice about protecting yourself and others until the mold is removed and the air is clean again.

SERVPRO of Cape May & Cumberland Counties serves Cape May, Ocean City, The Wildwoods, and surrounding areas of Cape May County; as well as Bridgeton, Millville, Vineland, and surrounding areas of Cumberland County. We're Here to Help 24/7 365!

How Can We Help Your Business?

6/17/2021 (Permalink)

Introducing the "Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned" ("CSC") Program!

Our CSC program is designed to provide our communities with a way to know that a structure has been cleaned, sanitized, and disinfected to minimize harmful pathogens. If a structure is sanitized and disinfected as part of the CSC program, signage will be provided to display on a window to let everyone know it was sanitized and disinfected.

We adhere to SERVPRO protocols and recognized industry standards (CDC, RIA, IICRC) with EPA-approved cleaning products to deliver a SERVPRO certified cleaning experience and result.

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed what it means to be clean. Being open for business is just the beginning of our new journey forward.

Employees may be hesitant to return to work, and customers may wonder whether the businesses they patron are safe.

We are proud to launch Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned — a cleaning and disinfecting program that SERVPRO offers to commercial locations to address the current COVID-19 pandemic.

This is a level of clean that goes way beyond janitorial or carpet cleaning. This is proactive viral pathogen cleaning.

How Can We Help Your Business? When our logo is on your door, your commitment to clean is clear. When you choose SERVPRO, your employees, customers, and community can rest assured that you selected a “higher standard of clean” — Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned.

For more information, please contact a Franchise Professional at 609-624-0202 or via EMAIL.

SERVPRO of Cape May & Cumberland Counties serves Cape May, Ocean City, Wildwood and surrounding communities in Cape May County; as well as, Bridgeton, Millville, Vineland, and surrounding communities in Cumberland County.

Number 10 in the Top 500!

6/13/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO's Business is Booming as it helps Cleanup COVID.

SERVPRO has been included in Entrepreneur Magazine's Top 500 list, standing out in a group of more than 900 franchises that qualified for inclusion in the list. Read more...

"This recognition affirms that SERVPRO is a dynamic organization that continues to grow and strives to always provide superior support for its franchisees, and by extension, its customers," said Barbara Stafford-Jones, Co-Owner of SERVPRO of Cape May County and SERVPRO of Cumberland County. "The recognition that the company earns year after year in this prestigious list is confirmation of a commitment to excellence that starts at the top and is evident in the service that each franchisee provides to each and every customer."

According to Stafford-Jones, a number of differentiators set SERVPRO apart from the competition and fuel the attractiveness of the company to both existing franchisees and would-be entrepreneurs looking for a strong business opportunity. Key among these are:

SERVPRO's strength as a brand with a national footprint, and the ability to create national partnerships with organizations such as the PGA TOUR, Allstate Insurance, Farmers Insurance, State Farm Insurance, Valero Energy Corporation, Bob Evans Restaurants, Genesis Healthcare, Planet Fitness, Costco Wholesale, and the American Red Cross - to name a few.
SERVPRO's commitment to being a learning organization, which keeps training and support at the forefront of the company's culture and philosophy of success and helps franchisees plan, track, and deliver best-in-class services to consumers.
SERVPRO's focus on continued development and support for proprietary software and systems to allow the company's operational capacity to keep pace with an aggressive growth strategy.

"Today, as a mature franchise organization with more than 1,700 locations under a single brand, recognition like this makes it clear we are reaping the rewards of having laid a solid foundation and a framework to handle quick growth. As our brand continues to grow, we will continue our winning strategy of supporting and improving upon our infrastructure and investing resources in training and support."

SERVPRO of Cape May County and SERVPRO of Cumberland County specializes in fire, mold, biohazard and water cleanup, mitigation, restoration and remediation services, helping both commercial and residential customers recover from property damage emergencies "Like it never even happened."

We serve Cape May, Ocean City, Wildwood and surrounding communities in Cape May County. We also serve Bridgeton, Millville, Vineland and surrounding communities in Cumberland County.

For more information about fire, mold, biohazard and water damage restoration, remediation and mitigation services, call 609-624-0202, or reach us by email, or visit SERVPROofCapeMayCounty.

Don't Be Left In The Dark!

6/7/2021 (Permalink)

Thunderstorms: Power Outage - Safety Tips for Cape May County and Cumberland County Residents.

Whether a power outage in your home is caused by grid failure or severe weather, you can take the following steps to prepare and respond.

FAMILY SAFETY

Include power outages in your family disaster plan, identifying alternate means of transportation and routes to home, school or work.

Keep extra cash on hand since an extended power outage may prevent you from withdrawing money from automatic teller machines or banks.

Keep your car fuel tank at least half-full, gas stations rely on electricity to power their pumps.

During a power outage, resist the temptation to call 9-1-1 for information --that's what your battery-powered radio is for.

Turn off all lights but one, to alert you when power resumes. Check on elderly neighbors, friends, or relatives who may need assistance if weather is severe during the outage.

Keep a supply of flashlights, batteries and a battery-powered radio on hand. Do not use candles as they pose a fire hazard.

Keep a supply of non-perishable foods, medicine, baby supplies, and pet food as appropriate on hand. Also be sure to have at least one gallon of water per person per day on hand.

If it is cold outside, put on layers of warm clothing. Never burn charcoal for heating or cooking indoors.

If it is hot outside, take steps to remain cool. Move to the lowest level of your home as cool air falls and wear lightweight, light-colored clothing.

Drink plenty of water, even if you do not feel thirsty. If the heat is intense and the power may be off for a long time, consider going to a movie theater, shopping mall or "cooling shelter" that may be opened in your community.

Remember to provide plenty of fresh, cool water for your pets.

FOOD

Avoid opening the fridge or freezer. Food should be safe as long as the outage lasts no more than 4-6 hours.

Have one or more coolers for cold food storage in case power outage is prolonged. Perishable foods should not be stored for more than two hours above 40 degrees Fahrenheit.

If you must eat food that was refrigerated or frozen, check it carefully for signs of spoilage.

GENERATORS

Do not run a generator inside a home or garage. Use gas-powered generators only in well-ventilated areas.

Connect only individual appliances to portable generators.

Don't plug emergency generators into electric outlets or hook them directly to your home's electrical system - as they can feed electricity back into the power lines, putting you and line workers in danger.

WHEN POWER RETURNS

When power comes back on, it may come back with momentary "surges" or "spikes" that can damage equipment such as computers and motors in appliances like the air conditioner, refrigerator, washer or furnace.

When power is restored, wait a few minutes before turning on major appliances to help eliminate further problems caused by a sharp increase in demand.

This information provided to you by The Federal Alliance for Safe Homes, "FLASH". For more information visit their website.

Controlling Humidity in Your Home

5/1/2021 (Permalink)

Controlling Humidity in Your Cape May County or Cumberland County Home.

To prevent mold growth in humid climates, you need to control the humidity in your home.

Controlling humidity in wet climates poses a number of specific challenges – you can’t just open the windows to improve airflow in the home, for example (when outside humidity levels are high, letting outdoor air into your house will increase the indoor humidity).

So, how can you control moisture and prevent mold growth in humid climates?

1) Ensure Proper Air Conditioning:

Use quality air conditioning ("AC") units properly sized for your house. If your AC unit is too small, it will run constantly without achieving the desired effect; if it is too big, it will start and stop frequently which will make it difficult to maintain constant temperature and humidity levels;

Set your AC to about 70 degrees Fahrenheit during the hot summer months and keep your home warm in cool weather;

Set the AC fan mode to “auto”, not to “on”. When the fan is set to “on”, it runs continuously and does not allow enough time for the moisture that condenses onto the evaporator coil during the cooling cycle to drain off – it is re-evaporated and blown back into the house, increasing the humidity level;

Proper air conditioning can help you control the humidity in your home.

Close windows and doors when your AC unit is running. If the doors and windows are open, warm, humid outdoor air will enter your cooler home and cause condensation;

Maintain your air conditioner in excellent condition to make sure it works effectively. Clean and replace the filters every month during the summer, call a service professional at least once a year for maintenance, such as cleaning the coils, etc.

2) Do Not Let Wet Items Stay Inside:

Dry washed clothes outside or use a clothes dryer (try not to hang clothes to dry inside). Make sure they are completely dry before putting them away in drawers and closets;

Do not leave wet towels or other wet items lying around in your home;

Take wet shoes off at the door and clean pets’ paws after walks to prevent water and mud from being tracked into your house;

Thoroughly dry your items before storing them inside, especially if they won’t be used for prolonged periods of time;

Add an appropriate anti-mold product to the water you give to your indoor plants to hinder mold growth in plant soil (moist soil is an ideal breeding ground for mold);

Remove standing water (such as puddles around sump pumps or hot water tanks) and dry wet areas within your home as soon as possible;

Vent appliances that produce moisture (such as clothes dryers, stoves, etc.) to the outside.

4) Prevent Water From Entering Your Home:

Keep your property in good repair – Inspect the roof and the chimney on a regular basis and make any necessary repairs without delay, repair foundation cracks, fix plumbing leaks, etc.;

Waterproof your home well. The better waterproofed your home is, the less likely you’re to deal with mold problems.

Keep the gutters clean – Replace damaged or rusty gutters and drainpipes in due time and make sure they are free of leaves and other debris to ensure proper water drainage;

Direct water away from your home. Make sure the grading around your house slopes away from the foundation – otherwise water may collect there and seep into your crawlspace;

Cover crawl space floors with plastic coverings to prevent groundwater from seeping inside;

Leak-proof doors and windows to prevent water seepage into your home during storms and torrential rains.

Controlling humidity in your home may not be very easy, but it will help prevent mold growth and any ensuing mold problems – mold health effects, mold damage to your property, etc. Your efforts will be rewarded with a healthy, mold-free living environment. It’s worth it!

Call your SERVPRO of Cape May County and SERVPRO of Cumberland County Franchise Professionals at 609-624-0202, if you suspect mold in your home. We're a locally owned company in Ocean View, NJ serving Ocean City, Cape May, Wildwood, and surrounding communities in Cape May County. We also serve Vineland, Millville, Bridgeton and surrounding communities in Cumberland County.

Storm Damage? Call us for Board Ups.

5/1/2021 (Permalink)

Storm Damage To Your Home? Leave the Hassle of Board-Ups to the Franchise Professionals at SERVPRO of Cape May & Cumberland Counties.

Whether the damage was caused by fire, storm, or other structural disaster, boarding up damaged property is a burden that no one should ever have to go through - especially if it is your property that has been damaged!

Boarding up damaged property the wrong way could cause secondary damages such as moisture or animal intrusion, making the situation even worse than before you tried to board up. The process of boarding up after a storm can be as dangerous as the damage itself.

SERVPRO of Cape May & Cumberland Counties can board up the damaged property quickly and efficiently and mitigate and remediate the original damage, providing you with peace of mind while helping to make it, "Like it never even happened."

We serving Cape May, Ocean City, The Wildwoods and surrounding communities in Cape May County. We also serve Vineland, Millville, Bridgeton and surrounding communities in Cumberland County. Call 609-624-0202 when you need emergency board up services. We're Here to Help 24/7!

Protect Your Home From Water Damage

5/1/2021 (Permalink)

Water damage is one of the most common and costliest disasters your home or business may suffer. Things like a burst pipe, a malfunctioning dishwasher or tide flooding are just some of the many ways water damage could strike your property.

1) Protecting Your Home From Water Damage

Dealing with water damage is enough of problem, but it can have a long-term impact on your home or business. Mold usually follows water damage, as mold can begin to grow and flourish within 24 to 48 hours after moisture exposure.

When considering the different ways to protect your property, it is helpful to break it down by areas of impact, such as crawlspaces, basements, kitchens, bathrooms, flooring, and ceilings.

A way to prevent water damage in basements and crawlspaces is to ensure there is no water seeping in. Do this by resealing vulnerable areas, making sure water drains away from your home and installing a backwater valve.

2) The most common way your kitchen and bathrooms will suffer water damage is due to plumbing issues and appliance failures.

Be sure you:

Inspect all appliances regularly, watching for issues with hoses and faucets
Check the seal and caulking around your showers and tubs to make sure they are watertight
Know where the main shut-off valve is in your home
Don’t leave the house while the washer or dishwasher is running

Protecting your possessions from water damage may not always be possible, but there are things you can do to at least decrease the amount of damage and loss. Store items in waterproof bins and keep them up off of the floor using shelving, especially when you are storing items in a basement or garage.

3) Recovering From Water Damage

If your home does experience a water damage situation, you can stand a good chance at salvaging items that can be dried out within 48 hours.

You’ll want to contact your insurance provider immediately and evaluate the extent of the water damage as well as identify the type of water that is involved.

4) The three types of water that can cause damage are:

Water from rain, condensation or leaky pipes is considered “clean” water.
Water from dishwashers, washing machines and clean toilets is considered “gray” water.
Water from sewage or serious flooding from nearby rivers is called “black” water and can cause serious health effects.

Following a water damage disaster, hopefully you will be able to safely get to your home and get it dried out, dehumidify the area, remove wet objects and disinfect remaining materials within the 24–48 hour timeline before mold starts to grow.

For your books and papers, here’s a pro tip: Freeze wet books, photos and papers in a frost-free freezer to buy some extra time. This prevents mold and mildew from developing and causing more deterioration. Once able, you can remove them from the freezer and air-dry or fan-dry the pages.

It may seem like recovering from water damage is an overwhelming and slightly impossible task, but it doesn’t have to be. You can call contact a highly trained Franchise Professional at SERVPRO of Cape May & Cumberland Counties at 609-624-0202 or EMAIL.

We make it, "Like it never even happened."

We serve Cape May, Ocean City, The Wildwoods and surrounding communities in Cape May County. We also serve Vineland, Millville, Bridgeton and surrounding communities in Cumberland County. We're Here to Help 24/7, 365 days a year!

The Advantage of an Emergency READY Profile

4/29/2021 (Permalink)

The SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile Advantage.

As many as 50% of businesses close down following a disaster, according to the latest research. Of the businesses that survive, the overwhelming majority of them had a preparedness plan in place. Pre-planning can serve as an insurance policy aimed at peace of mind. And knowing you are "Ready for whatever happens" speaks trust to your clients and employees that in the event your business is affected by a disaster, they don’t necessarily have to be.

By developing a 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 and storm damage can affect your business. The SERVPRO "ERP"

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."

READY to Get Started? Contact a SERVPRO of Cape May & Cumberland Counties Franchise Professional via EMAIL or call 609-624-0202. We're Here to Help!

SERVPRO of Cape May & Cumberland Counties serves Cape May, Ocean City, The Wildwoods and surrounding areas in Cape May County. We also serve Bridgeton, Millville, Vineland and surrounding communities in Cumberland County.

SERVPRO Helps to Feed Hundreds

4/29/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO employees, Minerva Alvarado and Harold Lapp, Jr. with CFBNJ Christina and Marcus Weaver, Director of Agriculture, GCAP.

Local SERVPRO Helps To Feed Hundreds During National Volunteer Week.

SERVPRO of Cape May & Cumberland Counties (“SERVPRO”) participated in National Volunteer Week 2021 by volunteering for Gateway Community Action Partnership (“GCAP”) at their Gleaning Project/Food Pantry Center in Bridgeton.

Minerva Alvarado, SERVPRO’s Marketing Development Coordinator and member of the Gateway Board of Directors, organized the volunteer effort with Mayor Albert Kelly and Marcus Weaver, GCAP Director of Agriculture & Food Initiatives.

Volunteering with Minerva, were members of the SERVPRO Business Development team: Colleen Ayala, Harold Lapp, Jr. and David Brace. Together they volunteered for eight hours over two days. In that short time, the Center was able to provide food for 200 families (600 individuals).

The Center obtains food from multiple sources: The Community Food Bank of New Jersey (“CFBNJ”), donations from local stores including: ShopRite, Aldi, Walmart, Lidl and Target, and from other nonprofits like Sysco. In season, produce is donated by local farms, the Vineland Produce Auction and the Mill Creek Urban Farm. When extra food is available, the Center will deliver door-to-door to Bridgeton Housing Authority sites as well as the Good Shepherd Dining Hall at St. Theresa’s Church in Bridgeton, Spirit and Truth Ministries in Vineland and to 115 seniors at the Spring Gardens complex in Bridgeton. The Center also donates to dozens of other local food pantries, including WIC Programs, Head Start Centers and Family Success Centers throughout the area.

Denise Hladun and Christina Faulk from the CFBNJ stopped in to meet everyone. “Our office is in Egg Harbor Township, but Gateway is one of our clients and I wanted to introduce myself and meet the employees and volunteers,” said Denise Hladun, Director of External Affairs. “We like to support our clients and help them find volunteers.”

Bridgeton Mayor Kelly also stopped by to greet the employees and volunteers and stayed to help and was the first to push carts filled with food packages out to cars waiting to be loaded up. “We are here to help and provide food to residents in need,” said Mayor Kelly. “This mission is important and special to me.” The Center was just short of distributing one million pounds of food in 2020.

GCAP’s Food Distribution Days fall on the last full week of each month on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10am to 2pm each day. If you’re interested in volunteering, please contact Marcus Weaver, mweaver@gatewaycap.org or 856-392-4195 (Spanish is a plus!)!

“It’s a real pleasure to have Minerva and our Business Development Team on board wanting to volunteer, especially during National Volunteer Week. All together, we volunteer for every chamber of commerce in Cape May and Cumberland Counties as well as Tri-county Rotary, M25, and The Salvation Army Vineland Corps. We care about the communities where we live and work – this is just one way to do our part to show local residents that SERVPRO cares,” said Barbara Stafford-Jones, owner of SERVPRO of Cape May & Cumberland Counties.

Why Choose SERVPRO For Restoration Work

4/28/2021 (Permalink)

Why Choose SERVPRO for Restoration Work?

Over 50 Years of Excellence

Since 1967, SERVPRO has been a leader in the restoration industry. With over 1,800 franchises nationwide, SERVPRO has created a system that allows for personalized customer service while giving access to resources on a much larger scale. As a part of that system, we at SERVPRO of Cape May & Cumberland Counties believe that part of the importance is in the name itself, to “serve” and to be a “pro”, as in a professional. Here are some values we believe it takes to provide excellent service and the utmost professionalism.

Nothing matters more to us than the people we serve. With every job from our initial call to the last interaction, our customers will know that their wellbeing and peace of mind matter to us. We consider ourselves a company of helpful problem solvers, that value people first, and happen to be experts in restoration. Much of our heart for people can be seen in our community involvement, and programs we have developed to help our local community outside of our work with restoration. If you are looking for a company that will treat you with professionalism as well as compassion, you have come to the right place.

Restoring Hope

When a disaster occurs, we see many people who come home and walk into something terrible: Severe water damage, ceilings caved in, or a house filled with water. They think, "How am I ever going to fix this?" and our response carries in it's simplicity, a seed of hope:

“There is a way to fix that, we do it every day”

At our core, we are trained problem solvers. Our team of certified technicians are experts at what they do. Most importantly? We want to help our customers find hope in a seemingly hopeless situation. That is what we do "every day."

Excellent Workmanship

Over the years, some of the most consistent feedback has been about our level of workmanship.

For us, a home or business that has been affected by fire damage isn't just about walls and a roof, it's about the memories and experiences connected to your home or business.

Our passion to give our best on every job is driven by our desire to restore your most valuable assets and your most valuable memories. We know that excellent workmanship should come with excellent care in these situations, and it is our commitment to you to deliver both.

If you are looking for restoration crew who will care about what it means to you, then you have found the right place!

Contact a Franchise Professional at SERVPRO of Cape May & Cumberland Counties today: Call 609-624-0202 or EMAIL us at your convenience!

SERVPRO of Cape May & Cumberland Counties serves Cape May, Ocean City, Wildwood and surrounding areas in Cape May County. We also serve Vineland, Millville, Bridgeton and surrounding areas in Cumberland County.

Does Your Home or Rental Need a Deep Clean?

3/18/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is Here to Help^®!! Whether You're Selling a Home, Preparing a Summer Rental or it's Your Own Home That Needs Cleaning!

It is a fact: A clean, fresh smelling home sells faster and rents faster. Nearly everyone is faced, at some point, with a difficult home to sell, rent or clean. Also, for the extra deep cleaning You may want during this Coronavirus age, your best bet is SERVPRO of Cape May & Cumberland Counties!

Experienced realtors encourage clients to keep their homes in top condition for very important reasons:

Increased Market Value
Shortened list-to-sale conversion times
Enhanced reputation for quality listings and quick sales

Our Franchise Professionals offer a variety of services to help revive homes to top condition. Our Residential Cleaning Services are also designed to fit your needs and your budget, so a professional deep cleaning of your home is easier than you might think!

WHY CHOOSE US?

Consultations and Estimates are at NO cost or obligation to you
Choose from customized services to fit your needs and budget
We work around your schedule
Our uniformed technicians use specialized equipment and advanced technology
We are Certified Experts in Residential and Commercial Cleaning, including Biohazard and Coronavirus Cleanup

WHAT CAN WE CLEAN?

Air Duct and HVAC systems
Carpet, Upholstery, Drapes, Ceilings, Floors and Walls
Indoor Odor Removal and Deodorization
Any cleanup due to Biohazard, Fire, Mold or Water Damage

DID YOU KNOW?

Dirty Ducts can possibly circulate odors and contaminants like mold and irritating dust throughout a home
Mold is found in every environment, and mold spores reproduce rapidly when moisture is present

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned

Our Certified Technicians provide expert cleaning and disinfecting services and strictly adhere to CDC guidelines for the removal of Bloodborne and viral pathogens.

ARE YOU READY TO SPRING AHEAD AND SCHEDULE YOUR HOME CLEANING?

Call SERVPRO of Cape May & Cumberland Counties: 609-624-0202, and a Franchise Professional will be happy to explain our services and answer your questions.

SERVPRO of Cape May & Cumberland Counties serves Cape May, Ocean City, The Wildwoods and surrounding areas of Cape May County as well as, Bridgeton, Millville, Vineland and surrounding areas in Cumberland County.

4 FAQs About Storm Damage Restoration

2/25/2021 (Permalink)

Dealing with a severe storm or natural disaster can be challenging, especially when you aren’t prepared for the magnitude of the aftermath. That’s especially true when inclement weather causes damage to your property. As storm damage restoration professionals, SERVPRO^® of Cape May & Cumberland Counties answers frequently asked questions about handling this serious problem:

What Kind of Damage Is Possible?

There’s no way to predict the severity of a storm’s impact on your property. Common effects include flooding and roof damage. Hail or heavy wind may knock out windows or cause damage to doors. Extensive water damage might develop inside if your property is left unattended.

What Should I Do After the Storm?

Act fast if storm damage occurs. First, call us 609-624-0202. We are available 24 hours, 7 days a week, all year long! We are licensed contractors that can provide you with emergency restoration services. You’ll also need to prevent further damage to your property by securing any doors and windows that were destroyed. Our trained construction technicians will put a tarp on a broken roof to ensure that the property is safe. You’ll also need to contact your insurance provider to start the claims process. Take pictures of the area to aide your claim.

What If I Don’t See Visible Damage?

Not all types of damage are visible. If a storm ravaged your area and caused significant structural concerns for other properties, it’s possible that your property also suffered to some degree. As a qualified storm damage restoration team we can properly inspect and assess the area to determine the severity of the problem.

What Does the Restoration Process Involve?

During storm damage restoration, SERVPRO will use specific equipment to quickly remove excess moisture and dry the affected areas. If necessary, we’ll get rid of odors and sanitize your space. We will also remove damaged drywall, fix flooring, clean carpeting, and perform any needed fixes to ensure that all signs of water are completely gone. After the damage is repaired, our special “re-construction” crew can go in and make everything look like it was never damaged in the first place!

Storms can be debilitating to personal property, but with the help of the team at SERVPRO of Cape May & Cumberland Counties, you can handle the most challenging types of damage. If you need emergency restoration services, call 609-624-0202, and we’ll work to make it, "Like it never even happened."^®

SERVPRO of Cape May & Cumberland Counties serves Vineland, Millville, Bridgeton and surround areas of Cumberland County as well as Cape May, Ocean City, Wildwood and surrounding areas of Cape May County.

Top Benefits of Deep Cleaning Services

2/13/2021 (Permalink)

While spring is the perfect time for a deep clean, you may not have the time, expertise, or products to get the job done in your Cape May or Cumberland County Property.

Hiring a professional cleaning service company will save you stress and provide you with many additional benefits. As Spring approaches, now is the time to rid your property of all of the excess pollen, dirt, dust and allergens that come with being home all Winter. Learn more below about the biggest advantages of bringing in skilled technicians.

Top Benefits of Deep Cleaning Services

Better Equipment

Most home and business owners do not have a carpet and upholstery machine or know how to properly remove debris from air ducts. By calling someone to take care of your deep clean, you won’t have to spend money on equipment and products you rarely use. Professional cleaning teams with experience in odor and stain removal have state-of-the-art technology and formulas to wash each item in your home safely and effectively.

Enhanced Health

You may not realize how dust and allergens are affecting your family until you get a deep clean. Pollen, mold, and dirt particles could be making you sick by circulating throughout your home or office. They could even be hiding in your carpet, ducts, or air filters. An expert in deep cleaning will guide you on the tasks that need to be completed to improve respiratory health. The Franchise Professionals at SERVPRO are certified by the National Air Duct Cleaners Association ("NADCA"). NADCA is a benchmark for best practices that customers have come to rely on.

Improved Hygiene

No one wants to spend time in a dirty home or office. In a matter of hours, your cleaning team will turn each grimy and messy space into a hygienic haven. Whether you are planning for a big party or would like an easy way to manage overall cleanliness, a professional, deep clean will help you get started.

No matter your reasons for getting the job done, you deserve a deep clean performed by the experts.While SERVPRO^® of Cape May & Cumberland Counties with offices in Ocean View and Millville, NJ are experts in fire restoration, water damage, mold remediation and biohazard cleanup - they also provide a variety of residential and commercial cleaning offerings.

To make an appointment for deep cleaning services, contact a Franchise Professional today: Call 609-624-0202 or send us an EMAIL.

Winter Storm Safety Tips

1/10/2021 (Permalink)

We urge home and business owners to prepare for severe weather by following practical winter safety and severe weather tips.

Protect Your Property: Be Prepared!

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) says to be sure you have these things:

Snow shovels – more than one because they can break, and four hands are better than two if you have them
Deicers, preferably the pet-safe type*
Extra fuel, such as firewood, a full propane tank, or a generator.
Clean blankets, pillows, warm clothing, etc. because you might not be able to do laundry for a while if there is a power outage
Food and water that doesn’t require refrigeration
Transistor radio with new batteries — and backup batteries
Solar-chargers for your cell phones or extra fully charged battery

*When it comes to deicers, some of the more environmentally-safe types include calcium magnesium acetate and sand to improve traction. Be sure to stock up early in the season, as they can become scarce before a well-publicized storm.

Winterize Your Home and Business: Be Ready!

High winds, ice, and moisture from winter storms can easily strip off roof tiles and gutters, exposing your property to serious damage. Make sure no roof tiles are loose or missing. Do the same with your gutters and siding.

Check roof tiles, shutters, siding, and other exterior materials to ensure they’re secure; make repairs as needed
Seal air leaks to keep your spaces warmer (and save energy costs); it’s amazing what caulk can do!
Insulate all exposed plumbing pipes to prevent burst pipes
Trim tree branches away from your roof to prevent roof damage

Clean The Gutters: Limit Storm Damage!

If you don’t, you risk an ice dam. What’s an ice dam? Ice dams occur when ice melts off the roof during the day and then re-freezes as it drips into a clogged gutter. This can force water back under the roofline and cause serious leaks, often thousands of dollars in damage!

Overgrown tree branches are a risk to your property, vehicles, and loved ones. But trimming and removal can be dangerous, too, so don’t attempt it on your own. Best to hire a professional!

Insulate Pipes: Prevent Water Damage!

NOW you’re ready for a snow day, but if you find yourself with winter storm damage, follow this link HERE for important tips to help you; and contact us at 609-624-0202. As always, we're Here to Help^® 24/7, 365 - to make it, "Like it never even happened."^®

SERVPRO of Cape May & Cumberland Counties serves Vineland, Millville, Bridgeton and surrounding communities in Cumberland County as well as Ocean City, Cape May, Wildwood and surrounding communities in Cape May County.

Be READY: Emergencies & Disasters

1/4/2021 (Permalink)

It's the season for Winter storms and power outages. After an emergency, you may need to survive on your own for several days.

Being prepared means having your own food, water and other supplies to last for several days. A disaster supplies kit is a collection of basic items your household may need in the event of an emergency.

Make sure your emergency kit is stocked with the items on the checklist below. Download a printable version to take with you to the store. Once you take a look at the basic items, consider what unique needs your family might have, such as supplies for pets or seniors.

Emergency Supply List

Basic Disaster Supplies Kit

To assemble your kit, store items in airtight plastic bags and put your entire disaster supplies kit in one or two easy-to-carry containers such as plastic bins or a duffel bag.

A basic emergency supply kit could include the following recommended items:

Water (one gallon per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation)
Food (at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food)
Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert
Flashlight
First aid kit
Extra batteries
Whistle (to signal for help)
Dust mask (to help filter contaminated air)
Plastic sheeting and duct tape (to shelter in place)
Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties (for personal sanitation)
Wrench or pliers (to turn off utilities)
Manual can opener (for food)
Local maps
Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery

Additional Emergency Supplies

Since Spring of 2020, the CDC has recommended people include additional items in their kits to help prevent the spread of coronavirus or other viruses and the flu.

Consider adding the following items to your emergency supply kit based on your individual needs:

Masks (for everyone ages 2 and above), soap, hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes to disinfect surfaces
Prescription medications
Non-prescription medications such as pain relievers, anti-diarrhea medication, antacids or laxatives
Prescription eyeglasses and contact lens solution
Infant formula, bottles, diapers, wipes and diaper rash cream
Pet food and extra water for your pet
Cash or traveler's checks
Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records saved electronically or in a waterproof, portable container
Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person
Complete change of clothing appropriate for your climate and sturdy shoes
Fire extinguisher
Matches in a waterproof container
Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items
Mess kits, paper cups, plates, paper towels and plastic utensils
Paper and pencil
Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children

The information in this article is provided by: READY.GOV.

We Are Cleaning Experts

1/4/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is Here to Help During This Time of Need.

This is a reminder to our customers that we are specialists in cleaning services, and we adhere to the highest cleaning and sanitation standards.

Specialized Training

We are prepared to clean and disinfect your home or business, according to protocols set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ("CDC"). We have years of experience in dealing with biological contaminants, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform on a daily basis.

Kitchen/Food Areas
Bathrooms
Schools/Classrooms
Offices
Retail Spaces
Water Fountains
Shelving/Racks
Sales Counters
Carpets and Rugs
Stair Handrails
Elevator Cars
Playground Equipment
Fitness Equipment

Specialized Products

The CDC recommends usage of a labeled hospital-grade disinfectant with claims against similar pathogens to the coronavirus. Multiple products in the SERVPRO product line carry the EPA-approved emerging pathogens claims. While there is currently no product tested against this particular strain of the Coronavirus, we are following all guidelines as provided by the CDC and local authorities.

Call Today for a Proactive Cleaning

If your home or business needs deep cleaning services, contact the cleaning experts at SERVPRO of Cape May & Cumberland Counties, 609-624-0202 or EMAIL.

We serve Vineland, Millville, Bridgeton and surrounding communities in Cumberland County as well as Ocean City, Cape May, Wildwood and surrounding communities in Cape May County.

Sources for this article:

CDC Coronavirus: Prevent Spread

CDC Coronavirus Guidance: Business Response

Dryer Vent Cleaning

12/21/2020 (Permalink)

BREATHE EASIER & AVOID FIRES IN VINELAND

The quality of your indoor air plays a large role in creating your healthy home. Trust SERVPRO’s certified expert air duct cleaning and dryer vent cleaning services to:

Remove harmful bacteria, dust particulates, dust mites, pet dander, skin dander, pollen, lint and many other contaminates from your air ducts and dryer vents.
Help reduce symptoms of asthma, allergies, headaches, and other respiratory conditions.
Improve the efficiencies of your HVAC system and dryer, potentially lowering your energy bill.
Increase dryer efficiencies and reduce potential liabilities by thoroughly cleaning out the dryer vent system.

According to FEMA, failure to clean home dryers causes 34% of home dryer fires. Home dryer fires cause $35 million in property loss and can even cause injury or death.

To reduce the risk of these fires happening in your home or business, SERVPRO can help clean dryer vents and ducts that may have lint buildup.

Other tips for keeping your dryer vents clean from the National Fire Protection Agency include cleaning the lint filter before and after each load, and making sure the outdoor vent flap will open and is not restricted by snow, a bird’s nest, or other potential obstacles.

You want your home to be a healthy environment for your family.

Promote a cleaner, healthier indoor air environment that helps your whole family breathe easier and avoid the mishap of a dryer vent fire. For more information on cleaning dryer vents contact A Franchise Professional at 609-624-0202 or EMAIL.

SERVPRO of Cape May & Cumberland Counties serves Vineland, Millville, Bridgeton and surrounding areas in Cumberland County. We also serve, Ocean City, Cape May, the Wildwoods, and surrounding areas in Cape May County.

Cooking Safely This Holiday

12/21/2020 (Permalink)

Recipe for Cooking Safely This Christmas Holiday.

Each Christmas, families gather to celebrate by preparing a delicious feast, but if you don't practice safe cooking habits, your happy holiday could become hazardous very quickly.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, cooking is the main cause for home fires and injuries, with the holidays being the peak day for cooking-related fires.

Review the following safety tips to help ensure you enjoy a safe holiday.

Do not wear loose clothing or dangling sleeves while cooking
Never leave cooking food unattended-stay in the kitchen when frying, grilling, or broiling food. If someone must leave the kitchen for even a short period of time, they should turn off the stove
Check food regularly while cooking and remain in the home while cooking. Use a timer as a reminder that the stove or oven is on
Keep the kids away from the cooking area. Enforce a "kid-free zone" and make them stay at least three feet away from the stove
Keep anything flammable-pot holders, oven mitts, wooden utensils, paper or plastic bags, food packaging, and towels or curtains-away from the stove, oven, or any other appliance in the kitchen that generates heat
Clean cooking surfaces on a regular basis to prevent grease buildup
Purchase a fire extinguisher to keep in the kitchen. Contact the local fire department to take training on the proper use of extinguishers
Always check the kitchen before going to bed or leaving your home to make sure all stoves, ovens, and small appliances are turned off
Install a smoke alarm near the kitchen, on each level of the home, near sleeping areas, and inside and outside bedrooms. Use the test button to check them each month. Replace batteries at least once a year

Call SERVPRO of Cape May & Cumberland Counties if you suffer fire damage in your home or business: 609-624-0202. We are Here to Help 24/7, 365.

We serve Cape May, Ocean City, The Wildwoods and surrounding areas in Cape May County - as well as Bridgeton, Millville, Vineland and surrounding areas in Cumberland County.

Commercial Cleaning & Disinfecting Services

12/21/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Cape May & Cumberland Counties - Here to Help^® With Your Cleaning and Disinfecting Needs.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ("CDC") continues to respond to the novel Coronavirus outbreak. The CDC among other recommendations encourages cleaning of counters, tabletops, doorknobs, and other high-touch surfaces with a hospital-grade disinfectant. We can also recommend additional services depending on your concerns and needs. Let us help you get back to your "new normal" with a free consultation and free estimate.

SERVPRO Franchise Professionals are the experts you want on the job to clean and disinfect your business according to the protocols set forth by the CDC, the EPA and OSHA.

We're Here to Help^®

Talk with a Franchise Professional to learn more about our expert-level specialty cleaning services, and if you're interested, information about our service programs for ongoing cleaning and disinfecting of your business.

We're available to answer questions or address your concerns whenever you need us. Contact us today - 609-624-0202 or EMAIL to learn about our customized disinfecting and cleaning programs.

SERVPRO of Cape May & Cumberland Counties serves Vineland, Millville, Bridgeton and surrounding communities in Cumberland County. In addition, we serve Ocean City, Cape May, The Wildwoods, and surrounding towns in Cape May County.

Winter Weather Ahead

11/1/2020 (Permalink)

Know Your Winter Storm Terms

Winter Storms can range from a moderate snow over a few hours to a blizzard with blinding, wind-driven snow that lasts for several days. Some winter storms are large enough to affect several states, while others affect only a single community. Winter storms are sometimes accompanied by dangerously low temperatures and at times, by strong winds, icing, sleet and freezing rain.

KNOW THE DIFFERENCE:

WINTER STORM OUTLOOK: Winter storm conditions are possible in the next 2 to 5 days.
WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY: Winter weather conditions are expected to cause significant inconveniences and may be hazardous. When caution is used, these situations should not be life threatening.
WINTER STORM WATCH: Winter storm conditions are possible within the next 36 to 48 hours. People in a watch area should review their winter storm plans and stay informed about weather conditions.
WINTER STORM WARNING: Life-threatening, severe winter conditions have begun or will begin with 24 hours. People in a warning area should take precautions immediately.

Regardless of the severity of a winter storm, you should be prepared in order to remain safe during these events. SERVPRO encourages everyone to learn about the hazards they may face during a winter storm and prepare for all types of emergencies by writing an emergency plan, choosing a meeting place, gathering supplies for your home or business, and preparing an Emergency Kit in case you need to leave in a hurry.

Make a Disaster Plan with your family and colleagues to prepare for what to do, how to find each other, and how to communicate in an emergency. Make a plan that best suits your needs and communicate the plan so everyone knows what to do!

Contact us if you have any questions or concerns about winter storm damage: 609-624-0202 or EMAIL.

SERVPRO of Cape May & Cumberland Counties serves Cape May, Ocean City, Wildwood and surrounding areas in Cape May County as well as Bridgeton, Millville, Vineland and surrounding areas in Cumberland County.

*Winter Storms, Emergency Kit, and Disaster Plan information obtained from Ready.Gov*

Put Help in the Palm of Your Hand!

10/28/2020 (Permalink)

PUT HELP IN THE PALM OF YOUR HAND!

The SERVPRO^®Ready Plan is a tool for property managers and home owners be prepared to know what to do and when, should an emergency happen. It allows for the creation of an Emergency Ready Profile. By developing a SERVPRO^®Emergency READY Profile for your home or business, you minimize business interruption by having an immediate plan of action when a catastrophic or storm event happens.

Knowing what to do and what to expect in advance is the key to timely mitigation and can help minimize how water, fire and storm damage affect your home or business.

Preparation is a key component for making it through any size disaster, whether it’s a small water leak, a large fire or an area flood. The best time for planning for such events is not when the event happens. No one ever plans on a disaster, but you can plan ahead in case it happens.

Now is the time to ask yourself, “Are you READY for whatever could happen?”

Why SERVPRO? Because we can show you how to put HELP in the palm of your hand and be READY for whatever happens! For your complimentary consultation, contact us at 609-624-0202 or via EMAIL.

SERVPRO of Cape May & Cumberland Counties serves Ocean City, The Wildwoods, Cape May and surrounding areas of Cape May County, as well as Vineland, Millville, Bridgeton and surrounding areas of Cumberland. We're Here to Help 24/7, 365 days a year.

Thank You, Veterans!

10/19/2020 (Permalink)

It would take a lifetime of THANK YOUs to show our appreciation to our Veterans.

SERVPRO^® of Cape May & Cumberland Counties can say THANK YOU by offering a 10% discount to veterans on all residential cleaning services* scheduled in the month of November.

SERVPRO of Cape May & Cumberland Counties is a local business committed to helping Veterans in our communities.

Residential Cleaning Services Include:

HVAC Duct Cleaning
Cleaning services can help restore your system to peak energy efficiency, eliminate odors, and improve air quality in your home.

Carpet Cleaning and Deodorizing
Our state-of-the-art equipment removes entrapped soils from deep within your carpet’s pile and backings.

*Residential cleaning services include dryer vent cleaning, HVAC duct cleaning, and carpet cleaning and deodorization. Discount is for veterans only (please show military I.D. at time of service).

*This offer is not eligible with a service that is part of an insurance claim.*

American Red Cross Home Fire Campaign

10/1/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO^® of Cape May & Cumberland Counties Proudly Supports The American Red Cross Home Fire Campaign.

Can your family escape from a home fire in just 2 minutes?

You can keep your family safe with 2 simple steps!

Step 1. Practice your 2-minute drill.

Make sure your family can safely escape a home fire in under 2 minutes. Use our worksheets to plan and prepare your 2-minute drill today.

Step 2. Test your smoke alarms monthly.

Make sure you and your family are alerted as soon as a fire is detected. If the smoke alarm isn't working, change the batteries!

The goal is to help reduce death and injury from home fires by 25%. For more information about the American Red Cross Home Fire Campaign, visit their website, and click the following link for SERVPRO Fire Damage Tips.

The American National Red Cross is registered as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Contributions to the American National Red Cross are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. The American National Red Cross' tax identification number is 53-0196605.

Recipe for Cooking Safely

9/30/2020 (Permalink)

Recipe for Cooking Safely This Thanksgiving Holiday.

Each November, families gather to celebrate Thanksgiving by preparing a delicious feast, but if you don't practice safe cooking habits, your happy holiday could become hazardous very quickly.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, cooking is the main cause for home fires and injuries, with Thanksgiving being the peak day for cooking-related fires.

Review the following safety tips to help ensure you enjoy a safe holiday.

Do not wear loose clothing or dangling sleeves while cooking
Never leave cooking food unattended-stay in the kitchen when frying, grilling, or broiling food. If someone must leave the kitchen for even a short period of time, they should turn off the stove
Check food regularly while cooking and remain in the home while cooking. Use a timer as a reminder that the stove or oven is on
Keep the kids away from the cooking area. Enforce a "kid-free zone" and make them stay at least three feet away from the stove
Keep anything flammable-pot holders, oven mitts, wooden utensils, paper or plastic bags, food packaging, and towels or curtains-away from the stove, oven, or any other appliance in the kitchen that generates heat
Clean cooking surfaces on a regular basis to prevent grease buildup
Purchase a fire extinguisher to keep in the kitchen. Contact the local fire department to take training on the proper use of extinguishers
Always check the kitchen before going to bed or leaving the home to make sure all stoves, ovens, and small appliances are turned off
Install a smoke alarm near the kitchen, on each level of the home, near sleeping areas, and inside and outside bedrooms. Use the test button to check it each month. Replace batteries at least once a year

Call SERVPRO^® of Cape May & Cumberland Counties for all your non-emergency cleaning needs, including carpet cleaning and duct cleaning: 609-624-0202. We serve Cape May, Ocean City, The Wildwoods and surrounding areas in Cape May County - as well as Bridgeton, Millville, Vineland and surrounding areas in Cumberland County.

Commercial Water Loss?

9/15/2020 (Permalink)

Your Commercial Water Loss May Not Be Extensive, but the Damage it Causes can Close Your Doors Indefinitely!

A commercial water loss can cause flooding to occur and damage the ceilings, floors and walls throughout your property. An immediate response time is necessary to stop further damage. Our certified technicians arrive quickly - most times, within an hour - to start the water extraction process to avoid further damage and mold growth.

Wherever you need us, we are faster to any size disaster and are Here to Help!

It's important to know exactly what to do with a large water loss. Turning off utilities at the main switch and disconnecting electrical appliances are just a couple things that may need to be done. To learn how else you can prepare your business and employees for an emergency that could potentially close your business, contact a Franchise Professional at 609-624-0202 and ask about our complimentary "Emergency Ready Profile" for your business. Add a level of security that will prepare you in the event of a large loss.

With over 50 years of experience, SERVPRO Franchise Professionals have restored water damaged businesses in the communities of Cumberland and Cape May Counties - from Vineland to Bridgeton and Ocean City to Cape May.

Call SERVPRO of Cape May & Cumberland Counties: 609-624-0202 if you need water removal and de-humidification services. We can also help with move-outs and reconstruction services. We will make it, "Like it never even happened."

Water Damage? We're Faster To Any Size Disaster!

9/13/2020 (Permalink)

Flooding and Water Emergencies Can Happen at Any Time. SERVPRO of Cape May & Cumberland Counties is Here to Help 24/7.

We provide emergency cleaning and restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—including all holidays.

Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Flooding and water damage happens very quickly with not as much water as you think. Water quickly moves causing possible damage as it covers your floors, walls, ceilings or personal belongings. Getting their faster makes all the difference when the clock is ticking and standing water exists in your property.

There is a Water Damage Timeline that is important to know.

Within minutes water can spread and cause further damage.
Within 24 hours, walls can begin to breakdown and belongings can show signs of water damage.
After 48 hours, mold and mildew may be growing and spreading, causing further damage to doors, windows, and personal property. Serious biohazard contamination is a real possibility.

The longer you wait to start restoration, the more likelihood that you'll spend more time cleaning and restoring and spending more money, too. Avoid the unnecessary cost of waiting...

If You Need Emergency Services, please contact a Franchise Professional at 609-624-0202 or EMAIL. We're faster to any disaster and make it, "Like it never even happened."

We're available 24/7, 365 days. Proud to serve Cape May, Ocean City, the Wildwoods and surrounding communities in Cape May County as well as Bridgeton, Millville, Vineland and surrounding communities in Cumberland County.

Why Clean Air Ducts?

9/10/2020 (Permalink)

Why Clean Air Ducts? Because they get dirty!

In addition to normal accumulations of dust and dirt found in all properties with air ducts, there are several other factors that can increase the need for regular HVAC system cleaning:

Pets
Occupants with allergies or asthma
Cigarette or cigar smoke
Water contamination or damage to the HVAC system
Renovation or remodeling projects

Some occupants are more sensitive to these contaminants than others. Allergy and asthma sufferers, as well as young children and the elderly, may be more susceptible to the types of poor indoor air quality that air duct cleaning can help address.

Top Benefits of HVAC Cleaning

A good rule of thumb for consumers is that “if your air ducts look dirty, they probably are,” and that dirty HVAC systems should be inspected by a reputable, certified HVAC professional. Below are some other reasons consumers choose to have their air ducts cleaned.

Indoor Air Quality

Indoor air quality is one concern that homeowners and businesses have when they decide to investigate air duct cleaning. Your heating and cooling system is the lungs of your home or business. The system takes air in and breathes air out.

According to the experts at The National Air Duct Association ("NADCA"), through normal occupation inside a home or office, we generate a great deal of contaminants and air pollutants, such as dander, dust, and chemicals. These contaminants are pulled into the HVAC system and re-circulated 5 to 7 times per day, on average. Over time, this re-circulation causes a build-up of contaminants in the duct work.

While dirty ducts don’t necessarily mean unhealthy air in your home, school or workplace, dirty ducts may be contributing to larger health issues or harboring contaminants that could cause health issues for people with respiratory conditions or allergies.

Energy Savings

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, 25 to 40 percent of the energy used for heating or cooling a home is wasted. Contaminants in the heating and cooling system cause it to work harder and shorten the life of your system. Although filters are used, the heating and cooling system still gets dirty through normal use.

When an HVAC system is clean, it doesn’t have to work as hard to maintain the temperature you desire. As a result, less energy is used, leading to improved cost-effectiveness.

SERVPRO of Cape May & Cumberland Counties proudly serves Ocean City, Cape May, Wildwood and surrounding communities in Cape May County, and Bridgeton, Millville, and Vineland and surrounding communities in Cumberland County. For more information on Air Ducts and HVAC cleaning, contact a Franchise Professional at 609-624-0202 or EMAIL.

Information in this blog obtained by the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) and the U.S. Department of Energy.

Mold Concerns in Your Commercial Property?

9/5/2020 (Permalink)

Mold Concerns in Your Commercial Property?

Mold is quickly becoming a concern in commercial real estate liability. Protect yourself and your business by knowing what to look for and what to do next.

A SERVPRO of Cape May & Cumberland Counties Franchise Professional will carefully inspect your property for signs of mold. Mold feeds on cellulose and water and can be hidden from plain view. We use various technologies to detect mold and hidden water sources. Put our experience in testing for mold to work for you.

When to Test for Mold:

If your commercial residence or building has had a flood, leak or sewage back-up
If your building has a roof leak, damp areas, or HVAC problems including inadequate ventilation or lack of make-up air
If you see visible mold on ceilings, walls, floors, or equipment
If you are experiencing foul or musty odors as a result of a process, renovation, or change in the building layout
If you are purchasing, renting, or leasing a commercial property
If you are planning to sell, renovate, or expand your commercial property

Contact a Franchise Professional today to arrange for a complimentary consultation: 609-624-0202 or EMAIL.

We serve Cape May, Ocean City, Wildwood, and surrounding areas in Cape May County as well as Bridgeton, Millville, Vineland and surrounding areas in Cumberland County.

How Can SERVPRO Help?

9/5/2020 (Permalink)

Serving Vineland, Millville, Bridgeton and surrounding areas in Cumberland County as well as Ocean City, Cape May, The Wildoods and surrounding communities in Cape May County.

SERVPRO is a Franchise System with more than 50 years of leadership in cleanup, remediation, and restoration.

Our track record has earned us the trust of the insurance industry, homeowners, business owners, and in one forgettable instance, even the Pentagon.

SERVPRO SYSTEM SERVICES:

RESTORATION:

Fire, Smoke and Soot
Water Removal and Dehumidification
Mold Mitigation and Remediation
Catastrophic Storm Response
Move Outs and Contents Restoration
Electronics and Equipment
Document Drying
Contents Claim Inventory Service
Reconstruction

CLEANING:

Carpets, Upholstery, Drapes and Blinds
Ceilings, Walls and Hard Floors
Air Ducts and HVAC
Deodorization
Biohazard, Disinfection
Crime Scene and Vandalism

We are taking to the streets, every hour of every day, proving that whenever there is a house full of smoke or an office full of water, there is also a van full of clean!

We are Here to Help^®and available 24/7, 365! Contact a Franchise Professional for a personal consultation: 609-24-0202 or EMAIL.

Do's and Don'ts of Fire Damage Recovery

8/30/2020 (Permalink)

The Do’s and Don’ts of Fire Damage Recovery

A fire is one of the most damaging and traumatic events that can happen to a home or business. Although the safety of everyone in the building is the top priority, knowing the steps to take to recover from fire damage can provide a clear road map to normalcy. Here are some Do’s and Don’ts to keep in mind.

DO:

Cover carpets.

Even when the flames are extinguished, fire damage can continue if the necessary precautions aren’t taken. A lot of ash and soot hangs in the air after a fire. When this material settles, it will damage your carpets and floors. To mitigate these effects, cover these surfaces with old towels or sheets. The extra barrier will keep them free of soot and make them easier to clean.

Call professionals as soon as possible.

Although there are some basic actions you can do yourself to help recover from fire damage, most of the work is for professionals only. Call a restoration company after a fire to keep you safe and pave the way for a speedier recovery for your home or business.

DON'T:

Clean furniture or upholstery yourself.

While it might be tempting to start cleaning as soon as possible, doing so can do more harm than good. Without professional experience and know-how, cleaning furniture and upholstery can spread the damage and soot to other areas of the items. It’s best to leave the heavy lifting to Fire Damage professionals.

Use electrical appliances.

Fire can impact different appliances in different ways. Even if an item seems to be in good shape, the blaze could have unexpected effects that make it dangerous for use. Refrain from using any electrical appliances until they’ve been tested.

SERVPRO^® of Cape May & Cumberland Counties is the go-to source for Fire Damage recovery in Cape May, Ocean City, the Wildwoods and surrounding areas in Cape May County as well as Bridgeton, Millville, Vineland and surrounding areas of Cumberland County. With more than 50 years of experience, the company takes pride in helping both Residential and Commercial customers recover from fire, water and storm damage, mold remediation, and biohazard cleanup and disinfection. Speak to a Franchise Professional today: Call 609-624-0202 or reach us via EMAIL today!

Fire Extinguishers - Life Saving Tools!

8/30/2020 (Permalink)

Portable Fire Extinguishers – Life and Property Saving Tools if Used Correctly.

In order to operate an extinguisher, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) suggests remember the word PASS:

Pull the pin. Hold the nozzle pointing away from you and release the locking mechanism.

Aim low. Point the extinguisher at the base of the fire.

Squeeze the lever slowly and evenly.

Sweep the nozzle from side-to-side.

Read the instructions on the fire extinguisher and become familiar with them before a fire breaks out.

Remember, extinguishers do have limitations. It is also important to ensure you have the correct type of extinguisher.

For more information on choosing the appropriate class of extinguisher, please visit the NFPA website. You'll be glad you did! For a personal demonstration, call a Franchise Fire Professional: 609-624-0202 or via EMAIL.

Water Damage Prevention Tips

8/27/2020 (Permalink)

5 Water Damage Prevention Tips for New Homeowners in Cape May & Cumberland Counties.

After investing in your most valuable asset, the last thing you want to face is the hefty expense of water damage repairs. However, this is a reality all homeowners should prepare for — especially since floods are the most frequent and costly types of natural disasters in the United States.

SERVPRO of Cape May & Cumberland Counties reminds consumers that there are several ways to protect against damage caused by storms, floods, and plumbing emergencies. To help you keep your property in good condition, this residential restoration service offers a few important tips to follow:

Invest in Roof Inspections

Small roofing problems can develop rapidly — and result in serious leaks the next time a heavy storm comes along. Visually inspect your roof at least once every year, especially after bad weather occurs. You should also hire a professional roofer to thoroughly inspect the structure about once every three years. If you spot any issues — such as missing shingles — have them repaired immediately.

Test Your Sump Pump Annually

When you have a flooded basement, your home’s sump pump can help clear water out to prevent damage. However, these devices only have an average life span of 10 years and can often experience issues after long periods of inactivity. To avoid flooding damage, test the sump pump once a year and promptly repair any problems.

Keep Your Gutters Functional

Watch Your Water Bill

Check Your Insurance

When water damage occurs, it’s important to restore the area as quickly as possible to prevent structural deterioration and mold growth. You’ll find fast and reliable care from the Franchise Professionals at SERVPRO of Cape May & Cumberland Counties. To learn more about our emergency restoration services contact us 24/7: 609-624-0202 or via EMAIL.

Peak Hurricane Season is Here!

8/26/2020 (Permalink)

It's Peak Season for Hurricanes! Here's What You Should Know and Share With Your Family.

Stay Aware. Be Prepared. As we enter peak hurricane season the New Jersey Office of Emergency Management ("NJOEM") continues to monitor tropical activity along with our state and federal emergency management partners.

Now is the time to determine ways to stay close and connected regarding your evacuation plans and locations.

COVID-19 Considerations

Due to COVID-19, you’ll need more time than usual to prepare.
Consider neighbors, pets, extended family and how you plan to check-in/safely evacuate and to where. Be sure to visit Register Ready, the State's "Special Needs" Registry for Disaster, or call 2-1-1 for assistance.
Pack masks, sanitizer, and gloves in your evacuation kit that you would take to a shelter.

Gather emergency supplies to build an emergency kit/go-bag for your family.

If you don’t have all the supplies you need at home, and you are a little nervous to spend a lot of time in a public place exposed to COVID-19, be strategic about your shopping trip.
Buy as many supplies as you can from a single store to prevent being exposed to the virus at multiple stores.
Consider buying slightly more supplies than you think you need to avoid multiple trips.
Ensure you have the necessary medical supplies, and if possible, refill prescriptions to have plenty on hand.
Additionally, consider food shopping services available in your area, such as Instacart, Amazon Fresh, FreshDirect, Peapod, and Shipt (to name a few).

Pets are family too! Be sure to include them in your emergency plans. Learn more safety information here: Animal Emergency.

Download checklists from the NJ Hurricane Survival Guide

Tips in this article obtained from the following websites:
NJ Office of Emergency Management,
NJ Register Ready
Animal Emergency
Ready.gov

If your property suffers damage due to a storm event, be sure you get to a safe place and then contact your local SERVPRO Storm Response Team: 609-624-0202 or via EMAIL. We're "READY for whatever happens"

Need Commercial Cleaning?

8/16/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Cape May & Cumberland Counties is Here For All Your Commercial Cleaning Needs!

We know you don't have time to worry about the wear and tear that gradually soils your office, or when grime, odor, and moisture challenges go beyond the scope of your regular janitorial staff.

SERVPRO's Specialty Cleaning Services include:

We offer cleaning services ranging from cleaning restaurant hoods to removing biohazard contaminants. We have the specialized training and products to get your property back to business.

Our cleaning services include:

We make it easy! One call to the Franchise Professionals at SERVPRO of Cape May & Cumberland Counties is all you need to do to ensure your Commercial Cleaning needs are met.

Whether it's removing an odor problem or deep cleaning flooring or carpets, you can rely on SERVPRO^® to make your business look its very best.

Call 609-624-0202 for more information and remember, we make it, "Like it never even happened."

Flash Flood Watch? Watch Out!

8/14/2020 (Permalink)

For the next few days Cape May and Cumberland Counties will be under a flash flood watch. Flash floods happen when large bursts of rain occur.

Have you ever thought if there are ways you can prepare for a flash flood watch? The answer is yes!

How to safely prepare for a flash flood watch:

Do not swim, walk or drive through flooded areas.
During flash floods power outage can be an effect, make sure to have flashlights.
Make sure you have an emergency kit.
If your home is affected, move to the highest points in your home.

How to prepare your home for a flash flood watch?

During flash flood watches make sure to unplug electronics you are not using.
Make sure outdoor furniture is covered or put inside.
Make sure important documents are sealed and placed somewhere where they are protected from water.
Sometimes barriers are placed in homes that have reoccurring flood damage to stop the water.

SERVPRO of Cape May & Cumberland Counties is a company with expertise in water damage and fire damage. If you are looking for an emergency restoration company in your area, make sure to call 609-624-0202. We are open 24 hours, 7 days a week. We handle all types of emergencies such as: flood damage and restoration, water extraction, rain storms, groundwater, and fire damage repairs.

Storm Damage? We're Here to Help!

7/15/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Cape May & Cumberland Counties Specializes in Storm and Flood Damage Restoration.

Trained Technicians - Specialized Equipment

Our crews are highly trained in storm damage cleanup, and we use specialized equipment to restore your property to its pre-storm condition.

Faster Response

We are locally owned and operated and are able to respond quickly with the right resources, which is extremely important when you have storm damage. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces the restoration cost.

Resources to Handle Floods and Storms

When storms hit Southern New Jersey, we can scale our resources to handle a large storm or flooding disaster. We can access equipment and personnel from a network of over 1,700 Franchises across the country and elite Disaster Recovery Teams that are strategically located throughout the United States.

24 HOUR Emergency Services: Flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we. We provide emergency services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week — 365 days a year, including all holidays. You can expect an immediate response time, day or night.

When you have storm or flood Damage you'll want to talk to one of our storm specialists. Call 609-624-0202 or EMAIL

SERVPRO of Cape May & Cumberland Counties serves Cape May, Ocean City, The Wildwoods and surrounding communities in Cape May County. We also serve Bridgeton, Millville, Vineland, and the surrounding communities in Cumberland County.

Our COVID-19 Statement

7/1/2020 (Permalink)

OUR COVID-19 STATEMENT:

We understand the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) affecting communities and families here and around the world. We know these are challenging times for us all and for our businesses.

At SERVPRO of Cape May & Cumberland Counties, our top priorities are the safety of our team members, minimizing the spread of the virus, and mitigating effects on our business and our continued ability to serve your cleaning, restoration and sanitizing needs.

Our locations in Ocean View and Millville remain open for business serving all communities in the counties of Cape May and Cumberland. We have implemented safety protocols that protect the health of our employees and reduce the risk of virus introduction or spread.

Please continue to reach out with any questions you may have: 609-624-0202.

We remain open to serve you 24/7 all year long. We offer complimentary consultations without obligation to commit to a service. We are Here to Help. Please call 609-624-0202 or email us to speak to a Franchise Professional today.

We will continue to monitor this situation, and do everything possible to serve our customers with the level of performance you entrust in us.

Thank you, and be safe!

From your friends at:

SERVPRO of Cape May & Cumberland Counties

Independently Owned and Operated.

Proactive Cleaning & Disinfecting for Your Business

6/19/2020 (Permalink)

Need General Cleaning or Disinfecting for Your Commercial Property or Business?

We have all become aware that no matter where we live, every community must practice social distancing, frequent hand washing, and proactive cleaning in our workplaces.

At SERVPRO of Cape May & Cumberland Counties, our "every day" is handling complex cleaning situations, including those where viruses and other pathogens are present.

We only work with hospital-grade, EPA-approved cleaning solutions. Our Certified Master Cleaning Technicians perform jobs every day where they may be confronted with bacteria, viruses, mold, and other pathogens. We know how to do this while keeping you and us safe.

You may wonder how our application techniques or products are different from what is available to the public.

Commercial cleaning techniques are based upon years of scientific research to determine best practices. Concentrations of ingredients, the application process, temperature, and dwell times are studied for each situation. SERVPRO certified technicians know the formulas.
Industrial-grade equipment provides a reliable distribution of cleaning agents
Specific education establishes service standards and guidelines from the CDC, EPA, and OSHA/safety.

Invest in peace of mind. Call SERVPRO of Cape May & Cumberland Counties for your free consultation and estimate: 609-624-0202 or EMAIL.

Advice from the medical and scientific community regarding how to deal with the COVID-19 is based on present knowledge, which is subject to change as the pandemic continues to develop. There can be no assurance that disinfectants alone will be adequate to fully eliminate the virus. We are not physicians or infectious disease professionals. Consult your medical professional for individual medical advice.

SERVPRO of Cape May & Cumberland Counties serves Ocean City, The Wildwoods, Cape May and surrounding communities in Cape May County as well as Bridgeton, Millville, Vineland and surrounding communities in Cumberland County.

Summer Ready?

5/19/2020 (Permalink)

Is Your Summer Home in Ocean City, Cape May, or The Wildwoods READY?

Whether you're selling a home, preparing for the season, or need a SPRING cleaning - SERVPRO^® is your answer!

It’s a fact: A clean, fresh-smelling home sells and rents faster. At some point, nearly everyone is faced with a difficult home to sell or rent (or clean). Experienced REALTORS^® encourage clients to keep their homes in top condition for very important reasons:

Increased Market Value
Shortened list-to-sale conversion times
Enhanced reputation for quality listings and quick sales

The Franchise Professionals at SERVPRO^® of Cape May & Cumberland Counties offer the following variety of services and ongoing “scheduled-cleaning” programs to help revive homes to top condition and assist in quick turnovers for summer rentals:

Carpet, Upholstery, Ceiling, Wall, and Hard Floor Cleaning and Deodorization.
Duct and HVAC Cleaning (Dirty Ducts can circulate odors and contaminants like mold and irritating dust throughout a home).
Mold Mitigation and Remediation (Mold is found in every environment, and mold spores reproduce rapidly when moisture is present).

By following these simple steps, your home or rental property is sure to impress!

For more information about our cleaning and disinfecting services, call Harold Lapp at 609-624-0202. He's our Cape May County Franchise Professional, and knows the local real estate and summer rentals markets. Harold will help answer your questions regarding our processes and which service fits your needs and your budget.

We are proud members of the following Chambers of Commerce: Cape May County, Greater Cape May, Greater Wildwood, Middle Township, Ocean City, and Stone Harbor; and Associate Members of the Cape May County Association of REALTORS^®.

SERVPRO of Cape May & Cumberland Counties serves Avalon, Cape May, Ocean City, Sea Isle City, Stone Harbor, The Wildwoods, and surrounding communities of Cape May County. We also serve all communities in Cumberland County.

We're Certified Cleaning Experts

5/18/2020 (Permalink)

Certified Technicians Available 24/7, 365

SERVPRO of Cape May & Cumberland Counties is Here to Help!

Certified Biohazard Technicians are Available 24/7, 365.

During this time of transition caused by the global pandemic of COVID-19, we would like to remind our customers that our certified biohazard technicians are available 24/7 to provide disinfecting services. We adhere to the highest cleaning and sanitation standards and strictly adhere to the protocols set forth by the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention ("CDC") and the Occupations Safety & Health Association ("OSHA"). We use EPA-approved agents and arrive in protective gear to protect ourselves and our customers.

Specialized Training

We are not strangers to specialty cleaning and are certified according to protocols set forth by the ("CDC"). We have years of experience in cleaning biological contaminants, and we go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform on a daily basis.

Kitchen and Food Areas
Bathrooms
Schools and Classrooms
Offices
Retail Spaces
Water Fountains
Shelving and Racks
Sales Counters
Carpets and Rugs
Stair Handrails
Elevator Cars
Playground Equipment
Fitness Equipment

Specialized Products

The CDC recommends using a labeled hospital-grade disinfectant with claims against similar pathogens to the Coronavirus. Multiple products in the SERVPRO product line carry the EPA-approved emerging pathogens claims. While there is currently no product tested against this particular strain of the coronavirus, we are following all guidelines as provided by the CDC and local authorities.

Proactive Cleaning

We offer tiered programs to fit your type of business and your budget. We also offer commercial maintenance programs for regularly scheduled cleaning and/or disinfecting of your properties.
Ask about our "Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned" program.
We offer cleaning and disinfecting consultations and estimates at no cost to you!

If your home or business needs deep cleaning or specialty cleaning services, contact the experts at SERVPRO of Cape May & Cumberland Counties: 609-624-0202 or via EMAIL.

SERVPRO of Cape May & Cumberland Counties serves Ocean City, Cape May, Wildwood and the surrounding communities of Cape May County; we also serve Vineland, Millville, Bridgeton, and surrounding communities of Cumberland County.

Sources:

CDC Prevent Spread

CDC Business Response Guidance

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned

5/14/2020 (Permalink)

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned

Ushering in a New Standard of Clean.

As America gets back to business, we all have a new sense of what it means to be clean. In fact, 89% of consumers are uneasy about going back to brick-and-mortar locations*.

At SERVPRO of Cape May & Cumberland Counties, we’re dedicated to inspiring confidence in communities across the country as we find our way to a new normal. And we’re doing just that with Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned.

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, our new defensive pathogen cleaning program, goes way beyond standard janitorial cleaning practices. This is proactive viral pathogen cleaning. With over 50 years of experience in biochemical spill remediation and decontamination, you can trust SERVPRO Franchise Professionals to bring a higher standard of clean to the places we gather.

So how does it work? It’s grounded in our unique 3 C’s:

Consult: Not all businesses are the same, so we’ll tailor a bespoke cleaning program based on the unique needs of each facility.
Clean: Based on the agreed plan, an expert deep clean is initiated using our proprietary EPA-Approved Hospital-Grade cleaning solutions and always adhering to the leading level of cleaning and decontamination standards set by the CDC.
Certify: You’ll know a business is Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned by the shield posted on their front window. Along with digital emblems and other collateral, this beacon represents their commitment to the comfort and security of their employees, customers and community.

So when you see our signage indicating "Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned," you can walk in with confidence. Because you’ll know the #1 choice in clean up and restoration was there.

Are you interested in our Commercial Services, or are you a consumer who wants to learn more?

Have Questions? Call Today: 609-624-0202.

SERVPRO of Cape May & Cumberland Counties and their Disaster Recovering Team serves Ocean City, Cape May, Wildwood and surrounding communities in Cape May County. We also serve Vineland, Millville, Bridgeton and surrounding communities in Cumberland County.

Sources:
*#1 Choice in cleanup & restoration based Commercial Attitude & Usage Tracking study. Polling 816 commercial business decision makers on first choice for future needs related to cleanup & restoration work. Study conducted by C&R Research: October 2019
**Certified SERVPRO Cleaned means professionally trained SERVPRO franchises perform the job according to proprietary SERVPRO protocols and recognized industry standards (CDC, RIA, IICRC) with EPA approved cleaning products to deliver a SERVPRO certified cleaning experience and result.

(*The Harris Poll conducted online on behalf of Fast, between April 28 and April 30, 2020. About 2,048 U.S. adults aged 18 or older participated.)

SERVPRO Duct Cleaning

5/5/2020 (Permalink)

What Sets Us Apart From The Competition? Our Duct Cleaning Process!

Air Duct and HVAC Cleaning: Our Franchise Professionals can inspect your HVAC system and duct work. Cleaning services can be provided to help restore peak energy efficiency, eliminate offensive odors, and improve indoor air quality.

The SERVPRO^®difference means:

Vent covers and returns are removed and thoroughly cleaned to remove any build-up that has accumulated.
A highly-trained technician will attach a high-powered vacuum system to your air duct system. This will create a vacuum in your ducting and returns, and pulls the collected debris to our filtration system. Air is filtered through a HEPA filtration system, removing 99.97% of particles in the air stream.
Going to each vent, we use a specialty tool to agitate and remove debris from each branch of the duct work. We select the tool we use based on your type of ducting. These can include compressed air or a whip, that uses “tentacles” to agitate years of debris.
While your system is still under vacuum pressure, we mist in an EPA registered antimicrobial agent into the duct work. This is the same agent we use during water damage or mold remediation losses. By using this, we help eliminate mold and bacteria.
Finally, duct sealer is applied to create a mold and mildew resistant barrier between living and non-living spaces.

If you have replacement filters on site, we will be more than happy to install them at no additional cost.

Call SERVPRO of Cape May & Cumberland Counties to schedule your HVAC Cleaning Today: 609-624-0202!

Spring Allergies? Protect your Indoor Air Quality.

5/5/2020 (Permalink)

SPRING ALLERGIES? Improve Your Indoor Air Quality With Duct Cleaning.

Did you know your ventilation system is often the biggest culprit in poor indoor air quality? Inspecting the ductwork in your business or home should be a high priority.

Dirty ducts can circulate odors, contaminants such as mold, and irritating dust throughout your property.

A routine part of your local SERVPRO of Cape May & Cumberland Counties service is inspecting the heating, ventilation and air conditioning unit (HVAC). Keeping the HVAC and ductwork clean can potentially extend the life-span of the equipment by allowing it to operate at peak condition, which may help save you money.

Duct cleaning may not always be necessary, and you can count on a SERVPRO of Cape May & Cumberland Counties Franchise Professional to give an honest opinion (and show you). We will inspect your HVAC system and ductwork and make recommendations about the best way to address any indoor air quality concerns. This inspection can help save you money and provide peace of mind on the health of your HVAC system and ductwork.

In some circumstances, such as after a fire, smoke, or a suspected mold growth, duct cleaning becomes an essential part of the cleanup process. In these cases, our Franchise Professionals can often restore the HVAC system and ductwork to pre-damage condition.

The SERVPRO Duct Cleaning System is proven and cost-efficient. Unlike the majority of duct cleaning services, SERVPRO of Cape May & Cumberland Counties uses a portable ventilation and air duct cleaning system to examine ductwork and make a clean sweep, removing years of dust and grime.

The process begins by using patented equipment, including a roto-scraper, which automatically adapts to the duct's shape and diameter while traveling through the duct, removing debris and filth before vacuuming begins.
Next, a powerful pushy-pull air delivery and collection system transfers the debris from the ducting to a 16-gallon container.
Air is filtered through a HEPA filtration system, removing 99.97% of the particles in the airstream. HEPA filters capture debris and keep the indoor environment clean.
As an optional process, a sealant or coating power product may be sprayed to address odor or microbial concerns.
Filters will either be cleaned or replaced to remove odor and dirt.

We know all of the unique municipalities and towns of Cape May County and Cumberland County. We are HERE TO HELP and understand the uniqueness of the places we work and live in.

For more information on duct cleaning, or to schedule an appointment, contact SERVPRO of Cape May & Cumberland Counties - 609-624-0202 or EMAIL us any time!

Looking for a Guest Speaker?

5/5/2020 (Permalink)

Look No Further For Your Next Guest Speaker!

Our Franchise Professionals would be happy to host a breakfast or lunch at your office. We are experts in many different types of cleaning and restoration and offer a wide range of topics for homeowners and business owners. We're Here to Help your staff and clients. Our goal is to educate with industry-specific tips to prepare for emergencies, disasters and also learn the benefits of cleaning and disinfecting. Our presenters are trained Franchise Professionals who can deliver an engaging presentation and answer questions about the industry.

Our expert-level services include:

Fire, Water, Smoke and Soot Cleanup and Restoration
Water Removal and Dehumidification
Biohazard, Crime Scene, and Vandalism Cleanup according to CDC, EPA and OSHA protocol
Mold Mitigation and Remediation
Air Duct, and HVAC Cleaning
Cleaning, Care, and Deodorization: Carpets, Hard Floors, Upholstery, and Drapes
Post Construction: After the Damage is Repaired - we can handle the rebuild.

For information about securing a Guest Speaker at your next meeting in Cape May County, contact Harold Lapp, Jr., Business Development Consultant, 609-624-0202 or Email.

Recent Guest Speaker Appearances: Berkshire Hathaway (Ocean City and Sea Isle City); Sea Isle Realty; Long & Foster (Cape May); ReMax Beach Home Realty (Sea Isle City); Jersey Cape Realty (Cape May); and Berger Realty (Ocean City).

SERVPRO of Cape May County serves Cape May, Ocean City, Wildwood and surrounding communities in Cape May County.

Cleaning & Disinfecting Services

4/21/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Cape May & Cumberland Counties Here to Help^® When You Need Us the Most.

SERVPRO Franchise Professionals are the experts you want on the job during this unprecedented time to clean and disinfect your home or business according to the protocols set forth by the CDC the EPA and OSHA.

We're Here to Help^®

Talk with a Franchise Professional to learn more about our expert-level specialty cleaning services, and if you're interested, information about our service programs for ongoing cleaning and disinfecting of the important places in your home and work life.

We're available to answer questions or address your concerns whenever you need us. Contact us today - 609-624-0202 or EMAIL to learn about our customized disinfecting and cleaning programs.

Storm Damage?

4/13/2020 (Permalink)

Storms are known for damaging and destroying homes and businesses.

Roof damage is a common occurrence during a wind storm and many property owners wonder what to do first in the event of an emergency.

Your Roof Might Need Help

Roof damage is common, especially if your roof is old or in bad shape. Missing shingles, dents, cracks, or water damage are signs of an injured rooftop. You should prepare for inclement weather routinely by cleaning out your gutters, reinforcing your garage door or other exterior door, and having an emergency plan in place.

If you suffer from roof or property damage after a storm, you should call a professional restoration company for help. Our Franchise Professionals are highly trained and equipped with the right materials to protect you and your property. We also provide emergency services 24/7/365. Our services include: Board-ups, Tarp covering for exposed areas, emergency fencing, emergency power, and more.

After the storm, check on the condition of your roof so you can fix anything that might need your attention. Although storms can be hard to deal with, knowing what to do is your best defense against any type of damage or destruction. For more information, visit our website or call 609-624-0202 to speak to a Franchise Professional!

SERVPRO of Cape May & Cumberland Counties serves Cape May, Ocean City, The Wildwoods and surrounding areas of Cape May County along with Vineland, Millville, Bridgeton, and surrounding areas in Cumberland County. We're Faster to Any Size Disaster and always Here To Help!

CE Seminars for Insurance Professionals

3/11/2020 (Permalink)

Are You an Insurance Professional Licensed in Delaware, New Jersey, or Pennsylvania?

Join us for free CE Courses including complimentary dinner, plus networking!

Understanding Mold in the Restoration Industry (4 Credits); Instructor: Barbara Jones

Registration & Dinner: 5 - 5:30 pm
CE Course: 5:30 - 9:30 pm

Due to government restrictions, our April CE Classes are cancelled and will be re-scheduled as soon as it is safe to do so. Stay tuned for more details. Be safe out there! For more info, contact Minerva via email.

SERVPRO of Cape May & Cumberland Counties is here to help with any commercial or residential disaster or precautionary cleaning and sanitization service you may need.

We serve all communities in Cape May County and Cumberland County and provide 24 hour emergency services. Call to speak to a Franchise Professional: 609-624-0202 or 856-692-0041.

A Clean Home Sells and Rents Faster!

3/11/2020 (Permalink)

Whether you're selling a home, preparing for the summer season, or would like a SPRING cleaning - SERVPRO is your answer!

It is a fact: A clean, fresh smelling home sells faster and rents faster. Nearly everyone is faced, at some point, with a difficult home to sell or rent (or clean).

Experienced realtors encourage clients to keep their homes in top condition for very important reasons:

Increased Market Value
Shortened list-to-sale conversion times
Enhanced reputation for quality listings and quick sales

The Franchise Professionals at SERVPRO^® of Cape May & Cumberland Counties offer a variety of services to help revive homes to top condition:

Carpet, Upholstery, Ceiling, Wall, and Hard Floor Cleaning and Deodorization.
Duct and HVAC Cleaning (Dirty Ducts can circulate odors and contaminants like mold and irritating dust throughout a home).
Mold Mitigation and Remediation (Molds are found in every environment, and mold spores reproduce rapidly when moisture is present).

By following these simple steps, your home or rental property is sure to impress!

Call SERVPRO of Cape May & Cumberland Counties - (609) 624-0202 for more information about our cleaning services!

Poor Air Quality? Allergies?

2/4/2020 (Permalink)

Reasons Why You Should Clean Air Ducts

When you use a traditional HVAC system, the air ducts are a vital part of circulating the air. However, when the duct work becomes dirty, your indoor air quality can suffer as a result. It can also lead to further problems like mold growth, which may impact your health. To avoid this, the Franchise Professionals at SERVPRO^® of Cape May & Cumberland Counties recommends having your ducts cleaned regularly.

Why Your Air Ducts Should Be Cleaned

Breathe Easier

As air circulates through the HVAC system and your home, it is easy for dust, dirt, and pet dander to become lodged in the ducts. As the amount of allergens in your ducts increases, those with allergies may experience an influx of symptoms, such as red and puffy eyes, sneezing, and a scratchy throat. Dust and dirt in your ducts may result in poor air quality.

Remove Mold

When moisture from damp areas in the home makes it to the air ducts, they may encourage mold and mildew growth. This may lead to spores spreading throughout the structure and possibly lead to other health effects.

Increase Energy Efficiency

When air ducts become impacted with dust and other debris, it causes the HVAC system to work harder. As a result, your monthly energy bill can start to go up. When you have it cleaned, the air can blow freely out of the vents. Additionally, your unit is less likely to require as many repairs when it is working efficiently.

If you are experiencing an increase in allergy symptoms or smelling a musty odor coming from the air vents, it’s time to have your duct work cleaned. The trusted team at SERVPRO of Cape May & Cumberland Counties provides numerous residential and commercial restoration services, including air duct and HVAC cleaning, mold remediation, and odor removal and deodorization. For questions about our services, contact us at 609-624-0202 or EMAIL.

SERVPRO Named "Business of the Week"

1/21/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Cape May & Cumberland Counties Named "Business of the Week" by Ocean City Regional Chamber of Commerce.

We are honored to have been selected as "Business of the Week" and are proud to be a member of the Ocean City Regional Chamber of Commerce in Cape May County. Click here to learn more!

The next time you find yourself stuck in a messy situation, be sure to call SERVPRO of Cape May and Cumberland Counties! We serve Ocean City, Wildwood, and surround communities in Cape May County as well as Vineland, Millville, and surrounding communities in Cumberland County.

We're here to meet your residential and commercial cleaning and restoration needs and can make it, "Like it never even happened." We're here 24/7 - call 609-624-0202 or email us today!

SERVPRO Ranks #27 on Entrepreneur's 2020 Top 500 Franchises!

1/15/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO maintains its top ranking in the Restoration Services industry for over 10 consecutive years in Entrepreneur Magazine's Top 500 Franchises.

SERVPRO has been included in the magazine's Top 500 list, standing out in a group of more than 900 franchises that qualified for inclusion in the list. Read more...

"This recognition affirms that SERVPRO is a dynamic organization that continues to grow and strives to always provide superior support for its franchisees, and by extension, its customers," said Barbara Jones, Co-Owner of SERVPRO of Cape May & Cumberland Counties. "The recognition that the company earns year after year in this prestigious list is confirmation of a commitment to excellence that starts at the top and is evident in the service that each franchisee provides to each and every customer."

According to Jones, a number of differentiators set SERVPRO apart from the competition and fuel the attractiveness of the company to both existing franchisees and would-be entrepreneurs looking for a strong business opportunity. Key among these are:

SERVPRO's strength as a brand with a national footprint, and the ability to create national partnerships with organizations such as the PGA TOUR, Allstate Insurance, Farmers Insurance, State Farm Insurance, Valero Energy Corporation, Bob Evans Restaurants, Genesis Healthcare, Planet Fitness, Costco Wholesale, and the American Red Cross - to name a few.
SERVPRO's commitment to being a learning organization, which keeps training and support at the forefront of the company's culture and philosophy of success and helps franchisees plan, track, and deliver best-in-class services to consumers.
SERVPRO's focus on continued development and support for proprietary software and systems to allow the company's operational capacity to keep pace with an aggressive growth strategy.

SERVPRO of Cape May & Cumberland Counties specializes in fire, mold, and water cleanup, mitigation, and restoration services, helping both commercial and residential customers recover from property damage emergencies "Like it never even happened."

For more fire prevention tips and information about fire, mold, and water damage restoration and mitigation services, call 609-624-0202, or reach us by email, or visit SERVPROofCapeMayCounty.

Commercial Document Drying

10/15/2019 (Permalink)

Did you know that SERVPRO of Cape May & Cumberland Counties offers commercial dry cleaning services as well?

In the event that your important documents end up wet during a flood or storm event in your home or business we can help dry them so that you can retain all important information!

Documents are frozen and shipped to our corporate offices in Tennessee where they are placed in a drying chamber where four different drying services are used. Vacuum Freeze Drying, Gamma Irradiation, Digitizing, and Certified Destruction. The entire process usually takes between 7-10 days depending on the severity of the damage.

We can also digitize all documents so that you no longer need to worry about losing important documents due to water damage. If you need documents dried call SERVPRO^® of Cape May & Cumberland Counties at 609-624-0202.

SERVPRO Cleaning Services - Now is the Time!

10/1/2019 (Permalink)

The 2019 Fall Season is Near - NOW is the Time to Sell Your Home Before the Holidays!

Now is the Time To:

CLEAN your property for top showing conditions
ELIMINATE ODORS and reduce allergens
IMPROVE the operating efficiency of the HVAC unit
CONTROL moisture
REDUCE mold

Our professional cleaning services help the residential or commercial property owner take the worry out of preparing for the season. It's not clean until it's SERVPRO clean!

OVERVIEW OF CLEANING SERVICES:

Duct & HVAC Cleaning

Carpet & Upholstery

Odor Removal & Deodorization

Ceiling, Floor, & Wall Cleaning

Drapes & Blinds Cleaning

We serve all communities in Cape May and Cumberland Counties. Call 609-624-0202 to speak to a Franchise Professional and schedule your cleaning service today!

Vital Home Maintenance "To Do" Tips for Fall

9/26/2019 (Permalink)

Whether you live in Ocean City or Vineland, New Jersey - these vital home maintenance tips for Fall will help you protect your most valuable asset.

Check the Insulation in Your Attic - and Install More if Needed. Proper installation keeps your home warmer in winter and cooler in the summer!
Automate Your Thermostat & HVAC System. A smart thermostat sets a comfortable temperature when you are home adjusts the temperature accordingly when you are not home.
Check Outlets and Power Cords. Don't be a statistic from the 4th leading cause of home fires. Take a walk around your home and inspect your cords, outlets, and surge protectors. Replace anything that is frayed. See burn marks around an outlet?
Use Coca-Cola to Clear Clogged Drains. If you don't have the necessary chemicals to unclog a drain, you might be successful with Coke! Open a 2-liter bottle of Coke. Pour steadily into drain. Allow foam to subside and continue pouring until empty. Let sit overnight. In the morning, run hot water for 5 to 10 minutes to rinse. Repeat the process if necessary. It's the phosphoric acid in the Coke that will eat through the clog (imagine what it's doing to your teeth)!
Change Your Air Filters. Replace the air filters in your HVAC system so it runs more efficiently. A $10 filter can not only save wear and tear on parts like fans and blowers, but can save you thousands on repair costs!
Clean Your Refrigerator Coils! Often overlooked, cleaning your refrigerator coils can eliminate about 70% of service calls! Do you really want to hand your utility company up to $10 monthly because dirty coils are causing your fridge not to run efficiently? Invest in a cleaning coil brush and use it to clean your dehumidifier and air conditioner coils, too!
Check for Air Leaks Around Windows. Here's a way to save some real money on your energy bill! Run a simple candle test - wherever two different materials meet (windows, doors, etc.) - hold a lit candle and slowly move it around the frame to see if it follows a draft. Simply caulking around these leaks could save you up to 15% on heating and cooling costs. In a pinch, use weather sealing tape instead of caulk.
Gutter Cleaning is So Important! Leaky and clogged gutters could cost you thousands of dollars and become a nightmare. Clogged gutters can cause water leaks in your roof or water damage to your home. Let's not forget how much pests, rodents, mold, and honeycombs love your clogged gutters! Cleaning gutters is easy but dangerous work - so don't be afraid to invest in a professional, as your savings will be worth that cost.
Clean Out Your Dryer Lint Vent. Corral those lint bunnies! They look harmless, but they love to snuggle down in your dryer vents and lint traps. They multiply like rabbits and before you know it, they are built up in your vents and possibly cause a fire hazard as well as limit your dryer's efficiency.
Maintain Your Sump Pump. Most sump pumps have water level or flood alarms, usually battery powered, that alert you if the pump is not working properly. Although they are quite reliable, regular maintenance is a good idea. Spend a few minutes every couple of months when heavy rains are in the forecast to ensure your sump pump is operating reliably.
Water Heater Flushing. Regularly flushing out your water heater is an important task. Depending on your model, aim to flush your water heater every one to three years. If your heater is old and has never been flushed, it may be a good idea to hire a professional. If not: 1) Turn the thermostat to OFF. 2) Turn off gas line or electricity to the unit. 3) Turn off cold water supply. 4) Turn ON hot water tap in a sink or tub. This prevents a vacuum from forming in the system while draining the tank. 5) Connect a garden hose to drainage spigot. Turn on spigot and drain entire tank. 6) Once drained, turn cold water supply on to flush tank. Look for water coming out of hose to be clear and free of sediment. Simple right? When done, follow the steps in reverse order to get your system back up and running!
Use LED Light Bulbs. LED light bulbs are about four times more energy efficient than incandescent bulbs and last for many years.

We hope these tips help you to plan easy and efficient options for protecting your most valuable asset - your home!

FREE CE Seminars for Insurance Professionals!

9/13/2019 (Permalink)

Continuing Education Seminar for Insurance Professionals Licensed in DE, NJ or PA!

SERVPRO of Cape May & Cumberland Counties is offering a Continuing Education seminar for Insurance Professionals. Seminars qualify for credits in Delaware, New Jersey and Pennsylvania and are free to attend (complimentary dinner included).

Biohazard Cleanup (2 Hours - 2 Credits)

New Content!

DE #59417, NJ #898898805, PA #124742

Instructor: Barbara Jones, Biohazard Expert

When: November 17, 2020

Where: The Ballroom at Merighi's Savoy Inn, 4940 Landis Avenue, Vineland, NJ 08360

5 pm to 5:30 pm - Registration & Dinner
5:30 pm to 7:30 pm - CE Class

For more information or to confirm your attendance, please contact Minerva, 856-240-0729 or EMAIL.

SERVPRO of Cape May & Cumberland Counties serves Ocean City, The Wildwoods, Cape May and surrounding areas in Cape May County as well as Bridgeton, Millville, Vineland and surrounding areas in Cumberland County.

The SERVPRO® Duct Cleaning Process.

9/7/2019 (Permalink)

The SERVPRO® Duct Cleaning Process

A Franchise Professional will be sure to remove vent covers and returns to thoroughly clean any build-up that has accumulated.
A highly-trained Franchise Professional will attach a high-powered vacuum system to your air duct system. This will create a vacuum and pulls the collected debris to our filtration system. Air is filtered through a HEPA filtration system, removing 99.97% of particles in the airstream.
Going to each vent, we use our tools to agitate and remove debris from each branch of the duct work. We select the tool we use based on your type of ducting. These can include compressed air or a whip, that uses “tentacles” to agitate years of debris.
While your system is still under vacuum pressure, we mist in an EPA registered antimicrobial agent into the duct work. This is the same agent we use during water damage or mold remediation cleanup. This helps to eliminate mold and bacteria.
Finally, duct sealer is applied to create a mold and mildew resistant barrier between living and non-living spaces.

If you have replacement filters on site. We will be more than happy to install them at no additional cost!

Call a Franchise Professional at 609-624-0202 to arrange your duct cleaning service.

Cleaning Dryer Vents May Prevent Fires

8/28/2019 (Permalink)

The Importance of Cleaning Dryer Vents.

According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), failing to clean home dryers causes 34% of home dryer fires. Home dryer fires cause $35 million in property loss and can even cause injury or death.

To reduce the risk of these fires happening in your home or business, SERVPRO of Cape May & Cumberland Counties can help clean dryer vents and ducts that may have lint buildup.

Other tips for keeping your dryer vents clean from the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) include cleaning the lint filter before and after each load and making sure the outdoor vent flap will open and is not restricted by snow, a bird's nest, or other potential obstacles.

For more information on cleaning dryer vents, contact a Franchise Professional at 609-624-0202. We serve Vineland, Millville and surrounding communities in Cumberland County as well as Ocean City and Marmora and surrounding communities in Cape May County.

SERVPRO's Facilitator Training Program

8/26/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO's Facilitator Training Program (FTP) was developed to ensure all SERVPRO Continuing Education (CE) instructors understand CE course requirements, are subject matter specialists, and have the presentation skills needed to effectively represent the SERVPRO Brand in front of an audience of clients and potential clients.

SERVPRO guarantees that only Certified CE instructors will teach SERVPRO CE Courses.

After completing the FTP training, the participant must also complete two in-person course observations and three video course observations. Before teaching their first CE Class, the participant must have observed the class in-person.

First-time instructors mus be observed by an Active Instructor/certified SERVPRO CE instructor. include a series of course observations in person.

This is just one more reason of Why SERVPRO? Because our skill set is important to us and important to our clients.

Why You Should Clean Air Ducts

8/23/2019 (Permalink)

Commercial Cleaning Specialists

When you use a traditional HVAC system, the air ducts are a vital part of circulating the air.

However, when the ductwork becomes dirty, your indoor air quality can suffer as a result.

It may also lead to further problems like mold growth, which may affect your health. To avoid this, the commercial restoration service specialists at SERVPRO^® of Cape May & Cumberland Counties recommend having a professional clean your ducts every three to five years.

Why Air Ducts Should Be Cleaned

Breathe Easier

As air circulates through the HVAC system and your office, it is easy for dust, dirt, and pet dander to become lodged in the ducts. According to this commercial restoration service, as the amount of allergens in your ducts increases, those with allergies may be affected.

Remove Mold

When moisture from damp areas in the home makes it to the air ducts, they encourage mold and mildew growth. This leads to spores spreading throughout the office.

Increase Energy Efficiency

The trusted team at SERVPRO of Cape May & Cumberland Counties provides numerous commercial restoration services, including air duct and HVAC cleaning, mold remediation, and odor removal and deodorization. For questions about our services, call 609-624-0202.

National Preparedness Month

8/22/2019 (Permalink)

September is National Preparedness Month! Be Smart. Be Prepared.

Make A Plan.

September is National Preparedness Month. Your friends at SERVPRO of Cape May & Cumberland Counties wants to be sure you are prepared for any disaster and will be sharing information all through September to help you BE PREPARED!

Make a plan today. 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.

Step 1: Put together a plan by discussing these 4 questions with your family, friends, or household to start your emergency plan.

How will I receive emergency alerts and warnings?
What is my shelter plan?
What is my evacuation route?
What is my family/household communication plan?

Step 2: Consider specific needs in your household.

As you prepare your plan, tailor your plans and supplies to your specific daily living needs and responsibilities. Discuss your needs and responsibilities and how people in the network can assist each other with communication, care of children, business, pets, or specific needs like the operation of durable medical equipment. Create your own personal network for specific areas where you need assistance. Keep in mind some these factors when developing your plan:

Different ages of members within your household
Responsibilities for assisting others
Locations frequented
Dietary needs
Medical needs including prescriptions and equipment
Disabilities or access and functional needs including devices and equipment
Languages spoken
Cultural and religious considerations
Pets or service animals
Households with school-aged children

Step 3: Fill out a Family Emergency Plan

Download and fill out a family emergency plan or use them as a guide to create your own.

Emergency Plan for Parents (PDF)

Step 4: Practice your plan with your family/household

*Information obtained from ready.gov website.

Preventing Fire Damage With Dryer Vent Cleaning

8/21/2019 (Permalink)

Startling Dryer Fire Statistics

Statistics show that clothes dryer fires are more common than most people may believe. In fact, improper cleaning of dryers is estimated to cost over $100 million each year. There are other surprising statistics:

There are approximately 15,500 fires attributed to clothes dryer blazes each year.
More than a dozen deaths result from dryer fires yearly.
Clogged dry vents can cause carbon monoxide poisoning, which injures more than 200 people annually.

With the additional number of injuries caused by lint fire issues, it is easy to understand why dryer safety is important and considered a seriously neglected home maintenance routine.

When your dryer blows hot air on the tumbling clothes inside the barrel, the residual hot, humid blast is generally expelled through a hose attached to the back of the drying unit itself. The hose is then attached to a dryer vent that allows the hot breeze and fabric lint to move away from the clothes and out of your home. If the dryer lint accumulates in the vent and reduces the airflow needed for efficient use of the dryer, the heating element can overheat. Since lint is a highly combustible material, a lint fire can then easily start.

Proper maintenance and repairs can prevent future fire damages.

Simple Signs of Clogged Dryer Vents

If you are worried that your dryer vent has become clogged, or if you haven’t cleaned the tube in over a year, there could be a problem with overheating. If the clothes feel overly hot at the end of their drying cycle, the vent could be blocked. Also, if you notice a burning smell while the dryer is running, the vent is probably full of lint. Moreover, when you see lint lying on the ground near the outside vent, the dryer air removal system may need cleaning.

Advantages of Proper Repair and Maintenance

If you do have a lint fire in your home, you can call in our team of fire damage specialists to get your home restored quickly. The SERVPRO of Cape May & Cumberland Counties Franchise Professionals are Here To Help and make it, "Like it never even happened."

SERVPRO of Cape May & Cumberland Counties serves Ocean City, Wildwood and surrounding communities in Cape May County. We also serve Vineland, Millville and surround communities in Cumberland County. Call 609-624-0202.

Summer Beach House Have Mold?

7/29/2019 (Permalink)

Whether you've arrived at your beach house for the season or are cleaning up after tenants have left at the end of the season - discovering mold is no fun.

If you see visible mold, do not disturb it. You can inadvertently spread the mold infestation and release microscopic mold spores which become airborne and can circulate inside the room. Turn off your HVAC system and fans, then call SERVPRO of Cape May & Cumberland Counties! Our Franchise Professionals are trained in how to properly dry and clean the area (do not use chemicals yourself).

We specialize in mold cleanup and restoration. It is a large part of our business in the shore towns of Cape May County.

We serve Cape May, Ocean City, Wildwood, and the surrounding communities in Cape May County and Bridgeton, Millville, Vineland, and surrounding communities in Cumberland County.

If you discover mold in your beach house or business - call 609-624-0202. We're Here To Help and to make it "Like it never even happened."

Vandalism Damage While On Vacation?

7/27/2019 (Permalink)

Vandalism While on Vacation

Away on vacation and upon returning home find your house vandalized? Sad situation, but it happens. Imagine returning home from a wonderful vacation with your family, only to find that your home has been damaged! Whether it was vandalism, water/storm damage, or fire damage - you think it can't happen to you. Don't know where to turn? Keep our contact information handy in your home because SERVPRO of Cape May County is Here to Help whatever the damage or loss. Our duty to our customers is restore your house back to normal while understanding the stress involved with the process. If you're planning a vacation, try these tips to protect your home or business:

Unplug unused electronics to prevent fires;
Turn off the main water source in case of a pipe burst to minimize damage;
Check all doors doors and windows to be sure they are locked; and
Have a neighbor or relative keep an eye on your house to make sure it looks like someone is in and out.

We serve Cape May, Ocean City, Wildwood, and surrounding communities in Cape May County. Call the Franchise Professionals at SERVPRO of Cape May County if you need help - 609-624-0202.

1-4-8 SERVPRO Response

7/21/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Cape May & Cumberland Counties

What is the SERVPRO 1-4-8 Response? How can 1-4-8 help you?

SERVPRO of Cape May County will show you how 1-4-8 can help YOU!

What does 1-4-8 mean? It means 1 hour, 4 hours, and 8 hours. What this means is when a loss is reported to SERVPRO, a Franchise Professional will contact you within one hour of your call to arrange for service.

We also promise that within 4 hours of being notified about your loss, a Franchise Professional will be on-site to start mitigation services. We're always open, so we'll be there any time, seven days a week, 365 days a year.

Last but not least, within 8 hours of arriving on-site, a Franchise Professional will communicate a verbal briefing of the restoration plan (could be to you, the customer, the person responsible for billing, or the insurance adjuster). *Exceptions are catastrophic events, and emergency storm situations.

Know that we pride ourselves on 1-4-8. We cover Cape May, Ocean City, Wildwood and all other areas in Cape May County.

We are a locally owned company with National Storm Resources. We're Here To Help!

Call SERVPRO of Cape May County, 609-624-0202.

How to Keep Your Pets Cool

7/18/2019 (Permalink)

Keep Your Pets Cool!

Keep Your Pets Cool During the Dog Days of Summer!

Pets, just like humans, are susceptible to heat illness. Here are a few tips to keep them safe:

Watch the humidity
Limit exercise on hot days
Provide ample shade and water
Don’t rely on a fan
Watch out for hot pavement
Last but not least, NEVER leave your pets unattended inside a vehicle!

Learn more about keeping pets safe in extreme heat at weather.gov.

Check out safety information about avoiding the dangers of extreme heat from the New Jersey Department of Health.

The Franchise Professionals at SERVPRO of Cape May County care about you and your pets in extreme weather. We will care for them as much as you would in an emergency. If you need help with an emergency, please call 609-624-0202. Be safe!

You Can Be Ready.

7/13/2019 (Permalink)

You can be ruined or you can be READY.

Under the roof of a home or business, damage can happen. And when it does, turn to the team that's locally owned and operated in Cape May County. Our network of cleanup specialists at here to help make your disaster, "Like it never even happened."

Emergency Ready Program

According to the latest research, up to 50% of businesses close down following a disaster. Of the businesses that survive, an overwhelming majority of them had a preparedness plan in place.

Pre-planning can serve as an insurance policy aimed at peace of mind. Knowing you are "Ready for whatever happens" speaks trust to your clients and employees.

By developing a 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 a disaster can affect your business.

No cost assessment of your facility
A concise Profile Document containing critical information needed in the event of an emergency
A guide to help you get back into your building
Identifies the line of command for authorizing work to begin
Provides facilities details and priority contact information
Establishes us as your disaster mitigation and restoration provider

We serve Cape May, Ocean City, Wildwood and the surrounding communities of Cape May County. Call today to set up your Emergency READY Program, 609-624-0202.

SERVPRO of Cape May County is an IICRC Firm.

7/12/2019 (Permalink)

"Like it never even happened."

SERVPRO^® of Cape May County is an IICRC firm.

The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) creates the standards for the restoration industry and provides training and certification to restoration companies. IICRC Certified Firms have the right to display the IICRC Certified Logo.

IICRC Certified Firms must:

• Present accurate information to consumers and conduct business with honesty and integrity.

• Require a technician on all jobs who has been formally trained and passed all required tests.

• Require a continuing education program to keep technicians up-to-date on the latest changes in the industry.

• Maintain liability insurance to protect all parties in the event of an accident.

• Maintain a written complaint policy and agree to Better Business Bureau or similar arbitration to resolve disputes, and accept the conclusions and recommendations of arbitration.

The IICRC Develops The Standards For The Restoration Industry

The IICRC has been the driving force in establishing the main industry standards and reference guides for professional carpet cleaning, water damage restoration and mold remediation. These IICRC standards take years to develop and require the coordination of experts in the field: manufacturers, industry organizations, insurance professionals, training schools, contractors, and public health professionals.

Every five years, the standards are reviewed and updated. The water damage restoration field changes rapidly with advancements in technology and science, and therefore the standards must evolve to keep pace.

About SERVPRO of Cape May County

SERVPRO of Cape May County specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, water, biohazard, or mold damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration and we are an IICRC Certified Firm. We believe in continuous training: from initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Certifications

•ASD - Applied Structural Drying Technician

•RRRP - Lead-Based Paint Activities and Renovation

•UFT - Upholstery & Fabric Cleaning Technician

•OSHA - Other Training

•OSHA - 30-hour General and/or Construction Industry Training Program

•AMRT - Applied Microbial Remediation Technician

•WRT - Water Damage Restoration Technician

•RRT - Carpet Repair & Reinstallation Technician

•IICRC Certified Firm

•CRT - Color Repair Technician

•HST - Health and safety Technician

•ABRA Certified Biorecovery Technician course

•SSI - Substrate Subfloor Introduction

•ECTP - Employee Certification Training Program

•CCT - Carpet Cleaning Technician

•SRT - Fire & Smoke Damage Restoration Technician

•OCT - Odor Control Technician

•RCT - Rug Cleaning Technician

•OSHA - 10-hour General and/or Construction Industry Training Program

Affiliations

•National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA)

•American Bio Recovery Association (ABRA)

•Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification (IICRC)

•New Jersey School Building & Grounds Association (NJSBGA)

•American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE)

For more information about your SERVPRO of Cape May County professional cleaning and restoration company, please call 609-624-0202 or contact us via email.

CE Seminars for Credits in DE, NJ, & PA

7/4/2019 (Permalink)

Continuing Education Seminars

Certified Continuing Education Instructors provide Continuing Education Seminars for Insurance Professionals Licensed in DE, NJ, and PA.

NO CHARGE TO INSURANCE PROFESSIONALS!

SAVE THE DATES!

SERVPRO of Cape May County will be offering an Ethics Continuing Education seminar on Tuesday, July 23, 2019 at Avalon Links Restaurant inside Avalon Golf Club.

This Seminar qualifies for credits in Delaware, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania and is free to Insurance Professionals (course materials and complimentary dinner included).

July 23: Avalon Links, Cape May Court House

ETHICS - 3 Credit Hours

DE Course #54645
NJ Course #88894833
PA Course #120265

Registration/Dinner 5 - 5:30 pm
Class 5:30 - 8:30 pm
Networking After Class

OUR FALL CE CLASS:

October 15, 2019 (Venue TBA)

Understanding the Restoration Industry: Property Fire Damage Restoration - 4 Credits

DE Course #57313
NJ Course #00505645
PA Course #122728

To register, please contact Minerva via email or call 609-624-0202.

Continuing Education Seminars for Real Estate Professionals coming soon!

The Dangers of Mold!

6/2/2019 (Permalink)

When Cape May county suffers from heavy rains and flooding, you may notice mold growing in your rental property or business. The spot may look like much, but for many people, mold can present a wide range of health risks — particularly when the problem is widespread. To help you protect your property — and recognize the importance of mold remediation — here are a few important details to know about how this type of fungus can harm the body.

How Does Mold Affect Health?

As this variety of fungus grows, it produces microscopic spores that can spread through your property. When inhaled, individuals with sensitivities to mold may experience chronic breathing problems, skin irritation, and congestion.

These reactions are typically more common among those with allergies or asthma. When people have compromised immune systems, mold-related health problems can lead to infections, such as those affecting the lungs. In addition to putting human health in danger, mold growth is also known to similarly affect pets.

How Can You Prevent Mold-Related Health Problems?

The best way to avoid these health risks is to limit the amount of moisture in your home, as this fungus thrives in damp, humid conditions. Some approaches to DIY mold remediation include fixing leaks, using a dehumidifier, and insulating windows to prevent condensation. If your home is subject to water damage, hire an emergency restoration service to thoroughly dry and clean the area.

What Should You Do If You Spot Mold in Your Home or Business?

Even by following the above steps, it’s likely that you will encounter this problem at some point. If the issue is small and contained, you can usually tackle it on your own by washing the surface with a soap and water solution. However, if you face recurring or widespread growth, hire a professional mold remediation team.

If mold is putting your household’s health at risk, the trusted Franchise Professionals at SERVPRO^® of Cape May County will put your home on the path to wellness. As leading mold remediation and restoration service experts, we know how to tackle mold growth strategically. Equipped with heavy-duty cleaning tools, our crew will not only remove spots, but also implement solutions to control moisture and prevent the problem from returning. To arrange fast and effective clean-up, call a helpful representative at 609-624-0202 today.

Get it Clean Before the Season Starts!

5/16/2019 (Permalink)

The 2019 Summer Season is Near - Now is the Time to:

CLEAN your property for top showing conditions
ELIMINATE ODORS and reduce allergens
IMPROVE the operating efficiency of the HVAC unit
CONTROL moisture
REDUCE mold

Our professional cleaning services help the residential or commercial property owner take the worry out of preparing for the season. It's not clean until it's SERVPRO clean!

OVERVIEW OF CLEANING SERVICES:

Duct & HVAC Cleaning

Carpet & Upholstery

Odor Removal & Deodorization

Ceiling, Floor, & Wall Cleaning

Drapes & Blinds Cleaning

Call Harold Lapp, 609-624-0202 for more information or to schedule your residential or commercial cleaning service!

Why You Need To Consider Mold Remediation

2/20/2019 (Permalink)

Got Mold? We're here to make it, "Like it never even happened."

Exposure to moisture, whether it’s from storm damage or a plumbing failure in your home or business, can provide the right situation for mold to flourish. The growth process can begin in as little as 48 hours, which is why it’s extremely important to know what steps to take and who to call for help with mold remediation.

Proper Mold Remediation Is Key

We’re sure that you’ve probably seen ads for mold remediation and mold removal, but the truth is that the latter of these two is false. Removing all mold from a home or business simply cannot be accomplished.

Instead, a qualified restoration company focuses on mold remediation, and will work to achieve the goal of getting mold levels back to normal and natural ranges.

Mold spores occur naturally almost everywhere, both indoors and outdoors. It is only when a minor mold problem is left untreated that the mold will become a major issue.

During a mold remediation, technicians will isolate the mold-contaminated areas. Depending on the size of the remediation job, it can be done by either closing all doors and windows or completely sealing all of the doorways and openings with a polyethylene sheeting. Dust in the contaminated areas is then suppressed through misting.

Wet and mold-damaged materials are removed and discarded in plastic bags, and all areas that have been exposed to and affected by mold are then completely cleaned and dried. In some cases, a HEPA vacuum may be brought in to aid in the removal of the contamination and debris.

The area that is affected by the mold is treated with a biocide, and then left overnight to destroy and kill the mold spores. The mold remediation crew will return the following day and encapsulate the affected and surrounding areas.

When to Call the Professionals

If you suspect that your home or business may have a mold problem, you’ll need to act quickly. Take a look at the size of the problem area and, if the moldy area is larger than 10 square feet, it is time to contact your local Franchise Professionals.

Contact the SERVPRO of Cape May County Franchise Professionals. We are highly trained and certified in areas like:

Applied microbial remediation
Water damage restoration
Applied structural drying

While some minor mold issues can be successfully resolved by home and business owners on their own, the safest way to deal with mold is to talk to the professionals to quickly and efficiently resolve the problem.

At SERVPRO of Cape May County, our mold damage specialists are trained and certified in mold remediation. If your home or business is experiencing a mold issue, contact us to begin the mold remediation process. Call 609-624-0202 or email us.

SERVPRO of Cape May County Offers Many Services!

2/19/2019 (Permalink)

We're Here To Help 24/7365

DID YOU KNOW? SERVPRO of Cape May County provides 24 hour emergency response and additional services to help customers with Fire & Water - Cleanup & Restoration and Mold Remediation!

Board-ups/Roof Tarping/Property Securing - In some cases it may be important to secure openings to your home or structure using sturdy, durable materials designed to protect it from both weather intrusion and intrusion by outsiders. SERVPRO of Cape May County Franchise Professionals may perform the board-up and tarping themselves, or outside subcontractors may be utilized.

Move-Outs - If prolonged exposure to the loss event could cause additional damage to your contents, your contractor requests relocation of the contents, or the safety of your contents is a concern, a move-out may be recommended. In these situations, SERVPRO of Cape May County Franchise Professionals are trained to properly inventory, move out and control the contents from the structure during the cleaning, restoration and deodorization process.

Reconstruction Services - Once the damaged materials are removed from your home or business other construction may be needed to restore your property to preloss condition. Your local SERVPRO of Cape May County Professional is trained with the proper equipment to replace flooring, carpet, tile, hardwood floors, and doors (interior, exterior, steel and storefront). We can paint many surfaces, work on acoustic ceilings, trim, bathroom/kitchen remodels and home/office renovations.

Inventory - Utilizing Contents Claim Inventory Service technology, SERVPRO of Cape May County Franchise Professionals can generate comprehensive room-by-room inventories. Contents are categorized as salvageable, non-salvageable and questionable - allowing for easier contents settlement.

Electronics Cleaning and Restoration - Smoke residues can contain acids that corrode metal surfaces when moisture is also present. If the residues are not removed, corrosion can eat away at the metal casing and can ultimately cause electronic failure in the device. A SERVPRO of Cape May County Franchise Professional can clean the outside casing correctly, as well as refer your equipment to a qualified electronics vendor.

We also provide the following services:

Temporary Power Rental
Temporary Fencing
Storage Services
Packing Supplies
Furniture & Fine Art Restoration

For all of your restoration and reconstruction needs, contact the Franchise Professionals at SERVPRO of Cape May County today! Call 609-624-0202 or email us. We make it, Like it never even happened.^®

Summer Brings Potential for Tornadoes, Be Prepared!

6/25/2018 (Permalink)

What is the difference between a Tornado WATCH and a Tornado WARNING?

A Tornado WATCH is issued by the NOAA Storm Prediction Center meteorologists who watch the weather 24/7 across the entire U.S. for weather conditions that are favorable for tornadoes. A watch can cover parts of a state or several states. Watch and prepare for severe weather and stay tuned to NOAA Weather Radio to know when warnings are issued.

A Tornado WARNING is issued by your local NOAA National Weather Service Forecast Office meteorologists who watch the weather 24/7 over a designated area. This means a tornado has been reported by spotters or indicated by radar and there is a serious threat to life and property to those in the path of the tornado. ACT now to find safe shelter! A warning can cover parts of counties or several counties in the path of danger.

LEARN MORE AT THE NOAA WEBSITE.

If a tornado does strike, SERVPRO^® of Cape May County will be here to help! Call us at 609-624-0202.

If you have a fire or water emergency, please call us now at (609) 624-0202

Archived Blog Posts

Storm Season: Is Your Business Ready?

20 Bad Habits That Can Burn Down Your House!

House fires are more common than you may realize, with potential fire starters like light bulbs, laptops, and lint traps hiding in plain sight throughout your home, disguised as harmless, everyday necessities.

SERVPRO Gets the Job Done Quickly and Thoroughly with Less Business Interruption!

Your Business & Hurricane Season!

It's Officially Hurricane Season! Is Your Business READY? We Are Here To Help 24/7, 365.

Smoke Damage to a Commercial Building?

Smoke Damage After a Fire in Your Vineland Office Building?

Preparing for Thunder & Lightning Storms

Preparing for severe weather is critical to your safety and keeping your property safe from damage.

Minerva Alvarado Wins Award for Greater Vineland Chamber of Commerce Volunteer Work.

SERVPRO Sponsors Leadership Development Classes for Firefighters & EMS

Announcement by Minerva Alvarado, Marketing Development Coordinator for SERVPRO Team Fabiani:

Six Tips for Accident & Disaster Preparedness

Six Tips for Summer Accident and Disaster Preparedness

The Company You Trust With Storm Damage

When your Ocean City home or business has been damaged by a storm, preventing further destruction from the elements with tarp placement and protective measures can be crucial.

Smoke Damage After A Fire

Smoke Damage In Your Building After a Fire? Here's What To Do:

The Long Term Risks of Standing Water

The Long Term Risks of Standing Water.

Water Damage Prevention Tips

5 Water Damage Prevention Tips for New Homeowners in Cape May & Cumberland Counties.

Resolving Commercial Water Damage Odors

Flooding May Leave Offensive Odors. SERVPRO® of Cape May & Cumberland Counties has the training and equipment to remove those odors.

Restoring Commercial Property After Water Damage

Restoring Commercial Property After Water Damage.

Who's Got the Story? We Do!

SERVPRO of Cape May & Cumberland Counties - Team Fabiani Southern NJ, Hot Off The Press!

Best Practices in Healthcare Construction

Infection Control Risk Assessment (ICRA) Best Practices in Healthcare Construction

Visit us at the Cape May County Business at the Beach Expo.

SERVPRO of Cape May County Participates in the Annual "Business at the Beach" Expo 2022.

SERVPRO Specializes in Storm Damage.

Where Should You Place Smoke Detectors?

Where to Place the Smoke Detectors in Your Home.

Have a Heart For Our Veterans

Happy International Women's Day 2022

SERVPRO Team Fabiani Celebrates International Women's Day!

Why SERVPRO® Team Fabiani?

The Company You Trust with Storm Damage.

Storm Damage in Your Cape May New Jersey Property?

Women to Watch in 2022 - Minerva Alvarado!

Women to Watch in 2022 by South Jersey Biz Magazine

SERVPRO is Faster to Any Size Disaster!

SERVPRO of Cape May County and Cumberland County is faster to any size disaster!

SERVPRO Disaster Recovery Team®

SERVPRO Disaster Recovery Team®

Don't Be the 50% Cape May County!

Gas Leaks and Fire!

The Signs Of A Gas Leak

Suspect Mold? Follow These Safety Tips.

If you see visible mold, do not disturb it. You can inadvertently spread the mold infestation throughout your home. When mold is disturbed, the mold can release microscopic mold spores which become airborne and can circulate inside your home.

24 Hour Emergency Services

SERVPRO of Cape May & Cumberland Counties is a trusted leader in the restoration industry, and our highly trained Franchise Professionals provide 24-hour emergency services.

Need Emergency Service? Call Us 24/7 – 609-624-0202

Faster to Any Size Emergency

Water Damage is Quick to Spread!

Water is particularly invasive, quickly spreading throughout your property and being absorbed into floors, walls, furniture, etc.

Protect Your Home Now!

We urge Cape May and Cumberland County residents to prepare for severe weather by following these winter safety tips.

Winterize Your Most Valuable Asset!

Winterize and Protect Your Most Valuable Asset!

If the Power Goes Out Follow These Tips:

Faster to Any Size Disaster!

Whether it's from wind, ice, rain or fire, SERVPRO of Cape May & Cumberland Counties provides 24-hour emergency services and is FASTER to any size DISASTER!

How Can You Prevent Mold in Your Home

How Can You Prevent Mold in Your Home?

Guest Speaker Services in Cape May County

Need a Guest Speaker for Your Next Seminar or Meeting?

Keep Fall FIRE Free

5 Things to Know About Water Damage

What Does Water Damage Affect?

What to Consider Before Water Damage Restoration?

5 DIY Water Damage Restoration Tips for Your Home

Call SERVPRO of Cape May & Cumberland Counties for Your Water Damage Restoration

Commercial Building & Reconstruction Services

Commercial Building and Reconstruction Services For Your Business

Flooding May Leave Offensive Odors. SERVPRO^®of Cape May & Cumberland Counties has the training and equipment to remove those odors.

SERVPRO Disaster Recovery Team^®

SERVPRO^® of Cape May & Cumberland Counties specializes in storm and flood damage restoration.

SERVPRO^®of Cape May & Cumberland Counties serves Vineland, Millville, Bridgeton and surrounding communities in Cumberland County as well as Cape May, Ocean City, Wildwood and surrounding communities in Cape May County.

SERVPRO is Here to Help^®!! Whether You're Selling a Home, Preparing a Summer Rental or it's Your Own Home That Needs Cleaning!