Recent Posts

Why SERVPRO of Cape May County?

3/15/2023 (Permalink)

Why SERVPRO of Cape May County?

We have more than 50 years of experience in the cleanup and restoration industry, and the resources of over 2,100 locations nationwide, to help us get to you fast. Here's WHY SERVPRO:

  • Faster to any size disaster™
  • Available 24/7
  • Certified, highly-trained professionals
  • Over 50 years of experience
  • The #1 Choice in Cleanup and Restoration
  • SERVPRO® Emergency Ready Plan Advantage

Additional Services

  • Commercial
  • Water Damage
  • Fire Damage
  • Mold Damage
  • Storm Damage
  • Construction
  • Air Duct/HVAC Cleaning
  • Biohazard/Crime Scene
  • Carpet/Upholstery
  • Ceiling/Floor/Walls
  • COVID Cleaning
  • Document Restoration
  • Drapes/Blinds
  • Odor Removal
  • Roof Tarping/Board Up
  • Vandalism/Graffiti

Cleaning. Restoration. Construction. We're Here to Help® 24/7/365. Call 609-965-0885 to speak to a Franchise Professional today!

Why You Can Trust SERVPRO of Cumberland County After a Fire

3/15/2023 (Permalink)

Why You Can Trust SERVPRO of Cumberland County After A Fire

Our professionals are highly-trained, with the experience, tools, and knowledge to clean up fire damage and remove the smell of smoke.

In keeping with our goal to restore your property and cherished possessions to their pre-fire condition, we use appropriate personal protective measures to safely clean, deodorize and restore your property.

Every fire damage event is a little different, and requires a unique solution, but the general process stays the same. The steps listed below illustrate our process for the “typical” fire damage emergency.

Step 1: Emergency Contact

The restoration process begins when you give us a call. Our specialist will ask a series of questions regarding the fire damage event that will help us arrive quickly with the appropriate equipment and resources.

Step 2: Inspection and Fire Damage Assessment

We will carefully inspect and test adjoining rooms of your property to determine the extent of the fire, smoke, and soot damage. This step is crucial to developing a plan of action.

Step 3: Immediate Board-Up and Roof-Tarp Service

Fire damage can often compromise windows, walls, and roofs. To maintain security and to protect against further damage, SERVPRO can board up missing windows and walls and place tarps on damaged roofs.

Step 4: Water Removal and Drying (if water damage is present)

The water removal process begins almost immediately and removes the majority of the water. We will then use dehumidifiers and air movers to remove the remaining water and complete the drying process.

Step 5: Removal of Smoke and Soot from All Surfaces

SERVPRO uses specialized equipment and techniques to remove smoke and soot from ceilings, walls, and other surfaces.

Step 6: Cleaning and Sanitizing

We will clean all of the restorable items and structures that were damaged by the fire. We use a variety of cleaning techniques to restore your belongings to pre-fire condition. We’re also trained to remove odors using industrial air scrubbers and fogging equipment.

Step 7: Restoration

Restoration is the final step—getting your home or business to its pre-fire condition. Restoration may involve minor repairs, such as replacing drywall, painting, and installing new carpet; or it may entail major repairs such as the reconstruction of various areas or rooms in a home or business.

We're Here to Help® 24/7/365. Call 609-965-0885.

What To Do: Smoke and Soot Cleanup

9/23/2022 (Permalink)

Smoke and Soot in Your Cape May or Cumberland County Property?

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 and experience 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 pretesting. 

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

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

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

If You See Signs of Mold

9/23/2022 (Permalink)

If You See Signs of Mold in Your Vineland Home.

Microscopic mold spores naturally occur almost everywhere, both outdoors and indoors. This makes it impossible to remove all mold from a home or business. Therefore, mold remediation reduces the mold spore count back to its natural or baseline level. Some restoration businesses advertise “mold removal” and even guarantee to remove all mold, which is a fallacy. Consider the following mold facts:

  • Mold is present almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors.
  • Mold spores are microscopic and float along in the air and may enter your home through windows, doors, or AC/heating systems or even hitch a ride indoors on your clothing or a pet.
  • Mold spores thrive on moisture. Mold spores can quickly grow into colonies when exposed to water. These colonies may produce allergens and irritants.
  • Before mold remediation can begin, any sources of water or moisture must be addressed. Otherwise, the mold may return.
  • Mold often produces a strong, musty odor and can lead you to possible mold problem areas.
  • Even higher-than-normal indoor humidity can support mold growth. Keep indoor humidity below 45 percent.

If your home or business has a mold problem, we can inspect and assess your property and use our specialized training, equipment, and expertise to remediate your mold infestation.

If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today –609-624-0202. A Franchise Professional will help you with your questions and concerns.

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

Hurricane Season Is Not Over!

9/23/2022 (Permalink)

Hurricane Season.

Living near the coast brings many benefits to those of us who reside in Cape May and Cumberland Counties, but with all the pros, there are some cons - one of them being hurricane season.

The season started on June 1st and the threat will continue until November 30th here in the Northeast. The strongest chance for hurricanes and storm activity begins in mid-August and lasts until about the end of October. Hurricanes can bring speeds up to 200 mph, and the storms themselves have been known to stretch across up to 600 miles. Are you prepared for a storm of this size?

Important information everyone should know includes the difference between a hurricane watch and a hurricane warning. A watch means that threatening conditions are possible within the next 48 hours, while a warning means conditions are expected within 36 hours. Stay prepared and informed, that is the best way to get through any potential storms!

SERVPRO of Cape May & Cumberland Counties is a Disaster Recovery Team.® We're Here to Help 24/7 -  just call 609-624-0202.  We offer 24 hour emergency services and have the equipment necessary for all types of storm damage to homes and businesses.

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

What Can Turn Into a House Fire?

9/23/2022 (Permalink)

Tis the Season in Ocean City and Cape May County!

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), fire departments in the United States responded to a house fire every 86 seconds. Given this risk, it’s critical for homeowners to pinpoint potential triggers and take action to prevent fire damage.

As you review your home safety, here are a few common causes of house fires you should stay aware of.  

What Can Turn Into a House Fire?

  1. Portable Heaters

When winter strikes, a portable heater may provide the little bit of extra warmth you need to stay comfortable. However, these devices can get extremely hot and ignite surrounding objects — such as curtains and furniture. If you must use a portable heater, never leave it unattended and make sure it’s not near any flammable items.

  1. Kitchen Accidents

 It takes a lot of heat to cook food, so danger can arise quickly if it’s not properly controlled. Gas stoves, grease, and food left in the oven for too long are all potential sources of fire damage. Minimize these risks by supervising meal preparation activities, keeping curious kids away from active stoves, and maintaining a clean kitchen space.

  1. Faulty Wires

Since electrical wires remain hidden behind walls, it can be hard to detect potential risks caused by factors like old age or pets that chew through cables. Call an electrician for an inspection at the first sign of trouble, such as flickering lights, malfunctioning outlets, and mysterious burning smells. A professional survey is also a good idea if your wiring is over 20 years old.

  1. Smoking

When dropped into the trash or left unattended, cigarettes can quickly spark massive flames, especially if everyone in the house is asleep. The best way to prevent this problem is to smoke outdoors — or quit.

  1. Candles

Open flames from candles can feel inviting and elegant, but they aren’t as contained as you might think. When flames get too big or candles are knocked over, they can trigger massive house fires. Always blow out lit candles before leaving a room or use battery-operated versions that do not use real flames.

Watching out for these risks can help prevent house fires, but there may be instances where the danger is simply out of your control. For these situations, turn to SERVPRO® of Cape May & Cumberland Counties for complete residential restoration services. Our trained experts use state-of-the-art tools to safely remove and restore fire damage. Call 609-624-0202 to request assistance - we're here to help 24/7. 

Before You Turn The Heater On...

9/23/2022 (Permalink)

What is a Furnace Puff Back & How Should You Handle It?

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 be extremely hazardous to your health 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 to reach a Puff Back Specialist 24 hours a day, seven days a week. 

We are proud to serve our local communities:

Prevent Fire Disasters!

9/23/2022 (Permalink)

Prevent Fire Disasters!

Keep your family safe with a working smoke alarm in every bedroom.

Did you know that roughly half of home fire deaths result from fires reported between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m., when most people are asleep?

Smoke alarms save lives. If there is a fire in your home, smoke spreads fast and you need smoke alarms to give you time to get out. In fact, having a working smoke alarm cuts the chances of dying in a reported fire in half!

When it comes to smoke alarms, it’s about “location, location, location.”

The key message from Fire Departments everywhere, is to install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each separate sleeping area, and on every level of your home, including the basement (if you have one). Larger homes may need more alarms.

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) shares this important information so everyone better understands the life-saving value of home smoke alarms. Visit NFPA's website for more information.

*The above information courtesy of the National Fire Prevention Association. 

For information on what to do AFTER a fire call a SERVPRO Franchise Professional at 609-624-0202. We're here 24/7 every day of the year.

Concerned About Flooding?

9/23/2022 (Permalink)

Concerned About Flooding due to Storms in Cape May County?

Here in Cape May County, it’s important to be prepared for water damage. Many of us live on barrier islands where the threat of flood is an everyday concern whether its high tide from a full moon, heavy rains or an intense storm.

Being prepared for flooding and water damage is your best defense. Be aware of the tides and the weather, be prepared to move cars to higher grounds and keep all pets inside when necessary. Be aware of how high off the ground your home is, do you have a crawlspace that would be susceptible to water?

Finally, have a plan in place in the event water damage does occur in your home. SERVPRO® of Cape May & Cumberland Counties is Here to Help® 24/7. Call a Franchise Professional at 609-624-0202, and we'll work to make your situation, "Like it never even happened."®

When Storms Hit, SERVPRO is ready!

9/23/2022 (Permalink)

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

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

Faster Response

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

Resources to Handle Floods and Storms

When storms hit Cape May or 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 2,000 Franchises across the country and elite "Disaster Recovery Teams" that are strategically located throughout the United States.

Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today: 609-624-0202.