Archived Blog Posts

Protect Your Business Holdings in Mansfield from Water Damage

Name: SERVPRO of Manchester / Mansfield
Telephone: (860) 461-7194

7/18/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO has plenty of air movers to mitigate water damage in your Mansfield workplace

SERVPRO Offers Emergency Water Damage Restoration Services to Mansfield Commercial Buildings

Even a seemingly small bathroom leak in a Mansfield business can cause significant disruption to business operations. Aside from the safety precautions you need to take to avoid falls and electrical hazards, it would be best if you also looked at the water incident and its potential repercussions. While an assessment happens, you may need to remove all people from the premises, including clients and workers, and compromise your productivity. When time is money, acting with speed and efficiency is extremely important.

To help restore your Mansfield business following water damage, SERVPRO® is ready to respond to your call and take action as soon as possible. Upon arriving at your commercial establishment, be it a restaurant, an office, or a warehouse, we prioritize safety and conduct a thorough assessment of the situation to identify threats and make the space safe to work in. Whenever possible, we isolate affected areas so you can at least resume partial operations without fear of cross-contamination or secondary damage.

Our SERVPRO employees are certified to handle water damage and restoration and do so with the aid of industry-grade equipment like centrifugal air movers and the latest techniques in water remediation. Our staff discusses each job detail with you and can help in the insurance claim process. The goal is to resume regular operations as soon as possible. To dissipate the water’s impact and any potential biohazard threats, we may resort to some of the following-

Extractors and dehumidifiers to remove water and humidity and restore normal levels
Flooring removal and disposal as needed Alternatively, we may use equipment such as drying mats and wand extractors to salvage them if the situation allows.
Controlled demolition and drywall replacement to complete the restoration process

SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield is here to help our fellow business owners. Call us at (860) 461-7194 and let us leave your space “Like it never even happened.”®

Fire Damage Is Harmful to Mansfield Office Buildings, but Fire Suppression Agents Can Cause Damage Too.

7/18/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO says to be prepared for possible fires in your Mansfield commercial building. Ask us about the ERP Emergency READY Profile Plan.

SERVPRO® Helps Business Owners with Fire Damage and its Secondary Effects

In contrast to residential settings, commercial buildings in Mansfield are generally equipped with fire suppression systems such as sprinklers and commercial fire extinguishers. When firefighters are called into a commercial facility, they bring heavy-duty solutions to fight the flames. Once the fire is under control, owners and tenants alike must handle the restoration and devastation left behind by the flames and the chemicals used to fight them.

For a complete fire damage restoration process in Mansfield, call SERVPRO and let us design a plan that tackles the fire and its ramifications. Residual fire damage may require several specialized drying and cleaning solutions, even if it didn’t burn long. Our certified staff is ready to explore options and help you preserve valuable items such as documents, electronics, and furniture. To aid us in the process, we may suggest some of the following-

Move-out services to preserve undamaged items and facilitate on-site cleanup, water extraction, and drying.
Document restoration for irreplaceable items needing specialized drying techniques to avoid damage due to high moisture.
Odor removal by air scrubbers and foggers can help combat smell molecules by permeating every surface.

SERVPRO understands that each commercial fire damage cleanup and restoration is unique. We inspect, scope, and develop the proper action plan to mitigate the damage. We aim to keep your commercial enterprise functioning and your doors open for business.

Fire damage affects each space differently, and each surface requires specific steps to be cleaned up and restored. SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield is ready to help as soon as you make us aware of the situation. Call us at (860) 461-7194 and place your trust in our expertise. Our job isn’t done until the workspace looks and feels “Like it never even happened.”

Tips to Prevent Damage From An A/C Leak

6/17/2022 (Permalink)

Air Conditioner leaks are slow but sure ways to cause water damage

Most homeowners don't realize that their air conditioners can cause water damage if not properly maintained. An air conditioner can collect 10 to 20 gallons of water daily. Ideally, this water drains into a collection pan and then into the sewer system, but if not, the overflow of water can lead to damaged floors and carpeting, and potentially, mold growth.

Causes of overflow include:

a clogged drain line
excessive condensation if the unit runs nonstop
evaporator coils that may freeze and defrost on a regular basis

Because most of the unit is typically hidden from view, you need to inspect it regularly. Do these three things to prevent costly water damage from your AC system:

change the HVAC air filter at least once a month—clean air filters help prevent the unit from overworking
check for excessive moisture on the condensation line
check to see that water is flowing from the opening of the condensation line directly to the drain

If your home or business suffers a flood, call SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield today at (860)461-7194 to provide immediate expert water damage cleanup.

We’re Here for You

The team at SERVPRO® of Manchester/Mansfield has specialized training and experience in water damage remediation, fire restoration services, natural disaster prevention, chemical cleanup, and natural disaster cleanup. Call SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield (860)461-7194 any time.

Stop Appliance Leaks in Your Amston Home

6/17/2022 (Permalink)

Refrigerator leaks can be costly if not stopped quickly.

Your home water appliances—washing machine, water heater, toilet, sink, dishwasher, refrigerator and so on—can work perfectly for years, then suddenly develop a small leak, or worse, start gushing lots of water in your Amston house. Because your water appliances are fed by water from either a municipal supply line or your own well pump, once a leak starts, there's enough pressure to keep it going. Unfortunately, if you don’t spot a leak quickly, it can go on and on, causing a lot of water damage in your home.

If you happen to catch the leak quickly, you can turn off either the water valve that supplies the appliance or failing that, your house's main shutoff valve. But if the leak starts when you're out of your house or asleep—or you just don’t notice it—the water damage will have time to get much worse.

A simple device, costing as little as $200, can spare you that fate, literally saving you $10,000 or more in water damage remediation. An automatic water shutoff valve can detect an appliance leak and immediately shut the water off, stopping the leak in its tracks.

Automatic Shutoff Valves for One or All of Your Water Appliances

You set up the electronic water shutoff valve by placing water sensors on the floor in spots that are at risk of a leak—typically next to your water appliances. Once a sensor detects water on the floor, it sends a signal to close the ball valve on the water supply line, stopping the water flow.

You can choose a water shutoff valve that includes several sensors for multiple appliances, which trigger a shutoff of your house’s main water supply. With a whole-house shutoff valve, you’ll place sensors in various locations throughout the house to detect leaks near all vulnerable water appliances.

Or you can choose a one-to-one device, which will turn off one appliance’s supply line when the sensor detects a leak at that location. Typically, these are used at the appliances most likely to leak, such as the toilet, water heater and washing machine. You may also consider using shutoff valves to monitor your refrigerator, freezer, water filtration system, humidifier or sink.

A Little Water Damage or a Lot in Your Amston Residence: Call SERVPRO®

Water damage in your home can be expensive and the cleanup can be very complicated—even creating a relentless mold problem if you don’t get your home thoroughly dried within 48 hours. So, even if you catch an appliance leak early, you’ll have complete confidence that the damage is 100% cleaned up when you call SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield for home flood damage cleanup.

We’re Here for You

The team at SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield has specialized training and experience in water damage remediation, fire restoration services, natural disaster prevention, chemical cleanup, and natural disaster cleanup. Call SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield (860)461-7194 any time.

Reduce Fire Risk In Your Garage

6/17/2022 (Permalink)

Don't let your garage become a risk liability to your home

Where do you think most house fires start? You’re right if you think most fires start in the kitchen. But the garage runs a close second. Most garages have cars, trucks, mowers, and other gas and oil powered vehicles in them. You may be like the many people who work on their vehicles inside the garage. All this means your garage often has abundant amounts of gas, oil, oily rags, and other flammable materials in it.

And the garage tends to be a small, enclosed space so that if a fire does start it can engulf the entire space faster. One final point: Your garage may be also be an area that attracts clutter (newspaper, cardboard boxes, paper waste) – some of which is flammable. In this environment, how do you reduce the possibility of fire damage?

When it comes to fire damage cleanup in your Manchester garage, we recommend that you be proactive. Being proactive is the best way to keep your garage and your home as safe as possible from fire. Here are a few tips:

1. Any fuels, fluids, or cleaners you keep in your garage should be sealed properly.
2. Store flammable materials away from other flammables. For example, don’t store your old newspapers underneath cans of motor oil.
3. If you use drills and other electrical devices in your garage do not overload the circuit box. And unplug every electrical device after use.
4. Keep a fire extinguisher in the garage in a place where you can easily reach it.
5. Clear out clutter. Doing so makes it safer to walk in the garage and it removes potential fuel for a fire.
6. Store any flammable liquids in small amounts. Store them far away from source of heat, like a space heater.
7. Keep any propane tanks outside, not in your garage. Propane tanks are designed and equipped to handle being stored outside.
8. If a fire does damage your garage call SERVPRO® of Manchester/Mansfield. We’re professionally trained to handle fire damage cleanup and restoration. We have the tools, experience, and knowledge to get your garage and home back to its pre-fire condition.

Smoke & Soot Damage
After a fire, there are several forms of damage including damage from smoke and soot, plus water damage from putting the fire out. SERVPRO technicians take care of all of it for you. We can restore anything salvageable, clean up the smoke and soot, and dry out the area and your possessions. Learn what you can do after a fire and what you should avoid.

Want professional advice on the fire risk and fire safety of your home? Call SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield Today At (860)461-7194

Summer Fire Safety - Fire Pits and Campfires

6/17/2022 (Permalink)

Fire pits are a favorite part of summer when safety tips are carefully followed

This time of year, Americans look forward to gathering around a fire pit or campfire with friends and family. But what can be an enjoyable evening can turn into a fire tragedy if you’re not careful. In Part 2 of this article, we address how to safely enjoy your fire pit or campfire (Part 1 covered safety while grilling food).

Fire Pit Safety

With the increasing popularity of fire pits, knowing how to use them safely has become even more important. Follow this advice when setting up and using a fire pit.

Keep flammable material and fluids, such as gasoline, diesel fuel, kerosene and charcoal lighter fluid, away from the fire pit while in use.
Never use flammable fluids such as gasoline, alcohol, diesel fuel, kerosene and charcoal lighter fluid to light or relight fires.
Exercise the same precautions you would with an open fire.
Don’t wear loose fitting or flammable clothing such as nylon.
Keep a three-foot safety zone around the fire pit. Do not allow children to use the fire pit. Keep children and pets away.
Don’t burn trash, leaves, paper, cardboard or plywood. Avoid using soft wood such as pine or cedar that can pop and throw sparks. Seasoned hardwood is best.
Don’t overload the fire pit. Before starting the fire, make sure that the lid will still close to extinguish the fire in an emergency.
Check the wind direction before you light the fire.
Keep a fire extinguisher, garden hose or bucket of water nearby.

Campfire Safety

Follow these tips to stay safe around your campfire.

Don’t build a fire in hazardous, dry conditions or if the campground, area or event rules prohibit campfires.
Use an existing fire ring if available.
Choose a site that is at least fifteen feet away from tent walls, shrubs, trees or other flammable objects. The site should not have low-hanging branches overhead.
Keep a three-foot safety zone around the campfire.
Keep a bucket of water near your campfire.

When you’re ready to put out your fire, follow these guidelines:

Allow the wood to burn completely to ash, if possible.
Pour lots of water on the fire; drown all embers, not just the red ones. Pour until hissing sounds stop.
Stir the campfire ashes and embers with a shovel. Make sure everything is wet and cold to the touch.
Scrape the sticks and logs to remove any embers.
If you do not have water, use dirt. Mix dirt or sand with the embers and stir until all material is cool. Do not simply bury the fire, as the fire can smolder and catch roots on fire that will eventually get to the surface and start a wildfire.

If you’ve suffered fire damage to your home or business, call SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield today at (860)461-7194

We’re Here for You

The team at SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield has specialized training and experience in fire restoration services, natural disaster and storm damage cleanup, water damage remediation and chemical cleanup. Call SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield (860)461-7194 any time.

Your Home After Fire Damage

6/15/2022 (Permalink)

Manchester homes can recover after a fire

It can feel devastating when your home suffers fire and smoke damage. But by cleaning up sooner rather than later you can best prevent permanent damage or discoloration from soot residue. Check these tips from The Institute for Inspection and Cleaning (IICRC):
•   Check with your insurance company to see if smoke damage from outdoor sources is covered by your homeowner’s policy.
•   Practice safety first. Use a dust mask (like painters use) and gloves as you work.
•   Ventilate your home. Place a box fan in an open window to draw the air and dust out.

Fire and Smoke Damage? Call SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield at (860)461-7194

•   Clean from top to bottom. Start with the ceilings, walls and fixtures, and work your way down to the contents of the room, then to the floor.
•   Vacuum floors and upholstery. Make sure your vacuum cleaner has a high efficiency filter. Otherwise, you risk blowing soot back into the air.
•   You may be able to launder draperies, clothing and machine-washable items. Use a mild alkaline cleaner to neutralize the acid in the soot. Fine clothing should be professionally dry cleaned.
•   Most exterior walls (brick, stone, wood, paint, siding) and eaves can be cleaned by spraying with a detergent, agitating soot with a soft-bristled brush, pressure washing from bottom to top, then rinsing from top to bottom.

Fire and Smoke Damage? Call SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield at (860)461-7194

• If the damage and residue are heavy, it may be best to hire a professional to thoroughly restore your home and belongings. Call SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield.
• If the fire has warped or distorted the structure, consult a licensed general contractor.

Damage increases fire cleanup restoration costs rise the longer you delay neutralization, corrosion control, and cleaning.

We Have More Ways To Help You
The professionals at SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield are commercial property water damage restoration experts. We've served clients in
•   Andover
•   Bolton
•   Chestnut Hill
•   Columbia
•   Coventry
•   Ellington
•   Hebron
•   Hop River
•   Lebanon
•   Manchester
•   Mansfield
•   Mansfield Center
•   Somers
•   South Windham
•   Stafford
•   Vernon
•   Willington
•   Windham
•   Willimantic
And beyond

Call SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield (860)461-7194 anytime, 24/7.

SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield
100 Peters Road, Bloomfield, CT 06002
IICRC Certified
Noemi Garcia
Franchise Owner
Call (860)461-7194
24-hour emergency service

Have a Fire Escape Plan Ready!

6/15/2022 (Permalink)

Fire escape plans include at least two exit plans and a meeting place

Typically, we think of our homes as a refuge from the outside world and the dangers it can pose—but don’t let that allow you to become complacent about the hazards within your home. The last thing many homeowners expect is a devastating house fire.

Yet, recent statistics from the National Fire Protection Association show that upwards of 365,000 house fires occur in the U.S. annually. These fires can destroy a home and take lives in just minutes. In fact, thanks to the materials that make up many of our home furnishings, like carpets and upholstery, today’s home fires burn much hotter and faster than fires of a couple of decades ago. The truth is you and your family may have less than five minutes to escape a house fire!

When a fire is raging, you may not be able to think quickly or clearly enough to get your family out safely. Having a fire evacuation plan can mean the difference between life and death, so create and put your plan into action now.

Plan for everyone in your home. Are there young children and elderly family members living in your home? They may have trouble moving quickly in an emergency, and heavy-sleeping kids may not even hear a smoke alarm. Assign an adult to help them get out quickly. Involve your kids in creating your plan and make sure they understand how important it is.
Identify two ways out of each room. This will typically be a door and a window. Check to be sure the windows and doors open easily and are not blocked.
Select an outside meeting spot. Pick a location out front a safe distance from your house (a neighbor’s house, your mailbox or a street or stop sign) where you will meet and wait for fire professionals to arrive. Emphasize that no one can re-enter the house.
Diagram it. Create a map of your home and mark the exits from each room as well as the exit routes from the house. Also identify the outside meeting place and the locations of smoke detectors.
Share the plan. Review the plan with everyone in the household, and with visitors and overnight guests.
Practice the plan. Practice and review your escape plan at least once a year at different times of the day and night.

If the planned exit routes are blocked and family members cannot escape, close all doors between you and the fire, place a towel under the door, call 911 and wait for help at an exterior window.

We’re Here for You

If you’ve suffered fire damage to your home or business, call SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield today at (860)461-7194

Other Helpful Blog Posts

SERVPRO publishes educational articles on how you can protect your home and business from disasters and how to deal with mold, fire, water, sewage, storm and other damage.

SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield
100 Peters Road, Bloomfield, CT 06002
IICRC Certified
Noemi Garcia
Franchise Owner
Call (860)461-7194
24-hour emergency service

Commercial Cleaning

6/1/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO cleaners don't miss a spot when they are in commercial properties.

In addition to providing disaster recovery services for your home or business, SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield also offers commercial cleaning services. Count on us for thoroughness, attention to detail and reliability to keep your office, restaurant, retail store or manufacturing facility clean, safe and looking its absolute best!

Among the workplaces we clean are:

small and large office buildings
high-rise office and residential buildings
small and large retail stores and big box stores
restaurants
hotels and motels
manufacturing and industrial facilities
government and military workplaces

SERVPRO’s commercial cleaning crew brings these benefits:

an improved business image
a safer environment for your workers
skilled personnel using industry-best equipment, products and procedures

SERVPRO will tailor our cleaning services to your needs. We even offer specialized cleaning services, including biohazard/ sewage, air duct/HVAC and odor removal.

SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield is here to help you keep your workplace clean, safe and productive for your employees. We’ll make your business shine!

For commercial cleaning and disaster restoration needs, call SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield today at (860)461-7194

Help Is Here

In addition to offering commercial cleaning services, the team at SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield has specialized training and experience in water damage restoration services, fire and smoke damage restoration services, biohazard cleanup and natural disaster prevention and cleanup. Call SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield (860)461-7194 any time.

Other Helpful Blog Posts

SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield publishes educational articles on how you can protect your home and business from disasters and how to deal with mold, fire, water, sewage, storm and other damage.

We’re Here for You

Prevent Fire Damage At Your Business

5/16/2022 (Permalink)

Commercial fires mean losing more than just equipment. It can erase years of hard work in an instant

In the hot and dry summertime, many business owners have good reason to be concerned about the risk of wildfires. The truth is, though, that a fire of any size or origin can interrupt your business, and if not caught and extinguished quickly, can be devastating not just to your property, but to the survival of your business.

According to a 2018 report from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), nonresidential buildings have experienced a 5% increase in fires over the last decade, resulting in a 36% growth in claims.

Call SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield, a professional disaster recovery company, to help you recover quickly and completely if a fire strikes your small business. We also are experts in remediating the water and smoke damage that often accompanies a fire.

Fire Prevention 101

Follow these basic fire prevention steps, just as you would at your home.

Equip your building with smoke detectors and fire extinguishers as required by local and state regulations.
Test detectors and extinguishers regularly, change batteries annually and replace equipment if it is defective or approaching its end of life.
Set up evacuation procedures, communicate them and hold regular emergency drills.

Why and Where Do Small Business Fires Start?

According to the National Fire Protection Association, these are the most common sources of commercial property fires—and steps you can take to help prevent them.

Cooking Equipment (29%)

Clean office kitchen areas daily.
Prohibit the use of hot plates.
Have stoves, ovens and other cooking equipment serviced at least annually by a qualified technician.

Electrical Equipment (12%)

Move combustible materials, such as trash cans, paper and cardboard boxes, away from outlets, panel boxes or other heat-producing electrical equipment.
Regularly inspect appliance cords and check light fixtures, bulbs and displays for visible signs for damage.
Do not use extension cords unless absolutely necessary.

Heating Equipment (11%)

Have heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment serviced by a qualified technician at least annually and before each seasonal startup.
Never use portable space heaters.
Keep combustible materials at least three feet from boilers, furnaces and other heating units.

Arson (10%)

Establish a security program that controls access to your building. Add regular guard tours if appropriate for your facility.
Adequately light all areas of the property, including parking lots and garages.

Smoking (5%)

Prohibit smoking in the building.
Place non-combustible containers outside entranceways for disposal of smoking materials.
Install smoke detection equipment in areas that may be used for unauthorized smoking, such as bathrooms and closets.

If your business is hit by a natural disaster, like a flood, wind storm or wildfire, call SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield at (860)461-7194

Help Is Here

The team at SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield has specialized training and experience in water damage restoration services, fire and smoke damage restoration services, biohazard cleanup and natural disaster prevention and cleanup. Call SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield (860)461-7194 any time.

Other Helpful Blog Posts

SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield publishes educational articles on how you can protect your home and business from disasters and how to deal with mold, fire, water, sewage, storm and other damage.

We’re Here for You

Replacing Washing Machine Hoses - Easy Steps To Prevent a Flood

5/12/2022 (Permalink)

Washing Machines cause massive damage and flooded basements

The most vulnerable parts of your washing machine are the hoses. Washers are typically sold with rubber hoses—but these hoses can burst with no warning, spewing hundreds of gallons of water in only one hour! Luckily, there’s a quick, easy and affordable way to prevent a flooding disaster from happening in your home.

Avoid a laundry room water disaster by replacing your washer's old rubber hoses with steel-jacketed ones that won’t split open. Buy hoses that are at least 60" long—that length will make it easier to move and service your washer.

Remove the old hoses: Turn off your hot and cold water valves, unplug the washer’s electric cord, and remove the drain hose from the drain. Lay a towel down and use a stillson (pipe) wrench to remove the hot and cold hoses from the back of the washer and from the water supply.
Clean the filter screens on the back of the washer with a brush.
Install the new steel braided hoses: screw them on to the back of the washer with your fingers and then tighten with the wrench.
Connect the new hoses to the water supply, matching hot and cold. Open the valves, check for leaks, reconnect the drain hose and plug the washer back in.

Tag the new hoses with the date you installed them. Then, check your hoses every six months and replace them once they are five years old.

Add Another Layer of Protection

Installing a plastic drip pan is another fairly simple way to avoid costly damage from a laundry room flood—in fact it’s required in second-floor laundry rooms. The pan sits under your washer and catches small leaks. Select a pan with a drain so that any water that collects can be diverted to a floor drain. You'll need a helper and perhaps a dolly to set the washer gently onto the pan so you don’t crack it.

Once the pan is in place, check it for accumulated water after each load of laundry.

If your home or business suffers a flood, call SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield today at (860)461-7194 for immediate water damage cleanup and restoration of your structure and property

We’re Here for You

Why SERVPRO? Ask Our Customers!

5/3/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Manchester Mansfield Customer Satisfaction

We love our customers and we love hearing what they think about our service!

At SERVPRO of Manchester and Mansfield, we take pride in the work we do and the quality of our services. We love when our customers give us feedback and we will let their comments speak for themselves.

“Earlier this winter, my pipes froze. Fearing they would burst, I called SERVPRO and they arrived in just over an hour (but they called well before arriving to check in and walk me through what to do before they got there). I didn’t know what to do in that situation but the SERVPRO crew sure did! They were friendly and professional while working, and before they left they briefed me on how to prevent this from happening again. I'm very thankful.” – Rebecca S.

Rebecca was dealing with the scenario we all dread every Connecticut winter. We were glad that we were able to help and share some of our knowledge with her!

“The SERVPRO team from Manchester / Mansfield gave us excellent customer service and courteous, timely, great work!” – Sue C.

Sue was a pleasure to work with. We were able to help her mitigate a flood disaster and complete the demolition before a bad situation because even worse!

“Was looking for a company that would help me out even if I didn't have insurance. Water leak in basement. They gave me a great price. Thanks!” – Sean B

Sean is right, not all of our customers have insurance and not all of our customers want to file a claim with their insurance. Whatever the path you decide is best for you, our knowledgeable staff is there every step of the way. From the first call, to the crews arriving, to our insurance and billing department, every person on the SERVPRO of Manchester and Mansfield team is highly trained and experienced to be there for you.

Best Water Damage Cleanup in Manchester CT

3/22/2021 (Permalink)

Best Water Damage Cleanup in Manchester CT

When floodwaters enter your home, you need the best water damage cleanup in Manchester CT. Floodwater saturates, soils, and damages your carpets, upholstery, wood, and other porous surfaces. Eventually, it drains away and dries out on its own. Unfortunately, if you wait for a natural drying process, you sustain even more damage.

At SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield, our team responds 24/7 and we do the work fast. We remove water, dirt, and other contaminants that cause continuing damage in your home. We clean, dry, dehumidify and deodorize. We provide professional water damage restoration services that help return your home to normal.

Professional Water Damage Cleanup by SERVPRO® of Manchester/Mansfield

Water causes damage fast because it flows so quickly throughout your home. It soaks into porous surfaces and runs inside of your interior walls. Without emergency water cleanup, water saturates, deteriorates, and gradually weakens underlying floor and wall structures.

When you call SERVPRO, we provide the best water damage cleanup in Manchester CT. We restore your home and prevent further damage and deterioration.

We are part of a national SERVPRO professional team.
We provide 24/7 emergency water remediation and flood restoration services.
We handle water damage caused by floods, broken water pipes, surface water, leaking roofs, and other unexpected events.
We restore your home quickly using our expert knowledge, experience, specialized equipment, and professional solutions.

Inspection and Water Damage Assessment

SERVPRO provides the best water damage cleanup in Manchester CT because we take each job seriously. We begin with a walkthrough to survey visible damage and locate hidden issues.

We inspect your property to document your needs.
We quickly organize a strategy to get the work done as fast as possible.

Separate Damaged and Undamaged Property

Once water enters your home, the deterioration doesn’t stop without effective water remediation. Water and moisture damage your walls, floors, furniture, and personal property. Wet, damaged property easily contaminates dry, undamaged property. We minimize this deterioration cycle by removing salvageable items to a dry safe place.

Water Extraction

SERVPRO does the best water damage cleanup in Manchester CT because we understand that timing is critical. We immediately begin water abatement because removing the excess water helps prevent further deterioration. Our team uses specialized water extraction equipment to remove the water quickly and thoroughly.

Drying

After our water extraction process, we continue water removal by drying out any remaining moisture. This is a critical step as even slightly damp surfaces provide a perfect growth medium for mold, mildew, and bacteria. When water-saturated surfaces remain damp, you notice the mildewy scent within days. To prevent this from occurring, we use our industrial dryers to remove any remaining moisture. We dry out your furniture, household furnishings, and other water-affected items and areas.

Dehumidification

After we complete water damage cleaning and drying, humidity often remains in the air. If it settles into your porous surfaces, it creates an environment that’s perfect for mold, mildew, and bacteria. Before we begin our dehumidification process, we measure the area, its relative humidity, and its temperature. These calculations enable our team to place the right number of industrial dehumidifiers and air movers to remove airborne moisture.

Cleaning, Sanitizing, and Odor Removal

We provide the best water damage cleanup in Manchester CT because we follow a step-by-step process to return your home to pre-flood condition. As part of our water damage service, we clean, sanitize, and deodorize each water-damaged area. Our team uses industrial equipment and odor-neutralizing solutions to clean and freshen the air.

Repair and Restoration

We provide the best water damage cleanup in Manchester CT because we eliminate your need for multiple contractors. In addition to water remediation, we also repair and restore drywall, paint, and structural issues. We repair or dispose of damaged items. We retrieve salvageable items and restore them as necessary. We perform the tasks necessary to complete your water damage restoration.

The Best Commercial Water Damage Cleanup in Manchester CT

We earned our reputation by providing the best water damage cleanup in Manchester CT. At SERVPRO, we have the expertise to complete any type of commercial water remediation and restoration job. Our team can handle any commercial business water damage problem regardless of your facility’s size. We respond to your emergency call 24/7. We work fast to minimize business interruptions.

Get the Best Water Damage Cleanup SERVPRO of Manchester / Mansfield

SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield customers know we offer the best water damage cleanup in Manchester CT. That's because we provide a level of service they can't get from other water damage companies. We respond quickly to your water damage emergency. We do a thorough job, and we do the work fast.

Meeting Business Specialty Cleaning Needs

7/24/2018 (Permalink)

We provide specialty cleaning services for businesses of all types

Many commercial cleaning services do not have the equipment, training, or experience to meet commercial specialty cleaning needs. SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield does. We provide specialty cleaning services ranging from cleaning air ducts and HVAC to removing biohazard contaminants and restoring your commercial business after vandalism. We have the specialized training, staff, and products to keep your commercial or business property clean, safe, and healthy.

Business Cleanliness Helps Profitability
Think of the times you visited a business for the first time and found it dirty, messy, or cluttered. Did you ever go back? Probably not. And what impression of the business did its lack of cleanliness leave you with? A business that isn’t clean communicates to people that no one cares. Physical appearance and cleanliness are important if you want to attract customers and keep them coming back.

Keeping your business clean and looking its best means surpassing standards with unique specialty services. Your business represents you—you want it to make a positive impression. SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield wants every inch of your business to sparkle and shine. From cleaning office upholstery to making storefront windows crystal clear to removing odors and deodorizing, our crews provide a range of specialty cleaning services that enhance both your working environment and your image.

Our commercial specialty cleaning services include:

• Air Ducts and HVAC

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems that are not maintained can circulate dust, pollen, odors, dirt, debris, and other contaminants.

Ceilings and Walls

Many commercial ceilings and walls are exposed to dirt and dust, pet dander, cooking oils and grease, cigarette smoke, industrial chemicals, and other contaminants. Your heating and air conditioning system can distribute these contaminants throughout your commercial property.

Hard Floors

At first glance, hard flooring appears to be easy to clean, maintain, and restore. That’s basically true but, hard floors tend to have soil accumulate over time. Eventually you’ll need professional cleaning to remove this buildup.

• Biohazard and Sewage

SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield is trained to safely remove biohazards and dispose of them properly in accordance with OSHA and health regulations.

Questions? Call SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield 24/7 at 860-649-0836.

Carpet and Upholstery

Even if your business has the highest-quality carpet and upholstery it can show soiling over time. Protect your investment. Call us to clean and maintain your carpet and upholstery.

Drapes and Blinds

We carefully inspect and test fabrics to determine which of SERVPRO’s five cleaning methods is best suited to the fabrics in your offices and facilities.

Questions? Call SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield 24/7 at 860-649-0836.

Following IICRC Standards
The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) certifies and sets the standards for the cleaning and restoration industries. SERVPRO professionals study IICRC standards and best practices in water restoration, fire restoration, mold remediation, carpet and upholstery cleaning, and other cleaning and restoration courses.

Your Wealth Of Information

Every month on our blog, SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield publishes educational articles on how to prevent natural disasters, how to deal with disasters, how to protect your property with quality cleaning, and other related topics. Here are a few short educational articles on our blog that might help you and your commercial business:

Serve You

The team at SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield also has specialized training and experience in water damage restoration services, fire damage restoration services, mold remediation, natural disaster cleanup, specialty cleaning, and other commercial services. Call

SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield at 860.649.0836 anytime--24/7/365.

SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield
IICRC Certified
Ralph DiCristofaro
540 N. Main Street
Manchester, CT 06042
Call 860.649.0836
24-hour emergency service

Prevent Summer Storm Damage

7/10/2018 (Permalink)

Summer storm damage can be as bad as winter storm damage

Yes, summers are full of vacations, nice weather, and days off, but eastern Connecticut still gets bad weather in the summer months. Summer often brings heavy, humid conditions, followed by furious storms. Moisture and rapidly rising warm air are the key ingredients to the 16 million thunderstorms that occur in the U.S. each year. A summer storm can clear the air and cool things off (at least for a few days), but our storms also provide intense wind, rain, hail, thunder, lightning, and the potential to destroy. Protect your home against damage from summer storms with these suggestions.

Fallen Trees

A raging summer windstorm can bring down large branches or trees. That’s a threat to your roof, garage, vehicles, power lines, and your family members. Take a walk around your property to check for dead or dying trees and broken or weak branches. Look for loosely attached limbs, rot, disease, or insect infestation. Hire a professional to trim your trees or if necessary, remove one or more.

Power Surge

In Connecticut and elsewhere, lightning can occasionally cause a power surge. A power surge is an unusually high amount of electricity briefly surging through your home’s wiring. Power surges can ruin or damage your sensitive electronic devices and appliances like computers, digital washing machines, and televisions. To prevent damage, install surge protectors. Do remember that surge protectors are not foolproof. If the forecast for your area includes severe weather, unplug individual devices or power strips from their outlet (rather than just switching them off).

For Summer Storm Damage Cleanup Call SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield At (860) 649-0836

Power Outage

Prepare for the inevitable – in eastern Connecticut summer storms frequently cause regional power outages that may take hours or days for the utility company to fix. To prepare, stock up on emergency lights and non-perishable, ready-to-eat food. Never use fuel-burning devices designed for outdoor use only, such as gas or kerosene grills, inside your home because they produce carbon monoxide, a gas that’s odorless, invisible, and potentially deadly.

Roof Damage

In the middle of a roaring summer thunderstorm, you want a good solid roof over your head. Summer storms can knock trees, power lines, or utility poles onto your roof, puncturing the roof or possibly causing structural damage. High winds can make small defects in your roof (like blisters, a missing shingle, or worn flashing) tear away or fail. Inspect your roofing regularly. That means at least twice a year and after any severe weather. Look for buckled, cracked, or missing shingles and other signs of wear and tear. You can inspect the roof pretty well using binoculars and keeping your feet firmly planted on the ground. If you find any damage, prompt roof repair will help keep you and your belongings dry and will help avoid the need for a more serious fix further on down the line.

For Summer Storm Damage Cleanup Call SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield At (860) 649-0836

Water Leaks or Floods

When rain or floodwater get into your home you risk severe damage to furniture, appliances, and other belongings, not to mention damage to the structure of the house itself. SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield suggests that good preventive measures include sealing any cracks in your home’s foundation and walls. Also seal cracks you find next to windows and doors, and around your chimney and vent pipes. Clear dead leaves or other debris out of your gutters and downspouts, so that even a ferocious downpour will be directed away from the foundation of your home. If you have a basement, guard against flooding by setting up a sump pump.

Here in Connecticut, cold snowy winters can wreak havoc on a roof. But please be aware that summer storms–which tend to be fast and fierce–can be as serious as the worst blizzards.

After a Storm

If you have a summer storm you should inspect your property afterward for any severe storm damage. In particular, SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield suggests examining your roof and exterior walls looking for things like:

Debris and ponding water
Cuts and punctures in the roof membrane
Edge metal pulled up
Damaged perimeter flashing
Missing or damaged HVAC equipment
Cracks or wear on exterior walls
Damage to skylights, domes, or windows

You can make other smart moves to reduce your risk of storm damage and damage from natural disasters. Other preventive measures can make you and your family much more comfortable should actual storm damage occur. SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield suggests installing CO alarms on every floor of your house. And consider purchasing a generator as a standby source of electricity.

More Information

SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield publishes educational articles on how Manchester and Mansfield area residents and businesses can protect themselves from storm damage and natural disasters and restore their property after a flood, fire, or other harmful event. We also try to give you ideas about resources in the greater Manchester and Mansfield community.

Contact Us Anytime

In Manchester the team at SERVPRO has specialized training and experience in water damage restoration services, fire damage restoration services, mold remediation, commercial services, and natural disaster cleanup. Call SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield anytime at 860.649.0836.

SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield
IICRC Certified
Ralph DiCristofaro
540 N. Main Street
Manchester, CT 06042
Call 860.649.0836
24 hour emergency service

Don't Kill Mold With Bleach

6/7/2018 (Permalink)

Bleach isn't the best long-term solution for fighting mold.

When most people see mold they think of treating it with bleach. To an untrained professional, cleaning mold with bleach can seem right. But here are three reasons why bleach is not the most effective choice to rid your home or business of mold.

1. Bleach loses effectiveness over time.

Chlorine bleach rapidly loses its effectiveness. Try leaving a glass of chlorinated water out on the counter for a few days. You’ll find the chlorine will evaporate. This happens within bleach containers as well. Evaporation means that it will be hard to determine the true potency of your chlorine bleach solution because the chlorine can escape through plastic. Perhaps the chlorine bleach you’re using has been sitting at the store, or in your home for months or longer. That will lessen its power to kill mold.

For Mold, Fire & Water Cleanup & Restoration Call SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield At (860) 649-0836

2. Bleach does not kill mold on porous surfaces. In fact, bleach can contribute to mold growth.

Yes, chlorine bleach can kill surface mold. But mold can grow deep roots within porous surfaces like wood and drywall. Those roots will not be affected by bleach. The bleach you apply remains on the surface while the water in the bleach goes deeper and can feed the mold growth.

And not only does mold have roots, mold also releases spores. These mold spores can get into the air and land anywhere. Once spores travel and land elsewhere, if the environment is right, more mold will grow. Chlorine bleach cannot stop mold from spreading in this way.

For Mold, Fire & Water Cleanup & Restoration Call SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield At (860) 649-0836

3. Bleach is toxic.

Chlorine bleach produces fumes that pollute the air and can become harmful to humans and pets. Chlorine bleach also generates a by-product called dioxin, which is linked to cancer. If you use bleach over time you can build up these pollutants in your home, business, or any environment.

So, you can use bleach to temporarily kill what’s on the surface but treating mold with bleach alone is not effective in the long run. You won’t know how potent the bleach you use is and using bleach means exposing yourself to harmful fumes.

Get Rid of Mold Issues for Good

Specialists in professional remediation can be your best bet when it comes to getting rid of mold effectively. Our crews at SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield use special cleaners and equipment to get rid of mold, including spores. We can identify the full extend of your mold infestation and treat mold-infested areas safely and effectively.

More Information

SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield publishes educational articles on how Manchester area residents and businesses can protect themselves from mold and natural disasters and restore their property after a flood, sewage spill or other harmful event. We also try to give you ideas about resources in the greater Manchester and Mansfield community. Here are a few blog posts you might find helpful:

Contact Us Anytime
In Manchester, the team at SERVPRO has specialized training and experience in water damage restoration services, fire damage restoration services, mold remediation, commercial services, and natural disaster cleanup. Call SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield anytime at 860.649.0836.

SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield
IICRC Certified
Ralph DiCristofaro
540 N. Main Street
Manchester, CT 06042
Call 860.649.0836
24-hour emergency service

We Love Manchester, Connecticut

5/25/2018 (Permalink)

The Manchester Road Race attracts 10-12,000 participants every year.

SERVPRO is delighted to be a small part of a great town that we love—Manchester, Connecticut. Here are a few reasons we think so highly of our home town.

First, some basics. Manchester is a town in Hartford County, Connecticut with a population of about 58,000. The urban center of the town has about 30,500 residents. The town is named after Manchester, England.

Great Places To Visit In Manchester

Among the best places to visit in Manchester are Wickham Park, Case Mountain, and the Cheney Homestead. Wickham Park is a non-profit, private foundation whose property extends into Manchester and East Hartford, Connecticut. The park contains 280 acres of gardens, open fields, woodlands, ponds, picnic areas, sports facilities. It’s the proud host of weddings, receptions, fundraising walks, disc golf tournaments, tree tours, garden tours, car shows, cross country races, family and friend gatherings, and Santa’s Workshop.

Located in the southeastern section of Manchester, Connecticut, the Case Mountain Recreational Area is 640 acres of open space and watershed land stretching from the Glastonbury border north to Case Pond. Some trails lead south across the Glastonbury border to a larger area of land owned by the Town of Manchester to maintain the Buckingham Reservoir and provide drinking water to Manchester. The land around the reservoir is open to recreation.

The Cheney Homestead is the home of Timothy Cheney, clockmaker, and the birthplace of the brothers who founded the Manchester silk industry. The house, built in 1785, features engravings, portraits, quilts, grandfather clocks, and antique furniture.

Call SERVPRO Of Manchester/Mansfield for Cleanup and Restoration. Call (860) 649-0836.

Pride Week

Another reason we think highly of Manchester Connecticut is the fun and enthusiasm generated during Pride In Manchester Week. The late Joseph Negri, a former member of the Manchester Board of Directors, started Pride In Manchester Week some 27 years ago as a one-day event. Back then residents volunteered their time cleaning up the streets of Manchester. Over the years the program grew, adding a senior dance, roller-skating party, and a concert. The Pride committee invites community organizations to participate by offering free events to the public. This year the festival runs from Friday, June 1 through Saturday, June 9.

4 Museums

Yet another benefit of being in Manchester is the large number of art and cultural organizations. That includes four museums. The Fire Museum is housed in a restored 1901firehouse building. The Lutz Children’s Museum has participatory exhibits covering art, history, science, nature, and ethnology. The museum's permanent collection includes small live animals. The Old Manchester Museum, focusing on local history, is operated by the Manchester Historical Society. And the Cheney Homestead Museum is an eighteenth-century house of the founders of the Cheney Brothers Silk Company.

The Famous Manchester Road Race

If one event puts Manchester on the map that event might be the Manchester Road Race. It’s a 4.748 mile footrace held every Thanksgiving Day at 10 a.m. Race proceeds are donated each year to Muscular Dystrophy research and about 18 other local charities. And, having begun in 1927, it’s one of America’s oldest races. Some 12,000 people run or walk the race with some being accomplished runners from across the country as well as some internationally recognized competitors. The race is packed with spectators and at least five bands playing inspiration music. In New England, only the Boston Marathon draws more people.
Manchester has more than 1,000 acres (4.0 km2) of park land, a range of housing styles and prices in attractive neighborhoods, performing arts organizations, libraries and friendly, community-spirited residents.

Manchester Memorial Hospital

Not many communities the size of Manchester have their own hospital. Manchester does. Manchester Memorial Hospital is a 249-bed community hospital opened in 1920 as a memorial to all Manchester residents who died during the First World War. Today the hospital operates a family medicine residency training program for newly graduated osteopathic physicians.

Call SERVPRO Of Manchester/Mansfield for Cleanup and Restoration. Call (860) 649-0836.

Call SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield. We’re the fire restoration, water restoration, and cleanup company that saves property and saves money for commercial properties and businesses. Whether you're in Willington or Coventry, Hebron or Tolland, Somers or Stafford, Columbia or Ellington, Mansfield or Manchester, or anywhere in between, we can help.

SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield
IICRC Certified
Ralph DiCristofaro
540 N. Main Street
Manchester, CT 06042
Call 860.649.0836
24-hour emergency service

7 Essentials After Major Water Damage

5/18/2018 (Permalink)

Act quickly and intelligently after major water damage

After any major disaster we all find it hard to think straight. Emotions, loss, and confusion can cloud the mind. But water damage brings lots of potential health and safety hazards that we must respond to quickly and intelligently. Here are seven essential things to do if you suffer major water damage.

1. Stay Clear Of The Water

Don’t go in water at all until a professional has done an assessment of the dangers that lurk in the water in your home or business. The water may be contaminated and dangerous to your health.

2. Avoid Electrical Hazards

Stagnate flood water could be carrying electrical currents from electrical appliances that are running in the basement or from the source of the flood. People who do mitigation for water in the home regularly have the attire and equipment to avoid electrocution, and to remain safe while extracting the water out of the home. Water in business properties that contains electrical currents is a serious liability concern.

We’re water damage restoration experts. Call SERVPRO Of Manchester/Mansfield (860) 649-0836.

3. Start Mitigation and Drying Quickly

Mold can grow around a water-damaged space in just 24 hours. Start your mitigation and drying process as quickly as possible. This will minimize the water damage and get you back in your home or business faster.

4. Businesses Need to Minimize Legal Concerns
Water damage and mold in business properties can cause legal concerns. If you have mold after the water has been cleaned up, the toxic air could be considered an unsuitable working environment. After the water’s removed, the area must be sealed and sanitized to contain and kill the mold. The mold can get into the ducts and spread throughout your ventilation system if it isn't taken care of properly. After major water damage businesses are wise to call in a professional water damage restoration company.

5. Check For Structural Damage
If water in business spaces or water in home residences sits for too long, it can start to deteriorate the materials and compromise the building. This can make the business or house unsafe to live or work in. Soggy beams or crumbling concrete could cause the house or building to cave in. You may want to have a structural consultant look at your business or home especially if you don't know how long ago the water damage began. Other materials around the house will also be damaged, so be sure to remove and replace any materials that you feel aren't stable or safe.

We’re water damage restoration experts. Call SERVPRO Of Manchester/Mansfield (860) 649-0836.

6. Check For Sewage Contamination
At first you may not know where the water is coming from. Even heavy rains or melting snow can contain sewage in the water. Inhalation of raw sewage is toxic and dangerous, and the mitigation and the water damage repair and restoration company will be capable of dealing with the contaminated water, without jeopardizing your or their health.

7. Inspect And Test Before You Repair and Restore

While quick action is important, thoroughness is, too. You don’t want to rush repairs and restoration without first carefully assessing all the water damage. SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield excels at this. We determine the full scope of your water damage before anything else. Our inspection and tests not only determine the extent of damage but also how far the moisture has traveled. Thorough water damage assessment is key to ensuring proper and complete restoration.

Check Out Other Blog Posts
Every month on the SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield blog we publish educational articles on how Manchester and Mansfield residents can protect their homes and businesses from disasters and how to deal with mold, fire, water, sewage, storm, or other damage.

Help Is Here

Remember, we’re here to help. We are commercial property water damage restoration experts. We've served clients in Columbia, Coventry, Ellington, Hebron, Manchester, Mansfield, Somers, Tolland, Vernon, and Willington. Call SERVPRO Manchester/Mansfield (860.649.0836) anytime, 24/7.

SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield
IICRC Certified
Ralph DiCristofaro
40 N. Main Street
Manchester, CT 06042
Call: 860.649.0836
Fax: 860.216.2762
24-hour emergency service

Manchester Area Businesses Receive Priority With A PSA

5/2/2018 (Permalink)

Use a Priority Service Agreement to get some SERVPRO services at no cost

It pays to build business relationships. We work with all types of businesses and commercial properties but those that have a prior relationship with us get some bonuses.

SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield provides fire and water cleanup and restoration services to reduce your business interruption costs and your recovery costs. But if your business has a Priority Service Agreement (PSA) with us, you receive some services at no cost:

•   OSHA 10-hour training
•   Water and fire training
•   Construction evaluations
•   Disaster planning seminars
•   Emergency Ready Profile (for all your business locations)
•   Ice dam evaluations
•   Lead paint certification
•   Mold evaluations

Why Businesses Choose SERVPRO

Businesses and commercial property owners choose SERVPRO for many reasons. Here are a few:

•   Experience: 45+ years of experience as a leading fire and water cleanup and restoration provider
•   Training: IICRC Training, Employee Certification Training, Initial Franchise Training, e-Learnings, Continuing Education Classes
•   Reach and size: We’re nearby and have 1,800 franchises nationwide
•   Speed: Being nearby and having lots of locations means we get to you faster. Faster response usually means less damage done and more of your money saved.
•   Capability: We handle jobs of all sizes. Check out our Commercial Large Loss Division and our Disaster Recovery Team.
•   Services: We provide many services other restoration and cleanup companies don’t: move outs with construction restoration, contents claim inventory, document drying, and more.

Business Ready Plan

Another free service SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield provides is a Business Ready Plan. As many as 50% of businesses that suffer a natural disaster go out of business. They never recover. The majority of businesses that survive have a preparedness plan like our Business Ready Plan before any disaster strikes.
Pre-planning serves as an “insurance policy” providing you with peace of mind. Knowing your business is ready for whatever happens can communicate trust to your clients and employees. They know that even if disaster strikes your business, they don’t necessarily have to be affected.

Call SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield

We’re the fire restoration, water restoration, and cleanup company that saves property and saves money for commercial properties and businesses. Whether you're in Willington or Coventry, Hebron or Tolland, Somers or Stafford, Columbia or Ellington, Mansfield or Manchester, or anywhere in between, we can help.

SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield
IICRC Certified
Ralph DiCristofaro
540 N. Main Street
Manchester, CT 06042
Call 860.649.0836
24-hour emergency service

Businesses Need Clean Air

4/16/2018 (Permalink)

Businesses and commercial buildings can take some simple steps and have a big impact on the quality of indoor air

The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) says most Americans spend up to 90% of their time indoors. Many spend most of their working hours in an indoor office. Doesn’t that make you want to assure that the air in commercial buildings and businesses is clean and healthy?

It’s a fact that indoor air quality is important to business owners, building managers, tenants, and employees. The air we breathe impacts our health, comfort, productivity, and well-being. Yet many times indoor air is more polluted than outdoor air.

Dirty Air in Buildings Increases Illnesses

EPA studies show that indoor environments sometimes have levels of pollutants that are higher than levels found outside. Pollutants in commercial buildings and other indoor environments can increase the risk of illness. The EPA, states, and independent scientific panels have consistently ranked indoor air pollution as an important environmental health problem. While most buildings do not have severe indoor air quality problems, even well-run buildings can sometimes experience episodes of poor indoor air quality.

Building Air Quality Questions? Call SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield at (860) 649-0836

Simple Ways To Improve Indoor Air Quality

Businesses and commercial buildings can take some simple steps and have a big impact on the quality of indoor air:

•   Remove anything that block air vents or grilles
•   Comply with the office and building smoking policy
•   Decorate with plants. Water and maintain them properly
•   Dispose of garbage promptly and properly
•   Store food properly
•   Avoid bringing anything into the building that could release harmful or bothersome odors or contaminants
•   Notify your building or facility manager immediately if you suspect an indoor air quality problem

Building Air Quality Questions? Call SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield at (860) 649-0836

Suggestions for Office Managers

Building managers and office managers have many responsibilities. Assuring indoor air quality should be one of them. Here are some ideas on how office managers and others can fulfill that responsibility:

•   Maintain a good working relationship with building management on indoor environmental issues
•   Ask tenants and employees to alert you to any air quality issues they notice
•   Place office furniture and equipment with air circulation, temperature control, and pollutant removal functions of the heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) system in mind
•   Work with building management whenever responsibility for design, operation, and maintenance of the ventilation system is shared
•   Establish an effective smoking policy that protects nonsmokers from involuntary exposure to secondhand smoke
•   Avoid procedures and products that can cause indoor air quality problems
•   Integrate indoor air quality concerns into your purchasing decisions
•   Make sure the building manager uses only necessary and appropriate pest control practices. Non-chemical methods are usually preferable.
•   Work with building management and the contractor before you remodel or renovate to identify ways of keeping building occupants’ exposure to pollutants to a minimum and to ensure that the air distribution system is not disrupted
•   Encourage building management to develop a preventive indoor air quality management program following guidance issued by EPA and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).

These tips are from a free EPA booklet on the EPA website, "An Office Occupant's Guide to Indoor Air Quality."

Call On Us

The team at SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield has specialized training and experience in commercial cleaning, fire restoration, natural disaster prevention, water damage restoration, and natural disaster cleanup. Call SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield (860.649.0836) anytime.

SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield
IICRC Certified
Ralph DiCristofaro
40 N. Main Street
Manchester, CT 06042
Call: 860.649.0836
Fax: 860.216.2762
24-hour emergency service

Flood & Sewage Dangers Most People Don't Know About

3/26/2018 (Permalink)

Many don't realize the biggest dangers after a flood or sewage backup

Ask most people in the Manchester/Mansfield area the greatest dangers after a flood or sewage back-up and they’ll offer a wrong or at least incomplete answer. Most people will mention disease first and that’s a big one. But most people don’t realize that perhaps an even greater danger after a flood or sewage backup is the risk of electrocution or explosion.

Here are ideas and guidelines to keep you safe after a flood or sewage back-up.

1. Don’t enter a flooded basement or light a match until the utility companies have shut off the gas and electric service.

2. If flood waters or sewage enters your basement, you must clean properly to prevent you and your family from becoming sick or injured.

3. You’re smart to call in a professional to handle sewage or flood waters.

4. Contact your local health department for advice and assistance. You can also find good sources online like the EPA's Septic Systems Web site.

How to Clean and Sanitize
5. Drain all flood waters and/or sewage by natural draining or pumping.

6. Remove dirt, soil, and debris from surfaces that came in contact with flood waters.

7. Wash down all walls, floors, and surfaces that the flood water or sewage touched with clean, warm or hot water and a low suds detergent.

8. Rinse again with warm or hot water.

9. Sanitize by rinsing walls, floors, and surfaces using one of the following mixtures:
2½ tablespoons (tbs) of Lysol/Pine Sol per gallon of water used, or
8 tablespoons (tbs) of laundry bleach (i.e., Clorox, Roman Cleanser) in each gallon of water used.

10. Open windows or use fans to air out the area.

11. Prevent tracking flood debris and sewage into clean areas.

For Flood or Sewage Backup Needs Call SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield At (860) 649-0836 Anytime

Guidelines For A Flooded Area With Gas Or Electricity Present

12. Have the utility companies shut off the gas and electricity.

13. Don’t touch the fuse box or any plugged in cords or appliances until your electricity is shut off.

14. If an electrical appliance motor or its controls are submerged under water, don’t start it until you’ve talked to the dealer or service company.

15. Never relight your gas appliances until the gas company has checked them. Make sure all pilot lights are on before relighting burners. Don’t light matches until the gas is turned off.

What To Do If You Have A Septic System

Once floodwaters have receded:

16. Do not drink well water until it is tested. Contact your local health department.

17. Do not use the sewage system until water in the soil absorption field is lower than the water level around the house.

18. Have your septic tank professionally inspected and serviced if you suspect damage. Signs of damage include settling or an inability to accept water.

19. If sewage has backed up into the basement, clean the area and disinfect the floor. Use a chlorine solution of a half cup of chlorine bleach to each gallon of water to disinfect the area thoroughly.

20. Pump the septic system as soon as possible after the flood. Be sure to pump both the tank and lift station.

21. Do not compact the soil over the soil absorption field by driving or operating equipment in the area. Saturated soil is especially susceptible to compaction, which can reduce the soil absorption field's ability to treat wastewater and lead to system failure.

22. Examine all electrical connections for damage before restoring electricity.

23. Be sure the septic tank's manhole cover is secure and that inspection ports have not been blocked or damaged.

Be Careful with Foods

Contaminated foods can make you and your family sick. Here’s how to handle your foods after a flood or sewage event:

24. Destroy and discard all contaminated bottled and boxed foods.

25. You can keep canned goods (including home canned jars) if you clean them thoroughly. Scrub with soap and water. Use a brush around the rim of home canned jars. Submerge in chlorinated water for 15 minutes (1 ounce of bleach per gallon of water). Air dry to prevent rusting.

26. You can keep food stored in a freezer if the power is off for less than two days and if the freezer is full and not opened.

27. Food stored in a refrigerator will keep for 4-6 hours after losing power, depending on how warm the room temperature is. Do not open the refrigerator unless absolutely necessary. You may add ice to the refrigerator if you know it will be turned on soon.

28. Throw out anything with an unusual color, odor, or if a perishable food is above 45° F internally.

More Sewage And Flood Information

SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield publishes educational articles on how Manchester area residents and businesses can protect themselves from natural disasters and restore their property after a flood, sewage spill, or other natural disaster. Here are a few blog posts that you might find helpful:

Contact Us Anytime
In Manchester the team at SERVPRO has specialized training and experience in water damage restoration services, fire damage restoration services, mold remediation, commercial services, and natural disaster cleanup. Call SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield anytime at 860.649.0836.

SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield
IICRC Certified
Ralph DiCristofaro
540 N. Main Street
Manchester, CT 06042
Call 860.649.0836
24-hour emergency service

Thunderstorms & Lightning

3/9/2018 (Permalink)

Manchester, Bolton, Andover, Hebron, Columbia, Coventry, and Mansfield: Don't let a thunderstorm catch you unprepared

Every thunderstorm is dangerous. And every thunderstorm produces lightning. While lightning fatalities have decreased over the past 30 years, lightning continues to be one of the top three storm-related killers in the United States according to ready.gov.

Thunderstorms often come with other threats like tornadoes, high winds, and flooding. Lightning alone kills about 50 people each year in the United States. We want to give you some ways you can prepare for thunderstorms and lightning, survive a thunderstorm, and minimize any potential damage to your house or property.

1. Have an emergency kit and family communication plan in place.

Your emergency kit should contain the necessities you need to survive at home without power or to leave home if it becomes unsafe to stay there. Make sure all family members know where to meet if a storm separates you. Choose a place close to your property but off your property and safe.

2. Review your homeowner’s insurance policy.

Make sure you are covered for thunderstorm and lightning damage. If not, consider making changes.

3. Remove dead or rotting trees near your house.

In a thunderstorm or other type of storm, a weakened tree could fall and cause extensive damage.

4. Use surge protectors.

Electronics (your TV, appliances, computers, etc.) that are plugged in are susceptible to damage from the electrical surges a storm can cause. Plug your electronics into a surge protector and the surge protector into the wall. That gives you an extra layer of thunderstorm protection.

5. Stay tuned to weather reports.

Keep a weather radio or internet service on to listen for forecasts, watches, and warnings. Know the terminology. A thunderstorm watch means the weather is conducive to severe thunderstorms. A thunderstorm warning means a storm is occurring or will start soon and it poses a threat to life and property.

6. Get trained in first aid and learn how to respond to emergencies.

In Connecticut check out the available classes at Red Cross Training.

If You Have Lightning or Thunderstorm Damage Call SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield at (860) 649-0836

7. Get inside.

Before a thunderstorm or lightning strikes, get inside your home, a building, or hard top vehicle (not a convertible). Although you may be injured if lightning strikes your car, you are much safer inside a vehicle than outside.

8. Shutter your windows.

Before a severe storm, place shutters or plywood over your windows and secure your outside doors. If shutters are not available, close your window blinds, shades, or curtains. They serve as a barrier should the window glass break.

9. Educate your children about disasters.

Be certain your kids know to come inside and stay inside whenever threatening weather (gray skies, thunder, heavy rains, lightning, etc.) approach.

10. Be prepared to lose power.

Have plenty of flashlights and batteries available. Avoid using candles because an open flame during stormy weather can be dangerous. Keep the flashlights where you can quickly find them even in the dark.

If You Have Lightning or Thunderstorm Damage Call SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield at (860) 649-0836

11. Have a safe place to gather in your home and be sure everyone knows where that place is.

A safe place in a thunderstorm or lightning is an area in your home that’s away from windows and not in danger from falling trees. Often a windowless interior bathroom is a safe place.

12. If you’re outdoors, reduce your risk of being struck by lightning.

Lightning’s unpredictability increases the risk to individuals and property. Your chances of being struck by lightning are estimated to be 1 in 600,000 but could be reduced even further by following safety precautions. If you are in a forest, seek shelter in a low area under a thick growth of small trees. In an open area, go to a low place such as a ravine or valley. Be alert for flash floods. On open water, get to land and find shelter immediately.

13. Read what the Red Cross has to say about thunderstorm safety.

You’ll find more information at sites like ready.gov, also.

Disaster Preparation & Recovery Information

Every month on the SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield blog we publish educational articles on how to prevent natural disasters and deal with them effectively, and recover from property damage. Here are a few blog posts you might find helpful:

Here For You
The team at SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield has specialized training and experience in water damage restoration services, fire damage restoration services, thunderstorm and lightning damage remediation, commercial services, and natural disaster cleanup. Call SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield (860-649-0836) anytime, 24/7.

SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield
IICRC Certified
Ralph DiCristofaro
40 N. Main Street
Manchester, CT 06042
Call: 860.649.0836
Fax: 860.216.2762
24-hour emergency service

Your Natural Disaster Questions Answered

2/21/2018 (Permalink)

Anytime you have a question about cleanup or restoration after a natural disaster call us at 860.649.0836

Quick! An unexpected water disaster, a fire, or damaging storm has hit your house or place of business. What do you do first? We’ve put together some of the most frequent questions SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield receives from both homeowners and business owners whose property has been severely damaged. If you want more information just call us at 860.649.0836. You can reach us 24/7.

Q: After a natural disaster what do I do first?

A: After any disaster or emergency make the life and safety of you, your family, and those around you the number one priority. If you’re not certain your home or business is safe, evacuate and call 9-1-1 immediately. Check to make certain everyone is accounted for and is safe.

Q: What if someone is missing?

A: If a family member—child or adult—is missing, first call your local law enforcement agency for help. You can also check the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System. They provide a variety of resources, including the ability to print missing persons posters and receive free biometric collection and testing assistance.
If your child is missing, or if you’re caring for a lost child, you can call the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678). NCMEC maintains the Unaccompanied Minors Registry.

Q: If the damage doesn’t look extensive can I turn the power back on?

A: If your electric, gas, or water supply has been affected or turned off by first responders, do not turn your utilities back on. Have a qualified official check the systems and give you the okay.

Q: If my business has a facility maintenance team do I need to call an outside disaster recovery team like SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield?

A: Yes. Even experienced and highly trained building maintenance staffs are not equipped or prepared to handle all aspects of the aftermath of an emergency or natural disaster. Let SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield be your cleanup and recovery partner. Our teams are trained to safely, thoroughly, and professionally handle the effects of practically any emergency or storm damage. SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield has specialized equipment, tools, and techniques that minimize business interruption, long-term damage, and costs. We work with you, your maintenance team and any emergency preparedness team.

For Disaster Cleanup Or Restoration Needs Call SERVPRO Of Manchester/Mansfield At (860) 649.0836

Q: What is a work authorization form and why do I need to sign one?

A: Before your cleanup and restoration process begins, you must legally grant permission to the group performing the work. The work authorization form gives SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield (or any cleanup and restoration company you choose) permission to work in your building or facility and to communicate with and provide a courtesy copy of the invoice to your insurance company.

Q: How can I best work with my insurance company to get a fast damage assessment so restoration can begin as soon as possible?

A: After a disaster, do contact your insurance company representative right away. Provide your insurer with detailed information about the damage. Before you contact them conduct an inventory of damaged property and items. Don’t throw away any damaged goods until your inventory is complete.

Document all telephone calls with the date, time, parties who spoke, and highlights of all conversations. Take pictures of all damages for later reference. Begin saving receipts for any money you spend related to the loss. Your insurance company may need those receipts to verify all your losses.

For Disaster Cleanup Or Restoration Needs Call SERVPRO Of Manchester/Mansfield At (860) 649.0836

Q: How can I best protect my business or commercial facility from another disaster?

A: One critical step every business should take is to create a disaster preparedness plan. Use an all-hazards approach and include the four phases of disaster recovery: mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery. You’re also wise to call SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield at any time to discuss your concerns about handling or preventing future disasters. We’d be glad to come to your home or business, answer your questions, and discuss your needs. For some details, see the short blog post on Emergency Ready Profile.

Your Help Is Here
Our cleanup and restoration teams at SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield all have specialized training and experience in fire restoration services, natural disaster prevention, natural disaster cleanup, and natural disaster restoration. Call SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield (860.649.0836) anytime, 24/7.

We’re proud to serve our local communities: Columbia, Coventry, Ellington, Hebron, Manchester, Mansfield, Somers, Stafford, Tolland, Vernon, and Willington.

SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield
IICRC Certified
Ralph DiCristofaro
540 N. Main Street
Manchester, CT 06042
Call 860.649.0836
24-hour emergency service

Your Carpet: Clean, Fresh, & Looking New

2/6/2018 (Permalink)

Carpets tend to "swallow" everything that falls on them and become dirty before you can notice the dirt. That's why you need professional cleaners.

Your carpet looks cleaner than it is. It’s hard to see the dirt, dust, spills, and other debris that gets trapped in your carpet because it sinks toward the carpet bottom. Carpets act like filters. They tend to “swallow” or entrap whatever falls on them. The good news is that simple actions can keep your carpet clean, fresh, and looking new.

How To Make Your Carpet Last Longer

Just about all carpet manufacturers agree on what you can do between carpet cleanings to increase your carpet’s life span and keep it clean, fresh, and good-looking.

You know that vacuuming is a number one component to proper care and maintenance of your carpet. But carpet manufacturers also recommend:

•    Pilating your carpet (this prevents matting)
•    Removing spots
•    Moving furniture to change traffic patterns and even out carpet wear and tear
•    Using walk-off mats to limit the amount of soil tracked onto your carpet
•    Hiring a professional cleaner every year or so

SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield can address moderate and heavy soil conditions in your carpets. How often you’ll need our professional carpet cleaners service depends on soil build-up, traffic, and the type and color of your carpeting. Most people find it wise to professionally clean their carpet every 12 months.

Clean Before You See The Dirt

One tip is to clean your carpet before you can easily notice any dirt or soiling. People who wait until their carpet looks dirty frequently find they can never restore their carpet to its former appearance.

And did you know that dirt builds up in your carpet in layers? When your carpet looks dirty you are only seeing the dirt at the tips of the fibers. Much more dirt is hiding below the surface down near the base of the pile. The deeper the dirt, the more the damage to the carpet. When a carpet is saturated with dirt, the soil has penetrated crevices and has become firmly lodged.

Call 860.649.0836

Call on our SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield’s professional cleaning services. Call us anytime, 24/7 at 860.649.0836. SERVPRO’s carpet cleaners service is among the best cleaning services. We’re trained in the most advanced, thorough, and effective ways to clean up your carpet. We've served businesses, homes, and facilities in Andover, Bolton, Columbia, Coventry, Hebron, Manchester, Mansfield, Storrs, and beyond.

SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield
IICRC Certified
Ralph DiCristofaro
540 N. Main Street
Manchester, CT 06042
Call 860.649.0836
24 hour emergency service

What Does SERVPRO Do And How Did SERVPRO Start?

1/26/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO has an exciting history of growth; a compelling list of natural disaster services

When you've been around as long as we have sometimes you forget there are still people who don't know what you do and how you became successful. Here's a quick look back at the SERVPRO history and an explanation of the services we offer.

•   In 1967 a married couple, Doris and Ted Isaacson, founded SERVPRO as a painting business in Sacramento, California
•   The Isaacsons had a cleaning and restoration background and transformed the company into a franchisor of cleanup and restoration specialists
•   They sold their first SERVPRO franchise in 1969
•   In 1979 SERVPRO acquired the Bristol-Myers Domesticare Division and its 175 franchises
•   Eleven years later (1988) SERVPRO relocated to Gallatin, Tennessee to be within 600 miles of 50% of the U.S. population. By that time SERVPRO had 647 franchises.
•   In 2000 SERVPRO sold its 1,000th franchise
•   To meet growing needs SERVPRO moved to a 140,000 square foot state-of-the-art facility in Gallatin in 2005
•   Entrepreneur Magazine ranked SERVPRO the #4 franchise opportunity overall
and the #1 franchise opportunity in the restoration services category in 2016
•   SERVPRO list of awards is long. CNN Money, Dunn Bradstreet, and Entrepreneur Magazine are among the organizations that have recognized the success, growth, and accomplishments of SERVPRO.
•   By 2016 SERVPRO had 1,800+ franchises across the nation

For Disaster Cleanup Or Restoration Needs Call SERVPRO Of Manchester/Mansfield At (860) 649-0836

SERVPRO Services
•   SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield works closely with insurance agents, property managers, and local fire/police departments to assist in community disasters

•   SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield offers many restoration and remediation services including:
o   24 Hour Emergency Services
o    Commercial Cleanup And Restoration
o    Fire, Smoke, And Soot Damage Repair And Restoration
o    Mold Remediation
o    Storm Damage Cleanup And Restoration
o    Water Damage Repair, Restoration, And Dehumidification

For Disaster Cleanup Or Restoration Needs Call SERVPRO Of Manchester/Mansfield At (860) 649-0836

Here To Help
The team at SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield has specialized training and experience in fire restoration services, natural disaster prevention, natural disaster cleanup, and natural disaster restoration. Call SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield (860.649.0836) anytime, 24/7.

SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield
IICRC Certified
Ralph DiCristofaro
540 N. Main Street
Manchester, CT 06042
Call 860.649.0836
24 hour emergency service

Connecticut Disaster Facts & Disaster Preparation

1/15/2018 (Permalink)

What types of disasters hit Connecticut most often? How can you be prepared?

You never know when a major storm or natural disaster may hit Connecticut. Since the 1950s federal major disasters have been declared 19 times in Connecticut, with an additional 11 emergency declarations. Going back just to the 1980s in Connecticut, we have lots of major disasters and storms including:

Floods May 1984, October 2005, April 2010

Hurricanes September 1985, August 1991, August 2011, October 2012
Blizzards/Snow Storms January 1996, January 2011, February 2013
Nor’easters December 1992, April 2007
Tornadoes July 1989

The Manchester/Mansfield area and Connecticut have had other storms—these are just examples. And if you look at the national statistics you can learn a thing or two about which natural disasters are more common and which are the most dangerous.

More People Injured By Tornadoes
The National Weather Service says that in 2015 tornadoes caused by the far the most injuries of any type of natural disaster in the U.S.

Avoid preventable disasters. Call SERVPRO Of Manchester/Mansfield (860) 649-0836

Flooding: The Most Deadly Weather Hazard
Tornadoes may injury more people but flooding takes more lives than any other type of weather-related event. Thunderstorm winds and high winds were the next most deadly U.S. weather events.

Men Twice As Likely To Die
Of the 2015 weather-related deaths, males, as usual, accounted for more deaths, 347 (66%), than females, 165 (32%). The National Weather Service says this gender breakdown is typical. In most years, there are almost twice as many male victims of extreme weather as females. That probably is because of the higher percentage of men who hold outdoor jobs (mining, construction, lumber). Men also tend to spend more time outdoors in activities like boating, fishing, and sports.

Avoid preventable disasters. Call SERVPRO Of Manchester/Mansfield (860) 649-0836

Texas Was The Most Dangerous State
Which state has the most dangerous weather? Connecticut is nowhere near as high on the list as Florida, Illinois, Texas, and Washington. In 2015, Texas, with 86 casualties, took the most dangerous state title from Washington, which numbered 50 weather-related fatalities in 2014. A large number of the Texas deaths were due to flooding, which claimed 48 victims. Illinois and Florida were the next hardest hit with 32 and 28 deaths each.

What To Before A Major Disaster

But what you do to make injury or damage less likely in case of a flood, hurricane, snow storm, tornado, or other natural disaster? According to the Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) if a major storm is coming, make sure you have flashlights, a battery-operated radio, extra batteries, and cell phones because you might lose electricity and phone service for a few days or even weeks. The DPH also says you should:
• Make sure you have an emergency supply kit ready.
• Know what different weather terms mean:
• A severe storm watch means that dangerous weather may happen.
• A severe weather warning means there is a storm on its way – take cover or seek shelter right away.
• Evacuate if you are told to do so by emergency officials. Plan on where you can stay for a few days if you have to leave.

During A Natural Disaster
• Move to a room near the middle of your home. If the natural disaster is a hurricane or tornado, move to the lowest part of your home, like your basement if you have one. If there is severe flooding, move to the highest level of your home.
• Take your emergency supply kit with you.
• Keep checking Manchester/Mansfield TV and radio stations and the Internet for official instructions, including shelter locations, weather reports, etc.

After A Natural Disaster
• Make sure your family members aren’t hurt. When in doubt, seek medical attention.
• Do not touch or go near downed power lines. Tell your local power company if you see any downed power lines.
• If there is a power outage, be careful of food safety and carbon monoxide poisoning.
• If there is flooding, stay away from flood water. Flood water may contain viruses, bacteria, and germs which could make you very sick. Consider all food, water, and medicine that have come in contact with flood water contaminated. Thrown them away.

In a serious storm or flood, you may have sewage backup into your home. Sewage contains bacteria, viruses, and other germs that can cause disease. A sewage backup can make your home unsafe to live in. If you have a sewage backup in your home:
• Turn off the power if there is standing water or the chance of electrical wires touching water or anything wet.
• Do not flush the toilets.
• Keep all children and pets away from the sewage.
• Wear rubber gloves when touching anything with sewage on it. Wash your hands right after. Never touch raw sewage with bare hands.
• Call your town or local health department to report a sewage backup.

Call SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield (860-649-0836) anytime, 24/7. SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield
IICRC Certified
Ralph DiCristofaro
40 N. Main Street
Manchester, CT 06042
Call: 860.649.0836
Fax: 860.216.2762
24-hour emergency service

7 Dirty Places You Need To But May Not Ever Clean

12/29/2017 (Permalink)

Hidden in plain sight are many of the dirtiest places in your home

1. Trash cans

Your garbage pails and trash cans are where you get rid of the most offensive items: used bandages and tissues, old food containers, spoiled food, dust pan contents, and more. But you’re not perfect, right? All your crumbs, trash, and scraps don’t always make it into the can. And residue may leak from the bag or slip through the sides. Clean your trash cans with disinfectant spray and a solid scrub. If a build-up has accumulatedover time, you may need to use hot water, soap, and hard scrubbing.

Doorknobs

Think of all the times every day that people touch your doorknobs. Your home’s doorknobs are covered in germs and bacterium. When you touch the doorknob and then something else, you are effectively spreading germs. Start a habit of wiping down your home’s doorknobs with disinfectant. Make it part of your bathroom or kitchen cleaning routine. Washing your hands frequently (about five times a day) will also help keep your doorknobs and the other things you touch clean.

Toothbrush holder

We dare you to look inside at the bottom of your toothbrush holder. Most people find leftover water and toothpaste residue has dripped to the bottom of the holder. It often collects in a gunky, maybe even moldy mess. Your toothbrush is millimeters from touching that dirty mess every time you put it back in the toothbrush holder. Wash the toothbrush holder with hot water, soap, and a bristle brush. Or give it a thorough cleaning via the dishwasher if the holder’s top is removable.

Mattresses

Do you sleep on a mattress every single night for years without cleaning it? Think about that. Think about the dead skin cells, dirt, and oils that rub off your body. Think sweat, pets jumping up on and napping on the bed, kids with shoes, dust, pollens, the illnesses you battle during the winter months,and stains that make their way through the sheets. Give your mattress a little cleaning attention a few times a year. Vacuum the mattress to get rid of dirt, dead skin cells, crumbs, and other dirty things that are on the surface. Spot clean the stains with a homemade mix of hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, and dish soap. Spray the treated areas and then blot or rub with a clean towel. An upholstery cleaner with a brush also works great to get out tough stains.

You can remove blood stains from a mattress by blotting with hydrogen peroxide. Lift the smells out by deodorizing your mattresses (don’t just do your mattress but every mattress in the house) with baking soda. Sprinkle it on the mattress and let it absorb for a couple hours before coming back and vacuuming it off. Give it fresh air by opening a window after you’ve taken the sheets off. That will help with naturally deodorizing as well as eliminating bacteria. And consider using a mattress protector and cover to preserve the life of the mattresses in your home.

Keyboards

Most of us spend a lot of time with our fingers on a desktop or laptop computer keyboard. And considering that many of us snack or take lunch at our desks, drink over our computers, or even spill beverages on them, you can imagine the gross, grimy world living just below those keys. High-touch surfaces like keyboards do harbor and grow harmful bacteria if they're not cleaned. Try flipping the keyboard upside down and shake the debris out. Or use a small hand-held vacuum cleaner or can of compressed air to pull or blow unwanted objects out of the keyboards in your house. Then quickly wipe each keyboard down with cleaning wipes, cotton swabs, or a moistened microfiber cloth.

Remotes and controllers

These are items that may get even more use than your doorknobs. Greater use means more germs. You may have remotes for everything from your television, sound system, home entertainment system, game controllers, and more. Every remote and controller collects germs and dirt quickly, just like doorknobs. To clean remotes and controllers don’t use any spray that has too much of a water base. Heavy water-based sprays can get into the devices and ruin them. Instead use a cloth blotted with rubbing alcohol and wipe down your remotes regularly. Lysol wipes are also a great solution.

Smartphones

You talk on your phone when you’re sick. You handle your phone with dirty hands many times throughout the day. One study by Stanford students concluded that the average personal phone is 18 times dirtier than the handle of a toilet. To clean your mobile phone use a piece of fabric, a cotton ball, or tissue. Mix a small amount of water and a little of isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol in a shallow dish.

Use enough sanitizer to make sure what you choose to wipe your phone down with is damp, but not soaking and dripping wet. Excess water can ruin your phone. Wipe your phone down, front and back without the case on.

Safety, Disaster, And Cleaning Information

Every month on the SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield blog we publish educational articles on how to prevent disasters, deal with them quickly and effectively, or keep your home safer and cleaner. Here are a few you might find helpful:

Cleaning For Businesses

Here For You

The team at SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield has specialized training and experience in water damage restoration services, fire damage restoration services, mold remediation, commercial services, professional cleaning, and natural disaster cleanup. Call SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield (860-649-0836) anytime, 24/7.

SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield

IICRC Certified

Ralph DiCristofaro

40 N. Main Street

Manchester, CT 06042

Call: 860.649.0836

Fax: 860.216.2762

24 hour emergency service

Resolve Cleanup & Restoration Problems With The Right Equipment & Expertise

12/12/2017 (Permalink)

For a major cleanup use the professionals who have the expertise and the equipment

Fire destroys your kitchen. Snow collapses your roof. A water leak destroys everything in your basement. When you face a cleanup or restoration after a disaster you want to be certain the company you hire has the right expertise and equipment. That can be tough because the technology advancements in the restoration industry are happening at a faster and faster pace. Your answer should be using SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield because we keep up with the latest in cleanup and restoration advancements. SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield can get your home or business back to preloss condition quickly, reliably, and effectively. We use modern equipment and up-to-date expertise to find the best way to do a quality job while saving you money. Among the modern technology and advanced equipment you can access through SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield are:

Water Extraction Technology
Our advanced and powerful water extraction equipment speeds the drying process. Our equipment lets us quickly removes the bulk of the water from your home or business after a flood, water leak, or other water issue. And getting the water out fast helps prevent further damage. SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield uses submersible and gas-powered pumps for continuous pumping of high-level water. A SERVPRO truck-mounted or a portable extraction unit performs efficient water removal.

Moisture Detection and Measurement Equipment
Too often people think they’ve removed all the water from a flood or water event and repaired the damage when they have actually missed critical steps in cleaning their business or home. The highly trained crews at SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield strictly adhere to the restoration and cleaning standards of the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC). We follow the IICRC S500 Water Damage Guide, a specific set of practical standards and techniques that incorporates the advanced field of psychometry. Psychometry is the manipulation of temperature and relative humidity to remove moisture and dry a property quickly and effectively. What looks dry to you and feels dry to your hand is often still holding enough moisture to create mold and to further damage your property. Please don’t let that additional damage happen to you. Our SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield crews are trained in advanced scientific drying principles. We can detect, measure, and monitor your property’s moisture levels. Advances, like infrared cameras, help us detect water through a wall, ceiling, or floor. We also use sensitive moisture detectors, hygrometers, and other meters to precisely measure the extent of moisture saturation.

Modern Drying Equipment
We educate customers on critical information like the fact that you need to dry anything that’s been partially saturated by water. The best drying method is to use industrial strength air movers and dehumidifiers like ours. Don’t depend on the typical drying technology offered by some restoration and cleanup professionals. They often use equipment that isn’t powerful enough for big jobs. SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield’s advanced drying equipment removes often undetected moisture from ceiling, walls, and floors. Without modern drying equipment your home or business may suffer swelling and warping of floors, walls, and furniture.

Deodorizing And Sanitizing Technology
Water, chemical, fire, or other natural disasters often cause powerful odors that are unhealthy and unsafe. We use air scrubbers, thermal foggers, deodorizing agents, and other technology to remove airborne contaminants and restore air quality as if the disaster never happened.
We’re talking about more than just cleaning. SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield cleans, disinfects, and sanitizes. We only use OSHA-approved cleaning agents. Our deodorization products control odors caused by excessive moisture. Our disinfection products remove and help prevent bacteria, fungi, mildew, and other harmful microorganisms.

Sewage And Biohazard Cleanup

Our technology, equipment, and expertise extend to the cleanup of sewage and other biohazard materials. SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield can provide deep cleaning services for your home or business.

Call On Us
We’re here to help you. The team at SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield has specialized training and experience in virtually all aspects of restoring your home or business after water, sewer, fire, smoke, wind, chemical, or other natural disasters. Call SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield at (860.649.0836) anytime, 24/7. We protect businesses, homes, and facilities in many towns including:
Andover Hebron
Bolton Manchester
Columbia Mansfield
Coventry Storrs
SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield
IICRC Certified
Ralph DiCristofaro
540 N. Main Street
Manchester, CT 06042
Call 860.649.0836
24 hour emergency service

House Fires Burn Faster Today. Here's How To Survive.

11/27/2017 (Permalink)

Most people think they have much more time to escape a home fire than they actually do

Most Americans (about four out of five) think they have 5-10 minutes to get out of the house if it’s on fire. That’s wrong and being wrong could cost a life.

On November 21, the Washington Post ran an article by Elisabeth Leamy about why house fires tend to burn faster these days and how you can best survive. Ms. Leamy said Underwriters Laboratories tests show that when your house is on fire you may not survive unless you get out in three minutes or less.

“Most people underestimate the speed and power of fire and smoke,” according to the National Fire Protection Association. The NFPA says not to fumble with the fire extinguisher or grab your photo albums or even rescue your cat.

First and foremost, get out immediately. Underwriters Laboratories says that 30 years ago, you had up to 17 minutes to escape a house fire, but today’s homes and the furniture inside them burn faster. Why? Open floor plans provide oxygen and don’t provide barriers. Synthetic building materials and furnishings burn at a much faster rate than the natural products homes were built of decades ago. UL videotaped a dramatic side-by-side experiment that showed how rapidly a modern living room went up in flames compared with a vintage one. The backing of a modern carpet is synthetic, the drapes are synthetic, the couch, the pillows are synthetic and they all burn hotter and faster.

Survive By Planning Ahead
So how do you survive? You and your family should have a home escape plan. Draw a map of your home showing all the doors and windows. Know at least two ways out of every room. Make sure all the doors and windows leading outside open easily. And discuss your plan with everyone in your home. The stakes are high. Residential fires kill more people than any other kind, according to the Federal Emergency Management Administration. In fact, roughly seven Americans die every day in house fires. Some of those people die because they try to fight the fire themselves. Fire extinguishers are wonderful tools, but only if you know how to use them. FEMA says you should only use a fire extinguisher if:
• You are trained in how to use the extinguisher.
• You can put out the fire in five seconds or less.
• The fire is small and contained — like in a wastebasket.
• There is no flammable debris or hazardous material nearby.
• You have the right type of extinguisher for the type of fire.
• There are two ways to exit the area quickly if you fail. In the Washington Post article Montgomery County, Maryland fire investigator Donny Boyd said that fires double in size every minute. You may think you can manage a fire, but Boyd has seen people perish in the heat and gases, trying to fight the fire themselves. And fighting the fire may delay your call to 911, making your situation worse. Focus on surviving the fire, not putting it out. Other ways to increase your chance of surviving a home fire include:

Interconnect Your Smoke Detectors
Have working smoke alarms in every sleeping room, outside each sleeping area, and on every level of your home. Have them wirelessly connected to one another, so that if there’s a fire in your basement, for example, the alarm in your bedroom will go off.

Hold Fire Drills
Practice your evacuation plan so that everyone in the family not only knows how to get out, but also reverts to the plan instead of panicking during a fire.

Make Sure Your House Can Be Easily Found
Drive past your house at night and see if your street address is clearly visible from the street so emergency crews can find you. If not, install better numbers or lighting.

Close Doors While You Sleep
Fires that break out while you are sleeping can be particularly devastating. Closing your door keeps smoke out and temperatures down, giving you precious extra minutes to evacuate.

Teach Your Children
Teach everyone in your house how to escape on their own in case you can’t help them.

Have A Safe Meeting Place
Everyone in the family should know a location within easy walking distance — but out of fire range — where you will meet if you evacuate separately in a fire.

Block Smoke
If you’re stuck in a room during a fire, close the doors and windows. Put wet fabric over openings where smoke can get in. This will buy you extra time to call 911 or escape.

Travel Away From The Fire Safely
When you move toward an exit stay low. Either bend way down or crawl. Smoke rises and kills more people than the fire itself. The best air is low to the ground. Before you open a door look for smoke and feel the door for heat. If the door is hot or smoke is coming under it there’s fire on the other side and you need to find another exit. Close doors and windows behind you to reduce the amount of oxygen the fire can use for fuel. If you exit through a window crawl out backwards and lower yourself so your feet are as close to the ground as possible.

Don’t Go Back In
No matter what — or who — don’t go back in. Instead, alert firefighters so they can rescue people trapped inside.

Disaster Preparation Information
Every month on the SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield blog we publish educational articles on how to prevent natural disasters and deal with them quickly and effectively should they occur. Here are a few you might find helpful:

Here For You
The team at SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield has specialized training and experience in water damage restoration services, fire damage restoration services, mold remediation, commercial services, and natural disaster cleanup. Call SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield (860.649.0836) anytime, 24/7. SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield
IICRC Certified
Ralph DiCristofaro
40 N. Main Street
Manchester, CT 06042
Call: 860.649.0836
Fax: 860.216.2762
24 hour emergency service

Winter Snow Storm Preparation

11/16/2017 (Permalink)

Don't let a big snow storm catch you unprepared.

A huge snow storm is coming. How do you prepare so that your home will suffer little or no damage? How do you keep your pipes from freezing? How do you know if your roof can support the weight of a few feet of snow? Will ice dams present a problem? What if you lose power? Don’t wait to discover the answers to these and other snow storm questions. Prepare before a snow storm or blizzard hits you. A major snow storm can dump snow so hard and fast that you suddenly find a giant blanket of white hanging over your house and you have to just hope the house survives intact.

Time And Safety
One great recommendation is to heed early weather warnings. Another is to be safe. If you have 48 hours to prepare you’re going to get a lot more done than if you wait until the snow starts falling. You may not realize how heavy snow can get. Snow is hard and heavy to shovel if it has a high water content. Don’t do anything that may risk your health or safety. Try to stay off ladders and the roof. Use a snow rake and stay safely on the ground to prevent winter storm damage cleanup.

Wet Snow Could Weigh 21 Pounds Per Foot
Fluffy, fresh snow can weigh as little as three pounds per square foot compared with 21 pounds for wet, heavy snow, according to FEMA. Ice weighs more: 57 pounds a square foot. Most roofs can support 20 pounds per square foot of snow, according to USA Today. And don’t forget about ice. An inch of ice equals about a foot of fresh snow, so 4 inches of ice on your roof could mean trouble. The steeper your roof, the less snow will accumulate. But if a portion of your home’s roof is flat, such as over a porch, take extra care to prevent snow and ice buildup there during a snow storm.

Don’t Let Water Pipes Freeze
To best protect your water pipes during and after a snow storm you need to think way ahead. If temperatures drop too low in your house during a power outage or your furnace malfunctions, your pipes can freeze and burst and cause extensive damage. So keep your house warm by using a generator or another alternative source of heat like a wood or coal stove. Seal your home’s doors and windows to hold in heat. Insulate any openings in your attic (vents, plumbing stacks, access doors, etc.). And wrap insulation around your pipes.

Prevent Ice Dams
Ice buildups at the roof edge or around drains keep melting snow from draining properly. This backs up, or dams, water into walls, ceilings, and insulation. Inspect your roof's drainage, keep gutters and downspouts clean, and trim trees to keep leaves to a minimum. Add insulation above the ceiling and increase roof ventilation to make the roof area warmer and prevent ice buildup. You can even install self-regulating heat cables on gutters, downspouts, and roof drains.

Use Caution With Alternative Heat Sources
Space heaters -- including electric, gas, pellet, and wood stoves -- can be great alternatives to constantly running the furnace and heating the entire house. The nonelectric heaters can also be helpful if the power goes out -- taking the heat with it -- during a snow storm, blizzard, or other harsh winter weather. But take care when installing or placing heaters. Make sure they meet safety standards and codes. Know how to use and maintain them. Otherwise, you risk a fire.

$893 Million In Property Damage
According to recent estimates from the National Fire Protection Association, home fires involving heating equipment caused $893 million in direct property damage and 400 civilian deaths in 2011. Often, these fires are caused by equipment that wasn't kept clean or was placed too close to something that could ignite. The association offers these heater safety tips.
• Keep flammable items, such as paper or bedding, at least 3 feet away from the heater.
• Buy a heating unit approved by a recognized testing lab (such as Underwriters Laboratories).
• Install the equipment according to local codes and manufacturer's recommendations.
• Use a licensed contractor.
• Make sure the heater vents to the outside so carbon monoxide won't build up indoors.
• Keep the vent clean and unclogged.
• Install carbon monoxide detectors.
• Have a qualified professional inspect and clean your heater annually -- before winter snow storms or blizzards hit.

SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield
IICRC Certified
Ralph DiCristofaro
40 N. Main Street
Manchester, CT 06042
Call: 860.649.0836
Fax: 860.216.2762
24 hour emergency service

Specialty Cleaning For Businesses

11/1/2017 (Permalink)

Whatever your specialty cleaning need, whether it’s for home, business, factory, high-rise, or someplace else we can help.

A clean place of business attracts more business. SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield provides specialty cleaning services ranging from cleaning restaurant hoods to removing biohazard contaminants. Our crews have the specialized training and products to keep your business, commercial site, or manufacturing facility clean, safe, and healthy.

What Is Specialty Cleaning For Businesses?
Many businesses have special cleaning needs not found in homes or small retail establishments. A small tool shop may have need for machinery cleaning. A medical facility may work with chemicals that require a special cleaning process. Restaurants must keep stoves, ovens, refrigerators, and other places clean and sanitary. Other commercial or business places that require specialty cleaning include shops, high-rises, data centers, offices, showrooms, warehouses, factories, schools, bus stations, and government facilities.

Keep Customers Coming Back
Your business represents you. Specialty cleaning helps keep customers coming back and presents a positive impression. It can also keep employees safe. SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield wants your entire business to shine. From cleaning office upholstery to making storefront windows crystal clear, to removing potential hazards, we provide a range of specialty cleaning services that enhance both your working environment and your image.

Our commercial specialty cleaning services include:
• Air Ducts and HVAC
If your HVAC has been operating for some time without attention, it could be circulating dust, pollen, odors, dirt, debris, and other contaminants.

• Biohazard Cleanup
The professionals at SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield can safely remove biohazards and dispose of them properly in accordance with OSHA and health regulations.

• Carpet and Upholstery
Even the highest-quality carpet and upholstery can show soiling over time. Protect your investment by calling SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield to clean and maintain your carpet and upholstery.

Have questions? Call SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield anytime at 860-649-0836.

• Ceilings, Walls, and Hard Floors
Ceilings and walls are exposed to dirt and dust, pet dander, cooking oils and grease, cigarette smoke, and other contaminants. Your heating and air conditioning system can distribute these contaminants throughout your property.

• Drapes and Blinds
We carefully inspect and test fabrics to determine which of SERVPRO’s five cleaning methods is best suited to your fabrics. A good rule-of-thumb is to clean drapes approximately every two years.

• Odor Removal and Deodorization
As experts in deodorization, the professionals at SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield are trained to identify and eliminate offensive odors. SERVPRO teaches IICRC technical classes in the proper removal of odors. Masking and other short cuts don't work when your odor problem is serious or persistent.

• Trauma and Crime Scene
Many times, crime and accident scenes have blood and other biohazard contaminants that pose a serious health risk. SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield will respond immediately and has the specialized training, protective equipment, and experience to safely clean trauma and crime scenes. Our first focus is always safety, since crime or accident scenes may involve bloodborne pathogens, harmful chemicals, and other dangers. We will always treat your property and the people involved with the greatest empathy and respect in the face of trying circumstances.

• Vandalism
Vandalism and graffiti can be very upsetting. The damage can range from relatively minor pranks to malicious destruction of property. Often simple acts of vandalism, like breaking a window, can cause significant water and mold damage if not addressed in a timely manner.

Have questions? Call SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield anytime at 860-649-0836.

Following IICRC Standards
The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) certifies and sets the standards for the cleaning and restoration industries. SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield professionals study IICRC standards and best practices in water restoration, fire restoration, mold remediation, carpet and upholstery cleaning, and other cleaning and restoration courses.

A Wealth Of Cleaning Information For You
Every month on our blog, SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield publishes educational articles on how to prevent natural disasters or deal with them quickly or protect your property through cleaning.

You might also want to explore the educational information on our sister franchise’s SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield’s blog.

Always Available For You
SERVPRO OF Manchester/Mansfield is always available. We offer 24/7 emergency services 365 days a year. Whatever your specialty cleaning need, whether it’s for home, business, factory, high-rise, or someplace else we can help.

SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield
IICRC Certified
540 N. Main Street
Manchester, CT 06042
Call 860.649.0836
24 hour emergency service

Water Damage Restoration

10/16/2017 (Permalink)

Quick action when you have water damage can save cost and restore your home as good as new

Water damage is a major way Manchester area homeowners and business owners lose property value and incur major repair and restoration expenses. SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield knows that water damage emergencies can be both traumatic and costly for you, your business, and your family. According to HomeAdvisor, the average cost for water damage repair across the nation is $2,154. That’s why it’s critical for water damage restoration professionals to immediately assess and fix any water damage problems.

Causes of Water Damage
Sometimes your appliances can be the culprit. A malfunctioning washer or other appliance can cause more harm than good. When your washing machine, dishwasher, sink, or toilet flood, SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield can be there to fix the problem and repair water damage quickly. SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield has experience with water damage restoration from nearly every cause you can imagine:
• Overflowing sinks, bathtubs, toilets, or showers
• Backed up sewage and septic tank lines
• Leaking or frozen water lines or pipes
• Washing machine or dishwasher overflows
• Heavy rain or storms
• Melting ice or snow
• Flooding from cresting rivers, streams, or other sources

For water damage restoration call SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield at 860-649-0836

Highly Trained Staff
The SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield staff is highly trained in water damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s Corporate Training Facility to regular IICRC industry certifications, our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your business or home from water damage. Our training program includes:
• IICRC Training
• Employee Certification Training
• Initial Franchise Training
• E-learnings
• Continuing Education Classes

Advanced Equipment
One factor that distinguishes the professionals at SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield is our advanced equipment. To do a water damage restoration project correctly requires the right equipment. Our flood damage restoration equipment means your water damage can be repaired faster and more completely. Among the tools we can call on are:

• Desiccant Dehumidifiers
• Extractors
• Moisture Meters
• Moisture Sensors
• Refrigerant Dehumidifiers
• Thermal Foggers
• Thermohygrometers
• Ultra Low Volume (ULV) Foggers

Always Available To You
SERVPRO OF Manchester/Mansfield is always available to you. We offer 24/7 emergency services 365 days a year. Whatever the cause of the water damage in your home or business, we offer a full menu of service options to restore your property. You’ll also find many educational essays on our blog that can help you tackle water damage and other issues:

You might also want to explore the educational information on our sister franchise’s SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield’s blog.

For water damage restoration call SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield at 860-649-0836

SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield will do a water damage assessment for you. We can extract water and dry affected areas and furnishings. We’ll assess and get rid of any mold issues. If water’s leaking somewhere we’ll find the leak and present you with a solution that will stop the leak. We can reconstruct and repair any damage and will even help you with your insurance claim filing.

Why People Choose SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield
Hundreds of people have called us for help with their water damage issues. They tell us that three main reasons they choose SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield are because we:
1. Respond immediately and work quickly
2. Have experience and solutions for virtually any water damage problem
3. Answer all questions and will help with insurance claims

The team at SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield is also skilled in natural disaster prevention and natural disaster cleanup. Call SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield (860.649.0836) anytime, 24/7.

SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield
IICRC Certified
540 N. Main Street
Manchester, CT 06042
Call 860.649.0836
24 hour emergency service

4 Ways To Prevent Fire

10/4/2017 (Permalink)

Knowing fire's four essential elements can help you prevent fires.

You can prevent or stop a fire by denying the fire one of the four elements it needs. Use the information here to protect yourself, your home, or your business from fires. Just eliminate heat, fuel, oxygen, or the chemical reaction. Here’s how.

1. Eliminate Heat
A fire cannot start without heat. Unfortunately, heat can build up and start a fire in many ways including contact with a flame, too much friction, or mechanical generation (like with your car’s spark plugs). Firefighter and author Scott Finazzo says heat gets transferred in one of three ways.
1. Direct contact: The heat source touches another object. A simple example is when a match touches a piece of paper.
2. Convection: the heat transfers from one location to the next by the movement of fluids. An example is how a hot stove burner transfers heat into a pot of water.
3. Radiation: Heat travels in an electromagnetic way like when you put your hands near a campfire.

For more fire prevention ideas call (860) 649-0836.

2. Deny Fuel
All fires require a fuel--something that burns. Fuel for a fire can be wood, fabric, gasoline, ethanol, hydrogen, butane, or one of many, many other substances. Surprisingly, Scott Finazzo says most solids and liquids don’t actually burn. They are heated beyond their ignition temperature and start to give off combustible vapors (a process called pyrolysis). It’s the escaping vapors that burn.

3. Take Away Oxygen
The third element fire needs is oxygen. The air we breathe is about 21 percent oxygen. That’s enough to support combustion but oxygen itself does not burn. Air with a greater percentage of oxygen in it will burn more intensely. That’s why fire is particularly dangerous in environments rich in oxygen.

4. Stop The Chemical Reaction
A chemical reaction occurs when the exact mixtures of a fire’s other three elements (heat, fuel, and oxygen) blend in the right concentration to promote ignition.

For more fire prevention ideas call (860) 649-0836.

Take away any of these four elements and you can prevent or stop a fire. Spraying water on most fires, for example, removes the heat and stops the fire. Shutting off the value to the burner on your gas stove removes the fuel and the stove top fire stops. Putting a lid on a grease fire in a frying pan takes away the oxygen and stops the flames and prevents fire damage repair. For more information about fires, like the five major classes of fires, see Scott Finazzo’s book, The Neighborhood Emergency Response Handbook. Or call SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield (860.649.0836).

Help Is Here
The team at SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield has specialized training and experience in fire restoration services, natural disaster prevention, and natural disaster cleanup. Call SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield (860.649.0836) anytime, 24/7.

More Help From Other Blog Posts
Every month SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield publishes educational blog posts on how eastern Connecticut businesses and residents can protect themselves from fire and other disasters. We want to educate you on how to deal with damage from mold, fire, water, sewage, storms, wind, and other natural causes.

You might also want to explore the educational information on our sister franchise’s SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield’s blog.

SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield
IICRC Certified
540 N. Main Street
Manchester, CT 06042
Call 860.649.0836
24 hour emergency service

Lower Fire Damage Costs

9/21/2017 (Permalink)

Acting quickly after a fire can save more of your valuable possessions and save you money

First there’s the disaster of the fire. Then may come the disaster of paying for the renovation and fire restoration. Read on to discover how you can save money and keep property damage to a minimum through SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield’s emergency mitigation services.

Recover More. Replace Less.
Your fire damaged property may look like it needs to be replaced. But with the right timing and skills your fire damaged property may actually be recoverable. Fire restoration companies like SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield can often save heirlooms. But you must act quickly. Prompt fire cleanup and restoration is important because your household items—furniture, carpet, walls, drapes, and even ceilings—can absorb smoke. If too much time elapses between when the fire damage occurs and when fire cleanup occurs, the effects of smoke damage can last for months or longer.

For professional advice on the safety of your home or business call SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield today at 860.649.0836.

Waiting Costs You
The more time between your fire and the restoration the more costs you incur and the fewer items you can restore. Depending on the extent of your fire damage and how quickly you call in professionals, you may be able to save clothing, leather, books, photographs, kitchen items, furniture, and more.

Restored Like The Fire Never Happened
SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield cleans and deodorizes restorable items, sometimes to preloss condition. Don’t throw valuables away until you’re certain they must be replaced. Save your property and save money.

Call SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield to discuss any fire damage issue. We’re the fire restoration and clean up company that has saved property and saved money for many owners of fire damaged homes and businesses in eastern Connecticut. From Manchester to Bolton, Hebron to Mansfield, Andover to Coventry, we can keep your fire cleanup and renovation costs down. We’re here to help.

For professional advice on the safety of your home or business call SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield today at 860.649.0836.

More Help From Other Blog Posts
Every month SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield publishes educational blog posts on how eastern Connecticut businesses and residents can protect themselves from disasters. We want to educate you on how to deal with damage from mold, fire, water, sewage, storms, and other natural causes.

SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield
IICRC Certified
540 N. Main Street
Manchester, CT 06042
Call 860.649.0836
24 hour emergency service

Fighting Mold With Bleach

8/31/2017 (Permalink)

Bleach can kill many types of mold but you must handle it with care

Bleach can kill virtually every species of indoor mold, along with its spores, leaving a surface sanitized and resistant to future mold growth. Unfortunately, bleach is only effective if the mold is growing on non-porous materials such as tiles, bathtubs, glass, and counter tops. Bleach cannot penetrate into porous materials and so it does not come into contact with mold growing beneath the surface of materials such as wood and drywall.

Be Careful

If you use bleach to kill mold be careful. When you use bleach you may be exposed to harsh fumes. Ventilate the area well before you start. Open nearby windows and doors and use a fan to provide fresh air. Bleach is also harsh to your skin and body. Protect your hands and arms with long sleeve waterproof gloves. Use eye protection.

Don’t Use Bleach At Full Strength

For maximum effectiveness and safety, dilute the bleach in water (one part bleach to 10 parts water.) When you’re cleaning mold with bleach don’t mix the bleach with ammonia or any other household cleaner. Apply the solution to non-porous surfaces. Non-porous means the surface doesn’t allow water or other fluids to sink in. Metals are nonporous; paper is not.

Use Extra Care Around Kids, Pets, And Food

If you will use the surface you are cleaning for food preparation or if children or pets may be exposed to the surface, rinse well after the cleaning. You don’t want any part of the bleach solution to still be present when you start reusing the surface.

If food, children, and/or pets will not be near the now mold-free surface, you don’t need to rinse afterwards. By not rinsing, the bleach will inhibit mold growing in the future.

Larger Jobs Best Left To Mold Remediation Pros

If you need to clean more than 10 square feet, check with a commercial mold remediation company like SERVPRO Of Manchester/Mansfield.

Hire With Care. Avoid This Fallacy.

Bringing in the professionals is smart, but do hire carefully. SERVPRO Of Manchester/Mansfield is a commercial mold remediation company. We’re experts in mold spore removal. Some commercial mold restoration companies advertise, “mold removal” and may even guarantee to remove all mold. This is a fallacy.

Removing all molds from a house or business is impossible because microscopic mold spores exist almost everywhere, both indoors and outdoors.

Help From Other Blog Posts
Every month SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield publishes educational blog posts on how Manchester and Mansfield area businesses and residents can protect themselves from disasters or clean up after them. We want to help educate you on how to deal with mold, fire, water, sewage, storm, and other damage. Here are a few additional blog posts that you might find helpful:

Chemical Spill Safety
Cleaning Up Chemicals Or Biohazards
Cleaning Your Home After Fire And Smoke Damage
Your Home’s Dirty Places You Don’t Know About

You might also want to explore the educational information on our sister franchise’s SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield’s blog.

SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield
Top 50 Franchise Nationally
IICRC Certified
540 N. Main Street
Manchester, CT 06042

Call 860.649.0836

24 Hour Emergency Service

Sewer Backup Dangers

8/23/2017 (Permalink)

Sewer backups are emergencies that you need to deal with quickly.

Don’t treat a sewer backup lightly. Sewer backups are emergencies. They are health hazards. Sewer water often holds bacteria, viruses, and other microbes that can lead to serious illnesses. If your sewer backs up in your home or building or on your property, know what type of sewer water you’re dealing with:

Clean Water
Some water backups are clean. Examples include a broken water supply line or leaking faucet. If you don’t treat it quickly this type of water backup can get more serious. Without attention and clean up, any water can become gray water (category 2) or black water (category 3).

Gray Water
Gray water is water from a sewer line backup that’s contaminated and could cause discomfort or illness. You have gray water (category 2) if the water’s from a washing machine overflow; a toilet overflow with some urine (no feces); or a dishwasher overflow. This type of sewer water backup can quickly degrade into black water (category 3) if not treated. Again, quick clean up is important.

Black Water
Pros use this term to describe grossly contaminated water. Sewer drain backups like this could cause severe illness or death if ingested. Avoid all contact with black water. You have black water when you have flooding from rivers or streams; water from beyond the toilet trap; water from the toilet bowl with feces; or standing water that has begun to support microbial growth.

Call SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield whenever you have sewer backup problems.

At SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield we’re trained in the safest, most advanced, and quickest ways to eliminate all sewer backups. From Manchester to Bolton, Hebron to Mansfield, Andover to Coventry, we can keep you safe and healthy!

More Help From Other Blog Posts

Every month SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield publishes educational blog posts on how Manchester/Mansfield area businesses and residents can protect themselves from disasters. We want to educate you on how to deal with mold, fire, water, sewage, storm, and other damage.

SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield
540 N. Main Street
Manchester, CT 06042
Call 860.649.0836
24 hour emergency service

Community Service: It's Important

8/16/2017 (Permalink)

Storm Damage in Manchester Rarely Minor

8/8/2017 (Permalink)

Even weak storms can cause major damage in small geographic areas

Calling storm damage in the Manchester/Mansfield area minor is a little like calling surgery minor. Storm damage is only minor when it doesn’t happen to you. Some storm damage in the Manchester area may seem slight, but even weak storms can cause major damage in a small area.

Storm damage as minor as having a small tree fall in your backyard or losing a few roof shingles can hurt. Both of these situations and many other minor storm damage events require repairs. Left alone, minor damage (like a slow water leak or a little foundation crack) can worsen over time. Preventing minor storm damage from becoming a major issue can stop higher repair bills and keep you safer.

It’s like that tag inside your shirt that rubs against your neck. That’s a small problem. But try wearing that shirt for hours. The longer you feel a slight rub, the more major that slight rub becomes, right?

For Major Storm Cleaning Or Restoration Needs: SERVPRO Of Manchester/Mansfield. Call 860.649.0836.

Ignoring Minor Storm Damage Can Lead To Major Damage

Manchester/Mansfield homeowners and business owners who don’t repair minor storm damage often are forced to face much greater damage in time. SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield can make minor repairs before they become major headaches. Fix cracked windows before they break. Stop minor water leaks before they grow. Get rid of that small patch of mold before it dominates the wall. Make small repairs at little cost so you can avoid big repairs later at major cost.

Rodent Invitation

Any opening (missing shingles, peeling siding, etc.) is an invitation for water, insects, rodents, and more. Once inside a hidden portion of your home (like a crawl space or attic) some rodents will gradually find their way into other areas of your business or home. And if your doors or windows are damaged or compromised, you’re at an increased risk for burglaries.

Extensive Restoration Training

At SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield we have extensive training in all aspects of repairs and restorations. That’s true for both residential and commercial properties. We have completed jobs of all sizes over the years, and we can successfully handle any size disaster, including the one you’re facing. Our certifications cover the many different cleaning and restorative types of work that storm damage can cause.

For Minor Storm Cleanup Or Restoration Needs: SERVPRO Of Manchester/Mansfield. Call 860.649.0836.

Having the training required to professionally repair your home's siding, roof, basement, foundation, and other components is important. SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield can restore your home or business to its previous beautiful condition.

Check Out Other Blog Posts

We’re Here To Help

Here at SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield we often work with business owners and homeowners to prevent storm damage or to repair storm damage. The team at SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield has specialized training and experience in water restoration services, natural disaster prevention, and natural disaster cleanup. Call SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield (860.649.0836) anytime.

SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield
540 N. Main Street
Manchester, CT 06042
Call 860.649.0836
24 hour emergency service

Your Business's Emergency Ready Profile

7/28/2017 (Permalink)

Don't let a storm or disaster close down your business

We have written about this topic before but it’s so important it bears repeating. Your business would be wise to create an Emergency Ready Profile as soon as you can.

Storms frequently close down businesses for good. When a business gets hits by a fire, flood, storm, or other natural disaster there’s about a 50% chance of being forced out of business. One of the best ways to prevent that from happening is to have a natural disaster response plan (our Emergency Ready Profile can be a part of that) in place before you get hit.

Of the businesses that survive a disaster, the overwhelming majority have such an emergency plan in place. The pre-planning can provide assurance and peace of mind. It saves critical time and resources when a natural disaster occurs. It can help protect lives and reduce the damage your business suffers. And having a business emergency plan greatly increases your ability to survive after the storm.

Increase your business’s ability to survive a natural disaster. Call us at 860.649.0836.

Knowing you are ready for any natural disaster communicates trust to your clients and employees because if your business is affected by a disaster, they don’t necessarily have to be. SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield can offer you, at no cost, the SERVPRO Emergency Ready Profile.

Your Emergency Ready Profile Can Reduce Post-Disaster Costs

For hundreds of businesses the SERVPRO Emergency Ready Profile has minimized the greatest cost after most natural disasters--business interruption. An Emergency Ready Profile gives businesses like yours an immediate plan of action. Knowing what to do and what to expect in advance is the key to timely mitigation. And your profile can help minimize how water, fire, wind, chemicals, and other threats affect your business.

Why Businesses Choose SERVPRO

Why do many businesses call on SERVPRO to create an Emergency Ready Profile for them? There are many answers to that question:

1. You pay nothing for this assessment of your facility.
You need no budget and get good value at no cost.

2. This concise profile document is fast and easy to complete.

SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield will only gather the critical information needed in the event of an emergency at your business facility. It takes less than 90 minutes and will not take you away from current projects. And it will save you and your business a lot of time if disaster strikes.

Increase your business’s ability to survive a natural disaster. Call us at 860.649.0836.

3. Establish SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield as your 24/7 on call disaster mitigation and restoration provider.
If disaster strikes you already have a team of recognized, experienced, local disaster recovery experts to help you immediately. We know your priorities, your people, and your needs because you have provided us with access.

4. Save money and time.

SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield’s Emergency Ready Profile identifies the line of command for authorizing work to begin. After a disaster this saves you time because we can begin the work of mitigating the damage to keep your costs down and get your back in business sooner. Our goal is always to keep the interruption to your business as small as possible. We minimize the revenue drain and any lost business.

5. Gain a ready source for facility details such as shut-off valve locations, priority areas, and emergency 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. During an emergency you are ready for whatever happens.

Increase your business’s ability to survive a natural disaster. Call us at 860.649.0836.

What’s In A SERVPRO Emergency Ready Profile?

Emergency Action Checklist
Advanced Warning and Emergency Contacts
Emergency Contacts
Main Utility Information (Shut Off Locations)
Primary Contact Information (Work Authorization Contact)
Insurance Contact Information
Property Overview
Building Access Information

How Can We Help You Today?

The team at SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield has specialized training and experience in emergency response planning, fire restoration services, flood restoration services, and natural disaster cleanup. Our restoration experts are available 24 hours a day to get your business back up and running. Our expertise also includes electronics restoration and document drying. And we’re your business’s best resource for mold mitigation and removal. Our Large Loss Division has the expertise to manage the cost and operations of large commercial disaster recovery projects. Call SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield (860.649.0836) anytime, 24/7.

SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield
IICRC Certified
Ralph DiCristofaro

40 N. Main Street
Manchester, CT 06042

Call: 860.649.0836
Fax: 860.216.2762

24 hour emergency service

25 Tips On Floods

7/17/2017 (Permalink)

Every flooding situation needs to be taken seriously.

Floods are among the most common, most costly, and most dangerous weather disasters. Even areas without heavy rain can experience extreme flooding if the area upstream has lots of rain. Rains that are light can cause flooding if the light rain continues day after day. Keep these tips in mind to avoid the dangers of floods.

Take Any Flooding Situation Seriously

1. Face reality. Flooding causes more deaths in the United States than any other natural disaster. Don’t take any flood lightly. Act early and be thorough.
2. Just six inches of rapidly flowing water can cause you to fall and be taken down stream. Don’t cross rapidly moving waters even if you think you know the terrain.
3. Cars can be swept away by as little as a foot of water. Never try to drive through flooding waters.
4. Identify local waterways that threaten you and preplan several evacuation routes from both your home and your business.
5. Talk with your family about what to do if a flood watch or warning is issued. Discussing floods ahead of time helps reduce fear, especially for younger children.

Keep Up With The Weather News

6. Copy your important documents (financial information, social security cards, birth certificates, passports, marriage certificate, etc.) and store them in a remote location like a bank safe deposit box.
7. Consult with your insurance agent about your coverage. Do you have flood insurance? Do you need flood insurance?
8. Have a weather radio, smart phone app, or other means to receive flood warnings and weather updates. Keep it close and turned on.
9. Follow all appropriate flood warnings by the National Weather Service, local media, or any official authority issuing instructions due to an impending flood.
10. Be prepared to evacuate at a moment’s notice.

Need Water Restoration Advice Or Services? Call SERVPRO Of Manchester/Mansfield At (860) 649-0836

Prepare Your Home Before You Leave It

11. In case you must leave your home quickly have an emergency bag ready by the door or where you can quickly retrieve it. Your emergency bag should include personal hygiene items, water, snacks, spare cash, a flashlight, and anything else that you or your family might need to stay safe for 72 hours or longer. Plan on at least a 3-day supply of water (one gallon per person per day) and a 3-day supply of non-perishable, easy-to-prepare food.
12. Take photographs of every room in your home or business. Be certain to capture the most valuable and hard to replace items (artwork, cars, jewelry, etc.). Store the photos on a portable device like a flash drive or memory card. Keep that device in your emergency bag.
13. If you have a sump pump make sure it’s working. Consider installing a battery-operated backup, in case of a power failure.
14. Clear debris from gutters and downspouts. You want heavy rain to fall outside your house not be directed inside your house through clogged gutters.
15. Move outdoor furniture or decorative items inside. Move important, valuable items upstairs.

Avoid Flood Waters And Power Lines

16. Turn off water, gas, and electricity at the main shut-offs and unplug electrical equipment.
17. Before you leave your home or business lock all doors and windows.
18. Avoid flood waters. They’re usually toxic and filled with hazardous materials and bacteria.
19. Keep children out of the water. They are curious and often lack judgment about running water or contaminated water.
20. Avoid downed power lines that could go unnoticed in water, on the ground, or on a chain-link fence.

Evacuate

21. Evacuate to a safe location. Be sure to take your weather radio or other means of keeping up with the weather news with you.
22. Stay away from animals. They may be afraid and defend themselves aggressively.
23. Be especially cautious at night when it’s harder to recognize flood danger.
24. Stay calm so you’ll think better. Panic doesn’t help.
25. If you have pets the Red Cross recommends consider a pet emergency kit.

Here To Help
The team at SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield has specialized training and experience in water restoration services, natural disaster prevention, and natural disaster cleanup. Call SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield (860.649.0836) anytime, 24/7.

SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield
IICRC Certified
Ralph DiCristofaro
540 N. Main Street
Manchester, CT 06042
Call 860.649.0836
24 hour emergency service

Wrapping Your Mind Around A Natural Disaster

7/3/2017 (Permalink)

You can greatly lessen the stress of a disaster by being mentally prepared

When you’re mentally prepared for something—anything—dealing with it is easier. That’s even true for dealing with a major fire, flood, or other natural disaster restoration. Storm damage or an earthquake can wreak havoc on land and property but they don’t have to cause such severe stress and fear that you sink into a debilitating state of mind. You can stay calm and effective after even the worst natural disaster. Here are some pointers.

1. Prepare physically
Preparing yourself physically helps prepare your mind. Have your home (or business) well protected from natural disaster threats. Know your emergency evacuation route. Have essentials and valuables in an emergency kit you can quickly grab on your way to safety. Preparing physically will give you and your family some peace of mind should a natural disaster strike. You’ll have a plan to follow and that can keep you calm and keep your stress level down. The same principle applies to your business and your employees.

In "How to Mentally Prepare for Disasters and Emergencies" Ramani Durvasula, a licensed clinical psychologist, says preparation is key. “[Preparation] can largely help because it can address real anxieties about clean water, food, etc.,” Ramani says. “With those real issues addressed, it makes it easier to simply focus on the psychological symptoms of anxiety and manage those without worrying about being hungry.”

2. Acknowledge the disaster’s severity without letting it overwhelm you
We all have much less understanding of how we would react in an emergency than we think we do. Things like five foot high flames, cars floating down flooded streets, and 90 mile-an-hour winds have a way of causing extreme emotion and stress. Our logic and reason can be severely taxed. Allow yourself to take in what’s happened but don’t become immobile. Accept reality but do respond. You can always do something to make things better, safer, or start the recovery process.

Think about and realize what you may have to do during and after a natural disaster. Yes, your role could be physically, mentally, and emotionally challenging. By accepting and understanding that reality now, you’ll be better able to manage your actions and decisions if an emergency occurs. By acknowledging the damage after a disaster you’ll begin to assess the best course of action and generate the ideas you need to start moving on a positive path.

Get Smarter About Dealing With Natural Disasters. Call SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield at 860-649-0836.

3. Try the power of visualization
First responders, fire fighters, and other people who often have to deal with major natural disasters sometimes use the strategy of envisioning worst-case scenarios. They think about the sights, sounds, smells, and emotions that occur during a major natural disaster. By envisioning in detail, they create in their brains a bookmark similar to an actual experience. Later, the brain can “refer back to” what the person envisioned. The brain searches for how the person reacted to the earlier experience and the decisions made then, even if the experience and decisions were only in the mind. Fabricated memories can help direct behavior toward logic and reason in critical, stressful situations.

4. Redefine courage
Think of courage not as the state of lacking any fear but as the ability to be afraid but act effectively in spite of your fear. Survivors and heroes feel fear just like you and I. What’s the difference between them and us? They have learned to manage their fear. They acknowledge the crisis and look ahead and think about what they need to do next to be safe, protect others, and recover. Know that in an emergency you will be fearful but the best thing you can do is to act in ways that get you out of the fearful situation.

5. Use relaxation techniques
Some experts recommend getting your fear and emotions under control through breathing, relaxation, and meditation exercises. If you practice and trust your relaxation techniques you can adapt those techniques to almost any situation or emergency. You might also consider cognitive restructuring. It’s a useful technique for transforming negative thinking into more positive thinking. Cognitive restructuring can change attitudes, values, or beliefs in ways that alter self-expression.

Help Is Here
The team at SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield has specialized training and experience in fire restoration services, natural disaster prevention, and natural disaster cleanup. Call SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield (860.649.0836) anytime, 24/7.

SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield
IICRC Certified
Ralph DiCristofaro
540 N. Main Street
Manchester, CT 06042
Call 860.649.0836
24 hour emergency service

10 Steps To A Safer Home

6/19/2017 (Permalink)

Your home is your castle. Let’s keep it that way. Here are some ways you can prevent unexpected home disasters from happening. Preparation is always better than dealing with a disaster in your home.

1. Know some fire hazards aren’t obvious.
You may be unaware of many of the items in your home that can cause a fire risk. For example, lint build-up in your clothes dryer is a fire risk. Clean out the lint filter every time you use the dryer and check the exhaust pipe and vent weekly. Another surprising fire hazard is battery-charged appliances. They can overheat and produce flames. We know a family who keeps a large stock of paper goods in an open closet where a family member smokes. Go through your house looking for hazards like these. Check for anything that might be a fire hazard and take precautions.

2. Test for radon.
This colorless, odorless gas is the second leading cause of lung cancer. Test every three years. A tightly sealed home increases your risk.

3. Replace old electric blankets.
After 10 years heating pads and electric blankets can cause a fire hazard. Replace any heating pad or electric blanket that has a charred spot or a frayed or cracked electrical cord.

4. Install carbon monoxide detectors on every floor.
If your home is like most you probably have carbon monoxide alarms on the main floor and near the bedrooms. Fire prevention experts recommend also placing carbon monoxide detectors on other floors, including your basement.

5. Get rid of old space heaters.
Space heaters are a prime cause of home fires. Replace old space heaters with the newer models that turn off automatically if they tip over or get overly hot.

For Cleanup Or Restoration Needs Call SERVPRO Of Manchester/Mansfield At (860) 649-0836

6. Check for mold every 3-5 years.
Mold damages your respiratory and immune systems. Buy a do-it-yourself kit or hire SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield to detect mold every 3-5 years.

7. Smoke only outside the house.
More fire deaths are caused by smoking inside the home than are caused by any other factor. If someone must smoke on your property have them smoke outside. Always dampen butts and ashes before throwing them away.

8. Place critical papers in a fireproof box.
You may want to include your identification papers (like your Social Security card, passport, and birth certificate) in a fireproof box. Consider adding financial records, family photographs, and emergency cash in small bills.

9. Keep trees and shrubs away from your roof and foundation.
Dead branches hanging over your roof can fall and create damage. Shrubs that brush against your house can bring an outdoor fire right into your home. Roots from trees planted too close to your foundation can interfere with your basement floor or foundation walls.

10. Keep gutters, fireplaces, chimneys in good repair and clean.
Water builds up in clogged gutters, drains, and downspouts. It can then find its way into your house. That’s a disaster. Also, have a professional inspect your chimney and fireplace once a year. During the year you can use binoculars to examine the outside of your chimney for any cracks or signs of damage. Your chimney flue should be cleaned and inspected by a certified chimney sweep.

For Cleanup Or Restoration Needs Call SERVPRO Of Manchester/Mansfield At (860) 649-0836

More Steps To A Safer Home
Every month on the SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield blog we publish educational articles on how you can help protect your home or business from disasters and how to deal with mold, fire, water, sewage, smoke, chemical, or other damage.

Call On Us
We’re here to help you. The team at SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield has specialized training and experience in virtually all aspects of cleaning up after water, sewer, fire, smoke, wind, chemical, or other similar natural disasters. Call SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield at (860.649.0836) anytime, 24/7.

SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield
IICRC Certified
Ralph DiCristofaro
540 N. Main Street
Manchester, CT 06042
Call 860.649.0836
24 hour emergency service

Businesses Can Avoid Many Disasters

6/2/2017 (Permalink)

Protect your business by having an emergency plan in place.

Saving time and money through a lack of planning doesn’t work in business. It also doesn’t work in minimizing the costly effects of natural disasters. Smart businesses do think and prepare for common disasters. Those businesses also don’t fool themselves into thinking the business property and employees are well protected when they’re not.

Emergency Plan
Most commercial businesses understand the importance of having a written emergency plan. A plan like the SERVPRO Emergency Ready Profile can help prevent or minimize a business disaster repair. It can keep costs down. And after disaster strikes an Emergency Ready Profile can help you get your business back in business sooner. But just having a plan isn’t enough.

Need Expert Disaster Preparation Advice? Call SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield At 860.649.0836

Creating a plan like the SERVPRO Emergency Ready Profile eliminates some risks. For example, thinking through and acting on an emergency plan might cause your business to get rid of dangerous chemicals that currently are stored on site. Or creating your Emergency Ready Profile could identify a serious flaw in your building evacuation plan or a weakness in your sprinkler system so you can correct it before damage occurs. But businesses with an emergency plan sometimes rest too easy.

Why Having A Plan Isn’t Enough
Your business needs to keep the emergency plan up-to-date. You cannot create an Emergency Ready Profile and let it sit on a hard drive or shelf somewhere without further thought. Say for example that you built a comprehensive emergency plan two years ago. Since that time your business has added new machinery housed in a new addition to your facility. The plan must be updated to take into account the new addition and machinery. Or imagine your business has grown and you’ve added 10 new employees. How will they be made aware of the emergency plan? Will the addition of new employees mean you need to adjust your emergency evacuation procedures?

How To Keep Your Emergency Plan Effective
Here are a few things your business can do if your emergency plan isn’t current:
1. Review your plan every year. Look for gaps.
Are all facilities covered?
Are the phone numbers and contact information for emergency responders up to date?
Have you made renovations that should be noted in the plan?
Have you added or moved hazardous material or valuable equipment?
2. Conduct training for the team charged with implementing the plan.
3. Make sure all the key players know how to immediately access your business’s emergency plan.
4. Have SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield analyze your plan.
5. Ask a new facility manager or other key employee to test your business’s emergency plan.
Does the plan make sense to them?
Would they add or change anything?
6. Re-evaluate who’s in charge of the plan.
During a natural disaster you want the decision-makers to be people who remain calm.
The disaster team should know the plan and be able to make quick decisions.
Your team should also know how to actively engage others and give clear direction.

Need Expert Disaster Preparation Advice? Call SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield At 860.649.0836

7. Run a disaster drill.
Conduct a mock exercise around the table with all the key players.
Or conduct a full scale mock disaster around your facility.

Plan To Prevent Or Minimize Disasters
You protect lives, save money, and guard your business best when you plan for disaster before any disaster happens. Having a complete emergency plan, including an Emergency Ready Profile; having a trained disaster team in place; and knowing the steps you will take does more than bring peace of mind. It helps protect your business and your employees from the huge personal and business costs involved in a major disaster.

Disasters Permanently Close 50% Of Businesses
When a natural disaster strikes, one out of every two businesses never returns to the marketplace. And of those businesses that do recover, half go bankrupt within three years. The commercial businesses and facilities that do survive disasters are usually those with an up-to-date and well thought out emergency plan in place before the flood, storm, fire, hurricane, or other disaster strikes.

More Home Disaster Prevention Information
Every month on the SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield blog we publish educational articles on how you can help protect your home and business from disasters and how to deal with mold, fire, water, sewage, smoke, chemical, or other damage.

Call On Us
We’re here to help you. The team at SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield has specialized training and experience in virtually all aspects of cleaning up after water, sewer, fire, smoke, wind, chemical, or other similar natural disasters. You can create your own Emergency Ready Profile with us in less than an hour. That time could save you days of business interruption and help keep the cost of any damage from a disaster down. Call SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield at (860.649.0836) anytime, 24/7.

We protect businesses and facilities in many towns including:
  Andover  Hebron
Bolton   Manchester
  Columbia  Mansfield
  Coventry  Storrs

SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield
IICRC Certified
Ralph DiCristofaro
540 N. Main Street
Manchester, CT 06042
Call 860.649.0836
24 hour emergency service

Fire Damaged Property? A Money-Saving Idea

5/19/2017 (Permalink)

Act quickly and you can often save money and possessions after a fire.

A fire in your home or business is terrible. The damage can overwhelm you, but don’t let that happen. By acting quickly and making good decisions you can often save money and save some possessions that at first you thought you had lost forever.

How To Save Some Valuables
The more time between your fire and the restoration, the more costs you incur and the fewer items you can restore. At SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield we know that—depending on the extent of the fire damage—people have saved valuable possessions that looked like a total loss. SERVPRO clients have saved clothing, leather, books, photographs, kitchen items, furniture, and more.

Must Replace? No, It’s Restorable
Fire damaged property may be burnt or smoke-filled. You may think the best thing to do is to throw things away. Actually, a professional fire restoration crew can often point out items that are recoverable. But prompt fire cleanup and restoration is important because the items found in your home—furniture, carpet, walls, drapes, and even ceilings—can absorb smoke. If too much time elapses between when the fire damage occurs and when fire cleanup occurs, the effects of smoke damage can last for months.

Good As New
SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield cleans and deodorizes restorable items. Sometimes we can restore them to preloss condition. Don’t throw away any valuables until you’re certain they must be replaced. Save your property and save money. That’s a win/win!
Call SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield to discuss.

Call SERVPRO Of Manchester/Mansfield At 860.649.0836.

We’re the fire restoration and clean up company that has saved property and saved money for the owners of fire damaged businesses and homes. Whether you're in Bolton or Coventry, Andover or Hebron, Columbia or Mansfield, we can help.

Every fire, smoke, and soot damage event is different and requires a unique solution, but SERVPRO’s general process stays the same. At SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield here are the steps we follow after a fire damage emergency.

Step 1: Emergency Contact
The restoration process begins when you call the SERVPRO National Call Center, which is staffed 24 hours a day. Our representative will ask a series of questions regarding the fire damage event that will help us dispatch the nearest crew with the appropriate equipment and resources.

Step 2: Inspection and Fire Damage Assessment
Our professionals will carefully inspect and test adjoining rooms of your business or home 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 protect against further damage, SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield can board up missing windows and walls and place tarps on any damaged roofs.

Step 4: Water Removal and Drying (if water damage is present)
The water removal process begins almost immediately. We remove the majority of the water. Then we use dehumidifiers and air movers to remove the remaining water and complete the drying process.

Step 5: Smoke and Soot Removal
It’s critical at this stage to remove the smoke and soot from all surfaces—ceilings, walls, and others. Fire does the initial damage. Damage from smoke and soot can be just as devastating.

Step 6: Cleaning and Sanitizing
SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield will clean all of your restorable items and structures that were damaged by the fire. We use a variety of cleaning techniques to restore your possessions to pre-fire condition. We also can 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 restoration may entail major repairs such as the reconstruction of various areas or rooms in a home or business.

You can save money and possessions when you use trained professionals immediately after a fire. You’re back in business or back in your home faster with less damage when you act quickly.

SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield
IICRC Certified
Noemi DiCristofaro
Certified SERVPRO technicians
Call 860.216.2785 24 hour emergency service

Home Disasters You Can Avoid

5/18/2017 (Permalink)

Fix a small problem before it becomes a big problem

You cannot stop a hurricane, flood, fire, or other disasters but you can avoid many types of mini-disasters. When you proactively deal with these minor headaches you can prevent or lessen the impact of many major headaches later. Don’t let these little issues fester and grow and become sparks for huge problems.

1. Overgrown trees and shrubs

Signs: Do tree branches extend over your roof? Are large bushes growing close to your foundation? Do you have tall within feet of your foundation? These are some signs that your house may be unnecessarily endangered.

Act now because: In a storm large tree branches can fall on and damage your roof, siding, and windows. Trees that grown too large too close to your home or business can grow roots underneath the foundation and cause the foundation to uplift. Roots from bushes and trees can sometimes penetrate existing cracks in your foundation. Even healthy trees can fall on your home if they’re tall enough and are struck by lightning or hit by high winds.

Action to consider: Trim back branches so they don’t come within five feet of your roof. Consider replacing overgrown bushes with smaller ones and plant them at least six feet from your foundation. Ask a tree expert to consult with you on the health of large trees on your property and whether they pose a threat to your home or business. Read this for more about tree dangers.

2. An Aging Roof

Signs: Cracked, curled, or missing shingles mean your roof is near its life’s end. Leaking may soon start or even be in progress in areas where you can’t notice it. Other signs include cracks in the flashing around chimneys, skylights, roof valleys, and the rubber boots around vents.

Act now because: If your roof doesn't provide a proper barrier to rain and snow, water can find its way to your home's drywall and insulation, leading to rot and interior water damage.

Action to consider: You might be able to replace a shingle here and there, or patch leaky flashing. But if your roof is more than 20 years old, it's probably time for a new one. If it's an asphalt shingle roof with only one layer, you might be able to add a second layer over it, lowering the project costs significantly.

3. Rainwater Runs Or Pools Where It Shouldn’t

Signs: When it rains the water pours over your gutters and/or puddles along your foundation walls.

Act now because: Water can quickly damage or ruin siding and foundation walls. If it pools around your foundation it will eventually find its way inside your home and damage floors, walls, and more.

Action to consider: Inspect all your gutters. Remove all clogs and patch any holes You can clear clogs yourself, but if your metal gutters are corroded, talk to a pro about replacing them.

Want Help? Call SERVPRO Of Manchester/Mansfield At 860.649.0836.

4. Ants, Termites, Or Other Pests

Signs: If you see rotted wood in the sill plate that sits on top of the foundation and cast-off wings along window sills and walls you’re seeing evidence of termites. Piles of sawdust along baseboards are a sign of carpenter ants.

Act now because: Tiny as they are, termites, ants, and other insects can cause major structural problems if left to nosh on your home's wooden framework.

Action to consider: Call an exterminator. Check for accreditation on the database of the National Pest Management Association (pestworld.org). If you’re thinking of hiring an exterminator get quotes from two or three so you can compare prices, customer service, and professionalism.

5. Cracks in your home’s foundation

Signs: Do you have cracks in the concrete, especially cracks that are wider than 3/16 inch? Do you have a wall that’s bulging and buckling?

Act now because: An unstable foundation can compromise the entire structure of your business or house.

Action to consider: You can probably fill hairline cracks with an epoxy injection system. But if the cracks seem to be getting bigger consult a structural engineer.

Want Help? Call SERVPRO Of Manchester/Mansfield At 860.649.0836.

6. Mold and mildew

Signs: Musty odors, dank air, and black mold spores growing on surfaces such as your bathroom ceilings.

Act now because: Any surfaces that harbor extensive mold (including drywall, carpet, and ceiling tiles) need to be removed. If you don’t remove moldy surfaces eventually mold spores will be released into the air, causing allergic reactions and asthma attacks.

Actions to consider: If you catch them early, patches of mold less than 10 square feet can be treated with a homemade solution of one cup of chlorine bleach per gallon of water. Wear an N-95 disposable respirator, goggles, and heavy-duty gloves. For larger outbreaks, or if the ventilation system is contaminated, call in a mold-remediation pro like SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield.

More Home And Business Disaster Prevention Information
Every month on the SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield blog we publish educational articles about how you can help protect your home and business from disasters and how to deal with mold, fire, water, sewage, or other damage.

Your Natural Disaster Cleanup and Restoration Service
SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield has expertise in natural disaster preparation, cleanup, and restoration. If you suffer fire, water, mold, chemical, or storm damage, call SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield (860.649.0836) anytime. We've served commercial businesses and homeowners in Andover, Bolton, Columbia, Coventry, Hebron, Manchester, and Mansfield.

SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield
540 N. Main Street
Manchester, CT 06042
Call 860.649.0836
24 hour emergency service

Business Emergencies In Manchester

4/28/2017 (Permalink)

In Manchester and elsewhere, being prepared for a natural disaster is a huge factor in keeping the damage and costs down.

No business owner likes to think about disaster. But being prepared for a commercial natural disaster and having an emergency plan can save time, money, and even lives.

What if a storm severely damaged your business? Would you and your business employees know what to do? Would you act quickly and do the most important tasks first? For businesses in Manchester and the region, here are some ways you can become more prepared.

An Emergency Checklist

SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield has a top line action checklist built especially for events involving severe water or fire damage. Most of the items apply to many other types of storms and disaster. All of the items are designed to keep your business employees safe and help reduce business interruption (the time your company is out of business because of the results of a disaster).

1. Be Out In Front: Be Alert And Stay Informed

When severe weather is approaching or other potential danger is near your Manchester business, stay tuned in to those sources that give you the latest local information. Usually, that means listening to local weather reports or news reports. Think about precautions you may want to take before the emergency hits. That could include things like moving your business vehicles to higher ground, turning off utilities, disconnecting electrical equipment, sending employees home, and other steps.

2. Safety First And Always

Make your employees’ safety your first priority. That includes items like having a business evacuation plan, identifying designated meeting places outside your building, appointing team leaders who can keep track of employees, keeping all safety equipment in good order, and more.

3. Stop Damage At Its Source

A disaster may originate in your building or on your property. If so, you may be able to reduce or stop the water, fire, smoke, chemical, or other damage with fast action. For example, if a chemical leak starts a fire, shut down the source of that chemical. Stay safe and do not hesitate to call the local fire, police, or other authorities.

4. Notify Your Emergency Contacts

Have a list of the places you need to call in an emergency and call them immediately. Depending on the situation, your emergency contacts might include the Manchester Fire Department and the Manchester Police Department. The list should be readily available throughout your facility. A small team of employees should be trained in when to call, who to call, and what information to gather before making the call.

5. Call SERVPRO

Every week, sometimes every day, SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield responds to residential and business emergency situations. We know what to do to keep you, your employees, and your business property safe and minimize damage. After a natural disaster strikes, our goal is to make your business fully operational again as quickly as possible.

Call SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield 24/7. Call 860.649.0836.

6. Notify Key Contacts

Key contacts are different than emergency contacts. Emergency contacts are community or governmental resources that will help you deal with the damage or disaster. Key contacts are people like your property manager, insurance agent, maintenance crew, and others you need to inform and who can offer restoration, clean up, repair, or other types of help after the disaster is over.

7. Secure Your Business Property

Once it’s safe to do so, secure your building and property. That might mean putting tarps over a damaged roof, covering broken windows, or doing other tasks that will protect your property from further damage.

8. Have Before Photos And Take After Photos

You will improve your ability to collect full damages from your insurance company by taking pictures of everything the water, fire, or other elements damaged. It’s also good to have pictures of how your building and property looked prior to the damage for comparison sake.

9. Write An Event Summary

Details build your case with your insurance company. Write down as many significant facts as you can: time of the damage, extend of the damage, actions you took, and more. Not only does this help advance your insurance claim, it can also help you decide what worked well and what you need to change the next time you have to respond to an emergency.

Call SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield 24/7. Call 860.649.0836.

10. Review Emergency Plans Frequently

Create an emergency plan and train a small group of employees in how to implement the plan. Just like fire drills are a good idea, having a mock disaster run through can help prepare people while identifying any missing elements or opportunities to improve the plan.

More Safety Information Every month we publish educational articles on how to protect your home and business from disasters and how to deal with mold, fire, water, chemical, or other damage.

Call On Us

The team at SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield has specialized training and experience in virtually all aspects of assessing and cleaning up after a natural disaster. Rely on the professionals. Call SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield at 860.649.0836 anytime, 24/7. SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield IICRC Certified Ralph DiCristofaro 540 N. Main Street Manchester, CT 06042

Call 860.649.0836 24 hour emergency service

Home Fire Safety Checklist

4/18/2017 (Permalink)

Do a safety check around your home

This quick checklist can help you reduce the risk of fire in your home and protect your family from smoke cleanup.

• Keep matches and lighters away from children.
• Check electrical appliances for loose or frayed cords.
• Be sure to never place electrical cords under rugs or carpets.
• Don’t overload any electrical outlet.
• Make sure none of your lamps or fixtures are in contact with any fabric.
• Install GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) outlets near water sources like your kitchen and bathrooms.
• Have your furnace inspected every year by a licensed professional.
• Keep any space heaters away from flammable items like curtains, reading material, and bed sheets.
• Equip your fireplace with a metal fire screen or heat-tempered glass doors.
• Have your fireplace cleaned and inspected every year.

For home safety advice call SERVPRO Of Manchester/Mansfield Today At 860.649.0836

Safety Equipment
• Install smoke alarms on every level of your home and in each sleeping area.
• Change smoke alarm batteries every year and keep the alarms in working order.
• Replace your smoke alarms every 10 years.
• Install a carbon monoxide alarm on every floor of your home.
• Keep at least one working fire extinguisher in your home and make sure everyone knows how to use it and where it’s kept.
• Consider keeping emergency safety ladders in all bedrooms above the ground floor.

Home Escape Plan
• Identify two ways out of each room, including any basement rooms.
• Create an escape plan and practice with the entire family.
• Make certain everyone in the family knows and abides by the rule: In case of fire, get out of the house and stay out.
• Select a family meeting place.

For home safety advice call SERVPRO Of Manchester/Mansfield Today At 860.649.0836

More Safety Information
Every month we publish educational articles on how to protect your home and business from disasters and how to deal with mold, fire, water, chemical, or other damage.

Call On Us
The team at SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield has specialized training and experience in virtually all aspects of preventing, assessing and cleaning up after a natural disaster. Rely on the professionals. Call SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield at 860.649.0836 anytime, 24/7.

SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield
IICRC Certified
Ralph DiCristofaro
540 N. Main Street
Manchester, CT 06042
Call 860.649.0836
24 hour emergency service

Cleaning Up Chemicals Or Biohazards

4/5/2017 (Permalink)

Chemical spills and biohazards affect tens of thousands of businesses and homes every year.

Somehow people see the danger in fires and tornadoes and floods more readily than they tend to see the danger in spilled chemicals or biohazards. In a way, that makes chemicals and biohazards even more dangerous because we may not use as much caution around them as we do with other natural disasters. And chemical spills are a frequent problem. Dangerous chemical spills and biohazards affect tens of thousands of homes and businesses every year.

A biohazard is a biological substance that's dangerous (unhealthy or unsafe) to people or the environment. Many biohazards are made of bacteria or other microorganisms. Medical waste, sewage backups, pesticides, animal byproducts, and contaminated flood waters are other examples of biohazards. A chemical spill is when a chemical is accidentally released. In the case of non-toxic chemicals, dealing with a spill can be straightforward, since the spill simply needs to be cleaned up. Some common spills involve diesel fuel, paint products, and pesticides.

Leave The Area
After a toxic chemical spill or biohazard event, leave the site. Don’t return to the site until you know it’s safe or until you know exactly what you’re dealing with and have the proper equipment to protect yourself and perform the cleanup. Call emergency service personnel if the situation may be life-threatening. Treat all bodily fluids as if they are contaminated. And turn off the HVAC system if the hazard involves sewage damage.

Biohazard Don’ts
•    Don’t leave wet fabrics in place. Hang furs and leather goods.
•    Don’t leave books, magazines, or other colored items on wet carpets or floors.
•    Don’t use your household vacuum to remove water.
•    Don’t use your television or other household appliances.
•    Don’t turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet.
•    Stay out of rooms where ceilings are sagging.

Major Vs. Minor Spills
In general terms, a major spill involves a substance that is flammable, reactive, or toxic. Any chemical or biohazard event is major if so much has been spilled that you cannot clean it up or if anyone has been exposed to a dangerous chemical. A minor spill is one involving a substance of low to moderate danger that no one has been exposed to and that you have the right equipment and training to clean up.

More Home Disaster Prevention Information
Every month on the SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield blog we publish educational articles on how businesses and homeowners can protect themselves from disasters and how to deal with mold, fire, water, sewage, or other damage.

For Biohazard Cleanup Or Restoration Needs Call SERVPRO Of Manchester/Mansfield At 860.649.0836 Anytime

Here For You
In the Manchester/Mansfield office the SERVPRO team has specialized training and experience in water damage restoration services, fire damage restoration services, mold remediation, commercial services, biohazards, and natural disaster cleanup. Call SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield 860.649.0836 anytime, 24/7.

SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield
540 N. Main Street
Manchester, Connecticut 06042
IICRC Certified
Ralph DiCristofaro
Certified SERVPRO technicians
Call 860.649.0836

After Water Damage Removing The Water Isn't Enough

3/20/2017 (Permalink)

After water removal you need dehumidification.

Maybe you've had a flood, sewage overflow, rain leak, or other water disaster. Whatever caused the water damage it isn’t enough to just remove the visible water. Your floors and walls may look dry when the standing water you can see is gone, but they may still be still wet to the touch. After water removal you need dehumidification.

Most building materials (plaster, drywall, wood, etc.) are porous and will retain significant water. The retained water will cause these materials to warp, swell, or break down and can also cause a need for mold damage cleanup.

Get Rid Of Moisture. Call SERVPRO Today At 860.649.0836

SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield technicians can manipulate temperature and relative humidity to remove the remaining moisture. We use specialized equipment, including industrial air movers and dehumidifiers, to remove water and other moisture retained by building materials. Our professional technicians carefully monitor the progress using moisture meters until the materials in your home or business return to acceptable drying goals.

Without this process of dehumidification you can suffer more unseen damage and live in an unhealthy, mold-infested environment.

Don’t Cut The Drying Process Short
We can dry your carpets in 24 hours. Moderately wet drywall dries in 1-3 days. Other materials like hardwood flooring, plaster, concrete, and wood may require 7-10 days to dry. Contractors and claims professionals who promise to dry your home or business in three days are ignoring basic scientific principles. Don’t short change the drying process.

Use A Scientific Process
Structural drying is a scientific process that requires professional water damage training and the use of specialized instruments. Your property’s damage is very site-specific. One solution does not fit all. SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield water damage technicians are highly trained in psychrometrics, the science of drying, and always use IICRC S500 industry standards for professional water damage restoration.

Get Rid Of Moisture. Call SERVPRO Today At 860.649.0836

Drying And Restoration Step By Step
Our water damage restoration techniques include:
•   Removing standing water and recovering your assets
•   Measuring moisture and recording all damage
•   Detecting any leaks (non-invasively)
•   Drying your home or business structure by technical means
•   Restoring machinery, electrical appliances, equipment and furniture, files, and documents
•   Cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting to destroy micro-organisms and mold
•   Removing or neutralizing odors

We’re here to help you.

The team at SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield has specialized training and experience in virtually all aspects of cleaning up after water, sewer, fire, mold, smoke, or other similar damage. Call SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield (860.649.0836) anytime, 24/7.

More Safety Information
Every month we publish educational articles on how to protect your home and business from disasters and how to deal with mold, fire, water, chemical, or other damage.

SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield
IICRC Certified
Ralph DiCristofaro
540 N. Main Street
Manchester, CT 06042
Call 860.649.0836
24 hour emergency service

Chemical Spill Safety

3/10/2017 (Permalink)

Never re-enter your home or commercial property after a chemical spill until emergency crews say it's safe to do so.

Floods, storms, hurricanes, and other disasters often cause chemical spills. You never want to re-enter your home or commercial property after a chemical spill until emergency crews have completed their work and the buildings are considered safe. Even then, the federal government’s Environmental Protection Agency advises you to take precautions like:

Look carefully for and avoid leaking containers, especially of chemicals like caustic drain cleaners and chloride bleach.
•    Keep other people and pets away from leaking or spilled chemicals.
•    Clearly mark and set aside unbroken containers until they can be properly disposed of.
•    Leave damaged or unlabeled chemical containers undisturbed whenever possible.
•    Don’t turn on drinking water pumps (risk of electric shock) or use the septic system until you have it inspected.
Avoid flood water. Often, flood water is contaminated with raw sewage or hazardous chemicals.

For Chemical Spill Advice Call SERVPRO Of Manchester/Mansfield At (860) 649-0836

Don’t combine chemicals from leaking or damaged containers. Doing so may produce dangerous or violent reactions.
•    Don’t dump chemicals down drains, storm sewers, or toilets.
•    Never attempt to burn household or business chemicals.
•    After a chemical spill open all the windows.

What If You Smell Gas?

If you smell gas or hear the sound of escaping gas, don't smoke, light matches, or operate electrical switches. Don't use either cell or conventional telephones or create any other source of ignition. Leave the home or building immediately. Leave the door open and any windows that may already be open. Notify emergency authorities. Don't return to the building until you are told by authorities that it is safe to do so.

Stay Away from Building Materials

Avoid walking over or otherwise disturbing building materials. Building materials may contain hazardous chemicals or components such as asbestos. These materials, when carried by the air, can be breathed in and cause adverse health effects. Staying away can prevent physical injury and other health issues. If you suspect that asbestos containing materials may be present in your building or home, do not enter.

For Chemical Spill Advice Call SERVPRO Of Manchester/Mansfield At (860) 649-0836

Possible Asbestos Materials

According to the EPA asbestos mainly affects the lungs and the membrane that surrounds the lungs. Breathing high levels of asbestos fibers for a long time may result in scar-like tissue in the lungs and in the pleural membrane (lining) that surrounds the lung. Asbestos-containing materials often include the following:
•    Boiler/pipe insulation
•    Fireproofing
•    Floor tiles
•    Asbestos roofing
•    Transite boards used in laboratory tabletops and in acoustics in auditoriums, music rooms and phone booths

Federal, state, and local personnel are often deployed to affected areas to establish debris-management programs, including household hazardous waste collection and disposal programs. These efforts may take days or weeks to come to all communities. In the meantime, the EPA urges people to exercise caution. Report any concerns to your local environmental, health, and waste disposal authorities.

More Safety Information
Every month we publish educational articles on how to protect your home and business from disasters and how to deal with mold, fire, water, chemical, or other damage.

Call On Us

The team at SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield has specialized training and experience in virtually all aspects of assessing and cleaning up after a natural disaster. Rely on the professionals. Call SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield at 860.649.0836 anytime, 24/7.

SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield
IICRC Certified
Noemi Garcia
Certified SERVPRO technicians
Call 860.649.0836
24 hour emergency service

Water Disaster? Use The Pros.

3/6/2017 (Permalink)

Acting fast after water damage can limit the damage and restore your property more quickly at less expense.

How much long-term damage water does to your home or business depends a lot on you. After a water disaster (flood, leak, storm, ice melt, sewage flow) at your home or commercial property you need to act fast. Acting fast can limit water damage cleanup and restore your property more quickly at less expense.

Excessive standing water can pose health hazards, ruin valuable property, damage furniture and art, and weaken the structural integrity of your home or business. We recommend you hire a professional water removal service. Here are four reasons why you should depend on professionals like SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield:

1. What Looks Dry May Not Be Dry
You may not be safe even after the visible water is removed. Furnishings and buildings can soak in and retain excessive levels of moisture. That promotes microorganism development and fungi growth, even when you don’t see any water. SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield uses a professional drying process that includes specialized air movers and dehumidifiers. It’s a surer, more thorough, and faster way to remove water and moisture. We continue the drying process until moisture measurement inspections indicate the ambient air humidity is back to normal.

2. Prevent Dangerous Bacterial Growth
Standing or slowly dripping water attracts microorganisms. These forms of bacteria can breed very quickly. Moisture is the driving force allowing growth of mold, mildew, and bacteria. A thorough drying is essential to assure your health and safety.

Concerned About Water Damage? Call SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield Today At 860.649.0836

3. Salvage Your Possessions
Materials and furniture exposed to excessive water must be carefully evaluated. A SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield professional can evaluate and explain to you what’s safe to keep and what must be discarded. We use a proprietary software technology called CCIS to inventory each room. We list categories of not-salvageable, salvageable, and questionable items and materials for you and your insurance adjuster. Then you can decide how to proceed with your water damage restoration process. We strongly believe in restoring rather than replacing your possessions whenever possible. Restoring rather than replacing keeps your costs down. Restoring sometimes gives people back possessions they thought were gone forever.

4. Protect Your Health And Safety
Attempting to remedy water damaged possessions and materials on your own can cause physical stress and unwanted, unknown exposure to health hazards such as category 3 water. Category 3 is the worst classification of water. It means the water is grossly unsanitary and could cause severe illness or death if ingested. You may hear category 3 water called black water. Sources of category 3 water include sewer backup, flooding from rivers or streams, toilet overflow with feces, and stagnant liquid that has begun to support bacterial growth. Whether your water is category 3 or not, safety clothing, gear, equipment, and know-how are essential aspects leading to a safe and effective water damage restoration process.

What Should You Look For In A Water Removal Company?
• Industry experience and leadership
• A reputation for professionalism and customer service
• 24/7 emergency services
• IICRC-certified technicians, with extensive supplemental training
• A free estimate, action plan, and work with your insurance agent

Your Water And Natural Disaster Cleanup and Restoration Service
Our expertise is disaster preparation, cleanup, and restoration. If you suffer fire, water, mold, chemical, or storm damage, call SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield (860.649.0836) anytime.

SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield
540 N. Main Street
Manchester, CT 06042
Call 860.649.0836
24 hour emergency service

Your Insurer Will Help After A Disaster

2/20/2017 (Permalink)

When disaster strikes one of your first calls should be to your insurance company representative.

We hope you have good insurance. If you do, you will greatly appreciate your home or business insurance carrier after a natural disaster. But work smart with your insurance company and its claim adjuster. Helping them do their job right can speed the approval of your insurance claim and assure you are fully and properly reimbursed for the damage based on your policy and coverage. Check out these tips from the Insurance Information Institute.

After a disaster one of the first things to do is to contact your insurance representative. Ask:

Is this damage covered under the terms of my policy?
How soon do I have to submit a claim?
Will my claim exceed my insurance deductible (the amount of loss you agree to pay before your insurance policy coverage kicks in)
How long will take to process my claim?
Do I need to submit estimates for repairs?

Your insurance representative isn’t the one who’ll come to your home or business to inspect the damage. An insurance claim adjuster will. Your rep will put you in touch with a claim adjuster from your insurance company. You’ll need to prepare for the adjuster’s visit.

Call SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield (860.649.0836) anytime, 24/7.

Preparing For The Adjuster's Visit

Your insurance company may send you a proof of loss form to complete or the claim adjuster may visit your home first. (An adjuster is a person professionally trained to assess property damage.) In either case, the more information you have about your damaged possessions -- a description of the items, approximate date of purchase, and what it would cost to replace or repair -- the faster your claim generally can be settled by the insurance company.

To substantiate your loss, prepare an inventory of damaged or destroyed items. Give a copy to the insurance adjuster along with copies of any receipts. Don’t throw out damaged items until the adjuster visits you. You should also consider photographing or videotaping the damage. If your property was destroyed or you no longer have any records, work from memory.
Identify structural damage to your business or home and other structures such as your garage, tool shed, patio, or in-ground swimming pool. Make a list of everything you want to show the adjuster. Are there cracks in walls? Is your roof missing shingles? Are windows broken or cracked? Have your electrical system checked. Most insurance companies pay for these inspections.
Get several written bids from licensed contractors. The bids should include details of the materials to be used and prices on a line-by-line basis. This makes adjusting the claim faster and simpler.
Keep copies of the lists and other documents you submit to your insurance company. Also keep copies of whatever paperwork your insurance company gives you and record the names and phone numbers of everyone you speak to.

Call SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield (860.649.0836) anytime, 24/7.

Flood Damage Often Excluded

Flood damage is excluded under standard homeowners and renters insurance policies. Flood coverage, however, is available as a separate policy from the federal government’s National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and from a few private insurers. The NFIP provides coverage up to $250,000 for the structure of the home and $100,000 for personal possessions. Flood insurance claims should be filed with your homeowners insurance company.

We’re Here To Help

Here at SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield we often work with business owners and homeowners and their insurance company representatives. Some customers use us to be certain they’re fully prepared for what the insurance company will require before they will consider a claim. Call SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield (860.649.0836) anytime.

SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield
540 N. Main Street
Manchester, CT 06042
Call 860.649.0836
24 hour emergency service

Your Home's Dirty Places You Don't Know About

2/16/2017 (Permalink)

Looks innocent. May hide 2 million bacterial cells.

Most of our work involves major cleanups and restorations like you need after storm, fire, or water damage. So people who haven’t experienced a natural storm disaster restoration often think SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield may not have words of wisdom for them. Today we’d like to disprove that myth. Here’s some information on general cleaning issues that affect us all.

Even neat and clean freaks have hidden places in their homes that are not neat and clean. You may be surprised by where the most disgusting places in homes tend to be and how to make them shine.

Most Overlooked Dirty Place In Many Homes
In a 2015 survey conducted by cleaning services startup, Handy of its 500 top-ranked pros, 37 percent of the professional cleaners rated shower curtains as the most overlooked dirty place in clients' homes. How important is this? Well, it's worth noting that in rare cases, mold, mildew, and soap scum buildup can cause serious infections.

How To Clean Those Nasty Shower Curtains
You can eliminate grime and germs on a fabric, plastic, or vinyl curtain by putting it in the washing machine along with a few towels to keep the curtain from wrinkling. Wash in warm water. Use a 1/2 cup bleach and 1/4 cup of laundry detergent. Then immediately hang dry the curtain.

Need Cleaning Help? Call SERVPRO Of Manchester/Mansfield At 860.649.0836

Clean Here First
Of course, the first place to clean is the bathroom, but did you know that in the bathroom one of the best things you can quickly do is wipe down the sink? That’s what Becky Rapinchuk, Clean Mama blogger and author of The Organically Clean Home book, recommends.

Your Own Cheap Disinfecting Spray
You can easily put together Becky’s inexpensive chemical-free disinfecting spray. Just combine ½ cup vodka (for germ-killing properties), ½ cup white vinegar, 10 drops lavender essential oil, 10 drops lemon essential oil and 1½ cups water (distilled or boiled and cooled). Spritz your sink and other bathroom areas. Come back in 10 minutes to rub down surfaces. If you have a pedestal sink wipe down the front and sides, all the way to the floor. Now that’s something not all of us do.

Toilet Areas We Often Fail To Clean
If you meticulously scrub the toilet bowl and toilet seat weekly and there's a lingering musty smell, the next order of business is to clean two parts you're likely missing: toilet seat hinges and the base of the bowl. If you don't have a toilet seat with hinges that lift, you'll need a Phillips-head screwdriver to unscrew the hinges to remove the seat completely. Once that's done, spray the hinges and cover them completely with disinfectant. If the hinges are smelly or stained, Becky Rapinchuk suggests sprinkling a bit of baking soda on the hinges and letting that sit. That will take that odor away. Then rinse it and wipe it down. To tackle another possible source of odor, spray the outside of the bowl and behind the toilet, let it sit, and wipe up with a microfiber cloth (or paper towels if really grimy).

Need Cleaning Help? Call SERVPRO Of Manchester/Mansfield At 860.649.0836

Toothbrush Holders Home To Millions Of Germs
The benign-seeming toothbrush holding cup is one of the germiest spots in anyone’s house. Some experts say the average toothbrush holder is holding more than 2 million bacteria cells. Use one that’s dishwasher safe-- brushed stainless steel or plastic, and clean it once or twice a week.

Sponges Often Contain E. Coli
Sponges can be a breeding ground for bacteria. It's likely that the one near your sink contains E. coli and salmonella bacteria. A two-minute turn in the microwave can kill most of the viruses, parasites, and spores that grow on sponges. Still you should change your sponges every two weeks or so.

Bathtub And Shower Bacteria
About one in four bathtubs and showers harbored the bacteria known as staphylococci. That bacteria can cause problems with superficial skin lesions and urinary tract infections. Keep these germs at bay by using a mild shower spray daily. Do avoid abrasive cleaners.

For More Information
You’ll find disaster preparation, cleanup, restoration, and other information on this site and our sister site, SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield.

Your Natural Disaster Cleanup and Restoration Service
Again, our expertise is more in natural disaster preparation, cleanup, and restoration. But we hope these cleaning tips are helpful to you. If you suffer fire, water, mold, chemical, or storm damage, call SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield (860.649.0836) anytime.

SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield
540 N. Main Street
Manchester, CT 06042
Call 860.649.0836
24 hour emergency service

Smoke and Fire: Timeline Of How Fast Damage Occurs

2/6/2017 (Permalink)

Within minutes the acid soot residues created by a fire can cause your plastics to yellow and small appliances to discolor.

Talk to any fire professional and you’ll hear how important it is to handle fire and smoke damage quickly. When you prolong the restoration of your home or business, you extend the effects brought on by the smoke exposure.

The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification’s (IICRC) mission is to establish and advance globally recognized standards and certifications for the inspection, cleaning, restoration, and installation industries. In other words, the IICRC sets and maintain high standards and educates the restoration industry that SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield is part of. Here’s a timeline from the IICRC that shows the effects of fire and smoke on a home.

Within Minutes
Acid soot residues cause your plastics to yellow; small appliances located close to the source of combustion discolor; and highly porous materials (marble, alabaster) discolor permanently.

Smoke and Fire Damage? Call SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield at 860.649.0836

Within Hours
Acid residues stain the grout in your bathrooms; your fiberglass bath fixtures may yellow; uncoated metals tarnish, counter tops may yellow; finishes on appliances, particularly refrigerators, may yellow; and furniture finishes may discolor.

Within Days
In time, acid residues cause painted walls in your home or business to yellow permanently. Metal corrodes, pits, and rusts. Any fire or smoke affected wood furniture will require refinishing. Your vinyl floors require refinishing or replace¬ment. Clothing in the affected home or business becomes soot stained and upholstery stains permanently.

Within Weeks
Restoration costs escalate greatly. Synthetic carpet fibers may yellow or discolor permanently; silver plate is corroded permanently; glass, crystal, china may require replacement due to severe etching and pitting caused by prolonged exposure to acid soot residues.

How This Destruction Occurs
During a fire, soot residue and volatile vapors are carried by rising and expanding air. Those vapors attach to surfaces throughout your business or home. This process occurs repeatedly until the fire is completely out. The soot residue builds up on surfaces layer by layer. By the time restoration technicians (like those from SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield) arrive, lacquer-like soot residue may be quite difficult to dissolve and remove.

Smoke and Fire Damage? Call SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield at 860.649.0836

We Have More Ways To Help You
The professionals at SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield are commercial property water damage restoration experts. We've served clients in
•   Andover
•   Bolton
•   Chestnut Hill
•   Columbia
•   Coventry
•   Ellington
•   Hebron
•   Hop River
•   Lebanon
•   Manchester
•   Mansfield
•   Mansfield Center
•   Somers
•   South Windham
•   Stafford
•   Vernon
•   Willington
•   Windham
•   Willimantic
And beyond

Call SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield (860.649.0836) anytime, 24/7.

SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield
540 N. Main Street
Manchester, CT 06042
Call 860.649.0836
24 hour emergency service

Can You Answer These Cleanup, Restoration, & Safety Questions?

2/6/2017 (Permalink)

Get smarter on preventing damage to your home or business. Take the quiz.

What don’t you know about cleanup, restoration and safety that you should know? Try answering these questions. If you get some wrong you might want to learn more about that question’s topic. Here’s hoping you get an A+ on these questions.

Check your answers at the end. For more information explore the links we’ve provided. Some of them lead you to blog posts at our sister franchise, SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield. You can also read our other SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield blog posts to get more details. Good luck with the questions.

Answers to your safety, cleanup and restoration questions: Call SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield at 860.649.0836

1. According to the latest research what percentage of businesses may never recover if they experience a natural disaster?
2. If you have a toilet, washing machine, or other appliance overflow and the experts say you have gray water on your floor, what does that mean?
3. Are there smokers in your house? To help prevent home fires, what type of ashtrays should you use and when should you put cigarette and cigar butts in the trash?
4. Be sure any wood-burning stove you buy is made of sturdy, suitable material, such as cast iron or steel. And look for what label?
5. Emergency preparation experts recommend you keep a set of pictures of your commercial building in safe and easy to access place. Why?
6. To protect your home or business’s foundation from cracking due to water damage, the downspouts from your roof should lead water how far away from the foundation?

Answers to your safety, cleanup and restoration questions: Call SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield at 860.649.0836

7. According to the National Roofing Contractors Association, how often should your home’s roof be inspected?
8. What’s the most common danger from a home heating oil furnace?
9. Which of these descriptions does NOT mean your commercial property may be at higher risk for water damage: 20+ years old, High-rise with multiple tenants or units, or uses older construction materials?
10. Which is likely to be more dangerous – a solid chemical spill or a liquid chemical spill?

Answers: 1) 50% See this post for more information. 2)Gray water is contaminated water that can cause discomfort or illness and quickly degrade into black water if not treated. For more, see this sewer back up post; 3) Use deep, sturdy ashtrays. Don’t put butts in the trash until they’re cold. For more, see this prevent home fires post; 4) The Underwriters Laboratories (UL) label. For more, see this stove and fireplace blog post; 5) If a storm strikes the pictures can serve as “before” pictures. Take a set after the storm to show the full extent of the storm damage. For more see 3 keys to rebuilding commercial property. 6) At least 10 feet. For more, see protecting your home’s foundation; 7) Twice a year. For more see roof leaks; 8) carbon monoxide. For more see oil furnace dangers; 9) Uses older construction materials. See this post. 10) Liquid. For more, see the post about chemical emergencies.

We Have More Ways To Help You
The professionals at SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield are commercial property water damage restoration experts. We've served clients in
•   Andover
•   Bolton
•   Chestnut Hill
•   Columbia
•   Coventry
•   Ellington
•   Hebron
•   Hop River
•   Lebanon
•   Manchester
•   Mansfield
•   Mansfield Center
•   Somers
•   South Windham
•   Stafford
•   Vernon
•   Willington
•   Windham
•   Willimantic
And beyond

Call SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield (860.649.0836) anytime, 24/7.

SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield
540 N. Main Street
Manchester, CT 06042
Call 860.649.0836
24 hour emergency service

Cleaning Your Home After Fire And Smoke Damage

1/27/2017 (Permalink)

We can help you through any fire or smoke damage

Fire and Smoke Damage? Call SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield at 860.649.0836

• If the damage and residue are heavy, it may be best to hire a professional to thoroughly restore your home and belongings. Call SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield.
• If the fire has warped or distorted the structure, consult a licensed general contractor.

Damage increases fire cleanup restoration costs rise the longer you delay neutralization, corrosion control, and cleaning.

We Have More Ways To Help You
The professionals at SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield are commercial property water damage restoration experts. We've served clients in
•   Andover
•   Bolton
•   Chestnut Hill
•   Columbia
•   Coventry
•   Ellington
•   Hebron
•   Hop River
•   Lebanon
•   Manchester
•   Mansfield
•   Mansfield Center
•   Somers
•   South Windham
•   Stafford
•   Vernon
•   Willington
•   Windham
•   Willimantic
And beyond

Call SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield (860.649.0836) anytime, 24/7.

SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield
540 N. Main Street
Manchester, CT 06042
Call 860.649.0836
24 hour emergency service

Businesses: Prevent Water Damage

1/20/2017 (Permalink)

To prevent water damage have an emergency response plan in place.

In most cases you can prevent water damage at your business. But it requires planning and preparation. Being prepared can save you large expenses and more importantly, keep your business running so there’s not business interruption.

In general, if your commercial property fits one or more of these descriptions your building may be at higher risk for water damage:
•   20+ years old
•   High-rise with multiple tenants or units
•   Uses newer construction materials
•   Is exposed to seasonal extremes or geographic-based events
•   Has not been properly maintained

Your best bet for preventing water damage is to have a written, up-to-date water damage prevention program. If you need one and don’t have one, here’s a quick checklist of some items to consider:

1. Have A Plan
Have a building emergency response plan in place. Conduct annual drills.

2. Inspect The Roof
Check the commercial building’s roof for: sealants around the HVAC systems, flashing around skylights, stack vents, drains, downspouts, and other rooftop elements. Is everything in good condition? Are there pools of water? From inside the building do you see water stain marks? From inside can you see daylight where you should not see it?

Water Damage? Call SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield at 860.649.0836

3. Inspect The Windows
Check your business’s windows annually for tightness, weather-stripping, broken or cracked panes, weak flashing, and other signs of wear.

4. Check Exterior Walls
Are all openings (plumbing, heating, lighting, fire alarms, vents, etc.) sealed against water? Do the walls themselves need re-pointing or sealing?

5. Fix Small Issues
Repair small leaks promptly. And analyze the cause of any leaks to see if they are symptoms of a system-wide problem.

6. Keep The Maintenance Crew Informed
Instruct occupants, employees, and other people who regularly use your commercial building to immediately notify maintenance when any type of dripping, leakage, or clogged drains are found.

Water Damage? Call SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield at 860.649.0836

7. Keep Pipe Records Updated
Be sure pipe diagrams or prints up to date and that they show the location of valves for all liquid carrying systems. Make certain your building maintenance staff knows where the diagrams are kept and that the diagrams are well labeled and easy to reach.

8. Check Shut Off Valves
At least once year check all shut off valves. They should be closed and reopened and lubricated as needed so you know they can be quickly closed during an emergency.

9. Train Your Staff
Have someone available on all shifts trained to respond immediately to any leak or water damage. And have someone immediately available at all times with authorization (24/ 7) to call and bring in the professional clean up and restoration companies like SERVPRO of Manchester.

10. Do Regular Maintenance
Create a systematic maintenance schedule. Include a written plan for maintenance updates of your commercial property, the building’s equipment, and its systems. Proper maintenance prevents excessive wear and tear and helps avoid catastrophes.

We Have More Ways To Help You
The professionals at SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield are commercial property water damage restoration experts. We've served clients in:

•   Bolton
•   Chestnut Hill
•   Columbia
•   Coventry
•   Ellington
•   Hebron
•   Hop River
•   Lebanon
•   Manchester
•   Mansfield
•   Mansfield Center
•   Somers
•   South Windham
•   Stafford
•   Vernon
•   Willington
•   Windham
•   Willimantic
And beyond

Call SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield (860.649.0836) anytime, 24/7.

SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield
540 N. Main Street
Manchester, CT 06042
Call 860.649.0836
24 hour emergency service

Donation to local Fire Department

9/12/2016 (Permalink)

Making a donation to Local Fire Department

Being part of a franchise system, it is easy to get brand visibility. Being involved in the local community is another part of the equation that often gets overlooked. In our area, we have Fire Departments that rely heavily on volunteers to respond to calls. Often times these important services are operated on a very tight budget, and any sort of donation is greatly appreciated as well as greatly needed. SERVPRO Manchester has taken into consideration these factors the past couple of years when working with Fire Departments. We sponsor events such as Golf Tournaments, Fire Safety Days and other community related events. Every once in a while SERVPRO get a call to a fire scene when the department is still working on the fire, or beginning to wrap things up as far as the emergency response. This on the scene experience has given us the opportunity to see a need and address it. Earlier this year SERVPRO Manchester made a donation of one of our high powered air movers to the Tolland Fire Department. This lightweight , easy to use fan can help make the scene safer for fire investigators and other personnel on site by getting rid of some of the remaining smoke and odor. We look forward to working with all the Fire Departments in our community!

Tri County Alliance Of Realtors Affiliate Night

7/21/2016 (Permalink)

Steve, Elaine and Lisa at Affiliate Night

On Thursday April 21, 2016, The Tri County Alliance of Realtors held their annual Affiliate Night at A Villa Louisa in Bolton. This has always been a fun event in the past, and this year was not any different! This is a great way to network with busy realtors, home inspectors, and others in the real estate business. Having recently merged with another board of realtors brought a lot of new faces and lots of energy to the event. SERVPRO enjoys supporting the Tri County Alliance of Realtors and we look forward to more years of continued support. While we were at our booth, we discussed our home cleaning and deodorization abilities to help realtors maximize the selling price of their listing. We also discussed mold remediation and our Emergency Ready Profile for those agents that deal with commercial or multi –family units. We can’t wait to see if next years Affiliate Night can top this year's!

CAI-CT Mold Luncheon

5/17/2016 (Permalink)

The SERVPRO booth before the Expo and Tradeshow!

On Saturday March 19, 2016 The CAI-CT held their annual Tradeshow and Expo at the Aquaturf in Plantsville CT. SERVPRO of Manchester-Bolton is honored to be a member and sponsor of this great organization. The CAI-CT is the premier resource for Condominium owners, Homeowners Associations and Property Managers. The Expo and tradeshow is a well attended event with over 400 registered attendees and over 60 vendors participating, marketing their goods and services to the attendees. Each year, the Expo offers something new for all those who attend. This year, The CAI-CT offered a “Lunch with the Pros” breakout luncheon where attendees had the opportunity to sign up for a specific topic for lunch. The Sessions covered a wide range of topics from legal, to health, to construction to social events. SERVPRO of Manchester-Bolton was excited to dispel some myths about mold and offer some do’s and don’ts when it comes to remediating mold. One of the best parts about working for SERVPRO of Manchester-Bolton is taking the time to educate. We love to share our knowledge and we love having a properly informed community!

Warming Hearts, Warming Hands

3/28/2016 (Permalink)

Just some of the donations we received!

On February 10^th 2016, SERVPRO of Tolland County/ Manchester/ Wethersfield –Rocky Hill / Glastonbury and West Hartford had the honor of being a part of the Second Annual Warming Hearts/Warming Hands clothing drive at Georginas in Bolton. This event is a mutual collaboration between the Greater Manchester and Tolland County Chambers of Commerce. SERVPRO helped to organize and market the event, as well as drop off and pick up donation boxes in the region. In the first year, we were able to collect over 1,000 pieces of clothing that were donated to two local organizations. We found this to be a great success and a building block for the future. This year, we had four very deserving organizations that we were collecting donations for. Even though the snow may have kept some people from attending the networking event, it did not stop the donations from coming in. By the end of the evening, we collected close to 3,000 pieces of clothing , as well as over 500 dollars to be split between the Community Child Guidance Clinic, Manchester Area Council of Churches, KIDSAFE, and Community Health Resources. SERVPRO loves to get involved in the community and this is a great event to be a part of.

Ice Dam presentation

2/1/2016 (Permalink)

Steve Bennett speaking to the group

Back in December, SERVPRO of Manchester-Bolton had the opportunity to do one of the things we love to do. We got to speak in front of the CT Valley BNI group about winter weather. We offered some tips on how to prevent ice dams, what to do if you have an ice dam, and how to choose the correct vendor/contractor to assist with the clean up and restoration. We love being able to speak to groups and offer information that we feel is helpful to business and homeowners alike.

Connecticut Apartment Association Communications Committee

1/11/2016 (Permalink)

#makeyournetwork

We are proud to be members ot the Connecticut Apartment Association, and we take advantage of our membership by getting involved in the operation and success of the association. Each month, the communications and social media committee gets together to discuss and review events for the CTAA. We truly enjoy having the opportunity to educate and inform the managers and maintenence staff of the communities that make up the CTAA.

Emergency Ready Profile (ERP)

12/9/2015 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

As many as 50% of businesses may never recover following a disaster, according to the latest industry 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. 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.

Contact our office today for a FREE Emergency Ready Profile for your business.

SERVPRO and Moving Forward

12/3/2015 (Permalink)

Getting the donation boxes ready for some very generous local businesses!

Last year the Tolland County Chamber of Commerce partnered with the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce to coordinate a new hat, mitten and sock drive for the Community Child Guidance Clinic (CCGC) located in Manchester. In just a short amount of time, mostly by word of mouth, the event collected over 1000 pieces for the children. This was definitely considered an important and successful event, and the clients were still able to access these donations as recently as this fall. Being the newest committee of the Tolland County Chamber, the Moving Forward group felt this was a great idea to build upon. We want to get the business community involved this year by placing drop boxes at their location to accept donations. We would like to have at least 20 boxes in the area. We hope to bring in more donations than last year, so we are also going to be donating the collected items to KIDSAFE, Community Health Resources as well as CCGC again. Our collection drive will culminate with a collection receiving/ networking event hosted again this year by Georgina’s Restaurant and Banquets in Bolton Tuesday January 5th 2016.

If you have a business that would like to participate in the collection drive, please contact us so we can arrange a box to be dropped off at your location. All boxes will be picked up on Monday January 4th.

Biohazard & Recovery Continuing Education

11/17/2015 (Permalink)

A few times throughout the year, SERVPRO offers continuing education classes to the Insurance, Real Estate and Property Management industries. These classes allow the attendees to earn credits for their respective fields, or to just be better informed of industry standards and best practices. One of our more recent and popular classes is centered on Biohazards and Bio- recovery procedures. This has proved to be a very informative class for all that attend. If you would like to learn more about our Continuing Education schedule, please call the office or send us an email to be put on our alert mailing list.

Emergency Kit

11/17/2015 (Permalink)

It is always important to prepare before a disaster occurs. An emergency kit is great to have on hand during a power outage. The following items are recommend for your kit:

- Water, one gallon per person per day
- Food, non-perishable 3-day supply
- Manual can opener
- Battery powered radio and extra batteries
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- First aid kit
- Cash

Carbon Monoxide Dangers

11/17/2015 (Permalink)

Carbon Monoxide is often referred to as "the silent killer", as it is invisible, tasteless and odorless. When it is created certain types of fuels do not burn properly. Fuels, which can produce this gas, are kerosene, gasoline, coal, natural gas, propane, methane and even wood. Normally Carbon Monoxide is caused by faulty, improperly used or vented products like furnaces, ranges, water heaters, room heaters and portable generators.

There are precautions to help protect yourself, your family and your employees from deadly CO fumes:

Perform regular maintenance on equipment and appliances
If necessary to use gasoline powered engines or tools in an enclosed space, make sure that space is well ventilated
Install carbon monoxide detectors on every level of your home, including outside of all bedrooms
Have fuel burning heating equipment and chimneys serviced annually by a professional

For additional carbon monoxide safety information, visit www.usfa.fema.gov or www.osha.gov

Corporate Citizen Award

10/15/2015 (Permalink)

2015 Award for Corporate Citizen Tolland County Chamber of Commerce

On October 7th 2015 Steve Bennett of SERVPRO received a Corporate Citizen Award from the Tolland County Chamber of Commerce to recognize his efforts to promote the Chamber and make social, civic and business networks grow and blossom in the region. It is truly remarkable to have the type of dedicated staff that volunteers in the community on a regular basis. This recognition comes as a result of Steve and his newly formed chamber committee "Moving Forward," which is taking on the responsibility of reinventing what the perception of a Chamber of Commerce is all about through social media, charitable events and networking events in the area. SERVPRO understands that even though we are a nationally recognized company, we are based locally through our franchises and whenever we have the opportunity to assist with a loss, education or community event, we seize that moment to help and to shine!

If you have a fire or water emergency, please call us now at (860) 461-7194

Archived Blog Posts

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Replacing Washing Machine Hoses - Easy Steps To Prevent a Flood

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Best Water Damage Cleanup in Manchester CT

Best Water Damage Cleanup in Manchester CT

Professional Water Damage Cleanup by SERVPRO® of Manchester/Mansfield

Inspection and Water Damage Assessment

Separate Damaged and Undamaged Property

Water Extraction

Drying

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Cleaning, Sanitizing, and Odor Removal

Repair and Restoration

The Best Commercial Water Damage Cleanup in Manchester CT

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Meeting Business Specialty Cleaning Needs

Prevent Summer Storm Damage

Don't Kill Mold With Bleach

We Love Manchester, Connecticut

7 Essentials After Major Water Damage

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Your Natural Disaster Questions Answered

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Your Business's Emergency Ready Profile

Increase your business’s ability to survive a natural disaster. Call us at 860.649.0836.

Increase your business’s ability to survive a natural disaster. Call us at 860.649.0836.

Increase your business’s ability to survive a natural disaster. Call us at 860.649.0836.

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