How Storms May Affect Your Business

10/4/2023 (Permalink)

A combination of moisture in the air with rising warm air leads to lots of summer storms in Maryland. Our SERVPRO® of Glen Burnie team is specially trained to deal with the mess a storm can leave behind. Not only does our franchise have you, but our whole company does. SERVPRO®  has mobilization teams across the country to travel as needed to support large storm events. No matter what, you can always count on us to be faster to any size disaster.

After the tropical storm, check your home or building of damage. Make sure all electricity and outlets are working. Be aware if there is water damage by sinks pipes or toilets. There could be many possible damages after a storm. Below are a few of the types to look for:

Lightning Damage

If the home is hit by lightning during a storm it can burn through roofs, shingles, or gutters from the building and even tear into attics. Electrical damage can happen if appliances such as refrigerators were plugged into an outlet during the storm.

Wind Damage

Roof damage is possible with heavy winds or even worse a missing roof. Wind damage is seen the most when it comes to the after effects of storm damage. High winds can be anywhere from 50-60 mph and can ruin homes. Roof damage can lead to a roof leak which leads to bigger problems… water damage.

Flood damage can often bring in dirty, contaminated water into your home. The water has sediment that will contaminate whatever touches your home. Water damage is not an easy task to clean on your own. It should be cleaned up with more than just a mop to make sure there is no left over residue that could grow mold.

SERVPRO® of Glen Burnie wants you to stay safe from tropical storms and flood damage. Call us at 410-766-1110 if you experience storm damage!

National Preparedness Month is Here to Save your Property

9/26/2023 (Permalink)

September is National Preparedness Month. Join Anne Arundel County in preparing for emergencies and disasters of all types, and leading efforts to encourage the community to become more prepared! 

SERVPRO of Glen Burnie on commercial properties that experience storm damage:

What we often notice is the property as well as the personnel do NOT have an emergency plan. In September 2020, a tornado wreaked havoc on certain parts of Anne Arundel County. And, once again, some businesses and properties were not prepared. 

Disasters happen and not only devastate individuals and neighborhoods, but entire communities. We recommend you make a plan and practice it with your employees. 

Here are several things you should include in your preparedness plan: 

• An evacuation and shelter-in-place plans  
• A plan to communicate with your employees and their families 
• An emergency supply kit 
• Practice your emergency plan 

Be sure to sign up for alerts and warnings for Anne Arundel County, and download other necessary apps to stay informed, such as the FEMA app. 

Keep SERVPRO of Glen Burnie’s contact information on your cell phone and in your plan. Our team is always here to help make it “Like it never even happened” if disaster strikes in your life. 

How Your Appliances Might Cause A Water Damage Issue

9/26/2023 (Permalink)

Warped hardwood floors are a sign that water is/was somehow affecting your home.

Our SERVPRO franchise, SERVPRO of Glen Burnie, is always looking out for home and businessowners in our local community. Throughout September, National Preparedness Month, SERVPRO is here to share useful tips that might save your property from disaster. Today, we are discussing appliances! To ensure that your appliances are in good working condition, we suggest you get the following appliances checked once a year:  

Washing Machine 

When a washing machine has a small leak, it can appear to be a small issue. Although a small leak seems to be a minor, it should not be ignored. We have experienced small pinhole leaks in a water supply line that have broken into an all-out basement flood. To prevent water damage, check the connecting hoses leading to your washing machine a couple of times per year. 

In some cases, you may want to install an automatic shutoff valve to the water supply line for their washing machines. Most water shut off valves on washing machines work because they automatically shut the water entering the washing machine once a full cycle is complete. The valve will remain closed until the next person is looking to wash the laundry.  

Refrigerator Water Line 

Everyone enjoys the convenience of an automatic ice maker. Did you know it can also be the culprit of household floods? Our SERVPRO of Glen Burnie crews have dried water damage caused by the water line that supplies an ice maker. When the water line gets damaged, they can leak or, worse yet, become completely unattached. We know it might be a hassle to get behind your refrigerator, but it is essential to waterline periodically for crimps and make sure the valve connection is secure.  

Dishwasher 

Your dishwasher has a supply line just like your refrigerator and washing machine. If a dishwasher water supply line bursts, your kitchen will be filled with water after a wash and rinse cycle. In some of our more severe water damage caused by dishwashers, we have seen a dishwasher back up. Backup typically occurs when debris clogs the drain, and the water has nowhere to go.  

SERVPRO of Glen Burnie recommends routine inspection of the hoses and connections to your water-based appliances. These are three of the most common home-owner water damage that our team sees.  

If your Glen Burnie property suffers water damage, call SERVPRO of Glen Burnie as soon as possible. Our team is available 24/7 at (410) 766-1110. 

Water Acts Fast, so You Need to Act Faster!

9/26/2023 (Permalink)

Don’t let a flood in your residential or commercial property go unattended! SERVPRO of Glen Burnie professionals handle water damages every day and know prompt action is required to prevent mold growth. The removal of moisture is crucial in stopping the spread and growth of harmful bacteria and microbes. Mold spores germinate quickly, and colonies spread unless dealt with swiftly. Because our technicians hold IICRC certifications, they know the early warning signs. Technicians use a combination of extraction and dehumidification to remove moist air and replace it with warm, dry air. The use of air movers works to pull moisture up and out of walls and flooring and are used in tandem with dehumidifiers.

 If there is an ongoing moisture problem in your building, be alert for:

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

These conditions may require the expertise of a qualified Indoor Air Quality/Environmental Professional to inspect the building for mold growth and water damage problems. Our mold remediation specialists are here to help and will be happy to provide an evaluation.

National Brand, Local Presence

9/30/2022 (Permalink)

Do you know why so many homeowners and property managers work with SERVPRO of Glen Burnie? The answer is because of our quick response time that allows us to respond to any size disaster whenever you need us. 

With our Here to Help customer service philosophy, we believe that listening to our customers and supplying solutions in a variety of ways is what separates us from our competitors. This philosophy, along with our industry leading tools, professional training and adaptable skill set, differentiates us from other restoration companies. Pair these attributes along with our 24/7 service, SERVPRO of Glen Burnie is your complete restoration company ready for any size disaster. By providing immediate restoration services, our crew can help you get back to your residential and commercial spaces fast. 

Here at SERVPRO of Glen Burnie, we care about the readiness of our community. As a national brand with a local presence, SERVPRO will be there for all of your disaster needs.  

Business Affected by a Storm? There's a PRO for That!

9/21/2022 (Permalink)

Glen Burnie businesses can be affected by storms, just like homes. Most flooding and other damage comes from more common threats like a broken pipe or toilet malfunction. In a few cases, sprinkler systems fail and cause even more problems when they soak merchandise, blueprints and books. 

 
When water damage happens to a small business, of course it is best to dry things out as quickly as a restoration team can be called in. SERVPRO of Glen Burnie’s restoration teams are on-call seven days a week to help business owners reopen their doors to customers and prevent as much damage to merchandise. 

 
In most cases of severe water damage, response time is critical is restoring or salvaging materials and contents. Our technicians use extraction equipment to draw water out of carpets and/or from concrete and wood floors.  One advantage for a commercial or government facility is that if commercial carpet is in place, there is usually no padding underneath, so our teams will not necessarily need to lift them to remove padding. 

 
In cases with water-soaked commercial property, SERVPRO can bring commercial-grade drying equipment and dehumidification to the structure.  Even if the electrical power is affected by the water damage, teams utilize a variety of generators that best suit the condition of the loss. 

Our goal at SERVPRO of Glen Burnie is to help our fellow business owners reopen for service as quickly as possible. If you are dealing with flooding or another water issue, call us today at 410-766-1110 for help! 

Three Appliances that can Cause Water Damage

9/21/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Glen Burnie wants local homeowners to avoid any potential water damage. To ensure that your appliances are in good working condition, we suggest you get the following appliances checked once a year:  

Washing Machine 

When a washing machine has a small leak, it can appear to be a small issue. Although a small leak seems to be a minor, it should not be ignored. We have experienced small pinhole leaks in a water supply line that have broken into an all-out basement flood. To prevent water damage, check the connecting hoses leading to your washing machine a couple of times per year. 

In some cases, you may want to install an automatic shutoff valve to the water supply line for their washing machines. Most water shut off valves on washing machines work because they automatically shut the water entering the washing machine once a full cycle is complete. The valve will remain closed until the next person is looking to wash the laundry.  

Refrigerator Water Line 

Everyone enjoys the convenience of an automatic ice maker. Did you know it can also be the culprit of household floods? Our SERVPRO of Glen Burnie crews have dried water damage caused by the water line that supplies an ice maker. When the water line gets damaged, they can leak or, worse yet, become completely unattached. We know it might be a hassle to get behind your refrigerator, but it is essential to waterline periodically for crimps and make sure the valve connection is secure.  

Dishwasher 

Your dishwasher has a supply line just like your refrigerator and washing machine. If a dishwasher water supply line bursts, your kitchen will be filled with water after a wash and rinse cycle. In some of our more severe water damage caused by dishwashers, we have seen a dishwasher back up. Backup typically occurs when debris clogs the drain, and the water has nowhere to go.  

SERVPRO of Glen Burnie recommends routine inspection of the hoses and connections to your water-based appliances. These are three of the most common home-owner water damage that our team sees.  

If your Glen Burnie property suffers water damage, call SERVPRO of Glen Burnie as soon as possible. Our team is available 24/7 at (410) 766-1110. 

Flood Basements Aren't Cool

9/21/2022 (Permalink)

Don’t let a flood in your Linthicum Heights property go unattended! SERVPRO of Glen Burnie professionals handle water damages every day and know prompt action is required to prevent mold growth. The removal of moisture is crucial in stopping the spread and growth of harmful bacteria and microbes. Mold spores germinate quickly, and colonies spread unless dealt with swiftly. Because our technicians hold IICRC certifications, they know the early warning signs. Technicians use a combination of extraction and dehumidification to remove moist air and replace it with warm, dry air. The use of air movers works to pull moisture up and out of walls and flooring and are used in tandem with dehumidifiers. 

 If there is an ongoing moisture problem in your building, be alert for: 

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

These conditions may require the expertise of a qualified Indoor Air Quality/Environmental Professional to inspect the building for mold growth and water damage problems. Our mold remediation specialists are here to help and will be happy to provide an evaluation. 

How to Prepare Your Home for Storms!

9/21/2022 (Permalink)

While the leaves start to fall and the weather begins to change, you should be preparing your home for the start of the fall season. It is the time of the year when days become shorter, and the weather gets cooler. With the cooler temperatures upon us, get your home ready now.   

At SERVPRO of Glen Burnie, we have some recommendations for your fall preparedness plan:  

• Clean your gutters and install gutter guards to prevent backups  
• Check and replace the batteries in your smoke detectors  
• Ensure any exterior water pipes are insulated to avoid freezing   
• Make a readiness plan in case of a power outage in the coming months  
• Test and prepare your generator   
• Replenish the gas in any outdoor equipment you may use in the fall  
• Trim and remove any dead or damaged tree limbs near your home  
• Have your HVAC unit inspected by a professional   
• Make sure outdoor drains are clear of leaves or debris   

If you have any preexisting damage in your home and need professional help, contact SERVPRO of Glen Burnie at 410-766-1110.   

National Preparedness Month

9/9/2022 (Permalink)

September is National Preparedness Month. Join Anne Arundel County in preparing for emergencies and disasters of all types, and leading efforts to encourage the community to become more prepared! 

SERVPRO of Glen Burnie on commercial properties that experience storm damage:

What we often notice is the property as well as the personnel do NOT have an emergency plan. In September 2020, a tornado wreaked havoc on certain parts of Anne Arundel County. And, once again, some businesses and properties were not prepared. 

Disasters happen and not only devastate individuals and neighborhoods, but entire communities. We recommend you make a plan and practice it with your employees. 

Here are several things you should include in your preparedness plan: 

• An evacuation and shelter-in-place plans  
• A plan to communicate with your employees and their families 
• An emergency supply kit 
• Practice your emergency plan 

Be sure to sign up for alerts and warnings for Anne Arundel County, and download other necessary apps to stay informed, such as the FEMA app. 

Keep SERVPRO of Glen Burnie’s contact information on your cell phone and in your plan. Our team is always here to help make it “Like it never even happened” if disaster strikes in your life.