Recent Posts

Summer Safety

6/19/2024 (Permalink)

Summer is the time for many fun activities including barbecues, and fireworks.

Each year, an average of 230 people are injured badly enough to require medical treatment after firework-related incidents, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. In addition to causing injury, fireworks are also responsible for thousands of house fires each year with millions of dollars in property damage.

  • Leave fireworks to the professionals. Do not use consumer fireworks.
  • The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend a public display conducted by trained professionals.
  • After the firework display, children should never pick up fireworks that may be left over, they may still be active.
  • Anyone using fireworks or standing nearby should wear protective eyewear.
  • Do not try to re-light or handle malfunctioning fireworks. Keep a bucket of water nearby to fully extinguish fireworks that don't go off or in case of fire.

There is nothing like firing up the grill during the summer.

"Each year an average of 8,900 home fires are caused by grilling, and close to half of all injuries involving grills are due to thermal burns. While nearly half of the people who grill do it year-round, July is the peak month for grill fires followed by May, June and August."

As we hit mid July, peak grill time, a simple backyard barbecue can become dangerous if safety precautions aren't considered.  SERVPRO of Beverly wants you to have an enjoyable and safe summer. Consider the following tips to make sure your summer celebrations are disaster-free!

SAFETY TIPS

  • Propane and charcoal BBQ grills should only be used outdoors.
  • The grill should be placed well away from the home, deck railings and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.
  •  Keep children and pets at least three feet away from the grill area.
  •  Keep your grill clean by removing grease or fat buildup from the grills and in trays below the grill.
  • Never leave your grill unattended.
  • Always make sure your gas grill lid is open before lighting it.

    CHARCOAL GRILLS

  • There are several ways to get the charcoal ready to use. Charcoal chimney starters allow you to start the charcoal using newspaper as a fuel.

  •  If you use a starter fluid, use only charcoal starter fluid. Never add charcoal fluid or any other flammable liquids to the fire.

  • Keep charcoal fluid out of the reach of children and away from heat sources.

  • There are also electric charcoal starters, which do not use fire. Be sure to use an extension cord for outdoor use.

  •  When you are finished grilling, let the coals completely cool before disposing in a metal container.

Here for You

6/19/2024 (Permalink)

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

SERVPRO of Beverly/ Cape Ann is open 24 Hours a Day 7 Days a Week. 

After protecting and securing the structure, professionals here at SERVPRO of Beverly/ Cape Ann can begin the restoration process. Your home or business may need reconstruction work to get your property back to its preloss condition. 

The professionals at SERVPRO of Beverly/ Cape Ann simplify the restoration process by handling both initial damage mitigation and rebuilding the affected areas. Having a qualified company for the entire process can save time and keeps costs low.

SERVPRO of Beverly/ Cape Ann can provide this continuity by supervising a full range of restoration services that will bring a building back to full functionality.

SERVPRO of Beverly/ Cape Ann is open 24 Hours a day 7 Days a Week

Call us Today 978-927-8665   

Our Community

6/19/2024 (Permalink)

What is asbestos?

Asbestos is a mineral fiber that occurs in rock and soil.

Where can asbestos be found?

Because of its fiber strength and heat resistance asbestos has been used in a variety of building construction materials for insulation and as a fire retardant. Asbestos has also been used in a wide range of manufactured goods, mostly in building materials (roofing shingles, ceiling and floor tiles, paper products, and asbestos cement products), friction products (automobile clutch, brake, and transmission parts), heat-resistant fabrics, packaging, gaskets, and coatings.

Where asbestos may be found:

  • Attic and wall insulation produced containing vermiculite.
  • Vinyl floor tiles and the backing on vinyl sheet flooring and adhesives
  • Roofing and siding shingles
  • Textured paint and patching compounds used on walls and ceilings
  • Walls and floors around wood-burning stoves protected with asbestos paper, millboard, or cement sheets
  • Hot water and steam pipes coated with asbestos material or covered with an asbestos blanket or tape
  • Oil and coal furnaces and door gaskets with asbestos insulation
  • Heat-resistant fabrics
  • Automobile clutches and brakes

How can you be exposed to asbestos?

Asbestos fibers may be released into the air by the disturbance of asbestos-containing material during product use, demolition work, building or home maintenance, repair, and remodeling. In general, exposure may occur only when the asbestos-containing material is disturbed or damaged in some way to release particles and fibers into the air.

Advice from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection: 

 "If asbestos containing material is in good condition, the best thing you can do is leave it alone."

Unfortunately, the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) standards says removal of some amount of building materials in necessary in a high percentage of our jobs due to contamination. 

Possible Health Risks

Three of the major health effects associated with asbestos exposure are:

  • lung cancer
  • mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer that is found in the thin lining of the lung, chest and the abdomen and heart
  • asbestosis, a serious progressive, long-term, non-cancer disease of the lungs

What does that mean for you when working with us? 

If we are removing any amount of building materials from your home, said building material need to be tested for asbestos levels before the materials are removed from your home. 

What does this mean for your project? 

It means we are "on hold" with your project temporarily.  We contact an Industrial Hygienist, who will contact you, our customer, to come to your home to perform the appropriate testing.  The Industrial Hygienist will take samples of the material we are looking to remove, and they are sent to a local lab. The turnaround time for results are about 2-3 business days and if there is any in the materials, an outside asbestos abatement company needs to be brought in who will provide an estimate for you (and your insurance company) and will ultimately perform the asbestos abatement.

The reasons for the multi steps are simple:

  • if we skip this step, the fine from the MA DEP reaches into the thousands of dollars. 
  • If say a saw is used on drywall or joint compound to remove the drywall, and your furnace is turned on, this asbestos articulates now become airborne and spread like seeds of a dandelion in a light breeze.  You are now breathing in this dust, and the dust is airborne leading to more dangerous absorption into your lungs. 

So, when you’re dealing with an emergency that requires dealing with the removal of questionable building materials and insulation use the company in your community who cares what happens to you and yours. We believe in staying safe and keeping you and your family safe from the unseen hazards of problematic material removal. We will help deal with getting in contact with the correct agencies to test and correctly remove asbestos containing material. Call SERVPRO of Beverly/Cape Ann, the professionals regarding the proper way to take care of your home! 

SERVPRO of Beverly/ Cape Ann is open 24 Hours a Day 7 Days a week (978) 927-8665

Spring Can Deliver Severe Surprises

6/19/2024 (Permalink)

As we saw in the last week of March of this year, the Northshore of Massachusetts can bring some crazy fluctuations of weather and temperatures. Spring usually brings warmer weather, longer days, and a much-anticipated break from winter it can also bring a very real threat of severe weather. We happen to be lucky where our weather doesn’t reflect the South’s, where they have a “Tornado Alley” during the spring weather, but due to the frequent change in cold and warm temperatures in spring in the New England area there is an elevated risk for severe weather. The weather can Range from flooding rains, thunderstorms, and sometimes tornadoes. Spring weather can be unpredictable at best and extremely dangerous at worst.

SERVPRO of Beverly/ Cape Ann is always ready to help!

When you give some thought to the types of hazards a spring storm could produce, you can begin to plan for the safety of your family as well as your home or business depending on where you live. here are some of the ways a spring storm might damage your home or business:

Water damage:

Can be caused by flooding from melting snow, the state of your foundation, washouts from coastal storms, frozen pipes that burst, sump pumps that fail during power outages, torrential down pours, or faulty air conditioning lines during a heat wave.

FIRE DAMAGE:

Caused by use of alternate emergency heat sources, sprinkler systems that fail due to freezing pipes, downed power lines, or environmental conditions leading to a structure fire.

WIND DAMAGE:

Caused by falling trees and limbs, damage to siding and roofs, and downed power lines of course most of these hazards don't happen in isolation. Tornadoes and violent thunderstorms put property owners at risk for water, fire, and wind damage. It's important to understand which hazards might affect your property and your family, and then take the proper steps to prepare.

Have More Questions? Call SERVPRO of Beverly/Cape Ann (978)927-8665.

ERP

3/25/2024 (Permalink)

It is stated that about 50% of commercial business who run into a disaster never re-open after that disaster occurred. SERVPRO of Beverly/Cape Ann wants to help more business stay in business after an emergency happens and be there for support when needed. 

SERVPRO of Beverly/Cape Ann established an Emergency Disaster Program so that when a disaster comes, you will have a blanket of security in times of panic. This is a detailed description of where to go, when to take action and who you can call. An emergency ready profile is vital for your commercial business because a disaster could happen at any moment, and SERVPRO® wants to help prepare our customers for any disaster that may come your way. The ERP, or emergency ready profile is a profile that will have all the necessary information you need to handle situations with disasters. No contracts are involved and it is at no cost to you or your business. We locate all the emergency numbers you may need and emergency action checklist for a step by step on what to do in a disaster. We also have provided the necessary utility shut off locations for all the gas, electric, heat, water and other important locations to know and understand how to turn them off. This is vital because in case of emergencies and panic, you may not know how to even shut off the source, which is important because the source needs to be shut off before any action can be done. It will also give you a complete property overview, showing where emergency exits are and where exactly you should leave the property when evacuating. 

Time is of the essence in cases of emergency, so it is important to act fast to eliminate anymore disaster from occurring. By having a plan of action, you can readily be prepared and act in a timely manner, and limit the amount of time you as a company are inactive. Not only does the ERP save you time, but money as well. We obtain all your insurance information so you have it readily available at your convenience as a mobile app also. We have detailed an insurance policy information in your pamphlet to inform our customers what their policy is and what is covered by insurance. It is important to keep in mind, safety first and to account for everyone in the building and make sure everyone is okay before moving on. Things get crazy and hectic and emotions run high when a disaster occurs, so SERVPRO of Beverly/Cape Ann wants to make this as easy as possible for our customers because we understand the hardships you might be going through at that moment. We can offer you all the services in the world to cleanup the damage, but the best service we can offer is helping you be prepared. 

SERVPRO wants the best for our customers and we know the best for them is the Emergency Ready Profile. SERVPRO of Beverly/Cape Ann always has your back when it comes to preparedness and the essentials when dealing with a disaster. 

Fire Damage

3/25/2024 (Permalink)

Smoke and soot is very invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your home or business, causing hidden damage and odor. SERVPRO of Beverly/ Cape Ann has the expertise and experience that allows us to inspect and accurately access the extent of the damage to develop a comprehensive plan of action.

Different types of smoke

There are two different types of smoke, wet and dry, as a result of the different types of soot residue after a fire, before restoration begins, SERVPRO of Beverly/ Cape Ann will test the soot to determine which type of smoke  damage occurred. The cleaning procedures will then be based on that. Here are some examples.

Wet Smoke/ Plastic or Rubber

Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean on your own, But SERVPRO of Beverly/ Cape Ann will make it "Like it never even happened." 

Dry Smoke/ Paper and Wood

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

SERVPRO of Beverly/ Cape Ann is Here to Help® call us today 24/7 978-927-8665

Odor In your Home

3/25/2024 (Permalink)

Even a small fire can cause odors for years to come if the affected areas are not properly cleaned and deodorized. Fire, smoke and soot damage in your home or business can create unpleasant and potential permanent problems.

As various materials burn, the smoke produced travels throughout the structure, leaving odorous residues and deposits on surfaces and in hard to reach places. Unless fast, professional action is taken, these residues and deposits can cause permanent damage to contents and may result in resurfacing odors. 

SERVPRO of Beverly/ Cape Ann can provide specialized services that rid your home or business of offensive odors left by fire or smoke damage. Any restorable item in affected areas will be professionally cleaned and deodorized, including: furniture, draperies, and upholstery, electronics, art, flooring, walls, ceilings, HVAC air ducts, and more.

SERVPRO of Beverly/ Cape Ann does not cover up lingering odors with a fragrance, they seek out and remove the source of the odor. Ask your SERVPRO representative to explain the various deodorization method's available and which will work best for you.

If you or a customer suffer a fire damage or some other accident and require deodorization services give us a call 978-927-8665

#! Choice in Water Restoration

3/25/2024 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Beverly/Cape Ann is available 24 hours a day for water emergencies, large or small. When you are dealing with water damage, immediate action is crucial. A delay of just a few hours can greatly increase the severity of the water damage.

We Answer the Phone Ready to Help Call Today: 978-927-8665

We understand that when you call us, you may be feeling confused, stressed, and vulnerable. You need an expert to guide you through this crisis. SERVPRO of Beverly/Cape Ann has the specific water damage training and experience to help you through this tough time. We specialize in water damage restoration in fact, it's the cornerstone of our business.

What to Expect

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

Our SERVPRO Representative will ask several questions:

  • Your name and contact information
  • Your insurance information (if applicable)
  • The street address of the water-damaged home or business
  • When did the flooding or water damage occur?
  • What caused the water damage (if known)?
  • Is there electricity available (on-site)? SERVPRO of Beverly/Cape Ann specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO™s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property
  • About SERVPRO of Beverly/Cape Ann

24 HOURS A DAY 7 DAYS A WEEK WATER DAMAGE SPECALIST

3/25/2024 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Beverly/Cape Ann is available 24 hours a day for water emergencies, large or small. When you are dealing with water damage, immediate action is crucial. A delay of just a few hours can greatly increase the severity of the water damage.

We Answer the Phone Ready to Help
Call Today - 978-927-8665

We understand that when you call us, you may be feeling confused, stressed, and vulnerable. You need an expert to guide you through this crisis. SERVPRO of Beverly/Cape Ann has the specific water damage training and experience to help you through this tough time. We specialize in water damage restoration—in fact, it's the cornerstone of our business.

What to Expect

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

Our SERVPRO Representative will ask several questions:

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

About SERVPRO of Beverly/Cape Ann

SERVPRO of Beverly/Cape Ann specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Yard Cleaning Tips

3/25/2024 (Permalink)

Aaaah, autumn. The kids are back to school, the leaves are turning, and a chill is in the air. If you're like most homeowners, fall also means an opportunity to spruce up your yard and cut down on the work you'll need to do when the weather turns warm again.

It doesn't matter if you're a seasoned landscape professional or somebody who just wants their yard to look as good as it can with as little work as possible, everyone can benefit from backyard fall cleanup.  A little bit of work in the fall will really pay off when spring rolls around.

  • Rake those leaves. Once the snow flies, an unraked layer of leaves can get matted down over the turf and smother it all winter long. Raking or using a mulching mower in the fall helps avoid dead patches in the spring. But don't worry about getting every last leaf, especially in the garden. They help insulate plants, and as they decompose, they provide valuable nutrients.
  • Feed the grass. Fertilizing in the fall is like a day at the spa for your lawn. Using a slow-release fertilizer allows the grass to soak up nutrients and - just as important - spend the cool days and nights of autumn recovering from summer heat and stress. And building a healthy, rejuvenated lawn is one of the best ways to protect against heat, cold, drought, insects and other stresses.
  • Weed all about it. Weeding in the fall is probably the most valuable thing you can do to prepare for spring, and it's one that many people overlook. The good news: Pulling weeds used to be a backbreaking chore, but tools like the Weed Hound have come a long way from the tiny weeding forks of "the good old days." There's no reason to get down on your hands and knees and gouge at the turf. All you do is place the tool over the weed, step lightly on the footrest, and pull.
  • Remove thatch build-up. A build-up of aboveground roots called thatch prevents sunlight, oxygen and moisture from getting to the nutrient-hungry soil below. But it's easy to remove, especially if you don't wait until it overwhelms the yard. Just go at the yard with a dethatching rake in early fall, or for an easier - but more expensive - option, rent a power dethatcher.
  • Aerate. Heavy use throughout the summer can cause soil to become compacted. Perforating your lawn with small holes helps reduce compaction and lets water, air and fertilizer get down to the soil, which strengthens the grass plant's root structure. For smaller yards, a manual aerating tool that removes plugs from the turf while you step should be just fine. If you've got a larger yard, consider renting a power aerator.
  • Water trees and shrubs. Dehydration during the colder months is an all-too-common cause of tree damage, but it's easily preventable. To sustain them over the long winter, it's important to give trees a drink before putting them to bed. After they go fully dormant - but before the ground freezes - use a soaker hose or root irrigator to water them thoroughly.
  • Clean out your garden. Fruits and vegetables left in the garden can rot all winter long, and provide a comfy home for insect eggs. Gross? Not as gross as they'll be in the spring. Now's the time to get rid of diseased plants, too, but keep them out of the compost pile so the problem doesn't spread to the rest of your garden next year.
  • Plant spring bulbs. Fall is not all about closing up shop. It's also the perfect time to plant spring flowering bulbs like daffodils and tulips. But pay attention to the weather in your area; planting too early can cause bulbs to sprout before winter, and planting them too late can mean their roots don't have enough time to develop before the ground freezes.
  • Give your tools a tune-up. When it comes time to put away the backyard tools for the season, don't just shove them into the garage or shed. Spend a few minutes wiping them down and removing debris and dirt, then apply a light layer of oil to keep them from rusting over the winter. That way they'll be all set to go again come spring.

Old Man Winter may be on his way, but with a little work now, you can lay the groundwork for a happy, healthy backyard that's ready to thrive next season.