4 Steps To Emergency Preparedness For Any Disaster

12/20/2022 (Permalink)

It is important to have a team assist you in putting together an Emergency Response Plan.

4 Steps To Emergency Preparedness For Any Disaster

When disaster strikes, the last thing you want to do is scramble to come up with a plan. In this article, we'll show you how to create an emergency plan so that when disaster strikes, you can be prepared.

Every building needs an emergency plan in case of disaster.

Emergency preparedness plans are essential for every building, from homes to businesses. Unfortunately, many people do not have an emergency plan and find themselves scrambling in a disaster situation. If you are looking for ways to prepare yourself or your family or employees for any disaster, we have five steps you can take to ensure that everyone is safe during a crisis.

You’ve already done the first step, which was to make sure your building has a disaster plan in place. Now it's time to create an emergency plan for your facility that includes all of the different types of emergencies you may face. This will help you prepare for any situation and keep everyone on your staff safe from harm.

1. Know your risks 

Before you can prepare for an emergency, you need to know your risks. Your risk assessment should include:

• Identifying the risks to your building and occupants
• Listing the risks in order of importance (the most severe being first)
• Identifying vulnerabilities that could affect you and identifying ways to mitigate them

2. Build a team

It is important to have a team assist you in putting together an Emergency Response Plan. If you have ever tried to do anything alone, you know it can be a challenge. The same is true for emergency preparedness. No single person has the time, knowledge or skills to respond effectively to all disasters. By building a team of friends, family, or employees you can cover each others' weaknesses and strengths, making for a more effective team overall.

The best way to do this is by creating a team made up of different people who have specific skills and expertise—for example:

• First responder
• Security personnel
• Facilities manager/supervisor(s)

3. Make critical information quickly accessible

When a natural disaster or emergency strikes, communication is crucial for keeping your employees informed, safe and on board with your business recovery plan. When an event happens that impacts your business, let people know where to turn for answers. A critical part of being informed is finding out exactly what information you should be looking for and where to find it. If a company has a crisis plan, make sure that everyone knows where it is placed in the office.

4. Test the plan 

Testing your plan is essential for making sure it works. There are many ways to do this, but the most important thing is to make sure you test with real people and real equipment. You can't rely on a Google search or YouTube video to tell you if your plan will work in an emergency situation. Having regular emergency drills with your employees will give you a chance to test your plan as well as give your employees the opportunity to learn the plan first-hand. 

Now that you’ve got the basics down, it’s time to put your plan into action. Remember that this is a living document, so be sure to test it regularly and add new information as needed. Also remember that this isn’t just about making sure you have an emergency kit—it’s about being prepared for whatever comes your way!

How To Prevent Mold Growth on Bread

8/26/2022 (Permalink)

Keep your bread fresh and fuzz-free.

How To Keep Your Bread Fresh and Fuzz- Free

Have you ever purchased a fresh loaf of white bread at the grocery store, only to find green, fuzzy spots on the crust just a few days later? Mold can grow on various foods and in countless different environments. However, bread, with its nutritious ingredients and warm, spongy texture, is the most common breeding ground for the fuzzy fungi. If you are curious about mold growth on bread and how to handle it, read on to learn some helpful tips and tricks on keeping your bread fresh and fuzz-free!

Learn the Dangers
Eating moldy bread in Casco Bay Islands, ME, can cause numerous unfavorable reactions such as:

• Illness
• Nausea
• Vomiting
  
  

While ingesting mold is typically harmless, it can potentially cause severe illness. Therefore, if you detect fungus growth on your sourdough loaf, promptly throw it in the garbage. Further, cutting the moldy sections off the affected areas won't necessarily remove all bread mold, so keep in mind this is an ineffective mold removal method.
If you accidentally consume mold-contaminated bread, do not panic. Those with healthy and uncompromised immune systems typically don't experience any dangerous symptoms.

Handle It Properly

If you discover bread or fridge mold, do not inhale it, as fungus growth can cause a host of respiratory issues. Place the moldy bread in a sealed bag and toss it in the trash away from children and pets. Thoroughly clean the surface areas contaminated by the bread mold, and ensure it did not spread to any adjacent items. If mold ever grows out of control, call a local mold remediation specialist for professional removal.

Prevent Future Growth

The best way to prevent mold growth on your fresh bread is to place just one to two servings in a cupboard for immediate eating. Freeze the remaining loaf for easy thawing later.

While grotesque and unsightly, bread mold is a common and often benign occurrence. Make sure to handle it with care, and always follow proper food storage instructions to avoid accidental ingestion.

How SERVPRO Can Help Your Insurance Agent

7/18/2022 (Permalink)

Did you know that we are a Preferred Vendor for many insurance companies?

How SERVPRO Can Help Your Insurance Agent

After a disaster at your Casco Bay Islands, ME, the business you may contact your insurance adjuster to file a claim and figure out the next steps for restoration. In many cases, your agent may have a preferred restoration vendor such as SERVPRO they recommend for a variety of reasons. In addition to being certified professionals, a preferred restoration team may also be able to help your insurance agent in a number of ways.

1. Damage Assessment

One important aspect of an insurance claim is a damage assessment. In many cases a restoration service may have to do this as well, so choosing a preferred provider allows the restoration professionals to perform the assessment they need to create a repair plan, and then share this information with your insurance provider.

2. Electronic Inventory System

Your insurance adjuster may also recommend a local SERVPRO as they offer the use of an electronic inventory system. This system can be accessed remotely and can store files needed for the insurance claim. This can allow all the information to be kept in a single location making it easy for your agent to access what they need as they work on your claim.

3. Item Cleaning Services

Another service your professional restoration team may be able to offer is item cleaning. This means that they can possibly clean and restore many of the company items that may have been damaged. Each item will require a different cleaning solution depending on size, material, and if the item is mechanical or electrical in nature.

A restoration service may even be able to repair documentation. This can be helpful to your agent because it allows them to recommend a single team to work with rather than several.

Your insurance adjuster may recommend a preferred restoration service such as SERVPRO for a number of reasons. These can include the team’s ability to help with damage assessment, as well as their ability to offer an electronic inventory service and item cleaning. If you have further questions a professional can help.

What Happens When Lighting Strikes a House?

7/9/2022 (Permalink)

Lightning strikes by a house in Gorham, ME

What Happens When a House is Hit by Lightning?

Approximately 22,600 house fires are started by lightning every year. In some areas of the United States, these bolts can strike the ground well over 100 times per second, and meteorologists have recorded over 900 strikes per minute. Although not all of these will cause a lightning fire, some of them can and do.

The Three Types of Damage

Fire is not the only thing that you have to worry about when volatile electricity strikes your home. There are three ways that it can cause both physical and fire damage.

• Fired damage - caused by a direct strike to wood or other flammable substance
• Electrical shorts - caused by electricity traveling through your wiring
• Shock wave damage - damage caused by the wave of energy released during a strike

These three types are all dangerous and can be the cause of a lightning fire.

Strikes Are Preventable
Fortunately, there are a few things that you can do to prevent direct strikes. The easiest is to trim tall trees around your home. Lightning looks for the quickest and easiest path downward. This means the taller the object, the more likely it is to be hit.
You should also make sure that your roof and shingles are in good repair. Use either asphalt shingles or another nonconductive material as roofing. This may not prevent a strike but will help insulate your home from fire damage.

After a Stike to Your Home
If your home takes a direct strike, you may have scorch marks on the walls even if it did not start a house fire. This is because lightning travels through conductive materials like wiring and coax cable. To clean these scorch marks, you will need a professional in Gorham, ME.

Fortunately, a strike does not always result in a lightning fire. By taking some simple precautions, you can lessen the chances that your home will be a victim of this type of fire.

SERVPRO Offers Expert Document Restoration Services

2/8/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is available 24/7, 365 days a year to help with any size fire or water loss. Even if you just have a question, call us and we will answer you!

SERVPRO's Document Restoration Services Are Second To None.

A significant water, sewer or flood event can damage all your essential documents and files. If recovery is going to happen, it needs to start right away. SERVPRO understands this and operates a secure document restoration facility. Professionals there control the process and give your documents the treatment they deserve.

Different Types of Documents Require Different Responses

Not all documents have the same level of importance. Not all records are paper. Not every document needs restoration. Each document gets an appropriate level of treatment. The specific treatment depends on the document’s type and importance. Here are some examples of the types and the treatments they might receive:

1. Important documents need restoration. An important document has an original signature, hand-written notes or an official mark. If a copy won’t do, it’s important. A special freeze-drying process performs document drying. Gamma irradiation sterilizes these documents when bacteria and other contaminants are a concern. Examples of important documents would be:

• Mortgages
• Wills
• Stock, bond and other certificates
• Blueprints
• Maps
• Books and manuscripts
• Irreplaceable legal documents

2. You can digitize less critical documents. In most situation, it’s not the document that is important. It is the information on the document. In these cases, it is more cost-effective to digitize and reprint the document. An alternative is to digitize and reproduce it when needed.

3. Some documents are not paper-based. Developed films and x-rays may seem undamaged but still, require cleaning. The same applies to microfiche and microfilm. Photographic prints may pose a challenge to the document restoration specialists.

4. Medical records require special treatment. SERVPRO’s HIPAA Master-Certified technicians perform this cleaning. Round-the-clock surveillance of the restoration activity ensures confidentiality.
Perhaps a flooded basement destroyed your home office in the Windham, ME, area. Maybe a roof failure at work soaked the company accounting records. The amount of damage doesn’t matter. The document restoration experts at SERVPRO tackle projects of any size.

How To Choose an Air Purifier

1/10/2022 (Permalink)

If you want to reduce the amount of airborne particles, such as mold spores or dust, in your home, experts recommend a HEPA filter purifier.

What To Look For When Buying An Air Purifier

Of all the places you spend your time, your home in West Falmouth, ME, should be the place you can breathe the easiest. An effective air filtration system can help. The market is so saturated with purifiers that look promising, however, that it can be overwhelming to try to choose the one that’s best for you and your family. The following suggestions may be able to help you narrow down the options.

Qualities To Seek

The first thing you must decide is what you need. When experts test to see if an air purifier works well, they often look at four criteria:

• Percentage of particles removed from air
• Amount of air flow
• Simplicity of use
• Level of customer satisfaction

You may choose your air filtration device based on one or all of these standards. If you want a purifier that reduces the amount of potentially irritating particles in the air, for example, filter efficiency is probably going to be your most important requirement.

Reasons To Buy

If you want to reduce the number of airborne particles, such as mold spores or dust, in your home, mold remediation experts recommend a purifier with a HEPA filter. HEPA filters not only remove over 99% of particles from the air, they actually improve in performance over time. If your machine also has a carbon pre-filter, you can increase the life of your filter and improve your air quality even further. The most effective air purifiers on the market include the Oransi Max, the BlueAir 450E and the OV200 Air Purifier. While costs for these machines can range from a few hundred dollars to over $1000, it may be worth the price to know that your family is breathing cleaner air.

The best air filtration system is one that has an efficient filter, good air flow, ease of use and good customer reviews. Look for the purifier that improves the air quality of your home the best.

Fire Safety 101: How to Make a Fire Escape Plan

11/11/2021 (Permalink)

If fire damage occurs in your home, you can count on SERVPRO, we are ready to help you.

How To Create A Fire Escape Plan: Fire Safety 101

When talking about fire preparation and safety, fire escape planning is often neglected by many families. Many people gravitate to the “it’s never going to happen to me” bubble and unwittingly put their families at risk. Escape planning is potentially life-saving and relatively simple. Follow the steps below for guidance.

1. Scope Out Your Home

Scoping out your home before a home fire may be a life-saving decision. Fire incites panic, and that can lead to poor decision-making in an emergency. By finding emergency exit routes before a crisis, you can increase your likelihood of survival. There should be a clear and defined path to escape from every room of your home.

2. Move Any Obstacles

Fire escape routes should be maintained, meaning they must be free of obstacles. You can ensure the integrity of your escape plans by keeping dressers and tables away from windows and pathways. Everyone should be able to make it to an escape point without having to stop and move furniture.

3. Practice Your Escape Route

Once escape routes are planned and pathways cleared, practice escaping. Many fire departments and municipalities encourage families to practice these routes monthly. While practicing does not require an actual emergency, everyone should move through the plan as quickly as possible because in a real emergency, time is of the essence.

4. Seek Out Professional Guidance

While for small, ranch-style homes escape planning is relatively simple, multilevel homes and apartments can be a little trickier. If you are concerned that your fire preparation plans are not adequate to keep you and your family safe, contact your local fire department or other professionals from Westbrook, ME, to help you create a customized plan.

Fire safety relies heavily on fire prevention and preparation, which has its strongest roots in fire escape. Planning and practicing escape routes can be the difference between life or death if the worst-case scenario should occur. Knowing the layout of your home, removing obstacles, and practicing escape routes are the best ways of ensuring your family's safety in a fire emergency.

Want to Prevent Mold? Take Care of Water Damage First

10/7/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Always ready to help you in any mold damage in your home.

Do You Want To Keep Mold At Bay? First And Foremost, Take Care Of Any Water Damage.

You’ve heard the saying “where there’s smoke, there’s fire.” Well, where there’s water, there’s mold and mildew – and the last thing you want is for mold to take root in your home. Once that musty odor sinks in, it’s almost impossible to get rid of without professional help and potential damage to the structure of your home. Let’s take a look at how you can prevent mold growth in Westbrook, ME before it’s too late.

Be Proactive – Eliminate the Causes of Water Damage

Mold in your home is generally caused by water lingering where it shouldn’t, promoting stagnation and mold growth. This can include everything from leaks to condensation to standing water. A few common sources of water damage include:

• A leaking roof
• Leaks in pipes and fixtures
• Broken refrigerators pooling water on the floor
• Leaks in windowsills and windowpane seals
• Condensation from air conditioners and other air filtration devices
• Improper weather sealing
• Flooding and hurricanes

For effective mold prevention, it’s important to eliminate the source of water leakage before water leakage becomes water damage, and water damage becomes unsightly mold. While there’s not much you can do to prevent natural disasters such as floods, though, you can still prepare in advance by sealing your house as much as possible – and beginning water cleanup immediately after the danger has passed.

Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late

Your best mold prevention strategy is to avoid a problem in the first place. Regular home inspections can detect issues with leaking roofs, windows, pipes, and other issues before they happen. Proper home maintenance can go a long way toward mold prevention while preserving the safety and integrity of your house. If you find you do have a problem, don’t wait to address the issue. Being immediate cleanup and hunt down the water damage at the source before it spreads any further and your mold growth becomes a mold infestation.

Tackling Mold's Move-In

9/22/2021 (Permalink)

If you have any mold damage in your home, SERVPRO is always ready for help, call us!

Managing Mold's Invasion

Most Portland, ME, homes can be vulnerable to mold in some shape, color, smell, or form. After all, many of the materials that make up the house itself can set the stage for a fungus party. It may be a great time for, say, black mold, but you probably have other ideas. Does mold go away on its own? This question can be answered in the short list below.

1. An Unwelcome Guest

After you've located the affected areas of your house, the ideal next step is to plan mold cleanup. Calling professionals who understand the ins and outs of this pesky substance is usually a good first step; however, even the pros can tell you that addressing mold is no light business. Mold can seep in underneath walls, carpets, bathroom tiles, and other subtle places, so it is important that your house becomes an area of close scrutiny.

2. Moisture Is Key

Most homeowners are familiar with the occasional leaky roof or dripping pipes. These small nuisances can become bigger issues when mold becomes the new house guest. If black mold has taken over any part of your house, a simple drying of the area does not quite do the trick. Mold can be a long-time roommate, even if you've let your house dry, so the best bet is to plan a cleanup.

3. Invisible Pests

Even if you've addressed a moisture problem, it is possible that you are only at the beginning of your mold cleanup quest. Spores – the reproductive cells that allow mold to spread – are impossible to spot. They can travel through the air, on clothing, and in various parts of the house. It is important that you approach a mold problem the appropriate way so that the spores will be no more.

Whether it's black mold, mold spots on your walls, or anything in between, a mold infestation can be serious. Knowing you've placed your trust in the right remediating hands can not only identify all affected places but can also ensure the mold is really gone.

Tips for Checking for Mold in Your Home

8/12/2021 (Permalink)

Mold in a Falmouth Foreside, ME home.

Mold Inspection Tips for Your Home

No one wants to think that their home isn’t safe or that it has potential health hazards lurking in open or hidden areas. Your home is supposed to be a haven where you can feel protection and comfort. Regrettably, you can encounter issues such as mold growth in any type of residence. If you discover mold at home in Falmouth Foreside, ME, you need an indoor environmental specialist to help you get rid of it and prevent it from coming back. To help you find out whether this nasty pest is in your place, follow some basic steps.

Check Common Places

Mold can grow in a variety of places, but there are some usual suspects to be aware of. Start in your bathroom, particularly the shower and sink. Mold can live in the grout of shower tile or at the base of your toilet. Pay close attention to the pipes below your sink. These areas are often perfect places for mold to thrive. Other possible locations include:

• The attic
  
• The basement
  
• Dark, damp crawl spaces
  
  

Know What It Looks Like

Many people may think that mold is greenish in color; however, it’s usually black, white or yellow. You can identify mold by its leathery texture and spotty appearance. It also doesn’t smell pleasant; it carries a pungent odor like that of dirty socks. Make sure that when you check for mold, you wear a mask and gloves. Contact with this fungal growth can lead to illness.

Get an Expert

An indoor environmental specialist in Falmouth Foreside, ME, knows the typical places for mold to wreak its havoc. This expert will conduct a mold test and determine whether mold is in your home and what type it may be.

If you suspect that mold growth is occurring in your home, you should investigate likely areas of the house for this enemy. If you are not sure about what you find, environmental specialists can do a more thorough check as well as help you take care of the problem.

Why SERVPRO's Quick Response Time Can Help Your Clients

2/24/2021 (Permalink)

Commercial water damage in Gorham, ME.

Why SERVPRO's Quick Response Time Can Help Your Clients

After a water or fire emergency, a fast response is crucial. Water from a leaking pipe or a firefighter hose can start causing damage in a matter of minutes. Even a short delay can thus make the restoration process more costly for you and your clients.
Of course, not every water loss occurs during normal business hours. Sometimes a disaster occurs on a weekend or holiday. Your clients should not have to wait until the next business day to start the drying process. They need a 24-hour commercial cleanup company.
That is why SERVPRO is a preferred vendor for most insurance providers. A representative from the company will respond to your clients' calls right away. In fact, each client should receive:

• A call within one hour
  
• A visit within four hours
  
• A verbal brief within eight hours
  
  

The Consequences of a Delayed Cleanup
Paper items such as books and photos may start to swell within a few minutes of a water damage. Furniture can bleed and stain carpets, as well. Over the next day, wet metals may begin to tarnish, and musty odors may start to spread. Water could also cause the Gorham, ME, building's drywall to break down. A 24-hour cleaning company can start the restoration right away and prevent many of these issues.

The Company That Responds Immediately
While SERVPRO is always open, that is not the only reason it can respond to emergencies right away. The company also has more than 1,700 franchises in Canada and America. At least one of these franchises is likely close to each of your clients' buildings, making it easier for SERVPRO to survey any damage in a timely matter.
SERVPRO understands that a fast response to water damage is so important. That is why its employees reply to all calls immediately, no matter the time or day. Choosing a company such as SERVPRO that provides 24-hour response can help minimize the damage your clients sustain following a water loss.

Answering Your Questions About Mold

11/30/2020 (Permalink)

Mold growth on bathroom ceiling

Four Of The Most Common Questions Regarding Mold Growth

The vast majority of homeowners do have to deal with a black mold issue at some point. Mold has the potential to grow nearly anywhere in your Portland, ME, home, provided the correct conditions exist. If you suspect that your home has fallen victim to a mold problem, yet you still don't know where to begin, then you have come to the right place.

1. Does Mold Go Away By Itself?
Mold is a living organism, so it's natural to assume that depriving it of its vital nutrients could cause it to die off on its own. Unfortunately, this isn't the case. Cutting off the mold's access to water and organic matter might temporarily halt its spread, but it will not kill the existing mold.

2. Where Does Mold Grow?
Black mold can grow anywhere the correct conditions exist. It's most commonly found in areas of your home that come into frequent contact with moisture, such as your kitchen, bathroom, basement, laundry room and garage.

3. How Do You Get Rid of Mold?
The size of the mold issue ultimately determines which approach you should take. You can address smaller mold cleanup projects using homemade cleaning mixtures that consist of equal parts water and white vinegar. Larger problems might require professional assistance, however.

4. How Can You Prevent Mold?
Mold needs water to grow, so cutting down on any existing moisture problem is your best course of action. You should also carefully monitor your indoor humidity levels to ensure that excess condensation isn't the root of the problem. Lastly, performing regular home inspections can help you catch mold problems before they spiral out of control.
Just because black mold is a common household affliction doesn't mean that you need to put up with it. Learning what causes mold growth in your home and taking action to resolve the issue can help prevent future issues. Contact mold remediation experts for professional assistance.

4 Ways to Prevent Mold

10/14/2020 (Permalink)

Mold growth in Munjoy Hill, ME

Mold Prevention Tips

Mold spores may be everywhere, but that doesn’t mean your Munjoy Hill, ME, home needs to be a place they thrive and grow. While water damage is a sure indicator of a potential problem, which often requires the help of a mold remediation and restoration professional, even small problems can quickly grow. Below are five mold prevention tips to keep your home how it should be.

1. Locate Problem Areas
Although it may be impossible to keep spores at bay, knowing your home can minimize mold growth. Inspect your home for areas prone to moisture and fix the issues before it turns into a bigger problem. If you notice signs of frequent condensation around a window, dampness in the basement or signs of a water leak, taking quick action can help you avoid mold issues.

2. Enhance Airflow
Airflow and proper ventilation may not be things people frequently think about, but they can make a big difference in keeping moisture levels down. Simple things like ensuring dryers, bathrooms and kitchen are ventilated will dissipate condensation. Good airflow will further circulate the air, ensuring moisture-prone areas can dry out.

3. Control Humidity Levels
When it comes to mold prevention, humidity levels rank high. If there are signs of condensation on pipes, walls or windows, it likely means the indoor humidity is above 60%. It is recommended to keep that number between 30 and 60%. If it is an ongoing issue, consider investing in a dehumidifier.

4. Dry Wet Areas
Since mold needs moisture to grow, immediately drying out any wet area is a must. Even a small spill on the carpet left unchecked has the potential to create the right environment for mold to grow. Any wet items should be dried out before stored in the home.
By adding mold prevention to your to-do list, you can have more peace of mind that those sneaky spores will stay in hibernation instead of making your home their own.

4 Steps for Fighting Apartment Mold

9/2/2020 (Permalink)

Mold removal in a Gorham, ME apartment

Mold Cleanup Tips For Your Apartment

Mold is a common home invader that favors moist, dark conditions. Finding it growing in your apartment is nothing to be ashamed of, but you do need to take action as soon as possible. Follow these mold cleanup tips if your apartment in Gorham, ME, does have a mold issue.

1. Assess the Issue
What you might think is mold could actually just be mildew. While they're both fungi caused by mold spores, the treatment methods are different. Mold is typically black or green in color and might have a fuzzy or slimy texture. Mildew, on the other hand, is usually white, gray or yellow.
Additionally, you have to assess the breadth of the issue. Small mold contamination issues can be cleaned up with a bit of white vinegar, but bigger problems might require professional assistance.

2. Call Your Landlord
Depending on the nature of the issue, mold cleanup might be an issue for your landlord or property manager to resolve. Either way, it's in your best interest to inform them of the issue as soon as you can. Include pictures of the mold in your text or email.

3. Determine the Root of the Issue
Once your landlord arrives, you should work with them to figure out what is causing the mold. If the mold is a result of a leaky pipe or other internal water issue, then your landlord should take responsibility for resolving the issue. However, the problem falls onto your shoulders if the issue resulted from negligence. Your landlord can't be held accountable if you fell asleep in the bathtub and accidentally flooded the floor.

4. Enlist Professional Help
If the mold contamination is, in fact, your responsibility, then it's a good idea to enlist professional assistance. This is especially true for larger mold issues. Mold has a tendency to dig deep roots and can be very difficult to purge completely.
Don't allow mold growth in your apartment to become a bigger issue than it needs to be. Resolve the issue quickly and efficiently by contacting your local mold remediation specialists.

What Mold Growth on Food Says About Mold

8/13/2020 (Permalink)

Mold is common on bread for a variety of reasons

Interesting Facts About Mold

It's a tough choice: Would you rather have mold on your walls and ceilings or on your food? While bread mold is probably more unpalatable, it likely has less of a chance of causing significant damage to your home. Nonetheless, the presence of mold anywhere is always a good excuse to impart a few lessons. Here are some interesting facts about mold:

• It belongs to the kingdom Fungi
• It is neither plant nor animal
• It grows on all types of surfaces
• It is present nearly everywhere
• It spreads by microscopic spores
• It is related to mushrooms
  

Another important fact about mold is that it likes, wet, damp conditions. All of this information is important to a mold remediation franchise in Falmouth, ME when it comes to controlling mold growth.

More About Bread Mold
Mold is common on bread for a variety of reasons. For one thing, bread contains a desirable source of nutrients. Bread is also normally stored outside of the refrigerator and it often contains a bit of moisture. Since mold spores are ubiquitous, they can easily settle onto bread and begin to multiply, sometimes with amazing rapidity. Mold has been known to double in less than an hour. As an organism, mold is nothing if not resourceful. That is why you can find fridge mold growing on fruits and vegetables in your refrigerator as well.

More About Mold Cleanup
When mold begins to grow on your walls, ceilings and upholstery, it is important to get the fungus growth under control. Untreated mold in your home is potentially more serious than a little bread mold in the pantry. It can produce an unpleasant odor throughout the home and even degrade materials over time. For this reason, it should be mitigated as soon as possible. Professional cleanup methods include mold containment and cleaning and sanitizing with industry-approved disinfectants. Quick action will remove mold colonies from your home.

The Process of Removing Mold and How it Will Affect Your Business

5/13/2020 (Permalink)

Mold on the Bathroom Ceiling

No one wants to see mold, whether it's at home or work. If you detect this fungus in your office building, you don't want to wait a moment to get rid of it. Mold removal is a critical process. The more you understand about what goes into this effort and how it will impact your day-to-day operations, the more prepared you will be.

An Overview of Mold

With diligent efforts, you can prevent mold growth in your building. This fungus can grow and spread rapidly once it gets into the ideal environment. These are some problems areas that can cause mold issues in the workplace:

• Leaky or broken pipes
• Poor ventilation in basements, laundry facilities, and bathrooms
• Failure to promptly clean up water spills and floods

Calling the Pros
If you spot mold, you can handle mold removal yourself if it affects a small area. However, widespread mold requires the expertise of a professional mold remediation company. A professional team has the experience, skill, and equipment to effectively and thoroughly get rid of mold and clean the affected area. Technicians will close off the area where mold is growing and restrict access to employees. The technicians will also wear the proper protective equipment. After removing the mold, the team will disinfect the area to reduce the risk of more mold showing up.

The Time Frame
As a business owner or building manager in West Falmouth, ME, you want to know how long the cleanup effort will take. The fewer disruptions to your work, the better off you will be. The cleanup could take anywhere from a day to more than a week. The timing depends on the extent of the damage. The presence of the more challenging black mold will also add to the process.
You shouldn't have to take care of mold removal on your own. Enlist the help of trained professionals. The team should communicate with you how long this will take.

We are your Cleaning Experts

3/30/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Portland is here to help during this time. Please reach out to our office if we can of any help to you.

SERVPRO of Portland is Here to Help during this time of need

During this unprecedented time caused by the global pandemic of coronavirus, this is a reminder to our customers that we are specialists in cleaning services, and we adhere to the highest cleaning and sanitation standards.

Specialized Training

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

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

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

Specialized Products

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

Call our Office Today for a Proactive Cleaning

If your home or business needs deep cleaning services, call the experts today – 207-772-5032.

Sources:

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/guidance-prevent-spread.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fguidance-prevent-spread.html

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/specific-groups/guidance-business-response.html

5 Places Mold Might Be Hiding in Your Home

3/26/2020 (Permalink)

Mold damage in Falmouth, ME

5 Places Mold Might Be Hiding in Your Home

If you have experienced water damage or have high levels of moisture in your home in Falmouth, ME, then you might have a problem with mold growth. However, sometimes it can be difficult to find. If you smell a musty odor in the house but don’t see any signs of the fungus, it might be hiding in one of the following locations.

1. Behind the Walls

One common place for hidden mold is behind the walls. If moisture is trapped here, you might be able to smell moldy drywall. If the growth continues to spread, you will likely see discoloration on your walls.

2. Underneath the Floors

As well as behind walls, mold can grow beneath the flooring. This can be especially common in homes with carpeting, as this material is absorbent and more likely to hold moisture. It might grow underneath laminate and between tiles as well.

3. Near Leaks

Mold needs moisture to grow, so you can often find it in an area where leaking has occurred. Whether it is a leaky roof or a damaged pipe, these areas should be repaired quickly to prevent mold from growing.

4. Inside Air Conditioners

If they are not well-maintained, air conditioning units can become a breeding ground for mold growth. This can happen if the moisture is not properly escaping and is building up in the unit.

5. Around Windows and Doors

During a storm, moisture can build up in the areas around doors and windows which can result in mold on wood around these structures. It can help to wipe them down after rainy weather.
Because mold growth is not always easy to locate, it can be a good idea to hire a mold remediation company if you think this fungus might be growing in your house. If they find any growth, they can take the necessary steps to remove it and help prevent it from returning.

Why Does Mold Smell So Bad?

3/24/2020 (Permalink)

A musty odor may indicate mold growth in your property

An easy way to tell that mold growth has begun in your home in Portland, ME is the unmistakable musty odor mold produces. Any amount of flood water, even if it was not contaminated, can lead to mold and in many cases odors. When you smell this distinctive mustiness, do not hesitate to take action. You need to remove the mold itself as well as the odor promptly or else your home can become uninhabitable.

What Creates the Smell?

Mold can produce a number of different gasses, referred to as microbial volatile organic compounds. These MVOCs can be odorless, or they can also be musty. The fact that mold growth can be odorless and that it tends to happen in hidden places means it is vital to hire a mold remediation service right away so that professionals can inspect your home thoroughly.

Does Mold Produce Different Odors?

Different types of mold can emit different compounds, each of which with its own distinct odor. For example, mold can produce the following odors:

• 2-hexanone, which has an acetone-like smell
• 1-octen-3-ol, which smells meaty
• 1-butanol may smell similar to alcohol fermentation
• 3-octanone has a fatty, nutty aroma to it.
  
  

Ultimately, homeowners in Portland, ME need to take note of any odors out of the ordinary because a wide range of smells could indicate mold and mildew are present.

How Can You Get Rid of the Odor?

After a flood of any size, sewage loss and mold growth can foster an unpleasant aroma that permeates the entire abode. To rid your home of it, you must remove all damaged and wet materials from the premises. You need to make sure to get rid of everything dampened that cannot be dried or cleaned before beginning the repair process. If any amount of mold is left behind, it will simply grow back. Ventilate the area to promote airflow and deodorize using baking soda.

What It Means To Be a Preferred Vendor for Insurance Companies

1/24/2020 (Permalink)

Did you know that we are a Preferred Vendor for many insurance companies

One of the main benefits of choosing SERVPRO for restoration services in West Falmouth, ME, is that the company is the preferred vendor for most insurance companies. This title often indicates that the restoration company has met a set of criteria pertaining to compliance and quality standards. The preferred vendor program also leads to a good relationship between the vendor and the insurance agent, streamlining the claims process and minimizing complications for all parties involved. Here is some general information on how a company becomes a preferred vendor and the benefits of being a part of the program.

How To Become a Preferred Vendor

The steps to becoming a preferred vendor can vary depending on the insurance company, but here are several steps that are usually required:

Application Process: Each insurance provider has its own unique application process, so vendors need to register separately with each company. The paperwork may ask for a tax identification number, the name of the company, the business structure, and a list of provided services.
Describe Qualifications: Some applications may allow the vendor to upload a document or give space for including any qualifications and incentives. This section should be drafted carefully, with attention to qualification a business owner or insurance agent would be interested in.
Wait for an Opening: The next step is to simply wait for a response. Some insurance companies will simply accept the application and provide work while others will then require the applicant to bid for a job.

Benefits of the Preferred Vendor Program

The main benefit of being a preferred vendor for companies is being supplied with plenty of work. In return, the vendor often agrees to reasonable pricing, consistent performance, and reduced claim costs. This ensures the client receives high-quality services while also meeting the needs of the insurance agent.
Being a preferred vendor isn’t just a phrase companies like SERVPRO use to make them sound professional. Rather, this term indicates an expectation for exceptional quality and a mutually beneficial partnership between insurance companies and vendors.