We Are Still in the Middle of Frozen Pipe Season in Ocean County

3/16/2023 (Permalink)

A fast response can lessen the damage, limit further damage, and reduces the restoration cost.

Just because we have been enjoying some warmer days in February and March does not mean that we are in the clear for freezing temperatures. March and April usually brings us a snow storm or two along with freezing temperatures.

Here are a few tips to prevent frozen pipes in Manchester:

• Keep garage doors closed if there are water supply lines in the garage.
• Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing. Be sure to move any harmful cleaners and household chemicals up out of the reach of children.
• When the weather is very cold outside, let the cold water drip from the faucet served by exposed pipes. Running water through the pipe - even at a trickle - helps prevent pipes from freezing.
• Keep the thermostat set to the same temperature both during the day and at night. By temporarily suspending the use of lower nighttime temperatures, you may incur a higher heating bill, but you can prevent a much more costly repair job if pipes freeze and burst.
• If you will be going away during cold weather, leave the heat on in your home, set to a temperature no lower than 55° F.

In the unfortunate event your Ocean County home or business does experience a frozen pipe, SERVPRO of Jackson, Lacey is standing by with highly trained technicians to help you during your water damage emergency.

What Does a Water Damage Timeline Look Like for Your Jackson Home?

3/12/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Jackson, Lacey water damage extraction cleanup equipment and process.

Within Minutes

• Water quickly spreads throughout your property, saturating everything in its path.
• Water is absorbed into walls, floors, upholstery, and belongings.
• Furniture finishes may bleed, causing permanent staining on carpets.
• Photographs, books, and other paper goods start to swell and warp.

Hours 1 - 24:

• Drywall begins to swell and break down.
• Metal surfaces begin to tarnish.
• Furniture begins to swell and crack.
• Dyes and inks from cloth and paper goods spread and stain.
• A musty odor appears.

48 Hours to 1 Week:

• Mold and mildew may grow and spread.
• Doors, windows, and studs swell and warp.
• Metal begins to rust and corrode.
• Furniture warps and shows signs of mold.
• Paint begins to blister.
• Wood flooring swells and warps.
• Serious biohazard contamination is possible.

More Than 1 Week:

• Restoration time and cost increase dramatically; replacing contaminated materials and structural rebuilding may be extensive.
• Structural safety, mold growth, and biohazard contaminants pose serious risks to occupants.

SERVPRO of Jackson, Lacey knows the longer your water damage is left untreated the higher will be the cost of repairs. Our technicians are ready to respond 24 hours a day, seven days a week to any size water damage emergency.

What Are SERVPRO’s Three C's of Cleaning?

3/7/2023 (Permalink)

Certified: SERVPRO of Jackson, Lacey Cleaned Shield

When you see the Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned shield, you can know that space has been cleaned to a higher standard, so you can feel safe to go there. This thorough deep cleaning has three phases called the “3 C’s”:

1. Consult-We customize a cleaning program based on the unique needs of each business.
2. Clean-In this step our trained professionals will use EPA approved hospital, grade cleaning solutions to clean a facility based on the particular needs of that business. We adhere to the cleaning and decontamination standards set by the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) cleaning all touchpoints and surrounding surfaces.
3. Certify-You will know that a business is Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned by the shield posted on their front window. Our shield represents the business’ commitment to the comfort and security of their employees, customers, and community.

When you see that a local business has been Certified: SERVPRO Cleanedyou can be confident it’s been cleaned using the processes and procedures used by SERVPRO of Jackson, Lacey for biohazard remediation for over 20 years. This defensive and proactive pathogen cleaning program goes well beyond standard janitorial cleaning practices. We are dedicated to inspiring confidence in our community where we live and work.

Interested in our commercial cleanup services for your Ocean County business? Call us today at 732-523-4986 because SERVPRO knows what it means to be clean.

What Are Common Causes of Water Damage in My Manchester Home?

3/7/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Jackson, Lacey provides 24-hour emergency water damage restoration services.

Here are a few of the most common sources of water damage and tips to help prevent them from happening at all:

• Roofs-Standing water is a sign that your drainage system is not working properly. This is a problem because of the weight of the water. Eventually, this will strain your roof and cause leaks, which can do more damage than a broken pipe. Also, be sure you look for damaged flashing, felt, and shingles as these pieces can degrade over time and will need to be replaced to avoid leaks.
• Pipes-Your plumbing is vulnerable to clogs and other damage. Regularly examine the outside of your pipes for stains, rust, cracks, and bulges. If you see any of these, have them repaired. You can also insulate your pipes to prevent freezing in the winter. Furthermore, a lot of commercial buildings can benefit from leak detectors as there are inexpensive and alert you to any leaks. 
• Forces of Nature-Hurricanes, thunderstorms, and flooding do a lot of damage to buildings. While you can't avoid nasty weather, you can take steps to make sure you are ready to deal with disasters. 

Prevention is key, but sometimes water damage happens no matter how prepared we are and the quicker the water is cleaned up the batter it is for the structure. The speed with which drying occurs can determine how expensive your repair is, how much damage is done, and whether or not your home remains habitable.

SERVPRO of Jackson, Lacey is ready to answer your call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, but there are still some steps you can take the moment you get back home while you’re waiting for our team to arrive.

• Remove any paintings, art objects, documents and other sensitive materials to a safe, dry place.
• Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removing lamps and tabletop items.
• Raise wooden furniture out of standing waters and place on blocks if possible.
• Remove as much excess water as possible by mopping and blotting. 
• Move large furniture away from walls for better air circulation.
• Remove and prop up wet upholstery cushions for even drying.

The faster you act after a water damage, the more effective the restoration process will be and the better your chances are of saving water damaged possessions. Call SERVPRO of Jackson, Lacey as soon as possible to begin the water damage cleanup process. Our staff has the expertise needed to repair your home and make it “Like it never even happened.” Call us at 732-523-4986.

Fire Prevention for Your Jackson Restaurant

3/2/2023 (Permalink)

Commercial Fire Damage? Call Us Today – (732) 523-4986!

Understanding fire hazards in your Jackson
restaurant kitchen can help minimize the risk of can help prevent injury or loss of life, property damage and business shutdown which could cause a loss of revenue.

Do you know the most common causes of restaurant fires?

• Open flames are a risk because many things within the kitchen can catch fire from them.
  The staff should be experienced in controlling open flames and know how a fire suppression system works in the event a fire were to start. An automatic fire suppression system is a system in the kitchen is one of the best preventative measures available. According to NFPA,
  more than half of restaurant fires involve cooking equipment. Fire suppression systems automatically release fire retardant materials when triggered. Once activated, the system automatically shuts off the fuel or energy supply to the cooking system.
• Grease and grease traps Grease can get hot and is extremely flammable. A full grease trap that is not cleaned regularly may have pieces of food that can easily catch fire when more hot grease is added.
• Flammable materials such as loose fitting or flammable clothing, dish towels and pot
  holders Make sure everyone in the kitchen has safe and proper attire while in the cooking areas. Also, make sure to keep all dish towels and pot holders away from an open flame.
• Electrical wiring Just a small tear, fray or  cut in a wire can lead to a fire in your kitchen so remember to check for frays, breaks, or damage, even those that are out of sight. 
• Smoking If the staff is allowed to smoke, ensure they have a designated smoking area with disposal bins that are regularly checked and cleaned out.

Remember: The best defense against fire loss is to minimize the risk before a fire breaks out. One of the most accessible strategies for fire prevention involves good housekeeping

What Can Owners, Managers and Employees Do to Help Prevent a Restaurant Fire?

• Train employees on fire extinguisher use/fire submission Train all employees how to properly use a fire extinguisher and activate the overhead fire suppression system, so in the event of a fire, they will know what to do.
• Back up extinguishers: Install back up extinguishers in your restaurant. Extinguishers in the cooking area should be Class K for use on high-temperature grease fires. Use them only after the built-in suppression system is activated. Use Class ABC extinguishers in other areas of the restaurant to deal with fires resulting from other materials such as electrical issues, paper, plastic, or wood. Fire extinguishers are helpful only when staff is trained on their proper use. Staff should know where the extinguishers are located and exactly how to operate one.
• Empty grease traps regularly Overfilled grease traps can catch fire.
• Keep aisles uncluttered Cluttered walkways will hamper employees and customers trying to escape from a fire.
• Turn off gas and electric source Employees should know where and how to cut off the gas and electrical source in case of an emergency ONLY IF SAFE!
• Provide sufficient lighting/make sure exit signs are functioning  The emergency exit route needs to be adequately lit so employees and customers can see where they are going in case of an emergency and allows everyone to quickly identify the exit in an emergency.

During a four-year study by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), there were 7,640 structural fires in dining and drinking establishments. These fires caused more than $246 million in property damage. The best strategy to protect your restaurant from a fire loss includes fire prevention and proper
training for employees.

If your Jackson restaurant experiences fire damage, SERVPRO of Jackson/Lacey has the training, experience, and equipment to handle large commercial fire damage emergencies. Whether your fire emergency occurs in a restaurant, motel, or office building, we will respond quickly to mitigate the damage and manage the restoration project through to its completion.

How to Keep Rain Water Out of Your Jackson Township Home

2/3/2023 (Permalink)

Moisture reading equipment helps SERVPRO of Jackson determine the moisture inside porous objects such as flooring and drywalls.

Below are ten things you can to prevent rain water from entering your home:

1. Clean Rain Gutters: It is recommended that you clean your gutters biannually. During rain fall if your gutters are clogged from debris or any other matter, it can create a blockage and eventually overflow. The overflow has nowhere to go other than down the exterior of your home and potentially direct water into your home.
2. Increase Grade: Make sure the soil next to your home is pitched, or sloped AWAY from your house to divert water.
3. Sweep Debris Away: If weather permits, sweep outdoor surfaces weekly. Sweep patio and door ways to prevent debris from clogging exterior drains.
4. Expand Exterior Drains: Expanding the surface area of the exterior drain decreases the likelihood of the drain clogging.
5. Divert Downspouts: By attaching a corrugated hose to the base of the downspout, it redirects the water away from your structure.
6. Roof Maintience: It is recommended that you have your roof inspected annually and/or after a major storm. Your roof is the first line of defense; if it’s in good condition it’s more likely to handle damage affected by a storm.
7. Window Repairs: Window installation and maintenance is paramount. Certain windows are fitted with well drains to guide water away from your house. Improper caulking can be detrimental, by directing water into the structure as opposed to away.
8. Construct a Swale Ditch :Digging a trench and filling it with landscaping rock can help prevent water from entering the structure. This is beneficial particularly for yards that are very flat.
9. Exterior French Drain: For properties on a slope, an exterior French drain is a useful, inexpensive way to divert surface water away from the structure.
10. Install a Sump Pump: As a last resort, installing a sump pump is an option. Start by digging a well through the basement or slab of the structure. The well may be up to 7 or 10 feet deep. As the water table increases, a sump pump activates and transports water away from the structure.

Do you know that SERVPRO of Jackson are highly trained storm damage specialists?

As water and storm damage specialists, SERVPRO of Jackson has the experience and advanced training that enables us to restore your property quickly. We use scientific drying principles and provide validation and documentation that your property is dry and the job is complete.

• Water Damage Restoration Technician
• Applied Structural Drying Technicians

When a storm hits your Jackson Township home or business, you need help immediately. Our quick response will help prevent secondary damage and help reduce restoration costs. Call us 24/7 at (732) 523-4986 for any size storm damage cleanup.

Emergency Ready Profile Advantage for Your Jackson Business

1/30/2023 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of Jackson today for a free ERP for your business in the event of water, storm or fire damage.

Do you own or operate a small business? You cannot always prevent disasters from happening, but you can always be prepared for it. Let SERVPRO of Jackson help you be prepared for unplanned disasters by creating an Emergency Ready Profile (ERP). By creating an Emergency Ready Profile you’re able to minimize interruptions in daily operations of your business by having an immediate plan of action in place should disaster strike. The Emergency Ready Profile provides immediate contact information and other important details that provide a guide to get your business back up and running after a disaster. 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. Be ready and get a free Emergency Ready Profile with SERVPRO of Jackson, give our office a call at (732) 523-4986 to set up an appointment. 

How to Keep Rain Water out of your Jackson Home

1/25/2023 (Permalink)

When your Jackson home or commercial property suffers water damage, SERVPRO has the expertise and equipment to properly restore your property.

Below are ten things you can to prevent rain water from entering your home:

1. Clean Rain Gutters: It is recommended that you clean your gutters biannually. During rain fall if your gutters are clogged from debris or any other matter, it can create a blockage and eventually overflow. The overflow has nowhere to go other than down the exterior of your home and potentially direct water
   into your home.
2. Increase Grade: Make sure the
   soil next to your home is pitched, or sloped AWAY from your house to divert water.
3. Sweep Debris Away: If weather permits, sweep outdoor surfaces weekly. Sweep patio and door ways to prevent debris from clogging exterior drains.
4. Replace Hardscapes: Replacing
   Hardscapes (concrete and asphalt) with crushed gravel or pea gravel is a great way to ensure proper
   draining.
5. Divert Downspouts: By
   attaching a corrugated hose to the base of the downspout, it redirects the water away from your
   structure.
6. Roof Maintenance: It is recommended that you have your roof inspected annually and/or after a major storm. Your roof is the first line of defense; if it’s in good condition it’s more likely to handle damage
   affected by a storm.
7. Window Repairs: Window installation and maintenance is paramount. Certain windows are fitted with well drains to guide water away from your house. Improper caulking can be detrimental, by directing water into the structure as opposed to away.
8. Construct a Swale Ditch: Digging a trench and filling it with landscaping rock can help prevent water from entering the structure. This is beneficial particularly for yards that are very flat.
9. Exterior French Drain: For properties on a slope, an exterior French drain is a useful, inexpensive way to divert surface water away from the structure.
10. Install a Sump Pump: As a last resort, installing a sump pump is an option. Start by digging a well through the basement or slab of the structure. The well may be up to 7 or 10 feet deep. As the water table increases, a sump pump activates and transports water away from the structure.

If you do suffer from water damage, call SERVPRO of Jackson for all your water cleanup restoration services.  

Heating Safety Tips for the Cold Months in New Jersey

1/18/2023 (Permalink)

This ceiling is in the process of having fire, smoke and soot damaged removed by SERVPRO of Jackson.

Winter has been relatively kind to us this January 2023 but we still have lots more winter ahead of us. In an effort to keep warm and keep costs down, people sometimes resort to using alternate forms of heating, such as fire places and space heaters. 

According to the National Fire Protection Association, heating is the lead cause of home fire deaths during the months of December, January and February. Based on 2016-2020, space heaters were the type of heating equipment responsible for the largest shares of losses in home heating equipment fires, accounting for one-third of the fires, but nearly nine out of ten deaths and four out of five of the injuries in home fires caused by heating equipment. When used as directed and maintained properly, these can be used safely as a source of warmth. Before operating a space heater, make sure it was evaluated by an independent testing laboratory that will be indicated on the box or manual. 

Follow these simple heating safety tips to help prevent a heating related fire in your home:

• Keep anything that can burn at least 3 feet away from heating equipment, like a furnace, fireplace, woof burning stove or portable space heater. 
• Have heating equipment and chimneys cleaned and inspected every year by a qualified professional. 
• remember to turn portable heaters off when leaving a room.
• Always use the right kind of fuel, specified by the manufacturer, for burning space heaters.
• Test smoke alarms monthly.
• Never sleep with a wood burning fire place still burning. 

For more information on space heater safety, please visit the NAPA website for valuable information. 

If you do experience a heating related fire in your Jackson home, please call SERVPRO of Jackson for all your emergency cleanup of fire and water damage.

SERVPRO of Jackson Water Mitigation Progress

1/16/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Jackson uses special water extraction unique to each water damage situation.

What happens when you call SERVPRO of Jackson when you find water damage in your home?

1. Within 1 hour of you contacting, we will discuss a time to arrange for service for your property.
2. At the agreed upon time, uniformed technicians will arrive on site to begin providing a resolution or start mitigation services to the water damage situation. 
3. Our SERVPRO team leader will communicate their assessment with a verbal overview of the scope of work to the point of contact. 
4. The crew will utilize industry guidelines, knowledge, training and industrial equipment to examine the extent of the damage.
5. Our restoration services include moisture detection, water extraction, dehumidification and contents inventory.
6. This entire process is done in a timely manner through electronic claims reporting, consistent communications and professional restoration techniques. 

SERVPRO of Jackson is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year for all water damage emergencies. Contact us today at 732-523-4986.