Say Goodbye to Soot

9/11/2023 (Permalink)

Our fire damage resources give you all the information you need about fire damage restoration and soot damage cleanup.

Are you feeling overwhelmed by the aftermath of soot damage in your Plumsted home? Whether you’ve experienced a small kitchen fire or a larger-scale incident, SERVPRO of Jackson,
Lacey knows firsthand the importance of restoring your home to its former glory. Soot can cling to stubborn surfaces, leaving behind residue and a lingering odor that seems to get in every nook and cranny. So how do the seasoned experts tackle soot cleanup? SERVPRO breaks it down for us in four simple steps:

1. Fire Damage Inspection-Emergency services are always the first on the scene. After they consider the property safe to enter, our
   soot-cleaning professionals come in to do an inspection of the damage.
2. General Cleanup-Boarding up and tarp services, general clean up, and water removal/drying are all done prior to the soot
   cleanup.
3. Soot Cleanup-Specialized equipment is used to remove soot surfaces from the affected areas of your home. Each type of surface requires a different technique. Size and severity play a huge part in the cleanup process. A cleanup may have all four types of soot damage, or it may just have one. Dry smoke, wet smoke, protein residue, and petroleum residue are the types of soot damage that could be present.
4. Odor Removal-Depending on the type of material that caught fire you might have lingering odors. The process for eliminating those odors is source removal, cleaning, and then deodorizing. However, if the case is more extreme the exposed surfaces might be sealed.

Dealing with soot cleanup can be a challenging task, that’s why it’s best to leave it up to our experts here at SERVPRO of Jackson, Lacey.

Understanding the Causes of Sewage Backup

9/5/2023 (Permalink)

Sewage is a type of wastewater and typically contains washing water, feces, urine, laundry and other waste materials that go down drains and toilets.

Sewage backup in your New Egypt home is a stressful and potentially hazardous problem that no one wants to encounter. Not only does it cause damage to your property but it also poses health risks due to harmful bacteria and pathogens. There are ways to prevent sewage backup
and safeguard your home. Bienvenu has valuable tips on the causes of sewage backup and how to prevent it:

• Maintenance and Clean your Sewer Lines
  Regularly inspect your sewer lines for any signs of blockages or damage. If you notice slow drains or gurgling noises it could indicate a potential issue. Hire a professional plumber to perform regular cleaning and maintenance to keep the lines clear. Avoid flushing items that can cause clogs such as sanitary products, diapers, wipes, or excessive amounts of toilet paper. Dispose of these items in the trash instead.
• Manage Tree Roots-Tree roots can infiltrate your sewer pipes leading to blockages and potential backup. Plant trees away from sewer lines. Choose trees with non-invasive root systems and plant them a safe distance away from your pipes.
• Install Backwater Valves-Heavy Rainfall can overload the system. You can install backwater valves to prevent flooding.
• Inspect your Sewer Lines-Earth movement is one of the most common causes of damaged sewer pipes leading to a blockage or collapsed sewer line. Have your sewer line inspected regularly so the damage can be repaired before a sewage backup occurs in your home.

By taking proactive measures and following these tips you can significantly reduce the risk of sewage backup and protect your home. If you are in need of a sewage clean up contact SERVPRO of Jackson, Lacey. Stay proactive and enjoy a worry free home!

Emergency Preparedness for Seniors with Chronic Health Conditions

8/30/2023 (Permalink)

Protect your family and property by being prepared by planning ahead.

With National Preparedness Month here it is important we focus on our elderly population, especially the individuals with chronic health conditions. As we prioritize the safety and well-being of our communities it is crucial to address the unique needs of our senior citizens. Emergencies and natural disasters can strike unexpectedly leaving loved ones vulnerable and in need of immediate assistance. By taking proactive steps and implementing an emergency preparedness plan, seniors in Forked River can increase their safety and gain peace of mind during times of crisis. Whether you are a senior yourself, a caregiver, or a concerned family member, below is a general planning list provided by ameridisability.com:

• Prepare an emergency plan and supply kit. Store three days worth of water, food, and medicine. Register for services like SMART911 and Code Red to help first responders in identifying those in need during disasters.
• When evacuating be prepared to leave quickly and bring essential items like medication, medical records, insurance information, and healthcare provider’s contact details.
• Get extra prescribed medicines from your doctor and keep a list of all prescriptions (including name, dose, and pharmacy info). Inform the shelter or temporary housing staff about your health issues, special needs, and medications.
• Store medicines, supplies, and equipment in a cool, safe, and waterproof place. If you rely on electric-powered medical equipment learn how to prepare for power outages.
• After a disaster see if the Emergency Prescription Assistance Program (EPAP) is active. The free service aids in replacing lost or damaged medicine, supplies, equipment, and vaccines. You can enroll by visiting the EPAP website. You can use RX Open to locate open pharmacies.
• To prevent infection or illness it is important to clean up, disinfect, and wash your hands frequently. If soap and water are unavailable use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. If you notice redness, swelling, or
  signs of infection like fever, increasing pain, or other concerning symptoms seek immediate medical attention.
• During or after a natural disaster finding your usual food may be challenging. Prioritize eating as healthily as possible given the circumstances.
• When feeling overwhelmed seek support from family, friends, support groups, or healthcare professionals. Engaging in physical activity can also aid in stress reduction.

Prioritizing emergency preparedness for seniors with chronic health issues is essential. By equipping seniors with the necessary tools and knowledge we can help ensure the safety of our loved ones.

In case you ever experience damage from a natural disaster SERVPRO of Jackson, Lacey is here to provide any necessary assistance.

Closing Your Bedroom Door at Night Can Save Your Life During a Fire

4/10/2023 (Permalink)

The New Egypt community can be sure that SERVPRO of Jackson/Lacey has the training and experience to help you recover quickly from fire damage.

There are many dangerous things you are vulnerable to while you are asleep, such as fires. Closing your bedroom door at night significantly increases your chance to survive an unexpected house fire. It also helps prevents the spread of fire damage that will occur to your New Egypt home. Fire feeds off of oxygen and when a door is open it provides a source of air that basically acts as a pump. When you close the door it cuts off the pump and restricts the fire of fuel. It can provide an effective barrier to prevent the spread of flames and smoke. Since you are less reactive when you are sleeping, it’s vital to take this small step. Fire doors and their frames typically hold back a fire for 30 minutes to 60 minutes.

According to The Family Handyman, “Forty years ago, the average time to escape a house fire was 17 minutes. Now, with most furniture, fabrics and even construction products made from synthetic materials, it’s down to three minutes.” So if your bedroom door is kept closed at night, it is much safer for yourself, your family and your property.

If you are in need of a fire restoration company SERVPRO of Jackson/Lacey is here to help. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and we’ll make a devastating event “Like it never even happened”. Call us today at 732-523-4986.

What Is Advanced Structural Drying Used for After a Water Damage?

4/5/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Jackson/Lacey offer timely drying of water damaged structures and contents within a restorative drying environment.

Advanced Structural Drying is a proven method to accelerate drying, reducing costs, time, and inconvenience related to replacement and repairs when a water damage strikes. This type of drying can involve more equipment than standard drying processes, but it can produce results that can get property owners back home quicker, businesses back open sooner, and salvage materials and irreplaceable items that would have previously been expected to need replacement. Structural drying techniques preserve the integrity of critical building materials and provides thorough moisture removal minimizes mold and mildew risks.

The IICRC sets high industry standards for water damage and has identified 4 components for advanced structural drying to a structure:

1. Removing the excess water through extraction.
2. Advanced airflow using high velocity air movers.
3. Dehumidification with machines that remove moisture from the air.
4. Temperature control by creating a vapor pressure difference between wet and dry materials.

At SERVPRO of Jackson/Lacey, we believe that when our clients understand our basic drying process, they will feel more comfortable when seeing it in action in their homes and businesses. You can count on our crew to explain our processes from start to finish. Call us today at (732) 523-4986 for any size water damage emergency cleanup.

4 Possible Causes for Your Toilet Overflow in Your Lanoka Harbor Home

3/29/2023 (Permalink)

Sewage backups and dark water intrusions are more than nasty, smelly deposits – these damages also introduce harmful microorganisms into a structure.

Imagine coming home from a day at work in the late afternoon in the middle of winter. You are going about your regular routine and everything seems normal until you open your front door. All of the sudden your feet are soaking wet and you see water flowing out of your electrical sockets and light fixtures. This was a shocking reality for this Lanoka Harbor resident.

Our SERVPRO of Jackson/Lacey office received this call for emergency cleanup and we dispatched a crew within the hour to begin the restoration process. We learned that the toilet on the third floor was running for approximately five hours. It had affected every level of the home, from the third flour all the way to the basement.

There can be many reasons for a toilet overflow to occur. Listed here are the four most common causes and how you can help prevent water damage from happening to your home:

1. Clogged Pipes: A clog within the toilet or in nearby pipes will prevent water from draining when you attempt to flush it. Using too much toilet paper is the most common cause of this. Always have a plunger readily available to you and be cautious of what you’re flushing. If you cannot get the clog out yourself, shut off your water supply and contact a professional.
2. Blocked Vents: A plumbing vent is a pipe that connects all plumbing fixtures and runs through the roof of your home. It releases air into your pipes to replace the air that goes down into the drain every time you flush. If it gets clogged with debris it’ll eventually stop draining, or drain slowly. If you notice bubbling sounds or bad smells when you flush your toilet, it’s time to contact a professional to clean your vents. It can create a suction that can damage your pipes and lead to water damage in your home.
3. Sewage Issues: The pipe that connects from your home to the main sewer line can become blocked by debris in your yard. If you flush objects like wet wipes or paper towels it can create a clog over time. A clogged sewer line can cause a flooded basement or an overflowing toilet. If you shut off your water and the water is still overflowing, there could be a clog in a nearby city sewer line. Contact your local sewer department and ask them to check for any issues before calling
4. A Full Septic Tank: Septic tanks store waste and release excess water into the soil around them. If your septic tank is full, or there is another reason causing the water to be unable to escape, your toilet will overflow. Regular maintenance should be scheduled for your septic system and all your plumbing. 

SERVPRO of Jackson/Lacey provides emergency biohazard and contaminated water cleanup restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We understand how imperative it is to act as quickly as possible when dealing with this type of situation. There is nothing our team of professionals can’t handle. If you find your home has been damaged like this Lanoka Harbor resident did, call us today at 732-523-4986.

Kitchen Cleaning After a Fire in Whiting

3/28/2023 (Permalink)

Grease fire in a Whiting kitchen brought soot and smoke damage throughout a two story home.

Cooking is such a routine activity that it is easy to forget that the high temperatures used can easily
start a fire. More fires start in the kitchen than in any other place in the home. Two of every five
home fires start in the kitchen while food is cooking. Luckily, the majority of reported cooking fires were small.

Do Electric or Gas Stoves Cause More Kitchen Fires?

Households that used electric ranges showed a higher risk of cooking fires and associated losses
than those using gas ranges, according to the National Fire Prevention Agency. This could be because with an electric range it may be less
obvious that a burner is still on.

Do You Know That Oil and Grease Could Start a Kitchen Fire?

Grease fires happen when oil, grease, or fat on a stovetop or oven get hot enough to ignite. They
are highly flammable which means they can catch fire easily. Different oils burn at different
temperatures or flash points, but
every oil you can buy at the grocery store is capable of catching on fire if the temperature is high enough. When you are cooking with grease, it is important to know the warning signs that oils are getting too hot. Boiling and smoking are good indicators that it is time to turn down the heat. Oils heat very quickly, and once it starts to smoke, oil can catch fire in as little as 30 seconds.

Do You Know That Water Makes Grease Fires Worse?

NEVER try to extinguish a grease fire with water. Throwing water on the fire can cause burning
grease to splash, which can make the fire spread and potentially harm bystanders. It is dangerous to move a pan or pot of burning oil for the same reasons, according to VeryWellHealth.com.

Grease Fires Can Get Out of Control Quickly.

Do not wait until the fire is out of control to call 911! The fire department can always return to the
station if you are able to get the fire out before they get to you.

What to Do If You Experience an Oil or Grease Fire:

• Call 911-Fires can become out of control very quickly.
• Turn off the Stove-Whether it is the burner, oven, or broiler turn it all off.
• Cover with a Lid-The easiest way to cut off oxygen to a grease fire is to cover it with a metal pan lid or baking sheet. 
• Douse the Flames-The warning to never use water to put out a grease fire is worth
  repeating, especially since your urge may be to take a burning pot to the sink and turn on the faucet. Instead, you can reach for two pantry staples to help douse a small grease fire safely with baking soda
  because it releases carbon dioxide when heated, which can smother the fire or salt
  can form a barrier between the fire and the air. This prevents the fire from getting the oxygen it needs. NEVER use flour and baking powder as they are highly
  combustible and can explode in extreme heat. Do not use them (or any boxed mixes that contain them) on a grease fire.
• Use a Class K Fire Extinguisher. These are wet chemical extinguishers that are commonly found in commercial kitchens. They are designed specifically for cooking fires and work by forming a soapy foam on the surface of the fire that cuts off air flow. NEVER use a Class A-only fire extinguisher on a grease fire, as it is water-based.

When Should You Call the Pros at SERVPRO of Jackson/Lacey to Clean After a Grease Fire?

Because grease fires cause such extensive damage and be a long, intensive process, it is almost always advisable to call in professionals. SERVPRO of Jackson/Lacey have the specialized fire restoration training needed to restore your home to pre-fire condition.

Is My Air Conditioner Unit a Potential Fire Hazard?

3/22/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Jackson/Lacey offers fire damage cleanup and restoration in Forked River, NJ from an air conditioner unit fire.

Over the summer, a Forked River
resident's air conditioning (AC) unit caught fire. The unit had an electrical fire and burned within itself, filling the house with a haze. According to National Fire Protection Agency, 7,400 fires were reported across the United Sates resulting from faulty air conditioning systems. A large amount of Air conditioner fires happened from overheating or some type of electrical issue.

CBS has some helpful tips on preventing an air conditioner fire from occurring in your home:

• Maintenance Once or Twice a Year:
  Not having the proper maintenance done on your unit is a potential fire hazard. Overtime the pieces in your system will start failing, making your air conditioner overwork. Dirt can also obstruct the airflow which can lead to a fire. It is recommended to have at least one visit a year, but if you want to be on the safer side, two is plenty.
• Professional Installation:
  A professional knows where to place all the wiring and can make sure in the event of a fire, that it won’t ignite inside your home.
• Be Cautious of Outside Elements and Wiring:
  A professional will be able to assess the space prior to installation to make sure there is nonflammable objects surrounding the area. Never use an extension cord to power the unit. In the event your unit over heats, sparks can produce from the cord. Also, make sure your unit is in a safe place.
• Always Make Sure the Unit Is Clean:
  If you have a dirty filter, the waste can restrict Airflow. If you want to clean it yourself, just make sure the system is unplugged.
• Don’t Leave It On All Day:
  If you leave your unit on throughout the day, it could cause overheating.
• Know When to Replace Your Unit:You need to keep track of how old your air conditioner is ask a professional who can give you a complete evaluation of your air conditioner state.

If your property experiences smoke or fire damage from your air conditioning unit, SERVPRO of Jackson/Lacey is here to help. We have the top professionals in the industry and we are ready to make it “Like it never even happened.” Call us today 732-523-4986.

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

3/16/2023 (Permalink)

A fast response by SERVPRO of Jackson/Lacey 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.