Recent Posts

Enjoy a Worry Free Vacation!

6/21/2022 (Permalink)

Keep Watch When on Vacation

Vacation time is the best time! In order to ensure we stay relaxed and are able to revitalize ourselves, we need to know our homes are safe and protected while we are away. Add some extra piece of mind before you and your family hit the road so that the only stress you truly to worry free!

  • Security System. Nothing provides better reassurance that all is safe and sound than a monitored home security system. With 24/7 professional monitoring, a team of pros keep an eye on your house every minute you’re relaxing on the beach or toasting marshmallows around the campfire.
  • Doorbell Camera. See and talk to visitors from anywhere with a video doorbell camera. You can instruct delivery people about where to leave packages, remind your closet-raiding sister that you’re in paradise, or scare away a suspicious stranger.
  • Smart Door Lock. If you’ve got a dog that needs to be walked or plants that need care while you’re away, a smart door lock makes it easy to let caretakers in without having to hand out a bunch of spare keys.
  • Water Detection System. Water Detection systems will let you know when something in your house has sprung a leak. Some even come with a  water shutoff valve, it will prevent further damage by turning off your water supply.

Like anything in life, nothing is ever 100% safe, so if something does happen while you are away, we hope knowing SERVPRO is able to respond 24/7 – 365 days a year in a matter of hours – give you some additional protection and security!!

Source: https://www.safewise.com/blog/summer-safety-tips/

Winter hasn't left just yet!

3/31/2022 (Permalink)

Winter Terms to Know to keep you and your family safe this winter season!

  • Watch: Dangerous weather conditions may develop. Keep up with the forecast.
  • Warning: Dangerous weather conditions are expected or occurring, and could become life-threatening. Put your safety plan in motion!
  • Advisory: Weather conditions may cause an inconvenience, but if care is taken, should not become life-threatening.
  • Blizzard: Blowing and/or falling snow with winds of at least 35 mph, reducing visibility to a quarter of a mile or less for at least three hours. Winds lofting the current snow pack and reducing visibility without any falling snow is called a ground blizzard.
  • Freezing Rain: Caused by rain falling on surfaces with a temperature below freezing. The rain freezes upon contact with the ground. Large build-ups of ice can down trees and power lines and coat roads.
  • Sleet: Rain/melted snow that has begun refreezing when it reaches the ground. Sleet tends to be softer than hail and is easily compacted. Sleet can make roads slippery very quickly.
  • Wind Chill: The apparent temperature the body feels when wind is factored into the equation.

For more information visit: https://www.weather.gov/grb/winter0

Winter is still here - Dress to stay well and warm!

3/30/2022 (Permalink)

Winter time in and around Andover and North Andover can be very beautiful! It can also bring lots of weather hazards. Dressing in layers and taking steps to each your body properly fuel should ensure you can enjoy all that winter has to offer!

1. Wear layers - Many layers trap more heat in than just a big jacket alone

2. Hat and Gloves - Most of the body's heat loss occurs in these extremities so keep them covered. 

3. Stay Dry - Water compounds any cold weather situation and dramatically speeds up heat loss.  For example, wet feet loss heat 25 times faster than dry feet. 

4. Take a break - take frequent, short breaks in a warm dry shelter to let your body heat up.

5. Feed! - Eating warm, high calorie foods will give your body the energy it needs to create body heat. Pasta, warm sugar water/sports drinks, etc. 

Stay Safe and Warm!

Fire Safety Tips from SERVPRO

3/30/2022 (Permalink)

Heating Safety
There is something about the winter months and curling up with a good book by the fireplace. But did you know that heating equipment is one of the leading causes of home fire deaths? With a few simple safety tips and precautions you can prevent most heating fires from happening.
be warm and safe this winter!
• Keep anything that can burn at least three-feet (one metre) away from heating equipment, like the furnace, fireplace, wood stove, or portable space heater.
• Have a three-foot (one metre) “kid-free zone” around open fires and space heaters.
• Never use your oven to heat your home.
• Have a qualified professional install stationary space heating equipment, water heaters or central heating equipment according to the local codes and manufacturer’s instructions.
• Have heating equipment and chimneys cleaned and inspected every year by a qualified professional.
• Remember to turn portable heaters off when leaving the room or going to bed.
• Always use the right kind of fuel, specified by the manufacturer, for fuel burning space heaters.
• Make sure the fireplace has a sturdy screen to stop sparks from flying into the room. Ashes should be cool before putting them in a metal container. Keep the container a safe distance away from your home.
• Test smoke alarms at least once a month.
nfpa.org/education ©NFPA 2017

Storm Safety at SERVPRO of The Andovers

3/30/2022 (Permalink)

At this point most of us living in the Andover area know how to handle the big winter storms. We rush to the grocery store to get milk and bread because we are all convinced we will be in our house for days on end! The storms that bring feet of snow to our area, no school for days, and state of emergency to keep nonessential personal off the roads. You could lose power, which could cause food spoilage or frozen pipes… and let’s not forget if there is a quick warm up right behind it, you could experience flooding. The nice thing about these larger storms is that they give us time to prepare.

BUT what about the smaller storms? The ones that only bring a coating, inch or two of sleet, snow or ice? The ones that they always say won’t cause much of an impact?

Did you know these smaller, less significant storms can actually cause a greater impact to your home and business? Why? Because we don’t prepare as much. We are told they won’t be as big so we tend not to stress as much and let our guard down. Four wheel drive can plow through anything right… wrong!

So... what can you do?

  1. Have a list of your vendors and an emergency ready profile (ERP) completed on your business as an additional add to your continuity plan. It saves you time, in the event this “insignificant storms” turns out to be a really big deal.
  2. Just because there is a storm coming, your business operations cannot come to a halt. Set clear expectations for those in authority as well as non-critical employees in the event an emergency does occur. Is your emergency plan communicated by text, email, or phone call? Is everyone aware of this? It may also be beneficial to subscribe to and send out public transportation updates so no employees are left stranded at your office. Likewise is it acceptable for your employees to arrive late or leave early to ensure their safety?
  3. With smaller storms we tend to not walk the perimeter of our business to inspect for damage or ice accumulation. By not doing this, it can lead to larger issues down the road or worse, a customer becoming injured. It is always a good practice no matter how large or small the storm might be to inspect your property and document everything. You never know when your insurance may need that information.

In the end, the size of the storm shouldn’t matter. As business owners preparation is key no matter what Mother Nature has up her sleeve. Contact your sales and marketing representative @ 978.475.1199 to learn more about the emergency ready profile (ERP) and how it could benefit your business.

Mold Need? We have the Solution!

3/7/2022 (Permalink)

When there's a water intrusion, like a roof leak or leaking water line, mold can quickly become a problem in your home or business. Mold can cause health effects and can also cause significant damage to your property. Fortunately, your SERVPRO® of The Andovers has the training, protective gear, and specialized equipment necessary to handle your mold problem. Although every mold damage scenario is different requiring a unique solution, the general mold remediation process stays the same. The following steps illustrate a "typical" mold removal process.

Call 978-475-1199 for help with your mold remediation needs.

The mold cleanup and restoration process begins when you call SERVPRO of The Andovers. A representative will ask a series of questions to help determine the necessary equipment, resources, and personnel needed.

Inspection and Damage Assessment

Your property will be carefully inspected for signs of mold using technology designed to detect mold and hidden water sources. Mold feeds on cellulose and water and can be hidden from plain view.

Mold Containment

Various containment procedures will be placed to prevent the spread of mold and isolate the contaminated area with physical barriers and negative air pressure to keep the mold spores from spreading during the cleanup process.

Air Filtration

Specialized filtration equipment captures microscopic mold spores out of the air. SERVPRO® technicians utilize powerful air scrubbers and HEPA vacuums to prevent the spread of these mold spores while the mold remediation is in progress.

Eliminate Odors not Mask!

3/7/2022 (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 potentially 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 The Andovers 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 The Andovers does not cover up lingering odors with a fragrance, they seek out and remove the sources of the odor. Ask your SERVPRO representative to explain the various deodorization methods 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 please visit our website or contact SERVPRO of The Andovers at 978-475-1199. Whether it's fire, water or mold damage, or just a stubborn odor that refuses to go away, we'll make it "Like it never even happened."

Remove smoke Odors - not mask!

3/2/2022 (Permalink)

Even a small fire at your home or business in Andover or North Andover, MA can leave odors for years to come if the impacted areas are not properly cleaned and deodorized. Fire, smoke and soot damage in your home or business can create unpleasant and potentially permanent problems if not responded to quickly with the help of a professional like SERVPRO of The Andovers.

As various materials burn, the smoke 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 The Andovers can provide specialized services that rid your home or business of 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 The Andovers does not cover up lingering odors with a fragrance, they seek out and remove the sources of the odor. Ask your SERVPRO representative to explain the various deodorization methods available and which will work best for you.

If you or a customer suffers a fire damage or some other accident and require deodorization services please visit our website or contact SERVPRO of The Andovers at 978-475-1199. Whether it's fire, water or mold damage, or just a stubborn odor that refuses to go away, we'll make it "Like it never even happened."

Types of Smoke

3/2/2022 (Permalink)

Your Andover, MA home can be affected by many different types of smoke. When in doubt, below you can determine what may be affecting your home. And as always, reach out to SERVPRO of The Andovers to help you get back on your feet! Different smoke requires a different plan of attack.

Wet Smoke
Usually from plastic and rubber
Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, stocky, smeary
Smoke webs are more difficult to clean

Dry Smoke
Usually seen with paper and wood
Fast burning, high temperatures

Protein Fire Residue
Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire
Almost invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, comes with extremely pungent odor

Fuel Oil Soot
From a furnace puff back
While “puff backs” can create havoc for homeowners, SERVPRO® Franchise Professionals can, in most cases, restore the contents and structure quickly

Other
Always have special cases that require special attention

When these types of damages affect your home, SERVPRO of The Andovers is always here to help recover your home. We aim to make it “Like it never even happened.”

No Job We Can't Handle...

12/22/2021 (Permalink)

Arson and Vandalism

We are recognized as leaders at helping property owners recover quickly from fire and water damage. We also provide general cleaning and deodorization services for situations resulting from vandalism including graffiti, egg, spoiled foods, and human or animal waste.

Biohazard, Vandalism & Crime Scene Remediation and Cleanup

Exposure to biological and chemical contaminants can pose serious health consequences for building occupants, employees, customers and owners. Failure to properly handle and safely remove such substances can contribute to unhealthy and even dangerous environments.

SERVPRO® of The Andovers Professionals are trained to safely and effectively remove hazardous biological substances and prepare waste for proper disposal according to OSHA, EPA, and state and local health regulations. Equipped with the necessary safety equipment and cleaning products, our trained certified professionals, help turn unsafe environments into clean, safe homes and businesses.

Sewage Backup

Sewage backups and black water intrusions are more than nasty and smelly. These damages also introduce harmful microorganisms into a structure. Trained Professionals remove the sewage, contaminants, and moisture disinfecting as they clean to ensure the structure is cleaned, disinfected, and deodorized.

Hoarding

Hoarders typically collect excessive amount of items. As these items pile up in a home it can create a serious safety hazard. Hoarder homes become a breeding ground for pests and possibly unsafe pathogens. SERVPRO® of The Andovers has the necessary tools to safely complete the job.

Blood borne Pathogens

We remove and dispose of bodily fluids, tissue, and other pathogenic substances resulting from accident, trauma, crime, or death. Our certified technicians thoroughly clean, disinfect, and deodorize the structure.