4 Immediate Steps to Handle a Water Damage Emergency

5/14/2024 (Permalink)

Water damage can be infuriating. It is classified as one of the most serious emergencies that your property could suffer from – one that could possibly have long-term implications as well.

There are many ways that your property could get damaged by water, such as a heavy storm, flash floods, extreme rainfall, damaged pipes, overflowing water appliances, or even a leaking roof. Regardless of where your water damage stems from, it is mandatory to address the problem immediately to prevent further damage and to allow for repair strategies to be helpful.

When you face a water damage emergency at home, you should already have a plan in place that tells you exactly how to handle the situation. Here are a few steps that should ideally be part of your contingency plan:

1. Protecting Yourself

The reason why water damage is considered extremely serious is because not only will there be floating water around your home, but the water can also further create more emergencies around the house. If the water is contaminated, there can be serious health implications if you come into contact with it. If you let the water reach electrical appliances, there can be a short circuit in the house or lead to electrocuted water.

To protect yourself, the first step in a water damage emergency should be shut off all electricity in your home. In case the water damage is caused by flooding, it is important to evacuate the home and reach a safe destination ASAP. Remember to wear protective clothing such as gloves and boots when you come in contact with the water to avoid the risk of contaminated or electrocuted water. You should also protect important possessions first – including important documents and electronic devices.

2. Stop the Damage

In order to prevent further damage to your property, it is important to identify the source of the water damage and stop it immediately. If you have a burst pipe, you can shut off the water supply. If there is a flood in the area, you can use sandbags to lessen the impact. If you are suffering a ceiling leak, you should identify the exact point of leakage and reach out to a roofing expert.

3. Call the Insurance Company

Since most houses in the US are insured, it is important to call the insurance company as soon as you identify water damage on your property. They are likely to guide you regarding what to do next, including getting a claims adjuster and taking photographs of the property damaged. This step is important to save money on damage repair in the future since your insurance company is likely to have it covered.

4. Dry Everything

If it is possible, you should begin drying your wet furniture and flooring as soon as possible. Leave your rugs out in the sun to dry and turn on the fans to help dry out the entire house. This step is essential to eliminate the possibility of mold growth on your property due to still water and moisture in the home.

5 Health Insurance Myths Debunked

5/14/2024 (Permalink)

The world of health insurance is tricky and challenging to navigate. Many myths are surrounding it, but not all of them are true. If you are thinking of getting health insurance, you must have heard a few myths about it.

Don’t worry. Our guide will debunk the five most common myths that revolve around health insurance. Here is what they state.

Myth #1. Healthy And Young Individuals Don’t Need Health Insurance

Young individuals in their early or mid-20s are at the peak of their health. That is why they think they don't need to buy health insurance. However, you can get sick anytime at any age.

Many times we don’t even know we have an ailment until the symptoms slowly start showing. That is why it is important to take precautions and opt for a health insurance policy to cover your costs if the need arises.

Myth #2. Benefits Of Health Insurance Will Be Enjoyed From Day One

People think that as soon they purchase the policy, they will be able to reap the benefits. This couldn't be more further from the truth. Many policies have a one month waiting period where you can't claim within a month of the insurance policy.

Besides that, many policies will require you to wait a year or two before you make any claim if you have a pre-existing illness. That is why you need to buy health insurance so that all these waiting periods are over if you ever get sick.

Myth #3. Pre-Existing Conditions Don’t Need To Be Declared

When it comes to any insurance, honesty is the best policy. If you have a pre-existing condition, you will have to specify it on your application. If you don't specify and you need coverage, then your claim may be rejected.

That is because many insurance companies have waiting periods for these conditions, and they look at your medical records to look for undisclosed causes. So, being honest is the best course of action.

Myth #4. The Cheapest Policy Is The Best Policy

Just because a health insurance policy is cheap doesn't mean it's good.  Many low-cost policies only cover the basics. If you have an illness or a condition, then the cheapest policy may not cover it.

Premiums exist for a reason. It is because they cover advanced versions so that many health problems can be covered. So, you should get a policy you think is right for you even if it’s not cheap.

Myth #5. You Don’t Need A Separate Health Insurance Plan If You Are Covered Under A Corporate Health Plan

Just because your employer has provided you with a health insurance plan, it doesn’t mean you don’t need a separate one. However, you can’t entirely depend on your employer’s insurance plan.

If you lose your job, then your health insurance will also come to a halt. That is why it is always good to have a separate health insurance policy to cover all your medical costs and fill the gaps in your corporate health insurance policy.

How To Get Rid OF The Toxic Mold?

5/14/2024 (Permalink)

Are you concerned about the mold growing on your property? The growth of mold is an extremely serious issue for all the property owners. Apart from destroying the property, it can put your health at risk too. The mold thrives in a humid area and is extremely toxic. This is why you need to take immediate steps to get rid of it. There are many ways through which you can deal with the mold. Want to know how? Stay tuned then.

Figure Out The Problem

Before you start the mold removal process, you need to figure out how big the problem is. It will help you decide whether you should try to get rid of it yourself or hire some professionals for the job. If the problem seems manageable enough, then you can do it yourself. But, if the infected area is too large for you to handle, then it is advisable that you take the assistance of a professional service provider.

Dry Out The Area

Mold grows in a wet and humid area. Therefore it is extremely important that you dry out the area if you want to have it removed. Clean and dry all the mold-infested areas and materials before you start the removal process. To reduce the spread of mold spores, you can remove the unsalvageable items from the infected area and store them in plastic bags. This will ensure that your precious items stay safe and secure from the mold.

Wear Proper Clothes

If the affected area is small and you decide to get rid of the mold yourself, then you need to dress properly to do the job. Do not head out to get rid of the mold if you are not properly dressed. Wearing proper clothing and using the right equipment is extremely important to remove the mold. It will keep you safe and also reduce your exposure to mold spores. You will be prevented from inhaling the mold spores as well. you should also wear a respirator to avoid breathing into mold spores.

Use The Right Cleaning Solution

You can decide upon which type of cleaning solution to use for cleaning of mold by looking at the surface that you are going to clean. Although hard surfaces can be cleaned using soap and water, you will require stringent chemicals if you want to clean the mold properly. If the material has become too moldy, then you might need to throw it off as well.

Get The Help Of Professionals

If the mold affected area is too large for you to handle then you will not be able to get rid of the mold yourself. This is why you should get the help of professionals to deal with the situation. They will take care of everything professionally while you sit back and relax.

If your property is infested by mold, you should get rid of it as soon as possible. Dealing with the problem is extremely important for your property and your health as well. Looking for the best service providing company in town? Contact SERVPRO of Woodbury/Deptford to benefit from the expert services.

Home Insurance 101 For New Homeowners

5/8/2023 (Permalink)

As a homeowner, having home insurance is not a luxury but a necessity. That is because it protects your possessions and your home against theft and damage. However, many people find the experience of getting home insurance overwhelming.  

If you are one of them, don’t worry. Here is a complete guide to home insurance if you are a first time home buyer.  

Various Policy Options  

When it comes to home insurance, there are various policy options for you to choose from. Here are some of them:  

#1. Actual Cash Value 

It covers the cost of your house as well as the value of your possessions after depreciation has been deducted. Depreciation refers to the amount the possessions are worth currently, not how much you paid for them before.  

#2. Guaranteed/Extended Replacement Cost/Value  

It is one of the most comprehensive home insurance policies out there. It buffers inflation as the policy pays everything it costs to rebuild or repair your home, even if it is higher than your policy limit.  

However, there is a limit to this ceiling as many insurers will offer 20 to 25% higher than your policy limit.  

#3. Replacement Cost  

These types of policies cover the actual cash value without depreciation. That way, you will be able to rebuild or repair your home back to the initial value.  

Many experts suggest that first-time homeowners should go for the guaranteed replacement value policy as it covers everything. This policy will absorb the high replacement costs and provide you with a cushion if the rebuilding and repairing prices increase.  

What Is Not Covered In Home Insurance?  

Not everything is covered under home insurance. These things are called exclusions, including natural disasters or acts of God, such as floods, hurricanes, earthquakes, etc. That is why you must read the policy you are buying and understand the exclusions.  

If you live in an area prone to natural disasters and insurers have this exclusion, you will need to go for additional coverage. These are known as riders. They cost more, but if your home is at risk for such disasters, it is worth buying.  

Tips To Cut Down On Your Insurance Premium  

The cheapest policy is not the best policy. However, there are many ways you can reduce your premium. These include: 

• Maintaining a security system 
• Being on the lookout for multiple policy discounts 

• Raising your deductible 
• Planning for renovation or rebuilding 
• Paying off mortgage 
• Making policy comparisons and reviewing them regularly 

These ways will help you cut down on your premium as you will be paying less. Home insurance can be expensive, so don't forget to utilize these ways to cut your cost.  

Final Words  

That was your complete guide to home insurance as a first time home buyer. Don’t forget to find the best insurance company as they will make the entire process much better. If you are looking to buy home insurance, feel free to get in touch with us now. We will be happy to assist you.  

How a Water Softener Can Prevent Water Damage

5/8/2023 (Permalink)

Having hard water in your home can be a problem that becomes costly over time. Hard water is mainly groundwater that contains dissolved minerals. When this water is combined with heat as it flows through the piping system of your home, it can leave behind residue and buildup which can damage the pipes in the long run.  

Hard water is simply water that has collected calcium and magnesium from the surface of the earth before it flows through your pipes. While it is not exactly harmful to your skin or health, it can be a contributing factor towards water damage in your home.  

What is a Water Softener? 

To find a solution to your hard water problems, it is recommended to invest in a water softener. This simple device processes the hard water and removes the void of minerals present in the water through an ion-exchange process. The ion-exchange process replaces the mineral ions in the water with sodium and potassium ions – thus converting the hard water into soft water.  

A water softener can be especially useful for homeowners who have prominent water damage in their homes that is caused by hard water.  

Signs That You Have Hard Water 

Since a majority of the US has hard water flowing through the pipes, it is difficult to determine whether or not your home actually needs a water softener. Below are the few signs of water damage caused by hard water: 

• Water marks on faucets despite cleaning them 
• Lime and chalk buildup in the sinks and shower heads  

• Smelly water 
• Low water pressure caused by damaged pipes  
• Damaged water appliances and fixtures 

Benefits of a Home Water Softener System 

1. Saving Money

The biggest benefit of installing a water softener in your home is that it can prevent you from spending hundreds of dollars on water damage repair. Soft water will not allow for any mineral buildup in your pipes, resulting in a smooth flow of water with regular pump pressure. By replacing hard water with soft water, you can prevent havoc on your appliances such as dishwashers or laundry machines and save costs on frequent repairs or replacement.  

2. Less Cleaning Required

If you have hard water running through your home, you may constantly find yourself cleaning the sinks and showers because there is mineral buildup visible around the edges. The dishes and the laundry may never appear fully clean because of all the mineral ions present in the water. Installing a water softener system at home will allow you to prevent all of this problems since soft water will not allow for any mineral or soap buildup around your faucets and sinks. This means that you will spend less time cleaning and have a cleaner house as well.  

3. Preventing Water Damage

Water damage can be a huge problem in your house if the pipes start leaking internally or externally. Since the repair cost and time of water damage can be extensive, it is important to avoid the instance of any water-related damage in your home. By opting for a water softener system in your home, you can keep your pipes and fixtures working effectively without incurring a risk of water damage.  

How Big Of A Health Problem Can Mold Be

5/8/2023 (Permalink)

Mold, a layman term used to identify a variety of fungi, which can easily be classified as unappealing and disliked. Mold can exist both indoors as well as outdoors in the form of variously colored, smelly, and unsightly fuzzy patches. However, the sight and smell of mold are the least of your worries as the effect on your health has been far worse.? 

How Does Mold Spread Health Problems 

While mold exists on surfaces, it does produce a variety of spores, which then spread throughout the air in your property. In fact, if a patch of mold exists on your property, there isn't much that you can do that will prevent it from spreading these spores, which will only allow for the health issues to persist. Certain types of molds are even known to digest the surface that they are growing on. This is why you need to remove the mold itself.? 

Health Issues Caused By Molds 

There are a variety of health issues inflicted on people who are exposed to mold. In fact, mold can affect different people with different health issues. So to show you how big of an issue mold can be on your health, here is a list of health issues caused by exposure to mold.? 

Respiratory Issues 

The spores from mold that float in the air can produce a variety of irritants, mycotoxins, and allergens. Some of them have toxic nature and can greatly affect those who might be sensitive to them. So these toxic elements can then cause irritation within your throat, nose, and even lungs, which can cause you to become asthmatic or develop a chronic lung problem. 

Allergies 

Mold can also cause you to develop symptoms that overlap with different types of allergies, which can include seasonal allergies and even hay fever. So, symptoms, such as an itchy, blocked, or runny nose, excessive sneezing, and even watery eyes could persist as it affects your upper respiratory tract. People who are already asthmatic could begin to have asthma attacks due to the mold.? 

Aspergillosis 

Aspergillosis is a variation of mold that can cause a variety of different types of health issues in different types of people. The health issues can include issues with lung function, headaches, coughing so severe that it could cause you to cough up blood, respiratory issues, and weight loss.? 

Other Health-Related Issues 

Apart from toxins and irritants, mold also can produce bacteria and microbes. If one is exposed to such productions, then it could trigger their body to have an inflammatory response. It can also cause infections, such as a fungal or bronchial infection. In fact, for some, mold can even cause issues, such as hypersensitivity pneumonitis, bronchitis, and insomnia.? 

All in all, the growth of any variation of mold can and should be treated like the plague as it is quite a significant threat to your health. This means that all of the necessary precautions should be taken in order to ensure that it does not damage you or your loved one's health. 

How To Choose The Best Insurance Company

5/8/2023 (Permalink)

Deciding to purchase insurance can be a daunting and overwhelming experience. It would be best to consider many things, such as coverage, premiums, conditions, exclusions, and much more. The process can be confusing and tedious.  

However, if you have the right insurance company, they will help you every step of the way. So, here are the top things you need to consider when choosing the best insurance company.  

#1. The History And Reputation  

Research is the most important thing when choosing the right insurance company. You need to learn their history and check their reputation in the market before deciding to go for them. Here are some things you need to be on the lookout for: 

• How long they have been operating 
• Their values, vision, and mission 
• Their financial strength 
• Online and first-hand reviews from peers 

All of this will help you assess the company's reputation, and you can make an informed decision. Of course, you need to consider other factors too, which brings us to our next point.  

#2. Ease Of Conducting Business  

Technology rules the world. A great insurance company will easily conduct business with you, so the process can be much simpler for you. Here are some things that provide ease and accessibility to the customer: 

• 24/7 customer service support 
• Online claim reporting 
• Online payment of bills 

• Detailed information on their website 

These features will help you find support when you have a query, and it will make your interactions with the company much easier. So, always be on the lookout for these features.  

#3. Pricing  

Of course, you need to have a budget for your insurance policies. Many people take out a few policies at once, such as life, car, home, etc., to reduce their cost. You can do that too.  

However, you can compare prices of the same policies from different companies to check what will work better for you. The best policy for you will be in your budget while offering you a solid plan. So, don’t forget to compare pricing and premiums.  

#4. Discounts  

Many insurance companies offer discounts to their users. They can vary from policy to policy, and it depends on the company what kind of discounts they are offering on their policies.  

Here are some common discounts you may find among various insurance companies: 

• Financial stability 
• New and updated homes 

• Multi-car families 
• Anti-lock brakes 
• Great students 

Of course, these are just a few things. Insurance companies can offer discounts on anything with any conditions. So, be sure to check out if they offer any discounts so you can benefit from the policy even further.  

Final Words  

That is all you need to know about choosing the right insurance company. If you are looking for a diverse insurance company offering various policies with the best rates, look no further. Allstate Insurance aims to provide the best to its users.  

For more information, feel free to get in touch with us now, and we will be happy to assist you.  

Why You Should Hire SERVPRO

5/8/2022 (Permalink)

Why You Should Hire SERVPRO

You can't control everything that comes with owning a business, but you can certainly prepare for the inevitable. One of those inevitabilities is fire and water damage. There's nothing worse than coming into work to find your building ruined and thousands of dollars’ worth of inventory destroyed by water or smoke damage. SERVPRO has been in the disaster recovery industry for years and we know what it takes to get your life back on track after an emergency situation like this occurs at your home or place of business. We've seen it all over our years in service. So if you are looking to hire a cleaning and restoration service then you should definitely hire SERVPRO.

We Have an Extremely Positive Word Of Mouth in the Market

We've been in business for many years. This means we are the go-to company when it comes to natural disasters that strike. It's pretty rare to find a business with that many positive reviews and testimonials from customers who walk away happy after using our service. We're all about quality customer service which is one of the reasons why SERVPRO has expanded into other areas like mold mitigation services. Our commitment to excellence will make sure you get everything your home or office needs during this difficult time.

Highly Trained Technicians and Cleaning Experts

We hire only the most qualified technicians. SERVPRO has some of the best cleaning and restoration teams with years of experience under their belt. We know how to get your home or business back into tip top shape after it's been hit by any type of natural disaster that causes water damage, fire damage or smoke damage. Working for a company like this one can be rewarding because you always feel like you're providing an important service to someone who needs our help during these tough times. You'll never need another provider when it comes to emergency response services once you've used us!

Advanced Technology for Cleaning and Restoration

You'll never have to worry about our technicians using outdated methods when it comes to services like water damage restoration, fire damage repairs and mold removal. We invest in the latest technology for cleaning your floors, carpets or hardwood. Our company is always looking ahead of the curve which sets us apart from other providers out there.

24/7 Service and Emergency Response

Our team is available around the clock. That means we'll come to your house or business and start cleaning up water damage, fire and smoke damage, no matter what time it is. Its nice knowing you can always rely on a company like SERVPRO for all of your emergency response needs. We're not going to judge you for calling us in the middle of the night either because that type of stuff happens from time to time! So don't hesitate when our office line rings after hours - pick it up every single time!

Efficient Process and Less Work for You

If you're like most people then you hate it when your home or business is in shambles after something bad happens. SERVPRO will make sure to get the process started as soon as possible so that we can help avoid further damage and inconvenience for our customers. You don't want to be stuck living out of a hotel room right? So let us take care of everything with lightning speed. Our technicians are experts at getting rid of water, smoke smell, fire damages and more without putting too much stress on the homeowner!

If you're looking for a trustworthy business that has been around for years then look no further than SERVPRO! Contact us today if you need more information on hiring the right service provider for emergency response needs.

Why Every Homeowner Needs Professional Cleaning Services

5/8/2022 (Permalink)

Why Every Homeowner Needs Professional Cleaning Services

Maintaining your property can be a difficult task, especially if you have a large or complicated property. If you own an apartment building or rental complex with many units, keeping on top of the cleaning and maintenance is no easy feat. Professional cleaning services are in demand because they provide quality work at affordable prices. Whether it's for residential homes or commercial properties, professional cleaners will make sure that your home gets the care it deserves!

People often underestimate the value of a professional cleaning service. It is true that you can hire a maid or do the work yourself, but it isn't always possible to keep up with this type of work in your busy life. If you want to make sure your home looks and feels clean and well-maintained, then hiring professionals for regular upkeep is an excellent idea!

Benefits Of Hiring A Professional Cleaning Service Like SERVPRO

Saves You Time

Cleaning your home can be a time-consuming and difficult job. If you're like most households, then there is never enough free time in the day to worry about cleaning up after yourself! Professional cleaners take over all of that work for you so that it's done right and on schedule.

Save Money

Professional cleaners charge reasonable rates because they have streamlined their business processes. Instead of paying each individual worker, professional services outsource their jobs to independent local contractors who specialize in one type of service (i.e., window washing). By doing this, they are able to make sure every client gets top quality results while also cutting costs without sacrificing any value or satisfaction from their customers' perspective .

Improve Your Home Value As A Result Of Professional Cleaning Services

A clean and well-maintained home is a valuable asset. A professional cleaning service will make sure your home looks as good on the outside as it does inside, which can increase its resale value or appeal to potential renters looking for more space! Whether you're planning to sell soon or just want a cleaner space that's easier to maintain, hiring professionals is an excellent way of going about this process .

Healthy Indoor Air Quality

It's important to keep your home clean, but it is also vital to ensure that you are breathing in healthy air. Many household cleaning products contain chemicals and other ingredients that can be harmful for the respiratory system. Professional cleaners use eco-friendly solutions so that your indoor air quality remains pristine! You'll breathe easier knowing what type of impact professional cleaners have on the environment .

Offers Deep Cleaning Which Your Maid Can't Do

You can hire a maid to clean your home, but they will never be able to provide the same level of work as professionals. Professional cleaners come equipped with all of the necessary supplies and equipment that allow them to get deep into every nook and cranny. They are also trained in effective cleaning methods which guarantee results!

Can You Do DIY Home Restoration after a Storm?

5/6/2022 (Permalink)

Can You Do DIY Home Restoration after a Storm?

If you are living in a house that gets damaged because of a storm, or something similar to it, do not be alarmed. Whether someone else is doing the repairs for you or you are doing them yourself, there are things to keep in mind. The tips will help make your home restoration go smoother and more quickly.

Steps for DIY Home Restoration:

1.) Consider an insurance policy if one has not been obtained already. If there is damage, this should help out with costs involved with the restoration process.

2.) Before beginning any kind of repair work always wear protective gear including safety goggles and gloves so that no dust particles get into your eyes or worse enter your body through open cuts on hands etc. If possible wear breathing masks as well.

3.) Start by removing furniture if it had not already been done. If there is damage on the floor remove it before putting the furniture back in its place.

4.) Next, cover all windows and exterior doors with plastic sheeting. This will keep any moisture from entering your home which could cause mold or mildew to begin growing in places that were not damaged such as under carpets and sinks.

5.) After everything has been covered then use a vacuum cleaner to clean up any debris left behind after cleaning up water stains etc...The next step would be to remove any wet items such as clothes, bedding and blankets and run them through a washing machine several times so that no mold grows on them while they are stored away.

6.) You should look to see if the roof has been damaged and determine whether or not you want to fix it yourself or have someone who knows more about roofs do the work for you. It is possible to patch up a roof, but this does depend on where the damage is and how big it is because sometimes roofs will need to be replaced all together due to too much damage.

7.) If everything has dried out enough so that mold will not begin growing, take out all floor boards in affected areas so that they can be sanded down and treated with fungicide before replacing them back into place. Then cover area around walls with plastic sheeting again to keep dust from entering other areas of the house while new boards are being put back into place.

8.) Now that everything has been repaired it is time to start cleaning again and get rid of any lingering moisture in carpets and under sinks by using a dehumidifier.

So all of this can be done by you however if you want an ideal restoration process then it is better to hire a storm damage restoration service. A professional storm damage restoration service can do wonders for you and make your house look as good as new.