Navigating Winter Woes: How SERVPRO Levittown Can Rescue You When Pipes Burst

11/29/2023 (Permalink)

As winter blankets the world in a shimmering coat of frost, the season's beauty can sometimes be accompanied by unexpected challenges. One such challenge that homeowners dread is the bursting of pipes. Whether due to freezing temperatures or other unforeseen circumstances, burst pipes can wreak havoc on your property, causing water damage and potential mold issues. In this blog post, we'll explore the common reasons behind burst pipes during winter and discuss why hiring a restoration company like SERVPRO Levittown is crucial for effective cleanup and restoration.

Understanding the Causes:

1. Freezing Temperatures: Winter's freezing temperatures can lead to water inside pipes expanding and contracting, causing stress on the pipes. Over time, this stress weakens the pipes and makes them susceptible to bursting.

2. Poor Insulation: Inadequate insulation around pipes, especially those in attics, basements, and crawl spaces, can expose them to extreme temperature fluctuations, increasing the risk of bursting.

3. Old or Corroded Pipes: Aging pipes or those corroded due to mineral deposits are more prone to bursting. Regular maintenance and inspection can help identify and replace weakened pipes before they become a major issue.

Why SERVPRO Levittown:

1. Swift Response: When disaster strikes, time is of the essence. SERVPRO Levittown understands the urgency of water damage situations and provides a rapid response to mitigate further damage.

2. Professional Assessment: Trained technicians from SERVPRO conduct a thorough assessment of the water damage, identifying affected areas and assessing the extent of the damage. This allows for a targeted and effective cleanup plan.

3. Advanced Equipment: SERVPRO Levittown employs state-of-the-art equipment for water extraction, drying, and dehumidification. This ensures that your property is thoroughly dried to prevent mold growth and structural damage.

4. Mold Remediation: Burst pipes often lead to moisture accumulation, creating an ideal environment for mold growth. SERVPRO Levittown not only addresses the immediate water damage but also provides comprehensive mold remediation services to safeguard your home's air quality.

5. Insurance Liaison: Dealing with insurance claims can be overwhelming. SERVPRO Levittown works closely with insurance companies to streamline the claims process, making the restoration journey smoother for homeowners.

When winter takes an unexpected turn and your pipes burst, the aftermath can be overwhelming. Entrusting the cleanup and restoration process to professionals like SERVPRO Levittown ensures a thorough and efficient recovery. From swift response times to advanced equipment and comprehensive services, SERVPRO is your ally in navigating the challenges of water damage during the winter season. Don't let burst pipes dampen the spirit of winter—let SERVPRO Levittown bring your home back to its pre-damage glory.

How to Protect Your Home When Tropical Storms Are Forecasted

9/22/2023 (Permalink)

Tropical storms can be incredibly destructive, causing extensive damage to homes and properties. While we can't control the weather, we can take steps to protect our homes and loved ones when tropical storms are forecasted. As a homeowner in Levittown or any other tropical storm-prone area, being prepared is essential. In this blog post, we'll explore some proactive measures you can take to safeguard your home when tropical storms are on the horizon.

1. Stay Informed

The first step in protecting your home is to stay informed about weather conditions. Keep a close eye on weather forecasts and updates from reliable sources like the National Weather Service. Most smartphones have weather apps that can provide real-time updates, making it easier than ever to stay informed.

2. Create a Preparedness Kit

Having a well-stocked storm preparedness kit is crucial. Your kit should include non-perishable food, bottled water, a flashlight, batteries, a first-aid kit, important documents, cash, and any necessary medications. Prepare enough supplies to last at least three days for each member of your household.

3. Reinforce Windows and Doors

Strong winds and flying debris can easily break windows and doors during a tropical storm. Consider installing hurricane shutters or plywood to protect your windows. Reinforce entry doors with deadbolts and heavy-duty hinges, and make sure they fit tightly in their frames to prevent water intrusion.

4. Trim Trees and Remove Loose Objects

Before a storm hits, trim any overhanging branches that could potentially fall and cause damage to your home. Secure outdoor furniture, garbage cans, and any loose objects that could become projectiles in high winds. Properly store or anchor these items to prevent them from causing damage.

5. Check and Clean Gutters

Clogged gutters can lead to water pooling around your home's foundation, increasing the risk of flooding. Ensure your gutters and downspouts are clear of debris to allow for proper drainage. Consider installing gutter guards to prevent future clogs.

6. Reinforce Your Roof

Inspect your roof for loose or damaged shingles, and make necessary repairs before the storm arrives. Consider using hurricane straps or clips to secure your roof to the structure of your home, preventing it from being lifted in strong winds.

7. Elevate Electrical Systems

If your home is in a flood-prone area, consider elevating your electrical systems, including outlets, switches, and circuit breakers. Elevating these components can help prevent electrical damage and reduce the risk of fire.

8. Secure Important Documents

Gather important documents like insurance policies, identification, and medical records, and store them in a waterproof and fireproof container. You may also want to make digital copies and store them securely in the cloud or on a portable hard drive.

9. Evacuation Plan

Have an evacuation plan in place and discuss it with your family. Know your local evacuation routes and shelters. Ensure that everyone in your household knows how to contact each other in case you get separated during the storm. I would recommend having a place to meet outside of the storm area in case you do get separated. 

10. Consider Flood Insurance

Standard homeowners' insurance policies typically don't cover flood damage. If you live in a flood-prone area, consider purchasing flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) to protect your property. If you have a sump pump, make sure you have a sump pump rider on your policy. If you lose electricity or the sump pump fails your insurance should cover the loss.

12. After the Storm

After the storm passes, carefully assess any damage to your home. Document the damage with photos or videos for insurance purposes, and contact your insurance company to begin the claims process. Be cautious when using generators, and follow safety guidelines to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.

In the event of severe damage, such as flooding or extensive structural damage, consider reaching out to professionals like SERVPRO of Levittown for expert cleanup and restoration services. They can help you get your home back to its pre-storm condition quickly and safely and make it “Like it Never Even Happened” 

While we can't control the weather, we can control how well-prepared we are for it. By following these steps and taking proactive measures, you can significantly reduce the risks and protect your home when tropical storms are forecasted. Stay safe, stay prepared, and remember that your safety and the safety of your loved ones are the top priorities during any severe weather event.

How to Mitigate Mold Growth in Commercial Buildings: Best Practices

6/23/2023 (Permalink)

Mold is a common problem in many commercial buildings, and can cause a variety of health issues if not kept in check. Fortunately, there are several practices you can employ to mitigate the growth of mold and help keep your property safe.

First, it’s important to identify any water or moisture sources that may be fueling the growth of mold. Check areas such as basements, attics, bathrooms, and kitchens for any signs of water damage or leaks. If you discover a leak, it’s important to address the issue immediately to prevent further damage.

Next, keep humidity levels in check. Mold loves dampness and humid air is one way that it can thrive in your building. Investing in a dehumidifier may be necessary to help reduce the relative humidity (RH) level inside your building to below 60%. Additionally, ensure that all windows and doors are sealed properly to prevent outside moisture from entering the premises.

Most importantly, regularly inspect your property for potential mold growth. Pay close attention to areas like carpets and furniture as these are particularly prone to mold growth. If you do find any signs of mold, be sure to contact a professional restoration company like SERVPRO® Levittown right away for help.

By following these best practices, you can keep your commercial building safe and free from the dangers of mold. For further assistance in assessing and restoring your property after water or mold damage, reach out to SERVPRO® - We’re Here To Help®.

Prepare Your Home and Family for Winter Weather

12/20/2022 (Permalink)

This home experienced a fire loss that began in their chimney. SERVPRO of Levittown was called in to clean up the damage!

Protect your family, home and business from this Winter's harsh weather with the below tips!

• Plan ahead! Create a communication and disaster plan for your family before Winter weather is expected to hit your area. 
• Repair roof leaks and cut away tree branches that could fall on your home or other structure during a storm.
• Have your chimney or flue inspected every year to avoid fires!
• Install a smoke detector and a battery-operated carbon monoxide detector in your home and office.
• Create an emergency car kit with essential items like phone chargers, booster cables, flashlights, windshield scrapers and items to stay warm.
• Keep emergency food and water supplies stocked!
• Save SERVPRO of Levittown's phone number in case our emergency water or fire services are needed! Office #: 215-785-1777

Fire Prevention Tips for the Winter Season

10/25/2022 (Permalink)

The winter season is a time when many people like to cozy up by the fire. While this can be a very enjoyable pastime, it's important to remember that fires can also occur during this time of year. In fact, according to the National Fire Protection Association, December, January and February are the three months with the highest number of home fires. That's why it's crucial to take some preventative steps to keep your family safe from fires during the winter season. In this blog post, we will provide you with some tips on how to do just that!

First and foremost, it's important to have a working smoke alarm in your home. This is the best way to ensure that you and your family will be alerted in the event of a fire. Be sure to test your smoke alarm regularly and change the batteries if necessary.

Another key step in preventing fires is to create a fire escape plan. This plan should include two ways to exit every room in your home and a designated meeting place outside. Everyone in your household should be familiar with the escape plan and practice it regularly.

When using a fireplace, always use a screen to catch any flying sparks. Make sure that the area around the fireplace is clear of anything flammable, such as newspapers, carpets or furniture. And never leave a fire unattended - be sure to extinguish it completely before leaving the house or going to bed.

Finally, one of the best ways to prevent a fire is to simply stay alert. If you're cooking on the stovetop, don't leave the area unattended. And if you're using any type of space heater, keep an eye on it at all times. NEVER overload an electric outlet, especially with home space heaters.

By following these simple tips, you can help to prevent a fire in your home this winter. However, if a fire does occur, be sure to call SERVPRO of Levittown immediately. We are always here to help!

SERVPRO's Top Tips for Preparing Your Home for Summer Storms

9/7/2022 (Permalink)

Summer storms can be a real pain. They can knock out power, damage homes, and even cause injuries. That's why it's important to be prepared for them! SERVPRO is the nation's leading disaster restoration company, and we want to help you prepare your home for summer storms. In this blog post, we will discuss some tips that will help you stay safe during a storm and minimize the damage to your home. 

Have a Plan 

First, it's important to have a plan. Know what you will do if the power goes out or if your home sustains damage. 

Have an Emergency Kit 

Second, make sure you have an emergency kit prepared. This kit should include things like food, water, and first aid supplies. 

Have a Safe Room 

Third, keep your family safe by having a designated safe room in your home. This room should be away from windows and doors, and it should have sturdy walls and a ceiling. 

Have Emergency Supplies 

Fourth, make sure you have emergency supplies on hand, including a flashlight, batteries, and medicine. 

Clean your Gutters 

Fifth, keep your gutters and downspouts clean so that they can properly drain water away from your home. 

Secure your Belongings 

Sixth, if a storm is coming, secure any loose items outside so they don't become projectiles. 

Contact SERVPRO of Levittown 

Seventh, if you do sustain damage from a storm, be sure to contact SERVPRO of Levittown for all your restoration needs! 

Following these tips will help you stay safe during a storm and minimize the damage to your home. We're always here to help, 24/7.

Mold 101: What You Need to Know About Mold and How SERVPRO Can Help

8/25/2022 (Permalink)

Mold can be a serious issue. If you think you may have mold in your home, it is important to take action right away. In this blog post, we will discuss the different types of mold, what to do if you find mold in your home, and how SERVPRO Levittown can help. We hope this information helps keep you and your family safe and healthy!

Mold can come in many different shapes, sizes, and colors. Some mold is even invisible to the naked eye. Mold loves damp and humid environments, so it is often found in basements, crawl spaces, bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, and anywhere else that might be wet or damp. Mold can cause a variety of health issues, including respiratory problems, headaches, fatigue, skin irritation, and more. If you think you may have mold in your home, it is important to take action right away.

Mold Type 1: Allergenic Mold

Allergenic mold is the most common type of mold. It can cause a variety of respiratory problems, as well as headaches, fatigue, and skin irritation. If you are allergic to mold, you may experience sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, and difficulty breathing. Allergenic mold is not usually harmful to healthy people, but it can be dangerous for those with respiratory problems, such as asthma or allergies.

Mold Type II: Pathogenic Mold

Pathogenic mold is a type of mold that can cause serious health problems. It is often found in damp, humid environments, such as basements, crawl spaces, and bathrooms. Pathogenic mold can cause respiratory problems, as well as headaches, fatigue, and skin irritation. If you are exposed to pathogenic mold, you may experience difficulty breathing, coughing, wheezing, and chest tightness. Pathogenic mold is particularly dangerous for those with respiratory problems, such as asthma or allergies.

Mold Type III: Toxigenic Mold

Toxigenic mold is a type of mold that can produce toxins. It is often found in damp, humid environments, such as basements, crawl spaces, and bathrooms. Toxigenic mold can cause respiratory problems, as well as headaches, fatigue, and skin irritation. If you are exposed to toxigenic mold, you may experience difficulty breathing, coughing, wheezing, and chest tightness. Toxigenic mold is particularly dangerous for those with respiratory problems, such as asthma or allergies.

If you think you may have mold in your home, it is important to take action right away. Mold can cause a variety of health issues, so it is important to get rid of it as soon as possible. SERVPRO is the nation's leading restoration company and the Levittown team is standing by. We have the training, experience, and equipment to handle any mold situation. We will work quickly and efficiently to get your home back to normal.

How to Prepare for a Storm: What You Need to Know

8/18/2022 (Permalink)

When a storm hits, it can cause a lot of damage to your home. If you are not prepared, you could be in for a long and costly recovery process. In this blog post, we will discuss some tips on how to prepare for a storm, so that you can minimize the damage done to your property. We will also talk about what to do if you experience storm damage, and how to contact SERVPRO Levittown if you need help.

The first step in preparing for a storm is to know what kind of storms are common in your area. Some of the common storms in Pennsylvania include thunderstorms, coastal hurricanes, and even the occasional tornado. Each of these storms can cause different types of damage, so it is important to be aware of the risks. Once you know what kind of storms are common in your area, you can take steps to protect your property.

One way to protect your property from storm damage is to have a plan in place. This plan should include an evacuation route, a list of emergency contacts, and a place to stay if you need to leave your home. It is also important to have insurance that covers storm damage. If you do not have insurance, you may want to consider getting it before a storm hits.

Another way to prepare for a storm is to make sure that your home is in good condition. This means that you should repair any damage that has already been done, and take steps to prevent further damage. For example, you should trim trees and bushes away from your house, and secure loose items around your property. By taking these steps, you can help to minimize the amount of damage done to your home during a storm.

If you do experience storm damage, the first thing you should do is contact SERVPRO Levittown. We are a professional storm damage restoration company, and we can help you to repair the damage done to your home. We will work with your insurance company to ensure that all of the repairs are covered, and we will help you to get your home back to normal as quickly as possible.

If you have any questions about storm damage or how to prepare for a storm, please contact SERVPRO Levittown. We are always here to help, and we can make sure that your home is in good condition before a storm hits.

Why SERVPRO: Strength in Numbers

7/28/2022 (Permalink)

If you are looking for a local restoration company, you may be wondering if SERVPRO Levittown is the right choice. After all, they are a national company with franchises all over the country. Why would you choose a company like that when there are so many smaller businesses to choose from?

The answer is simple: strength in numbers.

Nationally Recognized, locally owned.

SERVPRO Levittown has been serving lower Bucks County for several years for disasters of all sizes. We are proud to say that no disaster is too large because we have a tight knit family that can come and help if needed.

SERVPRO is the largest restoration company in the country for a reason. They have the resources to handle any size disaster, no matter how big or small. They also have a vast network of franchises, so you can be sure that your job can be handled.

What does this mean for you? It means that you can rest assured knowing that SERVPRO will be there to help when you need it most. When disaster strikes, they will be able to respond quickly and get the job done right. So if you are ever in need of restoration services, remember that SERVPRO Levittown is always here to help.

If you’re looking for a reliable and experienced restoration company, SERVPRO is the way to go. With over 2,000 franchises across the country, they have the resources and experience to handle any size disaster.

So if you ever find yourself in need of their services, don’t hesitate to give us a call. We will be there to help you through whatever situation you may find yourself in.

Check your homeowners insurance policy for these potential gaps today.

6/28/2022 (Permalink)

Disasters can happen at any time, and they are never convenient. If you are a homeowner, it is important to make sure that your homeowners insurance policy covers all of the potential disasters that could occur in your area. SERVPRO is here to help you with disaster restoration services, but it is important to know what your policy covers before you need it. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the most common gaps in homeowners insurance policies. Make sure to check your policy today to see if you are protected!

One of the most common gaps in homeowners insurance policies is flood coverage. If you live in an area that is prone to flooding, it is important to make sure that your policy covers this type of damage. SERVPRO can help you with flood restoration services, but you will need to make sure that your policy covers the cost of these services.

Another common gap in homeowners insurance policies is mold coverage. We live in an area that is prone to mold growth, so it is important to make sure that your policy covers this type of damage. SERVPRO can help you with mold remediation services, but you will need to make sure that your policy covers the cost of these services.

Finally, it is important to make sure your coverage is adequate for your replacement value.  If your home is destroyed, you will need to have enough coverage to rebuild it. Make sure to check your policy today and make sure you are adequately covered!

If you have any questions about your homeowners insurance policy, or if you need help with disaster restoration services, SERVPRO of Levittown is here to help. Give us a call today at 215-785-1777.