Clean Your Gutters Before the Storm

9/20/2022 (Permalink)

It’s officially storm season and with all this rain incoming now has never been a better time to make sure that your gutters are in working order. Here are some tips from us here at SERVPRO of Chesapeake, Portsmouth, Norfolk West, and Hampton North to help make sure your gutters are in tip-top shape before the storms.

• Your gutters should be cleaned at least twice a year, once before winter to make sure they’re clear of all the fallen leaves, and once after winter before the spring rain.
• It’s also a good idea to inspect your gutters and your roof after a heavy storm. Strong winds can blow debris into them and clog them up, or even cause damage to them so that they are not functioning properly.
•  Make sure that your downspouts are secured and pointed away from your home. If your downspouts are not aimed correctly, you could be directing the water into pools around your foundation which can lead to flooding.
• You’ll also want to make sure that the downspouts are extended at least two feet from the home. This will also help to ensure that water does not pool around your foundation.
• Run water through your gutters after cleaning them to make sure that they are draining properly to the downspouts and that there are no areas where water is leaking out.

You can’t always prevent water damage from happening but following these tips will certainly help to reduce the probability of water entering your home. If you do experience a water damage emergency our team is available 24/7, 365 days a year to help make it “like it never even happened.”

What SERVPRO Can Do For You

6/1/2022 (Permalink)

As leaders in the industry, when most people think about SERVPRO the first things that come to mind are fire and water damage mitigation, but we also offer quite a few other services to both commercial and residential customers that you might be less familiar with!

Air Duct and HVAC Cleaning

Our SERVPRO of Chesapeake North professionals can inspect your HVAC system and ductwork. Cleaning services can be provided to help restore peak energy efficiency, eliminate offensive odors, and improve indoor air quality.

Carpet and Hard Floor Cleaning and Care

Technicians use the latest IICRC training as well as state-of-the-art equipment to remove entrapped soils from deep within your carpet's pile and backings.

Stain Removal and Stain Resistance Applications

Using IICRC standards for carpet as a guide, SERVPRO technicians will show you what cleaning option would be best for our carpet's level of soiling and explain the benefits of soil protection.

Odor Identification and Deodorization

SERVPRO professionals will find the source of the odor and determine the best methods to neutralize and eliminate it.

Upholstery and Drapes: Wet and Dry-Cleaning Methods

Fabrics are inspected and tested to determine the safest and most effective cleaning methods.

Crime Scene and Biohazard Cleanup

SERVPRO technicians are trained to safely and effectively clean biohazardous substances and prepare waste for proper disposal according to OSHA, EPA and state and local health regulations.

Vandalism Cleanup

We offer cleaning and restoration services for damaged parts of your property as well as graffiti removal services exterior walls and surfaces around your building including driveways, walkways, asphalt, and masonry.

When it comes to protecting your business and dealing with unforeseen damages to your property, look no farther than SERVPRO of Chesapeake North. Our team of highly trained professionals are available 24/7, 365 days a year for emergency services.

How SERVPRO Uses Deodorization

4/19/2022 (Permalink)

Unpleasant odors in your home or business are never a good time. While some odors go away on their own, many tend to linger causing lasting issues of olfactory distress. Odor molecules can settle on items in your home or even into items with porous surfaces like wood, upholstery, and carpets, which can make them very difficult to get rid of.

Here at SERVPRO of Chesapeake North our technicians are IICRC certified in odor removal techniques using advanced technology and equipment to help eliminate even the most stubborn odors. Deodorization is a science that includes many different products and procedures:

Masking Agents

Masking agents are exactly what they sound like. Sprays or other various items that help to mask unpleasant odors with a more acceptable smell. While masking agents may give the most immediate relief, they are only temporary and do not do anything to address the actual source of the bad odor particles. For this reason, SERVPRO never uses masking agents as a primary method of odor mitigation, but we will use them to help make the odors less unpleasant while other methods of deodorization are in progress.

Pairing Agents

These are chemicals designed to combine (or “pair”) with the odor causing particles. There are two kinds of pairing agents: humectant, or counteractant. The first is one that is designed to absorb the odor particles floating in the air and cause them to fall onto surfaces where they can then be cleaned and removed. The second is meant to combine with the particles and chemically alter the odor molecule in a way that changes the odor causing properties or destroy it all together. These agents can be delivered in multiple ways including fogging and spraying.

Filtration Agents

There are two main kinds of filtration agents used in deodorization: absorption and adsorption. Absorption agents are made of highly absorptive compounds, fillers, and perfume. Adsorption agents work by capturing odor particles and holding them to the surface of the agent. Both methods are meant to pull odorous gasses from the air as it flows by or is pushed through the filtering agent.

Disinfectants and Sanitizers

Odors don’t just appear out of nowhere, something has caused or produced the particles responsible for the odors that you are smelling. Disinfectants and sanitizers are used to help control or kill the odor producing bacteria or fungi in your home or business.

Enzyme Digesters

These enzymes are used on odors caused by organic materials or protein-based odors. These work by breaking down organic molecules into other substances that are odorless like water or carbon dioxide.

Air Purification

Air purification works by using electronic filters that create a charged grid to kill microorganisms as they pass through the filter.

Oxidation

SERVPRO also uses equipment like Ozone and hydroxyl generators to help eliminate odors. These machines produce ozone or hydroxyl radicals. These compounds alter the odor particles causing them to bind with oxygen molecules and assists in breaking them down through the process of oxidation.

Often, odors will require a combination of these various different products and techniques to be fully eliminated. Whether your odor issue is from mold, smoke, sewage, or other unpleasant smells, SERVPRO of Chesapeake North is fully equipped to help eliminate these odors from your property and belongings. Give us a call or fill out a form online and let us know how we can help to make your unsavory odors “Like it never even happened.”

SERVPRO Works with Your Insurance

4/5/2022 (Permalink)

When your home suffers from a disaster like a fire or water damage, the last thing you want to deal with is trying to juggle with insurance agents and contractors just to get your life back in order. Here at SERVPRO of Chesapeake North we understand just how stressful these situations are and how important it is to fix the disruptions to your daily life and get back to normal as fast as possible. Here are a few of the ways that SERVPRO can help get your life back to “like it never even happened.”

Direct Communication

We boast healthy relationships with many insurance agencies and will communicate directly with your agents. Notifying both you and your agent of any changes and developments in the restoration will help to eliminate any miscommunications and move your claims process along as fast as possible.

Documentation

Our team is trained to heavily document everything about your restoration process from the initial damage to the final product. Should the restoration to your home require a move out of your belongings we offer a contents inventory service for pack in and pack out of your belongings that can also help with your claims process, creating an inventory of damaged and non-damaged items to present to your insurance.

Our Team

As a leader in the restoration industry our team has in depth knowledge of the entire claims process from start to finish. Our job file coordinators can help you in your claims process with all the paperwork and what is needed for your claim to be processed as efficiently as possible.

Turn-Key Service

From initial mitigation to restoration and repairs, SERVPRO of Chesapeake North handles it all. We employ our own contractors and handle all communications ourselves so that you don’t have to. Eliminate the stress of having to deal with multiple different companies to get the job done.

SERVPRO of Chesapeake North is committed to providing the best possible service we can during the stressful time of dealing with a disaster in your home. With decades of industry experience and a highly trained team of professionals we’re here to help. If your home or business has suffered from a disaster give us a call and let us know what we can do for you!

What Are Air Scrubbers?

3/14/2022 (Permalink)

It’s important to us at SERVPRO of Chesapeake North to help you understand the ins and outs of what goes on when you call us in for a project on your home or business. Today we thought we’d go over one of the essential tools in our arsenal that we use on many projects, the air scrubber.

Air scrubbers are essentially portable air filtration devices. They pull in air from the room around them and passes it though a series of filters to remove any particles that are present and unwanted.

These machines are brought in on jobs such as fire damage, mold, sewage, or other jobs where large amounts of particulates are present in the air. For fires, soot and smoke particles often linger in the air and the cleaning process can release more of them into the air from the surfaces being cleaned. With sewage, air scrubbers help to remove the particles in the air that cause your home to smell. In cases of mold, while remediation efforts are taking place, spores can be kicked up and released into the air. These scrubbers help to ensure that there is no contamination of areas that were not previously affected by the mold and include HEPA air filters to make sure that the air quality is safe.

As you can see, air scrubbers are an essential tool for almost all damage remediation projects and now, if you need our home restoration services and see one of these green boxes in your home, you’ll know why!

SERVPRO Hires Veterans

11/8/2021 (Permalink)

During the month of November, we would like to highlight and celebrate our SERVPRO Team Bahen Veteran employees. We’ve asked one of our Reconstruction Estimators, Ray Virgili, to share his service experience with us, as well as his time here at SERVPRO.

“If you are looking for an opportunity where your hard work and dedication will be rewarded, SERVPRO is the company for you. I served 8 years in the Marine Corps as an Aviation Operations Specialist (7041).

I would relate SERVPRO and the Military in the way that both are willing to hire people without any experience and invest in training them. And from that point on, your individual accomplishments will lead to promotions, which are based on your drive and dedication. The skills I’ve acquired and learned from the military such as initiative, leadership, integrity, and doing the right thing has transferred to my current position I hold with SERVPRO today.

Additionally, what I like most about working for SERVPRO is the “esprit de corps” (feeling of pride and team spirit) and that everyone is always willing to help out another teammate whenever needed.” - Ray Virgili

As a proud employer of our nation’s veterans, we invite anyone interested in building a successful career to join our Team Bahen family.

New Hire Spotlight - David Powell

9/21/2021 (Permalink)

New Hire Spotlight! David Powell started in April as a Sales and Marketing Representative. “I was born in Portsmouth, VA and I attended Tidewater Community College and Norfolk State University. I used to work for a local home improvement company going door-to-door for almost 5 years. I also sold security systems for ADT, and I worked in pest control for nearly 4 years. When I am not working, I enjoy weightlifting. I wanted to join SERVPRO of Chesapeake because of the structure, teamwork, and brand recognition. Since starting with SERVPRO of Chesapeake, I’ve enjoyed the freedom to build relationships with my fellow community members and have had great support from the SERVPRO of Chesapeake team to support those relationships. What I’m looking forward to the most is growing in my role and adding to my Franchise’s bottom line on a consistent basis. I am excited about the growth opportunities with SERVPRO of Chesapeake and look forward to expanding my role with the organization.” Welcome to Team Bahen, David! We are so fortunate to have you!

Team Building At SERVPRO

5/12/2021 (Permalink)

Team Building

Strong teams are important in businesses of all sizes. Why might you ask? The purpose of creating a strong team is to provide a foundation that will continue to increase the ability of employees to participate in planning, problem-solving, and decision-making to better serve our customers.

Here at SERVPRO of Chesapeake North, we work hard to encourage collaboration with our employees and work as ONE TEAM.  One way of doing that is team building. Team building creates a strong team through forming bonds and connections. One way to create a bond is Axe Throwing. Yes, you heard that right. We went out with a few of our employees across different departments to an Axe Throwing Range! We wanted to do something with people on our team that was new and have never done before. This outing was the perfect way for our employees to see each other in a different light and get to know each other a little more. Our goal for this activity was to make our employees feel valued and have a little fun!

SERVPRO Teams Up With Red Cross to Install Smoke Detectors

4/26/2021 (Permalink)

Did you know that home fires claim seven lives every day in the U.S.? However, working smoke alarms can cut the risk of death by half.

On Saturday, SERVPRO of Chesapeake North teamed up with the American Red Cross to help install smoke detectors in our local community. 

The American Red Cross has been installing free smoke alarms and sharing fire safety information through their Home Fire Campaign - Sound the Alarm, Save a Life. Since the campaign launched more than five years ago, they have helped save lives across the country. 

We are so proud of our SERVPRO of Chesapeake North team who volunteered to install these smoke alarms in vulnerable homes. We had a blast handing out important fire safety information and hanging these necessary, life-saving tools! 

If you experience a fire in your home or business, call the professionals at SERVPRO of Chesapeake North! We are always here and happy to help!

Firing Up The Grill: Safety Tips

4/5/2021 (Permalink)

When the weather gets warmer, more and more people are looking to be outdoors. Whether you are looking for a reason to be outside or the cravings are just right, grilling can be one of life’s simple pleasures. Unfortunately, sometimes simple activities that bring us joy can lead to potential safety issues.

For example, did you know that leaving the grill unattended, not cleaning the buildup on the grates and trays properly, or placing the grill too close to your home or any structures can cause injuries, fires, and property damage?

According to the National Fire Protection Association, 10,600 home fires are started by grills each year on average.  About 19,700 patients went to the ER per year because of injuries involving grills, including 9,500 thermal burns.

Regardless of the type of grill you own, here are some safety tips that will keep you and your family safe while barbequing at home:

Grill OUTSIDE and away from any structures. Never leave a lit grill unattended. Be cautious of the clothes you are wearing, scarves, aprons, anything dangling can easily catch on fire. Keep an eye on any children or animals when near the grill. Grills should never be used on a balcony or under an overhang. Also, look out for overhanging branches. Never use a grill in a garage, vehicle, or other enclosed spaces. Even if these are ventilated, you can still be at risk of harmful carbon monoxide buildup.

• Gas grills were involved in an average of 8,900 home fires per year, including 3,900 structure fires and 4,900 outdoor fires annually. Charcoal or other solid-fueled grills were involved in 1,300 home fires per year, including 600 structure fires and 600 outside fires annually. (NFPA)

Keep your grill clean and stable. Always set up your grill on a flat surface and make sure that it cannot be tipped over. Be sure to clean and remove grease or fat buildup both from the grill and the tray below the grill. If you using a charcoal grill, be sure to allow the coals to completely cool before disposing of them in a metal container.

Check for propane leaks on your gas grill. Before your first grill of the season, be sure to check the gas tank hose for leaks. You can apply light soap and water solution to the hose and then turning on the gas. If there is a leak, you will see the solution bubble. Also, be aware of the smell of gas near the grill or a flame that will not light, these can also be signs of a propane leak.

•  Leaks or breaks were primarily a problem with gas grills. Ten percent of gas grill structure fires and 22% of outside gas grill fires were caused by leaks or breaks. (NFPA)

Be ready to put out a fire. Never use water to put out a grease fire. Have baking soda on hand to control a grease fire and always have a fire extinguisher nearby. If you do not have a fire extinguisher, keep a bucket of sand next to the grill.

We hope these tips will help you and your family have a safe grilling season and summer.

If you experience fire damage to your home or business, call SERVPRO of Chesapeake North at 757-465-9700.

Spring Cleaning Tips and Checklist

3/9/2021 (Permalink)

This time of year homeowners get the urge to clean up around the house and prepare for spring, opening those windows and enjoying the warmer weather. It can get a little overwhelming thinking of all the areas in and around your home to tackle, but check out this list to get you started:

• Clean out Your Windows – dust, dirt and other contaminants build up in the panes of your windows over time. Take a vinegar solution and towel to wipe away the grime and freshen the scent that will blow into your home.

• Clean your Dryer Vent and HVAC – cleaning out your vent will improve drying and help with energy efficiency. Call our SERVPRO of Chesapeake North team to fully clean the duct system in your home, preventing dust, allergens and other contaminants are circulating.

• Clean Carpets and Rugs and Drapes/Window Coverings – blinds, shutters, curtains and drapes collect dust and other allergens very easily so giving these some much needed attention will make a huge difference. Vacuuming and deep clean carpets and rugs in your home will also help freshen up your space and give you the satisfaction of clean floors.

• Clean Your Grill – springtime calls for more outdoor grilling and inspecting your grill is a must before the grilling season kicks off. Give it a good scrubbing to clean off the old grime and prepare for cooking great meals!

If you would like a deep, professional cleaning inside your home, call the cleaning and sanitizing professionals at SERVPRO of Chesapeake North at 757-465-9700.

We Are an IICRC Certified Firm

10/15/2020 (Permalink)

IICRC stands for the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification. Once you become IICRC certified in Water Damage Restoration, you have then pledged to perform services with skill, honestly and integrity to provide the consumer with the highest standard of care and expertise.

Here at SERVPRO of Chesapeake North, we believe in the importance of restoration and remediation knowledge across all aspects of our employees. Whether you are out in the field handing the services, or in the office speaking on the phone with the customer, it is important that everyone is educated on our services.

That's why SERVPRO of Chesapeake hosts multiple trainings throughout the year for our technicians, project managers, office staff and even our sales and marketing team. Although they may not be in your home or office handling your water damage, our certified office staff can certainly assist you with their certified knowledge and expertise in water damage restoration!

Our Franchise is Growing!

9/24/2020 (Permalink)

It is with great excitement that we share some news with our SERVPRO of Chesapeake North community. 

As of September 2020, we have joined forces with SERVPRO® of Richmond, Chesterfield, Henrico and Tri-Cities Plus, located in Midlothian, Virginia. Independently owned and operated by Andrew and Theresa Bahen for 35 years, Disaster Recovery Team Bahen has earned an excellent reputation with homeowners, insurance companies, business owners, facility managers, local and state government agencies, and commercial property management teams.

Your local SERVPRO® will now be composed of elite large-loss specialists, trained project managers, and technicians capable of handling any loss your home or facility may experience. As one of the largest SERVPRO franchises on the East Coast, our combined experience, people, capacity, and equipment will uniquely qualify us to handle any sized job no matter how extensive the damage may be.

Our goal with this expansion is to create a larger footprint to better serve our clients and community throughout Virginia and North Carolina. We hope you have continued confidence in our abilities to serve your SERVPRO of Chesapeake North community as we strive to provide great work each and every day.

Please don't hesitate to reach out to our team for any of your mitigation, remediation and restoration needs!

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned

5/19/2020 (Permalink)

Let us help you get back to business

As our communities re-open, we’re all moving back toward a new kind of normal. The expectations of visitors, customers, and employees who come into our establishments have evolved, and staying safe and well is a top concern. The global COVID-19 pandemic has changed what it means to be clean, and we’ve developed a program to help your business meet the new higher standard of clean that is now expected.

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned is a defensive cleaning program we’re offering to businesses and commercial locations to address the current COVID-19 pandemic. This proactive viral pathogen cleaning program goes well beyond janitorial or carpet cleaning. By choosing Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, you, your employees, your customers, and your community can rest assured that you’ve selected a higher cleaning standard – you are Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned.

Extensive training and specialized products

As the #1 choice in cleanup and restoration*, we stand on more than 50 years of experience and expertise to help your business become Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned.  Beyond fire & water, SERVPRO professionals are trained and experienced in biohazard decontamination and chemical spills – always adhering to the cleaning and decontamination standards set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local authorities. 

From formulating and creating our proprietary cleaning products, like SERVPROXIDE, at our headquarters in Gallatin, TN, to taking the utmost care while disinfecting, we will ensure you and your business are set up to inspire consumer confidence as the economy continues to reopen.

3 C’s – Consult, Clean, and Certify

When the stakes are this high, you want a partner who has developed an industry leading, proprietary training program, cleaning solutions, and remediation processes over decades. We’ve cleaned up some of the most challenging biohazards imaginable. Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned reflects our unique experiences and capabilities. The program is grounded with our unique 3 C’s: Consult, Clean, and Certify.

• Consult – Every business is different, which is why you’ll be assigned a Cleaning Protocol Consultant who understands your business and will create a cleaning program to meet your specific needs. This program will be developed based on your business type, size of space, amount of high frequency touchpoints, foot traffic and congestion points.
• Clean – Based on your specific business needs, your location will undergo a thorough, deep clean, using exclusive cleaning products, according to protocols set forth by the CDC. Our employees have years of experience, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform. Cleanup procedures generally include cleaning of porous and non-porous surfaces, disinfecting of non-porous surfaces, cleaning and disinfecting of equipment, tools, and/or supplies used for cleanup process, and disposal of hazardous materials.  In the event of a suspected or confirmed COVID-19 event, we will be there cleaning within 24 hours to ensure you get back to business as quickly as possible. 
• Certify - Once your business location has been Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, you will gain access to proprietary signage, digital emblems, and other collateral that communicates that you’ve selected a higher standard of clean available to help protect your employees and customers. And because we add the day, month, and year to that proprietary stamp of clean, your guests will know that not only did you choose Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, but that your location is being cleaned regularly at this standard.

Call today for a Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned consultation

We’re Here to Help – 24 hours a day, seven days a week – until life is back to normal in the communities we all call home.

Call SERVPRO of Chesapeake North today at 757-465-9700 for your Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned consultation.

* #1 Choice in cleanup & restoration based Commercial Attitude & Usage Tracking study. Polling 816 commercial business decision makers on first choice for future needs related to cleanup & restoration work. Study conducted by C&R Research: October 2019

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned means professionally trained SERVPRO franchises perform the requested cleaning, sanitizing and disinfection services according to proprietary SERVPRO protocols and recognized industry and CDC standards with EPA approved cleaning products to deliver a SERVPRO certified cleaning experience.  Each SERVPRO franchise is independently owned and operated.

Here To Help - 24/7

4/23/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Chesapeake North is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to help you regain control for emergency fire and water damages. Time is of the essence. Immediate response is crucial to help minimize any further damage. As your local Franchise, we have been helping make fire and water damage “Like it never even happened,” for over 20 years. Our track record has earned us the trust of the insurance industry, countless homeowners, and commercial clients.

We understand that when you call us, you may be feeling stressed, confused, and overwhelmed. Our highly trained staff is here to help walk you through the process from beginning to end.We strive to restore not only the home or business, but the customer's peace of mind. When fire and water damage take control of your life, we help you take it back. 

WE ANSWER THE PHONE READY TO HELP. CALL US 757-465-9700

Disinfecting Your Business

4/2/2020 (Permalink)

Here To Help 24/7

It's October and the threat of the Coronavirus is still among us. We understand these times of stress and uncertainty with opening your business to the public. That's why we want to offer business owners a way to combat the threat of COVID-19 with our Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned program.

When it comes to disinfection and sanitization, SERVPRO of Chesapeake North cleanup practices follow CDC guidelines and use EPA-approved products. We have years of experience in dealing with biological contaminants. We’re here to help you protect your business and your employees– 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Our team will provide thorough cleaning and disinfecting for proactive measures, or if you have a known positive case in your facility. Give us a call today to learn more about what our SERVPRO of Chesapeake North team can do for your business. 757-465-9700.

SERVPRO's Advanced Technology & Techniques

3/15/2020 (Permalink)

We use specialized and industry leading equipment to make it, “Like it never even happened.”

SERVPRO Chesapeake North provides a variety of specialized services to the Chesapeake area. Our franchise professionals are certified through The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC). This allows us to provide peace of mind to our customers because they are able to trust that our franchise professionals are properly trained on how to properly and successfully use the equipment for restoration and cleaning. 

We use specialized and industry leading equipment to make it, “Like it never even happened.” Our moisture detection and measurement equipment allows us to detect, measure and monitor a properties moisture levels.  If water is in your home we have state of the art water extraction equipment that speeds the drying process by getting the water out of your home. Our industrial strength air movers and dehumidifiers are used to remove any remaining moisture from you home and prevents warping of your floors, walls and/or ceilings.

Water and fire damage often causes powerful odors. The machines we use remove airborne contaminants and control the air quality during the restoration and cleanup process. We also use OSHA-approved cleaning agents to clean and remove odors and/or contaminants from your home.

Collect, Protect Essential Records Before An Emergency

9/17/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Chesapeake North is "Always here to help." 757-465-9700

Collect, Protect Essential Records Before An Emergency

Family Preparedness

When we advise people to collect and protect important paperwork, we are referring to any important documents and personal data that might serve as proof of your insurance or identity or instruct others on how to help you in an emergency.  This important paperwork includes an Emergency Action Plan, and medical, vital, and immunization records.

The Basics

Copies of medical documents and advance directives should include: Health insurance card, vaccination records, living wills and power of attorney forms, birth & death certificates and adoption records

Personal Id's to include: Passports, driver's licenses, social security cards, green cards

A current care plan for a child with special needs.

User manuals, models, and serial numbers, and contact information for the manufacturer of medical devices, like glucose meters and nebulizers.

Quick Tips

Keep an up to date list of all your prescription medications with dosage amounts, your eye prescription, your medical supply needs and any known allergies.

Save electronic copies of important papers in a password protected format to a flash drive or an external hard drive or a cloud-based service. You should store these items in a fire proof container or with a trusted friend or relative, or even a safety deposit box at a bank.

Pet owners make copies of your pet’s vet records like rabies certificate, prescriptions and a recent photo of your pet(s).

Whatever happens, we’ll be there with you and your community, every step of the way, in your journey back, “Like it never even happened.”

SERVPRO® of Chesapeake North Suggests Action Before a Storm Arrives

6/28/2019 (Permalink)

Residential Storm & Water Damage Cleanup in Chesapeake

SERVPRO® of Chesapeake North wants Virginia Residents to Always Be Storm Ready

SERVPRO® of Chesapeake North encourages everyone to remember the importance of disaster preparedness.  The key to disaster preparedness is having an emergency plan in place before the disaster hits.  Here are a few simple steps that can make the difference in protecting and keeping your family safe and protecting your property from weather related damage.

Stay Informed.  Know your flood zone for your property and your neighborhood and know the evacuation route should your evacuation become necessary.  Listen to your local news and authorities for direction.

Make a Family Emergency Plan.  Disaster may not strike when you and your family are together at home.  Plan now for a meeting place and how you will contact each other.  Visit ready.gov to access a Family Emergency Plan template to help with your planning.

Prepare your property.  You may need to prepare your home for the impact of a storm or hurricane.  Covering all your windows in your home will help to protect it.  Permanent storm shutters offer the best protection for windows; however, the second-best option is to board up the windows with plywood.  Tape will not prevent your windows from breaking.  Trim your trees and bushes that are around your home and clear any debris from rain spouts and gutters.  Secure outdoor furniture, trash receptacles, decorations and anything else not secured and can become projectile. 

Establish a SERVPRO® Emergency READY Profile for Your Business.  SERVPRO® developed the SERVPRO® Emergency READY Program to help business owners create an Emergency READY Profile® (ERP) for their facility, at no charge.  The business owner will collaborate with our rep to compartmentalize relevant building and emergency contact info to access when an emergency strikes.

SERVPRO® Employees Pay It Forward

5/29/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO® of Chesapeake North Pays It Forward

When the call comes through to us on any day and at any time, our crew acts to help you get through your crisis.  Your local SERVPRO® of Chesapeake North wants the community to know that they can depend on them for emergencies and for community support. 

Our company and employees help to pay it forward with an annual event of collecting items such as clothing and personal hygiene for men, women, and children, non-perishable food, toys, books and blankets that begins in the summertime.  These items are donated, boxed and labeled by our crew to be set aside and delivered to five (5) local charities in November, just in time for the holidays and the cold weather. 

The charities we have helped to support in the past have been Blankets for the Homeless, Chesapeake Humane Society, Food Bank of Southeastern Virginia, Children's Crisis Center of Hampton Roads, and The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

Spotlight on Flood Insurance

5/13/2019 (Permalink)

Flood Damage Cleanup in Chesapeake

No one plans to become a hurricane victim, and no one should have to learn the hard way either that homeowner’s or renter’s insurance does not cover flood damage.

After Hurricane Matthew in 2016, Chesapeake’s Deputy coordinator of Emergency Management, Robb Braidwood said “If you live in Chesapeake, you should have flood insurance.”  “The highest point in the city is in a swamp.”

Recent flood insurance updates from the Insurance Information Institute say that on March 18, 2019, the Trump administration announced plans to reform the National Flood Insurance Program.  The program would begin to assess properties individually using variables like one’s proximity to large bodies of water, hurricane rainfall, coastal surges rather than the current applying a single formula for an entire flood zone.  Since higher valued properties are more likely to hit the $250,000 insurance cap, lower valued homes are paying proportionately more than higher valued homes.  The new reform would change this process and drive flood risk into the private reinsurance and risk markets.  According to the Institute FEMA will announce the new rates on April 1, 2020 and will implement the new system on October 1, 2020.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) offers disaster grants that do not have to be paid back, but this amount is often much less than what is needed to recover.  According to the Property Casualty Insurers Association of America, if you have flood damage, and do not have flood insurance, there could be resources available to help you through the FEMA.  For info go to www.fema.gov.

If you suffer flood damage in Chesapeake, call your local SERVPRO® of Chesapeake North at 757-465-9700.

Does Your Business Have a Contingency Plan?

4/23/2019 (Permalink)

Allow Us To Help With Your Contingency Plan

Planning is important for every aspect of life.  Contingency plans are backup plans that businesses activate only when a disaster or unforeseen situation disrupts the operations of the company or puts employees at risk.

Hurricane season officially begins June 1, 2019.  Our mobile app is a no-cost readiness plan that places your emergency plan data on your mobile device for quick access during an emergency.  Download the Free App Here

The SERVPRO^® Emergency Ready Plan is a tool for property managers and owners, both residential and commercial.  This ERP will enhance your current contingency plan or help to establish one. 

By developing a SERVPRO® Emergency READY Profile, you minimize business interruption by having an immediate plan of action.

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.

Commercial Storm Damage Restoration in Chesapeake.

Storms and inclement weather can bring wind damage, heavy rain, and flooding that can devastate any business in a matter of minutes. 

Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when an emergency situation arises at your business, call your local SERVPRO® and we’ll be there fast with the help you need.

•  24 Hour Emergency Service
•  Faster to Any Size Disaster
•  Highly Trained Storm and Water Damage Restoration Specialists

Get more information with a Complimentary Business Assessment? Call Us Today 757-465-9700.

Let SERVPRO Remove the Water From Your Chesapeake Home

3/15/2019 (Permalink)

When water invades your Chesapeake home, quick action needs to be taken in order to get matters under control and your life back to normal.  When water is left to soak into and remain, the greater the water damage and the repair.

SERVPRO of Chesapeake North handles water damage with an inventory of equipment with large and powerful pumps that we can submerge enabling a quicker extraction of the floodwater.  Our machinery will raise the interior temperature so that evaporation happens at a precise rate.

Our trained technicians and supervisors determine the best drying method to utilize to maintain the quality of the water damaged area and product.  For instance if a wooden floor is dried out too quickly or with extreme temperatures, the floor can be ruined.  Our motto is to restore, not replace.  This is beneficial to not only the homeowner but to your insurance company too as it helps to save money.  

After the extractor has removed the water, smaller hand-held equipment is used to remove the remaining water found in crevices and baseboards.  Once the water has been removed, the drying process begins for the remaining surface dampness and porous household items with the use of our desiccant machines and air movers.  An Air Scrubber, our portable filtration system can be used to help clean the air of any contaminants such as dust, gasses, or chemicals in any area.

When your Chesapeake home floods, call us your local SERVPRO at 757-465-9700 24/7.  We will help get your life back to normal and help make it "Like it never even happened."