Recent Tornado, Heavy Rains & Wind Damage Lash Mercer County, NJ

6/18/2024 (Permalink)

Flooding presents a serious risk to your home and your safety in Mercer County, NJ. According to the U.S. National Severe Storms Laboratory, floods kill more people every year than lightning, hurricanes and tornadoes combined. On June 14, 2024, a tornado (landspout) hit Lawrence Township, Mercer County which flipped cars and uprooted trees.

When it comes to structures, floods and winds can lead to dangerous contamination and damage to drywall, support beams and foundations. You are at risk for mold within the first 24 hours of a flood, so it’s vital to stop the water from flowing and start remediation quickly.

Different types of flooding come with different risks. River floods and flash floods are common when snow melts and have been known to completely overwhelm structures. Coastal floods and storm surges are even more dangerous, and usually lead to evacuation warnings. These can destroy homes entirely, so it’s best to listen to weather reports and plan ahead. Debris flows, which are often made up of heavy mud and plant material, can crush houses and sweep them away.

High Winds, Tornadoes and Hurricane Damage

High winds can occur virtually anywhere, and thousands of tornadoes and hurricanes hit the U.S. every year.

Damage from wind can be widespread and can affect not only your residential property or business but also surrounding landscapes and improvements.  Be alert to the potential for falling trees and power poles and damaged power lines and take precautions to be ready for emergency action steps. After the storm, examine your property for structural damage to the home, including windows, siding and roofs. In the most extreme scenarios, roofs can be destroyed.

SERVPRO of Bordentown/Pemberton is ready and available, 24/7, to address your storm-related damages, including damage caused by excessive water; mold; high winds.  We are highly trained professionals with state-of-the art mobile equipment prepared to provide rapid response to mitigate loss of personal or business property.

Call us at 609-894-8555.  

SERVPRO is proud to serve our local Bordentown/Pemberton community, Burlington County and Mercer County, NJ

Important Tips on Fire Safety During Memorial Day Holiday in Mercer County NJ

5/9/2024 (Permalink)

The weather is getting warmer, and the summer season is swiftly approaching in Mercer County, NJ.  There’s nothing like firing up the gas grill or roasting marshmallows in an outdoor fire pit. While the thought of grilling and charcoal seems fun and tasty during these summer months, always be sure to prioritize safety when utilizing fire and gas.

Here are some tips to ensure your safety when using a gas grill or charcoal grill:

• Always inspect your grill before turning on the gas. Make sure the grills are cleaned and free of old grease.
• Ensure good ventilation when lighting a gas grill. Gas can build up in the grill cannister before the igniter actually fires the burners.
• Keep your outdoor fireplace clear of debris to ensure the fireplace does not hold unnecessary flammable material.

In addition to ensuring the inside of your home remains clear of fires, the outdoor section of your home also has the potential for fire damage, if you do not take precautionary measures. Below are some fire pit safety tips:

• Always check the wind forecast before lighting a fire. If there is copious amounts of wind, it can be hard to light kindling and sparks can fly into nearby bushes, potentially causing a fire.
• If you are sitting around the fire, sit far enough away from the fire to prevent any mishaps.
• Do not leave a fire unattended, even for a couple of minutes. If the fire is barely lit, extinguish it before walking away. Almost-extinguished fires have started some of the largest wildfires in U.S. history.

If you happen to experience any fire damage to your home, never hesitate to call SERVPRO of Bordentown/Pemberton. We are available 24/7 to assess your situation and take the necessary measures to make it ‘like it never even happened’.

 Call us at 609-894-8555 or visit our website https://www.SERVPRObordentownpemberton.com/.

Tips on Buying Your First Home in Mercer County, NJ

4/20/2024 (Permalink)

Looking to buy your first home in Mercer County, NJ?   While you are looking for the perfect house for your family and lifestyle; the gourmet kitchen, master bath, and private backyard remember to take a look underground and evaluate the basement to ensure you remain high and dry.

Obviously, frequent water intrusion in your basement can cause issues with your foundation, and mold.  But most people don't know what to look for or how to protect their basement until after they've experienced water damage.  What's obvious in the restoration industry may not be obvious to every homeowner, so here are some tips to help you stay dry! (Visit www.bobvila.com for even more homeowner tips!)

• Get a sump pump.  Get the sump pump rider on your insurance policy while you are at it.  If you have a sump pump and it fails, your homeowners insurance will not cover the damage.  Even if your home or business has never taken on water, it doesn't mean you are immune to it.  Get the sump pump and check that it's functioning properly regularly.
• Consider a French drain or some other form of waterproofing.  Have a professional do the work.  Google the benefits.  You may be surprised!
• Keep your gutters free of debris and position downspouts away from the foundation.  The goal is to drain water at least three feet away, so if necessary, consider running extensions or troughs.
• If you haven't had your sewer inspected or your septic tank cleaned, now is a good time to do that.  During periods of prolonged, heavy rainfall (think Hurricane season!), clogged sewers, and over-taxed septic systems are disasters waiting to happen.
• If you have below-grade basement windows, install window covers that fasten securely to your foundation.  Clear acrylic covers allow light to enter while keeping out water.  
• Check the age on your hot-water heater.  They generally last about 10 years.  If yours has made it longer, that's not necessarily a good thing!  Don't wait for it to fail before you replace it.
• If you use your basement for storage, build shelves at least 6 inches from the ground.  Store items in plastic bins.  Photograph everything you store down there in case you need to replace it later.  
• If you have a finished basement, get a good-quality dehumidifier.  Consider tile floors or polished concrete over carpets.  

We wish you a lifetime of health and happiness in your future home, and if you do experience a flooded basement or mold, we are here to help you dry out, sanitize, and have your home thoroughly dry, like it never even happened™

 Call us at 609-894-8555, find us on the web at www.SERVPRObordentownpemberton.com.

New Construction Services Added to SERVPRO of Bordentown/Pemberton Office

2/9/2024 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Bordentown/Pemberton is proud and excited to announce the launching of a new construction management division effective immediately.

The new division will be lead by Les Maynard, Construction Project Manager.  Les brings substantial experience to construction management having owned a general contracting business for 14 years, and served as construction manager for several SERVPRO franchises in northern California. He will be involved in all aspects of construction management including estimates, project management, budgeting, working with insurance adjustors, and coordinating the work flow of independent contractors.

Our residential and commercial construction services will provide the following:

• Appraisals & Estimates
• Permit Acquisition
• Demo & Debris Removal
• Clean Construction
• Board ups & Site Security
• Post Mitigation Reconstruction including--

Electrical, Painting, Plumbing, Flooring, Roofing and Structure Framing. 

Call 609-894-8555 for more details.

Winter Storm Preparedness: A Guide to Safeguarding Your Bordentown NJ Home

1/7/2024 (Permalink)

As winter descends upon us, it's crucial to fortify our NJ homes against the harsh elements that come with the season. In this guide, we'll walk you through practical steps to prepare your home for winter storms, ensuring safety and comfort for you and your loved ones.

1. Insulation and Draft Sealing:

• Check Windows and Doors: Inspect for gaps and leaks. Seal any cracks with weather stripping or caulk.
• Install Storm Windows: Enhance insulation by adding storm windows to minimize heat loss.

2. Heating System Maintenance:

• Inspect Furnace or Heating System: Schedule a professional inspection to ensure your heating system is in top condition.
• Replace Filters: Clean or replace filters to maintain efficient airflow.

3. Roof and Gutter Care:

• Clear Gutters: Remove leaves and debris to prevent ice dams that can lead to water damage.
• Inspect Roof: Check for loose or damaged shingles. Repair any issues to prevent leaks.

4. Pipe Protection:

• Insulate Pipes: Use pipe insulation to prevent freezing. Pay extra attention to pipes in unheated areas like basements and attics.
• Let Faucets Drip: Allow faucets to drip during extremely cold nights to prevent pipes from freezing.

5. Emergency Power and Lighting:

• Generator Check: Ensure your generator is in good working order. Test it periodically.
• Stock up on Batteries: Have a supply of batteries for flashlights and emergency lighting.

SERVPRO of Bordentown/Pemberton is prepared to address any water, fire, and mold disasters in your Bordentown NJ home.  We are available 24/7 for emergency response to your needs. Call 609-894-8555.

5 Tips to Avoid Frozen Pipes in Your Bordentown, NJ Home This Winter

11/14/2023 (Permalink)

Preventing frozen pipes is crucial as winter approaches, especially in regions with cold climates, like central NJ (Mercer County).

 When water freezes in your plumbing system, it can expand and lead to pipe bursts, causing significant damage and costly repairs. Here are some tips to help you avoid frozen pipes:

1. Insulate your pipes:

• Add insulation to pipes in unheated areas, such as basements, crawl spaces, and attics. You can use foam pipe insulation, heat tape, or fiberglass sleeves.
• Pay special attention to pipes near exterior walls, as they are more susceptible to cold temperatures.

1. Seal any gaps and cracks:

• Seal gaps or cracks in walls and floors near pipes to prevent cold drafts from reaching them.
• Weatherstrip doors and windows to keep cold air out and warm air in.

1. Maintain a consistent temperature:

• Keep your home heated, even when you're away. Set your thermostat to a minimum of 55 degrees Fahrenheit (13 degrees Celsius) to ensure your pipes stay warm.
• Open cabinet doors under sinks to allow warm air to circulate around the pipes.

1. Allow faucets to drip:

• When temperatures drop significantly, allow faucets to drip slowly. This can relieve pressure and help prevent freezing.
• Focus on faucets that are on exterior walls or exposed to cold air.

1. Disconnect and drain outdoor hoses:

• Before winter sets in, disconnect and drain garden hoses. Store them indoors to prevent damage.
• Shut off the water supply to outdoor spigots and use insulated faucet covers to protect them.

By taking these preventive measures, you can significantly reduce the risk of frozen pipes during the winter months and avoid costly repairs and water damage to your home.

When water disaster does occur, SERVPRO of Bordentown/Pemberton is trained, certified and ready to make it ‘like it never even happened’.

10 Tips to Avoid a Furnace Puff Back in Your Mercer County, PA Home

11/2/2023 (Permalink)

Heating season is upon us in central NJ, which has us firing up our furnace after many months of being idle. 

Generally turning on the heat is a non-event, but sometimes a malfunctioning or dirty heating unit inside your furnace creates a “puff back”.  A puff back is the puff of smoke or oily soot from a malfunctioning heating unit. This oily dust particles settles everywhere.  Puff backs can cause minor inconveniences or sever property damage to your property and heating system.

The soot residue from a puff back has different binders. It is bound by hot oils that burst out of the house registers, leaving oily soot everywhere.

Here are 10 Important Tips to Avoid this happening to your home or business.

1. Regular Maintenance: The best way to prevent puff backs is through regular furnace maintenance. Schedule annual inspections and cleanings with a qualified HVAC technician.
2. Check for Leaks: Inspect the fuel lines and connections for any signs of leakage. If you smell gas or oil contact a professional.
3. Maintain Proper Airflow: Ensure that your furnace yas adequate ventilation. Clean or replace filters regularly, and make sure vents and flues are unobstructed.  Restricted airflow can lead to incomplete combustion and increase the risk of puff backs.
4. Burner Inspection: Regularly inspect and clean the burner, ensuring it’s free from soot, debris and other contaminants. A clean burner is less likely to experience puff backs.
5. Install an Oil Accumulator: An oil accumulator can help prevent puff backs by storing excess oil.  This prevents unburned oil from entering the combustion chamber during start-up.
6. Upgrade to a Modern System: If you have an older furnace, consider upgrading to a more efficient, safer model. Newer furnaces often have better safety features and improved combustion processes.
7. Maintain a Clean Chimney: If you have a chimney, ensure it’s clean and free from obstructions. A blocked chimney can lead to poor ventilation and increased risk of puff backs.
8. Use High-Quality Fuel: Ensure you are using clean, high-quality fuel. Poor-quality, contaminated fuel can lead to puff backs.
9. Install Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Puff backs can release carbon monoxide (CO) into your home which is extremely dangerous.
10. Professional Inspection: If you have experienced a puff back, it’s essential to have a professional inspect and clean your furnace thoroughly. They can identify and address and underlying issues that may have caused the puff back.

SERVPRO of Bordentown/Pemberton is ready to clean the oily soot or smoke residue "Like it never even happened." Our techs always wear appropriate personal protective equipment, including respirators, during this cleanup job.  We offer fast, reliable remediation and restoration services for commercial and residential property owners and tenants.  Call today for a free estimate at (609) 894-8555.

Every 18 seconds a fire occurs in the US…only ONE matters to you in Mercer County, NJ

9/15/2023 (Permalink)

Every year, the American Red Cross responds to on average, 60,000 disasters and the vast majority are home fires causing over $7 Billion in property damage. House fires endanger everyone in your home and even the smallest fire that is quickly extinguished can result in thousands of $$ of damage and clean-up.  Fire is unpredictable, can spread quickly, but house fires in Burlington County, NJ are also very preventable.

SERVPRO of Bordentown/ Pemberton is a leader in fire, water damage clean-up, and mold remediation. We work closely with local fire companies and support local community events.

Here are the top 7 causes of Home Fires:

• Cooking Related-Grease fires are difficult to put out and are not extinguished by water.  Kitchen fires begin quickly.  If a grease fire starts, immediately turn off the heat source and cover with a metal cooking sheet or lid.  If the fire is small, pour salt or baking soda on it to extinguish.  As a last resort use Class B Dry chemical fire extinguisher.  DO NOT try to extinguish with water.
• Heat Sources-Space heaters where fuel based or electric can cause fires if combustibles such as draperies, blankets or pillows are left too close. Space heaters are a nice addition to warm a chilly space, but only if you are home and monitoring.  Follow the instructions and inspect the device to ensure the heater is in good operating condition.
• Smoking-Smoking is hazardous to your health in many ways, but any flame can lead to a fire. One single stray ash is all it takes to ignite carpet, clothing or bedding. Smoke outside whenever possible.
• Candles-Candlelight is the perfect ambiance for a romantic dinner. Lovely to enjoy the soft light and fragrance, but the beauty can turn quickly if a candle is knocked over or left to burn unattended.  Keep matches, lighters, and candles in a secure place away from children. 
• Electrical-Electrical fires are due to faulty wiring or overloaded circuits which stress the system or may spark. It is a good idea to have your electrical panel and your home’s wiring evaluated by a professional. 
• Chemicals-Flammable liquids, motor oils, and cleaning chemicals should be stored in a cool location and in proper containers. Heat can cause the chemicals to ignite or possibly explode.  Vapors many times are more flammable than the chemicals themselves. Cleaning rags used may spontaneously ignite if vapors build up and get too hot.  Thoroughly wash all cleaning rags to remove the chemicals and dispose of them safely.
• Christmas Trees-Holidays are warm, wonderful times to create memories around the festive tree, but attentiveness to watering a real tree is critical to keep it from drying out and becoming a potential tinderbox. Check your real tree often and remove when the tree is dry. Faux trees while safer in some regards also pose a risk to fire if the light strands have been compromised or if the outlet is overloaded.  In both cases, never leave the Christmas tree lights on when not at home. Real or fake, evaluate to ensure your lights are in good working order.

Attentiveness is the best, but accidents and unforeseen issues occur.  When you need disaster relief from fire or smoke, SERVPRO of Bordentown/Pemberton is faster to any disaster.  SERVPRO’s mission is to see you through, provide solutions to have you back in your home, “Like it never even happened.”  We partner with local fire departments to offer emergency cleaning and restoration services.

Call us at 609-894-8555.

Is storm water the same as rain water?

5/22/2023 (Permalink)

Did you even wonder the difference between storm water and rain water? Are they different?

Rainwater is differentiated from storm water and is defined as storm water runoff collected directly from roof surfaces which can have lower levels of pollutants and it often requires less treatment than other forms of storm water.

A new rule amendment in New Jersey, which took effect on March 2, 2021, requires the use of green infrastructure. Green infrastructure refers to a set of storm water management practices that use or mimic the natural water cycle to capture, filter, absorb and/or re-use storm water.

Water from rain or snow storms, also known as storm  water, flows over streets, parking lots, roadways and highways and roofs and into a water body or storm drain which ends up in local streams and rivers. Storm water runoff is often worsened by human activities, and can contain nitrogen and phosphorus pollutants from fertilizers, pet and yard waste.

Did you know, it's almost BBQ season

5/11/2023 (Permalink)

When the warm weather arrives it only makes sense to break out the BBQ grill.  Seven out of 10 adults in the US use or own a BBQ grill.  Fire Departments respond annually to an average of 9000+ house or outside fires involving grills.

As we know, our options are gas or charcoal for our BBQ needs. While these create the tasty meals we come to love and enjoy, we must remember a few basic best practices to less the potential for a fire emergency.

A grill that is placed too close to a fuel source is one of the fastest ways to introduce heat and create fire. Gas and Charcoal grills should always be located away from home and deck railings & out from under eaves &  branches, maintain enough space to allow heat to rise easily and not into the building and or eaves of the building.

Also, the NFPA estimates that 1 in every 5 fires was due to a dirty uncleaned grill. You should always keep your grill clean by removing grease or fat buildup from grills & in trays below the grill.

Young Children under the age of five accounted for an average of 2,000+, of the contact-type burns in a year. The burns typically happened when someone, often a child, bumped or ran into, touched or fell on the grill, grill part or hot coals.

The NFPA is the National Fire Protection Association, 

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is a global self-funded nonprofit organization, established in 1896, devoted to eliminating death, injury, property and economic loss due to fire, electrical and related hazards.

About the NFPA