September is National Storm Preparedness

8/30/2024 (Permalink)

September is National Preparedness Month! We here at SERVPRO of Reston/Herndon know that fall storms can be unpredictable and devastating, so being as prepared as possible is key. 

Here are some tips to make sure you’re ready for storm related emergencies:

• Make A Plan. Make sure your family has a set plan on what to do in different storm situations. It is also good to have plans in place at your business to ensure the safety of your employees. 
• Build A Kit. Storms are unpredictable, and you never know if you might get trapped. Be sure to have non-perishable food items, bottled water, blankets, medication, flares, anything you may need if stuck for several days or longer. 
• Prepare For Disasters. Knowing the condition of your home, the severity and timing of past storms, and having a plan will help you be prepared for a storm disaster. You want to know any risks your property has in advance if possible. 
• Teach Youth About Preparedness. Make sure your kids know exactly what todo in different storm scenarios. It is possible you will be separated from them, so they need to have an idea of where to go and what to do in order to be safe. There are lots of resources available to help you have these conversations. 

Download the FEMA app for disaster resources, weather alerts, and safety tips. If you have any questions regarding National Preparedness Month, please call 703-471-6040.

https://www.ready.gov/september

The Dangers of DIY Sewage Cleanup

8/21/2024 (Permalink)

Experiencing a sewage backup in your home or business can be a daunting and overwhelming experience. While it may be tempting to try to tackle the problem yourself to save some money, attempting a DIY sewage cleanup can be hazardous and ultimately, more costly in the long run. In this blog post, we will explore the dangers of attempting to clean up sewage on your own and explain why it's best to call in professionals like SERVPRO of Reston/Herndon for water damage restoration and sewage cleanup services.

Understanding the Health Risks Associated with DIY Sewage Cleanup

Sewage backups can be both hazardous and potentially deadly when homeowners attempt to address the issue themselves. Sewage can consist of greywater (from utilities like sinks, tubs, showers, and dishwashers) or, even worse, black water, which is the water used to flush toilets mixed with the human waste that it flushes away. Besides human waste, chemical compounds and cleansers in sewage produce phosphorus and nitrogen pollution that can damage waterways and pose serious risks when entering your home. Sewage backups in your home can result from various causes, such as clogs in the home's drain pipes, tree roots, damaged sewer lines, and more.

Sewage contains up to one million microorganisms per millimeter of waste, some of which are vital for breaking down solid waste. However, pathogenic bacteria are also present and can cause health problems such as Hepatitis A and Encephalitis. Due to its ability to seep into porous materials, sewage is challenging to clean up by hand.

Furthermore, sewage contains parasitic microorganisms, such as polio, adenovirus, and enteric cytopathic human orphan (ECHO) viruses, which can cause severe health issues in humans. While the ratio of viruses to bacteria is relatively small, they are still harmful to your health. Wastewater also hosts pathogenic and saprophytic bacteria, including E. coli, Giardia Lamblia, Salmonella, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Direct exposure to these toxins can lead to intestinal diseases, typhoid fever, cholera, and dysentery. That is why coming into contact with sewage without wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) and following proper procedures can pose a severe threat to your health.

Mold growth is another significant risk when attempting DIY sewage cleanup. Mold exposure can worsen allergy and asthma symptoms, especially in children and individuals with compromised immune systems. Flooding provides ideal conditions for mold to develop, as it only needs moisture, organic material, and optimal temperature. Alarmingly, mold can grow within just 24 to 48 hours of the incident.

However, the greatest danger is sometimes not the risk of disease, but the risk of electrocution or explosion. Never enter a flooded area or light matches until the utility companies have shut off the electric and gas service. If you detect or smell gas, immediately evacuate your home and notify the gas company. You should also enter your home with caution if you did not turn off the main power switch before the flooding occurred. Touching electrical lines, wires, equipment, and fixtures during and after a flood can be dangerous.

Addressing the underlying plumbing issue is crucial to prevent future sewage backups. Failing to fix the problem correctly can lead to recurring spills and increased costs. It's worth noting that most home insurance policies cover sewage cleanup, so hiring professionals like SERVPRO of Reston/Herndon is a practical and cost-effective solution.

The Importance of Proper Protective Gear and Equipment in Sewage Cleanup

8/21/2024 (Permalink)

Handling human waste or sewage comes with an increased risk of illness from waterborne diseases. Anyone involved in sewage cleanup must follow proper hygiene practices and wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) to minimize the risk of contracting diseases such as the ones mentioned earlier in this article. SERVPRO® restoration technicians are trained to prioritize health and safety while dealing with sewage cleanup tasks.

Basic Hygiene Practices for Restoration Technicians

• Always wash hands with soap and water after handling human waste or sewage, before eating or drinking, and before and after using the toilet.
• Avoid touching your face, mouth, eyes, nose, or open sores and cuts while handling human waste or sewage.
• Keep open sores, cuts, and wounds covered with clean, dry bandages.
• Use waterproof gloves to prevent cuts and contact with human waste or sewage.
• Wear rubber boots at the worksite and during transport of human waste or sewage.
• Refrain from smoking or chewing tobacco or gum while handling human waste or sewage.
• Gently flush eyes with safe water if human waste or sewage contacts them.

Restoration techs who handle human waste or sewage are always provided with proper PPE, training on how to use it, and handwashing facilities. The following PPE is typically required for restoration technicians handling human waste or sewage:

• Goggles: to protect eyes from splashes of human waste or sewage.
• Protective face mask or splash-proof face shield: to protect nose and mouth from splashes of human waste or sewage.
• Liquid-repellent coveralls: to keep human waste or sewage off clothing.
• Waterproof gloves: to prevent exposure to human waste or sewage.
• Rubber boots: to prevent exposure to human waste or sewage.

To further protect restoration technicians from exposure, employees are typically required to have their Tetanus vaccinations up to date, and in most cases polio, typhoid fever, Hepatitis A, and Hepatitis B vaccinations as well. Adhering to these best practices and procedures ensures the health and safety of workers handling sewage cleanup tasks. That is also why sewage cleanup and related water damage restoration can become more expensive and dangerous for a DIY restorer.

Carpet Cleaning | Reston/Herndon

4/9/2024 (Permalink)

When you have a business that your clients walk into on a daily basis, presentation is everything and having nice clean carpets goes a long way. It doesn't matter if it's commercial or residential we can do it all.

SERVPRO of Reston/Herndon specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration and we are an IICRC Certified Firm. We believe in continuous training: from initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Contact us today at (703)471-6040.

Commercial Water Damage Experts Explain Drying Methods

4/9/2024 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Works Hard to Mitigate Storm Damage to Your Place of Business

If your office complex in Reston/Herndon has multiple floors, problems like pipes breaking in other parts of the building could cause damage to your business as well. When water flows into your office from the ceiling, many problems can result. Moisture can cause ceiling tiles or drywall to become weak and fall onto the floor.
 
Water coming from the ceiling starts there and then spreads down the walls. Many commercial water damage projects involve removing moisture from ceilings, walls, contents, and flooring. Any time moisture stays inside a building more things get ruined, and foul odors develop as time passes.
 
The goal when SERVPRO works on any restoration project is to get all of the moisture out of the structure most quickly and efficiently. When working with businesses measures are taken not to hinder your routines. Depending on what happened, procedures can get changed so that you maintain your standard flow of revenue or activity.
 
In the cases where water invades your office from a floor above any water that is found on furniture or carpeting is removed with extraction equipment, a simple mop, and bucket or maybe just cloths and sponges. Our restoration technicians may be able to complete water extraction around your employee's cubicles and desks while they keep working and maintaining ordinary business procedures. After the extraction stage, the next step is to dry out moisture that cannot necessarily be seen.
 
Our technicians, beyond visual inspections, use monitoring devices to determine which materials in the office got wet. Once the location of the damaged areas is determined, air- moving and dehumidification systems get placed around the affected area. Our crew can position the drying tools around work areas inside your company's office, so disruptions are kept to the minimum.
 
The correct placement of this equipment is vital to speedy drying. Air movers are set up so that they blow air in a counterclockwise motion hitting all of the walls at a 45-degree angle. Air movers get placed against walls pointed upwards to dry out ceiling tiles. When moisture levels are higher than usual in the wall materials, the baseboard gets removed, and holes are drilled into the wall so that air can flow into the wall cavity and dry out the studs, any present insulation, and drywall cardboard backing.
 
Drying out moisture damaged materials inside an office complex can be more difficult than other buildings. Calling SERVPRO of Reston/Herndon at (703)471-6040 can save your business time and money

Do's & Don't | Reston/Herndon

4/8/2024 (Permalink)

DO:

• Shut off the water or contact a qualified party to stop the water source. 
• Turn off circuit breakers for wet areas of the building, when access to the power distribution panel is safe from electrical shock. 
• Remove as much excess water as possible by mopping and blotting. 
• After removing lamps and tabletop items, wipe excess water from wood furniture. 
• Remove and prop up wet upholstery cushions for even drying.
• Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting.
• Remove any paintings, art objects, computers, documents, and other sensitive items to a safe, dry place. 
• Use wooden clothespins to keep furniture skirting and draperies off damp floors.

DON'T:

• Enter rooms with standing water where electrical shock hazards may exist. 
• Leave colored rugs/items on wet carpets or floors which mat cause staining. 
• Use your household vacuum cleaner to remove water. 
• Use TVs or other appliances while standing on wet carpets or floors, especially wet concrete floors. 
• Turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet or enter rooms where ceilings are sagging from retained water. 

If services are needed please don't hesitate to contact us! 703-471-6040

Do You Know How to Stay Safe During a Hurricane?

4/8/2024 (Permalink)

Our local SERVPRO of Reston/Herndon is Here to Help® when your home or commercial business in the surrounding areas sustain hurricane damage. Below is some information on how to stay safe during a hurricane: 

Stay Informed

• Listen for emergency information and alerts
• If told to evacuate by local officials, do so immediately

Dealing with the Weather

• Determine how best to protect yourself from high winds and flooding
• Take refuge in a designated storm shelter, or an interior room for high winds
• If trapped in a building by flooding, go to the highest level of the building. Do not climb into a closed attic. You may become trapped by rising flood water.
• Do not walk, swim, or drive through flood waters. Turn Around. Don’t Drown!
• Stay off bridges over fast-moving water
• Avoid being in a room with multiple windows. If possible, go to a room that has no windows or a designated storm shelter room within your home. 

Personal Safety

• Be prepared to take cleaning items with you like soap, hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes, or general household cleaning supplies to disinfect surfaces you may need to touch regularly
• Maintain at least 6 feet between you and persons not part of your immediate family while at the shelter [by avoiding crowds or gathering in groups] as much as possible 
• Anyone over two years old should use a cloth face covering while at these facilities
• Only use generators outdoors and away from windows

Call Us Today!

When you have storm damage in your home or commercial business, our local team will restore your property damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 703-471-6040.

4 Tips for Keeping Mold Out of Your Rental Homes

3/19/2024 (Permalink)

Mold Prevention

The best way to avoid water damage from mold growth is to be very serious about mold prevention. Use the following list of tips to reduce the risk of mold and related damage in your Reston/Herndon, rental properties:

Inspect Your Property

One of the reasons that mold is a common problem is that it survives well in a variety of situations and especially in dark, out-of-the-way corners. Your very first step should be peeking into those corners, inside closets and cabinets, in the basement, at the foot of the shower, and in the attic. Look for visible signs of mold and for any signs of water or moisture.

Teach Renters To Clean Up Spills and Leaks Immediately

It's easy to think that a spilled glass of water isn't problematic, but, in reality, anytime you leave moist areas on the carpet or watery footprints on the floor of the bathroom, mold could begin to grow. Mold prevention requires that your renters respond immediately to any type of water in places where it shouldn't be. Even in places such as sinks and showers, the humidity levels must be controlled.

Lower the Thermostat and Increase Ventilation

A cozy warm corner with consistent humidity is inviting to mold spores, so keeping your properties a bit cooler during humid weather could reduce the risk of mold. Airflow is effective at reducing humidity in bathrooms and kitchens. Discuss these facts with renters.

Reach Out to Professionals

If there's already mold on the property, contact mold remediation professionals right away. With specialized equipment and training, these technicians can respond thoroughly to existing colonies. It only takes a little hidden spot of mold to grow throughout your rental property.
Use these mold prevention tips to protect your rental property. Thoroughly inspect for water and mold, clean up all moisture, use temperature to resist mold growth, and get help when you need it.

What To Look for When Troubleshooting a Commercial Irrigation System

3/19/2024 (Permalink)

How to Troubleshoot a Commercial Irrigation System

A faulty sprinkler system can be a huge problem for your business in Reston/Herndon. If sprinklers malfunction, they might spray excessive amounts of water in the area, which could disrupt business operations or even cause structural damage to the building.
If you see a problem in your building's irrigation system, you may not know how to find the source of the damage. Here are several things to look for when troubleshooting.

1. Electrical Issues in the Irrigation System
There are many electrical parts in the system that can be damaged, such as valves, solenoids, wires, and timers.

2. Broken Pipes and Sprinkler Parts
If someone steps on a sprinkler head and damages it, the sprinkler may start to malfunction. A broken sprinkler head may be easier to fix than an electrical issue.

3. Damage From Tree Roots
One of the common causes of pipe damage is pressure from tree root systems.

4. Stress From Traffic
Extensive foot traffic in the area over an irrigation system can create stress that damages pipes and supply lines. If this is an issue, you may need to evaluate the placement of the sprinkler system and how you might change it.

5. Evidence of Water Damage
If you see that standing water has leaked into a building or commercial structure, you should be wary of potential damage to the building's structures and mold growth. Even if you cannot see any flooding, there may be serious damage nonetheless. A large sprinkler leak can cause water to seep into the basement or the building's foundation.
If you suspect that there may be water damage, it is a good idea to reach out to a professional water restoration company. A team of professionals can help you assess the damage and prevent mold growth.
Looking for these common issues may help you diagnose irrigation problems. If you are unable to ascertain the source of damage yourself, seek professional help

Is Your Dryer Safe?

3/1/2024 (Permalink)

A dryer seems like a convenient, safe appliance that lets you forget it and go. If you don’t maintain it properly, a lint fire can happen, which can cause sever fire damage to your home.

A Surprising Amount of Lint

Depending on your family size and how often you go through clothes, it is likely that you do a lot more laundry than you realize. An average family does approximately eight to 10 loads a week. Every load means small fabric, dust and dirt particles are collecting in your dryer’s lint trap, vent and duct work. Lint is highly flammable, making it vital to maintain cleanliness.

Cleaning Out the Lint

Instead of dealing with a potential dryer fire and needing expert help in repairing the damage, good habits can go a long way. Lint traps should be cleaned after very load. Most dryers make this easy. The trap usually slides out and the lint can be lifted off. Any lint that is leftover should be removed with a brush. Every few weeks, the screen should be rinsed with water. While the screen is out, vacuum in and around its entry point. Approximately once a year, unplug the dryer and inspect the vent and hose or pipe connected to the dryer. Wipe lint off the opening and clean any leftover in the hose or pipe. A brush can bused to clean the interior of the vent. Don’t forget the exterior vent. Ensure the vent flap is still attached and working properly. Vacuum or wipe out the opening. This should be done a few times a year.

Extra Safety Tips

To further avoid a lint fire, ensure your dryer is properly installed. Additionally, avoid drying clothes stained with chemicals, gas, oil or cleaning products, and only operate the dryer while at home. In most cases, a lint fire happens because of improper cleaning and maintenance. Taking a little extra to be safe is worth it.