Recent Posts

SERVPRO's Mold Remediation Team Helps Protect Waldorf Homes

2/15/2024 (Permalink)

mold cleanup with containment barrier SERVPRO techs set up containment barriers to mitigate mold damage. Then we apply fungicides and antimicrobials to eliminate current infestations.

Facts You Should Know About Mold Remediation

Finding mold growing inside your Waldorf home can make alarm bells go off for many homeowners. There are concerns about how it can affect the family and household pets, the damage it might cause, plus the musty smell that comes with having a moldy home. SERVPRO® can help allay these and other apprehensions.

Most homeowners in Waldorf consider mold as something they need to eliminate from their property. Our mold remediation team knows this is not a realistic goal. Mold spores are a constant in any air sample, with some having more and others having fewer spores. We need to correct your home's environment to prevent future colonization of your property. Our team can help you with this, also.

Remediation depends on different steps to be successful, such as:

  • Removal and containment,
  • Odor control,
  • Rebuilding damaged areas, and
  • Preventative measures.

We use different methods to eliminate excess mold. The most effective methods include a way to contain the debris. Containment units we build with clear sheeting are basic but highly efficient. They work for dry ice pellet blasting and other abrading methods, including controlled demolition of structural and cosmetic elements.

Mold and its spores produce odors that many people find unpleasant. We know that eliminating these microbes can reduce scents. However, water damage is often present when we find mold. It also produces unwanted odors.

Microbial activity can destroy drywall, carpeting, wood, and concrete. SERVPRO can restore these elements of your Waldorf property and make it "Like it never even happened." 

Preventing future situations that encourage mold to grow is crucial because microbes are ever-present in even the cleanest homes. We use non-toxic applications, various fungicides, and dehumidification devices to make your home less inviting to microbes.

You can trust SERVPRO of Charles County and Oxon Hill with your Waldorf home when you find it needs mold remediation. We can also handle any instances of water damage that might be co-existing. Call us at (301) 753-8313 for services tailored to your needs.

SERVPRO Helps Homeowners in Waldorf Recover From Fire Damage

12/7/2023 (Permalink)

Image of SERVPRO tech wearing a protective face mask while holding sheetrock during fire restoration in a home. If your Waldorf home has fire damage, call SERVPRO. We'll make it “Like it never even happened.”

Restoration Makes Homes in Waldorf Habitable

There are many ways a fire might start in your Waldorf home. SERVPRO® helps local families after disasters like this by taking steps to restore habitable conditions. We are FSRT experts in providing fire damage restoration and clean-up services.

We work as quickly as possible because we understand how stressful and disruptive situations like fire damage in a Waldorf residence can become. The stress and disorder that happens alongside the physical damage in a home can affect every aspect of your family members' lives. At SERVPRO, we understand these issues. 

In addition to restoring your home, we can partner with you so the interim period becomes less stressful. These are some of the things that might benefit your family recover faster after a house fire:

  • Locating and retrieving personal documents and identification, medical insurance cards, immunization records, prescription medications, and other hard-to-replace items that you most likely need immediately,
  • Giving you contact information of agencies that can help provide specific items in the immediate aftermath or
  • Immediate cleaning of specific areas to prevent further damage or to allow your family to return home sooner.

The work involved in making everything "Like it never even happened" always takes time after a fire. SERVPRO works in teams to make this faster and more efficient. We follow proven protocols. For example, we use the same methods for odor control after a fire - clean and remove soot, perform thermal fogging, and apply odor-masking scents in problematic locations.

Likewise, everyone uses the same techniques when removing charred materials. For building elements, we measure, mark straight lines, cut along those, and make notations of the required replacements. Doing so reduces waste and controls costs. SERVPRO's goal is to restore your home as quickly as possible.

After a fire, call SERVPRO of Charles County and Oxon Hill at (301) 753-8313. We can streamline the fire damage restoration process for you.

SERVPRO Knows How to Simplify Water Damage Restoration in Waldorf

11/17/2023 (Permalink)

techs wiping down wet kitchen Expect the best when you call SERVPRO for water damage restoration for your Waldorf home. "Like it never even happened."

Our Restoration Methods Prevent Future Problems

SERVPRO® is here whenever you find standing water or a leaking pipe in your Waldorf home. Our skilled technicians specialize in water damage restoration, addressing current issues while proactively minimizing the risk of any future damage. Our priority is to make it "Like it never even happened." 

SERVPRO invests in intense training so our technicians and restoration professionals gain the skills needed for any disaster sustained by a property in Waldorf. Our water damage mitigation equipment includes the latest in high-tech machinery. Restoration work depends on ensuring a dry environment and the elimination of possible future water intrusion. Our knowledgeable staff can obtain the water damage restoration results our clients want and deserve.

The restoration process includes different processes, including:

  • Controlled demolition and prompt removal of damaged building elements,
  • Measuring and notation of required replacement materials and
  • Installation of cut-to-order drywall, trim, wallpaper, and much more.

After rebuilding damaged sections and replacing minor elements, we remove any debris in the affected areas. We also use this time to find and resolve how the water initially entered your living area. With plumbing, we can tighten loosened joints, replace a section with pin-sized holes, or other situations. Our infrared technology aids us in locating the source of elevated moisture.

While restoring your property, we discuss any expected changes to your home's interior with you. Common changes include new flooring and the repainting of walls or the installation of new fixtures.

We know protecting your investment is tantamount. Homes with prior water damage and related issues require a bit more protection. Among our highly effective options offered to clients is applying a non-toxic antimicrobial spray. We can also install a dehumidifier. Please ask us about what might work most effectively for your home.

SERVPRO of Charles County and Oxon Hill works with homeowners in Waldorf to restore homes with water damage and provide protection against subsequent issues. Call our emergency line at (301) 753-8313. Here to Help® 24/7

Guidelines for Safeguarding Your Business During Hurricane Season | SERVPRO of Charles County/Oxon Hill

8/23/2023 (Permalink)

Water flowing through doors from a flooded office. Effects Tropical depression. Is your Maryland business in need of storm damage repair? Call SERVPRO of Charles County/Oxon Hill to get your space back.

Running a business can be quite a challenge. You've got many tasks to handle while keeping an eye on your daily activities and long-term goals. It's like a skillful juggling act. Amidst your busy schedule, it's essential not to forget about getting ready for severe weather. Unexpected weather events can cause chaos in your business and put your employees' safety at risk.

Your team relies on you to have a solid plan in place. Here are some simple steps to create a strong plan that ensures everyone's safety when severe weather strikes:

Understanding the Risks

Weather risks vary depending on where you are, and they can change with the seasons. In Charles County, we mainly face heavy rainfall, strong winds, and potential flooding. Just one flood can cause significant damage in a short time.

It's also crucial to understand how vulnerable your business location is. This knowledge helps you prepare for disasters and consider getting flood insurance if necessary. Staying updated on weather patterns and weekly forecasts further boosts your preparedness.

Effective Communication

In our connected world, communication is easier than ever. Make sure you have everyone's contact information on hand so you can quickly share updates about severe weather.

If bad weather is on the horizon, you can swiftly share the location of safe shelters and provide instructions on accessing emergency supplies or how to evacuate if needed.

Swift and Safe Evacuation

Your staff's safety is the top priority during any weather crisis. Knowing how to evacuate quickly is crucial. Familiarize everyone with the evacuation routes and exit points in your building, all clearly marked. Consider posting evacuation plans near exits for added convenience during actual emergencies.

However, evacuating might not always be possible, depending on the situation outside. To prepare for this, create a secure shelter with food, water, and an emergency kit, ensuring your team's comfort in case they need to take cover.

Practice various scenarios multiple times, so everyone understands their role during emergencies. This proactive approach ensures safety, no matter the weather.

Don't let extreme weather take control! If storms affect your business, SERVPRO® is ready to help you recover any losses.

Support and Expertise for Hazmat, Trauma, and Crime Scene Cleanup | SERVPRO of Charles County/Oxon Hill

8/23/2023 (Permalink)

Workers in biohazard costume removing dirt from sofa in house Need help navigating a sensitive biohazard situation? SERVPRO of Charles County/Oxon Hill is “Here to Help” in your time of need.

In challenging times, you don't have to face hazmat, trauma, or crime scene cleanup alone. SERVPRO® is here to lend a helping hand. We understand that these situations require expertise, experience, and the utmost respect for everyone involved. Our dedicated professionals approach every task with empathy and reverence, even in the toughest circumstances.

The Cleanup Process

Once the authorities finish their investigation at a crime scene, the cleanup and restoration process can commence. This involves a thorough examination of your property to determine the necessary equipment and cleaning materials.

It's crucial to note that traumatic events often involve biological and chemical contaminants. Ensuring that the restoration process complies with government, environmental, and health regulations is paramount. Our professionals handle this with the utmost care, prioritizing the safety of you, your property, and all those living or working there. We are not only physically prepared but also mentally equipped to handle biohazard, trauma, and crime scene cleanup with professionalism and sensitivity.

Understanding Biohazards in Your Home

Biohazards are invisible to the naked eye and can be found in substances like floodwaters and sewage. These may contain harmful elements such as bacteria, fungi, mold, parasites, and viruses. Even though we can't see them, these unseen hazards can pose health risks.

Examples of biohazards in your home include bodily fluids from people or animals, items that have come into direct contact with these fluids, and sharp objects like syringes, broken glass, and knives. These items can carry viruses and bacteria that can make us sick.

Ensuring Home Safety

It's essential to educate our families, especially children, about these potential dangers. When items like gloves, towels, or clothing come into contact with biohazards, they become unsafe and require special attention. In some cases, items like body parts from humans or animals can also be biohazards. It's always best to let professionals handle these situations, as they can be risky for both our physical and emotional well-being.

Keep in mind that biohazards can enter our bodies through various means, including absorption, ingestion, inhalation, injection, or even a simple scrape or cut. If you're unsure whether you're dealing with a potential biohazard in your home, don't hesitate to reach out to us.

The well-being and safety of your family are our top priorities. We're here to ensure it at SERVPRO of Charles County/Oxon Hill.

Preparing Your Home for Potential Flooding | SERVPRO of Charles County and Oxon Hill

8/2/2023 (Permalink)

Flooded road intersection in the center of a small town Has the summer season caused water damage in your home? SERVPRO of Charles County/Oxon Hill has got you covered?

We hope you are enjoying the summer season as much as we are right now! We love the increased time spent outside and memories made with family and friends. While we are out and about, however, we stay sky-aware and make sure to stay current on the forecast.

Mother Nature is anything but predictable, so preparing your home ahead of any sort of potential storm or heavy rain can help you avoid costly flooding or standing water issues in your home.

Read on to learn some helpful tips to ride out the stormy season without suffering water damage to your Waldorf area home.

Understanding Our Threat Level

Flooding situations can pop up due to a particularly heavy rain, when the Potomac River overflows or even in the aftermath of a tropical storm. Different parts of the county and state are more vulnerable to flooding than other, so understanding your risk is crucial.

If the conditions are right and a flood warning or flash flood emergency is declared, take it seriously. Stay off of the roads and stay inside until the warning has expired. A flash flood could appear in minutes even if it is not actively raining when the alert goes out.

Getting Your Home Ready

As soon as the watch is issued or the forecast is showing potential flood conditions, start preparing your home. If your home has a sump pump, make sure it is working properly and have it professionally inspected if you have the time ahead of the storm. You should also take the time to anchor down anything that is not secured to the ground. This includes propane tanks, lawn furniture and electrical panels.

This is also the time that you need to be restocking your emergency kit. Restock medicine, first-aid materials, batteries, shelf-stable food and fresh water. Having fresh water during a flood is crucial because drinking water from the faucet may be compromised for some time.

Where SERVPRO® Comes In

Once you are ready to go, be aware of any changing conditions and avoid walking through any standing water if possible. Survey the damage, take pictures of the affected area and call SERVPRO of Charles County and Oxon Hill right away.

Our team is specially trained in flood damage restoration and we can handle everything from the initial drying process to the final repairs of your floors, walls and ceiling. We will even work with your insurance company to help the claims process go smoothly. Our team will work hard for you to help you completely recover from your flood disaster as quickly and as efficiently as we can.

Flood damage can be extensive. Let SERVPRO of Charles County and Oxon Hill handle your restoration.

Stopping a Kitchen Fire in Its Tracks | SERVPRO® of Charles County and Oxon Hill

5/19/2023 (Permalink)

 img src =”fire” alt = " stainless steel pot billowing with flames on an electric stove top ” > Have you experienced a fire in your home recently? Call SERVPRO of Charles County/Oxon Hill to get your home back in order.

Cooking mishaps are one of the leading causes of home fires and home fire injuries in the United States. Since we often use heat and flame to cook and warm the food we eat, it’s no surprise that accidents happen more often in our kitchens than anywhere else in our homes.

Thankfully, the vast majority of kitchen fires are preventable by staying vigilant and by being responsible while you are cooking.

Responsible Kitchen Practices

One of the smartest things you can do to reduce your risk of a kitchen fire is to stay near your heat source while you are cooking. Even just stepping away for a minute to tend to something is enough time for a spark to catch and spread.

You should also make sure to keep a lid nearby when you are cooking. If a flame starts in a pan, you can quickly smother it with the nearby lid.

In addition, you should try to minimize the amount of flammable materials in your kitchen. Wooden utensils, oven mitts, towels and even the packaging that your food comes in can all catch fire. Keep them far away from your oven or stove top or consider replacing them with fire-resistant alternatives.

When the Flames Spread

If a fire does start in your kitchen, stay calm and call 911 immediately. Even if the fire is relatively small, it can quickly get out of hand.

If it is safe to do so, you can fight the fire by smothering a grease fire or using a fire extinguisher. If you are not comfortable staying to fight the fire, get out! Your safety is the most important thing.

For fires that start in your oven, do not open the door. Shut off the heat and keep the door closed. Just remember, do not throw water on a grease fire. Water and oil don’t mix, and when you introduce water onto burning oil, it can make a bad situation even worse.

Cleaning Up From Fire Damage

OK, so you have either extinguished the fire yourself or the Charles County Fire Department has done it for you. Now what? It’s time to call SERVPRO of Charles County and Oxon Hill! Our fire damage restoration team is ready to help you recover.

We will be with you every step of the way, from removing damaged debris to tackling any lingering smoke odors. Our team can also address repairs that you need and ensure that every inch of your home has been cleaned of residual soot.

Experiencing a house fire can be overwhelming. Let our SERVPRO of Charles County and Oxon Hill team handle your restoration for you.

Summer Storms

8/18/2022 (Permalink)

Southern Maryland knows all too well what these storms can bring us, especially if you live near the water. The summer of 2022 is the hottest one yet with lots of humidity, and we are enjoying the freedom to be out and about. However, the hot summer also brings these unpredictable, quick moving summer storms resulting in high winds, heavy rainfall, lots of flooding and oftentimes, property damage.

With all these storms rolling in means humidity and thunderstorms in southern Maryland is famous for our summer storms rolling in and giving us inches of rain a then rolling out like nothing ever happened.

Being prepared for summer storms is essential. The following are steps that we recommend at a minimum:

  • Weekly checks of your sump pump
  • Clean gutters and drains
  • Check around your foundation and downspouts
  • Cut or trim trees in danger of falling
  • Important paper should be kept in a waterproof container
  • Assemble a disaster supply kit
  • Review insurance policies

You should make a habit of doing these checks on a regular basis no matter the season. These simple things could save you thousands of dollars and not to mention headaches!

But, if you ever find yourself with water in your home, excess humidity, or other damage from a storm, call your local SERVPRO professionals to come out and look at your home. We can help guide you through the steps toward restoration and remediation. We are here to help and available 24 x 7. Call SERVPRO of Charles County and SERVPRO of Oxon Hill 24/7/365 Emergency Services at 301-753-8313.

Fire Safety

8/18/2022 (Permalink)

Fire Safety Fire Safety

SERVPRO® of Charles County is your local Family Owned and Operated Cleaning Restoration Company. While we are experiencing these scorching heat waves, we would like to give you some Fire Safety Tips.

There are house fires every 24 second and that is more than 3,000 fires each day. House fires can be prevented, and unattended cooking is the leading cause of the house fires. Leaving unattended things plugged in which can get hot and cause an electrical fire. Also, make sure you have smoke alarms on every floor and every room in your home.

  • Never leave food cooking unattended, especially deep fryers and other frying equipment.
  • Avoid using portable and fixed space heaters, as heating equipment is the second leading cause of house fire deaths.
  • Create a fire plan that gets you out of your home in less than 2 minutes and practice it.
  • Avoid smoking in the house.

Be sure to check your smoke detectors each month and make sure your fire extinguishers are in a place where they are easy to grab, if needed.

To operate a fire extinguisher, remember the word "PASS:"

  • Pull the pin. Hold the fire extinguisher with the nozzle pointing away from you and remove the pin to unlock it.
  • Aim low. Point the nozzle at the base of the fire.
  • Squeeze the lever slowly and evenly.
  • Sweep the nozzle from side to side.

If you are faced with an emergency and need assistance call 911. Once your emergency has been controlled please do not hesitate to reach out to SERVPRO® of Charles County and SERVPRO® of Oxon Hill as we are always Here to Help! We will walk you through the cleanup, restoration and reconstruction process and get you back to living life.

We are available 24/7/365 @ 301.753.8313 

Impact of Water Damage

8/18/2022 (Permalink)

Pipe leak Pipe leak

Your home is your safe place or respite and relaxation. It provides protection and comfort for family, friends and loved ones.  However, sometimes accidents happen. Houses flood, pipes burst, and roofs leak.  What might not seem like a big deal initially may become much worse if left unchecked. Water damage in a home can have a substantial negative impact on those living in the house. Water damage and freezing as a category is the second-most common type of home insurance claim (following wind and hail).

  • Nationwide, household leaks waste an estimated one (1) trillion gallons or enough to supply 11 million homes with water for a year.
  • 10% of homes with leaks waste 90 gallons or more per day.
  • A leaky faucet can waste 3,000 gallons per year.
  • A leak in an irrigation system can waste 6,300 gallons in a year.
  • An average household leak can waste up to 10,000 gallons of water in a year.
  • Annual water wastage from a typical household leak is equivalent to the water used for:
    • 270 loads of laundry.
    • 600 showers.
    • 1,200 loads of dishes in a dishwasher.
    • 6,250 flushes of a standard toilet.
    • 80,000 servings of water.

Flooding and water damage is very invasive. Water quickly spreads throughout your home and gets absorbed into floors, walls, furniture, and more.  SERVPRO of Charles County arrives quickly and starts the water extraction process almost immediately. This immediate response helps to minimize the damage and the cleaning and restoration costs.

Flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we. SERVPRO of Charles County provides emergency cleaning and restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—including all holidays.  As always, SERVPRO of Charles County and SERVPRO of Oxon Hill professionals are here to help!