Recent Posts
Spring Tips for Storm
3/22/2023 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Lowell team is always here for you, if you experience any storm damage call us right away.
Spring is on the way, and we can’t wait to see a change in the weather. As you gear up for all of your outdoorsy spring activities, it’s a good idea to ready up your home at the same time.
Spring weather can bring a number of weather threats that can cause water damage if your Lowell home isn’t prepared!
While you write out your spring-cleaning list, make sure to complete a few of these vital outdoor chores around your property. We put together a few of the most important places you’ll need to maintain before spring has sprung.
Clean It OutAs winter comes to a close, it’s vital to maintain the parts if your home that might be dealing with a buildup of debris. Wind, rain, snow and ice can all lead to clogged gutters.
Leaves, twigs and other debris can clog up your gutters and downspouts, causing water to leak down onto your roof and into your home. Before spring arrives, ensure your downspouts, gutters and outdoor vents are all clear of blockages from excess debris.
Make sure to check your outdoor faucets for any leaks or gaps. It can get freezing cold here in Lowell during the winter, so there’s a good chance you might be dealing with frozen pipes. Checking these areas will ensure your pipes are good to go when the warm spring weather arrives.
Fix Issues FastWe typically don’t spend a lot of time outdoors when winter is in full swing. This can cause important issues on your roof or outside of your home to go unnoticed.
The heavy snow that visited our area this winter could’ve damaged your roof without your knowledge! Make sure any broken shingles, cracked gutters or other wear and tear are fixed before springtime.
Even the tiniest leaks and out-of-place shingles can result in a substantial water emergency when the first spring shower begins to pour. Checking these issues early on could save you from an even bigger problem in the future.
Get Ready for the WaterIf you have a sump pump in your home, you understand how critical it is that it works when spring arrives. A sump pump helps protect your basement and foundation from excess water, especially during rainy seasons like spring. Check that your sump pump is operational to avoid clogs or malfunctions when you begin using it.
Spring weather can change fast, so ensure your family is ready by updating your emergency kit, making any needed changes to your safety plan and finding more than one way to stay updated on local weather events.
Our crew at SERVPRO of Lowell knows that water damage can catch you off-guard, even when you work hard to prevent it. That’s why we are available 24⁄7 to respond to any of your water emergencies! We can be on the scene in a flash to begin restoring your Lowell home to its pre-water state.
Got water damage? We are here to help 24⁄7 and can restore your home quickly.
Keep Your Property Safe From the Dangers of Lightning
9/26/2022 (Permalink)
If you are dealing with smoke or fire damage from a recent fire, call SERVPRO of Lowell to learn about a restoration solution for your issue.
House fires can be disastrous, but when you follow safety measures, you can usually ensure the safety of yourself and your family. However, while many house fires have manmade causes and are preventable, natural causes are also capable of sparking unintended flames and much more difficult to prevent.
In 2020 alone, there were over 70,000 damage claims related to lightning strikes. Although being personally struck by lightning isn’t very common, your home is much more susceptible to damage. When lightning does strike, it can blow out your power, destroy trees or even ignite a fire.
It’s predicted that lightning strikes around 6,000 times per minute. This makes the risk of lightning even more significant and we should all make a point to keep ourselves safe when a storm is on the way.
What Is Lightning?Lightning is a huge, bright bolt of electrical current that occurs between the clouds and the ground. While thunderstorms produce lightning, they can also strike during volcanic eruptions, severe wildfires and even intense snowstorms.
We relate lightning to extreme weather, but it can also strike on a clear and dry day. “Dry lightning” is created without rain and is capable of sparking wildfires. This means we need to make room for fire safety while we prepare for the dangers of storms.
Protecting Your Home From Lightning FiresQuite a lot of destruction, including fires, can result from a lightning strike on your property. The heat of the impact itself or an electrical surge brought on by it can both spark a fire.
It’s possible that a fire that results from a strike won’t be immediately evident as it will typically start in a place like your walls or up in your attic. As soon as you discover your home has been struck, look for burn marks, and call the fire department as soon as you spot any black spots or detect any smoke.
One of the greatest methods for avoiding lightning-related fire is to install a lightning rod. This metal pole can deflect the force of a lightning strike away from your house so that it is not directly affected by the heat and electrical current.
When Lightning Strikes NearbyLightning is a leading cause of wildfires and other outdoor fires. Different parts of the country experience varying “peak” seasons for lightning fires, but an estimated 9,000 fires are sparked each year due to lightning strikes.
Maintain a tidy yard free of deceased or dying trees and plants, and think about utilizing defensible zones to shield your house from the impact of lightning strikes. To notify you as soon as a fire starts, your home should also include smoke detectors on every floor.
If your home suffers from damage after a fire, our team can be on the scene ASAP. Our team is trained to take care of fire damage of any size, no matter the source. With years of training and the use of advanced technologies, we can restore your home as fast as possible.
Have you experienced smoke or fire damage in your home? Call us today to finish the restoration quickly.
Is Your Home at Risk of a Flood?
9/13/2022 (Permalink)
Experienced water damage in your home? Call SERVPRO of Lowell to get the restoration process started right away
Water can be incredibly destructive around your property and your home. Even though water will eventually dry up, it can leave widespread damage behind.
As if dealing with damages inside your home isn’t enough, there is also the chance that your insurance won’t cover the cost to recover from the damage. That alone should make you take preventive steps against flooding right away!
We are in a particularly interesting flood risk location, nestled in right below the Merrimack River and amongst the Pawtucket Canal. If any of these water sources overflows or the water level gets high enough, we could experience flooding issues.
Utilizing Your Yard to Reduce Flood RiskTake a few simple steps to keep water moving through your yard and away from your home. If you have gutters, keep them clear and remove any blockages to prevent water from building up on your shingles.
You can also use your landscaping to your advantage! Gardens are a great way to absorb excess water, or install a rain barrel below your gutters to catch the run off. That way you can have complete control of where all of that water goes.
If your property relies on propane, take the time to anchor down your propane tanks to make sure they stay put during any sort of flooding situation.
Taking Care of the InsideA watertight home begins with a waterproof foundation. If you have a crack or a weak spot, you will find out quickly! Seal up any cracks and address any issues you discover right away.
You can also help out your home by installing a sump pump to keep the water continually moving away from your home.
Most families rely on their appliances to run the household, but those appliances are also at a higher risk of causing a water issue. Check on your water heater, dishwasher and washing machine while they are running to look for dripping or leaks, or install a leak sensor to help alert you of any issues as they originate.
In the end, most of your possessions will dry out, but some can be ruined and those things are usually the most important! Protect your precious photos and other keepsakes by keeping them high off of the ground or away from the basement.
Don’t panic if you do end up finding water in your home even after doing all you can to prevent it! Just address the issue quickly and thoroughly, and call us so we can help make sure your restoration is done professionally.
Experienced water damage in your home? Call SERVPRO of Lowell today to get your restoration completed faster.
Follow These Preventive Measures to Keep Backyard Fires Under Control
8/8/2022 (Permalink)
If you have experienced fire or smoke damage, contact SERVPRO of Lowell
There is no better way to enjoy a warm summer evening than relaxing by the fire with your family in your backyard. Scary stories, hot dogs and s’mores are just a few ways to make some unforgettable memories.
We use these backyard fires for a variety of reasons, including entertaining, cooking a meal, keeping mosquitoes away and clearing yard debris, but even what we believe to be a safe fire has its own set of risks. According to the National Park Service, people are responsible for almost 85% of wildfires.
Wildfires in Massachusetts seem to be growing, with 1,000 wildfires occurring in 2021. Most of these fires are manmade, but some of them can be caused by conditions like lightning.
Of course, you’re still able to burn your yard debris, light up your tiki torches, toast your marshmallows and grill your hotdogs. As long as you follow simple safety precautions and local regulations allow, you can continue to enjoy your backyard fires and minimize any hazards.
Recreational Fire HazardsAny open flame can be hazardous, but campfires, barbecues, fire pits and fireworks are all common causes of outdoor fires. Approximately 8,800 house fires are started by grills each year, usually due to irresponsible usage. Double-check the propane tanks and gas lines that fuel your grill before firing it up, and never leave your grill unsupervised, even after you’re done using it.
When constructing a campfire, find a safe area away from any trees or buildings, and only light your fire with a match or a lighter. Once the fire is lit, make sure to only use wood to fuel the flames and keep a close eye on the ashes even after you’re done making your s’mores.
Fire pits are a safe and easy way to create a camp-like feel in your own backyard, but this equipment should be used with the same precautions as a conventional campfire. If your fire pit is portable, be sure to locate it in a safe area. Your fire pit should never be placed near an area with an overhang or on a wooden deck.
While your fire pit may seem like a simple way to eliminate construction or trash, make sure to only burn approved firewood.
Other Outdoor Fire HazardsEven with their hazards, combustible materials and fires can still be put to good use. If your yard collects a large number of leaves in the fall and you don’t have a waste disposal option, burning your yard debris may be the only way to tidy up your yard.
In Lowell, open burning is prohibited at all times, but you can still use your grills and fire pits. Of course, this equipment should only be used for recreational purposes and should never be used to burn debris.
We all utilize our sheds and garages to store items like gasoline, but irresponsible storage can have a deadly impact. Gas should only be stored in approved containers, and you should keep your container out of reach of children. Also, gas should only be used for its intended purpose, so don’t reach for the gas can if you are unable to light your campfire.
Before lighting any outdoor fire, check your local weather forecast and local regulations. If conditions are dry or if heavy winds are blowing, reschedule your weenie roast and light your fire on a different day.
And if your home is impacted by an outdoor fire, contact our team at SERVPRO. Our team is trained to restore any kind of fire damage and will work to restore as much of your property and belongings as possible.
Burn safely outdoors. And save some chocolate for us! If you have experienced fire or smoke damage, contact us today to get restoration started faster.
Call on SERVPRO for Your Restoration Needs
8/8/2022 (Permalink)
No matter what type of disaster you face, SERVPRO of Lowell is only a phone call away.
As a locally owned and managed SERVPRO location, we recognize the challenges business owners tackle regularly. When running a successful business, there are a variety of problems you can run into, and one of the worst obstacles you’ll face is a disaster that halts productivity.
While you can’t predict and most likely cannot prevent an actual disaster, you can prepare your organization for one.
Aside from the destruction that businesses may face, we acknowledge the damage that homeowners may suffer as well. Picking up the pieces after a disaster can be overwhelming, no matter the extent of damage your home or business has suffered.
To better prepare your family to handle a disaster, you should develop an emergency plan as well. Making an emergency plan starts with knowing the types of disasters that might affect our area.
The American Red Cross has created an amazing tool that collects data from resources around the nation to assist you in preparing for any calamity. There are Red Cross locations throughout the Massachusetts area that can help your Lowell household be prepared for any emergency!
Whether you own a company or own a house or both, you’ll undoubtedly face the effects of destruction at some point. In any case, the restoration process needs to begin immediately to prevent any more damage. Here’s why we are the team to turn to:
Why Choose SERVPRO?We recognize every scenario is unique. While disaster events that require restoration happen all the time in the United States, every situation is completely different.
For example, over 14 million homes are at risk of flooding yearly, but the destruction inflicted to each property will be varied.
This is why our team of professionals is trained and certified to handle any size damage so that you can feel safe in your decision to choose us for your home or business restoration. We will inspect the distinct factors of your unique situation to come up with an effective solution.
We are here for you 24 hours a day. When it comes to property damage, the most crucial thing to know is that a rapid response is extremely necessary. This is important not only to return your home or business to its previous condition but also to keep the destruction from getting any worse.
When water infiltrates your property, it can lead to damage to furniture, fabrics and paint. And when this water is left untreated for a long period, mold and mildew can begin to grow and compromise your home’s infrastructure. That’s why our team offers 24-hour emergency services all days of the year.
We deliver more than just damage repair. In addition to repairing the damage caused by a disaster, we handle every part of the procedure.
Our team can help you pack things up to prevent further destruction, and we can work closely with your insurance agent to make the claims process stress-free. Our goal is to provide you and your family with our assistance in any way possible throughout your home or business’ recovery process to make it a lot easier on you!
No matter the type of disaster, your local professionals at SERVPRO of Lowell can take on any damage with years of experience and training. Our restoration experts use industry-leading tools and techniques that can quickly restore your property back to preloss condition as soon as possible.
When you suffer damage to your home or business, it’s important that you know who to call! Contact us today to get restoration started faster.
What Storm Warnings Can Mean For You And Your Home
7/12/2022 (Permalink)
If you suspect any damage to your home from a recent storm, call SERVPRO of Lowell.
There are many kinds of weather alerts, around 42 types to be exact. These are categorized into seven weather-related groups. When a storm is approaching, this might be a lot to take in!
Understanding what these warnings could mean for your safety can help you know what precautions to take and how soon you should take them. They can also help you secure your home if a storm is imminent.
Knowing about all the different types of weather emergencies is important, but being aware of what weather may hit Lowell is even more crucial.
How Alerts Are IssuedSo, how do weather warnings get sent out to begin with? How can these forecasts be so accurate when they are merely predictions? There are many variables that play into why and when these alerts are issued.
The National Weather Service works to forecast weather conditions as accurately as possible as well as issue warnings as conditions develop. To make these warnings more location-specific, there are six regional offices all around the country that send out these alerts. Lowell’s alerts are sent from the Eastern Regions headquarters in Bohemia, New York, along with local offices nearby.
Forecasters and other workers at the NWS use various types of information to predict the weather, including satellites, weather balloons, seismic activity meters and even solar activity.
While this kind of information varies depending on the severity of a weather event, meteorologists’ main goal is to deliver as accurate a forecast as possible.
The Most Important Alerts to UnderstandThere’s a good chance you’ve received a weather advisory with the words “watch” or “warning” in it. This wording is used in almost all weather warnings, including those for thunderstorms, winter storms and tornadoes.
A watch indicates a storm is being monitored and you should begin preparing for the worst-case scenario. Watches are typically sent to a wider area, while a warning is more precise and may only be issued to a county or city. A warning indicates that severe weather is on the way, and you should prepare yourself and your home immediately.
Being aware of what type of weather may impact our community can help you understand the warnings that may be issued to you during weather events. The Merrimack River, for example, runs through Lowell, and it can overflow and cause floods on occasion. When the conditions are right, flood warnings will be issued.
Protecting Your Home During a StormKnowing what a local weather alert means for your home can help you take steps to prepare for disasters, and there are many simple methods to do so around your property.
Clearing your gutters of debris and fastening any outdoor valuables are two ways you can prepare before weather conditions like floods and strong winds wreak havoc. Locate a shelter to take cover with necessary supplies, and in the event of an evacuation, know where you and your family can relocate.
After a storm, contact SERVPRO to repair any damage your home may have suffered. We can be there whenever you need us to restore as much of the damage as possible.
To keep you and your property safe, stay aware of the kinds of weather that may strike your neighborhood. Learn about the many notifications that may be issued for your property so you can best prepare for any weather that comes your way.
Experienced storm damage to your home or property? Contact us today for a quick response!
Storm Damage Versus Flood Damage
7/11/2022 (Permalink)
You may not think there is a huge difference between storm and flood damage, but your insurance company sure does. It's absolutely vital to make sure that your Lowell business is covered for both types of damage. Doing research on the ins and out of your insurance company can prevent you from spending thousands of dollars in property damages.
The Difference Defined
Differentiating between the two types of damages can be tricky.
Insurance companies typically label the accident as storm damage if the destruction was a result of one or more of the following:
- Heavy rainfall
- Cyclones and tornadoes
- Hail storms
- Hurricanes and other tropical storms
The Insurance Code of Practice defines flood damage as "the covering of normally dry land by water that has escaped or been released from the normal confines of any lake, river, creek or other natural watercourse, whether or not altered or modified, or any reservoir, canal or dam."
Even though it is obviously possible for the above storms to cause flooding in your building,your insurance company will not see it that way. While it is absolutely possible for the above incidents to cause flooding, your insurance company won't see it that way.
How to File a Claim
If your commercial building is covered, then you need to file your insurance claim as soon as possible by contacting your insurance company.
Separate your damaged and undamaged property and make a itemized list of both, including the items model number, serial number, and brand name. Do NOT throw anything away until your insurance company sends out an adjuster to inspect it. If you still have any receipts or bills, include them in the report.
Both severe storms and floods can cause massive amounts of water damage, but your insurance company still treats them like separate accidents. Make sure to contact remediation experts if your commercial building has recently suffered from storm or flood damage.
Contacting a professional restoration company such as SERVPRO of Lowell can do all the work for you. Our technicians will come in prepared with all the required insurance paperwork, will take photos of all salvageable and salvageable content, as well as all structural damage. We will create detailed itemized lists of all content for your adjuster and we will submit all information to your insurance and work with your adjuster.
Our technicians are on call 24/7 365 days a year- they can be called out on a moments notice if your business experienced flood or storm damage, because we know how precious time is when dealing with property damage. SERVPRO of Lowell 978-454-7577
Household Chores Can Reduce the Risk of Fires
6/20/2022 (Permalink)
If your home is damaged in a house fire, SERVPRO of Lowell is here to help. Contact us for any fire restoration need
The American Red Cross has reported 847 deaths this year due to house fires at the start of 2022. This figure is part of the 20,000 house fires reported in the first half of this year. House fires are a risk in any household, thus precautions should be taken to prevent them.
Making changes and establishing routines around your home are the first steps toward fire protection. Yard work around the house and chores to tidy up the inside of your home are simple ways to prevent a fire tragedy on your property.
Create a Defensible Space in Your YardCalifornia has taken preventive steps against wildfires by establishing defensible space requirements, which require residents to strategically design their yards. Plants and trees are placed in a way that slows fire from spreading to your home while also allowing firemen room to work.
While wildfires aren’t as common in Lowell as they are in California, they can still happen. A yard plan could be useful to everyone in the event of a fire breaking out outside your home.
You can still have shrubs and trees in your yard, but make sure they are planted in a way that does not endanger your home. Be careful to do yard work around the house, cleaning up fallen leaves and dead plants, as these will only feed a fire if one starts.
Clear the ClutterClutter easily accumulates in the home—trash and boxes may be scattered about and clothes and towels may pile up around your floor when it’s at its worst. If the mess is big enough, it may obstruct entranceways and exits, which would be dangerous in the event of a fire because you would not be able to properly escape.
Electrical equipment like extension cords has the potential to ignite fires in the home. It is critical not to overload extension cords and to keep them away from any sources of water; if they overheat, they can quickly start fires.
Even simple tasks like unplugging unused appliances can help avoid fires. Remember to do your chores, pick up any loose clothing on the floor and dispose of any trash. In the event of a fire, a clean home will help to prevent the spread of flames.
Keep It Clean & Keep It SafeSmall improvements in housekeeping can have a big impact! Fires can start quickly and unexpectedly, thus it is critical to clean up anything that may contribute to the spread of the fire. If a fire grows out of control and you need to escape, a clean house could save your life.
Take basic steps like dusting regularly, paying particular attention to areas where dust may accumulate around a heat source, outlet or appliance.
Maintain appliances well, paying special attention to stoves and dryers, which generate heat. Wipe up any grease surrounding your stove, and make sure your dryer’s lint trap is clean.
A clean place makes a happy space! A tidy house can make you feel safer and help to prevent fires from spreading. Make housekeeping duties a habit to avoid fire accidents.
If you have experienced fire damage or want to learn more about our fire damage restoration services, contact us today. We’re here to act fast, 24⁄7.
The Main Sources of Commercial Damage
6/20/2022 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Lowell is your local commercial disaster team. Contact us to learn more about our commercial damage restoration services
Every day, we rely on businesses. They benefit us greatly, whether it is the business we work for or the ones we employ for their services. Of course, these establishments would never be as successful if it weren’t for the owners in charge!
Each day, business owners face numerous hurdles to managing a successful workplace. One thing all business owners have in common is the desire to keep their company going. Commercial damage, like natural disasters, is something that business owners fear because it can result in significant loss—or worse, the shutdown of their organization.
Over the last five years, the NCEI documented around an average of $153 billion worth of damage in the United States annually from the result of natural disasters. It’s no doubt these disasters are a threat to businesses all over the country.
In Lowell, you face all kinds of weather throughout the year like snow, thunderstorms and hurricanes. This weather brings along hazards like severe flooding. This Lowell high school faced the effects of severe flooding, causing thousands in damage.
Because natural disasters are unavoidable, taking precautions to protect your commercial property is critical. It all begins with understanding how these disasters may influence your Lowell business.
Water DamageWater damage can be caused by a few different sources. Damage can be caused by leaks in the workplace caused by rain or equipment malfunction. Flooding is another type of water damage that wreaks havoc on businesses every year.
Floodwater might leak through your building’s roof and windows due to heavy rain or rivers overflowing near your business. As a result, your commercial property’s foundation floorboards and walls can be ruined. Floodwater can destroy valuables such as appliances, furniture and other valuables in your building.
Leaks in your property may appear to be insignificant, but they can cause some serious water damage over time. Leaks can cause structural damage to your property, damage to your ceilings or flooring and mold growth. Keep an eye out for damp spots and discoloration in your building; this might be the start of some significant water damage.
Storm DamageStorms and commercial properties do not get along. Storms create high winds, hail and tornadoes, all of which can demolish a business structure. Some businesses that are destroyed by storms close down and never reopen.
Minor storms produce winds in the 10 to 45 mph range, but a severe storm has the ability to produce winds of over 100 mph. These storms put your business at risk of hazards such as flying debris, building collapse and tree downfall.
Preparing your facility is the best method to safeguard your business from the possibility of severe storms. Maintain your roof on a regular basis and make sure your drainage systems are in functioning order. Invest in roof-mounting equipment to keep severe winds from blowing it away.
Check the seals around your windows for any gaps so that no water can get in, and consider installing storm shutters for added protection. During a severe weather event, make sure to secure your building’s doors and keep all doors closed.
Know Who to CallDamage to your business can occur when you least expect it, so taking action to secure your commercial property can save you from expensive damage. Prepare your company for any damage that may occur, from the most catastrophic storms to the smallest leaks.
If your business sustains any type of damage, turn to SERVPRO! Our team has the expertise to restore any type of loss, no matter how severe. Our 24-hour emergency services will ensure your commercial property is remediated as soon as possible.
If you have experienced damage to your business or want to learn more about our commercial damage restoration services, contact us today. We’re here to act fast, 24⁄7.
Your Storm Safety Plan Needs These 3 Elements
6/1/2022 (Permalink)
If you discover storm damage to your home or business, reach out to SERVPRO of Lowell right away.
Nowhere in the United States is impervious to storms. You never know when a warm or cold front could kickstart a severe storm, bringing along lightning, heavy rain, hail and strong winds.
These weather events can cause serious damage to your home. Since there are around 100,000 thunderstorms throughout the United States every year, it’s likely you will encounter bad storms more than once.
Storms in Lowell often lead to some sort of flash flooding that could impact your home at any moment. In at-risk areas, you might experience flooded roads, downed trees and power lines, and flooded basements.
Even though you cannot prevent storms, you can prevent some of the negative effects by being prepared. You should have an emergency kit and a communications strategy ready to go in cause your household is caught in a severe storm.
Your Severe Weather Communication StrategyYou should have multiple modes of communication in case bad weather hits. First, you need to have a way to communicate with your household. You also need a cell phone and an NOAA weather radio so that you can stay up to date on all notifications. Know the difference between weather watches and warnings in case you hear these alerts from authorities.
Your household communication strategy should designate a safe area in your home, like a basement or bathroom, where everyone in the house can go if the weather turns bad.
You also need to come up with a way of contacting each other in case one or more people are away from the house during the storm. That way everyone knows when and how to check in and mark themselves as safe.
Your Severe Weather Emergency KitThe kit should include all the essentials your family members need for the next 72 hours. You may need to shelter in place if the storm is too bad.
This emergency kit should be kept in your home’s shelter area. In the kit, include nonperishable food, water, flashlights and batteries, first-aid supplies, and anything else your family might need to weather the storm.
Your Severe Weather Aftermath ChecklistOnce the bad weather has passed, there are still more steps to take, which include evaluating your safety plan and addressing any damage to your home. Of course, you should wait until it’s safe before checking your property for damage.
Let’s say you do encounter home damage. You need to know who to call. You want a reliable team of trained restoration experts like the ones you’ll find at SERVPRO of Lowell. You can take comfort in knowing we will get the job done right the first time around.
After all is said and done, make sure you round up your household and talk through the efficiency of your safety plan. You should figure out what worked well and what could be improved in case another sever storm rolls through in the future.
If you discover storm damage to your home or business, you can count on SERVPRO to handle the restoration. We’re here 24⁄7 to spring into action—get in touch with us today.
24/7 Emergency Service