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Fire & Water - Cleanup & Restoration

Archived Why SERVPRO Blog Posts

Water and Fire Damage in New Providence

9/8/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Lancaster East and Southern Lancaster County was called to assist with a home in New Providence after the property suffered both water and smoke damage.  During these types of losses, we utilize our advanced equipment to perform the proper fire and water damage restoration procedures to help restore your home or business to preloss conditions!

Water damage events require our mitigation techniques followed by our air movers, which help to remove more of the water droplets that attempt to hide in your walls and floors.  This equipment is necessary in order to prevent further water damage or the potential growth of mold.

Our air scrubbers are also utilized in the role of removing smoke damage inside a structure.  This equipment captures and eliminates even the smoke that we can’t see through our IICRC-certified restoration procedures.

These techniques and equipment are just the beginning of the resources and expertise we offer for our Lancaster clients!  Should you experience fire, water, storm, or mold damage, SERVPRO of Lancaster East and Southern Lancaster County provides free consultations and estimates!

Summer Maintenance and Tips for Fall

8/23/2023 (Permalink)

Summer is coming to an end shortly, but there are still safety measures we should regularly follow in order to help keep our homes and businesses intact!  We list several of those for both summer and the upcoming fall below.

Summer Checklist

  • Keep your home cool and regularly wipe down areas that are prone to moisture.  Showers and windows are two areas that quickly grow bacteria that can lead to mold damage.
  • Check your insulation.  Repair any gaps to help with cooling costs.
  • Check your grill for leaks and other issues.  Grills should be routinely cleared of grease to prevent a fire.
  • Bonfires should be kept away from your property and any tree branches.
  • We are still in hurricane season!  Ensure that your sump pump is working and that any necessary structural issues have been repaired to help prevent storm damage.

Fall Checklist

  • Have your HVAC and heating systems inspected for signs of failure.
  • Clear your gutters of leaves and other debris throughout the season to help prevent a buildup that can lead to water damage.
  • Change your filters.  If they are clogged, this will increase your heating bill.

Routine maintenance should also be completed for your interior systems to ensure the utmost efficiency:

  • Change the batteries in your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors annually.  Doing so before the temperature drops is a good plan since our heating systems are used over the winter.
  • Dryer vents and ducts should be checked for issues or signs of debris.  A buildup can potentially cause a fire.

Stay safe, and remember to follow all proper safety procedures for your home or facility.  Should you suffer a fire or water damage event, or just need a routine duct or dryer vent cleaning, SERVPRO of Lancaster East and Southern Lancaster County is here to help!

Document Drying and Restoration

7/3/2023 (Permalink)

After fire or water damage has occurred, important documents are often damaged and left beyond repair.  However, there are times when these documents can be restored to preloss conditions.  With proper handling, SERVPRO of Lancaster East and Southern Lancaster County’s restoration professionals can help to restore your files.  There are several ways to perform the document restoration process:

Vacuum Freeze Drying

The most effective method of document drying after a water loss, this process uses sublimation to prevent further damage.  During this procedure, the liquid stage is skipped to allow a solid to turn directly into a vapor to properly remove signs of smoke or water from your files.

Gamma Irradiation

When documents are contaminated by bacteria after a flood or sewage disaster, this method is used to disinfect those files.

When documents can’t be recovered after a water or fire damage event, our restoration team can also provide certified destruction services.  In order to protect your sensitive information, we destroy the files entirely.

Storing your files electronically is another alternative to saving your critical information without the need to restore or replace those documents after a fire or water damage event.

SERVPRO of Lancaster East and Southern Lancaster County provides 24/7 emergency services for water and fire damage in our local area.  When smoke, soot, flooding or water damage affects your property and content, our restoration team responds immediately to make the disaster “Like it never even happened.”  We utilize specialized techniques and equipment to help recover your structure and the items inside that suffer any form of damage.  To learn more about our specialties and our document restoration services, give us a call!

Choose SERVPRO

7/8/2022 (Permalink)

Ceiling damage from fire

In an industry that has a large variety of competitors, we strive to be the PREMIER restoration business- not in the state- but in the world! You may think that is a hard feat- and you're not wrong, but with your help we can certainly make it happen!

When you put your restoration needs in our hands, you are sure to receive the absolute best care! Just ask our customers!

The heart of our business lies in that we simply care. As a local family run business, our goal is to personally connect with you and your families needs, so that we can affectively get the job done right and meet YOUR standards. We train our crew with the same standards, so that the entire process is smooth and efficient. 

SERVPRO Knows Mold!

7/8/2022 (Permalink)

Mold in a customer's basement.

Molds are everywhere in our environment and are a vital part of the ecological system. Molds have existed a long time, and mold contamination was known in biblical times. Yet in recent years, due to increased knowledge about the subject of molds, a new emphasis is given to the proper handling of mold contamination. Molds are impacting the restoration market, and many people in the industry want to know more about them. In recent years, interest and sensitivity regarding the subject of molds have increased. From the legal and insurance professions to the science and indoor air quality fields, consumers have become more interested in mold information. 

SERVPRO has highly qualified technicians that are trained in the proper practice of removing mold efficiently and correctly.

Another satisfied customer!

7/5/2022 (Permalink)

This was the cause of loss for this particular water damage.

Here is some feedback we received from a customer with a water loss- "I wanted to reach out and pass on how amazing Brandon and his crew was. I felt so well cared for and communicated with, during what was a nightmare for our family. Thank you so much for all you do and the crew deserve a raise!" 

This loss began from what was a small dishwasher leak, that ended up causing some BIG problems. This dishwasher leak may have been small, but was leaking for FIVE HOURS. WOW! Not only was the kitchen damaged, but so was the customer's dining room, personal contents, and even the finished basement ceiling had collapsed. We are so glad they called us and we were able to get there in time!

A Salute to First Responders

4/4/2022 (Permalink)

Thank you to our first responders!

When I was a boy, I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, "Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping." This famous Mr. Rogers quote comes to mind when we celebrate first responders, those who arrive first on the scene of any disaster or emergency.

In the event of a disaster or emergency, there are many different agencies and people in your community who are ready to respond. Whether it is a house fire or a hurricane, we are thankful every day for these first responders.

Local fire and police departments, as well as Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs), are often first on the scene of an emergency. In the U.S., there are more than 29,000 fire departments with 1,217,300 total firefighters, according to the U.S. Fire Administration website. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports almost 245,040 EMTs and paramedics in total across the country. There are about 19,000 federal, state, county, and local law enforcement agencies, employing more than 875,000 full-time sworn officers, according to the Uniformed Crime Reporting Program collected by the FBI.

When events such as natural disasters strike, different branches of the military are often the first line of response. The Army National Guard and Air National Guard, with over 354,000 soldiers, respond domestically when deployed by their state Governor, often during states of emergency from weather-related events. They can also be called upon during terrorist attacks or civil unrest or called overseas by the President of the United States. Active-duty soldiers can also be called upon for certain domestic events as well.


As a part of FEMA's Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), these volunteers are trained to be prepared for any disasters that may affect your local area in an effort to support professional responders. CERT volunteers are trained in "basic disaster response skills such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and diasters medical operations," according to FEMA. With more than 2,750 CERT programs, over 600,000 individuals have been trained nationwide. Teams are managed locally but supported nationally by FEMA.

SERVPRO recognizes these and the countless other first responders in our communities for keeping our communities safe.

National Volunteer Week

4/4/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is always ready to lend a helping hand.

The theme is: The Value of One, the Power of Many, which reflects on the awe-inspiring acts of kindness by millions of individuals and the magic that happens when we work together towards a common purpose.

This past year, we have seen people supporting family, friends, neighbors, and strangers, people standing up for their beliefs, and people sharing insights on how to create a more just and equitable society. "We recognize the value of the caring and compassion that each one has shown another, and we recognize the power of people, organizations, and sectors working together," according to The International Year of Volunteers.

The 2021 theme beautifully reflects the individual and collective efforts we have seen during the pandemic, and it sets the tone for re-imagining the next 20 years as the value of one act and the power of many enables us to thrive together.

Why the Emergency READY Profile?

12/3/2021 (Permalink)

The ERP is available at all times at no-cost.

National Preparedness Month is the prefect opportunity to share the benefits of having a readiness plan in place with your customers, business, and family.

The SERVPRO Emergency Ready Profile (ERP) will help ensure you and your business are "Ready for whatever happens."

In the event of an emergency, the SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile can help minimize business interruption by having an immediate plan of action in place for your facility. The ERP is a comprehensive document containing critical information about your business, including emergency contact information, shut-off valve locations, and priority areas. The ERP is also accessible online using your computer or tablet; download SERVPRO's free READY Plan app to access this information at any time using your smartphone or tablet.

The ERP establishes your local SERVPRO Franchise Professional as your disaster mitigation and restoration provider, giving you access to more than 50 years experience and a system more than 1,700 Franchises strong. Knowing what to do and who can call in advance is key to quick response and timely mitigation. Having a plan in place may help minimize the amount of time your business is inactive and get you back in the building following a disaster.

Preparation is the key to making it through any size disaster, whether it is a small water leak, a large fire, or an area flood. The best time to plan for such events is not when the event happens, but well before it happens. No on ever plans a disaster, but now, you can plan for it.

The ERP is a no-cost assessment; all it requires is a little time, making it a great value that could save a lot of time in the future. Call your professionals at SERVPRO of Lancaster East to establish your Emergency READY Profile.

September is National Preparedness Month

5/25/2021 (Permalink)

Contact SERVPRO of Lancaster East & Southern Lancaster County to find out how they can make it “Like it never even happened,” if disaster strikes.

PREPARE NOW This year for National Preparedness Month, join your community in preparing for emergencies and disasters of all types, and leading efforts to encourage the community as a whole to become more prepared. “Disasters happen” and not only devastate individuals and neighborhoods, but entire communities. Learn how to be prepared. Make and Practice Your Plan Do you have an evacuation and shelter-in-place plan? Do you have a plan to communicate with your family before, during and after an incident? Do you have an emergency supply kit? Make sure your family is informed and practiced in your emergency plan. Be sure to sign up for alerts and warnings for your area, and download other necessary apps to stay informed, such as the FEMA app. Learn Life Saving Skills Does you or someone in your family know CPR? Could you turn off your natural gas if necessary? Do you know how to take cover in an earthquake? Knowing these life saving skills could mean life or death in an emergency situation for you, your family or your neighbors. Check your Insurance Coverage Have you reviewed your insurance coverage recently to see if you’re covered in a disaster? Evaluate which hazards are relevant to your area and obtain the appropriate insurance for your home, business, or other property and become familiar with your coverage. Save for an Emergency Are you prepared financially in case of a disaster? Does your family have an emergency fund for unexpected expenses after a flood or fire? Check out FEMA’s Emergency Financial First Aid Kit for an in-depth document to help you identify and compile important documents and account information all in one spot. Just search “EFFAK” on fema.gov for the free PDF. Whether it's flood, wildfire or extreme winter weather, we must work together as a team to help ensure our families, businesses, places of worship and neighborhoods are prepared.

Say Thank You!

5/25/2021 (Permalink)

"Heroes are extraordinary people who choose not to be ordinary." -Kevin Brown

The first half of 2020 has been a roller coaster of fear and emotions. The world was thrown into a state of change that had not been seen for several generations. At the front of this battle, our heroes stood strong, not wearing tights or capes, but uniforms, scrubs, masks, and gloves all ready to fight this for all of us.

The words "Thank You" don't seem enough. How do we convey our gratitude to those that put their lives at risk so we can stay at home with our families to flatten the curve? Here are a few ideas to say Thanks.

Restaurant Gift Cards

It would be great to give out large enough gift cards so they could take their whole family to dinner, but think about ways to stretch your funds farther to reach more heroes. Consider $5-$10 gift cards to local restaurants. This will give enough money for either a drink or appetizer. It will also help the economy and struggling restaurants.

Food Drop Off

You will probably have to coordinate this in advance, but schedule a meal that you can deliver to our heroes. They will love some food to refuel. Drop-offs at police stations, fire halls, and emergency rooms are sure to boost moral.

Letters of Encouragement

Take the time to sit down with the family and write letters of encouragement to these heroes, expressing your appreciation for what they're doing. If you have children, get them to draw these heroes. Their artwork will be a blessing to these first responders. You can send them or hand-deliver (at a safe distance) to your local fire halls, police stations, and hospitals. They are separated from their families right now; these letters will include them in yours.

How Critical Are The First 24 Hours?

1/8/2021 (Permalink)

Contact us as soon as possible to begin the restoration process!

Fire or water losses, even smaller incidents, can result in costly claims over time. The longer smoke, soot, or moisture have the to permeate contents and structural components, the more secondary damage one can expect to encounter.

SERVPRO professionals have been performing fire and water cleanup and restoration services for nearly 50 years. Experience has shown that fast, appropriate action delivered within the first 24 hours can dramatically reduce secondary damage. Smoke and soot have less time to chemically interact and damage or destroy contents, and moisture is prevented from spreading and breaking down structural components or promoting the growth of mold and mildew.

Offering 24-hour emergency services, SERVPRO professionals are committed to responding to fire and water claims during the most critical time period following a loss. Usually onsite in less than four hours. SERVPRO arrives prepared to begin emergency mitigation services to help prevent secondary damage to the structure and contents.

SERVPRO utilizes specific industry technology designed for the collection and reporting of claims information for the insurance industry. SERVPRO professionals can quickly gather the necessary information an adjuster will need to authorize the cleanup and restoration process. The end result is a better, more informed decision-making process, which can speed up the cleanup and restoration of the policyholder's property.

The objective of critical response is to help return homeowners and business owners' properties back to its preloss condition while also controlling claims costs. SERVPRO of Lancaster East can provide the emergency service, mitigation, cleanup and restoration experience and industry-specific technology to help you accomplish these goals. When a policyholder experiences a fire or water loss, even those that fall under the deductible limit or are excluded under their policy, reach out to the team at SERVPRO of Southern Lancaster County to help protect their property and contents now and in the future.

Are You Winter Weather Ready?

12/6/2020 (Permalink)

Make an ERP plan for your home or business today!

Are you prepared for the upcoming cold weather? Cold weather can have a huge impact on your home or business if you are not ready for it. From heavy rain and freezing temperatures to damaging winds, sleet, or snow, can all cause serious and costly property damage. While you cannot control the weather, you can take steps to be prepared and help take the sting out of winter weather. To help prevent costly damages due to weather, consider taking the following precautions to protect your property before colder weather hits.

  • Check your business property for downed tree limbs and branches. Wind, heavy rain, ice, and snow can cause branches to fall, which could cause damage to the property and potentially cause personal injuries.
  • Roofs, water pipes, and gutters should all be inspected to help ensure they are in proper order. Gutter downspouts should be directed away from your building. Clear gutters of debris that may have gathered during the fall. Leaves and other obstructions can cause a damming effect, which can lead to roof damage and interior water problems.
  • Inspect property, especially walkways and parking lots, for proper drainage to alleviate a potential flood hazard.
  • Inspect all handrails, stairwells, and entryways to address and correct potential slippery and hazardous areas. Install mats or non-slip surfaces and post caution signs where water could be present.
  • Protect water pipes from freezing by simply allowing water to drip when temperature dip below freezing. If pipes are under a cabinet, leave the cabinets doors open, allowing warm inside air to circulate around the pipes. If the building has outdoor faucets, consider shutting water off at the main valve in the basement or crawl space. Once the valve is off, open the outdoor faucet to ensure it drains, preventing any remaining water from freezing in the pipe.
  • Ask the professionals at SERVPRO of Lancaster East about completing an Emergency READY Profile®, (ERP) for your business. The ERP is a no-cost assessment of your facility and provides you with a plan to get back in business faster following a disaster. Preparation is the key to making it through any size disaster, whether it is a small water leak, a large fire, or an area flood. The best time to have a plan for such events is not when the event happens, but well beforehand. No one ever plans on a disaster, but now, you can plan and prepare for it.

When winter strikes, call SERVPRO of Lancaster East to strike back and help make it "Like it never even happened."

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned

6/30/2020 (Permalink)

Call us at 717-519-0767 to schedule a cleaning!

When the stakes are this high, you want a partner who has developed an industry leading proprietary training program, cleaning solutions, and remediation processes over decades. Expertise born out of cleaning up some of the most challenging biohazards imaginable. Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned reflects the unique experiences and capabilities of America's #1 clean-up and restoration brand. The program is grounded with our unique 3 C's: Consult, Clean, and Certify.

Consult-A Tailored Cleaning Program To Meet Your Needs

Not all businesses are the same, which is why we will assign you with a Cleaning Protocol Consultant who understands your business and will create a custom cleaning program to meet your specific needs. SERVPRO has worked in a wide variety of industries with businesses ranging from start-ups to global, multinational organizations. That's why we know to start such a critical cleaning process with a consultation.

Your specific program will be developed based on a range of factors including business type, size of space, amount of high frequency touch points, foot traffic and congestion points. As a result, you'll know that Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned is not just an industry leading standard in clean, you'll know that the clean you receive is customized to your need.

Clean-Proactive and COVID-19 Emergency Response Cleaning Program

Based on specific needs of your business, your location will undergo a thorough, expert deep clean rooted in the pillars of People, Process, and Product.

People. SERVPRO Professionals are uniquely prepared during this unprecedented time to clean and disinfect your home or business according to the protocols set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We have years of experience with biological contaminants, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform.

Process. SERVPRO professionals are trained to perform proactive or emergency responsive cleanups that involves facility or structure cleaning and disinfection. Cleanup procedures generally include cleaning of porous surfaces, cleaning and disinfection of non-porous surfaces, cleaning and disinfecting of equipment, tools, and/or supplies used for cleanup process, and disposal of hazardous materials. In the event of a suspected or confirmed COVID-19 event, we will be there cleaning within 24 hours to ensure you get back to business as quickly as possible.

Product. Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned has more than 100 exclusive cleaning products to meet any need including out proprietary cleaning agent, SERVPROXIDE - a hospital grade disinfectant that carries the Environmental Protecting Agency's lowest toxicity category and is National Sanitation Foundation certified for direct food contact surface use. All our products carry the Environmental Protection Agency's registered emerging pathogens claims and meet the standard set by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention for hospital-grade disinfectant.

Certify-A Commitment To Clean For Your Employees And Consumers

We're going to extend our credibility as a premier biohazard cleaning company in the country to your business - to give assurance to your employees and customers that only SERVPRO can deliver. Once your business location has been Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, you will gain access to our propriety signage, digital emblems, and other collateral that communicates you've selected a higher standard of clean available to help protect your employees and customers. And because we add the day, month, and year to that proprietary stamp of clean, your guests will know that no only did you choose Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned but that your location is being cleaned regularly at this standard.

The COVID Effect

5/28/2020 (Permalink)

We are all in this together!

The Coronavirus has changed the social landscape more than we could have imagined. The terms social distancing are the new normal and have become indoctrinated in our vocabulary. The interaction with family, friends, and business associates has been directly impacted. The traditional handshake is now riddled with fear. Instead it's better to tap feet or "elbow bump."

As in the years following World War II, great effort was spent putting measures in place to reduce the likelihood of another global conflict. Likewise, prevention of future viral pandemics is top of mind for most of the world's governments and security services for the immediate future. SERVPRO professionals are uniquely prepared during this unprecedented time to clean and disinfect your home or business according to the protocols set forth by the CDC. We have years of experience in dealing with biological contaminants, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform on a daily basis.

SERVPRO is being called on by numerous businesses and community leaders to perform the necessary bioremediation services to clean, disinfect, and sanitize their properties. SERVPRO uses EPA-approved products and follows the CDC guidelines for cleanup practices.

The CDC recommends usage of a labeled hospital-grade disinfectant with claims against similar pathogens to the coronavirus. Multiple products in the SERVPRO product line meet this standard and carry the ERA-registered emerging pathogens claims.

Will it all get back to normal? Yes. When will that happen? That remains unclear. What is clear is that normalcy will return, and all along the way SERVPRO will be there for your business, your home, and your customers. We are in this with you and proudly stand beside our first responders in fighting this silent enemy.

We are Cleaning Experts

3/17/2020 (Permalink)

We are prepared to take on your cleaning needs!

SERVPRO is Here to Help during this time of need

During this unprecedented time caused by the global pandemic of coronavirus, this is a reminder to our customers that we are specialists in cleaning services, and we adhere to the highest cleaning and sanitation standards.

Specialized Training

We are prepared to clean and disinfect your home or business, according to protocols set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We have years of experience in dealing with biological contaminants, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform on a daily basis.

The CDC encourages cleaning of high-touch surfaces such as counters, tabletops, doorknobs, light switches, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets and tables. Other spaces mentioned in the CDC’s guidance for commercial spaces include:

  • Kitchen/Food Areas
  • Bathrooms
  • Schools/Classrooms
  • Offices
  • Retail Spaces
  • Water Fountains
  • Shelving/Racks
  • Sales Counters
  • Carpets and Rugs
  • Stair Handrails
  • Elevator Cars
  • Playground Equipment
  • Fitness Equipment

Specialized Products

The CDC recommends usage of a labeled hospital-grade disinfectant with claims against similar pathogens to the coronavirus. Multiple products in the SERVPRO product line carry the EPA-approved emerging pathogens claims. While there is currently no product tested against this particular strain of the coronavirus, we are following all guidelines as provided by the CDC and local authorities.

Call Today for a Proactive Cleaning

If your home or business needs deep cleaning services, call the experts today – SERVPRO of Lancaster East at 717-519-0767