Recent Storm Damage Posts

Does SERVPRO provide Flood Damage Restoration in Taunton?

5/3/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is second to none when it comes to flood damage remediation for your home. Call now for the services you need.

Does SERVPRO Have Large Capacity Flood Damage Recovery Services in Taunton?

Storms can cause a lot of flood damage to homes and businesses in Taunton in a matter of minutes. High winds tear off roofs, send projectiles through walls and generally open the structure to rain penetrating the structure. Often there are flood waters associated with these storms, which rise and fall, leaving lots of contaminated debris in their wake.

SERVPRO responds to flood damage events of all sizes in Taunton and neighboring areas. Our franchise is equipped to handle large emergencies, and we can call on nearby franchises for immediate help. There are over 1500 franchises nationwide that routinely send support when large disasters strike.

We provide emergency services, water damage, and flood restoration. Our teams are available 24 / 7, and we are prepared to respond within four hours of your call. We are equipped with:

  • Large capacity truck-mounted pumps
  • Electrical generators
  • Trained water damage restoration technicians
  • Large-capacity air movers and drying equipment

Our objective is to get started promptly to dry your property and restore it to a pre-storm condition as fast as possible.

Call SERVPRO of Taunton / Mansfield for flood damage services in Taunton and surrounding areas. We can help 24/7. Call (508) 824-0200.

Flood damage after Storm in Taunton

2/15/2021 (Permalink)

Flood damage after a storm may occur. Call SERVPRO for the flooding restoration services you need.

Providing temporary electrical power during flood damage restoration in Taunton

Taunton was founded in 1637 and is one of the oldest towns in the USA. It was also known as Silver City, named after the industry that predominated during the 19th century. Christmas City is another name it became known for after starting an annual light show in 1914, which continues to this day.

There are many activities to enjoy in Taunton and the neighboring area for residents and tourists visiting the region. For example:

  • Upside Down Escape Games
  • Capron Park Zoo
  • Borderland State Park
  • La Salette Shrine
  • Norton Kayak Company
  • Simcock Farm
  • Ace Archers
  • Massasoit State Park

Upside Down Escape Games

Can you decipher clues working with your partners to escape from a locked room? The excitement builds as the clock runs down. Compete with other teams to solve puzzles and clues using intuition and logic to find your way out of the room. Bragging rights go to those who escape first.

Massasoit State Park

There are over twelve hundred acres, six lakes and ponds, and many cranberry bogs in Massasoit State Park. The Park has an extensive pathway system enjoyed by many outdoor enthusiasts, including:

  • Hikers
  • Walkers 
  • Mountain bikers
  • Skiing cross county
  • Horseback riding

Fishing on Lake Rico is allowed as long as you are using a non-motorized craft. Limited hunting is also allowed.

There are exciting activities within an hour's drive of Taunton enjoyed by residents in nearby neighborhoods.

Capron Park Zoo – in operation for 75 years, this family attraction provides education in a clean environment portraying animals worldwide.

Borderland State Park – 1843 acres, a nature preserve, with public recreational activities available, including the Ames Mansion

La Salette Shrine – dedicated to Our Lady of La Salette-Fallavaux, France. Two children reported a Marian apparition in 1846. The shrine is one of several in the United States, located in nearby Attleboro, MA, dedicated to a shrine in La Salette-Fallavaux, France.

Norton Kayak Company – take a three-hour tour by kayak of the 530 acres Norton Reservoir. Tours run daily, and the company runs camps during the summer.

Ace Archers – located in Foxborough, clients can participate in classes learning all about archery, practice open shooting and join archery club teams.

Live Electricity Can Be Extremely Dangerous After a Storm Causes Flooding

Flooding introduces many hazards such as chemical spills, bio-hazards, infectious waste, and electrical short circuits. Water and electricity can cause many issues and potentially electrocute anyone touching live wires.

SERVPRO completes a thorough inspection and takes the appropriate steps to ensure the crew's safety before beginning flood damage restoration in Taunton structures. We also provide temporary power to run water pumps, air movers, dehumidifiers, and construction equipment.

We make arrangements to remove electrical hazards. For example:

  • Turn off the main circuit breaker panel switch
  • Turn off individual circuits if only portions of the building are affected
  • we add lockout tags in each case
  • Work in progress signs are added

Contact SERVPRO of Taunton / Mansfield for flood damage in Taunton and neighboring areas. We can help 24/7. Call (508) 824-0200.

Flood Damage Restoration in Taunton

1/18/2021 (Permalink)

From flooded carpets to entire house storm damage cleanup in Taunton--Contact SERVPRO

Call SERVPRO for Help with Flood Damage Restoration

The city of Taunton has had many different names. Native Americans referred to the area as Cohannet, Tetiquet, and Titicut. It was also known as the Silver City for being the silver industry center during the initial years of the 19th century. Taunton was settled in 1637 by members of the Plymouth Colony, making it one of the US's oldest communities. Taunton is named after Taunton in Somerset, England. Another popular nickname is Christmas City.

Taunton has supported many industries over the years, including:

  • Iron Works started in 1656 until 1876
  • Textile Mills
  • Central Rail Transportation Hub
  • US Army Camp
  • The National Weather Service

Some of the things to do in Taunton include visiting

  • Massasoit State Park
  • Taunton Green
  • Old Colony History Museum
  • Gertrude M Boyden Wildlife Refuge
  • Taunton Public Library
  • Taunton Antique Center

Massasoit State Park

Massasoit State Park encompasses over 1200 acres, six lakes and ponds, and numerous cranberry bogs. There is a large trail system throughout the park for:

  • Walking
  • Hikers
  • Cycling
  • Cross country skiing
  • Horseback riding

There is also a launch for nonmotorized boats for fishing on Lake Rico. Limited hunting is also allowed.

Taunton Green

Although the season has passed, Taunton Green must be mentioned. It is a famous annual light display that has been running since December 1914. Taunton is nicknamed Christmas City. The festival features live entertainment, activities for the kids, fireworks, and a large display of holiday lights.

Old Colony History Museum

The Old Colony History Museum focuses on collecting and displaying items from Southeastern Mass pre-1850. The museum has collected over 13,000 unique items. The museum is a great venue to bring a school group or arrange a tour for those interested in Taunton's history, pre-1850. Subject to current health guidelines, the museum regularly runs events for craft persons and workshops, storytimes, free productions, and plays. There is something for all age groups.

Gertrude M Boyden Wildlife Refuge

The refuge was established in 1968 and contains open fields, picnic areas, fishing stations with two miles of nature trails, including a covered bridge and elevated boardwalk facilitating passive observation of the wetlands and birds that frequent the area.

The Taunton public library and the Taunton antique center are two other venues that many visitors indicated are interesting places to visit.

What Contaminants May Be Found in Flood Damaged Buildings?

Floodwaters raging through a neighborhood can cause a great deal of damage to homes and structures in their path. Many people focus on the physical damage the water causes. Broken windows and doors, debris and mud distributed everywhere, dirty carpets, furniture, and miscellaneous materials are just a few examples.

Many other contaminants are contained in the debris and remaining water and must be removed safely, such as:

  • Biological materials
  • Fuels and oils
  • Bacteria and viruses

Contact SERVPRO of Taunton / Mansfield for flood damage services to Taunton residential and commercial buildings and surrounding areas. We can help 24/7. Call (508) 824-0200.

Flooding from a Recent Storm is Often a Concern for Taunton Residents

1/14/2021 (Permalink)

Flooding is often unexpected but can severely damage your home. Contact our certified SERVPRO technicians for effective services right away.

SERVPRO of Taunton/Mansfield Arrive Fast to Your Taunton Home to Begin Flood Damage Mitigation and Cleanup Efforts

Bristol County in the state of Massachusetts is where you will find the city of Taunton. This city is ripe with New England heritage and just 40 miles to the south of Boston. It is also just east of Providence, Rhode Island, and 25 miles to the west of Plymouth, Massachusetts – which happens to be where the pilgrims docked when coming to this land. Taunton is found on the Taunton River, which works its way through the city. At the time that the 2010 United States Census was taken, the city included a population of 55,874 people.

Learning More About the Finer Details of Taunton, Massachusetts

In 1637, Taunton was founded by Plymouth Colony members and remained one of the oldest towns in the entire United States. The region was known as Cohannet, Tetiquet, and Titicut by the local Native Americans prior to European arrival.

Silver City is one name given to Taunton, MA, due to it being a historical centerpiece for the silver industry that began in the 19th century. Several companies like F.B. Rogers, Reed & Barton, and Poole Silver put out silver goods of the finest quality throughout the city. Taunton has been providing a sizable light display every December since 1914, which is why it has gathered another name of the “Christmas City.”

Taunton’s original boundaries included some of the lands that are now taken up by surrounding towns. These towns include Mansfield, Raynham, Dighton, Easton, Norton, Lakeville, and Berkley.

Understanding Taunton’s Beginnings and Rich History

Taunton is a town that became incorporated in an official capacity back in September 1639. Initially founded by settlers, many in the region were from Taunton in the city of Somerset, England. These English founders purchased this land in 1637 by the Nemasket Indians as part of the famous Tetiquet Purchase. The remaining native families here were then relocated to the town of Ponkapoag, which is now known as current-day Canton, Massachusetts.

Elizabeth Poole was a central figure among the founders and said to be the first female to found an American settlement. The original Plymouth Colony was divided formally into two separate counties in 1685. Here, Taunton became a shire town for Bristol County. The Taunton area itself has been known as the site for battles and skirmishes throughout various conflicts, including that of the American Revolution and King Philip’s War. In May 1864, Taunton was then re-incorporated as a city.

During the 19th century, the city of Taunton was known for being part of the iron-making industry. Many goods were produced at this time, including tacks, machinery, and stoves. Mason Machine Works was one of the more successful companies throughout this period, which saw steam locomotive production and machinery production for the ever-growing textile industry.

Living, Raising a Family and Spending Time in Taunton, Massachusetts

There is a lot to love about New England's splendor, including four incredible seasons and a strong sense of community within each of the states. When it comes to Taunton, Massachusetts, you will see that residents have the chance to enjoy a dense suburban setting. Most residents own their homes, and there are plenty of lovely parks, coffee shops, and small businesses throughout. Additionally, public schooling is above-average, making it a stellar place to put down roots and raise a family.

There are many notable things to understand about this region, including:

  • Myles Standish Industrial Park, located in Taunton's north end, is one of the most sizable in New England.
  • A regional weather forecast office is operated in Taunton by the National Weather Service. This center serves the majority of Massachusetts as well as most of northern Connecticut and all of the state of Rhode Island.
  • In 2010, City Hall in Taunton was damaged severely by a fire set by arsonists. Since that incident, the local government has been in full operation out of the Oak Street office, the Lowell M. Maxham School's former location.
  • In 2012, the Taunton Global War on Terrorism War Memorial was constructed on Church Green in the City of Taunton.
  • Back in 2005, there was a whopping 9 inches of rain that came down on the city. As a result of this weather event, the Whittenton Pond Dam, located just north of the downtown area, was in danger of failure. Two-thousand plus city residents were evacuated, and all of the businesses downtown were ordered to close. While the dam did not fail, it did prompt the Governor at the time, Mitt Romney, to request a full and immediate inspection of the dams at high-risk throughout the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. 

Nobody Handles Flood Damage Quite Like the Technicians at SERVPRO – Call us to Your Taunton Home When You Need Rapid Cleanup and Restoration Assistance

If not addressed quickly, flooding at your Taunton home will lead to costly, extensive repairs. Rather than the clean water that comes from a broken pipe in your home or a faulty appliance, flooding brings with it contaminated water. Instead of tackling this with DIY methods, you need skilled IICRC-certified technicians like we have on-staff here at SERVPRO. We understand best practices for dealing with significant contamination to keep bacteria from spreading to unaffected areas of your home.

When you call us for help with flood damage in Taunton after a storm, we have a series of actions that we follow:

  • Our team extracts water while removing all bulk debris using pumps and heavy-duty extraction tools.
  • We work to return the relative humidity in your home to normal levels by way of industrial-grade dehumidifiers.
  • Air filtration devices are put into play, which removes contaminants and other particulates from the air.
  • Any remaining debris, unsalvageable materials, and other damaged contents get removed using controlled demolition to set the stage for full restoration. General contractor license #: CS-108357

When you need flood damage assistance after a significant storm, you can trust our crew at SERVPRO of Taunton/Mansfield to get the job done right the first time. We are available 24/7 by calling (508) 824-0200 for emergency restoration services. We are Faster to Any Size Disaster!

Have A Shining Good Time In The Silver City Of Taunton

12/2/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is Here to Help when a flood damages your property.

Even In Stormy Weather, Taunton Has Something For Everyone

Taunton is a modern and compact city of just 55,874 people, with a fascinating industrial past and a bright future. The county seat of Bristol County in Massachusetts is one of the oldest towns in the United States.

Members of the Plymouth Colony founded Taunton in 1637. Before the city's founding, the area was known as Cohannet or Tetiquet. Where many founders hailed from, Taunton got its modern name from Taunton, Somerset County, England. Taunton is also notable because one of its founders, who played a crucial role in its church's founding, was Elizabeth Poole. This pioneering lady was one of the first women to found a colony in the United States. She sailed to America from Plymouth, England, in 1633. She sailed in the company of fourteen servants, two friends, and plenty of goods and fishing provisions.

These days, anyone in England and interested in Elizabeth Poole can visit her birthplace, Shute Barton. This is an impressive and rambling medieval home. Here in Taunton, MA, history buffs can visit her grave.

Taunton, A City Of Iron and Silver

Taunton is not only famous for its age and its founders. It also has a long history as a producer of silver and iron.

Taunton Iron Works was first founded in 1656. It held a location on the Forge River banks in what was then part of Taunton and is now the town of Raynham. The ironworks was the first of its kind in Plymouth Colony and only the third ironworks to be established anywhere in New England. 

Early Taunton residents discovered bog ore, a kind of impure iron ore found in bogs, in the Taunton area. They realized this made it ripe for an ironworks and invited two experienced iron men who had worked at Braintree Furnace in Quincy, MA, to set up works in Taunton.

Taunton ironworks continued to produce iron until 1876, which means it was in constant operation for two hundred and twenty years!

Today, the ironworks site is marked by a small park, which is dedicated to the descendants of Theodore Dean, who was the last person to own the ironworks.

Although many of the old mills now have other uses, you can still visit the historic sites and admire the architecture. In and around Taunton, you will find:

  • The John Winthrop Jr. Iron Furnace Site, also known as the Braintree Furnace. This is the first iron blast furnace in the United States, and its founders went on to build Taunton Iron Works.
  • The Old Colony Iron Works-Nemasket Mills Complex in East Taunton. This site initially belonged to the Old Colony Iron Company, one of the most prolific iron producers in New England. In 1899 the New England Cotton Yarn Company acquired the site, and it became a textile mill. These days it is home to residential condominiums.
  • The Bridgewater Iron Works, in nearby Bridgewater. The Bridgewater works had a long and exciting history. The site was founded in 1707 with a blacksmith's shop and would produce iron pots for the whaling industry, cannons, nails, iron hoops for wooden barrels, and even steam engines. The works were a major producer of parts for the US Navy in the mid to late nineteenth century. These days the site is a public park, which is on the National Register of Historic Places. You can still see remnants of the old buildings.
  • The Whittenton Mills Complex is on the banks of the Mill River in Taunton. The site began life as an iron forge in 1670 and has also housed a nail mill and a textile mill. In more recent times, the area was used for filming several scenes from the movie Shutter Island.

As well as iron and textiles, Taunton enjoyed an illustrious history as a silver producer, and you can still visit the sites of several silver producers, including The Taunton Silverplate Company, Reed & Barton, and the Poole Silver Company.

The Past Is Always Present In Taunton

With such a long history, it is no wonder that Taunton is full of historical sites. Visitors who want to enjoy Taunton's past will love:

  • The Bristol County Courthouse, which was built in 1826 and is known affectionately as "ole copper top."
  • The Taunton Post Office, built-in 1931-32, is a beautiful example of Classical Revival architecture.
  • The Old Colony History Museum, whose parent society, the Old Colony Historical Society, was founded in 1853. These days the site houses an impressive collection of artifacts that show what life was like in the original Plymouth Colony.
  • Taunton Green Historic District, which was the heart of Taunton's commercial district in the nineteenth century. Historic buildings edge the pretty green, where you can see monuments to all the wars in which Taunton residents have participated.

When Storms Nearly Caused Disaster In Taunton

1832 saw the construction of the Whittenton Pond Dam, which was an earthen dam. The original barrier was made of wood, and in 1968 it failed and caused flooding in Taunton. In October 2005, the city was once again in danger of flooding due to historically heavy rainfall putting pressure on the dam. This caused widespread disruption:

  • Schools were canceled
  • 2000 residents were evacuated
  • National Guard troops were stationed nearby in case of emergencies
  • Roads were closed

Although disaster did not befall Taunton that day, inspectors found structural damage on the dam, and it was replaced. The replacement dam was removed in 2013.

SERVPRO Uses Water Pumps To Help Residents Deal With Flood Damage

Vacuum pumps were vital to preventing disaster in 2005. Authorities used high-volume pumps to fend off flooding by diverting water around the dam and draining nearby Whittenton Pond.

When storms cause flooding in the home, pumping out excess water is a vital first step. Water can quickly soak into everything, from furniture and textiles to drywall and insulation, causing damage to personal belongings and the property. Water also provides a breeding ground for mold.

SERVPRO uses a variety of pumps to remove excess water in the case of flood damage. We have powerful truck-mounted pumps for significant incidents and smaller electric pumps or even carpet wands for smaller areas. We train our technicians to know which pump is most effective in every situation. 

Pumping out water makes it easier to dry your home and salvage your belongings. Once the water has gone, our team will focus on using fans, air movers, and dehumidifiers to dry the area and restore your house, "Like it never even happened."

SERVPRO of Taunton / Mansfield is here to help with any flood damage issues. Call us today at (508) 824-0200.

What Should a Homeowner Do If My Taunton Home is Ever Damaged by Floods?

9/20/2020 (Permalink)

Flooding quickly damages the contents and structure of your home. Contact SERVPRO for remediation services.

If Floods Ever Impact Your Taunton Home, You Should First Contact a Good Local Flood Damage Cleanup and Remediation Service for Help.

Every year, powerful seasonal storms batter Taunton and the rest of the Northeast.  These monstrous weather systems often bring with them intense winds, torrential rains, flooding, and massive headaches for area homeowners.  As the storms pass through our community, your home could be compromised in a myriad of ways.  Tree limbs, or even entire trees, could fall on your house, damaging roofing and windows.  This, in turn, could make your residence much more vulnerable to stormwaters.  At the same time, flying debris could further impact your home in such ways and block its drainage systems.  Then, as heavy rains swell local rivers, lakes, and ponds, your house could be put in the direct path of raging floodwaters.     

What Makes Flood Waters Particularly Hazardous?

Flood damage remediation in Taunton involves much more than simply removing the floodwaters and airing-out a residence.  As SERVPRO, a local Taunton flood damage cleanup and restoration company, understands, it takes much more than this.  This is because floodwater, classified as “black water,” is the most contaminated type of water you can encounter.  It flows over various polluted surfaces, carrying with it such things as:

  • Human corpses and animal carcasses
  • Animal and human feces
  • Industrial wastes
  • Toxic chemicals
  • Other harmful substances in soils 

This contaminated water is teaming with troublesome microorganisms that could, if not quickly and successfully eliminated, irreparably impact your residence and cause negative health effects.

How Does SERVPRO Quickly and Effectively Clean Up Flood Damage?

As your neighborhood SERVPRO, we are located nearby and our skilled technicians live in your community.  This is why we can often be onsite to help resolve your Taunton flooding issue within four hours of your call, twenty-four hours a day, 365 days a year.  Once at your residence, SERVPRO experts:

  • Inspect your home, noting all water damage and potential safety concerns like the presence of lead or asbestos
  • Rapidly extract gallons of polluted standing floodwaters from your house with industrial strength extractors and submersible pumps
  • Disinfect surfaces around your home with EPA-approved disinfectants and high-tech foggers
  • Professionally dispose of hazardous wastes
  • Set a drying goal based on local conditions and monitor its progress with moisture sensors/meters and thermohygrometers
  • Quickly dry the interior of your residence with a network of cutting edge air movers, dehumidifiers, and Injectidry systems
  • Further disinfect and deodorize your house with advanced antimicrobial-delivering foggers

Taken together, all of these measures help ensure that your flood damage is remediated as quickly and effectively as possible.  Many times, they can save you from future issues related to a flooding event, which can save you precious time and money.

How Do SERVPRO’s Foggers Disinfect Surfaces and Neutralize Odors?

The greatest concerns related to flood damage cleanup are eliminating harmful microbes and neutralizing unpleasant odors.  In order to tackle these key problems, SERVPRO employs the most advanced foggers in the industry today.  Our thermal foggers create dense fogs filled with disinfectants/deodorants that eliminate microbes or unwanted smells from confined areas of your residence.  Technicians use ultra-low volume (ULV) foggers that aerosolize microorganism/odor-eliminating agents to treat impacted materials and difficult-to-access parts of your home.  This is possible because ULV foggers, unlike other foggers, create fine mists that are able to easily penetrate tight areas and the small pores of affected materials.   

What Can Happen to My Home If I Don’t Have It Properly Cleaned by Knowledgeable Professionals?

As previously explained, floodwaters are particularly dangerous because they usually carry numerous harmful microorganisms.  The harm that these microscopic threats often cause is in addition to the troubles generally associated with regular water damage.  Some examples of the issues you can eventually expect to encounter after having ineffective remediation service performed are:

  • Persistent foul odors that may become more pronounced during hotter and more humid periods
  • Discolorations and stains from proliferating mold and mildew on floors, walls, and ceilings
  • Deteriorating drywall and plaster
  • Warping and buckling of floors, walls, and ceilings
  • Structure-destroying dry rot that could require substantial and costly reconstruction efforts
  • Negative health effects

It is for all of these reasons that you should take care of any flood damage as soon as possible and have the work done by trained professionals.  Otherwise, over the long term, your delays could cost you dearly.

As caring members of your community, we urge you to always prepare for storms and related flooding.  Also, you should know your cleaning and restoration options well before storms arrive.  With all that said, if you ever need help cleaning up in the aftermath of flooding, call SERVPRO of Taunton/Mansfield at (508) 824-0200 for assistance.

How Quickly Can My Home Get Dried Out After A Flood?

6/25/2020 (Permalink)

No matter when you make the call, we have technicians who can assist you.

For Fast, Professional Restoration in Your East Taunton Home, Call SERVPRO 

Stormwater is a greater threat to area homes than what flows from a broken pipe or split hose. Even if the same amount of water hits the floor, outside water picks up a small amount of everything it crossed before entering your home. Removing the dirt, grass, and other debris takes additional time to return each home to a clean, safe condition. 

How Long Does Everything Take?

That depends on how much water is present, and the size of your home in East Taunton. Flood damage restoration also only starts with removing the water. SERVPRO technicians use pumps and extractors that draw out most of the small bits of contaminants along with the flooding, but getting out the larger debris still requires removing it by hand and shovel. 

Can Everything Be Salvaged?

Almost. Carpets simply absorb too much water and contaminants to safely use again, so our team members throw them out immediately after removing the water. Paper and cardboard turn to mush in minutes, so it goes out by the shovelful as well. Nearly everything else we can save with a combination of commercial-grade cleaning agents and restoration equipment.

What about Drying Out My Home, So It Doesn’t Smell?

SERVPRO technicians use air movers, dehumidifiers, and exhaust fans to draw out remaining moisture trapped in both the structure of your home and personal property. Besides preserving the material, these actions also help remove any musty odors left behind. In addition to our cleaning agents, technicians also have access to chemicals and tools that can cover up any malodors until they fade or eliminate them, even if they penetrated wall framing and other support structures. 

Regardless of how much water entered your home here, or in Norton, contact SERVPRO of Taunton / Mansfield today at (508) 824-0200. We are ready to help you return home as quickly as possible. 

Learn more about East Taunton.

Here is What You Should do for Your Storm Damage Situation in Taunton

3/21/2020 (Permalink)

Flooding can quickly affect your home's contents and structure. Make sure to get the help that you need right away with team SERVPRO.

Hidden Moisture Following Flood Damage in Taunton

A flood is never a welcome natural disaster and can have a huge impact on your life especially if you have to evacuate due to contamination, loss of power, or the work happening around your home. After a flood, it is important to assess all of the damage and take care of it as quickly as possible to mitigate further damage. 

Flood damage in your Taunton home does not just mean removing excess water. Since flood water is contaminated it is important to reveal any impacted materials hidden within your home so that they do not fester, potentially growing mold and producing an offensive odor. 

SERVPRO restoration specialists use equipment such as infrared (thermal imaging) cameras and moisture sensors to find the location of hidden moisture pockets. They may also use moisture meters to see roughly the amount of water. When necessary, restoration specialists open walls, built-in closets, stairs, and flooring, to find pockets of saturated materials containing excess moisture. 

If they find materials inside that are wet, most likely they will remove these construction components to decontaminate and clean them, or replace them if they are not salvageable. However, restoration by cleaning is always preferable to replacing, if at all possible. SERVPRO restoration specialists use a HEPA vacuum to clean up dry particles and debris. Some surfaces, like concrete or tile, require wet cleaning which uses a cleaning detergent like Wall and All Surface Cleaner or Orange plus to thoroughly clean and disinfect the surface. 

It is crucial to note that you cannot completely decontaminate surfaces after a flood with wet cleaning on its own. You also need to use an antimicrobial (biocide) such as Sporicidin or Concrobium. The dwell time of the antimicrobial agent on any surface needs to be at least 15 minutes for it to be effective. Technicians and residents should also avoid breathing in the chemical agent.

For 24/7 assistance after a flood, contact SERVPRO of Taunton/Mansfield at (508) 824-0200. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Click here for more information about Taunton.

Some of the Biggest Problems With Storm Damage Remediation in Taunton

2/29/2020 (Permalink)

When storm waters infiltrate your home, the results can be overwhelming. Contact the certified technicians at SERVPRO right away for remediation.

Do You Have Flood Damage to Your Home? Call the Taunton SERVPRO Team to Help!

After a storm comes and goes, your home can suffer from some massive structural and water damage. There is the potential for loss of structural integrity as well as water saturation and bacterial contamination from lingering moisture. The best news is that you have the ability to save the day and protect your home by calling a team of skilled SERVPRO technicians.

Once you call in the help of a team of experts, you have all of the best equipment and specialized techniques on your side. Flood damage in Taunton can come in many forms, but trained technicians know where to begin to offer you with the best possible result. 

When We Begin

After you call SERVPRO and we finish up the initial assessment of your flood damage, water extraction begins. Our content management team takes out any items throughout the affected area that deemed at risk from severe water damage. Even though the full extent of any structural damage remains a mystery until further inspection takes place, we put in motion other steps to help mitigate the amount of flood loss.

Drying

Once the standing water is entirely removed, our skilled SERVPRO technicians begin to dry all saturated materials. We employ the use of moisture detection devices that allow us to determine where water traveled, including the wall studs, framing, and joists throughout your home. Flood cuts taken at floor level helps to access framing and studs, allowing air movers and dehumidifiers to work in unison for proper drying of any lingering moisture. We work diligently to address any potential structural threats, as water degradation takes hold quickly. Safety is always a number one priority, so we do whatever possible to preserve or fully replace any critical structural elements throughout your home.

Specialized Cleaning

Depending on the level of flood damage your house has incurred, the SERVPRO team might have to expose any damaged materials and use industrial-strength disinfection products. We have specialized products to inhibit mold growth while also preventing the onset of harmful bacteria. 

Regardless of the scope of the flood damage to your home, our team at SERVPRO of Taunton/Mansfield is here to get to work. Just get in touch with us by calling (508) 824-0200, and we send a crew out as soon as possible to make it “Like it never even happened.”

Click here for more information about Taunton.

The Importance of Humidity Controls During Flood Damage Restoration in Taunton

2/19/2020 (Permalink)

When floodwaters damaged this home, SERVPRO answered the call to make it, "Like it never even happened."

Establishing Humidity Controls in Flood Damage Restoration across Taunton

Water evaporates and condensates in a constant cycle. When flooding hits your home, the process of evaporation continues and can raise the relative humidity of the affected area significantly. High levels of humidity can become a problem for homeowners because it promotes the growth of microbes like bacteria, mold, and viruses as well as slowing down the restorative drying process. When dealing with properties that are suffering from the impact of flooding, one crucial mitigation task facing restorers is to bring humidity levels back under control and protect the home from secondary damages.

Pumping equipment is a fast-acting remedy toward flood damage in your Taunton home. However, the restorative drying procedure can be equally challenging, with several factors for SERVPRO technicians to consider. Some of these factors may relate to the architecture of the structure. Other factors may relate to the type of floodwaters and their location within the home. We identify areas of concern and anticipate possible outcomes using our industry-leading qualifications, technology, and experience.

Remediation of your home often begins before the drying procedure takes place correctly. Contamination levels are category two or category three when dealing with floodwaters. SERVPRO technicians work hard to decontaminate waters during the pumping and extraction phase, then disinfecting the structure after. However, by implementing humidity controls during the decontamination phase, we can help to reduce moisture migration and microbial amplification.

Setting up humidity controls is achievable by using dehumidifiers, which are either refrigerant, working similarly to air conditioning, or with desiccant chemicals which utilize moisture-absorbing gel. In situations where flooding is limited to one portion of the structure but not others, we can set up negative air pressure using an air filtration device. Using negative air pressure can affect humidity controls, and we may need to use more powerful dehumidifiers to achieve the same result.

Maintaining a healthy humidity during the restoration of floodwaters is essential to avoiding expensive secondary damages. Contact SERVPRO of Taunton / Mansfield at (508) 824-0200 for assistance.

More about Taunton.

Water Contamination Issues After Flood Damage in Taunton

1/24/2020 (Permalink)

We are available 24/7. Call the experts at (508) 824-0200.

You should always have a plan for when your Taunton home floods

Perhaps one of the most distressing concerns for Taunton residents suffering from the flooding is water contamination. Supply line breaks and overflowing tubs are emergencies, but the water is typically clean, and secondary damage is rare if extraction and drying are swift. Hundreds of gallons of water from drain backups or overland flooding after a storm add significant hazards to the fluid buildup, and professional removal and drying must include management of these dangerous substances.

Flood Waters Are by Definition Category 3

The flood damage to your Taunton residence requires an approach that contains the affected spaces and water collected. If heavy rains overwhelm storm sewers, the main waste pipe from your house can push human and animal blood and feces-borne pathogens into your home. Often at the same time, flooding from paved areas and the ground seeps through your foundation walls into the basement or lower level of your home. Landscaping and roadway chemicals and industrial waste make their way inside. Category 3 water is the most contaminated, and best practices prescribe caution and personal protective equipment when handling.

Flood Water Disposal Limited by Local Regulation

SERVPRO trains and keeps up to date on current requirements for appropriate disposal of hazardous waste, including floodwater. We obtain any necessary permits and complete forms or other paperwork to avoid official sanctions at this already stressful time.

Containment Within Your Home

As SERVPRO technicians work to pump and extract flood water, we guard against spreading contaminants into other areas of your home. Before work commences, we often broadcast-spray an EPA-registered disinfectant over the surfaces to reduce the pathogen load. Because pumping and extraction activities can cause some vaporization of the dirty water, we consider sealing off the work area with a negative pressure air scrubbing system. The system captures airborne debris in HEPA filters and then exhausts to the outdoors. Living areas outside of the workspace are thus protected. After the space is free of liquid water, we disinfect again and continue the containment during structural drying when the air movement and accelerated vaporization otherwise could send contaminants into the rest of your home.

Count on SERVPRO of Taunton/Mansfield to manage even heavily contaminated floodwaters safely and lawfully. Call us as soon as the flooding is evident at (508) 824-0200. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Learn more about Taunton.

Salvaging Your Tools after Flood Damage Covers Your Taunton Neighborhood

11/21/2019 (Permalink)

Taunton residents don’t panic over your tools, SERVPRO will be there for your flood damage.

Let SERVPRO help you save it all when you have a flood damage in Taunton.

It took time to collect all of the tools in your Taunton garage, but a disaster like a flood can destroy so many of your possessions. These losses might include projects you made using those tools, making their loss seem even more terrible. Getting them cleaned up as quickly as possible can save many from corrosion and, in the case of power tools, from needing you to replace the entire tool.

While you might need to replace some of the tools you kept in your Taunton garage, flood damage doesn't need to claim all of them. Our building department, with General Contractor License # CS-108357, utilizes many power tools and other pieces of equipment when we restore and repair water-damaged materials, fixtures, and items. We can dry off the exteriors and if there are not electrical wiring or other damage to the power tool, it may still be operational. If not working, then a specialist needs to be called in to attempt to salvage the tool.

Hand tools also require similar measures to prevent corrosion. Corroded tools become difficult to handle easily, develop sharps burs, and generally end up unsafe to work with unless the user wears heavy gloves to protect their hands. We can wipe them down with cleaning agents to remove residues and then apply a light application of oil to seal out moisture

The rest of your garage also needs extensive work after a flood. Heavy work tables require cleaning and drying to prevent warping and splitting of both legs and other areas that remained submerged.

We also flush out debris and clean out the garage. Flooding can carry heavy items, including large pieces of trees, trash, and broken pieces of glass. The force behind floodwaters can also break panels laid up against the base of the garage's walls in anticipation of future projects, and then push them around. 

We try to organize everything for you so you can see which items do need to be replaced or salvaged. This attention to detail helps ensure customer satisfaction.

SERVPRO of Taunton/Mansfield is also near Norton and Raynham, ready to help residents with all of the flood damage restoration needs. Call us at (508) 824-0200 for a fast response and a competent restoration crew.

To find out more about Taunton, click here.

We Act Fast To Limit More Damage To Your Taunton Home After Flood Damage

8/22/2019 (Permalink)

Our trained technicians are ready 24/7 and have state of the art equipment and expertise to bring with them to any size job.

Tools for Removing Floodwater in a Taunton Basement

Basements can be an ongoing problem for Taunton homeowners, especially in a rapidly aging property. With structural degradation combined with hydrostatic pressures from groundwater against the blockwork of the foundation, you have a recipe for water penetration. While this scenario might be light at first, a single breach in these defenses leads to flooding when those leaks open more prominent crevices and cracks in the construction of the basement walls.

While flood damage in Taunton homes can happen from multiple sources and scenarios, leaks and penetration through subterranean masonry is a common culprit. As water can pass through these walls with less and less resistance, standing water becomes a much more likely result. Our SERVPRO professionals know that We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster, which means that we can help you whenever disasters like this strike without hesitation or delay.

Many homeowners might have access to specific tools needed for extraction and water removal, but none have the extensive inventory of removal and drying equipment available to our SERVPRO team. We continually invest in the latest equipment used by our parental brand to offer unparalleled recovery options when every minute counts. Here are some of the tools that our professionals use when removing flood damage from your basement level:

-      Wet/Dry Vac with Extraction Wands    

-      Extractor Truck

-      Gas-Powered Trash Pump

-      Portable Sump Pump

-      Drying Mats

-      Air Movers

-      Dehumidifiers (Desiccant and Low Grain Refrigerant)

During the initial mitigation process, where our professionals must remove at-risk items stored in the basement and begin setting up extraction and drying tools, we can determine the best units for the job at hand. For inaccessible areas that can be challenging to reach, the Injecti-Dry System and the use of our wet-vacs with extraction wands can help to reduce the need for material removal.

Our professionals work to make all flood loss situations “Like it never even happened.” We have the training and experience to handle all levels of loss incidents and a deep inventory of recovery tools to help. No matter when disasters strike, or how floodwater enters your basement level, you can trust our SERVPRO of Taunton / Mansfield team to arrive 24/7. Give us a call today at (508) 824-0200.

See more about Taunton.

Storm Damage and Electrical Fires

6/7/2019 (Permalink)

Fire Restoration to a bathroom in a home in Taunton.

When most people think of storm damage, they usually think of caved in roofs, broken windows, and water damage. What is sometimes forgotten are electrical fires. A fire can ensue after lightening strikes a home.  In addition, electrical fires can start even when lightening strikes away from the property and causes electricity to run through pipes and wires sparking a fire inside the home. This is one of the reasons why it's so important to stay away baths, showers, and other water sources within your property during a lightening storm. Both water and metal are excellent conductors of electricity.

If your home has encountered an electrical fire, please do not hesitate to call the certified professionals at SERVPRO of Taunton / Mansfield today to assess the damage and begin restoring your home. 

Sewage Water in Your Basement or Home After a Storm

6/7/2019 (Permalink)

Sewage Water in Your Basement or Home After a Storm

If your basement, home, or business ever experiences a sewage contamination after a storm, it is very important to call professionals to restore the damage.  Sewage water is known as category 3 black water and should only be removed by professionals certified in bio-hazard removal. The technicians at SERVPRO of Taunton / Mansfield are trained for sewage, bio hazard, and category 3 black water clean up. Water from overflowing lakes, ponds, and rivers is also considered category 3 black water due to the possible microbe contaminants and should only be removed by professionals as well.  

If your property has experienced a flood or sewage contamination of any sort, please do not hesitate to call us today at SERVPRO of Taunton / Mansfield.  

Things to Do to Be Prepared in the Event Your Home is Affected by a Hurricane

5/24/2019 (Permalink)

Things to Do to Be Prepared in the Event Your Home is Affected by a Hurricane

Take inventory. “The last thing you want to be doing after you’ve been affected by a hurricane is to try to remember everything you had in the house. Having an inventory will make the process of getting through the claim and getting back to normal so much easier.” Keep the inventory list in a safe place away from your home like a safe deposit box.

Update your insurance. Make sure you have the right amount of insurance, and fill in a few key gaps in coverage.  Call your Insurance Agent for more information.

SERVPRO® of Taunton/Mansfield will work with your insurance and try to make things go as smoothly as we can for you. Faster to Any Disaster

Source: Kiplinger

Protecting Your Roof During a Hurricane

4/18/2019 (Permalink)

Protecting Your Roof During a Hurricane

Protect your roof. Consider hurricane straps to ensure your roof is bolted to the rest of your house. And inspect your roof tiles or shingles to make sure they are secure. Use roofing cement to fix any loose tiles to prevent them from becoming lethal projectiles during a storm and damaging the underlying roofing material. Seal any areas where wires enter the home, minimizing the chance of water damage during heavy wind and rain.

Trim your trees. Broken limbs could land on your (or your neighbor’s) roof/house or become missiles that can break windows during a storm. If your tree damages your house or a neighbor’s house, your insurance cover the damages, but it may pay only a portion.

If your home is damaged during a Cape Cod area storm, call the professionals at SERVPRO of Upper Cape Cod and the Islands.  Faster to Any Disaster

Source: kiplinger.com

Securing Your Home for Hurricanes

4/4/2019 (Permalink)

Securing Your Home for Hurricanes

Brace your garage door to prevent more-extensive damage.  Most garage doors are not reinforced, and when the wind gets into the garage, it creates a positive push at the same time that the wind swirling above the structure creates a negative pull. That push-pull combination can cause the roof to fly off. Find a kit that you can buy at home-improvement stores to brace your garage doors.

Secure your windows and doors. Broken windows can let in wind and rain, and they can also increase the pressure under the roof. Storm shutters provide the best protection, but boarding up windows when a storm is on the way can help, too. Make sure doors have several locking mechanisms so they don’t fly open; deadbolts are best. And it’s important to secure windows and doors at all sides of the home -- not just the one facing the body of water where hurricanes could form -- because hurricanes can swirl in any direction.

Source: kiplinger

Taunton and Mansfield area - Are you Storm Aware?

8/21/2018 (Permalink)

Taunton and Mansfield area - Are you Storm Aware?

As we continue to see storms throughout our Taunton and Mansfield area cities, we at SERVPRO® of Taunton and Mansfield want you to be aware of what the different threat levels mean so that you can be better prepared for whatever happens. 

Flash Flood Watch

A Flash Flood Watch is issued when conditions are favorable for flash flooding. It does not mean that flash flooding will occur, but it is possible.

Flash Flood Warning

A Flash Flood Warning is issued when flash flooding is imminent or occurring.

Flood Watch

A Flood Watch is issued when conditions are favorable for flooding. It does not mean flooding will occur, but it is possible.

Flood Warning

A Flood Warning is issued when flooding is imminent or occurring.

If your home or commercial building ever suffers flood damage, call the SERVPRO® of Taunton and Mansfield experts.

A List of Useful Tips on Black Mold Remediation

6/5/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Taunton/Mansfield is a leading name in black mold restoration in the areas of Taunton, MA and Mansfield, MA and other areas on Cape Cod.

When storms or floods hit the Taunton area, SERVPRO will be here to help!

All at once the skies open up and it seems like the rain won’t stop! Sounds like a scene out of a movie but seriously summertime is a common time when crazy storms brew in the Atlantic Ocean bringing wind and rain to the Bristol County area of Massachusetts.  When it rains more than the ground can filter the water is when flooding occurs. The excess of water through the ground, cracks in your foundation or your gutters or roof can cause water damage inside your property and becomes the primary reason for mold growth in sometimes as quick as 72 hours. This is when you rely on hiring a competent mold remediation professionals from leading companies such as SERVPRO of Taunton/Mansfield.

Here’s a list of ways to prepare and prevent water and mold at your residential or commercial property:

Presence of Storm and Flooding Conditions

There are numerous factors that lead to flooding in your area. You will notice that the rivers and streams will have a high-water table and may even be overflowing the river’s bank. The streets in your neighborhood will become flooded too. It’s only a matter of time until the properties are affected by the heavy rains and flooding conditions. The main reasons are the presence of ideal temperatures and the right amount of moisture in the air that cause such storms.

Useful Tips for Flood Prevention

One of the most effective ways to prevent flooding is with excavating practices. Making sure the grade of the earth that surrounds your property is done to move the water away from your foundation. Cleaning gutters is always on the top of the list too as they can fill up and cause the water to back up into the property. Lastly, removing any trees that could directly hit your roof exposing your property to the outside elements. If you’re looking for help with fixing a water damage and preventing mold problems, get the help of professional water damage restoration companies who will eliminate any and all causes before mold becomes a problem for you.

How to Recover from a Storm

Hiring SERVPRO of Taunton/Mansfield can help you recover from a storm or flooding at your property with making one phone call. From the emergency service to stop damage to rebuilding or repairing your property we can do it all. Being onsite within an hour is critical to immediately stop secondary damage to the other parts of your property that were not affected by the damage. By extracting any standing water and removing anything that is dangerous like fallen ceilings the situation is under control. You might need other services and even help with your claims process. This is the case especially if the storm has affected a lot of people in the area, you want to make sure you and your property are a priority. It’s also a good idea to know the cost of repairs or the replacement of your things prior to an insurance adjuster arriving on scene. SERVPRO offers the best and the most effective storm damage solutions for both residential and commercial properties.

For more information on our competent storm and flooding cleanup, feel free to call us at (508) 824-0200.

Hurricane Season

6/1/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Taunton/Mansfield is here to help with your storm damage restoration, call us at 508-824-0200.

Preparing for a Storm in the Bristol County Area

If a catastrophic storm was reported in the area would you be ready? Preparation is a key component for making it through any size emergency, whether it’s a small storm or a category five hurricane. The best time for planning for such events is before the report hits the airwaves. Most of us don’t plan for a tragedy, but the fact is you can do just that. As the 2018 hurricane season begins, June 1- November 30th, take the time to ask yourself, would we be ready?

How to Start an Emergency Plan

By developing an Emergency Ready Profile for your business and home you minimize interruption to your life with an action plan to guide you through the storm damage. Sometimes the difference is knowing what to do if it is needed.  Your family and employees will thank you for having a plan that gives them peace of mind. This types of plans are easily available online at American Red Cross and on ready.gov. However sometimes these plans can seem daunting to do by yourself. That’s when a local restoration company like SERVPRO of Taunton/Mansfield comes in handy. We can walk you through the different steps of setting up an Emergency Ready Profile for their home or business (and its free). 

Beth Russell, Co-Owner at SERVPRO of Taunton/Mansfield, can help you through this process. Beth has years of experience and can help you make a plan and get informed so you can be ready at no cost. A concise plan that contains only the critical information needed in the event of a storm only takes minutes and can help reduce the amount of time your business is closed helping you to recover financially sound. This can reduce stress, worry and money while identifying who’s in charge of the different responsibilities.

If a category 5 hurricane hits the area this Summer, it’s important to know a company who you could call for help. Though it is a scary thought, imagine that everyone on your street needed service all at the same time, don’t you want to be at the top of the list?  Being a established customer with a reputable local company helps to do just that.

5 Must Haves in an Emergency Plan

  • The supplies such as a radio and flashlight must have at least a three-day supply of batteries and all devices such as iPad and phones are fully charged
  • All-important contacts must be documented somewhere you can access easily such as doctor, insurance carrier, and bank including how you would communicate with each one; phone number and email address
  • Make sure there is an emergency plan in place where you and your family spend time; home, work, school or daycare
  • Have a minimum three-day supply kit including blankets, food, water and any necessary medicines (make sure to include these items for any pets)
  • A list of all family members including their date of birth, social security number and medical information

SERVPRO of Taunton/Mansfield offers the best storm damage restoration for home and business owners. Give us a call at (508) 824-0200 if you need help after a storm.

Useful Tips on Storm Damage Restoration

5/25/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Taunton/Mansfield offers the most effective storm damage remediation for all the residents of Taunton, Mansfield & various Cape Cod towns.

What to Do After a Severe Storm Hits Your Property

In New England, the northeaster storms are a recurring event which leave behind a devastating damage. This includes property damage on both commercial and residential properties of residents in the Greater Bristol County Area including Taunton and Mansfield, MA. SERVPRO of Taunton/Mansfield, with its disaster team, is always ready to help you out with any and all kinds of storm damage restoration. Our team of professional, skilled and competent crew is trained to handle your property proficiently and deliver the best and desired results to you. We understand that storm damage can become a cause for water, mold and even fire damage. Don’t worry, we offer all the services needed to recover under our company’s umbrella and we’re ready to restore your property so effectively that the damage will seem ‘like it never even happened’.

Here’s a list of useful tips for properly inspecting and restoring storm damage at your house or commercial premises:

Useful Tips on Inspection and Immediate Restoration  

First and foremost, keep in mind that if you have been evacuated don’t take the chance and stay at your property to handle protecting efforts on your own during the storm. Always wait for the official authorities’ clearance call before getting out of your safety area. Once you have the green signal, only then invest your time and effort in inspecting and making initial restoration. We advise that you call SERVPRO of Taunton/Mansfield before taking any action. Our professionals will guide you through what needs to be done till they reach your property.

Here’s a list of things you can do:

  • Carefully inspect the house/office all over. Visit every corner of the property. Note down the intensity of damage. You may also take pictures to use for insurance. But keep in mind that you should steer clear of any and all areas that seem unsafe in any aspect.
  • Do not walk into rooms or spaces that may have exposed electrical wiring, especially if that area is flooded with water. Ensure that you’ve switched off the electricity from the main switch before walking into your property. Do not walk into dark areas without proper lighting.
  • Do not touch, move or remove heavy items such as floored carpets, sofas, armchairs, furniture, appliances, etc. Most of these will pose a safety threat because of being extremely heavy due to water absorption. Do not touch any electrical appliances.
  • Take pictures of damaged and affected areas from a safe distance. Do not walk into, under, onto, or over dangerous spaces such as stairs, attics, basements, balconies, etc. Any place that creaks noisily has to be avoided at all costs as it may cause physical damage to you.
  • You may however bring out small items such as valuables, pieces of art, expensive decorative items, etc. into an open dry space and let the excess water evaporate under the sun. This will help in the water damage restoration process of our professional crew.
  • For books, magazines, etc., it is better to let them stay where they are if they are inside shelves, cabinets, desks, etc. If you pull them out, it may distort and damage the books. However, ensure that you pull out valuable documents and keep them dry and safe.
  • Do not try to work on the plumbing, heating, cooling, ventilation and electrical network within your home. What you’re about to do may seem like a small act in your favor, but it may become the cause of damaging your property on a large scale, not to mention the safety risks involved.
  • Once you have taken care of everything that you can do, wait for our professional crew to show up. Let them do their job and with your coordination and cooperation, they will restore your property back to its former glory. We always deliver the best solutions and results to our clients.
  • Storms can even cause fires which means that you will have to look into fire and smoke damage restoration Avoid using candles if possible. We advise that you stay away from open circuits, electrical wires, switches, plugs and the likes. It is never safe to handle such situations on your own.
  • If the water from the storm is left to sink in, it will eventually lead to mold growth. Mold damage restoration by our experienced crew will ensure that all sources of excess water are repaired so as to lower the unwanted moisture content back to normal levels.

Always remember that professionals who have been effectively dealing with storm damage of all shapes and sizes for years will definitely know how to handle it more efficiently than inexperienced and unskilled crew. So always invest your money and time in leading companies that have years of experience, such as SERVPRO of Taunton/Mansfield.

For further queries, call us at (508) 824-0200.

5 Guiding Steps for Mold Remediation after a Storm

4/19/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Taunton/Mansfield delivers the best services in Taunton & Mansfield, MA in term of storm damage remediation for any and all size disasters.

If your property has experienced a water damage due to a storm whether it is ground water intrusion, sump pump failure or roof leak if it goes untreated you have a greater chance of having mold. Mold is a fungus that breeds on moisture. Mold development in the different areas of a house gives a disturbing odor that is musty which is the warning that your home or business’s air quality may not be healthy. Growing mold is considered a very dreadful situation for all homeowners. The bathrooms, walls, ceiling, kitchen cabinets and wardrobe are some of the significant places that get occupied by mold. In the recent event of nor ‘east storm Skylar, Riley and cyclone bomb. The towns of Taunton/Mansfield effected by the storm followed by strong winds, snow and flooding include Taunton, Raynham, Norton, Easton, Mansfield, Berkley, Rehoboth, Dighton, Seekonk, and Swansea. We all are aware of the fact that water plays a significant role in spore growth. For effective storm damage remediation, we have listed five steps that should be followed for basic processes for quick mold remediation:

Evaluate the Moisture Content

Assessing mold growth is not limited to what we see with our eyes, you need to give a thorough look on the walls as well in the corners. First, you need to understand the reason behind all mold growth. Water or moisture problem due to flooding caused by storm or leakages is a primary reason for mold buildup. The ultimate goal lies in identifying moisture source and locating all other location with mold presence.

Have a Proper Remediation Plan

Next comes the remediation plan. Before you start it, it is recommended to document the mold situation with photos which is part of our service. This will help the restoration team and will be useful in your insurance claim. These documents will assist in developing a remediation plan, which typically answers the questions related to work startup time, work completion time, any testing that should be done, or will homeowners be temporarily relocated all things come mentioned in this document.

Assess Extent of Contamination

Mold growth is not restricted to certain places.  So, calculating the extent of contamination is very significant. This will decide how water removal and cleanup will take place. The goal of mold remediation is to clean mold growing within the home and to prevent residents from the exposure to mold.

Effective Mold Remediation

The care of the residents and the workers are a top priority during mold remediation. The procedure will also prevent new growth by addressing the moisture source which will be based on your calculation of the contaminated area. This procedure is further divided into the following steps:

  • Repair any and all water system problems
  • Isolate the contaminate area
  • Remove any and all soggy materials
  • Properly discard mold/wet materials in plastic bags
  • Effectively clean porous/wood surfaces damaged by mold
  • Clean all surfaces and areas along egress
  • Properly inspect the area to be completely positive you got all areas
  • Dry any and all textiles/materials out in the sun
  • Replace whatever is damaged beyond repair

Successful Professional Cleanup

At the end, we need to be sure that our cleanup efforts have been successful. According to EPA guidelines look for the following points:

  • Revisit the entire house and verify that there is no lingering moisture problem remaining in the property.
  • Inspect for signs of visible and hidden mold and check other furniture and surfaces for spore remnants.
  • The house/office should be ready for reoccupation without any health hazards.
  • As per the mold problem in the house/office, ensure proper testing so the property is fit for living.

Mold Removal after Storm

Storms naturally create many situations that encourage mold growth. It may occur due to flooding, leakages or blockages in the pipes. So, it will be better to be efficient regarding inspection of pipes before the storm to avoid any unfavorable consequences. If you’re facing such a problem, it will be better to call in professional remediators for effective removal of mold.

If you have any more questions regarding storm, water and mold damage, contact SERVPRO of Taunton/Mansfield at (508) 824-0200.

10 Essential Tips for Effectively Reducing Property Storm Damage

4/5/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Taunton/Mansfield a crew of skilled, experienced, trained and licensed storm damage remediation crew that offer professional services.

A storm can only be forecasted in advance, but the damage caused by it can never be estimated beforehand. Before a storm hits an area, it is always advised that you be prepared for the worst and hope for the best to happen. Recently, Skylar, Riley and Cyclone Bomb devastated far and wide in the Bristol County area. From Raynham to Norton, Taunton to Easton, Mansfield to Berkley, Rehoboth to Dighton, and Seekonk to Swansea; everywhere was hit hard and properties were left damaged in the wake. SERVPRO of Taunton/Mansfield is always dedicated to serving its community. We deliver the best storm, water and mold remediation to homeowners and offices to restore your damaged property to "Like it never even happened."

Here, we offer ten very useful tips to minimalize storm damage at your property:

Follow Official Storm Warnings

Once the concerned authorities have issued a storm warning, make sure you know where all family members and loved ones are and relocate if needed to a safe location within your house, shelter or a location that will not be effected by the storm. If the warning is higher, evacuation is strongly suggested for safety. Do not try to drive the roads sightseeing the scenery or repair any property damage once the storm hits.

Check Water Inlets/Outlets

Make sure that all inlets and outlets of the water/drain system are open and not clogged. Storms bring in debris, dirt, and garbage which can easily block the gutters and drains, causing water to pool in or flood into significant areas of your house/office. Seek competent water damage services.

Inspect Water Pipes

In winter, ensure that all hot water tanks and pipes are insulated properly to prevent them from freezing. In summer, keep all release points free of any and all obstructions. Maintain a regular checkup, before and after a storm.

Trim Risky/Damaged Foliage

Keep the trees in your yard in check. Make sure that there are no dangling branches which may be risky or dangerous during the high and strong winds of a storm. Any breakage could damage roofs, windows, and walls.

Secure All Fences

White picket fences or any other decorative fences may not be strong enough to survive through a storm. Even if you have a metal mesh fencing, always check that the fence is securely grounded, otherwise remove it completely.

Check Property Roofing

If you have shingles, roof insulations, roof tiles, decorative roofing, keep a detailed check on any areas that might be chipping off or breaking. Any loose fragments in the roofing will break, fall and damage the house.

Store Outdoor Furniture

Garden furniture, patio furniture, deck furniture, decorative gnomes, tables, etc., basically anything which is not tied down or fastened into the ground, remove it and store it in the shed, garage or basement.

Maintain Water Temperature

Depending on the seasons, there is always a recommended maintenance temperature for pipes, boilers, water systems, etc. This is to ensure that the water does not freeze or heat up enough to a steam. Follow the recommended guidelines.

Revisit Home Insurance

The most important thing to do before and after a storm is to check your home insurance. Much of the damage done to your property may be covered by the insurance. Get professional help to assess what you can get help with.

Professional Mold Remediation

Mold growth is one of the most visible outcomes of storm damage to the property. Since there is too much influx of water in all the gutters, pipes, downspouts, etc., there is bound to be pooling of water at some place. If this water is left as it is, it will surely become the breeding ground for mold. After a storm, we recommend that you get professional mold remediation service to inspect, assess and treat your property.

SERVPRO of Taunton/Mansfield offers the best storm damage restoration for homeowners as well as business owners. If you’re facing issues due to storm, water and mold damage, give us a call at (508) 824-0200.

When Storms or Floods hit Taunton, Massachusetts, SERVPRO of Taunton/Mansfield is ready!

7/8/2016 (Permalink)

Our highly trained crews are ready to respond 24/7 to storm or flood damage in Taunton, Massachusetts.

Resources to Handle Floods and Storms

SERVPRO of Taunton/Mansfield specializes in storm and flood damage restoration.  Our crews are highly trained and we use specialized equipment to restore your property to its pre-storm condition. You wouldn’t wait until December 24 to start preparing for Christmas, so why wait until a storm is predicted to begin preparing for that event. As someone who works well under the pressure of a deadline, I understand how attractive procrastination can be. But when it comes to the safety of my family and taking care of my property, I cannot put off until tomorrow what should be dealt with today. When you plan before a crisis, you have the benefit of clarity of thought and therefore your action plan will be complete and hopefully your emergency kit will contain a few unexpected pleasures.

When storms hit Taunton, we can scale our resources to handle a large storm or flooding disaster. We have the equipment and personnel to make storm damage, “Like it never even happened.” According to the FEMA website, there are several plans to put into place now so that you can rest somewhat easy when television stations across the state preempt favorite television shows to talk about an approaching storm.

Four Easy Steps to Help Get You Ready

Step 1: Have a Plan

Having a plan in place for receiving emergency alerts and make sure all family members know where to meet in case the family is separated before or during an event. Cell phone coverage will most likely be limited so know where the closest emergency shelter is and consider making that your meeting place. Make a paper list of contact numbers and make sure all members of the family have a copy of the list. Just as an aside, don’t you miss the days when we could memorize our children’s and parents’ telephone numbers?

Step 2: Create an Emergency Kit

Having an emergency kit is key. While most people know that it is important to put together an emergency kit, the majority of people do not know what items to put into the kit. After all, one person’s necessity is another person’s, “what the heck is that doing in here?” According to ready.gov, the kit should contain one gallon of water per person for at least three days, a flashlight with batteries, medications, a first aid kit, a whistle to signal for help, pliers or a wrench to turn off water or utilities, a manual can opener, and non-perishable canned goods. The kit can also contain games that the family can play or small toys and activities, depending on the age of your children. Consider including some hygiene products, such as hand sanitizer, wet cloths, and deodorant. Since you are preparing this kit well in advance of a storm, consider putting in some nice to have items, such as chocolate or other treats. Yes, you should change those items out with a fresh supply every few months.

Step 3: Get Alternative Energy

If you have a backup power generator, make sure that it has been installed by a licensed electrician and has been tested. If the generator is gas powered, be sure that it is located a safe distance from the home. If you are using a fireplace or wood stove as a heat source during power loss, make sure that you have enough wood to keep warm for at least three days and that the home is properly ventilated. Check on neighbors—especially elderly neighbors—to make sure they are warm and safe. While a gas grill can be a great alternate cooking source, NEVER bring it inside the home or into garage.

Step 4: Have Needed Supplies

Hurricane season starts in June and winds down in November. Hurricane preparedness only takes a few days to consider the items you use on a daily basis, the things your children love and that bring them comfort and make sure that as many of those items as possible are in your emergency kit. When a hurricane or severe storm does hit, it can be very inconvenient and uncomfortable. Being prepared for the storm can take away some of that discomfort and even make surviving a few days without power a fun memory. If the power does go out, chances are gas stations will not have power either and therefore, pumps will not work. Make sure that your vehicle’s gas tank is full and that there is gas for the generator, chain saw or snow blower (you never know in NE).

Faster Response

Since we are locally owned and operated, we are able to respond quicker with the right resources, which is extremely important. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces the restoration cost.

Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today 508-824-0200