Strange Odor in your Home? SERVPRO Laurel can help!

9/9/2024 (Permalink)

Candles can mask indoor odors temporarily. But for more serious and lingering odor, SERVPRO of Laurel/ Greenbelt can help!

Detect a strange odor in your Laurel or Beltsville-Greenbelt home or commercial building?

If so, you might ask where it’s coming from. Is there a specific source that’s letting off this smell? What’s causing it, and how can it be eliminated once and for all?

Sometimes, an odor can originate from a deceased animal trapped in your attic. That’s a simpler cleanup. Other times, the odor could be much more difficult to pinpoint. When the situation is more complex or dispersed, there’s more of a science to identifying the root of the issue.

This is when SERVPRO Team Gutierrez of Laurel and Greenbelt NE/Beltsville E steps in. Our highly-trained technicians have taken IICRC technical classes to learn how to properly identify and remove odors.

Oftentimes, people try masking a serious odor. In attempt to scare the smell away, here are a few common methods used, but are either very temporary or to be used with caution:

• Purchase and light a candle warmer
• Spray a pleasant scent
• Sprinkle baking soda everywhere (which can neutralize odors permanently, however, use caution or avoid if you have pets. If ingested, animals can become ill)
• Cleaning furniture or walls with soapy water
• Leaving windows open (which is sometimes a preventative measure to take, but can also allow additional moisture to travel inside depending on climate and temperatures)

If the odor stems from an issue such as mold, a gas leak, improper heating equipment, a blocked chimney, or spilled chemicals, the methods above might cover the smell for a short while, but will not be able to stop the smell from resurfacing. In many of these instances, the smell could lead to health effects.

If you discover the source, and it’s an easy fix (rotting vegetables in your refrigerator, a bag of old gym shoes in your garage, food stuck in your drain because you forgot to use the garbage disposal, etc.), then you’re in luck. However, you will want to call a professional immediately if the circumstances seem more dangerous/hazardous or if you cannot pinpoint a harmless source after searching.

Leave it to SERVPRO Team Gutierrez of Laurel and of Greenbelt NE/Beltsville E if you want a safe, thorough and effective cleanup. With our extensive knowledge and latest, state-of-the-art equipment, we will have the odor source identified and carefully eliminated.

Call us at 301-323-8862 with any questions or needs for odor removal and deodorization.

Visit our webpage for details:

www.SERVPROlaurelgreenbelt.com/odor-removal-deodorization

Sept 12 is National Day of Encouragement!

9/9/2024 (Permalink)

Small gestures and words of encouragement can make someone's day or change their lives.

Sept 12 marks the annual National Day of Encouragement, and this year that’s this Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024! Its purpose is to encourage people to encourage others.

You never know how you can shape someone’s day or how you might be able to turn someone’s day around.

Were you ever having a rough day and a co-worker complimented you? Maybe a classmate told you that your presentation was great. Maybe a co-worker, sibling, or friend told you to keep up the great work. The gesture costs little to nothing, but it can impact someone’s day, week, or even life unimaginably. Check out the story in this link (talk about life-changing!):

https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/medical/alabama-woman-reveals-life-changing-advice-she-received-from-state-trooper-who-pulled-her-over-for-speeding-right-person-right-time/ar-AA1qbRaH

Here a few simple ideas on how you can encourage someone:

• Write a simple note or send an email
• Give them a small gift, such as a flower or notepad
• Invite them to lunch and talk with them. A listening ear is all someone needs sometimes!
• In an encouraging manner, share an advice on how they can stay on top of their goals

At SERVPRO Team Gutierrez of Laurel and of Greenbelt/ Beltsville, encouraging team members to “Be the Best,” “Be a Game Changer,” “Do the Right Thing,” and “Be Positive” are our daily mottos. We’re confident you’ll be able to inspire and encourage someone every day!

A SERVPRO Emergency Ready Plan can expedite service & save time and money

9/9/2024 (Permalink)

Having a SERVPRO Emergency Ready Profile can save a lot of time, energy and money when disasters strike.

Did you know up to 50% of businesses afflicted by a disaster will never reopen? The statistic may be shocking, but what isn’t very surprising is that the vast majority of the surviving businesses had previously established a preparedness plan.

Disasters such as storms and flooding can strike at anytime, anywhere, and Prince George's County, Maryland is no exception. Unfortunately, all catastrophes cannot be prevented, which means it is imperative to have an emergency plan in place just in case an unexpected event occurs.

It's why preparation is key and can save a lot of time, energy and money: The SERVPRO® Emergency Ready Plan app works to prevent situations from escalating. The app, designed for commercial use, is marketed towards property and risk managers and towards business owners.

Some benefits of the app include:

• An assessment at no charge
• A Profile Document containing only necessary information geared for a time of emergency
• A quick reference for you and your employees (especially if the owner/manager is away on a business trip, for example).
• A free guide outlining important steps to take post-disaster
• A connection and direct contact with your local SERVPRO

SERVPRO Team Gutierrez customers, including those in Laurel, Beltsville & Greenbelt are offered this service free of charge. After downloading the SERVPRO Emergency Ready Plan app onto an electronic device, a SERVPRO team member will meet with the client to map the property they own or manage.

Mapping the territory includes, but is not limited to, making note of water pipes, crawl spaces and fire exits. Information such as the square footage of the building and photographs of the property are collected and stored in the app as well.

Although gathering and recording this information on the app may sound like a lengthy process, employees have noted they can finish the plan in about 30 minutes. Additionally, owners can go back into the app and add more detail or update over time. There’s nothing to lose, and everything to gain!

If you prepare for the future, you will “Save Early for Disaster Costs.” Utilizing tools to prevent damage, to prevent loss, and to prevent losing your business to a disaster, is one of the best ways to ensure the “health” of what you own or manage. 

It’s simple, and it’s free. Save now to avoid large costs later. Download the application in the App Store or from the link below:

https://ready.SERVPRO.com/Home/MobileApp

Please feel free to call SERVPRO Team Gutierrez of Laurel & Greenbelt NE/Beltsville E at 301-323-8862 with any questions you may have about the ERP.

We're also here 24/7 for any cleanup & restoration needs from storm, water, fire, mold or other property damage.

Campfire can bring family, friends together. But be safe!

8/29/2024 (Permalink)

This fall season, create memories by having a campfire with family and friends! Be sure to follow safety precautions so that everyone has a good time!

Kids are back in school and Autumn is just a few weeks away after Labor Day weekend. It'll be the perfect time to have a campfire with family or friends.

While enjoying spending time in the outdoors with your crew, it’s important to remember campfire safety, especially as dry foliage can be a serious fire hazard.

When leaves catch on fire, irritants are released into the air, which can cause respiratory problems. Additionally, campfires that aren’t properly prepared or maintained can cause huge issues such as burns or out-of-control fires, possibly developing into a forest fires.

Follow these important steps to keep everyone safe before and after the campfire, so that everyone can have a great time:

1. Selecting your campfire spot: Look for signs and follow rules! If the area has rules prohibiting campfires, find another area, and do not build your campfire in an area with dry and/or hazardous conditions. Watch out for tree branches, and be sure to make your fire at least 15 feet from any shrubs, bushes, trees and tents. Inspect the area, ensuring no flammable items are nearby. Do not build a fire if winds are strong.
2. Building your pit: If there’s no pit, you can dig your own. This website has great tips, along with pictures, on how to do so: https://smokeybear.com/en/prevention-how-tos/campfire-safety/how-to-prepare-your-campfire-pit
3. Building your campfire: For everyone’s safety, it’s always important to gather a bucket of water along with a shovel before starting up the fire. When gathering wood, do not cut a tree or an entire branch. Instead, gather small twigs, and sticks or pieces of wood you find on the ground (or which you purchase). Large pieces of wood should always be stacked upwind, away from the fire. Make sure you don’t collect sticks from an animal’s dwelling space. If you’re using matches to start the fire, make sure it’s cold before discarding (into your trash bag, of course). Once you start a fire, it must be monitored at all times. Adult supervision is required at all times. Children and pets must be closely and carefully watched.
4. Maintaining a fire: Once you are pleased with your campfire, add larger pieces of wood to keep it going steadily, but keep your fire to a manageable size. Do not let it get out of hand. Also, do not burn plastics, cans, or glass, as doing so can result in explosions, shattering, or the release of dangerous fumes.
5. Extinguishing your fire: If possible, allow firewood to burn to ash. Then, pour water on the fire. All embers must be completely soaked and dead (no red embers). Until the hissing sound stops, keep pouring water on the area. Remember, if it’s too hot to touch, it’s not yet safe to leave. Add more water, dirt, and/or sand until all materials are cool.

We hope these campfire tips are helpful and will keep you and your family & friends safe! Enjoy Autumn 2024 from your friends at SERVPRO Team Gutierrez, of Laurel and of Greenbelt/ Beltsville, Prince George's County, MD.

Commercial Fire? SERVPRO of Laurel & Greenbelt/Beltsville is Faster to Any Size Disaster™!

8/29/2024 (Permalink)

Fire damage at your commercial property? Leave the cleanup & restoration to our well-trained and certified technicians at SERVPRO Team Gutierrez.

Has your commercial property recently experienced a fire?

Whether you manage or own commercial property, you know that fire loss can be extremely devastating and can have a huge financial impact. Not only does fire destroy property, furnishings, flooring and much more, but smoke also damages the property, leaving behind soot and strong, fiery odors.

Water damage is an additional loss after a fire. Firefighters must use significant amounts of water to extinguish such a fire. With water damage comes the chance of mold growth. This is why it’s important to have the water extracted and completely dried as soon as possible.

Whether you own an office building, retail or coffee shop, car garage, daycare center, museum, etc., dealing with the aftermath of a fire places a lot of responsibility on you, not to mention the stress. At SERVPRO of Laurel & SERVPRO of Greenbelt NE/Beltsville E, our certified technicians are highly-trained in all the areas aforementioned: fire, water and mold remediation & restoration, as well as biohazard cleanup and mitigation. Our tried-and-true process and equipment ensure that your property will be restored to preloss condition, “Like it never even happened.”

We also realize how stressful losses can be. When choosing SERVPRO of Laurel & SERVPRO of Greenbelt NE/Beltsville E, or SERVPRO Team Gutierrez, you can rest assured you're in good hands. Our crew chiefs communicate very closely with clients to answer any questions they may have.

We also realize you're anxious to return to your business. Lost time is lost revenue. We will make sure your business is up and running as soon as possible. If your business has experienced a fire, call SERVPRO Team Gutierrez 24/7 at 301-323-8862 and we will be there Faster to any size disaster™! 

Are Your Classrooms, Daycares Safe for Back to School? SERVPRO can help!

8/16/2024 (Permalink)

Our SERVPRO crews can deep clean & sanitize classrooms, hallways & other rooms on campuses and daycares to provide safe places for returning students.

Most area school students & staff, including those in Prince George's County & Montgomery County Public Schools in Maryland, return to class at the end of August. 

For facilities managers, it's still important to make schools, daycares and places where students and faculty & staff will be spending their daytime learning and teaching and interacting with one another safe places.

SERVPRO of Laurel & SERVPRO of Greenbelt NE/Beltsville E offer a variety of cleaning services, including fogging, electrostatic disinfectant spraying, and proactive cleaning. We have been helping businesses and residences stay safe and protected throughout the years and will continue to do so. Sanitized spaces give everyone a peace of mind.

Our services can be recurring, too! Get scheduled for a one-time cleaning, or make services recurring. To learn more about our services, or to schedule a cleaning, call us today at 301-323-8862.

Enjoy the BBQs, fireworks & fun, but be safe

6/13/2024 (Permalink)

Grilling is a major part of backyard gatherings in Summer. Follow these safety tips to avoid a fire.

Summer is just over a week away and is traditionally known for barbeques, picnics and of course, July Fourth fireworks!

While putting on a firework show at your own home may seem fun, there are many risks. If lighting fireworks is not legal in your residential area there could be a large fine. Moreover, keep in mind the potential dangers that could occur as a result of fireworks, such as severe burns, blindness and scars.

Kids should not be near or handling the firecrackers or rockets. Supervise children around fireworks at all times. To avoid the dangers of fireworks, enjoy a public fireworks display conducted by professionals.

If you choose to give your children sparklers, never leave children unattended with these. It is possible to get burned by the tip of the sparkler. Make sure your children do not point the sparklers towards themselves or others. Keep a bucket of water nearby for when your child is finished with the sparkler to ensure that the sparkler is no longer lit.

Take precaution for your pets, too! Leave your pets inside your home so there are no risks. Loud fireworks and unfamiliar places can be scary to pets.

And of course summer isn't summer without outdoor grills! Remember these tips when grilling:

• Never grill in an enclosed area, as carbon monoxide could be produced.
• Use caution when using lighter fluid on a barbeque. Do not add fluid to an already-lit fire, as the flame can flash back into the container and explode.
• Make sure children are away from the grill.

Have fun this summer and stay safe!

Know who to call in the event you have fire or water damage in your home or business. Our emergency response teams at SERVPRO of Laurel & SERVPRO of Greenbelt NE/Beltsville E are here 24/7 to help! 301-323-8862.

Tips for returning to a flood-damaged home

5/28/2024 (Permalink)

Beware that your house may be contaminated when returning home after a flood or other natural disasters.

Water – one of life’s essentials, for without it, we simply cannot survive.

But flood and contaminated water – water from natural disasters, and from contaminated sources like sewage and overflowed toilets & such – are toxic and can cause numerous health hazards and diseases that can be fatal, if exposed.

With Spring in full swing and the Summer months just ahead, families will be vacationing and traveling away from home. Suppose there was a big storm with heavy flooding while you were away, and your home was flooded and you’ve returned to face standing water throughout the home.

It’s many homeowners’ worst nightmare. What to do?

For starters, the Centers for Disease and Control advises that, if possible, try to return home during the daytime so that you do not have to use any lights. Use battery-powered flashlights and lanterns, rather than candles, gas lanterns, or torches.

The agency also offers the following:

• If you have standing water in your home and can turn off the main power from a dry location, then go ahead and turn off the power, even if it delays cleaning. If you must enter standing water to access the main power switch, then call an electrician to turn it off. NEVER turn power on or off yourself or use an electric tool or appliance while standing in water.
• Have an electrician check the house’s electrical system before turning the power on again.
• If you smell gas or suspect a leak, turn off the main gas valve, open all windows, and leave your house immediately. Notify the gas company or the police or fire departments or State Fire Marshal’s office, and do not turn on the lights or do anything that could cause a spark. Do not return until you are told it is safe to do so.
• If the house has been closed up for several days, enter briefly to open doors and windows to let the house air out for a while (at least 30 minutes) before you stay for any length of time.
• If your home has been flooded and has been closed up for several days, assume your home has mold.
• If your home has been flooded, it also may be contaminated with sewage. Call a professional home inspector to check for contamination. If confirmed, have a licensed company remove & remediate mold and sewage. Our certified crews from SERVPRO of Laurel & SERVPRO of Greenbelt NE/Beltsville E are especially trained for such work, and are available 24/7 to help!

FOOD. The next step is to go through your home to discard perishable items and anything that has been contaminated with standing water. On top of that list is food; throw away food that may have come in contact with flood or storm water; perishable foods that have not been refrigerated properly due to power outages; and those with an unusual odor, color, or texture. Unsafe food can make you sick even if it looks, smells and tastes normal. When in doubt, throw it out!

WATER. Food water can contaminate drinking water from your home’s faucets. Until the water is tested, use bottled or water that has been properly boiled to kill any contaminants.

Some contaminants from surface water can get into the groundwater and affect private drinking water wells and municipal water systems that use groundwater. The CDC suggests the following steps:

• Follow local guidance on whether your water is safe to drink.
• If you have a private well and live in an area with flooding, get your water tested before you use it.
• Do not use water you suspect or have been told is contaminated to wash dishes, brush your teeth, wash and prepare food, wash your hands, make ice, or make baby formula. Safe water for drinking, cooking and personal hygiene includes bottled, boiled, or treated water.
• Your state, local, or tribal health department can make specific recommendations for boiling or treating water in your area.

Until your power is restored after dryout, use generators and other electrical sources and equipment safely. Talk to your utility company about using electrical equipment, including power generators. Be aware that it is against the law and a violation of electrical codes to connect generators to your home’s electrical circuits without the approved, automatic-interrupt devices. If a generator is on line when electrical service is restored, it can become a major fire hazard. In addition, the improper connection of a generator to your home’s electrical circuits may endanger line workers helping to restore power in your area.

• All electrical equipment and appliances must be completely dry before returning them to service. Have a certified electrician check these items if there is any question.
• Never use a generator, pressure washer, or any gasoline-powered engine inside your home, basement, or garage or less than 20 feet from any window, door, or vent.

The next step is to prevent MOLD from the flood or storm water, by drying out your home. Follow these steps from the CDC:

• If you have electricity and an electrician has determined that it’s safe to turn it on, use a “wet-dry” shop vacuum (or the vacuum function of a carpet steam cleaner), an electric-powered water transfer pump, or sump pump to remove standing water. If you are operating equipment in wet areas, be sure to wear rubber boots.
• If you do not have electricity, or it is not safe to turn it on, you can use a portable generator to power equipment to remove standing water. Note: If you must use a gasoline-powered pump, generator, pressure washer, or any other gasoline-powered tools to clean your home, never operate the gasoline engine inside a home, basement, garage, carport, porch, or other enclosed or partially enclosed structures, or less than 20 feet from any door, window, or vent, even if the windows and doors are open. Such improper use can create dangerously high levels of carbon monoxide and cause carbon monoxide poisoning.
• If weather permits, open windows and doors of the house to aid in the drying-out process.
• Use fans and dehumidifiers to remove excess moisture. Fans should be placed at a window or door to blow the air outwards rather than inwards, so not to spread the mold.
• Have your home heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning (HVAC) system checked and cleaned by a maintenance or service professional who is experienced in mold cleanup before you turn it on. If the HVAC system was flooded with water, turning on the mold-contaminated HVAC will spread mold throughout the house. Professional cleaning will kill the mold and prevent later mold growth. When the service determines that your system is clean and if it is safe to do so, you can turn it on and use it to help remove excess moisture from your home.
• Prevent water outdoors from reentering your home. For example, rainwater from gutters or the roof should drain away from the house; the ground around the house should slope away from the house to keep basements and crawl spaces dry.
• Ensure that crawl spaces in basements have proper drainage to limit water seepage. Ventilate to allow the area to dry out.

The CDC and the American Red Cross offer great resources for storm and fire prevention and response. Visit their webpages for more information:

www.cdc.gov/floods/about/?CDC_AAref_Val=https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/floods

www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/flood

Finally, when you are ready for that monstrous task of cleanup and remediation, you can rely on SERVPRO of Laurel and SERVPRO of Greenbelt NE/Beltsville E. We are the area’s water & storm damage experts, as well as mold remediation and restoration. Large or small, we will restore your water-damaged property, residential or commercial, with efficiency and detail.

Call us 24/7 at 301-323-8862 or 301-340-1313.

Tips on how to recover flood-damaged items

5/28/2024 (Permalink)

Follow these tips to help dry out your flood-damaged items quickly.

If you’ve ever experienced a house flood, you might have lost a few items, or maybe you lost most of your possessions depending on the extent of the waters and how long you waited to dry your furnishings, accessories and trinkets.

If you want to salvage your goods after experiencing a flooding, it’s essential to dry items within a 48-hour time frame.

We offer some tips to help save your items:

• Improve air circulation! Don’t contain the moisture. Instead, open windows and doors. If there are no windows or doors leading outside in the particular room, open closet and cabinet doors.
• Turn on a fan! It can either be a ceiling fan, a floor fan, or both. However, please do not plug a fan into an outlet attached to a wall that is wet or has water behind it. That’s an easy way to get electrocuted.
• Use a dehumidifier. These remove water vapor from the air. To be effective, it must be used in a contained area. Be sure to shut all doors and windows during use to prohibit more humidity from entering.
• Use a sump pump. These remove water out of house or office through a hose or pipe. They’re useful when the floodwater level is more than a couple inches deep. 
• Got soaked items? Quickly take them out of your house and allow them to dry off in the sun. Keeping them indoors will ensure nothing ever dries up as their excessive moisture will travel to surrounding objects.
• Try a wet-dry shop vacuum. Never use a regular vacuum cleaner. A shop vac is specifically made for wet conditions.

At SERVPRO of Laurel and SERVPRO of Greenbelt NE/Beltsville E, we are water damage cleanup & restoration experts. With well-trained technicians and the latest state-of-the-art equipment, you can trust us to clean up and restore your property "Like it never even happened."

Give SERVPRO Team Gutierrez of Laurel, Greenbelt & Beltsville a call today at 301-323-8862 if you have any questions or need water damage restoration. We are open 24/7 and here to help!

Be Prepared for Those Unpredictable Spring & Summer Storms

5/3/2024 (Permalink)

Spring & Summer storms can occur anytime. Be prepared!

SERVPRO® of Laurel and SERVPRO of Greenbelt NE/Beltsville E want you to be ready for summer storms. While we hope that summer just consists of vacations and sunny days, that is not always the case.

Spring or summer storms happen quite often in Maryland including Prince George's County. There are many possibilities of damage from storms, whether from wind, heavy rain, or lightning. Wind can cause structural damage to your home, heavy rain can lead to flooding and if lightning strikes on your property, it is at risk of a fire.  

If you know a storm is coming, take these initiatives to ensure safety:

• Secure outdoor objects that could blow away or cause damage.
• Shutter windows and secure outside doors.
• Unplug any electronic equipment.

During the storm, remain calm and be aware.

• Use your battery-operated NOAA Weather Radio for updates from local officials.
• Avoid contact with cords.
• Stay away from windows and doors.

After the Storm, BE SAFE! It may not be storming anymore but the damage can still affect you.

• Never drive through a flooded roadway.
• Stay away from storm-damaged areas to keep from putting yourself at risk.
• Stay away from downed power lines and report them immediately to 911.

If you're caught off-guard to a dangerous storm that causes property damage, don’t stress, we have Emergency Response Teams 24/7 who are specially-trained to deal with the mess of a storm. Let us be the experts you need in your time of crisis. Give SERVPRO Team Gutierrez a call at 301-323-8862.