Recent Why SERVPRO Posts

Strange Odor in your Home? SERVPRO Laurel can help!

9/9/2024 (Permalink)

candle with cinnamon sticks and fivespice 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)

Hispanic male points to messages on wall 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)

male and female looking at a computer tablet 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.

SERVPRO of Laurel & SERVPRO of Greenbelt-Beltsville stand ready to help!

3/7/2024 (Permalink)

A bucket of cleaning supplies in glass office building Count on the experts, SERVPRO Team Gutierrez, for cleanup & restoration needs!

Thank goodness the Covid pandemic is behind us although there are still small cases going around,  safety precautions are always a good idea to help keep everyone safe.

SERVPRO® of Laurel and SERVPRO of Greenbelt NE & Beltsville E want our customers to remember that we are certified specialists in cleaning services and continue to stand ready 24/7 to respond to any cleanup and restoration situation.

Our Crews Are Specially Trained

Our crew members are specially trained and certified to clean and disinfect your home or business, according to protocols set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We have more than 40 years of experience in dealing with biological contaminants, and we will go beyond the scope of work regularly performed by janitorial companies.

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

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

Call Us Today to Make a Plan

For deep cleaning and sanitization, and restoration, call the experts today – SERVPRO of Laurel and SERVPRO of Greenbelt NE & Beltsville E, (301) 323-8862. We are here for you 24/7!

Why IICRC-certified?

3/7/2024 (Permalink)

IICRC logo Rest assured our crews including technicians are certified in our industry, so we can provide service that meets or exceeds standards.

All of our crew members – project managers, restoration experts and technicians included – at SERVPRO® of Laurel and SERVPRO® of Greenbelt NE/Beltsville E, as well as our sister franchises of Rockville-Olney and Silver Spring North, are IICRC-certified.

The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification is recognized internationally as a knowledgeable industry voice and resource. It serves as an independent, nonprofit standard-setting and certification body, to set and promote high standards of ethics; and to advance communication and technical proficiency within the inspection, cleaning and restoration service industries.

The IICRC offers certifications in several categories of Cleaning, Inspection and Restoration. Additionally, there are Journeyman certifications available to those with advanced levels of recognition, which can be achieved by having several certifications in select categories and a minimum of three to five years of experience in the cleaning/restoration industry.

Here at SERVPRO® of Laurel and SERVPRO® of Greenbelt NE/Beltsville E, our technicians are IICRC-certified and continue their education and certification throughout their employment. As new certifications become available through the IICRC, steps are taken to ensure that our technicians are certified in the latest techniques and services. You can rest assure knowing that only the most qualified technicians will be sent into your business or home to restore and repair damage when you use our company!

Give us a call at 301-323-8862 with any questions or to schedule a free consultation. We are here 24/7 to help!

IICRC-certified with decades of experience in restoration

12/12/2023 (Permalink)

IICRC logo SERVPRO of Laurel Greenbelt & our Rockville-Olney franchises take pride in our well-certified staff and decades of fire & water restoration experience

SERVPRO of Laurel & Greenbelt NE/Beltsville E and our parent franchises, SERVPRO of Rockville-Olney & Silver Spring North, have decades of fire and water restoration experience in helping our customers, and we pride ourselves in having one of the most well-trained technicians in the business.

SERVPRO specializes in the cleanup, restoration and reconstruction of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event, as well as mold and biohazard mitigation. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Here are some of our Certifications:

  • IICRC - Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification
  • OCT - Odor Control Technician
  • RRP - Lead-based paint Renovation, Repair and Painting
  • AMRT - Applied Microbial Remediation Technician
  • HST - Health and Safety Technician
  • ASD - Applied Structural Drying Technician
  • SRT - Fire & Smoke Damage Restoration Technician
  • CCT - Carpet Cleaning Technician
  • RRT - Carpet Repair & Reinstallation Technician
  • WRT - Water Damage Restoration Technician
  • ECTP - Employee Certification Training Program

All our four SERVPRO franchises - Rockville-Olney, Silver Spring North, Laurel & Greenbelt NE/Beltsville E - are IICRC firms. The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) creates the standards for the restoration industry and provides training and certification to restoration companies. IICRC Certified Firms have the right to display the IICRC Certified Logo.

IICRC Certified Firms must:

  • Present accurate information to consumers and conduct business with honesty and integrity.
  • Require a technician on all jobs who has been formally trained and passed all required tests.
  • Require a continuing education program to keep technicians up-to-date on the latest changes in the industry.
  • Maintain liability insurance to protect all parties in the event of an accident.
  • Maintain a written complaint policy and agree to Better Business Bureau or similar arbitration to resolve disputes, and accept the conclusions and recommendations of arbitration.

The IICRC has been the driving force in establishing the main industry standards and reference guides for professional carpet cleaning, water damage restoration and mold remediation. These IICRC standards take years to develop and require the coordination of experts in the field: manufacturers, industry organizations, insurance professionals, training schools, contractors, and public health professionals. Every five years, the standards are reviewed and updated. The water damage restoration field changes rapidly with advancements in technology and science, and therefore the standards must evolve to keep pace.

Our office phones are staffed 24/7 for emergencies. Call SERVPRO Team Gutierrez at 301-340-1313 in Montgomery County, or 301-323-8862 in Prince George's County today if we can help with restoration needs.

Tips to prevent Christmas tree & house fires

11/16/2023 (Permalink)

christmas tree with santa decoration Christmas isn't Christmas without a tree with lights! But follow these safety tips to prevent a fire!

Christmas 2023 is right around the corner!

During the winter holiday season, we notice a pattern of catastrophes, many caused by ovens, stoves and also, Christmas trees. Due to the business and excitement overload of the holidays, it’s important to keep safety in mind. Set reminders and alarms in your phone to ensure you don’t forget to turn your Christmas tree lights off or to take the cookies out of the oven!

To avoid issues such as a tree fire, house fire, outlet overload, and even electrocution, follow the tips below to keep you and your family safe and happy during this holiday season!

  • Water your tree daily! A dry tree can quickly transform into a tree in flames.
  • Do not connect more than three strings of lights.
  • Got cords? Keep them away from heat sources. Do not nail or staple them either. Placing them under a rug isn’t a safe idea. Neither is completely shutting a door or closing a window with a cord running through it. This is a fire hazard.
  • Plugging in too many appliances can overload the outlet. Avoid doing so.
  • Before plugging in appliances, lights, yard decorations, etc., make sure your sockets are in good condition and that wires are not bare. Oftentimes, we use these decorations or particular outlets just once a year, so it’s important to carefully inspect them.
  • Turn off and unplug any lights before going to sleep or leaving your home. Extinguish any candles before leaving the vicinity.
  • Cooking or baking for the holidays? Make sure to stay in the kitchen when doing so.
  • Use battery-operated candles instead of candles with actual flames.
  • Water and electricity never mix well. Be careful your string lights are not touching or partially in the tree’s water bowl. Make sure you are dry when plugging in outdoor lights, especially.
  • It’s cold, but be careful where you place space heaters. They should always be at least three feet away from furniture, etc. and even farther from Christmas trees.

Team Gutierrez at SERVPRO of Laurel and Beltsville/Greenbelt wishes you a Merry Christmas, Happy New Year and safe holiday season!

For more fire safety tips, check out our website:

www.SERVPROlaurelgreenbelt.com/fire-damage-tips

Thanks Laurel & Greenbelt Customers for 3 great inaugural years!

11/16/2023 (Permalink)

Team Gutierrez technicians SERVPRO of Laurel & SERVPRO of Greenbelt NE/Beltsville E teams are here 24/7 to help.

Time truly flies when you're busy!

It's hard to believe it's been three years since our parent franchise, SERVPRO of Rockville-Olney, added SERVPRO of Laurel & SERVPRO of Greenbelt NE/Beltsville E to make up Team Gutierrez, which now includes 4 franchises!

SERVPRO of Silver Spring North is the 4th franchise, under the management of Team Gutierrez. Our parent company SERVPRO of Rockville-Olney has been operated for 44 years & growing strong. 

Over the 4 decades, our family-owned business has met countless families throughout the region and has established many priceless and personal connections to many wonderful people in our communities. We are as excited & honored today as we were in November 2020 to helping those living in the Laurel, Greenbelt and Beltsville areas, and to form many new relationships and bonds.

We feel very fortunate to expand our team and to share our expertise in restoration and remediation with even more people.

Whichever damage your property may have —whether water, fire, storm or mold — our Team Gutierrez crews are ready to restore and repair your commercial or residential property. We realize you may be suffering a huge loss, so we will always be “Faster to any size disaster” to minimalize the disruption in your life and to prevent further damage.

With our team of highly-trained and seasoned crew chiefs and technicians, SERVPRO of Laurel and SERVPRO of Greenbelt-Beltsville will restore your damaged property, to make it “Like it never even happened.”

We're here 24/7 and ready to help. Call us at 301-323-8862 or 301-340-1313.

Our Promise: We're Here to Help 365 Days, 24 Hours!

6/26/2023 (Permalink)

fire damage Disasters don't wait. But our crews are here 24/7, 365 days to respond to any property damage emergencies.

Let's be real: Emergencies don’t wait to happen on a day that’s convenient for you. A house fire or an office flood won’t wait until your birthday is over or until Christmas Day comes to an end.

It's why we at SERVPRO of Laurel and SERVPRO of Greenbelt NE/Beltsville E have to stand ready for when tragedy strikes, whenever that may be. It doesn’t matter if it’s Easter morning or New Year’s Eve. Life happens, and both the good and the bad come along with it.

At SERVPRO, we want to make sure whatever nature might throw your way, that we are here to help with the cleanup & restoration of your property! Whether it’s water damage, fire damage, storm damage, or an issue with mold, we are ready to help, and “Faster to any size disaster” at that!

That’s why we are here for you 24/7, 365 days a year. Facing a disaster can be terrifying, and dealing with its effects is very stressful. We hope to diminish some of that stress.

We know the importance of reliability. We are a very trusted and widely known company in Prince George's County, as well as Montgomery County, and have been in business for 43+ years. As a family-owned business, we pride ourselves on fast response, quality service and excellent customer care!

If you ever face a water or fire disaster, day or night, we are here to help, 365 days a year! 301-323-8862.

Give Customers, Shoppers, Students... Peace of Mind with our SERVPRO Clean program!

4/1/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Clean decal in school hallway Give your clients, shoppers, students & everyone else peace of mind by having your properties SERVPRO-cleaned!

With the country easing back into a somewhat normal life, and as a growing number of businesses and workplaces welcoming back their employees, and schools reopening doors to students & staff, it’s still crucial to have buildings and facilities thoroughly cleaned to keep everyone safe from the coronavirus and other health hazards.

While the COVID-19 pandemic has changed what it means to be clean, SERVPRO franchises throughout the U.S. -- including SERVPRO of Laurel & Greenbelt NE/Beltsville E -- are here to help keep your customers and employees safe, and also let everyone know you've chosen a higher standard of clean.

When you go with us, you’re choosing Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned -- a defensive, proactive viral pathogen cleaning program backed by our more than 50 years of experience in cleanup and restoration. With an industry-leading, proprietary training program, cleaning solutions and remediation processes, we're helping businesses across the country open safely.

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, these are currently known about Covid-19: 

  • It is spread from person to person and happens most frequently among close contacts (within about 6 feet).
  • This type of transmission occurs via respiratory droplets.
  • Current evidence suggests that novel coronavirus may remain viable for hours to days on surfaces made from a variety of materials.
  • Cleaning of visibly dirty surfaces followed by disinfection is a best practice measure for prevention of Covid-19

Here at SERVPRO of Rockville-Olney and SERVPRO of Laurel, we have seen a spike of Covid-contaminated facilities that we’ve treated in recent months. Just this week (early April), we are still being regularly called out to businesses large and small that had been contaminated by employees with Covid-19.

When called upon, our ready plan to get your workplaces cleaned & ready to open up again consists of:

A tailored cleaning program to meet your needs.

  • We will assign you a Cleaning Protocol Specialist who understands your business.
  • Programs are based on a range of factors: type of industry, business type, size of space, amount of high frequency touch points, foot traffic and congestion points.

Proactive and COVID-19 emergency response cleaning program.

  • Trained and experienced in biohazard cleaning and decontamination for porous and non-porous surfaces - always adhering to the highest standards set by the CDC.
  • EPA-approved products, including our proprietary cleaning agent SERVPROXIDE, a hospital-grade disinfectant that is NSF certified for direct food contact surface use.

A commitment to clean for your employees and consumers.

  • Leverage SERVPRO's trusted brand to reassure your customers and employees that you are taking the steps needed to keep your space at the highest level of clean.
  • Communication touchpoints include a Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned window emblem, signage, marks for your digital footprint and more.

To schedule a consult for our Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned program, call 301-323-8862. We're here to help!

Spring is nice, but best not to get caught unprepared!

4/1/2022 (Permalink)

Lightning Best to be prepared for those unexpected Spring storms.

Ahhh! Spring… Balmy weather one day; frigid to near-freeze temperature overnight. To wear a sweater or not. To bring in the plants or not…

Spring weather can be unpredictable, as many of us here in the Washington, D.C. region have experienced a time or two. Remember the heavy April snowfall over a decade ago? And the wind gusts of 20-30+ mph every now and then?

While we can’t predict when severe weather hits, we can always plan for those unexpected storms to minimize injury to ourselves and damages to our properties. A viable plan of action for storms, floods, tornadoes, even fires, can save lives and costly repairs in the aftermath of severe weather that can occur, even within the same day.

Mark Twain said it best: “In the spring I have counted one hundred and thirty-six kinds of weather inside of four and twenty hours.”

Preparing an emergency kit to keep on hand is a great start to advance planning for storms. Some items to include, as suggested by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, are:

  • A battery-operated flashlight, a battery-operated NOAA Weather Radio, and extra batteries for both
  • An emergency evacuation or shelter plan, including a map of your home and routes to safety from each room
  • A list of important personal information, including:
    • telephone numbers of neighbors, family and friends
    • insurance and property information
    • telephone numbers of utility companies
    • medical information
  • A 3–5 day supply of bottled water and nonperishable food
  • Personal hygiene items
  • Blankets or sleeping bags
  • A first-aid kit, which may include:
    • non-latex gloves
    • assortment of adhesive bandages
    • antibiotic ointment
    • sterile gauze pads in assorted sizes
    • absorbent compress dressings
    • tweezers
    • scissors
    • adhesive cloth tape
    • aspirin packets

Being prepared & proactive for storms and severe weather can save lives and minimize costly repairs to damaged property. Oftentimes we have little if any time to prepare for an approaching storm. For families with young children, a mock emergency drill may be a fun yet helpful activity. Show them where to go; where emergency supplies are stored; and make sure everyone in the family knows where & how to turn off the water, gas and electricity in your home.

Preparedness and swift response may save a life or two!

When all’s settled and you find your damaged properties needing cleanup & restoration, call us – SERVPRO of Laurel and SERVPRO of Greenbelt NE/Beltsville E – 24/7 at 301-323-8862 or 301-615-4884.

We are the area’s water & storm damage experts and are always “Faster to any size disaster.” Large or small, we will restore your water-damaged property, residential or commercial, with efficiency and detail.

Our parent franchise wins TOP award from Contractor Connection!

6/10/2021 (Permalink)

Three people against green backdrop From left, SERVPRO of Laurel/Rockville co-owners Michelle and Jorge Gutierrez, and Office Manager Megan Sweeney

Superb service and customer care are what we strive for here at SERVPRO of Laurel & Greenbelt NE/Beltsville E, and of course, our parent franchise in Montgomery County, SERVPRO of Rockville-Olney & Silver Spring North.

We are thrilled for our parent franchise to have won the Crawford Contractor Connection Performance Excellence Award for our district, the highest honor within the industry network, plus The Golden Hammer Award for Top Performers across the country. The awards are presented each year to performance leaders based on overall excellence measured by estimate upload TIP, customer service scores, professionalism in communication, cooperation and overall POMS scores.

SERVPRO of Laurel & Greenbelt NE/Beltsville E joins SERVPRO of Rockville-Olney as among the 6,000+ contractors in the network, and represents the Tri-State District that includes Maryland, D.C., Delaware & Pennsylvania. SERVPRO of Rockville-Olney is recognized as a top performer in the region, having consistently scored high marks for:

*Quality of Service & Repairs

*Professionalism & Customer Service

*Timeliness of Response & Completion of Work

*Work Ethic 

Click to watch the award announcement & recognition: https://fb.watch/61OwEyXJlw/ 

Contractor Connection, an industry leader in contractor managed repair and home improvement services, provides insurance carriers and consumers a national network of residential and commercial contractors that are vetted and managed for performance, quality, timeliness and customer satisfaction.

We are open 24/7 and here to help with any water, fire and mold damage cleanup, restoration & reconstruction, as well as HVAC & duct cleaning, and biohazards mitigation. Call us at 301-323-8862 so we can make your property "Like it never even happened."