Prepare for a Storm with the SERVPRO ERP

9/22/2022 (Permalink)

Be prepared for any emergency with the free SERVPRO Emergency Plan.

Getting Started with the Emergency READY Program

• STEP 1: Visit SERVPRO.com/ready. Register for an account using your email address as your username and choose a password.
• STEP 2: Choose your preferred SERVPRO Franchise Representative to contact in the event your home or business experiences water, fire, mold or other type of damage.
• STEP 3: Begin creating ERPs for all of your properties.
• STEP 4: Download the SERVPRO Ready Plan Application on your iPhone, tablet, Android or Blackberry device from the respective App Store.
• STEP 5: Launch the Ready Plan App and sign in using the same username and password from STEP 1.

At this point, it may take a few minutes for the data to sync. All of your ERP information will appear on your tablet or mobile device. You can now access and manage ERP information from your computer, tablet or Smartphone.

Emergency READY Program Best Practices

Using Tablets: Using a tablet is highly recommended. The tablet allows you to easily input data on-site as you walk through the facility and also take photos as needed.

Non Tablet Users: If not using a tablet, the most efficient way to complete an ERP using the SERVPRO Emergency Ready Program is to input data accessing the website (ready.SERVPRO.com) using a computer and importing photos using your mobile device. If assisting a client, please follow these simples steps:

• STEP 1: Make the appointment to walk through the facility in order to capture the needed information for the ERP.
• STEP 2: Print a Field Form that can be used to write in ERP information (optional).
• STEP 3: Download the SERVPRO Ready Plan App on your iPhone, Android or Blackberry device from the respective App Store.
• STEP 4: Launch the Ready Plan App and create a free account.
• STEP 5: Establish an Emergency Ready Profile on your mobile device by logging on and choosing the Emergency Ready Profile button.
• STEP 6: As you walk through the facility, capture the property information by writing it on the Field Form.
• STEP 7: Capture property photos using your mobile device.
• STEP 8: Once the walk through is complete, log onto SERVPRO.com/ready using a computer. The property established earlier using your mobile device will appear on the main screen. Select that property and input the information from the Field Form. All photos should already be populated.

Getting Help If Damage Occurs

Once you have an ERP set up, getting help cleaning up and/or restoring your property is just a few clicks away.

• STEP 1: Access your ERP by launching the App on your mobile device or tablet or visit SERVPRO.com/ready.
• STEP 2: If you prefer to call SERVPRO simply click on the phone number to contact SERVPRO of Hazleton, Dallas and Harveys Lake.
• STEP 3: If you would like to submit a first notice of loss from within the Ready Plan app, click on the relevant icon on the main screen (fire, water, mold or general cleanup).
• STEP 4: If an ERP on the damaged property has been established, the needed information will automatically populate, speeding up the submission process. Simply navigate through the 3 screens of needed information, filling in areas including cause of damage, time and date then submit the notice. You will be contacted shortly about the damage to your property.
• STEP 5: While you wait, feel free to review the damage mitigation tips. Any of the tasks you can perform will help reduce further damage.

Sharing Your ERP

Sharing your ERP with other decision makers can be an important step to ensure that those within your facility have access to critical data in the event of a loss. It also allows for the delegation of an ERP or several ERPs to certain individuals within your company or residence.

It is important for us to keep a copy of your ERP to ensure we have access to critical property information, and can be prepared to clean up and restore your damaged property upon arrival.

How to share:

Option 1 (USING COMPUTER)

• STEP 1: Visit ready.SERVPRO.com/erp. Under the Emergency Ready Profile tab, simply click on the name of the property you would like to share.
• STEP 2: Click on the “Property Actions” drop down menu in the upper right corner of the Property Over view section and select “Share.”
• STEP 3: On the next screen click, “Share This ERP.” Choose either “Read Only” or “Read/Edit” to define the type of access you would like to give.
• STEP 4: Enter the email addresses of the individuals with which you would like to share the information. Multiple email addresses should be separated by a comma.
• STEP 5: Add any notes and click “Share.”

Option 2 (USING A MOBILE DEVICE OR TABLET)

• STEP 1: Launch the App.
• STEP 2: Choose “Emergency Ready Profile” from the main screen.
• STEP 3: Choose the property you would like to share.
• STEP 4: Choose “Share this ERP.”
• STEP 5: Enter the email addresses of the individuals with which you would like to share the information.
• STEP 6: Choose either “Read Only” or “Read/Edit” to define the type of access you would like to give.
• STEP 7: Choose “Share this ERP.”

Commercial Fire Damage in Hazleton

9/19/2022 (Permalink)

If you have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage, Call Us Today.

After the Fire Department and Fire Trucks leave a fire in West Hazleton, you may not know where to turn. The last thing any commercial property or business owner wants is a long business interruption following an emergency. 

This is where our team at SERVPRO of Hazleton, Dallas and Harvey's Lake can help. We have a team of trained professionals and state of the art equipment that can get your business back up and running, "Like it never even happened."  

Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions. When various materials burn, the soot and residue they create differs greatly and requires a specific cleaning procedure. The steps listed below illustrate our process for the “typical” fire damage restoration.

1. Emergency Contact
2. Inspection and Fire Damage Assessment
3. Immediate Board-Up and Roof Tarp Service (if needed)
4. Water Removal and Drying (if water damage is present)
5. Removal of Smoke and Soot from All Surfaces
6. Cleaning and Repair
7. Restoration

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?
Call Us Today – (570) 714-3828

SERVPRO Storm Team

9/19/2022 (Permalink)

The SERVPRO Disaster Recovery Team can provide help whether you're dealing with a tornado, hurricane, blizzard or flood.

Catastrophic Storm and Major Event Response

The SERVPRO Disaster Recovery Team can provide help whether you're dealing with a tornado, hurricane, blizzard or flood. The SERVPRO System has a network of strategically positioned storm teams on standby should a disaster strike near you. Available 24 hours a day and 365 days a year, SERVPRO Franchise Professionals are prepared for the unpredictable.

Clients for the Commercial Large Loss program include the following:

• The Hospitality Industry
• Property Managers
• Universities
• Municipalities
• The Pentagon

With the ability to mobilize local command centers, along with the resources of more than 2,000 Franchises nationwide, no disaster is too big. Recent mobilizations of the Catastrophic Storm Response Teams include:

• 2021 Texas Freeze
• 2017 California wildfires

• 2017 Hurricane Irma
• 2017 Hurricane Harvey
• 2016 Hurricane Matthew
• 2015 Carolina floods
• 2014 Polar Vortex
• 2012 Sandy
• 2010 Nashville floods
• 2008 Ike
• 2007 Chicago floods
• 2007 Ohio floods
• 2007 California wildfires
• 2005 Katrina/Wilma/Rita

Commercial Fire Damage in Dallas

9/8/2022 (Permalink)

Here to help following this commercial fire.

Fire Damage can be overwhelming. Especially when the smoke and soot travels throughout the facility that needs to stay open. Every hour of downtime is an hour of lost revenue for the customer. A big thank you to our team who was able to assist this customer quickly with minimal business downtime and our customer who trusted us every step of the way. 

Restoring your home or business after fire damage to its pre-fire condition is our main goal. As a leading fire damage restoration company, we specialize in fire damage cleanup and fire restoration, smoke damage cleanup, and removal of smoke odors. Our team will deep-clean and remove soot from walls, carpets, and upholstery.

Dealing with a fire? - 570-714-3828

Water Damage to Hotel in Wilkes-Barre

9/8/2022 (Permalink)

We make water damage "Like it never even happened"

When our customer at this local hotel in Wilkes-Barre unfortunately had some water damage to their lobby from a leaking shower on the second floor, they knew who to call. With their quick reaction and our team's fast response time, our team was able to make it “Like it never even happened.”

SERVPRO professionals are prepared to evaluate your water-damaged property. We want to help you understand the severity of the water damage to your commercial property so that you’re able to make the best decisions on moving forward with the restoration process. Whether you’re dealing with minor water damage to your commercial property or a large-loss event, we can develop a restoration plan to help ensure your property is clean, dry and restored to its pre-damaged condition.

Industrial Park Cleaning Services in Hazleton

9/7/2022 (Permalink)

We can clean and restore large commercial industrial buildings

Commercial Services

Your commercial property’s appearance speaks volumes to your clients. So when the need arises for professional cleaning or emergency restoration services, SERVPRO of Hazleton, Dallas and Harveys Lake has the training and expertise to help make it “Like it never even happened.”

• Retail Facilities
• Education Facilities
• Property Management
• Healthcare Facilities
• Hospitality Facilities
• Food Service Facilities

Have Questions? Call Today 

(570) 714-3828

Getting Back to Business, Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned

Our Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned defensive cleaning program gives your business a way forward to provide your employees and customers ongoing safety as you operate during the COVID-19 pandemic. As America’s #1 cleanup and restoration brand, we have developed a program that is grounded in our 3 C’s – Consult, Clean and Certify. Visit our Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned page and let us show you how we can make your building safer and ready to get back to business.

Commercial Building Restoration Services

We are available 24 hours a day to get your business back up and running. Our expertise includes restoration services for fire and water damage, including electronics restoration and document drying. We are also your business’s best resource for mold remediation. 

Commercial Building Cleaning Services

Whether your need is removing an odor problem or deep cleaning flooring or carpets, you can depend on us to get the job done right the first time. We’ll respond promptly and make your workspace look its very best. Learn more about our Commercial Cleaning Service.

• Commercial Cleaning Services

Categories of Water Damage

9/7/2022 (Permalink)

Learn about the different categories of water.

A categorization of the level of contamination of water in a damaged structure is required to perform loss assessments and evaluation activities. The category of water contamination must be considered so that the correct procedure can be established for processing a water damaged structure and its materials. Water damage is divided into three  categories.

Category 1: Water that originates from a sanitary source. Examples include: broken water supply lines, tub or sink overflow, melting snow and ice, falling rainwater, broken toilet tanks and bowls that do NOT contain contaminants.

Category 2: Water contains a significant level of contamination. Examples include: discharge from dishwashers or washing machines, overflows from toilet bowls with some urine but no feces, broken aquariums and punctured water beds. Also, any water that has traveled through building materials.

Category 3: Water that is grossly contaminated and can contain pathogenic or toxigenic agents.  Examples include sewage, toilet back-flows that originate from beyond the trap, all forms of flooding and other contaminated water entering or affecting the indoor environment.

SERVPRO is an IICRC certified firm and able to professionally assess any water disaster for safety reasons as well as the proper drying techniques. We are the premier water mitigation and restoration company. 570-714-3828

Importance of an Emergency Plan following a Commercial Fire

9/7/2022 (Permalink)

Give us a call to create your commercial emergency plan.

Have you taken advantage of the SERVPRO Emergency Ready Plan? 

Following a Fire at your place of business, this emergency plan helps minimize the amount of time your business is inactive by having an immediate plan of action.

Things you will want to know following a fire that are included in the plan: 

- Closest local Fire Department and contact.
SERVPRO of Hazleton, Dallas and Harvey's Lake will also share your emergency plan with your local Fire Department. This is so they are familiar with your building before even entering it. 

- Utility Shut Off Locations
During and after a fire it is important to know where all your utility locations are, so they can be turned off or on during the restoration process. 

- Location of Hazardous Materials 
If there is a fire, knowing the location on flammable items is important. We will include those locations in your emergency plan. 

- Emergency Contacts 
Following a fire at your place of business, you'll want all of your emergency contacts in one spot. Your insurance holder, electrician, HVAC maintenance, property manager, restoration service provider will all be located in one spot. We have the ability to add any emergency contact within the plan. 

The emergency plan will be put in a binder to keep at your property for review, and has also been used as a tool when hiring new employees. The emergency plan can also be accessed via the SERVPRO Ready Plan app. In a digital world, it's important to have your emergency plan at your finger tips too! 

Interested in learning more about an Emergency Plan for your property? Give us a call - 570-714-3828

West Hazleton Commercial Smoke & Soot Damage

9/7/2022 (Permalink)

Here to help following a fire.

Smoke and soot is very invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your home or business, causing hidden damage and odor. Our smoke damage expertise and experience allows us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damage to develop a comprehensive plan of action.  

Smoke and soot facts:

• Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.
• Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.
• The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.

Different Types of Smoke

There are two different types of smoke–wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of Hazleton, Dallas and Harvey's Lake will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. The cleaning procedures will then be based on the information identified during pretesting. Here is some additional information:

Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber

• Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.

Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood

• Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke rises.

Protein Fire Residue – Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire

• Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor. 

Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions.  We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage.  We will also treat your family or staff with empathy and respect and your property with care.

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?
Call Us Today – 570-714-3828

Water Damage in Hazleton

8/19/2022 (Permalink)

We can help mitigate water damage.

Flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we. SERVPRO of Hazleton, Dallas and Harvey's Lake provides emergency cleaning and restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—including all holidays.

Faster To Any Size Disaster

Flooding and water damage is very invasive. Water quickly spreads throughout your home and gets absorbed into floors, walls, furniture, and more.  SERVPRO of Hazleton, Dallas and Harvey's Lake arrives quickly and starts the water extraction process almost immediately. This immediate response helps to minimize the damage and the cleaning and restoration costs.

Need Emergency Service? Call Us 24/7 – 570-714-3828

Water Damage Timeline

Within Minutes

• Water quickly spreads throughout your property, saturating everything in its path.
• Water is absorbed into walls, floors, upholstery, and belongings.
• Furniture finishes may bleed, causing permanent staining on carpets.
• Photographs, books, and other paper goods start to swell and warp.

Hours 1 - 24:

• Drywall begins to swell and break down.
• Metal surfaces begin to tarnish.
• Furniture begins to swell and crack.
• Dyes and inks from cloth and paper goods spread and stain.
• A musty odor appears.

48 Hours to 1 Week:

• Mold and mildew may grow and spread.
• Doors, windows, and studs swell and warp.
• Metal begins to rust and corrode.
• Furniture warps and shows signs of mold.
• Paint begins to blister.
• Wood flooring swells and warps.
• Serious biohazard contamination is possible.

More Than 1 Week:

• Restoration time and cost increase dramatically; replacing contaminated materials and structural rebuilding may be extensive.
• Structural safety, mold growth, and biohazard contaminants pose serious risks to occupants.

Emergency Board Ups Following a Fire in West Hazleton

8/19/2022 (Permalink)

Here to help following a fire

Following a residential or commercial fire, a home or business owner is already dealing with the stress that comes from a situation like this. 

The key is to minimize any further damage to the structure and begin the restoration process as quick as possible. An Emergency Board Up is an important step in the restoration process. 

Why an Emergency Board Up?

1. Prevent Further Damage from entrance

Leaving the structure as is without boarding up can cause further damage to the building. Allowing foot traffic through can cause soot from the fire to deepen into carpeting making it more difficult to restore. Board ups can also keep outdoor animals from entering the building and causing more damage. 

2. Keeps Out Intruders 

When a structure is left open, it can attract intruders. If valuable belongings, salvageable items or electronics are still within the building, completing a board up will ensure these items are safe from burglary. 

3. Prevent Further Damage from Weather

Depending on the weather, the sun/wind/rain can also cause further damage to a building not boarded up.

Following a Fire, the emergency board up is an important first step in the Fire Restoration Process.

Have questions about the Emergency Board Up? - 570-714-3828

Why Choose SERVPRO in Hazleton

8/9/2022 (Permalink)

Why choose SERVPRO?

There are several reasons to utilize and trust SERVPRO for your Residential and Commercial Property

1. Locally Owned Company with National Resources

We live and work in this community too; we might even be neighbors. As a locally owned business, SERVPRO of Hazleton, Dallas and Harvey's Lake is close by and ready to respond to your cleaning or restoration needs.. We are proud to be an active member of the Hazleton, PA community and want to do our part to make our community the best it can be. In addition SERVPRO has over 1,800 Franchises in the U.S. and Canada that are ready to help for large losses.

We are proud to serve our local communities in Hazleton, West Nanticoke, Sugarloaf, Dallas, Conyngham, Mocanaqua, Curry Hill, Plymouth, West Hazleton, Lehman, Harvey's Lake, Nescopeck and Shickshinny.

2. IICRC Trained Technicians

The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) certifies and sets the standards for the cleaning and restoration industries. Our Professionals study IICRC standards and best practices in water restoration, fire restoration, mold remediation, carpet and upholstery cleaning, and other cleaning and restoration courses.

3. Testimonials form our Valued Customers

“I used this company to tear out a large are in a historical home. They were friendly, responsive and professional. I highly recommend this company!!! DEFINITELY CALL THEM!”

 “Thank you SERVPRO for the amazing job your crew did after the recent fire next door to our studio.  We had some water damage and a terrible odor of smoke from the adjoining building. Everything was cleaned and the odor is completely gone. What we thought would take a week or two for cleanup ended up being done in less than 48 hours. We were able to open for a very small event for a special little girl. We can’t thank you enough.”

“The borough has frequently utilized SERVPRO for many of our needs. In addition to being professional, reliable and courteous the staff and management regularly check in with us to see if they can assist in anyway. This service has been more than appreciated especially during these trying times.”

“Water heater burst and flooded our finished basement. Insurance suggested SERVPRO and it was the right call. Clint and crew showed up assessed the damage and went to work. Because of their quick work more was saved than lost. Highly recommend, very efficient and thorough.”

We look forward to serving you and our community!  Call us 24/7 at 570-714-3828

Commercial HVAC Cleaning in Hazleton

8/5/2022 (Permalink)

Call us for your commercial HVAC cleaning.

Did you know about the importance of cleaning your HVAC system at your commercial property? 

Ventilation systems are the biggest culprit in poor indoor air quality. If your commercial HVAC has been operating for some time without attention, it could be circulating odors, dust and other contaminates.

Our SERVPRO team will inspect the HVAC system to examine how much dust/contaminates are built up within the system. Once we inspect the HVAC system, our team is then able to use our state of the art equipment to clean the HVAC system and remove dust and other contaminates. 

The benefits of servicing your HVAC unit include:

• Helps to restore peak energy efficiency.
• May help to eliminate offensive odors.
• Helps reduce the potential for mold growth.

If you are interested in having your commercial HVAC system cleaning, please call us at 570-714-3828.

What our customers are saying!

7/26/2022 (Permalink)

See what our customers are saying about our team!

Why choose SERVPRO of Hazleton, Dallas and Harvey's Lake? See what our customers are saying!

"SERVPRO was quick to respond when our building had a water main break on a Saturday. Their team was knowledgeable and professional and gave us great peace of mind that the damage would be mitigated correctly to prevent mold or other issues. Their followup was thorough and everyone was friendly and helpful. Would definitely recommend!" - Pam R. 

"We used SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harvey's Lake for water damage cleanup after pipes busted at our business. Joe was onsite the same day to assess and had a clean up crew there the next morning. All SERVPRO employees that worked with us were wonderful. I would highly recommend SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harvey's Lake to anyone who experiences water damage." - Lindsay G. 

"SERVPRO were very professional. They pulled up all of our soaked carpet and padding. They ran dehumidifiers and fans for 2 days. Completely dried out the basement. Pulled out molding and sprayed a mold killer everywhere necessary. Gaged everywhere to be sure all was dry and no mold. They really made good time. Cleanup crew were very polite and professional. I would highly recommend this company. If, for any reason, I get water in my basement and need a professional crew to dry it out I will definitely be calling SERVPRO." - Joe R. 

Checking on your sump pump before a storm in Hazleton

7/26/2022 (Permalink)

Don't forget to check on your sump pump this Summer.

When a severe storm hits, homeowners may experience excess water in their basements or the lower levels of their home. A sump pump is an important tool that can help protect your property by controlling water and keeping your home dry.

Sump pumps are typically found in the lowest part of a house, such as a basement, and are usually installed by a professional in a specially constructed sump pit. The sump pump’s primary job is to pump water outside and away from the home. There are generally two types of sump pumps: pedestal and submersible.

How to Keep Your Sump Pump in Good Condition

Once installed, consider the following maintenance tips to help ensure your sump pump is ready when you need it.

Check the pump at least once a year to make sure it is still in good working condition.

• Is the sump pump plugged in?
• Is the power cord in good shape?
• Is the drain hose connected properly?
• Is there any debris in the area that could clog the pump and prevent it from working properly?
• Pour water into the sump pit to test if the sump pump starts up automatically and quickly drains the water.

Since sump pumps run on electricity, consider installing a battery backup to help ensure yours will not fail, even in the event of a power outage. If you have installed a battery backup, during your test of the sump pump installation, unplug the pump to ensure that it will function properly on battery power.

Contact a professional if your sump pump is not working properly.

Storm Damage to Hazleton Business

6/16/2022 (Permalink)

Here to Help make storm damage "Like it never even happened."

There’s never a convenient time for flooding or water damage to strike your business from a storm. Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when an emergency situation arises in your business, give us a call and we’ll be there fast with the help you need.

SERVPRO of Hazleton, Dallas and Harvey's Lake has the training, experience, and equipment to handle large commercial flooding or water damage emergencies. Whether your water emergency occurs in a small office building or big box store, we will respond quickly to mitigate the damage and manage the restoration project through to its completion.

Your commercial property’s appearance speaks volumes to your clients. So when the need arises for professional cleaning or emergency restoration services, we have the training and expertise to help make it “Like it never even happened.”

We will help restore these commercial properties and more! 

• Small Office Buildings
• Large Office/High-Rise Office Buildings
• Apartment Buildings
• Restaurants
• Hotel/Motels
• Small Retail Stores
• Large Retail/Big-Box Stores
• High-Rise Residential
• Manufacturing & Industrial
• Government/Military

Water & Fire Damage Services in Dallas

6/16/2022 (Permalink)

Our professionals are available 24-7/365 to help remediate any damage, regardless of the cause, scale of the loss, or the size of your facility.

Our First Priority is to Return Damaged Property to Pre-Loss Conditions

When disaster strikes at one of your properties, we know your first priority is the safety and well-being of your clients. Whether it's an industrial facility or multi-family properties, our professionals are experienced in maintaining the security and safety of the facility and tenants while isolating the damage. We work efficiently to minimize the interruptions for your tenants' daily lives. 

Types of Facilities:

• Multi-level Commercial Buildings
• Multi-tenant Facilities
• Small Office Buildings
• Shopping Malls
• Apartment Complexes
• Hotels
• Industrial Facilities

Our professionals are available 24-7/365 to help remediate any damage, regardless of the cause, scale of the loss, or the size of your facility. 

Have an emergency at your property? – Call Us Now 570-714-3828

We Will Protect Your Business and Your Clients When Restoring Your Property

At SERVPRO, we know that damage to the properties you manage could leave your tenants displaced or your client's business out of commission indefinitely. Our professionals work efficiently to minimize the disruption and restore your facility to preloss conditions as soon as possible. We'll help you protect the security and safety of your facility and your clients.

Our Experience Includes:

• Total Project Management
• Facilities Cleaning and Restoration
• Flooding and Water Damage Cleanup
• Biohazard Remediation
• Odor Removal
• Air Ducts and HVAC Cleaning
• Mold Removal 
• Smoke and Soot Cleanup
• Document and Records Recovery
• Vandalism Cleanup
• Post-construction Cleanup

Commercial Fire in Hazleton

6/15/2022 (Permalink)

Following a commercial fire, we can help.

The SERVPRO Commercial Large Loss Division is composed of our best of the best in restoration. Our elite large-loss specialists are pre-qualified and strategically positioned throughout the United States to handle any size fire.

Every large fire loss is supervised by a commercial operations manager to help ensure seamless communication and timely restoration. 

A commercial fire can cost a great deal of time and money. At SERVPRO of Hazleton/ Dallas/ Harvey's Lake the difference is our ability to dispatch trained production professionals and cut costs through the strategic placement and oversight of temporary labor. Let SERVPRO help your business be better prepared. Get the professionals, call SERVPRO of Hazleton/ Dallas/ Harvey's Lake at (570) 714-3828 for your commercial fire cleanup.

The SERVPRO Emergency Ready Profile

6/15/2022 (Permalink)

Take advantage of the SERVPRO Emergency Ready Profile

The SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile Advantage

As many as 50% of businesses close down following a disaster, according to the latest research. Of the businesses that survive, the overwhelming majority of them had a preparedness plan in place. Pre-planning can serve as an insurance policy aimed at peace of mind. And knowing you are "Ready for whatever happens" speaks trust to your clients and employees that in the event your business is affected by a disaster, they don’t necessarily have to be.

By developing a SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile for your business, you minimize business interruption by having an immediate plan of action. Knowing what to do and what to expect in advance is the key to timely mitigation and can help minimize how water and fire damage can affect your business.

• A no cost assessment of your facility.
  This means there is no need to allocate funds, giving you a great value at no cost.
   
• A concise Profile Document that contains only the critical information needed in the event of an emergency.
  It will only take a little time to complete and will not take you away from current projects. But it will save a lot of time if ever needed.
   
• A guide to help you get back into your building following a disaster.
  This can help minimize the amount of time your business is inactive by having an immediate plan of action.
   
• Establishes SERVPRO of Hazleton, Dallas and Harvey's Lake as your disaster mitigation and restoration provider.
  You have a provider that is recognized as an industry leader and close by.
   
• Identification of the line of command for authorizing work to begin.
  This saves time so we can begin the work of mitigating the damage which can save you time and money.
   
• Provides facility details such as shut-off valve locations, priority areas and priority contact information.
  Having a quick reference of what to do, how to do it and who to call provides solutions in advance of an emergency so that during the emergency you are "Ready for whatever happens."

Ready to Get Started? 

Learn more. or give us a call at 570-714-3828

Flooding at Commercial Property in West Hazleton

6/15/2022 (Permalink)

Here to Help following commercial flooding.

Flooding and water damage events at Hazleton commercial properties are often complex with numerous issues that require a knowledgeable and flexible response. Whether we’re dealing with a relatively small water cleanup scenario or a large scale event, we work quickly to assess each unique situation and isolate the damaged area. In many instances, normal operations can continue in a temporary space while we restore your facility.

Restoring Commercial Properties Presents Unique Challenges

Our professionals are trained to be mindful of legal and environmental concerns and strive to fully restore the damaged area while working within your budgetary constraints. We understand that every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when an emergency situation arises in your business, give us a call and we’ll be there fast with the help you need.

About SERVPRO of Hazleton, Dallas and Harvey's Lake

SERVPRO of Hazleton, Dallas and Harvey's Lake specializes in the cleanup and restoration of commercial and residential property after a water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. 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.

Dallas & Harvey's Lake 24/7 Emergency Services

6/15/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Hazleton, Dallas and Harvey's Lake is available 24 hours a day for water emergencies, large or small.

SERVPRO of Hazleton, Dallas and Harvey's Lake is available 24 hours a day for water emergencies, large or small. When you are dealing with water damage, immediate action is crucial. A delay of just a few hours can greatly increase the severity of the water damage.

We Answer the Phone Ready to Help
Call Today - 570-714-3828

We understand that when you call us, you may be feeling confused, stressed, and vulnerable. You need an expert to guide you through this crisis. We have the specific water damage training and experience to help you through this tough time. We specialize in water damage restoration—in fact, it's the cornerstone of our business.

What to Expect

When you call, we will ask several questions regarding your water damage emergency. These questions will help us determine what equipment and resources to bring, including how many trained SERVPRO Professionals may be needed.

Our SERVPRO Representative will ask several questions:

• Your name and contact information
• Your insurance information (if applicable)
• The street address of the water-damaged home or business
• When did the flooding or water damage occur?
• What caused the water damage (if known)?
• Is there electricity available (on-site)?

About SERVPRO of Hazleton, Dallas and Harvey's Lake

SERVPRO of Hazleton, Dallas and Harvey's Lake specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. 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.

About SERVPRO of Hazleton, Dallas and Harvey's Lake

5/10/2022 (Permalink)

About us

There are many Restoration Companies in the Field. What makes SERVPRO different? 

Mandatory Certifications: 

Upon hire, our production technicians and chiefs are required to receive their restoration certifications and training. Before they step foot onto an emergency loss, they are fully educated on the restoration process. Below are the that our employees receive with SERVPRO when joining our team. 

Certifications

• ASD - Applied Structural Drying Technician
• ECTP - Employee Certification Training Program
• FSRT - Fire & Smoke Damage Restoration Technician
• IICRC Certified Firm
• RRRP - Lead-Based Paint Activities and Renovation
• WRT - Water Damage Restoration Technician

Advanced Equipment & Technology:

Recent years have seen a rapid advancement in the equipment and process used in the restoration industry. These changes allow us to restore a property back to preloss condition quickly, reliably, and more effectively. We use equipment that is Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification approved.

Fast 24 Hour Response: 

This is Simple. We respond to Emergency Situations 24/7 365 days a year. In an emergency, you can expect a response from our team all hours of the day. 

Customer Satisfaction:

We pride ourselves on customer satisfaction and explaining the restoration process to our customers from start to finish. 

"We used SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harvey's Lake for water damage cleanup after pipes busted at our business. Joe was onsite the same day to assess and had a clean up crew there the next morning. All SERVPRO employees that worked with us were wonderful. I would highly recommend SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harvey's Lake to anyone who experiences water damage." - Lindsay G. - Hazleton 

Community is Important: 

Since our franchise opened our community has been very important to us. We want to help the community thrive by assisting those in need, keeping the area safe and making the area the best it can be. Below are a few organizations that we and our sister franchise have had the pleasure of being part of:

• Accredited with the Better Business Bureau
• American Red Cross
• CASA of Luzerne County 
• Community Reading Day
• Greater Wilkes-Barre Chamber of Commerce
• Greater Hazleton Chamber of Commerce
• Head Start Program
• PGA Tour
• Toys for Tots
• Tunkhannock Rotary Club
• Wyoming County Chamber of Commerce

Sister Franchise Celebrating 6 Years in Business

4/25/2022 (Permalink)

Celebrating 6 years in business

On Wednesday, April 27th, 2022, our sister franchise, SERVPRO of Kingston, Pittston City and Wyoming County celebrates 6 years since opening the doors for business. The Kingston franchise has come a long way since that day in 2016 and we have our customers, employees, business partners and community to thank for that. We're so honored and excited to have added the Hazleton franchise to our belt as well.

When franchise owner, John Lazo, first opened the business, his goal was to provide the best customer service to our customers in the restoration industry. Raised in Northeastern Pennsylvania, John prides himself on a work ethic handed down from his family.

NEPA has a reputation of hard working people and what better area to operate a business where we set the standard for excellence. Our franchise has continued to grow every year from day 1 and we look forward to serving you for your residential or commercial needs.

We are very proud to be a leader in Fire & Water Damage Restoration and also part of our community. We look forward to serving the NEPA community for many years to come. 

State of the art Equipment

3/10/2022 (Permalink)

Checking Moisture Levels of a carpet following a water loss.

Moisture Meters allow restoration companies like SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harvey Lake the ability to determine exactly what is wet and what is dry. They detect moisture through paint, wall coatings, drywall, ceramic tiles, floor coverings, wood, roof coverings and ceiling tiles. Moisture Meters are fast, precise and versatile. 

This technology allows our certified water restoration technicians the ability to concentrate on the wet areas saving time and money by knowing exactly what to address. It also ensures that we do not miss any areas and will also confirm when things are dry ensuring proper and professional mitigation services.

Large scale water disasters are SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harvey's Lake specialty. We have the trained employees and specialized equipment to handle the job. We are able to utilize other SERVPRO franchisees or our corporate disaster response team. No job is too big.

Fire danger awareness

3/3/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO was called to mitigate this fire in a residential home bathroom

Exhaust fans are a hidden fire hazard in our properties that could cause devastating outcomes for simple mistakes. Not only can exhaust fans cause fires that could result in thousands of dollars in property damage, but also risk the lives of our loved ones.

Exhaust fans are in many residences and properties to avoid damp walls and floors, as well as unwanted odors. Unfortunately, these fans can also be a fire hazard if they are not properly maintained. If not cleaned routinely, bathroom exhaust fans can collect dust and lint that can cause the motor to overheat. This can cause a fire that will quickly ignite not only the plastic blades of the fan but the surrounding structure. If left on for too long, even a small amount of lint build up could be fatal.

SERVPRO of Hazleton, Dallas, Harvey's Lake is available 24/7 for your emergency needs. We have trained professionals to restore your home. Call us today at 570-714-3828

Commercial Mitigation

3/3/2022 (Permalink)

We can handle both small and large losses for residential and commercial properties.

Residential and Commercial Restoration and Cleaning Services

SERVPRO of Hazleton, Dallas and Harveys Lake is a locally owned, trusted leader in the water, fire and mold restoration industry. Our team of technicians are trained and certified through the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) and follow standards set forth by OSHA. Locally owned, we provide 24-hour emergency service and are dedicated to responding within 60 minutes to your commercial or residential needs. Our crews are ready for any water or fire damage including boarding up your home or business. We are a full service business, offering mitigation and reconstruction services. Our team is equipped to make water or fire damage to your home or business, "Like it never even happened." After we are done with drying out a structure or removing smoke-damaged materials, we can put your home or business back together like it was before the damage occurred. 

Owner, John Lazo, prides our growing franchise on exceptional customer service, quick response time, community involvement and trained, professional employees. As a family owned business, we find it rewarding to help a home or business owner through a stressful time. We are always "Ready for whatever happens."

See what our customers are saying with our Google Reviews.

Call us today 24/7 at 570-714-3828

Why Chose SERVPRO

3/3/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Hazleton, Dallas, Harvey's Lake is proud to service the Community

The Leader in Home and Commercial Disaster Recovery, SERVPRO of Hazleton, Dallas, Harvey's Lake is proud to service our community.

Not only will you receive a fast response time and satisfaction of work, but you will also receive the upmost respect and empathy from our team at SERVPRO. We understand our difficult and stressful a time like this can be and we are here to help! Our number one goal and priority is providing you with excellent customer service and the highest quality of work. 

Look at one of our recent customers had to say about their experience.

 "Called SERVPRO after a busted pipe caused significant water damage. Joe came out the same day to assess the damage and arranged a crew to start work the very next morning! Every SERVPRO employee that we dealt with was knowledgeable, helpful, respectful, and efficient. We HIGHLY recommend SERVPRO and will confidently refer them in the future!"

Call us today 24/7 with your emergency needs at 570-714-3828. We look forward to having the opportunity to service you and restore your home and business "Like it never even happened." 

Fire Damage in Hazleton

3/1/2022 (Permalink)

Here to Help following a fire in Hazleton

Fire damage can be very devastating for a business or commercial property. In addition to fire, smoke, and soot damage, water damage caused by firefighting efforts and fire suppression systems may occur. Every hour spent restoring your business back to pre-fire condition is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. If you have a fire emergency, call SERVPRO of Hazleton, Dallas and Harvey's Lake. 

• 24 Hour Emergency Service
•  Faster to Any Size Disaster
•  A Trusted Leader in the Fire and Water Restoration Industry with over 1,800 Franchises
•  Highly Trained Fire and Water Damage Restoration Specialists

Commercial Fire Damage? Call Us Today 570-714-3828

Commercial Restoration Presents Unique Challenges

We have the training, experience, and equipment to manage your commercial fire damage emergency. We will respond quickly and manage the fire restoration project through to its completion—getting your property business-ready. 

• Fire and Smoke Restoration Technician
• Odor Control Technician
• Upholstery & Fabric Cleaning Technician
• Water Damage Restoration Technician

House Fire in Dallas

3/1/2022 (Permalink)

House fires are tragic. We can help restore your home back to pre fire condition.

House fires are tragic. They cause serious interruption to the life of the victims and many times relocation to a temporary residence is required while the home is being repaired.

SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harvey's Lake understands the stress, worry and disruption that comes from being a victim of a house fire. We work alongside your insurance company to help facilitate the claims process through the mitigation, restoration and rebuilding process.

There is a science behind the mitigation and restoration process of cleaning a house fire. We are an IICRC certified company with trained fire restoration technicians. It takes specialized equipment and training to ensure that your home is restored back to preloss condition.

In choosing SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harvey's Lake as your fire cleanup company you are getting a brand you know, a company you can trust and one with the knowledge and expertise to restore your home. 

Removing Odor after a Fire in Hazleton

2/14/2022 (Permalink)

Making Fire Damage "Like it never even happened."

Restoring fires takes specialized skill. It's not as easy as simply cleaning and repairing. Soot and smoke permeate every inch of the affected area including all soft goods and porous materials. Once the odor gets trapped it will remain and remnants of smoke will continue to be noticeable.

The goal of any restoration company is to restore the property back to preloss condition. That means eliminating all the effects of the fire damage including odors. Walls, ceiling, floors, all furniture, contents (including electronics) and clothing must be addressed or risk having a lingering odor. 

Depending on the type of fire, cleaning it improperly will only embed the soot into porous areas causing further damage. All these are reasons to hire a professional restoration company like SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harvey's Lake. We have certified fire restoration technicians and the specialized equipment to restore your property back to preloss condition. - 570-714-3828

Emergency Board Ups Following a Fire in West Hazleton

2/14/2022 (Permalink)

Call us for Emergency Board Ups.

During a fire at your home or business, windows and doors are commonly knocked out to fight the fire or damaged by the fire. In order to keep your property safe it's important to call a professional to complete your emergency board up. Below are the important reasons you should never leave your property not boarded up following a fire. 

1. More damage to your property from weather/outside sources. 

2. Theft 

3. Prevent unauthorized access to the building

4. Vandalism 

5. Keep animals out of the property 

Following a fire you may be feeling stressed and overwhelmed. Don't forget to call a professional to ensure your property is kept safe following a fire - 570-714-3828

HVAC Cleaning following a fire in Dallas

2/14/2022 (Permalink)

Don't forget to have your HVAC System cleaned when restoring your property after a fire.

Following a fire at you commercial or residential property in Dallas, your HVAC system can potentially collect a number of particles including; smoke residue, soot, emissions from the fire and other contaminates common during building fires. HVAC systems can still collect these particles, even if the system is not in use. Your HVAC system can be greatly affected by these foreign materials. The performance and overall cleanliness of your HVAC system should become a priority following a fire. An HVAC cleaning should be completed as a priority following a commercial or residential fire. 

At SERVPRO of Hazleton, Dallas and Harvey's Lake, we can inspect the heating, ventilation and air conditioning unit (HVAC) following a fire. Keeping them clean can extend the life of the equipment. This can in turn save you money and give you cleaner air to breathe, especially following a fire.

Need your HVAC System Cleaned? - 570-714-3828

Storm damage

2/11/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO pumping out water from a flooded basement

SERVPRO Hazleton, Dallas, Harvey's Lake is available 24/7 365 days a year for your emergency needs.

Often because of storms and high rains we find many residents left with flooded basements. Both finished and non-finished basements require the proper methods to ensure the water is extracted timely and no moisture is left behind in the walls or flooring. 

Our trained technicians can extract the water and evaluate your property to be sure all steps are taken for a proper dry out.

It is so important to eliminate the moisture, so you do not find yourself with mold shortly down the line. 

Please call us today at 570-714-3828 with any questions or emergency needs. We are a trusted partner and here to help! 

Storm damage

2/11/2022 (Permalink)

Call us 24/7 We are open and here to help!

Locally Owned Company with National Storm Resources

SERVPRO of Hazleton / Dallas / Harvey's Lake is locally owned and operated—so we live and work here too, and are proud to be part of the Hazleton community. We are also part of a national network of 1,700 with special Disaster Recovery teams that can respond with additional resources during catastrophic storms and major events.

We take pride in our customer Service and quality of work. We understand the stress of finding yourself with property damage or loss. Our trained professionals and hardworking staff will do all we can to get your home and business restored quickly.

Call us 24/7 at 570-714-3828. 

Fire Damage Restoration

2/11/2022 (Permalink)

demolition and debris removal preparing for restoration

SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harvey's Lake’s #1 goal is to restore your home or business to its pre-fire condition. 

There are several steps in this process to restore your property "Like it never even happened."

1) A restoration plan must be formulated 

2) The home or Business must be secured

3) Water must be extracted

4) Demolition must take place along with debris removal

5) Smoke damage mitigation and soot removal

6) Repairs and Restoration 

7) Renovation

SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harvey's lake can be your single point of contact to oversee both the mitigation and Reconstruction for you.

Call us today at 570-714-3828

Commercial building fire damage

2/9/2022 (Permalink)

Fire damaged in local commercial nail salon

A fire broke out in a local nail salon. This picture shows the damage it has left behind.

SERVPRO of Hazleton, Dallas, Harvey's Lake was called and responded to assist. 

Beyond just the fire damage, smoke and soot can be toxic. Even if you contain a fire the smoke and soot can travel throughout a structure. 

At SERVPRO we have highly trained professionals with knowledge and tools to clean up fire and smoke damage. Our goal is always to mitigate the damage and best possible and restore your property to its pre-fire condition. 

We are available 24/7 at 570-714-3828 and here to help. 

Commercial Property Water Damage prevention

2/9/2022 (Permalink)

Water Damage mitigation for commercial water loss in local area.

Water damage can be a result of many different circumstances. Pennsylvania is one of the top 6n states with the highest incidences of water damage.

To help avoid a water loss view the top five causes of water damage below:

1) Appliance and Equipment- Air conditioners, water heaters, and anything that uses tubes, pipes, gaskets, or filters to operate pose a potential for a leak.

2) Pipes and Drains- Plumbing systems are susceptible to clogs, blockages, and damage. Be on the lookout for any moisture, rusting, cracking, or bulging.

3) Keep an eye on your sprinkler systems and look for signs of damage or rust. Replace them regularly to be sure they are functioning properly. 

4) Natural disasters and storms can do extensive damage to your business. Be sure to keep gutters clear, electronics and sensitive files at a higher level to minimize damage. 

5) roofing- make sure you check your roof regularly. This is a common source of water damage. Every inch of water weighs around five pounds. If your drainage is not working properly, you can be accumulating ponds of water which can lead to staining and lead to leaks. 

SERVPRO of Hazleton, Dallas, Harvey's Lake is here to assist should find your business should your find yourself with a water emergency. Call us today 24/7 at 570-714-3828

source: https://www.grainger.com

Residential home water loss

2/9/2022 (Permalink)

Water extraction in local Hazleton residential basement caused by frozen pipe burst

SERVPRO of Hazleton, Dallas, Harvey's Lake are proud to service customers in our area. We take pride in a quick response time and have empathy to our customers as they are going through a stressful time. 

Residential water losses can cause damage to personal and important items, and it is imperative to mitigate the water damage as soon as possible to prevent further damage and cost to rebuild.

The picture below shows one of our trained restoration technicians extracting water from a carpet in a home basement.

Once water is extracted it is important to measure moisture to ensure there is not water in the floorboards or walls. Failure to have a professional take these readings can leave you susceptible to growth of mold spores. 

Call us today if you have a water loss and are seeking highly trained, caring, professionals to assist!

SERVPRO of Hazleton, Dallas, Harvey's Lake - 24/7 support at 570-714-3828

Importance of an Emergency Readiness Plan

2/9/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is Ready for whatever happens

Faster Storm Damage Response Time

Without warning, nature can take a violent turn: floods, wildfires, tornadoes, hurricanes, blizzards. Any of these can have a devastating effect on the business you have worked hard to build. SERVPRO is Faster to any size disaster. Response time is critical, not only to mitigate your damages but to get your business back up and running quickly. SERVPRO professionals can handle anything from minor commercial storm damage to a large-loss event.  We have a network of storm teams strategically positioned across the country ready to respond 24/7, 365 days a year. With more than 1,900 SERVPRO locations, we are able to set up a local command center to execute a rapid response wherever a major event may take place.

Planning Ahead to Minimize Downtime After Storm Damage

The best time to plan for an emergency is before you have one. This is especially important for your business so you can go back to work safely for your customers and employees.

Contact SERVPRO of Hazleton, Dallas, Harvey's Lake to have one of our representatives create an Emergency Ready Plan. This plan is no cost to you but will have you prepared so that when disaster strikes, you will be ready.

Call us today at 570-714-3828

Storm Damage in West Hazleton

2/8/2022 (Permalink)

Ice storm in NEPA

The recent ice storm in NEPA brought freezing rain that covered a heavy ice glaze. Properties have been affected with whole trees falling and branches that may break off from the weight of the ice. In addition, this ice can cause powerlines to go down. 

Losing power can increase the risk of freezing pipes. When a water pipe bursts due to freezing it can send a large amount of water into your home or business. Water can seep into walls, ceilings and floors causing a significant of damage. 

It is so important to reach out to a professional mitigation partner to assist with this mitigation of damage. If not mitigated properly you can run the risk of increased cost of repairs and reconstruction. 

SERVPRO of Hazleton, Dallas, Harvey's Lake is available 24/7 and help you through this stressful time. Call us today at 570-714-3828.

Storms

2/8/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is here to help!

Storms can wreak havoc and leave your property with considerable damage. In these times you need a trusted partner to mitigate the damage and restore your property. 

SERVPRO of Hazleton, Dallas, Harvey's Lake has trained professionals that work hard to take care of your emergency. See below a testimonial from one our recent customers' experience with us. 

"My family and I wanted to thank all the employees at SERVPRO who, from start to finish, showed the utmost professionalism and compassion while our family’s home suffered severe flood damage last month. Without their timely service we may have had a total loss on our hands. Thank you again."

We are here to help. Call us 24/7 at 570-714-3828

Fire Damage

2/8/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Hazleton, Dallas, Harvey's Lake called to customer fire

SERVPRO of Hazleton, Dallas, Harvey’s Lake was called to help a commercial customer with a fire loss. This can be devastating an often times overwhelming at the steps that need to be taken.  We are here to partner with you are committed to getting your business back up and running as soon as possible. 

We can assist you with mitigation the damage but can also assist with the reconstruction so you can have a single point of contact to get your business on track again. 

Call us today at 570-714-3828 24/7 with any questions or emergency needs. Our goal is to ensure customer satisfaction and to open your doors again "Like it never even happened."

water loss in basement

2/8/2022 (Permalink)

water heater source of flooded basement.

SERVPRO of Hazleton, Dallas, Harvey's Lake were called to the scene to assist with a flooded basement caused by a water heater failure. 

Water heater failure can be a result of rust built up internally in an aged unit, sediment build up, and high-water pressure. 

Signs your Water heater may be failing:

• water leaking from the heating tank
• your hot water is running out quickly
• your water pressure is low
• inconsistent temperature of water during a shower
• noises coming directly from your water heater
• Your water heater is aged

Residential water heaters can last between 6-13 years. It is important to be aware of these signs of failure and the age of your unit to prevent a water loss. 

SERVPRO of Hazleton, Dallas, Harvey's Lake are here to service youn24/7. Call us today at 570-714-3828.

Frozen Pipes

2/2/2022 (Permalink)

Find yourself with busted pipes. SERVPRO is open and here to help!

Freezing weather temperatures have affected Northeast PA with many areas seeing ice and freezing temperatures. The wintry weather can result in freezing pipes. 

As water freezes, it expands, which could lead to pipes bursting which is a source of property damage.

Here are some tips on how to prevent frozen and burst pipes and how to know if in fact your pipes are frozen:

1. Make sure all leaks are fixed ahead of the freeze.

2. If you turn on a faucet and only a trickle comes out, suspect a frozen pipe. It is possible only a portion of your pipe could be frozen, which is why less water is getting through.

3. Keep an eye on pipes that are ones against exterior walls or in the attic or basement, or in other unheated parts of the property. These are most likely to freeze. 

4. Be on the lookout for any unshapely looking pipes could also mean the water has frozen inside and could be near bursting.

5. Leaving the faucet to drip or trickle during wintry weather can prevent freezing. Moving water cannot freeze as easily. If the pipe has already frozen, turning on the cold-water faucet can also help relieve pressure.

 Should you find yourself with a busted pipe, despite all preventative efforts , SERVPRO Hazleton, Dallas, Harvey's Lake is here to help. 

 Call us today 24/7 at 570-714-3832! 

SERVPRO - "Like it never even happened."

2/1/2022 (Permalink)

24/7 Emergency Service Support. You can count on SERVPRO

SERVPRO Hazleton, Dallas, Harvey's Lake is here for our customers both Residential and Commercial Mitigation and Reconstruction needs.

Dealing with an emergency loss can be incredibly stressful and our team is here for you to evaluate your loss and mitigate as quickly as possible. 

Our trained professionals specialize in water, fire, mold remediation and biohazard clean ups. Please view our site to see additional services we offer.www.SERVPROhazletondallasharveyslake.com

Our Franchise is independently owned and family run, yet we have support of our nearby large loss SERVPRO Franchises to manage both your small and large emergencies. 

You can rest assured the customer service and quality of work you receive from our team is of upmost importance to us! 

We are available 24/7. Call us today at 570-214-3828

Water Damage in your Hazleton home

1/17/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Hazleton, Dallas, Harvey's Lake

It is this time of year when pipes are freezing and high potential for water damage should the pipes  burst. 

In these cases is so important to seek help from a trained restoration company. Extraction of water is just the first step to ensure the water does not cause further damage to your home. 

When calling SERVPRO Hazleton, Dallas, Harvey's Lake you can rest assured you are in good hands.  Our trained professionals will take the steps necessary.  This full process often times includes the following steps:

• Inspecting the damage
• Extraction of water
• Drying out/Dehumidification
• Cleaning
• Restoration

Call us today at 570-714-3828. We are available 24/7 for your emergency needs. 

Storm Damage to your West Hazleton home

10/1/2021 (Permalink)

Tips to best protect your residential property from storm damage

This year we had our share of storms and specifically high volumes of rain in Northeast PA. We cannot control the weather, but we can take steps to help ensure our home is protected and potentially minimize damage. 

One of the most common type of property damage is roof and siding damage because of heavy winds and rain. 

Here are some basic tips to follow to protect your property:

1. Replace missing or damaged Shingles 
2. Repair Loose Siding 
3. Keep your Gutters clear

    4.Ensure water can flow away from your home

5. Inspect your sump pump and ensure it is working properly
6. Ensure your doors and windows are properly sealed 
7. Check for Looses Fence posts
8. Trim your trees regularly
9. Keep a generator on hand
10. Be sure you inspect your property for loose items that can projectile and cause damage. 

Should you find yourself with storm damage SERVPRO Hazleton/Dallas/Harvey's Lake is here to help. Call us 24/7 at 570-714-3828.

 source: https://www.reinbrechthomes.com/blog/10-steps-to-protect-your-home-from-storm-damage/

Restoration of your Hazleton Commercial Property

9/21/2021 (Permalink)

Fall home and commercial property maintenance can prevent water damage

Moving into fall we must begin some fall maintenance for our homes and commercial properties. The first step that comes to mind is ensuring our gutters are free of leaves and debris.  

Having clogged gutters can cause damage to your gutter as well as your roof. 

Wet leaves left in gutters can freeze as the freezing weather approaches and this can cause warping of your gutters and can back up and new rain that falls. 

Gutters are a pathway to ensure water is moving away from your home away from you foundation. Without this open pathway you can run the risk of water leaks in your roof and walls. 

Cleaning out your gutters can prevent you from suffering from water damage to your business and home. 

Should you find yourself in a situation with water damage you can count on SERVPRO Hazleton, Dallas, Harvey's Lake to be there for you.  Call us 24/7 at 570-714-3828.

Storm damage in your West Hazleton home

9/21/2021 (Permalink)

water damage unattended to can lead to mold

As a result of the recent storms many homes suffered from water damage. Once water in extracted it appears to be taken care of however it is so important to ensure there is no moisture left in your walls. This moisture can be measured with a meter but to the visual eye the walls may look dry.

The risk of moisture in your walls can lead to mold growth. Mold can grow with in a brief period of 24- 48hrs. It is critical all steps of water extraction and dry outs take place within in this window of time. 

Our trained technicians at SERVPRO Hazleton, Dallas, Harvey's Lake are here to help. Please contact us today if you suffer any water damage or view mold in your home. Call us 24/7 at 570-214-3828.

Why SERVPRO?

9/9/2021 (Permalink)

24/7 Trusted partner. We care and will respond to your emergency needs.

When it comes to an emergency you want to rely on those you trust!  SERVPRO Hazleton, Dallas, Harvey’s Lake want to ensure you feel confident in working with us and our professional team. 

Our certified technicians are trained to be sure our customer's come first.  Our Knowlegable team is here to help. 

With many options out there, we want to be sure we can service your needs.

Please look at what some of our customers have to say about our service:

•  "You won't find a better group of people anywhere. They care about what they are doing WILL put the customer’s needs first. If you have damage to your home or business, you should call SERVPRO the best restoration company. Trust me you will not regret it."

— Melissa Walter in Shavertown, PA

• Quality workmanship & services provided at a great value! Followed up with a solid group of people who will continue to be eager & available to serve you! Thank you, we will certainly utilize your service again!

— Michael N. in Wilkes-Barre, PA

• They responded quickly and were on the scene the same day. Professional, courteous, and friendly. Highly recommend.

— Jeannine L. in Sugarloaf, AL

Fire, Water, Mold Remediation, Biohazard, duct cleaning .... Call us to today 24/7 for any questions or needs you may have. 570-714-3828

Sewer Backup Prevention tips

9/9/2021 (Permalink)

Biohazard work requires special gear and clean up procedures. SERVPRO Hazleton, Dallas, Harvey's Lake can help!

What causes a sewer back up in the first place? Buildups in pipes from grease, clogs, or items that should not be flushed down a toilet flushed! When these sewer lines get damaged, they can cause a sewer backup. 

Some important tips to avoid these backups!

1) Be sure to dispose grease properly

2) Be sure you dispose all paper products properly

3) Be sure all your plumbing connections are legal. (Sump pumps, French drains, and other flood prevention systems cannot always be connected to your sewer line)

4) Consider a backwater prevention valve. This can be installed onto the sewer line in your basement allowing sewage to go out but not back in.

Should you find yourself with a backup SERVPRO Hazleton, Dallas, Harveys Lake can help you with this cleanup. Our trained staff has the knowledge and proper PPE equipment to restore your home or business. Call us today 24/7 at 570-714-3828. 

sources: 

What causes a sewer back up in the first place? Buildups in pipes from grease, clogs, or items that should not be flushed down a toilet flushed! When these sewer lines get damaged, they can cause a sewer backup. 

Some important tips to avoid these backups!

1) Be sure to dispose grease properly

2) Be sure you dispose all paper products properly

3) Be sure all your plumbing connections are legal. (Sump pumps, French drains, and other flood prevention systems cannot always be connected to your sewer line)

4) Consider a backwater prevention valve. This can be installed onto the sewer line in your basement allowing sewage to go out but not back in.

Should you find yourself with a backup SERVPRO Hazleton, Dallas, Harveys Lake can help you with this cleanup. Our trained staff has the knowledge and proper PPE equipment to restore your home or business. Call us today 24/7 at 570-714-3828. 

source: https://hubinternaional.com

water loss in your Hazleton Business

9/8/2021 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO today to set up your ERP

Water loss and damage can have a big impact on commercial business.  Loss of time and production is loss of revenue for a corporation. It is the job of SERVPRO to help Mitigate the water damage and get your business up and running as quickly as possible!

Time is of the essence when it comes to stopping the water flow.  Having an Emergency Readiness Plan can be just the answer to ensure all your emergency phone numbers and utility shut offs are accessible in one location. 

SERVPRO Hazleton, Dallas, Harvey's Lake offer a complimentary ERP for your business.  Our Sales and Marketing Representative can meet with you to review your property and prepare a complete Emergency Readiness Plan for you and your staff. 

We can provide both a hard copy of this plan for and in addition you can download an application on your smart phone and have this plan accessible on your mobile device. Multiple staff members can have access to this to ensure your property is taken care of timely. 

Call us today at 570-714-3828 to schedule a meeting and get this Emergency Readiness Plan set for you.  Together let's be prepared for our next storm. 

Water damage in your West Hazleton Home

9/8/2021 (Permalink)

Be sure no moisture is left behind wall to prevent mold growth

Water damage can very quickly turn into mold and larger concerns within your home. In fact, mold spores can grow within 240 48hrs if the water damaged areas have not yet started the dry out process. 

Mold requires wet/damp surfaces to grow. The best way to prevent mold growth is to mitigate the water damage as quickly as possible. 

It is important to contact a professional and specialist in water mitigation to ensure the safety of you and your home. Often your home may appear to be dry, but water can flow down the inside of the wall cavities. 

Our trained SERVPRO professional can use meters to measure moisture in your walls to ensure you are not susceptible to mold growth. Call our SERVPRO Hazleton, Dallas, Harvey's Lake Franchises today 24/7 at 570-714-3828.

Why SERVPRO

9/8/2021 (Permalink)

Happy to service our hometown local community

John and Heather Lazo have recently purchased the Hazleton, Dallas, Harvey’s Lake SERVPRO Franchise in in December of 2020.  Heather grew up in Hazleton where her family still resides.  It has been humbling to be able to service and support our hometown community.

Over the past year our team has been focusing on understanding the local businesses and attending networking events through the Hazleton Chamber of Commerce. 

We look forward to being a trusted partner to this local community for both your residential and commercial emergency service needs.

Our four main areas of services include the following:

1) Water Damage

2) Fire

3) Mold Remediation 

4) Biohazard 

Please visit our SERVPRO Hazleton, Dallas, Harvey's Lake site for a full list of services.  Call us today 24/7 at 570-714-3828. 

Why SERVPRO

9/8/2021 (Permalink)

Residential home affected by fire damage

This West Hazleton home suffered fire damage. The before picture below shows damaged contents as a result of fire.  

Team Lazo of SERVPRO Hazleton, Dallas, Harvey's Lake was called to assist. 

Our certified technicians were able to be on the scene to help restore this home. Customer  satisfaction is our #1 priority. 

Here's what a few of our customers had to say: 

" The staff were very friendly, efficient, and informative. I would highly recommend them!"

"The SERVPRO team is undeniably the best professional restoration and contracting team I have ever had. From the kind customer service, to the impeccable job they did. I am completely satisfied and happy with the job they did. I recommend without hesitation ! Thank you SERVPRO ! My family and I can enjoy our family room again!"

Please visit our SERVPRO Hazleton, Dallas, Harvey's Lake site for a full list of services.  Call us today 24/7 at 570-714-3828. 

Fire Damage in your Hazleton Residence

8/25/2021 (Permalink)

Kitchen is the most common room in a house a fire starts

Home fires can be devastating. Following some basic and simple fire prevention tips and being aware of some common house fire causes can help reduce the risk of a fire in your home. 

1) Be sure to install smoke alarms on all levels of your home or building structure. Smoke alarms should be tested monthly and if not working should have the batteries changed. 

2) One of the most common areas fires begin in a home is in the kitchen. It is important to be sure you do not leave anything flammable near or on your stove. Do not rest any cookbooks or towels on top of your stove. 

3) Another common cause of a house fire is caused by home space heaters and baseboard heaters.  It is important to never leave items too close while the heaters are running. Always follow the instructions for each heating device.

4) Candles should never be left unattended. Keep all matches and lighters away for children's reach. 

5) Do not overload extension cords and power strips

6) You and your family should make and practice a fire escape plan. Clear all clutter that can become an obstacle to escape. 

Should you find yourself in a situation with a home fire it is important to get out and stay out of the house!

SERVPRO Hazleton/Dallas/Harvey’s Lake is here to help with your mitigation and fire damage. We are available 24/7 for your emergency needs. Call us today at 570-714-3828  

Water Damage to Hazleton Basement

8/20/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO can help following a water damage emergency.

Has your Hazleton home had issues with water in the basement in the past? Avoid another situation of your home filling with water. Below are some useful tips to follow in order to keep your basement dry and safe. 

1. Add Gutter Extensions to your home

2. Plug Gaps

3. Restore the Crown

4. Reshape the Landscaping

5. Repair Footing Drains

6. Install a Curtain Drain

7. Pump the Water

8. Waterproof the Walls

Not only does a wet basement look, feel and smell unpleasant, it poses a great risk to your home’s value and safety. Left unchecked, basement moisture can ruin floors and walls, allow for mold growth, and even damage roofing. Remember if you are dealing with any results of water in your home, we are always here to help. 

Water Damage? Call us at 570-714-3828

What makes SERVPRO the restoration company of choice?

8/9/2021 (Permalink)

Faster while providing excellent service to our customers

SERVPRO Industries LLC has been operated by the same family for 50+ years. Over the years the operations have grown to 1700 + independently owned franchises.  In 2019, SERVPRO partnered with Blackstone, one of the largest and extraordinarily successful investment firms in the world. 

At SERVPRO Hazleton, Dallas,Harvey's Lake we strive towards the SERVPRO mission each day. 

                    OUR MISSION

To develop a team of quality people who focus on excellent service, fairness, and mutual respect. 

Providing excellent Service to each residential and Commercial customer is of upmost importance to us. 

Whether you have water damage, Fire, Mold or Bio- hazard cleanup needs you can count on SERVPRO Hazleton, Dallas,Harvey's Lake to be there for you. 

Contact us today 24/7 at 570-714-3828

Why is duct cleaning in your home important?

7/28/2021 (Permalink)

Duct cleaning in local Conyngham home

Ducts often contain harmful contaminants in addition to dust. If you or a family member has any type of respiratory problems, you can be sensitive to these airborne particles.

Having air duct cleaning promotes healthier living and help improve air quality. When debris is stuck in your ducts it can restrict air flow to and from the components on your HAVAC system, not allowing it to work had its highest efficiency. 

It is recommended to have air duct cleaning every 3-5 years 

SERVPRO Hazleton, Dallas, Harvey's Lake can assist you with your duct cleaning to improve your air quality and create a cleaner living environment for you.  We take pride in our customer satisfaction and appreciate the opportunity to service the local community. 

Call us today at 570-714-3828

What can I do prevent water damage to my home?

7/28/2021 (Permalink)

storm water loss prevention

Water damage is the second most frequently filed insurance claim in the United States.

The average cost of a water damage claim is $5,000

Up to 93% of the cost of water damage could have been prevented using a shut-off system or water leak detection system

8% of all water damage to buildings is due to weather

Some tips below to protect your home from water damage :

1. Disconnect hoses

2.Clean gutters and spouts

3. Maintain appliances

4. Know where your water main shutoff is located

5. Fix leaks promptly

6. Monitor your water bill

Should you suffer from water damage in your home or business SERVPRO Hazleton, Dallas, Harvey's Lake are here to help!  24/7 emergency service. Call us today at 570-714-3828

Residential water losses

6/16/2021 (Permalink)

Source of a water loss at a residential home

A toilet leak caused this residential home to have flooding.  A simple leak unattended for some time can cause a great deal of damage throughout many stories of your residential home. 

Below are some examples of some common causes of water losses to be aware of. 

1. Plumbing issues, including clogged toilets and sinks, and broken pipes are a common cause of water damage.

2. Malfunctioning home appliances are another common cause of waterdamage.

3. Air conditioners are another source of water damage in homes. Despite the unit functioning fine, it is important to follow a regular service schedule.

4. Weather and Natural Disasters. You have no control over natural weather or flood-related waterdisasters but this is major cause of losses. 

Your local SERVPRO team of Hazleton, Dallas, and Harvey's Lake are available 24/7 for your emergency needs.  Call us today at 570-714-3828

What our Hazleton Customers are saying!

6/16/2021 (Permalink)

See what our customers say.

When our family owned and operated business expanded from one to two franchises in early 2021, we wanted to ensure our new customers received the best customer service. In the emergency restoration industry, our biggest goal is to make an already difficult situation a bit less stressful.

Below are a few testimonials from our customers. 

"SERVPRO is not just about cleaning up a mess; They are about preventing the mess in the first place. I have yet to call them in for an emergency, and they treat us like their most valued customer. They came to the property and helped us come up with an emergency plan with pictures for our whole team to refer to in case it were needed. It was so quick and easy, but very detailed! I appreciate all the time SERVPRO has given us. We look forward to knowing we have them on our side if they are ever needed." - Christine M. 

"Quality workmanship & services provided at a great value! Followed up with a solid group of people who will continue to be eager & available to serve you! Thank you, we will certainly utilize your service again!" - Michael N. 

"You won't find a better group of people anywhere. They care about what they are doing WILL put the customers needs first. If you have damage to your home or business you should call SERVPRO the best restoration company. Trust me you will not regret it." - Melissa W. 

When dealing with an emergency, feel at ease calling SERVPRO of Hazleton, Dallas and Harvey's Lake - 570-714-3828

Fire Damage in Hazleton

6/15/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Fire & Water Cleanup

A house fire can be terrifying. Big or small a fire requires work to clean and restore your home.  This can be an incredibly stressful time; however, it is important to take care of the damage and repairs timely to avoid structural damage.  It is important to have a trusted Restoration company who can be onsite quickly and start making repairs to your home.

SERVPRO Hazleton/Dallas/Harvey's Lake technicians have the specialized fire and water damage restoration training, personnel, and equipment to handle fire and water damage and can quickly restore your home to pre-fire condition.

Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage? Call SERVPRO Hazleton/Dallas/ Harvey's Lake 570-714-3828

National Firefighters Day

5/12/2021 (Permalink)

Thank you, Firefighters!

On Tuesday, May 4th we celebrated National Firefighters Day! We had such a great time visiting some of our local Fire Departments to “Hydrate our Heroes” On National Firefighters Day and everyday, we thank you for everything you do! 

Kingston Forty Fort Fire Department Wilkes Barre Township Fire Department Wilkes Barre Fire Department Athletic Association Wilkes-Barre City Firefighters IAFF Local 104 City of Pittston Bureau of Fire Edwardsville Fire Department Shavertown Volunteer Fire Department Good Will Hose Co. #2, Plymouth Back Mountain Regional Fire & EMS, Dallas PA Back Mountain Fire/EMS News Page Kunkle Fire Company, Inc. Kunkle Fire Department Luzerne County Fire Companies Luzerne County Firewire Luzerne County Emergency Management Lehman Township Police Department

Sister Franchise Celebrating 5 Years in Business

4/26/2021 (Permalink)

Our Kingston Franchise Celebrating 5 Years!

On Tuesday, April 27th, 2021, our sister franchise, SERVPRO of Kingston, Pittston City and Wyoming County celebrated 5 years since opening the doors for business. The Kingston franchise has come a long way since that day in 2016 and we have our customers, employees, business partners and community to thank for that. We're so honored and excited to also add the Hazleton franchise to our belt this year as well.

When franchise owner, John Lazo, first opened the business, his goal was to provide the best customer service to our customers in the restoration industry. Raised in Northeastern Pennsylvania, John prides himself on a work ethic handed down from his family.

NEPA has a reputation of hard working people and what better area to operate a business where we set the standard for excellence. Our franchise has continued to grow every year from day 1 and we look forward to serving you for your residential or commercial needs.

We are very proud to be a leader in Fire & Water Damage Restoration and also part of our community. We look forward to serving the NEPA community for many years to come. 

Grilling Safety Tips in Lehman

3/9/2021 (Permalink)

Grill safely this Season!

After a very active Winter, it's so exciting to think about the idea of grilling outside. As the weather breaks and we have the opportunity to get outside to grill, please keep in mind these safety tips below. 

1. Grill outside and away from any structures

Charcoal and gas grills are designed for outdoor use only. However, NFPA reports that more than one-quarter (27%) of home fires started by outdoor grills began in a courtyard, terrace or patio, and 29% started on an exterior balcony or open porch. Pay attention to overhanging tree branches when you set up your grill.

2. Make sure your grill is stable

Only set up your grill on a flat surface and make sure the grill can’t be tipped over. Consider using a grill pad or splatter mat underneath your grill to protect your deck or patio.

3. Keep your grill clean

Remove grease or fat buildup from both the grill and the tray below the grill. If you are using a charcoal grill, allow the coals to completely cool off before disposing of them in a metal container.

4. Check for propane leaks on your gas grill

Before the season’s first barbecue, check the gas tank hose for leaks by applying a light soap and water solution to the hose and then turning on the gas. If there is a propane leak, the solution will bubble. Other signs of a propane leak include the smell of gas near the barbecue or a flame that won’t light.

5. If the flame goes out, wait to re-light

If you are using a gas grill and the flame goes out, turn the grill and the gas off, then wait at least five minutes to re-light it.

6. Take care around the grill

Never leave a lit grill unattended. Don’t allow kids or pets to play near the grill. Never try to move a lit or hot grill, and remember the grill will stay hot for at least an hour after use.

7. Be careful with charcoal starter fluid

If you use a charcoal grill, only use charcoal starter fluid. If the fire starts to go out, don’t add any starter fluid or any other flammable liquids to the fire. Consider using a charcoal chimney starter, which uses newspaper to start the fire instead of starter fluid.

8. Wear the right clothing

Clothing can easily catch fire, so be sure your shirt tails, sleeves or apron strings don’t dangle over the grill.

9. Be ready to put out the fire

Have baking soda on hand to control a grease fire and a fire extinguisher nearby for other fires. If you don’t have a fire extinguisher, keep a bucket of sand next to the grill. Never use water to put out grease fire.

These easy-to-follow tips will help you and your family to enjoy a safe Spring/Summer barbecuing season. 

Source: Nationwide

Family Owned & Operated Restoration Company in Hazleton

3/9/2021 (Permalink)

Owner & Vice President of SERVPRO of Hazleton, Dallas and Harvey's Lake - John & Heather Lazo

SERVPRO of Hazleton, Dallas and Harvey's Lake opened under Franchise owner John Lazo at the beginning of 2021. Both franchise owner, John and his wife Heather who serves as our Vice President grew up in the Hazleton area. Raised in Northeastern Pennsylvania, John prides himself on a work ethic handed down from his family.

NEPA has a reputation of hard working people and what better area to operate a business where we set the standard for excellence. Our franchise goal is to provide the best customer service to our customers through the restoration industry. 

As owners of the SERVPRO of Kingston, Pittston City and Wyoming County franchise, we couldn't be more excited to expand our service area to our hometown. We look forward to serving you for your residential or commercial needs.

Preventing Fires in Conyngham

2/18/2021 (Permalink)

Here to Help after a fire.

Fires can cause a significant amount of stress and vulnerability in a home owner's life. At SERVPRO of Hazleton, Dallas and Harvey's Lake, we will go above and beyond to treat a home owner, their home and belongings with the utmost care. 

Our team of course can assist following a fire to provide restoration services, but it's important to take steps to prevent fires as well. 

1. Install Smoke Detectors 

2. Keep Space Heaters away from furniture, draperies and other objects.

3. Never leave a stove or candle unattended.

4. Never leave an outdoor grill unattended.

5. Keep an eye on electrical work over time. Always make sure your electric panels are up to date and not faulty. 

6. Water your Christmas Tree. 

7. Check on your dryer vent. 

8. Properly store flammable products. 

9. Maintain all electrical cords. 

10. Do not smoke inside. 

It's important to practice Fire Safety to prevent fires. Keep you, your family and home safe. 

SERVPRO is always Here to Help. 

Cooking Fire in Hazleton

2/18/2021 (Permalink)

The most common type of fire in the U.S. is the kitchen fire.

The weather has been cold this Winter, so many are doing some comfort food cooking. Whether you're a pro or new to the kitchen, it's important to remember fire safety. Emergencies can happen to anyone. Below are some steps to ensure safety while cooking this season. 

What you should know about home cooking safety

• Be on alert! If you are tired, don’t use the stove or stovetop.
• Stay in the kitchen while you are frying, grilling, boiling, or broiling food.
• If you are simmering, baking, or roasting food, check it regularly, remain in the kitchen while food is cooking, and use a timer to remind you that you are cooking.
• Keep anything that can catch fire — oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, towels or curtains — away from your stovetop.

If you have a cooking fire

• Just get out! When you leave, close the door behind you to help contain the fire.
• Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number after you leave.
• If you try to fight the fire, be sure others are getting out and you have a clear way out.
• Keep a lid nearby when you’re cooking to smother small grease fires. Smother the fire by sliding the lid over the pan and turn off the stovetop. Leave the pan covered until it is completely cooled.
• For an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed.
• Call us at 570-714-3828 for fire damage restoration services. 

Source: NFPA

Here to Help following a fire.

Cleaning your HVAC System after a Fire

2/18/2021 (Permalink)

Following a fire, don't forget to have your HVAC system cleaned.

Your HVAC system needs to be cleaned after a fire damage event even if it was switched off during the fire. The movement of air will carry smoke into the air duct system, causing soot to the ducts. Smoke is corrosive and debris will be absorbed into the HVAC system as soon as smoke enters the ducts.

Left alone, the HVAC system can distribute throughout the house and affect air quality. That is why it is so important to call in a professional to clean, as they know how and what to do to completely get rid of even trace amounts of soot and smoke damage in the HVAC system.

Importance of Cleaning your HVAC System 

• Most of the allergy-aggravating contaminants will be removed from your system
• Your HVAC will operate more efficiently and effectively
  • Helps to restore peak energy efficiency.
  • May help to eliminate offensive odors.
  • Helps reduce the potential for mold growth.
  • Recognition from guests a very clean environment.
  • Eliminates soot in the HVAC system from pumping through your home.

NADCA’s rule of thumb for consumers is that “if your air ducts look dirty, they probably are,” and that dirty HVAC systems should be inspected by a reputable, certified HVAC professional. Without question, they are very dirty following a fire. 

We can quickly and efficiently clean your HVAC System

For more information on HVAC and air duct cleaning, call us today, 570-714-3828.

Water Damage from Winter Storm in Dallas

2/16/2021 (Permalink)

Water Damage from an Ice Dam in Dallas - we can help.

What is an ice dam?

An ice dam is a ridge of ice that forms at the edge of a roof and prevents melting snow (water) from draining off the roof. The water that backs up behind the dam can leak into a home and cause damage to walls, ceilings, insulation and other areas.

Damage from an ice dam

Moisture from melted snow entering a home can cause more damage than just wet walls and insulation. If the water is not properly extracted and dried out, your home poses the threat of growing mold in these damp areas. 

Mold spores thrive in warm and damp areas, like the insulation of a home. 

Call a professional 

Since SERVPRO of Hazleton, Dallas and Harveys Lake are leaders in the Restoration Field, it is important to have a home that was impacted by water damage from an ice dam looked at. We use state of the art Moisture Detection and Measurement Equipment to determine the moisture levels in your home.

Scientific drying principles rely upon specialized equipment to detect, measure, and monitor a property’s moisture levels. Recent advances, like infrared cameras, can help us detect water through a wall, ceiling, or floor.

This type of equipment will ensure we have an understanding of the amount of moisture in the home, the drying equipment we will need to dry it out and the prevention of mold growth in the home. 

If dealing with water damage from an ice dam, give us a call! 570-714-3828

Preventing Frozen Pipes in West Nanticoke

2/16/2021 (Permalink)

Frozen, Burst Pipe Causes Water Damage in West Nanticoke. SERVPRO can help.

We all know how cold and icy NEPA can get during the Winter Months. While we're busy trying to keep warm, it's also important to be sure you keep the pipes in your home or business warm. Failure to do so can result in frozen pipes. When a pipe freezes after the temperatures drop below freezing for consecutive days, the pipe can also burst once temps warm up.  This pipe burst can cause a significant amount of water damage to your home or business, especially if the water is left running for awhile if not discovered quickly.  The best way to deal with a frozen pipe is to prevent it. Below are ten steps to take in avoiding frozen pipes.  10 Tips to Prevent Frozen Pipes in Winter

1. Insulate Pipes. 
2. Keep Garage Doors Closed. 
3. Open Cabinets. 
4. Let Faucets Drip. 
5. Keep the Thermostat Consistent. 
6. Seal Cracks and Openings. 
7. Leave the Heat On. 
8. Open Interior Doors.
9. Seal Crawl Spaces.
10. Use Heating Tape.

Should you unfortunately experience water damage from a burst pipes, we're always here to help. 24/7/365

SERVPRO's Disaster Recovery Team

2/16/2021 (Permalink)

No Job is Too Large for SERVPRO.

No Job Is Too Large

At SERVPRO, the difference is our network of 1,700 franchises nationwide on standby to help. Our ability to dispatch trained production professionals and cut costs through the strategic placement and oversight of temporary labor is largely important. Get the professionals, call SERVPRO.

Clients for the Commercial Large Loss program include the following:

• The Hospitality Industry
• Property Managers
• Universities
• Municipalities
• The Pentagon

Catastrophic Storm and Major Event Response

The SERVPRO Disaster Recovery Team can provide help whether you're dealing with a tornado, hurricane, blizzard or flood. The SERVPRO System has a network of strategically positioned storm teams on standby should a disaster strike near you. Available 24 hours a day and 365 days a year, SERVPRO Franchise Professionals are prepared for the unpredictable.

With the ability to mobilize local command centers, along with the resources of more than 1,700 Franchises nationwide, no disaster is too big. Recent mobilizations of the Catastrophic Storm Response Teams include:

• 2017 California wildfires
• 2017 Hurricane Irma
• 2017 Hurricane Harvey
• 2016 Hurricane Matthew
• 2015 Carolina floods
• 2014 Polar Vortex
• 2012 Sandy
• 2010 Nashville floods
• 2008 Ike
• 2007 Chicago floods
• 2007 Ohio floods
• 2007 California wildfires
• 2005 Katrina/Wilma/Rita

Water Damage from Melted Snow in Lehman

2/16/2021 (Permalink)

Don't let Winter linger for longer than it should!

It's hard to imagine now, but it will soon enough be Spring in NEPA. After what has been a pretty icy, snowy and eventful Winter, Lehman residents need to keep in mind the copious amounts of melting snow. 

As we see the snow fall develop into rain fall with the combination of warmer temperatures, the large amount of snow fall we received this Winter will begin to melt. When this happens at a fast rate, flooding is unfortunately bound to happen in residential and commercial properties. 

Here are a few tips to avoid flooding as the snow melts:

1. Gutters & Downspouts. - Keep gutters free of debris and position downspouts away from the foundation of your home. 
2. Foundation Cracks. - Inspect the exterior foundation and your basement's walls and floors.
3. Sump Pumps. - Make sure your sump pump is working and automatically turns on when it sensors water. 
4. Window Well Covers. - If you have below-grade basement windows, install window well covers that will fasten securely to your home's foundation
5. Generators. - Think about investing in a generator if you do not already have one. This will ensure your sump pump and other important utilities are not knocked out if the power goes out.
6. Insurance. - Always know what kind of coverage you have through your homeowners policy. Insurance can be confusing, so schedule a call with your policy holder to discuss. 

As the snow melts, if you find yourself dealing with water damage, give us a call. We can help.

Frozen, Burst Pipe Causes Water Damage in Plymouth

2/11/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is Here to Help following water damage from a burst pipe.

As we continue to see temperatures dip below freezing for consecutive days in NEPA, it's important to be aware of frozen pipes in your home or business. Keeping an eye out for certain warning signs of frozen pipes is crucial in avoiding water damage. 

A few signs your pipes may be frozen include:

- Water is not coming out of faucet.

- Strange odors coming from your drain. 

- Visible frost on the pipes

- Temps have been below freezing.

These signs can be an indicator that the pipe is frozen and needs to be thawed before bursting. You can try completing this yourself, or have a professional plumber take a look. 

Think of your frozen pipe as a soda can that has accidentally been left in a cold car or freezer. You'll notice that the can expands and can burst causing a mess in your car or freezer. The same thing can happen to your pipes, however the damage would unfortunately be to your home or business. 

As we continue to have freezing temperatures in our area, be aware of the warning signs of freezing pipes and how to prevent them. 

If you unfortunately find yourself dealing with water damage from a frozen, burst pipe, give us a call. We can help - 570-714-3828 

SERVPRO of Hazleton, Dallas and Harveys Lake under new Ownership

2/5/2021 (Permalink)

John and Heather Lazo - Owner and Vice President of SERVPRO of Hazleton, Dallas and Harveys Lake

Welcome to our SERVPRO of Hazleton, Dallas and Harveys Lake Website Page! We are so excited to announce new proud ownership of SERVPRO of Hazleton, Dallas and Harveys Lake.

When we first opened SERVPRO of Kingston, Pittston City and Wyoming County it was our goal from day one to expand our franchises. We could not do it without our amazing customers, staff, community and business partners. We look forward to continuing to serve even more of NEPA in this New Year and many years to come!

                          - Our SERVPRO Family

Frozen Pipe Season

10/1/2020 (Permalink)

This is the result of a frozen pipe that burst upon thaw.

Winter is the restoration industry's busiest time and busted water pipes are a leading cause. Many times this costly damage could have been prevented with some easy preventive maintenance steps.

1. Pipe wrap to insulate the exposed piping in the basement of your home. This is an inexpensive way to be proactive and to ensure that the exposed pipes will not freeze.

2. Seal/insulate all small cracks and openings in your basement. Wires and pipes run inside/out of homes and could leave small open spaces which will permit freezing wind to directly affect an area of pipe. That area could freeze and burst. This again is a simply and cost efficient way to keep the heat inside and the cold out.

3. During those especially freezing nights, let the faucets slowly drip. Running water through the pipes will prevent it from freezing. Also, open cabinet doors under the sinks to allow the home heat to circulate underneath. Again, a few degrees can make a tremendous difference.

SERVPRO is here to serve you for all your smoke fire and water cleanup and restoration needs. We are an emergency services company available 24/7 to help make it "Like it never even happened."

Commercial Mold Remediation

9/28/2020 (Permalink)

Mold growth along the baseboard of this business. Ground water issue was the ultimate culprit of this issue. SERVPRO to the rescue.

SERVPRO is the area's premier smoke, fire and water cleanup and restoration company, and also has the expertise to test and mitigate potential mold issues. Excessive amounts of mold and certain types of mold may present health effects. It is essential for the health of you and your family, as well as the protection of your property, to address the issue and arrange for professionals at SERVPRO to conduct mold removal and mold remediation as soon as the presence of mold is identified.

Water damage can cause mold growth in your home or business if left untreated, therefore it is important to have your water damage cleaned promptly and professionally. If you are not able to treat your water damage quickly below are some ways to identify a possible mold issue.

Signs of the presence of excessive mold include:
•The presence of visible mold.
•Strong, musty odors.
•Any evidence of past moisture problems that might have caused undetected mold growth.
•Excessive humidity.

Roof Damage

9/14/2020 (Permalink)

This ceiling of a commercial building suffered water damage when the roof of the building was damaged

SERVPRO was called to a commercial structure in the city of Scranton to begin the mitigation process of drying and restoring the property. The building suffered water damage on all three floors from the recent wind and rain storms which caused the roof to literally tear away.

SERVPRO is Luzerne county's premier cleanup and restoration company and our goal is to get this business back up and running as quickly as possible. Reducing business interruption is one of our goals. Due to the severity of the water damage, this commercial structure unfortunately did experienced a some minor business interruption but we were able to return them to a safe and dry working environment.

If your home or business experiences smoke, fire or a water disaster, call the leading specialty cleaning company at (570) 235-1646. We are an emergency service company responding 24/7/365. We make it "Like it never even happened."

High Ceiling Cleaning

9/10/2020 (Permalink)

High ceiling cleaning of a manufacturing facility.

As winter approaches, many manufacturing companies schedule a plant shut for overall cleaning and maintenance. SERVPRO of Hazleton/ Dallas/ Harvey's Lake has partnered with many in the area for such things as high ceiling cleanings, HVAC duct cleaning, machinery cleaning as well as a top-down heavy clean of the facility.

SERVPRO of Hazleton/ Dallas/ Harvey's Lake is an asset to facility managers due to our specialized training, a ready, trained labor force and equipment on hand to tackle these sometimes laborious tasks. Simply put, we have the people, skills and tools needed to get the job done in a timely manner.

If you are scheduling a plant shut down or need a specialized labor force for your facilities cleaning needs, call SERVPRO of Hazleton/ Dallas/ Harvey's Lake, we help make it "Like it never even happened." Proudly serving the Wayne, Luzerne and Lackawanna Counties. Call us at 570-235-1646.

Preventive Maintenance

9/9/2020 (Permalink)

A small crack like this one pictured can cause a large scale disaster. Be pro-active and protect your property with these simple tips.

As the Northeastern Pennsylvania seasons change and the temperatures begin to dip below freezing, its time as a homeowner to do some winter preventive maintenance. The first thing recommended is to drain and shut off the water supply to your outside spigot. By draining/winterizing it, you prevent the line from freezing and a possible busted pipe and a water disaster.

Secondly, insulate any exposed water lines with pipe wrap. This extra added layer of protection is certainly worth the minimal cost and effort it takes to ensure against any possible frozen water lines.

Thirdly, if there are any small opening/cracks within the structure which will let outside air flow in, cover them with either some type of insulation or caulking. It only takes a small draft to create enough cold to affect a pipe.

The trusted staff at SERVPRO would rather have your property protected than respond to a water disaster/flood at your home or business.

Commercial: Dryer Ducts

9/9/2020 (Permalink)

This dryer duct was a fire hazard at this apartment complex. A preventive maintenance program helps reduce the risk while saving money.

Pollutants like dust, pet hair and mold spores can travel throughout your business through your air duct system hindering the quality of the air you breath. SERVPRO uses a portable system of whips and brushes to thoroughly clean and deodorize your ducts. We place the HVAC system under negative air pressure to ensure that all the pollutants are removed and captured through a hepa filter. A clean duct system improves the indoor air quality and reduces allergens and odors from spreading through your home or business.

As a fire restoration company, SERVPRO understands the dangers of clogged dryer ducts. We offer dryer duct preventive maintenance programs for commercial property owners and managers throughout the  area. We can scheduled regular dryer duct cleaning to reduce the risk of dryer fires. This will also improve your dryer's efficiency. Why worry when we can worry for you. Call us today to talk about a preventive maintenance program in Luzerne and Lackawanna County. (570) 235-1646

No Job Too Big

9/1/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO arriving with a trailer full of air movers and dehumidifiers to a multi-floor water disaster in this commercial building.

No job is too big for SERVPRO of Hazleton Dallas Harvey's Lake. Through our partnerships with other SERVPRO franchises or with the help of our corporate Disaster Response Team, we can restore any size disaster. Whether it be a multi-floor water disaster or a widespread flood, one call can help you get back to normal quicker.

With our partnerships with SERVPRO of Carbondale/Clarks Summit/Old Forge and Wayne and South Lackawanna Counties, we now cover a 3 county area and have the necessary amount of trained personnel and equipment ready to tackle any size disaster.

Being able to obtain the required amount of equipment from one company is a big benefit if the time comes. No rental waiting, no unqualified personnel running jobs; just a single company known for our large loss cleanup and restoration capabilities.

Emergency Service Fire Damage

8/27/2020 (Permalink)

Emergency board-up service for this homeowner.

Once the soot has settled and the initial shock wears off, the initial step of most insurance claims is the board-up process. This is part of the emergency services provided by SERVPRO. Firefighters will sometimes be forced to break windows to help air out the property from all the smoke, not to mention that the heat from the fire will also cause the glass to break.The board-up is completed in order to secure the property from theft and liability. It also helps ensure that the fire scene remains unadulterated until the fire inspector and insurance adjusters clear it.This home in Lackawanna County suffered heavy smoke, fire and water damaged and SERVPRO was called to secure the property before the work of restoring it back to preloss condition. Thank goodness the homeowner was able to escape but his home of close to 45 years suffered severe damage. SERVPRO has the expertise and specialized equipment to help this homeowner return to the house he loves. We serve the area with 24/7 service. If your property needs emergency service call Northeastern Pa. premier smoke, fire and water cleanup and restoration company at (570) 235-1646 for 24/7 assistance.

Creating A Drying Chamber

8/24/2020 (Permalink)

By creating a drying chamber, we can better control the internal environment.

Having containment on a water damage job can assist in drying the structure quickly and thoroughly. This saves the customer in both downtime and costs.
Containment allows the restoration company to better control the drying environment. It will eliminate the unaffected parts of the structure from your drying chamber. This will help reduce the amount of drying equipment needed on a particular job and will also help speed up the drying process.
SERVPRO created this drying chamber during a water damage claim. We were able to dry the affected areas while allowing the business to remain operating. SERVPRO strives to reduce business interruption while safely drying the structure.
If your home or business experiences water damage and needs professional mitigation, call the premier smoke, fire and water cleanup and restoration company at (570) 235-1646.

Eliminating Troublesome Orders

8/14/2020 (Permalink)

Utilizing a hydroxyl generator to treat an odor issue in the basement in the property.

Detecting the source of the smell is the first remedy in eliminating any troubling odor situation. While you are able to certainly smell it, finding it is sometimes a more difficult task.

SERVPRO, the premier specialty cleaning company will find the source of your odor and determine the best methods to neutralize and eliminate the odor from your home. Whether it be a dead animal in the wall, troubling animal excrement or a skunk in your basement we have the experience and specialized equipment to eliminate and/or neutralize the odor.

Experience matters. Our certified technicians can find and eliminate the source and then treat the lingering aftereffects of the odor. By employing the use of a fogging agent to pair with the odor molecules or a hydroxyl generator to literally zap the odor molecules we can return your living or working environment back to a safe and healthy space.

If your or property is experiencing a bothersome odor issue, call the professionals at SERVPRO.

Preventive Maintenance Programs-Power Washing

8/3/2020 (Permalink)

We are contracted on a quarterly basis by a local medical facility to power wash the front sidewalk to maintain a professional appearance.

SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harvey's Lake offers preventive maintenance programs as a way to help facility managers and property managers be proactive. Pictured above is a quarterly power washing of the front entrance of this Hazleton medical facility. By having a plan in place the facility manager is able to rely on SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harvey's Lake to help keep the facility looking sharp.
We also have preventive maintenance plans for dryer duct cleaning that we offer to hotels, hospitals, nursing homes and larger apartment complexes. These plans help ensure that the duct system gets regularly cleaned reducing the risk of a fire.
Call SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harvey's Lake for your free quote on a preventive maintenance program and keep your facility safe and clean.

Specialty Cleaning

8/3/2020 (Permalink)

Cat urine is especially difficult to remove. Many times it requires a sealant to contain the odor. We have the experience and cleaning agents

While SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harvey's Lake is known for our cleanup and restoration of smoke, fire and water, we are also skilled in the area of "specialty cleaning". But what is meant by specialty cleaning? I define it as any situation which requires outside help to alleviate it. Whether it be a bio-hazard cleanup, a hoarding situation or a cat urine problem, our trained technicians can handle the job. Recently we were called to help a family who had a cat urine issue which caused the home to become dangerous. Cat urine is a particularly difficult odor to remove because it embeds itself into soft materials like wood, sheet-rock and furniture causing the odor to persist even after wiped clean. In this instance, SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harvey's Lake sealed the hardwood flooring trapping the odor inside. With the help of a hydroxyl generator and a through cleaning and disinfecting we we were able to make the home safe again. We are proud to serve our local Back Mountain/Western Luzerne County communities.

SERVPRO- Disaster Recovery Team

7/30/2020 (Permalink)

A sea of SERVPRO green as we respond to large disaster at a local commercial property.

When a natural disaster strikes it can be all too easy to lose hope in light of severe damage and loss. Whether it’s a tornado, hurricane, blizzard or flood – the SERVPRO Disaster Recovery Team can provide help fast.

No Disaster Is Too Big
The SERVPRO System has a network of strategically positioned storm teams on standby should a disaster strike near you. Available 24 hours a day and 365 days a year, SERVPRO smoke, fire, water and flood cleanup professionals are prepared for the unpredictable.

With the ability to mobilize local command centers, along with the resources of more than 1,700 Franchises nationwide, no disaster is too big.

 Recent mobilizations of the Catastrophic Storm Response Teams include:

• 2014 Polar Vortex
• 2012 Sandy
• 2010 Nashville floods
• 2008 Ike
• 2007 Chicago floods
• 2007 Ohio floods
• 2007 California wildfires
• 2005 Katrina/Wilma/Rita

Should a catastrophic storm strike, call (570) 235-1646. SERVPRO is the county's leader in flood and storm cleanup and restoration. We proudly serve the Luzerne and Lackawanna Counties even in the face of a disaster, SERVPRO flood cleanup professionals will strive to help make it "Like it never even happened."

More than just Mitigation

7/30/2020 (Permalink)

Our office is conveniently located at 372 N Main St in Taylor.

When your home or business has been damaged by fire, water, or storm damage, the immediate concern should be temporary protective measures such as placing roof tarps to prevent additional damage, and boarding up to secure the building and remove water and debris.

After protecting and securing the structure, professionals at SERVPRO can begin the restoration process. Your home or business may need reconstruction work to get your property back to its preloss condition.

We can simplify the restoration process by handling both the initial damage mitigation and rebuilding the affected areas. Having one qualified company for the entire process can save time and keeps costs low.

SERVPRO can provide this continuity by supervising a full range of restoration services that will bring a building back to full functionality.

We are the area leader in smoke, fire and water clean up and restoration. We can handle any size disaster. Call us 24 hours a day, 7 days per week at (570) 235-1646

Professional Cleaning

6/24/2020 (Permalink)

Preventive Maintenance Programs can keep your business running smoothly.

Don’t let dirty carpets discourage customers from frequenting your place of business. Here’s how to maintain clean carpets to help keep customers happy.

Owners of commercial properties and retail stores may not always put “clean the dirty carpets” at the top of their to-do list, but for their customers, this can be a deciding factor in whether they choose to stay or go from your business.

According to ISSA data, a facility with foot traffic of up to 1,000 people per day can result in nearly 24 pounds of soil brought in over the course of a 20-day period. But it doesn’t take that much foot traffic to soil or damage the carpets in your store; if left untreated, “stains settle in and become eyesores that can’t be hidden.” Often, a soiled carpet starts to smell, with potential odors coming from food or fluid stains or mold —not only discouraging visitors from entering, but helping to shorten the life of the carpet.

Dirty carpets can also give the impression that a business owner doesn’t care much about appearances, which can lead to doubts about the quality of whatever products or services are being offered. On the other hand, properly cleaned and maintained carpets can last up to 10 years or longer, and improve air quality by removing dust and allergens.

Consider a customer’s perceptions upon entering a place of business. In one retail facility, the carpet is clearly stained by food, fluids or “snow melt” (stains caused by white salt) and a foul odor rises up from the floor. In another facility, the carpet looks fresh and clean, as if it’s just been purchased and set down on the floor, lending the entire store an inviting and welcoming atmosphere. It’s not hard to imagine which store most customers would prefer.

There’s just too much at stake to ignore carpet stains and wear-and-tear in your place of business.

Unrestorable

6/24/2020 (Permalink)

Several of these ornate features of this home cannot be restored.

Fire damage is a traumatic event. The loss of personal belongings, mementos and an overall sense of well-being that the damage brings is a very difficult situation to go through. As a professional restoration company our job is to help restore some of these losses.
Sometimes based on the amount of damage it is impossible to restore certain items. Older homes with ornate fixtures and specialized construction are at times the most difficult to restore. This home is a perfect example. It suffered smoke, fire and water damage and its restoration will be very unlikely. Its a unfortunate situation to lose the architectural and construction work throughout this home.
SERVPRO works off the restore instead of re-place principle but if replacement is required our construction crew can still help make it "Like it never even happened." Call the areas leader in smoke, fire and water cleanup and restoration at (570) 235-1646.

Flash Flooding

6/24/2020 (Permalink)

Flooding at a commercial building.

Flash flooding is caused by heavy or excessive rainfall in a short period of time, generally less than 6 hours. Flash floods are usually characterized by raging torrents after heavy rains that rip through river beds, streets, or mountain canyons sweeping everything before them. They can occur within minutes or a few hours of excessive rainfall. If your basement in your home or business suffered water damage either from excessive water or from a sewer or drain back-up, SERVPRO can help. Any external water has the capability to include harmful components and it is recommended that it should be professionally dried and treated. SERVPRO has the trained technicians to ensure that your home or business is returned to a safe and healthy living and working environment. We are the areas leader in flood damage restoration and are available 24 hrs a day 7 days per week. Call us at (570) 235-1646.

Increased Rain Leads to Sewer and Drain Backups

6/23/2020 (Permalink)

Personal Protection Equipment is used when extracting sewage.

As Mother Nature continues to bring Northeast PA buckets of rain, SERVPRO has been busy cleaning up sewer and drain backups.  Unfortunately with the age of the sewage system in the Lackawanna/Luzerne County region this is not an uncommon phenomena. Understandably, this brings serious issues to the homeowner. Sewer water has the potential to cause health issues - not to mention the odor that accompanies it. For these reasons a professional cleanup company like SERVPRO is highly recommended. We possess the specialized training and equipment necessary to make the structure safe for habitation. We are located in Taylor and as an emergency services company we respond 24 hours a day to any emergency. If your home or business has suffered a sewage backup call the area's leader in specialty cleaning at (570) 235-1646 so that we can help restore your property to preloss condition.

Signs of Mold

6/23/2020 (Permalink)

Mold growth along the baseboard. Ground water issue was the ultimate culprit of this issue. SERVPRO to the rescue.

SERVPRO is the area's premier smoke, fire and water cleanup and restoration company, also has the expertise to test and mitigate and potential mold issues. Excessive amounts of mold and certain types of mold may present health concerns. It is essential for the health of you and your family, as well as the protection of your property, to address the issue and arrange for professionals at SERVPRO to conduct mold removal and mold remediation as soon as the presence of mold is identified.

Water damage can cause mold growth in your home or business, therefore it is important to have your water damage cleaned promptly and professionally.

Signs of the presence of excessive mold include:
•The presence of visible mold.
•Strong, musty odors.
•Any evidence of past moisture problems that might have caused undetected mold growth.
•Excessive humidity.

Reduced Business Interuption

5/12/2020 (Permalink)

Response time matters in reducing business interruption. 24/7/365 we answer the call.

One of our primary goals when helping commercial property owners recover from a smoke, fire or water disaster is to respond 24/7 with the express goal of reducing business interruption. The quicker we are able to begin the mitigation process the less time the business needs to remain down. Less downtime, less lost revenue.
SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harveys Lake was called to a apartment building fire in Hazleton. We responded once the fire was extinguished and were able to begin the process of making the structure safe by extracting all the standing water and removing all potential hazards making the building safe for the tenants to return.
Ensuring a safe environment is one of our primary goals and the first thing we do at any disaster site. In this incidence, once the water was extracted and drying equipment set up we were then able began mitigating the smoke and soot damage. The loss of revenue was reduced due to our certified technicians quick and professional work.

How To Put Out a Grease Fire

3/12/2020 (Permalink)

A grease fire which was extinguished by a chemical fire extinguisher. We did the cleanup and restoration.

The best way to avoid a grease fire is to not have one. While you are cooking, keep an eye on the oil as it’s heating. The oil won’t immediately catch fire once it starts smoking, but smoke is a danger sign that it’s well on its way to getting there.

If the worst happens and your oil does catch on fire, use the following tips:

1. If the fire is still small enough and contained in one pot, it is safe to put it out yourself. If it is already spreading to other parts of the kitchen, evacuate.

2. Turn off the source of the heat on the stove. Do not try to move the pot because you don’t want to accidentally spill or splash the burning oil.

3. Do NOT pour water on the fire! Since oil and water do not mix, pouring water can cause the oil to splash and spread the fire even worse. In fact, the vaporizing water can also carry grease particles in it, which can also spread the fire.

4. Remove all oxygen from the flame. You can cover with another pot or pan. Do not cover it with a glass lid because the glass lid may shatter.

5. If you can’t cover it, dump lots of baking soda on it.

6. Use a chemical fire extinguisher on the grease fire. There are different kinds of extinguishers. Not all can be used on a grease fire, but the ABC dry chemical extinguisher is best.

Hopefully you’ll never be in a situation where you have to actually use this advice, but if you are remember to smother the fire with a pot or baking soda and never use water!

http://safety.smart911.com/what's-best-way-safely-put-grease-fire/

Commercial Air Duct Cleaning

3/12/2020 (Permalink)

Commercial air duct cleaning.

Commercial Air Duct Cleaning

Why is it important to have my air systems cleaned?

Clean HVAC systems perform more efficiently to decrease energy costs. Well-maintained mechanical components last longer, reducing costly HVAC system repairs. Businesses with employees affected by indoor air pollution may see a reduction in employee downtime/sick days because of the increase in the quality of the air. This results in increased productivity!

A clean HVAC system is very important in an apartment complex as well. Tenant retention is higher in buildings with good indoor air quality. Tenants perceive value in a building with proper air system maintenance.

Every building and air system is unique so call the professionals, the SERVPRO of Hazleton/ Dallas/ Harvey's Lake 24 hours a day, 7 days per week at 570-235-1646 for an estimate. 

Large Loss Capabilities

3/12/2020 (Permalink)

Equipment placement at a large commercial water loss in Scranton.

The SERVPRO Commercial Large Loss Division is composed of our best of the best in restoration. Our elite large-loss specialists are prequalified and strategically positioned throughout the United States to handle any sized disaster.

Every large loss is supervised by a commercial operations manager to help ensure seamless communication and timely mitigation.

At SERVPRO, the difference is our ability to dispatch trained production professionals and manage to cut costs through the strategic placement and oversight of temporary labor. Get the professionals, call SERVPRO.

Clients for the Commercial Large Loss program include:
•The Hospitality Industry
•Property Managers
•Universities
•Municipalities
•The Pentagon

Our elite large-loss specialists are standing by, prepared for immediate response should a disaster strike. If your business suffers a major loss, call (570) 235-1646, and we’ll help make it “Like it never even happened.”

When disasters strike, know SERVPRO of Hazleton/ Dallas/ Harvey's Lake can handle any size job. We serve all of Northeastern Pennsylvania. Disasters are our specialty. We are always "Here to help."

Chimney And Wood burning Fireplace Safety

2/20/2020 (Permalink)

Inspect your chimney often; have the chimney cleaned if there is 1/8 inch to 1/4 inch of creosote on the walls or lining.

A night by the fireplace will keep your heating bill lower and keep you nice and toasty. But wood burning appliances have become the largest source of heating-related fires in U.S. homes, so it’s important to understand how to safely maintain your chimney and fireplace.

Take the time to learn just what kind of chimney and fireplace you have. If you have a freestanding wood burner with a factory-built metal chimney, make sure to have a professional install it or follow the manufacturer’s specific guidelines, as those have been created using the appropriate national standards. Also, be aware of the proper placement of a fireplace in a room. Always have a floor protector below it, and have it extend at least 18 inches on all sides. You don’t want a loose piece of wood to pop out of the fire and end up on the nearby carpet or wall.

With a masonry chimney, always close the screen once the fire is lit. Be especially cautious with your young children, and don’t let them within three feet of any kind of fireplace. Stoke your fire with the poker and andirons, not other pieces of wood. And keep the chimney flue open to ensure that the fire is properly ventilation.

The most significant thing to consider in regards to chimney safety is creosote. This is a black tar-like residue that collects in the chimney flue from past fires. Creosote is highly combustible, and over time can accumulate thickly enough to start a chimney fire. For this reason, you’ll want to call a chimney sweep at least once a year before the heating season for a professional cleaning.
The sweep should fix any cracks, blockages, or leaks in the masonry or lining of your chimney that could present a future hazard. 

You can take precautions to avoid further creosote buildup. Only burn seasoned wood. Not all firewood is created equal. You’ll want wood that was cut the previous year and has been stored away since that time. This wood is dark or gray compared to freshly cut, unseasoned “green wood.” It is brittle, has cracks running through each piece, and is quite dry. It will produce the most heat and least amount of creosote.
Avoid slow, smoldering fires. Having more smoke than flame in your fireplace is never good. Reduce the smokiness by not burning newspapers or cardboard for kindling. Cut wood into thin sticks to get the fire going. Also, don’t use lighter fluid because it burns up quickly, leading to more smoke.
Burn everything up. Use a highly efficient fireplace that fully burns all the combustibles and turns everything to dust.

Preparedness Begins with a Plan

2/20/2020 (Permalink)

A commercial property in Scranton suffered a busted sprinkler pipe causing this flooding.

Storm damage happens and as the area leader in smoke, fire and water damage, SERVPRO believes in being prepared for "whatever happens."

Common hazards after a home has water damage are:

• Electrical Hazards: If the power is on, do not enter a building that is flooded or water damaged. If electrical circuits have gotten wet, have the power turned off at the main breaker or fuse box and call a licensed electrician.
• Structural Damage: If the structure or foundation is damaged, do not enter the home. Be sure to look carefully before entering the home and leave immediately if the structure looks, feels or sounds unstable.
• Hazardous materials: Items such as pesticides, fuel, oil, gasoline, asbestos or lead based paint may have been brought into the home or spilled as a result of the flood damage and should be cleaned up using proper precautionary measures.
• Injuries: Injuries can occur after flood damage, such as slipping and falling, being struck by falling objects, lifting heavy objects, broken bones and cuts that occur while cleaning up are common when cleaning up a home that has flood damage.
• Bacteria and Virus can be brought into a home that has flood water. Standing water can enable mold growth.  Exposure to any of these bio-hazards can be dangerous to your health.

The next flooding event will occur will you be ready? Let SERVPRO help your business be better prepared for the next weather event with a SERVPRO Emergency Readiness Plan.

This ERP should be part of any business continuity and emergency preparedness plan your business currently has. This free assessment allows you to have help in the palm of your hand. Contact us today to get started. (570) 235-1646.

https://ready.SERVPRO.com/home/readyprogram

Carpet Cleaning

2/20/2020 (Permalink)

Before and after of a carpet restoration project. Damaged carpets need to be dried, cleaned and deodorized as part of restoration process.

This is a before and after photo of a commercial grade glue down carpet that was damaged from a busted sprinkler head in a manufacturing facility in Scranton. The water damaged several of the offices. SERVPRO was called to mitigate the damage. Once the affected area is dried the process of restoring the structure begins. This is an excellent picture of how badly the carpet was damaged but with the correct drying technique specialized equipment the commercial grade carpeting was able to be saved. Working on the repair instead of replace principle SERVPRO is able to save our customers money and business interruption. We are an emergency services company available 24/7. Call us at 570-235-1646 if your facility experiences smoke, fire or water damage.

Psychometrics - The Science of Drying

2/20/2020 (Permalink)

The dehumidification process is part of the science of drying by eliminating the airborne water molecules.

Psychrometry is the study of the air and its properties. It's the science of drying.  The properties of temperature, humidity, vapor pressure and dew point are measured to evaluate air conditions in the structure, enabling a SERVPRO certified water technician to create the proper atmosphere for more efficient drying. 

Water can damage materials in two ways: first, by absorption through direct contact with water; and second, by absorption of moisture from the air. Measuring the moisture content of the air is critical to the drying process.

SERVPRO of Hazleton/ Dallas/ Harvey’s Lake, is an IICRC company with certified water restoration technicians. This is just another reason why we are the area's premier smoke, fire and water restoration and cleanup company. Our technicians have the expertise to make the event "Like it never even happened."

Post Construction Cleaning

2/20/2020 (Permalink)

A recent post construction clean we completed for a Hazleton Hotel.

As a specialty cleaning company, SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harvey's Lake offers post construction cleaning. Many times contractors either do not have the time or resources to successfully clean once the project is completed. That's where we come in. SERVPRO of Hazleton/ Dallas/ Harvey's Lake has the trained personnel and specialized cleaning products to ensure that the finished project is finished. Hiring a company like SERVPRO of Hazleton/ Dallas/ Harvey's Lake serves several purposes. 1. We have the personnel available to meet short turn around times. We stay unit we are done. 2. If we can clean smoke and soot from a fire damaged home, best be sure we can clean following a construction project. 3. We have the specialized materials and equipment to handle any size cleanup. If your home or business is in the midst of a construction project and need a final cleaning, call the cleaning professionals at SERVPRO of Hazleton/ Dallas/ Harvey's Lake. We are proud to serve our local Luzerne county communities.

If You Can't Clean It, We Will!

2/20/2020 (Permalink)

When cleaning a crime scene or suicide cleanup full personal protective equipment (PPE) is always required.

SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harvey's lake is known for our cleanup and restoration of smoke, fire and water disasters. And we certainly do that and do it well. I often use the term "specialty cleaning" when describing what we do simply because we do more than just smoke, fire and water.
This week we received a telephone call from our local police department regarding a "specialty" cleaning project which they did not want to address. A person they arrested, bled in the police car as well as a holding cell. It's situations just like this where companies like SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harvey's Lake can help. We have the trained workforce and specialized equipment to safely clean these potentially dangerous situations.
Crime scene, suicide and bio-hazard cleanups are just another facet of our cleaning capabilities. We continue to partner with local and state police departments as well as first responders in providing a service most don't want to or simply can't handle. 

Removing Odors Following a Fire

2/19/2020 (Permalink)

Pictured is a hydroxyl generator which literally zaps the odor molecules and is used as an aide in eliminating smoke odors following a fire.

Restoring fires takes specialized skill. It's not as easy as simply cleaning and repairing. Soot and smoke permeate every inch of the affected area including all soft goods and porous materials. Once the odor gets trapped it will remain and remnants of smoke will continue to be noticeable.

The goal of any restoration company is to restore the property back to preloss conditions. That means eliminating all the effects of the fire damage including odors. Walls, ceiling, floors, all furniture, contents (including electronics) and clothing must be addressed or risk having a lingering odor. 

Depending on the type of fire, cleaning it improperly will only embed the soot into porous areas causing further damage. All these are reasons to hire a professional restoration company like SERVPRO of Hazleton/ Dallas/ Harvey's Lake. We have certified fire restoration technicians and the specialized equipment to restore your property back to preloss conditions.

Don't attempt to restore your property. Hire a professional to ensure the job gets done properly. 

Don't Clean Soot Damage Improperly

2/19/2020 (Permalink)

This homeowner attempted to clean this ceiling with soap and water only to make matters worse. Grease fires require specialized equipment.

Following a small fire, many homeowners want to clean the damage themselves. While this is understandable, it is not recommended. 

Different types of fires require different types of cleaning. For instance, a protein (grease/kitchen) fire cannot simply be wiped clean. (see below) The soot will smear and embedded itself into any porous surfaces including wood and sheetrock making the damage worse. Soot sponges and specialized cleaning chemicals are required.

To make matters worse, as the homeowner you are responsible to reduce any secondary damage let alone damage caused by improper cleaning. in the event, you experience fire, smoke or soot damage always call a professional mitigation company to ensure your home gets restored a preloss condition. Contact SERVPRO's IICRC certified fire restoration technicians to properly clean your home following any fire disaster.

Fire Clean Up

2/19/2020 (Permalink)

A basket of muffins was left on a stove top which caused smoke damage throughout the house.

Accidents happen! That why we all purchase insurance. When a basket of home made muffins was left on a stove top oven, the result was this kitchen fire in Shickshinny. The homeowners were working and luckily, the neighbors heard the smoke detectors and were able to extinguish the fire before it spread and caused further damage. 

The homeowners insurance company called SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harvey's Lake to help return the property back to pre-fire condition. In this instance, the fire was relatively small but because it was not caught immediately the entire home suffered smoke damage. Restoration companies are called due to their skill in removing soot and odor from every nook and cranny of the home.

Cleaning a smoke damaged home requires specialized training, materials and equipment to properly restore the home and therefore insurance companies entrust restoration companies like SERVPRO of Hazleton/ Dallas/ Harvey's Lake. If your home experiences a kitchen fire like this one, call a professional at SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harvey's Lake and let us help you make it "Like it never even happened".

Board Up and Tarp Services

2/19/2020 (Permalink)

Secured the structure following a house fire. Board ups help reduce theft and reduce homeowner liability.

Following a fire, your home may need to be secured. The firefighters in the course of extinguishing the fire may have broken some windows for ventilation purposes or needed to bust the door down to do their job. It's possible the fire ripped through the roof leaving a void. 

As the homeowner, you are responsible to have the home secured. Theft is unfortunately not uncommon following a fire and should someone break in and hurt themselves, it falls back to you.

For all these reasons, SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harvey's Lake offers board up and tarping services to fire victims on an emergency services basis. We can secure the property and prevent any possible secondary damage immediately following the fire. 

Pictured below was a large scale tarping we completed for a homeowner in Dallas following a chimney fire. By securing the windows, doors and roof the homeowner was able to safely leave the property and work on securing a temporary residence while the home was being reconstructed.

Cold Weather-Frozen Pipes

2/19/2020 (Permalink)

This is the result of a frozen pipe that burst upon thaw. You can image the amount of damage it caused to a nursing home in Dallas.

Winter is the restoration industry's busiest time and busted water pipes are a leading cause. Many times this costly damage could of been prevented with some easy preventive maintenance steps.

1. Pipe wrap to insulate the expose piping in the basement of your home. This is an inexpensive way to be proactive and to ensure that the exposed pipes will not freeze.

2. Seal/insulate all small cracks and openings in your basement. Wires and pipes run inside/out of homes and could leave small open spaces which will permit freezing wind to directly affect an area of pipe. That area could freeze and burst. This again is a simply and cost efficient way to keep the heat inside and the cold out.

3. During those especially freezing nights, let the faucets slowly drip. Running water through the pipes will prevent it from freezing. Also, open cabinet doors under the sinks to allow the home heat to circulate underneath. Again, a few degrees can make a tremendous difference.

SERVPRO of Hazleton/ Dallas/ Harvey's Lake is here to serve the Western Luzerne county for all your smoke fire and water cleanup and restoration needs. We are an emergency services company available 24/7 to help make it "Like it never even happened."

Emergency Service - Weathering the Storm

2/19/2020 (Permalink)

Our team addressing a water loss at a business in Hazleton following a snow storm.

Neither rain, sleet nor snow will stop the SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harvey's Lake team from responding to water disasters throughout Lackawanna and Luzerne Counties. As the cold weather remains in force , our team continues to meet the demand for restoration services of burst water pipes. Drying homes and businesses, making them safe and returning them back to pre-damaged condition is our specialty. Mother nature will continue to wreak havoc throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania and if your home or business experiences a water disaster, know that SERVPRO of Hazleton/ Dallas/ Harvey's Lake is available 24/7, 365 days a year to help make it "Like it never even happened."  We are the premier water restoration service for Lackawanna and Luzerne Counties including all parts of Hazleton.

Disaster Recovery Team

2/19/2020 (Permalink)

"Like it never even happened"

When a natural disaster strikes it can be all too easy to lose hope in light of severe damage and loss. Whether it’s a tornado, hurricane, blizzard or flood – the SERVPRO Disaster Recovery Team can provide help fast.

No Disaster Is Too Big
The SERVPRO System has a network of strategically positioned storm teams on standby should a disaster strike near you. Available 24 hours a day and 365 days a year, SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harvey's Lake smoke, fire, water and flood cleanup professionals are prepared for the unpredictable.

With the ability to mobilize local command centers, along with the resources of more than 1,700 Franchises nationwide, no disaster is too big.

Should a catastrophic storm strike, call (570) 235-1646. SERVPRO of Hazleton/ Dallas/ Harvey's Lake is the area's leader in flood and storm cleanup and restoration. We proudly serve the local Hazleton and Back Mountain communities even in the face of a disaster, SERVPRO of Hazleton/ Dallas/ Harvey's Lake flood cleanup professionals will strive to help make it "Like it never even happened."

Sewer Backups: A Common Occurrence

2/19/2020 (Permalink)

Full Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) should always be utilized when dealing with hazardous situations like sewage.

Luzerne County infrastructure is old. The sewer system fails which causes backups into homes and businesses. This unfortunately is a reality and occurs often. SERVPRO of Hazleton/ Dallas Harvey's Lake has the training and equipment required to safely mitigate, clean and repair sewage damaged basements.

Sewage water is classified as category 3 water which means there are potential health effects to it and should always be cleaned by a professional cleaning company. If not done properly the secondary effects could be dangerous mold and health problems for the occupants.

Odor is another big issue with sewer backups and without the problem equipment could cause a serious disruption to your home or business. Cleanup is the first step but address the air quality is also a function of a proper remediation.

SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harvey's Lake is a full service specialty cleaning company with the capability to remediate any size sewage backup.

What to Do If Your Pipes Freeze

2/19/2020 (Permalink)

Pipe that froze and burst.

Frozen pipes are not an uncommon problem.  Plumbers are extremely busy helping homeowners deal with this issue. There is a right and wrong way to resolve this problem.

Let's begin by mentioning what not to do. NEVER USE A OPEN FLAME! While this may be tempting, its a fire hazard and SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harvey's Lake has responded to home fires because of this. No blow torches or open flame heaters period. A fire is not better than a flood!

So what are the acceptable methods for de-thawing frozen pipes. Most experts will recommend using either a blow dryer or heating tape. Both these methods will gradually de-thaw the ice within the lines and allow the water to flow. Ideally you want this process to occur slowly.

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, but if this should occur be smart and be safe.

Building Re-Construction Services

9/22/2019 (Permalink)

After SERVPRO remediates this water damage, we can return the structure to preloss condition. One call get the entire job done.

Did you know that SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harvey's Lake can re-construct your home or business following any smoke, fire or water disaster? We are a full-service restoration company meaning we not only can mitigate the damage, but also repair it. Whether it be a basement flood, a kitchen fire or a complete loss, our re-construction division can make it "Like it never even happened."

Utilizing a single contractor makes the claim process more efficient for both you and your insurance company. Our extensive experience in dealing with insurance claims gives us a unique advantage when dealing with adjusters. Employing skilled tradesmen and utilizing our buying power saves both time and money.

Call Vince Mausolf at (570)-562-6777 to discuss your re-construction projects.

SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harvey's Lake is always here to help.

Repair verse Replace

9/16/2019 (Permalink)

We work off the repair versus replace method of drying saving both time and money.

SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harvey's Lake believes in the restore versus replace model of restorative drying. What this means is that following any smoke, fire or water disaster we dry/clean and save any item that can be restored back to its original condition.

This is important to know for several reasons. First, it saves time and money by getting the home or business back quicker. Second, it limits any out of pocket expenses by working within the guidelines that the insurance industry sets. Lastly, it can help preserve priceless family heirlooms.

Pictured below is of SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harvey's lake "floating" a carpet to successfully dry and save it, instead of replacing it. By having the airflow both under and over it (floating) helps facilitate the drying process. Creative drying is just one reason that insurance companies rely on companies like us to make their insured whole. If your home or business experiences a smoke, fire or water disaster call the company your insurance company would call.

Emergency Response to Limit Business Interruption

9/13/2019 (Permalink)

A how of force on a Saturday morning cleaning up an overnight disaster at this commercial building in Hazleton

SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harvey's Lake is an emergency services company available 24/7/365 to meet any smoke, fire or water disaster. As a part of our agreements with all the major insurance companies we are required to be on-site working within four hours from the notice of initial loss (FNOL). Usually we are there much quicker.

Working from our shop in Sweet Valley, Pa. we can respond to anywhere in the Luzerne County area quickly. And speed in paramount in reducing secondary damage as well as limiting business interruption for all our commercial customers. Our goal is to where ever possible to keep your doors open and your business operating. We understand that downtime equals loss of revenue.

If your business experiences a smoke, fire or water disaster in the middle of the night, call the company that your insurance company trusts and know we will respond. SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harvey's Lake is always "here to help"! 

Disaster Response Team

9/13/2019 (Permalink)

Our ability to address any size disaster is one benefit of hiring SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harvey's Lake

When a natural disaster strikes it can be all too easy to lose hope in light of severe damage and loss. Whether it’s a tornado, hurricane, blizzard or flood – the SERVPRO Disaster Recovery Team can provide help fast.

No Disaster Is Too Big
The SERVPRO System has a network of strategically positioned storm teams on standby should a disaster strike near you. Available 24 hours a day and 365 days a year, SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harvey's Lake smoke, fire, water and flood cleanup professionals are prepared for the unpredictable.

With the ability to mobilize local command centers, along with the resources of more than 1,700 Franchises nationwide, no disaster is too big.

 Recent mobilizations of the Catastrophic Storm Response Teams include:

• 2014 Polar Vortex
• 2012 Sandy
• 2010 Nashville floods
• 2008 Ike
• 2007 Chicago floods
• 2007 Ohio floods
• 2007 California wildfires
• 2005 Katrina/Wilma/Rita

Should a catastrophic storm strike, call (570) 235-1646. SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harvey's Lake is the Luzerne County's leader in flood and storm cleanup and restoration. We proudly serve the local Hazleton and Back Mountain communities even in the face of a disaster, SERVPRO  of Hazleton/Dallas/Harvey's Lake flood cleanup professionals will strive to help make it "Like it never even happened."

Certified Mold Inspection Company

9/12/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO's certified mold inspector conducting an air quality test to determine if a mold problem exits. Air quality testing is the definitive way.

Mold is present everywhere. However, the only definitive way to know if your home or business has a mold problem is to conduct an air quality test. Air quality testing will show types/strains of mold and spore counts. Elevated spore counts as compared to a control sample (usually taken outside), will dictate whether a mold problem exists.
SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harvey's Lake employs a certified mold inspector which enables us to better serve our customers. We are a one stop mold remediation company, testing to removing. The biggest advantage is to be able to do post testing. This ensures that the remediation process was successful putting the customers mind at ease.
If you think you have a mold infestation, call SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harvey's Lake, your one stop mold remediation company. proudly serving the Back Mountain and Hazleton areas.

Pigeon Dung Cleanup

9/12/2019 (Permalink)

Pigeon dung in large quantities is a environmental hazard and requires a professional cleaning company to restore the property.

Idol buildings become the pigeons playground!

We have all seen pigeons nesting on ledges and using broken windows and open spaces as the entranceway to a warm safe environment inside of a vacant building. Most times we don't think twice about it until it's time to sell or renovate. Then what happens?

Did you know that pigeon dung in large quantities has the potential to cause health issues and is an environmental hazard. technically the building would be a biohazard scene and many times the property owner does not have the resources to address the problem.

SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harveys Lake has the specialized personnel and equipment to handle a pigeon dung damaged building. Pictured is a recent job we completed at an abandoned building in Pittston. The cleanup was necessitated when the building was placed on the market to be sold.

As a specialty cleaning company we were able to return the building to a safe environment while ensuring that all the pigeon "doors" were secured. The building can now be sold for a larger asking price. Call us for all your biohazard cleanup concerns.

Preventive Maintenance/Service Contracts

9/11/2019 (Permalink)

As part of a general office cleaning we will do VCT stripping and waxing. Let us help the appearance of your facility.

As Western Luzerne County's leader in specialty cleaning, SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harveys Lake offers preventive maintenance and service contracts for our local manufacturing and industrial partners. We certainly ascribe to the "ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure" adage. Therefore we offer floor care, office cleaning, high ceiling cleaning, HVAC duct cleaning and dryer duct cleaning on month, quarterly, semi-annually and annually basis. Whether it be do to a lack of resources or skill, SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harveys Lake can help any facility to improve their overall appearance and/or their general safety. Not every facility has a full time janitorial staff or the ability to do high ceiling cleans, we do. We offer the trained personnel and have the specialized equipment to handle the job in a professional and timely manner. Call us for a free estimate. 

No Job too Big

9/10/2019 (Permalink)

Responding to commercial disasters on a 24/7/365 basis serving the Hazleton and Western Luzerne County area.

The SERVPRO Commercial Large Loss Division is composed of our best of the best in restoration. Our elite large-loss specialists are pre-qualified and strategically positioned throughout the United States to handle any size disaster.

Every large loss is supervised by a commercial operations manager to help ensure seamless communication and timely mitigation.

At SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harvey's Lake  the difference is our ability to dispatch trained production professionals and cut costs through the strategic placement and oversight of temporary labor. Get the professionals, call SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harvey's Lake at (570) 562-6777 for all your commercial cleanup, mitigation and restoration needs. SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harvey's lake is Northeastern Pennsylvania's premier smoke, fire and water cleanup company. 

Clients for the Commercial Large Loss program include the following:

• The Hospitality Industry
• Property Managers
• Universities
• Municipalities

SERVPRO-Emergency Readiness Plan

9/10/2019 (Permalink)

Call us to schedule your no cost/no obligation ERP at (570) 562-6777 and be ready for "Whatever Happens".

The SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harvey's Lake Emergency READY Profile Advantage

As many as 50% of businesses close down following a disaster, according to the latest research. Of the businesses that survive, the overwhelming majority of them had a preparedness plan in place. Pre-planning can serve as an insurance policy aimed at peace of mind. And knowing you are "Ready for whatever happens" speaks trust to your clients and employees that in the event your business is affected by a disaster, they don’t necessarily have to be.

By developing a SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harvey's Lake  Emergency READY Profile for your business, you minimize business interruption by having an immediate plan of action. Knowing what to do and what to expect in advance is the key to timely mitigation and can help minimize how water and fire damage can affect your business.

• A no cost assessment of your facility.
  This means there is no need to allocate funds, giving you a great value at no cost.
   
• A concise Profile Document that contains only the critical information needed in the event of an emergency.
  It will only take a little time to complete and will not take you away from current projects. But it will save a lot of time if ever needed.
   
• A guide to help you get back into your building following a disaster.
  This can help minimize the amount of time your business is inactive by having an immediate plan of action.
   
• Establishes your local SERVPRO Franchise Professional as your disaster mitigation and restoration provider.
  You have a provider that is recognized as an industry leader and close by.
   
• Identification of the line of command for authorizing work to begin.
  This saves time so we can begin the work of mitigating the damage, which can save you time and money.
   
• Provides facility details such as shut-off valve locations, priority areas and priority contact information.
  Having a quick reference of what to do, how to do it and who to call provides solutions in advance of an emergency so that during the emergency you are "Ready for whatever happens." 

Preventive Maintenance Programs-Power Washing

5/1/2019 (Permalink)

We are contracted on a quarterly basis by a local medical facility to power wash the front sidewalk to maintain a professional appearance.

SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harvey's Lake offers preventive maintenance programs as a way to help facility managers and property managers be proactive. Pictures above is a quarterly power washing of the front entrance of this Hazleton medical facility. By having a plan in place the facility manager is able to rely on SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harvey's Lake to help keep the facility looking sharp.
We also have preventive maintenance plans for dryer duct cleaning that we offer to hotels, hospitals, nursing homes and larger apartment complexes. These plans help ensure that the duct system gets regularly cleaned reducing the risk of a fire.
Call SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harvey's Lake for your free quote on a preventive maintenance program and keep your facility safe and clean.

Specialty Cleaning-Removing Cat Odor

5/1/2019 (Permalink)

Cat urine is especially difficult to remove. Many times it requires a sealant to contain the odor. We have the experience and cleaning agents

While SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harvey's Lake is known for our cleanup and restoration of smoke, fire and water, we are also skilled in the area of "specialty cleaning". But what is meant by specialty cleaning? I define it as any situation which requires outside help to alleviate it. Whether it be a bio-hazard cleanup, a hoarding situation or a cat urine problem, our trained technicians can handle the job. Recently we were called to help a family who had a cat urine issue which caused the home to become dangerous. Cat urine is a particularly difficult odor to remove because it embeds itself into soft materials like wood, sheet-rock and furniture causing the odor to persist even after wiped clean. In this instance, SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harvey's Lake sealed the hardwood flooring trapping the odor inside. With the help of a hydroxyl generator and a through cleaning and disinfecting we we were able to make the home safe again. We are proud to serve our local Back Mountain/Western Luzerne County communities.

24/7/365- Disasters Know No Time Frame

5/1/2019 (Permalink)

We are 'always here to help".

Disasters know no time, so even on a Memorial day holiday our fire and smoke certified technicians respond to help commercial property owners reduce business interruption.

When a recreational vehicle caught fire in front of a commercial structure smoke poured through the store. Luckily, the elderly couple operating the vehicle were able to get out and the fire companies responding did an outstanding job limiting the building to just smoke damage.

However, since the structure sold food there was a concern regarding safety and SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harvey's Lake was called to ensure safety and deal with the soot and odor. By responding quickly we were able to help the owner reduce his business interruption on one of his busiest weekends of the year.

SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harvey's Lake is 'always here to help". 

Three (3) Ways Water Damage Can Hurt Your Business:

4/26/2019 (Permalink)

A large manufacturing water disaster at a Hazleton facility in which SERVPRO was called to dry and repair.

3 Ways Water Damage Can Hurt Your Business:

MOLD

In as little as 48 hours after your business has been affected by water damage, mold growth can occur. Not only is mold unsettling to see, but can also pose a serious health threat if left unmanaged. Many Americans suffer from allergies, and nearly a quarter of them are allergic to mold. However, even those without mold allergies can be affected by mold. This means that mold exposure can result in many sick days from employees and clients’ discomfort, and it should be handled professionally immediately by a restoration service.

STRUCTURAL DECAY

Water damage can wear away at the structural integrity of your building. From a client’s perspective, unmaintained water damage demonstrates a poor and unprofessional appearance. With discoloration, cracking, warping, swollen floors, peeling or bubbling paint, and many other visible signs of water damage, you may accidentally be relaying a message of laziness, inefficiency, and inability to solve problems.

DANGER

Not only does structural decay reflect poorly on your business, but water damage can also create a hazardous environment that may be dangerous to your employees and clients. Cracks in foundation, shelves, windows, or door frames, holes in roofs and seals, and swollen floors can challenge the structural integrity of your business and can cause serious damage if neglected over time.

Consultation and Loss Assessment

4/16/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harvey's Lake provides damage assessment and claims review service. Our restoration consultants have the experience needed to address complex damages and the claims resulting from the loss.

When called on site, emergency response and damage consultants quickly assess the situation and assist in the formulation of a recovery protocol designed around expediency, and cost effectiveness.  Utilizing a team approach that includes business managers and insurance professionals, SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harvey's Lake Restoration consultants can get your business on the road to recovery in the shortest possible time.  The focus is on identifying the critical path necessary for the resumption of production/operations to minimize downtime.  Unaffected business processes are segregated to allow for the partial resumption of operations when possible.  Damage recovery costs and time frames are prescribed with an understanding of lead times and the impact of business interruption as well as insurance coverage and financial considerations.

SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harvey's Lake claims consultants are known for their attention to detail.  These individuals go right to the source starting with the investigation of the loss incident and the determination of probable loss effects based on the true extent of property exposure.  Cutting-edge sampling and scientific assessment are used to evaluate the feasibility and proposed risks of property damages. Claims review and reporting is concise and focused on providing the insurance professional with an objective overview of the claim from incident to recovery. With SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harvey's Lake property claims consultants, the insurance professional is prepared to make informed and knowledgeable decisions.

Disaster Planning

4/10/2019 (Permalink)

Disaster Planning & Training

Immediate response to a natural disaster or catastrophic event is critical in determining whether or not your business survives. At SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harvey's Lake, we are here to help you prepare for and respond should the unthinkable happen. The statistics clearly show that response during the first 24 to 48 hours after an event occurs is critical to full recovery. Don’t wait until it’s too late.

Professional Emergency Planning

With SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harvey's Lake at your side, you will have access to a team of experienced professionals to help you plan, anticipate, and respond quickly and effectively when your property is damaged. We will custom design your Emergency Readiness Plan – ERP– to suit the individual needs of your property and business.

Our top priority is to ensure business continuity during and after the restoration process, reducing claims and losses. Through our disaster planning services, we will work with you to identify specific needs to limit interruption and disruption to your business.

We will conduct an on-site building inspection and evaluation and identify all critical infrastructure including water shut-off valves, electrical panels, stairwells, elevators, exits, and other pertinent information that can be useful during a disaster. With a SERVPRO ERP, you will receive priority response, as well as 24/7 emergency response.

Polar Vortex 2019

2/1/2019 (Permalink)

Polar Vortex:

SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harvey's Lake is in the midst of addressing the prevalence of burst pipes throughout Northeastern Pa. Unfortunately this extreme weather pattern will continue for the next few days exasperating the problem. When this extreme weather pattern changes early next week, we will see a increase in the number of burst pipes. It’s not the freeze but the thaw that causes the disaster.

It is possible that we are unaware of any frozen pipes until it is too late. Whether it be a dishwasher, an infrequent used bathroom or a washing machine, sometimes we are unaware. As proactive as we may be, sometimes things happen and SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harvey's Lake is here for those times.

We are available 24/7 to respond to any water disaster resulting from this storm. We have the experienced water restoration technicians and specialized equipment to help make it "Like it never even happened." We are proud to serve our local Back Mountain/Hazleton area communities.

Benefits of Hiring a IICRC Certified Company

1/22/2019 (Permalink)

IICRC (Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certificate) Benefit:

The IICRC is a nonprofit certification and Standards Developing Organization (SDO) for the inspection, cleaning and restoration industries. In partnership with regional and international trade associations, the IICRC represents the entire industry. The IICRC is recognized internationally as a knowledgeable industry voice and resource.

Why use a certified technician?

Professional restoration technicians understand the need for quick response. Immediate remediation is key to controlling any escalating costs. The longer the remediation is delayed, the higher the cost of restoration. Certified restorers have the knowledge to test materials and apply the restoration techniques required to return the items to their preloss condition.

If you’re looking to hire a restoration company, look for the IICRC logo and ask for the company's certified membership number.

IICRC Certified Firms have earned the right to display the IICRC logo as a symbol of quality. In order to achieve IICRC-certified status, firms must meet a rigorous list of standards in business ethics and expertise. 

All 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 actively has relationships with fiber producers, carpet and fabric mills, furnishing manufacturers and retailers, and others affiliated with the industry. The use of IICRC service professionals is specified in leading manufacturers’ maintenance brochures and warranties.

SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harvey's Lake is an IICRC certified firm. Our membership number is 203810. We follow all IICRC standards in our water, fire and smoke cleanup and restoration as well as our mold mitigation work

Winter Weather Preparation

1/22/2019 (Permalink)

Winter is a volatile season for weather. Depending on where you reside the type and degree of preparation you need to address winter weather may vary. In the south east or southern California, you will not likely have to prepare for severe blizzards, but cold, often freezing weather may still occur. For most of the U.S, preparing for winter weather involves preparing for ice and snow. The blizzard that struck the northeast U.S yesterday and the severe storms that hit before the holidays are examples of how important preparing for winter storms is. From transit shutdowns and road closures to widespread power outages or just arctic temperatures, winter is a trying time and requires ongoing preparatory measures. Here is a brief look at a couple of steps you can take to better prepare yourself for the bitter cold weather.

Maintain a Consistent Temperature Inside

Keeping your home a consistent temperature during the worst of the cold weather will help prevent pipes from freezing and ensure that your appliances continue to function well. Furnaces, water heaters, and plumbing lines all need to be used regularly during the winter to maintain functionality. If you are away for long periods during the winter, make sure to set your thermostat to a consistent, warm temperature. Even though you are not around, it is important to keep your home heated. Set the temperatures moderately–not too high to run up energy costs, but not so cold that your home is adversely affected. If you are away, consider keeping cabinet doors where pipes are housed open to allow warm air circulation to keep them from freezing. Also, consider allowing a small trickle of water to run out of the faucets and down the pipes.

Keep Emergency Supplies

An essential part of adverse weather preparation is to maintain a supply of emergency materials. In the cold of winter, this includes things like alternative heat sources such as generators, lanterns, and portable heaters, or fireplaces. Having a wood burning fireplace can be a great benefit in the winter–particularly if you lose power–but there are other solutions if you don’t. Always ensure that you have plenty of warm bedding and clothing on hand. Keeping a power generator can be a good idea if you have an emergency need for power. These can be useful if power is down for a number of days as well. Beyond heat sources, make sure you have a supply of food for at least one week and plenty of water. Other items such as: flashlights, batteries, first aid kits, shovels, ice melt, and battery or solar powered radios are all good items to have available for a storm.

Beyond keeping a supply of essential items to combat winter weather, monitoring the forecasts and taking caution when leaving the house are all good practices. During a severe storm and arctic temperatures, staying indoors is especially important. The recent scourge of record cold across the U.S is an example of the importance of staying prepared.

SERVPRO of Carbondale/Clarks Summit/Old Forge is Northeastern Pennsylvania leading specialty cleaning company and we are happy to supply you with these simple tips. Should you experience a weather disaster give SERVPRO of Carbondale/Clarks Summit/Old Forge a call. 

Extended Frigid Temperatures

1/22/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harvey's lake is in the midst of addressing the prevalence of burst pipes throughout Northeastern Pa. Unfortunately this extreme weather pattern will continue for the next few days exasperating the problem. When this extreme weather pattern changes early next week, we will see a increase in the number of burst pipes. It’s not the freeze but the thaw that causes the disaster.

It is possible that we are unaware of any frozen pipes until it is too late. Whether it be a dishwasher, an infrequent used bathroom or a washing machine, sometimes we are unaware. As proactive as we may be, sometimes things happen and SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harvey's lake is here for those times.

We are available 24/7 to respond to any water disaster resulting from this storm. We have the experienced water restoration technicians and specialized equipment to help make it "Like it never even happened”. We are proud to serve our local Back Mountain/Western Luzerne County community.

Chimney and Wood Burner Fire Safety

1/22/2019 (Permalink)

A night by the fireplace will keep your heating bill lower and keep you nice and toasty. But wood burning appliances have become the largest source of heating-related fires in U.S. homes, so it’s important to understand how to safely maintain your chimney and fireplace.

Know Your Hearth
Take the time to learn just what kind of chimney and fireplace you have. If you have a freestanding wood burner with a factory-built metal chimney, make sure to have a professional install it or follow the manufacturer’s specific guidelines, as those have been created using the appropriate national standards. Also, be aware of the proper placement of a fireplace in a room. Always have a floor protector below it, and have it extend at least 18 inches on all sides. You don’t want a loose piece of wood to pop out of the fire and end up on the nearby carpet or wall.

With a masonry chimney, always close the screen once the fire is lit. Be especially cautious with your young children, and don’t let them within three feet of any kind of fireplace. Stoke your fire with the poker and andirons, not other pieces of wood. And keep the chimney flue open to ensure that the fire is properly ventilation.

Know Your Creosote: 

The most significant thing to consider in regards to chimney safety is creosote. This is a black tar-like residue that collects in the chimney flue from past fires. Creosote is highly combustible, and over time can accumulate thickly enough to start a chimney fire. For this reason, you’ll want to call a chimney sweep at least once a year before the heating season for a professional cleaning.
The sweep should fix any cracks, blockages, or leaks in the masonry or lining of your chimney that could present a future hazard. Inspect your chimney often; a good rule of thumb is to have the chimney cleaned if there is 1/8 inch to 1/4 inch of creosote on the walls or lining. In the meantime you can take precautions to avoid further creosote buildup. Only burn seasoned wood. Not all firewood is created equal. You’ll want wood that was cut the previous year and has been stored away since that time. This wood is dark or gray compared to freshly cut, unseasoned “green wood.” It is brittle, has cracks running through each piece, and is quite dry. It will produce the most heat and least amount of creosote.
Avoid slow, smoldering fires. Having more smoke than flame in your fireplace is never good. Reduce the smokiness by not burning newspapers or cardboard for kindling. Cut wood into thin sticks to get the fire going. Also, don’t use lighter fluid because it burns up quickly, leading to more smoke.
Burn everything up. Use a highly efficient fireplace that fully burns all the combustibles and turns everything to dust.

SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harvey's Lake, Northeastern Pennsylvania premier specialty cleaning company is proud of our relationship with State Farm insurance and is pleased to provide these safety tips. SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harvey's Lake proudly serves all of the Back Mountain/Western Luzerne County.

What are Ice Dams

1/21/2019 (Permalink)

Ice dams on the outside can cause water damage to an interior of a structure like at this home in Dallas, PA. Be pro-active to avoid this damage.

The weekend forecast calls for exceptionally cold weather. This is problematic on several fronts for homeowners and businesses, but with the recent snow on the roofs, ice damming is a main concern.

What is an ice dam?

Ice dams are a pervasive and damaging winter roofing problem caused by poor roof ventilation and a warm attic space. Left untreated, ice dams can cause serious damage to your roof, gutters, paint, insulation, drywall, structure and even contribute to mold. Ice dams form when melting snow on a roof runs off and refreezes at the edge of a roof. This condition occurs when the snow is melted by a warm roof, creating water running between the snow and the warm roof surface, then freezing and turning to ice when it gets past the exterior wall and hits a cold unheated roof edge or gutter.

The water backs up and eventually seeps into the inside of the home or business. SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harvey's Lake responds to many water emergencies which are the result of ice damming. Water is an amazing phenomenon and without professional drying can lead to both structural and health concerns over the long run.

Be proactive and prevent your home or business from experiencing an ice damming situation and a costly repair. However, if it does occur call a professional restoration company to ensure you and your family's health and safety. SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harvey's Lake  is the back Mountain/Western Luzerne county's leader in smoke, fire and water cleanup. We are an IICRC certified firm and follow all the recommended guidelines in drying any water disaster. An emergency services company we are available 24/7/365.

How to Reduce Risk of Freezing Pipes

1/21/2019 (Permalink)

This frozen water line lead to the pipe bursting causing an in-door flood.

When The Mercury Drops

Even if you’ve taken the right preventative steps, extreme weather conditions can still harm your pipes. Here are a few more steps you can take:

• A trickle of hot and cold water might be all it takes to keep your pipes from freezing. Let warm water drip overnight, preferably from a faucet on an outside wall.
• Keep your thermostat set at the same temperature during both day and night. You might be in the habit of turning down the heat when you’re asleep, but further drops in the temperature – more common overnight – could catch you off guard and freeze your pipes.
• Open cabinet doors to allow heat to get to un-insulated pipes under sinks and appliances near exterior walls.

Before You Leave

Travelling in the winter months might be good for the soul, but don’t forget to think about your pipes before you leave. What can you do?

• Set the thermostat in your house no lower than 55°F (12°C).
• Ask a friend or neighbor to check your house daily to make sure it's warm enough to prevent freezing.
• Shut off and drain the water system. Be aware that if you have a fire protection sprinkler system in your house, it may be deactivated when you shut off the water.

If Your Pipes Do Freeze

What do you do if your pipes still freeze, despite your best preventative measures? First step: Don’t panic. Just because they’re frozen doesn’t mean they’ve already burst. Here’s what you can do:

• If you turn on your faucets and nothing comes out, leave the faucets turned on and call a plumber.
• Do not use electrical appliances in areas of standing water: You could be electrocuted.
• Never try to thaw a pipe with a torch or other open flame because it could cause a fire hazard. Water damage is preferable to burning down your house!
• You may be able to thaw a frozen pipe with the warm air from a hair dryer. Start by warming the pipe as close to the faucet as possible, working toward the coldest section of pipe.
• If your water pipes have already burst, turn off the water at the main shutoff valve in the house; leave the water faucets turned on. Make sure everyone in your family knows where the water shutoff valve is and how to open and close it.

SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harvey's Lake is the Back Mountain/Western Luzerne counties premier specialty cleaning company. We excel in the mitigation and restoration of water, fire and smoke damage on a 24/7 emergency services basis.

Toliet Supply Lines- A Common Cause of Residential Water Disasters

1/16/2019 (Permalink)

Toilet supply lines are a common cause of all residential flooding.

Pictured is a broken toilet supply line. Unfortunately this part is a common cause of many residential water disasters. The disaster becomes worse when the homeowners are not home and the water continues to flow unabated from top down. SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harvey's Lake was recently called by the homeowners insurance company to a home in West Hazleton which had three floors damaged by this exact scenario. This seemingly harmless part which most do not even think about caused thousands of dollars in damage. SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harvey's Lake water restoration professionals were able to begin the mitigation process and help reduce any secondary damage. Call us for all your water disasters. We are proud to serve our local Back Mountain/Luzerne County communities. 

Preventative Maintenance Programs

1/16/2019 (Permalink)

HVAC duct system. How is your indoor air quality?

SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harvey's Lake understands the difficulty facility managers experience in keeping current with a preventive maintenance programs for their facility.  For this reason we offer commercial property owners and managers preventive maintenance on air duct and dryer duct cleaning as well as cleaning services.

Working with the facility directors we can determine each facility's individual needs and schedule accordingly. Whether it be monthly, quarterly, semi-annually or annually SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harvey's Lake can utilize its certified technicians and specialized equipment to help keep the facility current, clean and safe. These programs can certainly help reduce the possibility of any future disaster.

This picture is of a dryer duct at a hotel in Hazleton, Pa. The build up on lint is a potential fire hazard and without regular maintenance. Call SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harvey's Lake to discuss a preventive maintenance program.

Sewage Backups Pose a Health Risk

1/16/2019 (Permalink)

Always call a professional cleanup company when dealing with a sewage backup like this one in Hazleton, PA.

Exposure to biological and chemical contaminants can pose serious health consequences. A failure to properly remove such substances can contribute to unhealthy and dangerous environments.

SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harvey's Lake certified technicians are trained to safely remove bio hazardous substances and dispose of them properly in accordance with OSHA and health regulations.

Sewage backups and dark water intrusions are more than nasty, smelly deposits – these damages also introduce harmful microorganisms into a structure. SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harvey's Lake certified technicians remove the sewage, contaminants, and moisture, and help ensure the structure is properly cleaned, disinfected, and deodorized

Equipped with the necessary safety apparatus and cleaning products, SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harvey's Lake help turn unsafe environments into clean, safe homes and offices.

SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harvey's Lake is the Scranton areas premier sewage cleanup company. Don't take the risk of doing it yourself. Call us for all your cleanup needs: (570) 562-6777

24/7/365- We are "Always Here to Help"

1/16/2019 (Permalink)

24/7 365- We are "Always here to help"

SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harvey's Lake is an emergency services company. That means when a disaster happens we respond 24/7/365. The picture below is of a water disaster that occurred at a local retail establishment which we were dispatched too on a Friday night.

Hazleton area business owners have come to rely on SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harvey's Lake to respond in a timely fashion to both reduce secondary damage that any water disaster can cause as well as the downtime for the owners. Business interruption is always a concern and we do our best to minimize that effects.

The SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harvey's Lake emergency response team was able to triage this damage and the business was able to remain operable while the damaged was repaired.

Never a Convenient Time for a Disaster

1/16/2019 (Permalink)

Commercial water loss in Hazleton, PA

There’s never a convenient time for flooding or water damage to strike your business. Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when an emergency situation arises in your business, give us a call and we’ll be there fast with the help you need 24/7/365 at (570) 562-6777

SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harvey's Lake  has the training, experience, and equipment to handle large commercial flooding or water damage emergencies. Whether your water emergency occurs in a small office building or big box store, we will respond quickly to mitigate the damage and manage the restoration project through to its completion.

This church in Hazleton, PA had a sprinkler head let go which caused flooding to the property. SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harvey's Lake was called in by the insurance company to dry and restore the property. We were on-site within an hour thus limiting the secondary damage. We are #SERVPROReady.

Dryer Fires- Lint Traps

1/16/2019 (Permalink)

Lint builds-up causing excessive heat and fire. Clean your lint traps after every use.

Did you know dryer lint is one of the leading causes of dryer failure and house fires? "How is this possible if you are clearing the lint from the filter between uses," might be a question you're asking. That is a great practice to follow, but by no means the only maintenance you can perform to keep your drying running smoothly. We are in the habit of making sure your home remains a safe haven for you and your family, especially concerning fire, as our recent campaign with the American Red Cross attests. So here are a few tips and reasons to go the extra mile when cleaning your dryer.

Yes, removing the lint from your dryer between uses is a great place to start. But did you know fabric softener can affect the usefulness of your lint filter? The next time you finish a load of laundry, remove the lint filter and clean it as you normally would. Next, run water over the filter and see if the water pools. If it does, your filter runs the risk of still clogging despite your efforts. It is an easy enough fix though so don't fret. Use a brush and warm soapy water and gently clean the filter. Try the water technique again until the water runs unimpeded. You are already much safer when running your dryer so congratulations!

Next, unplug your dryer and disconnect the vent hose / line from the dryer. This is where the majority of fires begin - in the exhaust duct. The buildup is usually higher in flexible hoses because of the potential for excess lint to get caught in the ridges. If you can switch from a flexible duct to rigid, we highly recommend you do. Your dryer and home will thank you! Depending on how often you run the dryer, we recommend cleaning at least once a year, but have clients who clean it every season. You can measure your needs based on how much lint you find when you clean, but back to the cleaning! Take your extendable brush and gently extend it into the vent and brush the lint back towards you - pushing it further just makes it harder to reach!

Ensuring the ducts are clean and clear of obstruction is an important step and checking the dryer drum is as well. This one requires a bit more DIY so if you are not comfortable, please call a licensed handyman. Removing the top or front from the dryer (based on where the lint filter is) requires removing a few screws. Once the panel is removed, you can brush and vacuum the drum, being careful around sensitive electrical parts. Make sure to get the lint under, around and behind the unit after cleaning.

Reducing Business Interruption is our goal

1/8/2019 (Permalink)

On-site before the fire company even leaves.

One of our primary goals when helping commercial property owners recover from a smoke, fire or water disaster is to respond 24/7 with the express goal of reducing business interruption. The quicker we are able to begin the mitigation process the less time the business needs to remain down. Less downtime, less lost revenue.

SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harvey's Lake was recently called to a apartment building fire in West Hazleton. We responded once the fire was extinguished and were able to begin the process of making the structure safe by extracting all the standing water and removing all potential hazards making the building safe for the tenants to return.

Ensuring a safe environment is one of our primary goals and the first thing we do at any disaster site. In this incidence, once the water was extracted and drying equipment set up we were then able began mitigating the smoke and soot damage. The loss of revenue was reduced due to our certified technicians quick and professional work.

SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harvey's Lake, the Back Mountain/Hazleton areas premier smoke, fire and water cleanup and restoration company. 24/7 we are "faster to any disaster".

How to Avoid frozen Pipes

1/8/2019 (Permalink)

Frozen pipe which thawed and burst.

Frozen pipes are unfortunately not uncommon this time of year in Northeastern Pennsylvania. However, this year its has been especially cold and for days at a time which lead to even a greater prevalence of this problem and SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harvey's Lake has been extremely busy dealing with the result of when the pipe burst. A water disaster!

Most of these situations can be avoided with a little proactive planning. When the temperatures dip it is important that you keep your heat no colder than 58 degrees. Open up cabinet doors to allow the heat to circulate under sinks. Allow the faucets to drip. Running water is much less likely to freeze.

Insulate exposed pipes, especially ones near an exposed outside walls like basements. Close up all open cracks in the foundation with either caulk or insulation. 

All these tips will improve the chances that pipes will not freeze. And remember, it's the thaw, not the freeze that causes the water damage.

Be proactive and avoid any potential water disasters in in-door flooding.

What to do if your Pipes do Freeze

1/8/2019 (Permalink)

Ice inside a water line

With this recent extended cold spell throughout northeastern Pa., frozen pipes are not an uncommon problem.  Plumbers are extremely busy helping homeowners deal with this issue. There is a right and wrong way to resolve this problem.

Let's begin by mentioning what not to do. NEVER USE A OPEN FLAME! While this may be tempting, its a fire hazard and SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harveys Lake has responded to 2 home fires  in western Luzerne County these past two weeks because of this. No blow torches or open flame heaters period. A fire is not better than a flood!

So what are the acceptable methods for de-thawing frozen pipes. Most experts will recommend using either a blow dryer or heating tape. Both these methods will gradually de-thaw the ice within the lines and allow the water to flow. Ideally you want this process to occur slowly.

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, but if this should occur be smart and be safe.

Odor Removal After a Fire

12/24/2018 (Permalink)

Hydroxyl Generator uses ultra-violet light to eliminate odor molecules thus the smoke smell.

Restoring fires takes specialized skill. It's not as easy as simply cleaning and repairing. Soot and smoke permeate every inch of the affected area including all soft goods and porous materials. Once the odor gets trapped it will remain and remnants of smoke will continue to be noticeable.

The goal of any restoration company is to restore the property back to preloss condition. That means eliminating all the effects of the fire damage including odors. Walls, ceiling, floors, all furniture, contents (including electronics) and clothing must be addressed or risk having a lingering odor. 

Depending on the type of fire, cleaning it improperly will only embed the soot into porous areas causing further damage. All these are reasons to hire a professional restoration company like SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harvey's Lake. We have certified fire restoration technicians and the specialized equipment to restore your property back to preloss condition.

Don't attempt to restore your property. Hire a professional to ensure 

Home Fires are Tragic

12/24/2018 (Permalink)

A recent house fire in Hazleton. Fires are always tragic but around the holidays they become worse.

House fires are tragic! They cause serious interruption to the life of the victims and many times relocation to a temporary residence is required while the home is being repaired.

SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harvey's Lake understands the stress, worry and disruption that comes from being a victim of a house fire. We work alongside your insurance company to help facilitate the claims process through the mitigation, restoration and rebuilding process.

There is a science behind the mitigation and restoration process of cleaning a house fire. We are an IICRC certified company with trained fire restoration technicians. It takes specialized equipment and training to ensure that your home is restored back to preloss condition.

In choosing SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harvey's Lake as your fire cleanup company you are getting a brand you know, a company you can trust and one with the knowledge and expertise to restore your home. 

Proper Soot Cleaning

12/24/2018 (Permalink)

Soot on a kitchen ceiling following a grease fire. Proper cleaning ensures restoration to preloss condition.

Following a small fire, many homeowners want to clean the damage themselves. While this is understandable, it is not recommended. 

Different types of fires require different types of cleaning. For instance, a protein (grease/kitchen) fire cannot simply be wiped clean. (see below) The soot will smear and embedded itself into any porous surfaces including wood and sheet rock making the damage worse. Soot sponges and specialized cleaning chemicals are required.

To make matters worse, as the homeowner you are responsible to reduce any secondary damage let alone damage caused by improper cleaning. in the event, you experience fire, smoke or soot damage always call a professional mitigation company to ensure your home gets restored a preloss condition. SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harvey's Lake employees IICRC certified fire restoration technicians to properly clean your home following any fire disaster.

Repair verse Replace

12/24/2018 (Permalink)

Knowing the proper way to dry a structure saves the homeowner both time and money.

SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harvey's Lake believes in the restore versus replace model of restorative drying. What this means is that following any smoke, fire or water disaster we dry/clean and save any item that can be restored back to its original condition.

This is important to know for several reasons. First, it saves time and money by getting the home or business back quicker. Second, it limits any out of pocket expenses by working within the guidelines that the insurance industry sets. Lastly, it can help preserve priceless family heirlooms.

Pictured below is of SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harvey's "floating" a carpet to successfully dry and save it, instead of replacing it. By having the airflow both under and over it (floating) helps facilitate the drying process. Creative drying is just one reason that insurance companies rely on companies like us to make their insured whole. If your home or business experiences a smoke, fire or water disaster call the company your insurance company would call.

Hazleton and The Back Mountains Premier Restoration Company

12/24/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harvey's Lake was recently purchased by Kevin Wentling as a second franchise following his success building and growing the Carbondale/Clarks Summit/Old Forge location. This second franchise allows us to service bot Lackawanna and Luzerne counties on a 24/7/365 basis. We are "always here to help".

The Hazleton/Dallas/Harveys Lake will operate out of a satellite office in Sweet Valley, Pa and brings with it experienced IICRC certified restoration technicians and 7 years of experience. There is no job too big and unfortunately we have seen it all. Knowing that your claim is being handled by a company with the specialized training and equipment brings peace of mind. Trust the company your insurance company trusts.

We look forward to earning our place as the premiere smoke, fire and water cleanup and restoration company in Luzerne County and as a positive productive member of the community we serve. When or if your home or business experiences a smoke, fire or water disaster call the company that helps make it "Like it never even happened." (570) 562-6777

Goal of Reducing Business Interruption 24/7/365

12/24/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harvey's Lake is an emergency services company available 24/7/365 to meet any smoke, fire or water disaster. As a part of our agreements with all the major insurance companies we are required to be on-site working within four hours from the notice of initial loss (FNOL). Usually we are there much quicker.

Working from our shop in Sweet Valley, Pa. we can respond to anywhere in the Luzerne County area quickly. And speed in paramount in reducing secondary damage as well as limiting business interruption for all our commercial customers. Our goal is to where ever possible to keep your doors open and your business operating. We understand that downtime equals loss of revenue.

If your business experiences a smoke, fire or water disaster in the middle of the night, call the company that your insurance company trusts and know we will respond. SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harvey's Lake is always "here to help"! 

Preventive Maintenance/Service Contracts

12/24/2018 (Permalink)

We offer preventive maintenance programs for dryer duct cleaning, floor care and power washing for commercial customers as a way to improve appearance

As the Back Mountain/Western Luzerne County's leader in specialty cleaning, SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harvey's Lake offers preventive maintenance and service contracts for our local manufacturing and industrial partners. We certainly ascribe to the "ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure" adage. Therefore we offer floor care, office cleaning, high ceiling cleaning, HVAC duct cleaning and dryer duct cleaning on month, quarterly, semi-annually and annually basis. Whether it be do to a lack of resources or skill, SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harvey's Lake can help any facility to improve their overall appearance and/or their general safety. Not every facility has a full time janitorial staff or the ability to do high ceiling cleans, we do. We offer the trained personnel and have the specialized equipment to handle the job in a professional and timely manner. Call us for a free estimate. 

24/7 Service to Reduce Business Interruption

12/24/2018 (Permalink)

Whether it be a holiday or the middle of the night disasters know no time schedule thus either does SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harvey's Lake.

One of our primary goals when helping commercial property owners recover from a smoke, fire or water disaster is to respond 24/7 with the express goal of reducing business interruption. The quicker we are able to begin the mitigation process the less time the business needs to remain down. Less downtime, less lost revenue.

SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harvey's Lake was recently called to a apartment building fire in Hazleton. We responded once the fire was extinguished and were able to begin the process of making the structure safe by extracting all the standing water and removing all potential hazards making the building safe for the tenants to return.

Ensuring a safe environment is one of our primary goals and the first thing we do at any disaster site. In this incidence, once the water was extracted and drying equipment set up we were then able began mitigating the smoke and soot damage. The loss of revenue was reduced due to our certified technicians quick and professional work.

SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harvey's Lake, the Back Mountains/Western Luzerne county's premier cleanup and restoration company. 24/7 we respond.

Fire Cleanup is an Extensive Process

12/24/2018 (Permalink)

Cleaning the outside of a high rise following a fire in Hazleton.

Fires are tragic. However when they occur around the holidays they become even more so. They disrupt the lives of homeowners, tenants and businesses and can causes thousands of dollars in damage.
One reason, that mitigating fire damage is so timely and costly is that usually there is smoke, soot and water damage resulting from the fire. Here you can see the amount of soot which gathered in the lobby of this apartment high rise after it suffered an apartment fire. Ironically, the actual fire was contained to a single unit but secondary damage to the building was extensive. If this is the damage in the lobby you can image what the adjacent hallways looked like.
Smoke and soot will permeate every nook and cranny of the affected area and without professional mitigation, completely removing the odor might be difficult. Restoration companies like SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harvey's Lake have certified fire technicians who understand the properties of smoke, soot and odor and are able to come up with the proper remedy. We have the specialized equipment to manpower to handle a fire disaster that affects a large area. the cleanup process is extensive because every floor, wall, ceiling and items within the affected area need to be "touched".
Having the specialized equipment and trained personnel is just one reason SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harvey's Lake is the Back Mountain/Western Luzerne Counties leader in smoke, fire and water cleanup and restoration. 

SERVPRO-A Specialty Cleaning Company (Pigeon Dung)

12/24/2018 (Permalink)

A recent pigeon dung cleanup is one reason we are the premier specialty cleaning company

dol buildings become the pigeons playground!

We have all seen pigeons nesting on ledges and using broken windows and open spaces as the entranceway to a warm safe environment inside of a vacant building. Most times we don't think twice about it until it's time to sell or renovate. Then what happens?

Did you know that pigeon dung in large quantities has the potential to cause health issues and is an environmental hazard. technically the building would be a biohazard scene and many times the property owner does not have the resources to address the problem.

SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harveys Lake has the specialized personnel and equipment to handle a pigeon dung damaged building. Pictured is a recent job we completed at an abandoned building in Pittston. The cleanup was necessitated when the building was placed on the market to be sold.

As a specialty cleaning company we were able to return the building to a safe environment while ensuring that all the pigeon "doors" were secured. The building can now be sold for a larger asking price. Call us for all your biohazard cleanup concerns.

Preventative Planning-frozen Pipes

12/24/2018 (Permalink)

Once a pipe freezes it expands causing it to burst. Pictures is a sprinkler pipe that erupted causing an in door flood.

As I woke up this morning freezing, the thoughts of frozen pipes occurred to me. Winter is the restoration industry's busiest time and busted water pipes are a leading cause. Many times this costly damage could of been prevented with some easy preventive maintenance steps.

1. Pipe wrap to insulate the expose piping in the basement of your home. This is an inexpensive way to be proactive and to ensure that the exposed pipes will not freeze.

2. Seal/insulate all small cracks and openings in your basement. Wires and pipes run inside/out of homes and could leave small open spaces which will permit freezing wind to directly affect an area of pipe. That area could freeze and burst. This again is a simply and cost efficient way to keep the heat inside and the cold out.

3. During those especially freezing nights, let the faucets slowly drip. Running water through the pipes will prevent it from freezing. Also, open cabinet doors under the sinks to allow the home heat to circulate underneath. Again, a few degrees can make a tremendous difference.

SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harvey's lake is here to serve the Western Luzerne county for all your smoke fire and water cleanup and restoration needs. We are an emergency services company available 24/7 to help make it "Like it never even happened."

Board up and Tarp Services

12/21/2018 (Permalink)

Securing the structure following this house fire in Hazleton. Board ups help reduce theft and reduce homeowner liability.

Following a fire, your home may need to be secured. The firefighters in the course of extinguishing the fire may have broken some windows for ventilation purposes or needed to bust the door down to do their job. It's possible the fire ripped through the roof leaving a void. 

As the homeowner, you are responsible to have the home secured. Theft is unfortunately not uncommon following a fire and should someone break in and hurt themselves, it falls back to you.

For all these reasons, SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harvey's Lake offers board up and tarping services to fire victims on an emergency services basis. We can secure the property and prevent any possible secondary damage immediately following the fire. 

Pictured below was a large scale tarping we completed for a homeowner in Dallas following a chimney fire. By securing the windows, doors and roof the homeowner was able to safely leave the property and work on securing a temporary residence while the home was being reconstructed.

Christmas Tree Fires

12/19/2018 (Permalink)

This video from National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) shows just how quickly this holiday season can turn from festive to tragic. A Christmas tree fire can turn devastating and deadly within seconds.

SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harvey's Lake believes being prepared is the key in avoiding disasters and we are pleased to share this information. We want everyone to have a joyous holiday season and avoid unnecessary disasters, so ensure your Christmas tree is properly hydrated.

However, if your home or business does experience a smoke, fire or water emergency know we are available 24/7, even on the holidays. SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harvey's Lake is the Back Mountains area's premier emergency services company proudly serving all of Luzerne County.

Please be cautious this holiday season and water your tree.

https://lnkd.in/ddEPgVf

Chimney and Wood Burner Fire Safety

12/19/2018 (Permalink)

Chimney And Wood burning Fireplace Safety:

A night by the fireplace will keep your heating bill lower and keep you nice and toasty. But wood burning appliances have become the largest source of heating-related fires in U.S. homes, so it’s important to understand how to safely maintain your chimney and fireplace.

Know Your Hearth
Take the time to learn just what kind of chimney and fireplace you have. If you have a freestanding wood burner with a factory-built metal chimney, make sure to have a professional install it or follow the manufacturer’s specific guidelines, as those have been created using the appropriate national standards. Also, be aware of the proper placement of a fireplace in a room. Always have a floor protector below it, and have it extend at least 18 inches on all sides. You don’t want a loose piece of wood to pop out of the fire and end up on the nearby carpet or wall.

With a masonry chimney, always close the screen once the fire is lit. Be especially cautious with your young children, and don’t let them within three feet of any kind of fireplace. Stoke your fire with the poker and andirons, not other pieces of wood. And keep the chimney flue open to ensure that the fire is properly ventilation.

Know Your CreosoteThe most significant thing to consider in regards to chimney safety is creosote. This is a black tar-like residue that collects in the chimney flue from past fires. Creosote is highly combustible, and over time can accumulate thickly enough to start a chimney fire. For this reason, you’ll want to call a chimney sweep at least once a year before the heating season for a professional cleaning.
The sweep should fix any cracks, blockages, or leaks in the masonry or lining of your chimney that could present a future hazard. Inspect your chimney often; a good rule of thumb is to have the chimney cleaned if there is 1/8 inch to 1/4 inch of creosote on the walls or lining. In the meantimeYou can take precautions to avoid further creosote buildup. Only burn seasoned wood. Not all firewood is created equal. You’ll want wood that was cut the previous year and has been stored away since that time. This wood is dark or gray compared to freshly cut, unseasoned “green wood.” It is brittle, has cracks running through each piece, and is quite dry. It will produce the most heat and least amount of creosote.
Avoid slow, smoldering fires. Having more smoke than flame in your fireplace is never good. Reduce the smokiness by not burning newspapers or cardboard for kindling. Cut wood into thin sticks to get the fire going. Also, don’t use lighter fluid because it burns up quickly, leading to more smoke.
Burn everything up. Use a highly efficient fireplace that fully burns all the combustibles and turns everything to dust.
http://learningcenter.statefarm.com/safety-2/home-1/chimney-and-woodburning-fireplace-safety/#sthash.qAbgxA4d.dpuf

SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harvey's Lake, Northeastern Pennsylvania premier specialty cleaning company is proud of our relationship with State Farm insurance and is pleased to provide these safety tips. 

Are You Prepared for Heating Season?

10/2/2018 (Permalink)

This is an example of improper cleaning when the homeowner inadvertently embedded the soot into the sheetrock causing permanent damage.

Living in Northeastern Pennsylvania, when most of think of winter we think snow, ice and cold and all three of these weather phenomenons translate to heating bills. ChaChing!

Nonetheless a well functioning furnace will not only be more effective and save us money, it will also reduce the chance that it malfunctions and causes a puffback. I got my furnace services yesterday and would recommend that everyone do the same. It's the old adage that "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure".

A puff back occurs when a furnace misfires causing soot to expel from the floorboards (baseboard heat) or radiators (steam heat) covering everything in its path. Whether your furnace be powered by oil or gas it causes a mess. Oily clothes, furniture, childrens toys and kitchen utensils. 

A puffback is normally a covered loss and should be cleaned by a professional restoration company like SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harvey's Lake  because it requires specialized training and equipment. I can't tell you the amount of times a homeowner in good faith has attempted to clean his or her home with over the counter cleaning products only to make it worse. Don't make it worse and possible cause damage which is irreversible, call the professionals.

SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harvey's Lake has the specialized training and resources to safely clean your soot damaged home following a puffback. We are Lackawanna Counties leader in smoke, fire and water cleanup. 

Flash Flood Watch

9/17/2018 (Permalink)

Florence is upon us. If your home or business experiences water damage, call us. SERVPRO is "always here to help"

The National Weather Center has issued a flash flood watch for parts of Northeast Pennsylvania including Lackawanna and Luzerne Counties. With the ground already saturated, flooding will occur easily.

SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/harveys Lake has been extremely busy dealing with flooded basements from this unprecedented stormy summer.  This rain is certainly not needed and will most certainly cause additional damage to homes and businesses through the county. 

One benefit of SERVPRO is our ability to partner with other local franchises to ensure that your home or business is being mitigated and restored by IICRC certified companies and qualified restoration professionals. No disaster is too large.

if your home or business experiences water damage from this most recent storm call the Back Mountains leader in smoke, fire and water damage cleanup and restoration at (570) 562-6777. SERVPRO is "always here to hel

We Offer Air Quality Testing

9/11/2018 (Permalink)

Our certified mold inspector, Mike Chrzan conducting an air quality test at a business in Hazleton.

Mold is a living organism and is present everywhere. It has a necessary function in the environment. The goal of mold remediation companies is to ensure that your home or business is safe for living. There are too many strains of mold to mention and some are more harmful than others. That being said, some people are more sensitive to mold than others. The only definitive way to know what type and how prevalent the mold intrusion is, is to conduct air-quality tests. Test can range from hundreds of dollars from an qualified environmental company to several dollars for a home testing kit. Naturally, choose wisely when deciding how best to test the indoor air quality of your home or business. SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harveys Lake employs a certified mold inspector who can test your home or business for $90.00/test and with very limited interruption. The test are sent to a qualified lab who sends a detailed report identifying the types of spores as well as the amount present. Once the problem is know, a remediation plan can be developed to make your home or business safe. The few hundred dollars is well worth the piece of mind. Call SERVPRO of hazleton/Dallas/Harveys lake at (570) 562-6777 to discuss having your home or business tested.

The After Affects of the Summer Floods

9/4/2018 (Permalink)

Mold as a result of the recent heavy rains and flooding. When water damage is not treated in a timely fashion mold is the result.

It’s the beginning of a new school year and nothing has been more newsworthy than schools being delayed or disrupted due to mold issues. The unprecedented amount of rain has certainly been the major culprit of these issues and SERVPRO is on the scene of several schools throughout the Northeast remediating the problem and making the environment safe for both students and staff.

 Mold has become a generic term used to describe any discoloration found and is often misunderstood.  Mold is present everywhere. The only definitive way to know if your building has a mold issue is to conduct air quality testing. SERVPRO employs a certified mold inspector who can test and determine if an issue is present. We supply the results so that all concern have the documentation needed to ensure safety. Air quality testing costs $90.00/test which is extremely competitive considering many companies charge several hundreds of dollars per test. If elevated levels are found we can help develop a remediation plan and will guarantee a clean post test. We will certified all work.

Truck Mounted Desiccant

8/27/2018 (Permalink)

Truck Mounted Desiccant for a large scale water restoration project.

SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harveys Lake recently completed a large scale restoration project in Scranton, PA where this truck mounted desiccant was utilized to help facilitate the drying process. The affected area was large and by employing the most modern technology we were able to save our customer both time and money. One advantage to using SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harveys Lake is our ability to meet any size job. This was a perfect example of a large scale project with a tight timeline that we were able to successfully complete. SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harveys Lake is 'Always here to help". As a locally owned and operated business, SERVPRO of Hazleton/dallas/Harveys Lake is close by and ready to respond to your flood or water damage emergency. We are proud to be an active member of the Hazleton community and want to do our part to make our community the best it can be. We are proud to serve our local Luzerne County communities.

Storm Team-Resource for Wide Spread Flooding

8/20/2018 (Permalink)

The rains this past week were unprecedented and have resulted in flooded basements throughout Lackawanna and Luzerne counties. Monday night we fielded over 50 calls on our after hours line and more the following several days.

One advantage SERVPRO provides is our ability to handle widespread storm damage by utilizing other local franchises or by activating our storm teams. In this incidence our storm team was activated which means we called upon franchises throughout the Eastern part of the country to help families recover from this devastating storm. All in all, between the storm team and the Carbondale/Clarks Summit/Old Forge and Hazleton/Dallas/Harveys Lake franchises we were able to help close to 100 families recover from flooded basements. 

Hopefully the area does not experience another storm like this but if it does, know SERVPRO has the experience and resources to address large scale flooding issues. We are "always here to help"

Rain Rain Go Away

8/10/2018 (Permalink)

Heavy rains have lead to flash flooding and basements filled with water.

Northeastern Pennsylvania has experienced what seems like several weeks of rainy days. From a consistent light rain to violent thunderstorm leading to flash flooding, SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harveys Lake is extremely busy helping home and business owners making it "Like it never even happened."

These storms have wreaked havoc in the region overwhelming sump pumps, backing up sewer systems and leading to flooded basements. Most times a homeowners insurance policy will NOT cover outside water in leading to thousands of dollars of out of pocket expenses and the secondary damage as a result of improper cleanup is yet untold.  If your basement does take water install a sump pump. And with sump pump purchased the sump pump failure rider on your homeowners policy as a  safeguard to situations like this.

Another tip to protect your property is to add the sewer and drain backup to your policy as well. While normally there is a limit, all category 3 water (sewage), should be professionally cleanup which is not inexpensive. As I have written before, "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure" a it's always better to be safe than sorry.

Hoarding- A Psychiatric Disorder

8/8/2018 (Permalink)

This hoarding house in West Hazleton became a biohazard cleanup as well due to both animal and human waste.

According to the American Psychiatric Association, "People with hoarding disorder excessively save items that others may view as worthless. They have persistent difficulty getting rid of or parting with possessions, leading to clutter that disrupts their ability to use their living or work spaces." SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harveys Lake has the training and specialized equipment to address any size hoarding situations. A hoarding home can be compounded and become dangerous when a biohazard element is present. Many times animal feces or human waste are a component. In these incidences it is imperative that a professional cleaning company like SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harveys Lake be called. We can clean the home and restore it to a safe and healthy living environment. SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harveys Lake is proud to serve our local Luzerne County communities.

Toilet Supply LInes-A Common Cause of Water Disasters

8/3/2018 (Permalink)

A broken toilet supply line caused a three story flood at this Dallas home.

Pictured is a broken toilet supply line. This small, innocuous part is a common cause of many residential water disasters. Whether it be a sink or toilet, this part breaks and water flows. The disaster becomes worse when the homeowners are not home and the water continues to flow. SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harvey's Lake was recently called by the homeowners insurance company to a home in Dallas which had three floors damaged by this exact scenario. This seemingly harmless part which most do not even think about caused thousands of dollars in damage. SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harvey's Lake water restoration professionals were able to begin the mitigation process and help reduce any secondary damage. Call us for all your water disasters. We are proud to serve our local Luzerne County communities.

How to Reduce Flood Damage

7/26/2018 (Permalink)

This Hazleton property was damaged by a recent storm. The roof blew off causing extensive indoor flooding.

Flood season is quickly approaching-Preparedness is the key.

BUILD WITH WATER-RESISTANT MATERIALS

Water-resistant materials can withstand direct contact with floodwaters for at least 72 hours without being significantly damaged and sustaining little more than low cost or cosmetic repair, such as re-painting.

DRY FLOOD-PROOF YOUR PROPERTY

• Dry flood proofing protects the building by “sealing” the building so flood waters can’t enter:
• Applying a waterproof coating or membrane to exterior walls.
• Installing watertight shields over all openings, including windows and doors.
• Anchoring the building to resist flotation.
• Strengthening walls to withstand flood water pressures and flood debris.
• Install a sump pump and foundation drain system.

ADD A WATERPROOF VENEER TO EXTERIOR WALLS

Protect your property from shallow flooding by adding a waterproof veneer, a brick backed by a waterproof membrane is one example, and sealing all the openings.

RAISE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM COMPONENTS

Raising electrical system components above the anticipated flood level will help prevent damage to the electrical system and helps avoid the potential for fire from short circuits in flooded systems. All components should be raised at least 1 ft. above the 100-year flood level.

ANCHOR FUEL TANKS

Unanchored fuel tanks outside your property can damage your building or be swept downstream, damaging other properties. The supply line to an unanchored tank in your basement can tear free and fuel can contaminate your basement. Make sure that fuel tanks are properly anchored.

RAISE OR FLOODPROOF HVAC EQUIPMENT

Floodwaters can extensively damage heating, ventilation, and cooling (HVAC) equipment. The extent of the damage depends upon the depth of flooding and how long the equipment is underwater. A good way to protect the HVAC equipment is to move it to an upper floor or build a flood proof wall around the equipment.

INSTALL SEWER BACKFLOW VALVES

Flooding in some areas can cause sewage from sanitary sewer lines to back up through drain pipes. Backflow valves are designed to block drainpipes temporarily and prevent return flow into the house.

PROTECT WELLS FROM CONTAMINATION BY FLOODING

Floodwater that enters a well can contaminate it and make the water unsafe to drink. A licensed well drilling contractor can inspect your well and suggest improvements

Hepa-Vacuuming Mold Spores

7/26/2018 (Permalink)

One of our remediation technicians using a hepa-vacuum as part of a mold remediation project.

HEPA Vacuum During Mold Removal and Remediation.

HEPA vacuuming is an important part of mold removal and remediation. SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harveys Lake trained mold remediation technicians use powerful HEPA vacuums when they are removing mold. The hepa filter ensures that the mold spores are contained and do not spread.

Here SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harveys Lake technicians are using a HEPA vacuum to clean the walls and ceilings of a structure. This specialized piece of equipment prevents the spores from being stirred up and dispersed airborne during the cleaning process. 

If your home or business has a mold intrusion call the Hazleton area leader in mold remediation at (570) 562-6777. We are an IICRC certified firm with the specialized equipment to remediate and clean any size mold problem.

When Disasters Strike

6/19/2018 (Permalink)

This Hazleton manufacturing facility experienced this flooding from a pipe break.

When a disaster strikes your home or business call the name you have come to know and trust. SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harveys Lake has the experience, training and equipment to handle any size water, smoke or fire cleanup.

One of the advantages of calling us is that no matter the size of the disaster, SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harvey's Lake has the ability to partner with other qualified franchise professionals and/or call our corporate Disaster Response Team. This ensures that your property receives the appropriate attention by qualified restoration professionals.

Recently we were called to dry-out and mitigate  a flooded 100,000 sq ft manufacturing facility in Hazleton. We immediately called our sister franchise SERVPRO of Carbondale/Clarks Summit/Old Forge for assistance. A underground water pipe ruptured causing the entire facility to flood. While it took the resources of several franchises we were able to complete the task with limited business interruption to the satisfaction of both the business owner and insurance company.

So when your property is damaged by smoke, fire or water, call the professionals at SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harvey's Lake. We are "Always here to help".

Pipe Break-Commercial Facility-Hazle Twp

6/5/2018 (Permalink)

A underground water pipe ruptures causing flooding throughout the 100,000sq ft facility

When an underground water pipe ruptured under this Hazle Twp manufacturing facility water flooded all 100,000sq ft. SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harvey's Lake was called to help mitigate the water disaster and limit business interruption. With the help of our local SERVPRO franchises we were able to do enough extracting and drying to at least allow the business to operate on a limited basis the following day.
Water damage this extensive is certainly disruptive and calls for professional mitigation. The water was a category 3 which brings on health concerns and SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harvey's Lake has the training and equipment to safely dry and restore this facility.
SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harvey's Lake was on-site within 2 hours to begin the assessment and have been working three shifts to ensure that the business interruption is minimized. Emergency services is just one reason that SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harvey's Lake is the Back Mountain/Western Luzerne County's leading smoke, fire and water cleanup and restoration company.
As a locally owned and operated business, SERVPRO of Hazleton / Dallas / Harvey's Lake is close by and ready to respond to your flood or water damage emergency.

Fire Smoke Cleanup -Shickshinny, Pa

4/12/2018 (Permalink)

A basket of muffins was left on a stovetop which caused smoke damage throughout the house.

Accidents happen! That why we all purchase insurance. When a basket of home made muffins was left on a stove top oven, the result was this kitchen fire in Shickshinny. The homeowners were working and luckily, the neighbors heard the smoke detectors and were able to extinguish the fire before it spread and caused further damage. 

The homeowners insurance company called SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harveys Lake to help return the property back to pre-fire condition. In this instance, the fire was relatively small but because it was not caught immediately the entire home suffered smoke damage. Restoration companies are called due to their skill in removing soot and odor from every nook and cranny of the home.

Cleaning a smoke damaged home requires specialized training, materials and equipment to properly restore the home and therefore insurance companies entrust restoration companies like SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harveys Lake. If your home experiences a smoky kitchen fire like this one, call a professional restoration like SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harveys Lake and let us help you make it "Like it never even happened".

Flooding-An Uncovered Loss

4/3/2018 (Permalink)

Heavy rains caused this basement to flood in Hazleton, Pa. Floating objects in a basement is never a good thing.

Did you know that when water enters your home from an outside source, more times than not its classified as an uncovered loss. This means that the homeowner has to pay out of pocket for the costs of the water damage and sometimes that can be quite extensive.
If flooding is commonplace it is highly recommended that flood insurance be bought. It is usually not part of your typical homeowners policy and not everyone qualifies for it or can afford it. The worst jobs SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harveys Lake restoration technicians mitigate are these uncovered losses, knowing the individual has to pay for the repairs themselves.
Most policies do allow for a rider that will cover sewer and drain backup if the home has a sump pump. A sump pump failure is typically a covered loss and the premium is not prohibitive considering the downside. Sewer and drain backup is highly recommended.
Today, with all this rain and a saturated landscape, SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harveys lake has had several calls regarding flooded basements. Wde do our best to attend to each call in a timely fashion with the goal of making the home safe.
if you find your basement flooded, call the water restoration professional at SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harveys Lake. We are proud to serve our local Back Mountain and Western Luzerne County communities.

Commercial Cleaning Services

4/2/2018 (Permalink)

A high ceiling clean for a local plastic manufacturer.

As a specialty cleaning company, SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harvey's Lake has the experience and expertise to handle all sorts of cleaning projects. Whether it be a small smokey kitchen fire to a high ceiling clean for a large manufacturing, we can help make it "Like it never even happened."

As trained fire restoration technicians, our team is trained in the intrigues of cleaning. That means literally using the appropriate cleaning agents and equipment for each type of job. If we can clean a fire damage building we can certainly clean an office building or a manufacturing facility. 

Many manufacturing facilities just do not have the manpower to handle either a high ceiling cleaning or a top/down terminal clean of the actual building. This is where SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harveys Lake can be an asset. Our team will work unconventional hours as to not disrupt the flow of production and has the additional manpower to complete the project in a timely manner.

So whether it be your office or your production floor, SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harvey's Lake can clean it. If you don't want to or can't clean it-we will.

Preventive Maintenance Programs-Dryer Duct Cleaning

3/30/2018 (Permalink)

A build up of lint can cause a dryer to overheat and ignite a fire. Better to be safe than sorry!

Dryer fires remain a leading cause of all fires and not properly maintaining them is a big factor. When lint builds up in the exhaust duct system, it could cause the dryer to overheat and ignite a fire. This is true for both residential and commercial properties. In most instances, the residential ducts are shorter and with a simple shop vac can easily be cleaned. Commercial properties like hotels, nursing homes and apartment complexes can have a longer and more intrigue duct system and may require a company like SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harvey's Lake to clean them. While the dryers in commercial properties are industrial by nature, they certainly are used more frequently leading to a greater need for a preventive maintenance program. SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harvey's Lake can offer a quarterly, semi-annually or annual cleaning of the dryer duct system by our certified HVAC technician. Better to be safe than sorry. Call us for a free estimate for your preventive maintenance program and ensure your dryer ducts are properly maintained. We are proud to serve our local Back Mountain and Western Luzerne County communities.

HVAC Duct Cleaning

3/26/2018 (Permalink)

This is a recent before picture of a HVAC duct system we recently completed. How is your indoor air quality?

As spring slowly comes, it is time to begin thinking about servicing your HVAC system. While we may not yet believe it due to the extended winter, the time will come when it's needed. Servicing the system ahead of time is a way to ensure that it is working properly when it's needed.
An often overlooked part of the HVAC system is the duct work. These need servicing (i.e. cleaning) periodically as well. If your ducts have not been cleaned in awhile, they could be compromising your indoor air quality. Factors such as pets, cigarette smoke or mold issue could affect the air your breath. 
SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harvey's Lake. has a certified HVAC technician who can inspect your duct work and determine if a cleaning is beneficial. We use a portable system of whips and brushes to clean the totality of the lines while placing the system under negative pressure. The dust and debris are sent through a hepa filter into a vacuum. We can also seal and deodorize the system.
If your duct work has been left unattended give SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harvey's Lake a call. We offer free estimates and will work non-traditional hours to reduce your business interruption. How is your indoor air quality?

Crime Scene Suicide and Bio-Hazard Cleanups

3/21/2018 (Permalink)

When cleaning a crime scene or suicide cleanup full personal protective equipment (PPE) is always required.

SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harvey's lake is known for our cleanup and restoration of smoke, fire and water disasters. And we certainly do that and do it well. I often use the term "specialty cleaning" when describing what we do simply because we do more than just smoke, fire and water.
This week we received a telephone call from our local police department regarding a "specialty" cleaning project which they did not want to address. A person they arrested who was suspected of having some dangerous diseases, bled in the police car as well as a holding cell. Its situations just like this where companies like SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harvey's Lake can help. We have the trained workforce and specialized equipment to safely clean these potentially dangerous situations.
Crime scene, suicide and biohazard cleanups are just another facet of our cleaning capabilities. We continue to partner with local and state police departments as well as first responders in providing a service most don't want to or simply cant handle. 

If you can't clean it, we will!

Prevent Bathroom Mold

3/19/2018 (Permalink)

Precidicibilty mold is often seen in bathroom areas due to moisture. Here is a home in Hazleton where mold was discovered behind the shower boards.

Mold is a common problem in households and businesses across the world. No matter where you go, you’re bound to come across mold in some capacity. Bathrooms are a breeding ground for mold due to the high amount of moisture in the atmosphere. But it’s not just about a few green spots on the wall. If left alone, mold may spread to other parts of your home, causing severe health problems. How can you prevent mold from developing?

Allow For Proper Ventilation

If you have a large family, the shower may be used several times a day. Steam may spread to every corner of the room multiple times. If the steam stays trapped in one area, mold has a greater chance of developing. To prevent this from occurring, make sure your bathroom has good ventilation. During the warmer months of the year, consider opening a window. Leave the door open a crack if possible. Encourage everyone in the house to take on this habit.

Run Fans after You Shower

It’s not enough to open a window. If you truly wish to keep mold at bay, run fans in the room and the adjoining rooms. Don’t give water a chance to settle. Fans circulate the air and dry any surfaces. In such conditions, mold has a smaller chance of popping up in your bathroom. If you don’t have a fan in your bathroom, the fans in the other rooms can at least keep the mold from spreading. Do this whenever you shower – even during the summer.

Clean the Bathroom At Least Once a Week

Dust is a food for mold. It’s important to wipe away dust at least once a week. Use an all-purpose cleaner for the best results. Spray the sinks, toilet, mirrors, counter tops, and walls. Don’t forget to give attention to the tiles in your tub. It may take some time to get the job done properly, but it’s worth it in the end. Ask a family member or friend for help if you feel you can’t do it alone.

Mold is a real problem, one that people around the planet deal with on a daily basis. But you don’t have to let the mold take over your bathroom. If you know how to prevent it, you can save yourself from stress. The information above can get you started.

SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harveys Lake is Luzerne Counties premier mold remediation company. Remember we also do smoke, fire and water cleanup and restoration.

Signs and Symptons of Mold

3/19/2018 (Permalink)

Above was a recent mold remediation project we completed in Dallas, Pa.

SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harveys Lake, Luzerne Counties premier smoke, fire and water cleanup and restoration company, also has the expertise to test and mitigate and potential mold issues. Excessive amounts of mold and certain types of mold may present health concerns. It is essential for the health of you and your family, as well as the protection of your property, to address the issue and arrange for professionals at SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harveys lake to conduct mold removal and mold remediation as soon as the presence of mold is identified.

Water damage can cause mold growth in your home or business, therefore it is important to have your water damage cleaned promptly and professionally.

Signs of the presence of excessive mold include:

• The presence of visible mold.
• Strong, musty odors.
• Any evidence of past moisture problems that might have caused undetected mold growth.
• Excessive humidity.

SERVPRO-Disaster recovery Team (DRT)

3/19/2018 (Permalink)

A sea of SERVPRO green as we respond to large disaster at a local commercial property

When a natural disaster strikes it can be all too easy to lose hope in light of severe damage and loss. Whether it’s a tornado, hurricane, blizzard or flood – the SERVPRO Disaster Recovery Team can provide help fast.

No Disaster Is Too Big
The SERVPRO System has a network of strategically positioned storm teams on standby should a disaster strike near you. Available 24 hours a day and 365 days a year, SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harveys Lake smoke, fire, water and flood cleanup professionals are prepared for the unpredictable.

With the ability to mobilize local command centers, along with the resources of more than 1,700 Franchises nationwide, no disaster is too big.

 Recent mobilizations of the Catastrophic Storm Response Teams include:

• 2014 Polar Vortex
• 2012 Sandy
• 2010 Nashville floods
• 2008 Ike
• 2007 Chicago floods
• 2007 Ohio floods
• 2007 California wildfires
• 2005 Katrina/Wilma/Rita

Should a catastrophic storm strike, call (570) 235-1646. SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harveys Lake is the Luzerne County's leader in flood and storm cleanup and restoration. We proudly serve the local Hazleton and Back Mountain communities even in the face of a disaster, SERVPRO  of Hazleton/Dallas/Harveys Lake flood cleanup professionals will strive to help make it "Like it never even happened."

Mold Remediation

3/15/2018 (Permalink)

Mold is commonly seen in basements like this, since a dark and damp environment is a perfect breeding ground.

Mold infestation is always caused by some moisture issue. Whether it be a broken or burst pipe, excessive humidity or an intrusion from groundwater, excessive moisture needs to be present. Most mold calls we receive are either in basements or crawl spaces since these areas are more apt to have a dark, damp environment which mold spores thrive in. The spores are a living entity which need food and air to live. Once these factors are removed the spores will no longer live and spread. Professional remediation is recommended.

Mold is present everywhere and some strains are helpful to the human race. Most are innocuous unless there is an allergy or other factors which could cause some health issues. Nonetheless, is you see visible signs of mold growth it is always best to have them remediated to avoid having the value of your property diminished or cause issues regarding your employees.

SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harveys Lake is an experienced mold remediation company. We follow all IICRC standards when remediating mold and are available throughout Lackawanna and Luzerne counties. We also have a certified mold inspector on staff should an air quality test be required.

Sewer Back-Ups- A Common Occurrence

3/14/2018 (Permalink)

Full Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) should always be utilized when dealing with hazardous situations like sewage.

Luzerne County infrastructure is old. The sewer system fails which causes backups into homes and businesses. This unfortunately is a reality and occurs often. SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas Harveys Lake has the training and equipment required to safely mitigate, clean and repair sewage damaged basements.

Sewage water is classified as category 3 water which means there are potential health effects to it and thusly should always be cleaned by a professional cleaning company. If not done properly the secondary effects could be dangerous mold and health problems for the occupants.

Odor is another big issue wirth sewer backups and without the problem equipment could cause a serious disruption to your home or business. Cleanup is the first step but address the air quality is also a function of a proper remediation.

SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harveys Lake is a full service specialty cleaning company with the capability to remediate any size sewage backup.

Post Construction Cleaning

3/9/2018 (Permalink)

A recent post construction clean we completed for a Hazelton Hotel.

As a specialty cleaning company, SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harvey's Lake offers post construction cleaning. Many times contractors either do not have the time or resources to successfully clean once the project is completed. That's where we come in. SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harveys Lake has the trained personnel and specialized cleaning products to ensure that the finished project is finished. Hiring a company like SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harveys Lake serves several purposes. 1. We have the personnel available to meet short turn around times. We stay unit we are done. 2. If we can clean smoke and soot from a fire damaged home, best be sure we can clean following a construction project. 3. We have the specialized materials and equipment to handle any size cleanup. If your home or business is in the midst of a construction project and need a final cleaning call the cleaning professional at SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harveys Lake. We are proud to serve our local Luzerne county communities.

Air Quality Testing

3/7/2018 (Permalink)

Our certified mold tester, Mike Chrzan setting up for an air quality test at this property in Hazleton.

The only definitive way to ascertain whether a mold issue is occurring is by conducting testing. SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harveys Lake employs a certified mold tester to better service our customers.

There are several different types of test which a professional remediation company can conduct. As a company we employ the use of the following two.

Air Quality testing: By testing the air quality and comparing the spore counts between the area in question and a controlled sample from outside, we are able to determine if an issue is occurring as well as the type of mold present and spores counts of each strain. Once we have a beginning spore count we are then able to begin the remediation process. A post test will determine whether the air is now clean.

Tape Samples: Tape sampling is used when obvious discoloration is seen. This method will allow the remediation professional to ascertain the type of spores present. This method is helpful in determining the difference between mold and mildew.

SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harveys Lake is the leading mold remediation company in Luzerne  County. By offering both testing and remediation we are a one stop call. We are proud to serve our local Luzerne County community.

Emergency Services Company 24/7/365

1/18/2018 (Permalink)

Our team addressing a water loss at a business in Hazleton during the recent snow storm.

Neither rain, sleet nor snow will stop the SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harveys Lake team from responding to water disasters throughout Lackawanna and Luzerne Counties. As this extreme cold weather pattern remains in force , our team continues to meet the demand for restoration services of burst water pipes. Drying homes and businesses, making them safe and returning them back to pre-damaged condition is our specialty. Mother nature will continue to wreak havoc throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania and if your home or business experiences a water disaster know that SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harveys Lake is available 24/7, 365 days/year to help make it "Like it never even happened."  We are the water restoration serving Lackawanna and Luzerne Counties including all parts of Hazleton.

Large Scale Water Damage

1/15/2018 (Permalink)

This basement flooded with over 5ft of water due to a sprinkler system freezing and bursting. This weather is causing havoc in Luzerne County.

This extreme cold weather pattern continues to wreak havoc upon northeastern Pa. Picture above is a commercial property whose sprinkler system froze and burst causing a tremendous amount of damage. The property owner failed to maintain heat in the building which resulted in several pipe breaks. Since the building was idol the water continues to flow for hours before it began to inundate the structure.
The entire building experienced water damage and the basement filled with approximately 5 ft of water. The damage is extensive and since the property was not properly maintained, insurance will not cover it. SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harveys Lake was called by the city to address the property.
Large scale water disasters are SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harveys Lake specialty. We have the trained employees and specialized equipment to handle the job. We are able to utilize other SERVPRO franchisees or our corporate disaster response team. No job is too big.

Thermal Imaging

1/11/2018 (Permalink)

Thermal imaging technology allows restoration companies like SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harvey Lake the ability to determine exactly what is wet and what is dry. In the most basic of terms, thermal imaging allows you too see an object’s heat radiating off itself. Thermal cameras more or less record the temperature of various objects in the frame, and then assign each temperature a shade of a color, which lets you see how much heat its radiating compared to objects around it.

Colder temperatures are often given a shade of blue, purple, or green, while warmer temperatures can be assigned a shade of red, orange, or yellow. For example, in the image at the top of this post, you’ll notice the person is covered in shades of red, orange, and yellow, while other areas are blue and purple. That’s because he is radiating more heat than surrounding objects.

This technology allow SERVPRO  Hazleton/Dallas/Harveys Lake certified water restoration technicians the ability to concentrate on the wet areas saving time and money by knowing exactly what to address. It also ensues that we do not miss any areas and will also confirm when things are dry ensuring proper and professional mitigation services.

Technology like thermal imaging is just one reason that insurance companies choose SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harveys Lake as their chosen restoration company. We are emergency services company available 24/7 throughout the Luzerne County area.

What to do if your pipes freeze

1/3/2018 (Permalink)

Never use an open flame to de-thaw frozen pipes. Here a great picture of ice within the plumbing lines.

With this recent extended cold spell throughout northeastern Pa., frozen pipes are not an uncommon problem.  Plumbers are extremely busy helping homeowners deal with this issue. There is a right and wrong way to resolve this problem.

Let's begin by mentioning what not to do. NEVER USE A OPEN FLAME! While this may be tempting, its a fire hazard and SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harveys Lake has responded to 2 home fires  in western Luzerne County these past two weeks because of this. No blow torches or open flame heaters period. A fire is not better than a flood!

So what are the acceptable methods for de-thawing frozen pipes. Most experts will recommend using either a blow dryer or heating tape. Both these methods will gradually de-thaw the ice within the lines and allow the water to flow. Ideally you want this process to occur slowly.

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, but if this should occur be smart and be safe.

How to avoid frozen pipes

1/2/2018 (Permalink)

Pictures is a burst water pipe that caused thousands of dollars in damage in a business in Dallas.

Frozen pipes are unfortunately not uncommon this time of year in Northeastern Pennsylvania. However, this year its has been especially cold and for days at a time which lead to even a greater prevalence of this problem and SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harveys Lake has been extremely busy dealing with the result of when the pipe burst. A water disaster!

Most of these situations can be avoided with a little proactive planning. When the temperatures dip it is important that you keep your heat no colder than 58 degrees. Open up cabinet doors to allow the heat to circulate under sinks. Allow the faucets to drip. Running water is much less likely to freeze.

Insulate exposed pipes, especially ones near an exposed outside walls like basements. Close up all open cracks in the foundation with either caulk or insulation. 

All these tips will improve the chances that pipes will not freeze. And remember, it's the thaw, not the freeze that causes the water damage.

Be proactive and avoid any potential water disasters in in-door flooding.

Fire Restoration is an Extensive Process

12/14/2017 (Permalink)

Soot damage from a single apartment fire. Secondary damage is commonplace and is one reason fire mitigation is a costly process.

Fires are tragic. However when they occur around the holidays they become even more so. They disrupt the lives of homeowners, tenants and businesses and can causes thousands of dollars in damage.
One reason, that mitigating fire damage is so timely and costly is that usually there is smoke, soot and water damage resulting from the fire. Here you can see the amount of soot which gathered in the lobby of this apartment highrise after it suffered an apartment fire. Ironically, the actual fire was contained to a single unit but secondary damage to the building was extensive. If this is the damage in the lobby you can image what the adjacent hallways looked like.
Smoke and soot will permeate every nook and cranny of the affected area and without professional mitigation, completely removing the odor might be difficult. Restoration companies like SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harveys Lake have certified fire technicians who understand the properties of smoke, soot and odor and are able to come up with the proper remedy. We have the specialized equipment to manpower to handle a fire disaster that affects a large area. the cleanup process is extensive because every floor, wall, ceiling and items within the affected area need to be "touched".
Having the specialized equipment and trained personnel is just one reason SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harveys Lake is Luzerne Counties leader in smoke, fire and water cleanup and restoration. 

Reducing Business Interruption

12/13/2017 (Permalink)

Response time matters in reducing business interruption. 24/7/365 we answer the call.

One of our primary goals when helping commercial property owners recover from a smoke, fire or water disaster is to respond 24/7 with the express goal of reducing business interruption. The quicker we are able to begin the mitigation process the less time the business needs to remain down. Less downtime, less lost revenue.

SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harveys Lake was recently called to a apartment building fire in Hazleton. We responded once the fire was extinguished and were able to begin the process of making the structure safe by extracting all the standing water and removing all potential hazards making the building safe for the tenants to return.

Ensuring a safe environment is one of our primary goals and the first thing we do at any disaster site. In this incidence, once the water was extracted and drying equipment set up we were then able began mitigating the smoke and soot damage. The loss of revenue was reduced due to our certified technicians quick and professional work.

SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/harveys Lake, Western Luzernes county's premier cleanup and restoration company. 24/7 we respond.

Frozen Pipes-Preventive Planning

12/8/2017 (Permalink)

This is the result of a frozen pipe that burst upon thaw. You can image the amount of damage it caused to a nursing home in Dallas.

As I woke up this morning freezing, the thoughts of frozen pipes occurred to me. Winter is the restoration industry's busiest time and busted water pipes are a leading cause. Many times this costly damage could of been prevented with some easy preventive maintenance steps.

1. Pipe wrap to insulate the expose piping in the basement of your home. This is an inexpensive way to be proactive and to ensure that the exposed pipes will not freeze.

2. Seal/insulate all small cracks and openings in your basement. Wires and pipes run inside/out of homes and could leave small open spaces which will permit freezing wind to directly affect an area of pipe. That area could freeze and burst. This again is a simply and cost efficient way to keep the heat inside and the cold out.

3. During those especially freezing nights, let the faucets slowly drip. Running water through the pipes will prevent it from freezing. Also, open cabinet doors under the sinks to allow the home heat to circulate underneath. Again, a few degrees can make a tremendous difference.

SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harveys lake is here to serve the Western Luzerne county for all your smoke fire and water cleanup and restoration needs. We are an emergency services company available 24/7 to help make it "Like it never even happened."

Board Up and Tarping Services

12/5/2017 (Permalink)

A large scale tarp up to secure this Dallas home following a fire.

Following a fire, your home may need to be secured. The firefighters in the course of extinguishing the fire may have broken some windows for ventilation purposes or needed to bust the door down to do their job. It's possible the fire ripped through the roof leaving avoid. 

As the homeowner, you are responsible to have the home secured. Theft is unfortunately not uncommon following a fire and should someone break in and hurt themselves, it falls back to you.

For all these reason, SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harveys Lake offers board up and tarping services to fire victims on an emergency services basis. We can secure the property and prevent any possible secondary damage immediately following the fire. 

Pictured below was a large scale tarping we completed for a homeowner in Dallas following a chimney fire. By securing the windows, doors and roof the homeowner was able to safely leave the property and work on securing a temporary residence while the home was being reconstructed.

Don't Clean Soot Damage Imporoperly

12/3/2017 (Permalink)

This homeowner attempted to clean this ceiling with soap and water only to make matters worse. Grease fires require specialized equipment to properly

Following a small fire, many homeowners want to clean the damage themselves. While this is understandable, it is not recommended. 

Different types of fires require different types of cleaning. For instance, a protein (grease/kitchen) fire cannot simply be wiped clean. (see below) The soot will smear and embedded itself into any porous surfaces including wood and sheetrock making the damage worse. Soot sponges and specialized cleaning chemicals are required.

To make matters worse, as the homeowner you are responsible to reduce any secondary damage let alone damage caused by improper cleaning. in the event, you experience fire, smoke or soot damage always call a professional mitigation company to ensure your home gets restored a preloss condition. SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/harveys Lake employes IICRC certified fire restoration technicians to properly clean your home following any fire disaster.

Western Luzerne County Premier Restoration Company

11/28/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Hazleton/Dallas/Harvey's Lake was recently purchased by Kevin Wentling as a second franchise following his success building and growing the Carbondale/Clarks Summit/Old Forge location. This second franchise allows us to service bot Lackawanna and Luzerne counties on a 24/7/365 basis. We are "always here to help".

The Hazleton/Dallas/Harveys Lake will operate out of a satellite office in Sweet Valley, Pa and brings with it experienced IICRC certified restoration technicians and 7 years of experience. There is no job too big and unfortunately we have seen it all. Knowing that your claim is being handled by a company with the specialized training and equipment brings peace of mind. Trust the company your insurance company trusts.

We look forward to earning our place as the premiere smoke, fire and water cleanup and restoration company in Luzerne County and as a positive productive member of the community we serve. When or if your home or business experiences a smoke, fire or water disaster call the company that helps make it "Like it never even happened." (570) 235-1646