Archived Why SERVPRO Blog Posts
Spring Cleaning Season Is Here
3/22/2024 (Permalink)
Spring is in the air! The first day of Spring is Sunday March 20th! Spring cleaning can be a little overwhelming, so we decided to create a check list to get you started on your spring cleaning!
ENTIRE HOME
- Change smoke alarm Batteries
- Clean/polish fixtures
- Clean mirrors and glass
- Clean rugs, floors & baseboards
- Dust/ polish furniture
- Dust bookshelves; donate books
- Dust light fixtures & bulbs
- Replace old light bulbs
- Wipe walls and ceilings
- Wash curtains
- Wash light fixtures/ ceiling fans
- Wash Windows
OUTSIDE
- Clean Garage
- Clean gutters
- Clean house siding
- Clean patio furniture
- Clean porch/deck/patio
- Landscaping
- Seal driveway
- Wash/inspect light fixtures
BEDROOMS
- Clean out closets & donate
- Put away winter bedding
- Rotate mattress
- Wash Bedding
LIVING ROOM
- Clean garage
- Clean gutters
BATHROOMS
- Clean & sanitize sink
- Clean & sanitize tubs, shower & toilet
- Clean out Medicine Cabinet
- Clean under the sink
- Dispose of expired medications
KITCHEN
- Clean oven
- Clean appliances (inside & out)
- Clean pantry, toss old food
- Polish Stainless-steel appliances
- Wash Cabinets (inside &out)
- Clean refrigerator/ freezer
As always, If you are looking for a deep, professional cleaning of your home or business, give us a call, remember it is ALWAYS best to call directly 757-431-1400
The Crucial Role of SERVPRO Of Virginia Beach's ERP in Commercial Buildings
2/14/2024 (Permalink)
In the dynamic landscape of commercial real estate, preparedness is paramount. Whether it's a sudden burst pipe flooding an office space or a fire threatening to engulf a retail store, emergencies can strike without warning, wreaking havoc on businesses and their assets. In such turbulent times, having a solid Emergency Ready Profile (ERP) from SERVPRO Of Virginia Beach can make all the difference between swift recovery and prolonged disruption.
Understanding the Significance
An ERP serves as a comprehensive blueprint for handling emergencies efficiently. It provides vital information at your fingertips, including crucial contacts, shut-off valve locations, utility details, and floor plans. SERVPRO Of Virginia Beach specializes in crafting tailored ERPs that cater to the specific needs and nuances of commercial properties.
Rapid Response and Minimized Downtime
Time is of the essence during emergencies. With an ERP in place, businesses can initiate a rapid response protocol, swiftly alerting key stakeholders and coordinating with SERVPRO Of Virginia Beach's expert team. By streamlining communication and outlining clear steps for mitigation, the ERP minimizes downtime and helps businesses resume operations at the earliest.
Enhanced Safety and Compliance
Safety is non-negotiable in any commercial setting. SERVPRO Of Virginia Beach's ERP not only prioritizes the safety of occupants and employees but also ensures compliance with regulatory standards. From evacuation procedures to hazardous material handling guidelines, the ERP equips businesses with the knowledge and resources needed to uphold safety protocols.
Protection of Assets and Reputation
Commercial properties are not just bricks and mortar; they embody years of hard work, investment, and brand reputation. In the face of adversity, safeguarding these assets becomes paramount. By having a detailed ERP from SERVPRO Of Virginia Beach on file, businesses can mitigate damage to property, inventory, and equipment, thereby preserving their financial stability and reputation.
Proactive Risk Management
Prevention is better than cure—an adage that holds true in the realm of emergency preparedness. SERVPRO Of Virginia Beach's ERP goes beyond reactive measures by fostering a culture of proactive risk management. By identifying potential hazards, implementing preventive measures, and conducting regular drills, businesses can fortify their resilience against unforeseen calamities.
Conclusion
In today's unpredictable business environment, the importance of having an ERP from SERVPRO Of Virginia Beach on file in commercial buildings cannot be overstated. From facilitating rapid response to safeguarding assets and reputation, the ERP serves as a cornerstone of preparedness and resilience. By partnering with SERVPRO Of Virginia Beach and embracing proactive emergency planning, businesses can navigate challenges with confidence, ensuring a brighter and more secure future for all stakeholders involved.
Spring Cleaning Season Is Here
3/6/2023 (Permalink)
The first day of Spring is right around the corner, March 20th to be exact. It's time to start Spring cleaning. We all know Spring cleaning can be a little overwhelming, so we decided to create a check list to get you started on your spring cleaning!
ENTIRE HOME
- Change smoke alarm Batteries
- Clean/polish fixtures
- Clean mirrors and glass
- Clean rugs, floors & baseboards
- Dust/ polish furniture
- Dust bookshelves; donate books
- Dust light fixtures & bulbs
- Replace old light bulbs
- Wipe walls and ceilings
- Wash curtains
- Wash light fixtures/ ceiling fans
- Wash Windows
OUTSIDE
- Clean Garage
- Clean gutters
- Clean house siding
- Clean patio furniture
- Clean porch/deck/patio
- Landscaping
- Seal driveway
- Wash/inspect light fixtures
BEDROOMS
- Clean out closets & donate
- Put away winter bedding
- Rotate mattress
- Wash Bedding
LIVING ROOM
- Clean garage
- Clean gutters
BATHROOMS
- Clean & sanitize sink
- Clean & sanitize tubs, shower & toilet
- Clean out Medicine Cabinet
- Clean under the sink
- Dispose of expired medications
KITCHEN
- Clean oven
- Clean appliances (inside & out)
- Clean pantry, toss old food
- Polish Stainless-steel appliances
- Wash Cabinets (inside &out)
- Clean refrigerator/ freezer
As always, If you are looking for a deep, professional cleaning of your home or business, give SERVPRO Of Virginia Beach a call, remember it is ALWAYS best to call directly 757-431-1400. Always Here to Help!
Spring Cleaning
3/8/2022 (Permalink)
Spring cleaning collage
Spring is in the air! The first day of Spring is Sunday March 20th! Spring cleaning can be a little overwhelming, so we decided to create a check list to get you started on your spring cleaning!
ENTIRE HOME
- Change smoke alarm Batteries
- Clean/polish fixtures
- Clean mirrors and glass
- Clean rugs, floors & baseboards
- Dust/ polish furniture
- Dust bookshelves; donate books
- Dust light fixtures & bulbs
- Replace old light bulbs
- Wipe walls and ceilings
- Wash curtains
- Wash light fixtures/ ceiling fans
- Wash Windows
OUTSIDE
- Clean Garage
- Clean gutters
- Clean house siding
- Clean patio furniture
- Clean porch/deck/patio
- Landscaping
- Seal driveway
- Wash/inspect light fixtures
BEDROOMS
- Clean out closets & donate
- Put away winter bedding
- Rotate mattress
- Wash Bedding
LIVING ROOM
- Clean garage
- Clean gutters
BATHROOMS
- Clean & sanitize sink
- Clean & sanitize tubs, shower & toilet
- Clean out Medicine Cabinet
- Clean under the sink
- Dispose of expired medications
KITCHEN
- Clean oven
- Clean appliances (inside & out)
- Clean pantry, toss old food
- Polish Stainless-steel appliances
- Wash Cabinets (inside &out)
- Clean refrigerator/ freezer
As always, If you are looking for a deep, professional cleaning of your home or business, give SERVPRO Of Virginia Beach a call, remember it is ALWAYS best to call directly 757-431-1400. Aways Here to Help!
Spring is in the air, the first day of Spring is Sunday March 20th! Spring cleaning can be a little overwhelming, so we decided to create a check list to get you started on your spring cleaning!
ENTIRE HOME
- Change smoke alarm Batteries
- Clean/polish fixtures
- Clean mirrors and glass
- Clean rugs, floors & baseboards
- Dust/ polish furniture
- Dust bookshelves; donate books
- Dust light fixtures & bulbs
- Replace old light bulbs
- Wipe walls and ceilings
- Wash curtains
- Wash light fixtures/ ceiling fans
- Wash Windows
OUTSIDE
- Clean Garage
- Clean gutters
- Clean house siding
- Clean patio furniture
- Clean porch/deck/patio
- Landscaping
- Seal driveway
- Wash/inspect light fixtures
BEDROOMS
- Clean out closets & donate
- Put away winter bedding
- Rotate mattress
- Wash Bedding
LIVING ROOM
- Clean garage
- Clean gutters
BATHROOMS
- Clean & sanitize sink
- Clean & sanitize tubs, shower & toilet
- Clean out Medicine Cabinet
- Clean under the sink
- Dispose of expired medications
KITCHEN
- Clean oven
- Clean appliances (inside & out)
- Clean pantry, toss old food
- Polish Stainless-steel appliances
- Wash Cabinets (inside &out)
- Clean refrigerator/ freezer
As always, If you are looking for a deep, professional cleaning of your home or business, give SERVPRO Of Virginia Beach a call, remember it is ALWAYS best to call directly 757-431-1400. Aways Here to Help!
How SERVPRO of Virginia Beach Saves Damaged Documents
2/7/2022 (Permalink)
Fire and water damage can not only affect the structure of your property but also your belongings. SERVPRO of Virginia Beach specializes in restoring contents damaged by water, fire, or mold. Our expertise and “restore” versus “replace” mentality can help save you money while preserving precious keepsakes, furnishings and clothing that can’t be replaced.
If your home requires extensive restoration or cleaning due to fire damage, SERVPRO of Virginia Beach can conduct an organized, efficient move-out of the affected area. Each item is carefully packed up and transported to our facility for cleaning. We use several methods of cleaning your contents: dry cleaning, used for cleaning light residues or to pre-clean prior to wet cleaning; wet cleaning, an effective cleaning method for removing moderate to heavy residues; spray and wipe, effective for items that can’t withstand wet cleaning; foam cleaning, used for upholstery fabrics that might shrink or bleed if wet cleaned; abrasive cleaning, involves agitation of the surface being cleaned and emersion cleaning, where contents are dipped into a bath of the cleaning product.
After cleaning, we meticulously re-wrap the contents in fresh packing material and place them in new boxes, which are stored, until building restoration is completed.
Five Things That You Need To Know About a Water Damage.
2/7/2022 (Permalink)
When a pipe bursts, a drain backs up, or a flood occurs in your home, it can be hard to see past the mess. A million questions will run through your mind.
There is no doubt about it. Water damage is extremely stressful, and the more you know about it, the better you will be able to decide how to address it. Here are five things that every homeowner needs to know about water damage.
- There are different insurance policies for flood damage and water damage.
You might think that water is water, whether it is from flooding or a burst pipe, but flood damage is not covered under homeowner’s insurance. If you live in an area likely to experience flooding, you will probably already have a separate policy through the National Flood Insurance Policy (NFIP). When you report the claim to the insurance company, make sure to specify whether the claim is for water damage or for flood damage, so they can begin adjusting your claim correctly.
- Not all water damage is covered by your insurance.
It is a good idea to look over your insurance policy and familiarize yourself with any exclusion to your water damage coverage. For instance, most policies cover sudden damage, like water damage from a really bad storm or from an overflowing washing machine. On the other hand, any water damage that happens because you didn’t maintain the property may be excluded, as well as gradual leaks that caused water damage over time.
- Once water damage has happened; the clock is ticking before it gets worse.
When your property has been water damaged, you don’t have the luxury of waiting around for a convenient time to start the cleanup. Secondary damage from mold growth can present serious health effects associated with mold in the living environment.
Mold spores are everywhere, but they need moisture and a nutrient source to grow. And that is exactly what your wet carpet or drywall offers.
To prevent mold growth, you will need to get your property completely dry again within that 24-48-hour window. To do this, you will need to contact a company that specializes in water damage restoration and emergency water extraction. They will have the professional water removal equipment and drying equipment to get the job done as quickly as possible. Many have 24-hour a day emergency hotline, so you can start recovering your property almost immediately.
- Your insurance company needs to know right away.
It is a good idea to call your insurance company right away when you discover water damage. Your insurance agent can start the claims process immediately, as well as guide you through the first steps you will need to take to protect your property from more damage, like stopping the source of the water at the main water turnoff.
- The pollution level of the water is important.
Water damage is categorized as one of three levels by how polluted the water source was that caused the damage.
Category 1: Water from a clean water source, like a freshwater line for a dishwasher. This water will not cause illness or any ill effects.
Category 2: Water that may cause illness through contact. It may have bacteria in it,
Even though water may start out as Category 1, that doesn’t mean it will stay that way. Any contamination that the water touches, such as dirty carpeting or soil from the ground, can change water damage Category to 2 or even Category 3. And since standing breeds bacteria, the longer the water is around, the worse the contamination of your property.
More contamination can mean that the restoration team will have to use more aggressive measures to clean your structure and property, and it might mean that soft furnishings, like your carpet and the carpet pad, may have to be discarded for your safety.
Water damage can be dangerous and expensive, so preventing water damage is an important part of home maintenance. But if you know the basics of what to do once it happens, you can prevent it from doing its worst.
SERVPRO of Virginia Beach is always here to help, it is always best to call us directly at 757-544-6027.
Don't Turn The Drying Equipment Off!!
2/7/2022 (Permalink)
This is an air mover that could be placed in your home for drying after a water damage.
When you call SERVPRO of Virginia Beach to help restore your property after suffering a water damage, our professional technicians will place the appropriate equipment to dry out the area as quickly as possible. It is important to always follow our instructions and keep the equipment running at all times. We realize that the equipment is noisy and can become bothersome if you remain in your home during the restoration process, however, turning off the air movers and/or dehumidifiers can delay the drying time and can cause further damage to your property such as mold growth. It is also important to note that oftentimes your insurance coverage will only pay for the drying equipment for a specific length of time, depending on the category of damage. Your SERVPRO of Virginia Beach project manager will monitor the moisture readings of the equipment daily to determine the appropriate time for removal. If you have any concerns or questions about the drying equipment, be sure to speak to any of our crew members.
SERVPRO of Virginia Beach Additional Services
2/3/2022 (Permalink)
Let’s be honest, there is never a good time for storm waters to flood your property or fire to smoke out your home or business. It seems that Disasters strike at the worst possible moment. That is one reason to have our phone number, 757-431-1400, saved in your phone.
Timely and efficient mitigation is the key to reducing costs and minimizing home or business interruption. The sooner restoration and cleanup begins, the sooner you and your family or business can resume your everyday lives.
That is why it is important to choose a team with the capabilities, like SERVPRO of Virginia Beach, to help make any size disaster, “Like it never even happened.”
The Benefits of Using SERVPRO of Virginia Beach
*Class "A" Licensed Contractor
*24 Hour Competitive Bids
*Drug Free Workplace with Criminal Background Checks
*IICRC Certified Firm & IICRC Certified Team
*Onsite Climate Controlled Storage Facilities
*Large Loss/Storm Team Member
*Repair Division
*Three Day average Dry time.
That is just a sample of our services, if you have any questions or would like more information do not hesitate to call SERVPRO of Virginia Beach at 757-431-1400
SERVPRO Emergency Ready Profile, Why Is It Important?
2/3/2022 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Virginia Beach has 30 years of experience in restoring property damaged by fire, water & smoke. During those years, we have discovered that businesses that do not have an emergency plan in place, prior to a disaster, sustain much greater losses due in large part to the additional time it takes them to react and take proper emergency steps to mitigate damage after a loss has occurred.
The degree of damage not only increases with the length of time it takes to react, but dollars lost due to business interruptions also increase very rapidly. As many as 50% of businesses may never recover following a disaster, according to the latest industry research. Of the businesses that do survive, many of them had a preparedness plan in place. Pre-planning can serve as an insurance policy aimed at giving you peace of mind.
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, who to call and what to expect in advance is the key to timely mitigation and can help minimize the affects water and fire damage can have on your business.
The SERVPRO Emergency Ready Profile offers:
- A no cost assessment of your facility
- A concise Profile Document that contains only the critical information needed in the event of an emergency
- A guide to help you get back into your building following a disaster
- Establishes SERVPRO of Virginia Beach as your disaster mitigation and restoration provider
- Identification of the line of command for authorizing work to begin
- Facility details such as shut-off valve locations, priority areas and priority contact information
Give SERVPRO of Virginia Beach a call at 757-431-1400 to schedule yours now.
SERVPRO of Virginia Beach spotlight, Anna Cheracles
2/2/2022 (Permalink)
Owner of SERVPRO of Virginia Beach
As a second-generation owner, Anna has held almost every position within the company since she began working at SERVPRO of Virginia Beach. Before SERVPRO, Anna attended Old Dominion University, had a few jobs between high school and college, including managing a couple local tanning salons, while working part time at SERVPRO until 2007, when she came on board full time to learn how to run the business.
Anna is currently running the franchise as an owner, alongside her sister, Katie Anderton and husband Jason Cheracles. Together they have grown the business with a wonderful culture consisting of their office team, a phenomenal marketing division and amazing production team of extremely hard-working technicians and managers.
Anna says, “Each and every person serves a very important role in making sure that our SERVPRO franchise is successful. From the very first phone call into the office about a new loss, to the production technician performing the work and all the way to the accounts receivable team collecting the money at the end and leaving us with a happy and 100% satisfied customer. Our customers don’t ask for these water/fire/mold losses to occur, so we do our best to put their lives and homes back together as quickly and effectively as possible, while trying to make a bad experience a less stressful one. It’s a hard job, but by having the right, positive people on our team, we make it work.”
Anna learned everything show knows from her parents, Bob and Beth Simeone, who started the Virginia Beach franchise in 1991. She has grown up in the business and enjoys seeing how her team helps people each and every day. Anna’s interest is not only on the customers, but on the employees as well. It has been fun for her to see so many people grow into their career and personal lives while they are working with the SERVPRO family.
When not working at the office, Anna enjoys spending her time with her husband Jason, and their three children: Ray, Maddox and Charlee, and their three dogs, Bella, Molly and Willow.
At the end of the day, Anna loves that her family gets to work together every day. They get to share in each other’s successes and build a company together that truly believes in their mission statement, which is “to develop an accountable team of caring people who are committed to excellence and focus on quality service by being honest, fair and enthusiastic in their work.” By following this mission statement, SERVPRO of Virginia Beach has been able to build an incredible team of individuals that care about the work they do, the customers that are impacted by them everyday.
SERVPRO of Virginia Beach Additional services
3/9/2021 (Permalink)
Let’s be honest, there is never a good time for storm waters to flood your property or fire to smoke out your home or business. It seems that Disasters strike at the worst possible moment. That is one reason to have our phone number, 757-431-1400, saved in your phone.
Timely and efficient mitigation is the key to reducing costs and minimizing home or business interruption. The sooner restoration and cleanup begins, the sooner you and your family or business can resume your everyday lives.
That is why it is important to choose a team with the capabilities, like SERVPRO of Virginia Beach, to help make any size disaster, “Like it never even happened.”
The Benefits of Using SERVPRO of Virginia Beach
*Class "A" Licensed Contractor
*24 Hour Competitive Bids
*Drug Free Workplace with Criminal Background Checks
*IICRC Certified Firm & IICRC Certified Team
*Onsite Climate Controlled Storage Facilities
*Large Loss/Storm Team Member
*Repair Division
*Three Day average Dry time.
That is just a sample of our services, if you have any questions or would like more information do not hesitate to call SERVPRO of Virginia Beach at 757-431-1400
Don't Turn Off The Drying Equipment
2/17/2021 (Permalink)
This is an air mover that could be placed in your home for drying after a water damage.
When you call SERVPRO of Virginia Beach to help restore your property after suffering a water damage, our professional technicians will place the appropriate equipment to dry out the area as quickly as possible. It is important to always follow our instructions and keep the equipment running at all times. We realize that the equipment is noisy and can become bothersome if you remain in your home during the restoration process, however, turning off the air movers and/or dehumidifiers can delay the drying time and can cause further damage to your property such as mold growth. It is also important to note that oftentimes your insurance coverage will only pay for the drying equipment for a specific length of time, depending on the category of damage. Your SERVPRO of Virginia Beach project manager will monitor the moisture readings of the equipment daily to determine the appropriate time for removal. If you have any concerns or questions about the drying equipment, be sure to speak to any of our crew members.
We Are Cleaning Experts
2/17/2021 (Permalink)
SERVPRO is Here to Help during this time of need
During this unprecedented time caused by the global pandemic of coronavirus, this is a reminder to our customers that we are specialists in cleaning services, and we adhere to the highest cleaning and sanitation standards.
Specialized Training
We are prepared to clean and disinfect your home or business, according to protocols set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We have years of experience in dealing with biological contaminants, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform on a daily basis.
The CDC encourages cleaning of high-touch surfaces such as counters, tabletops, doorknobs, light switches, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets and tables. Other spaces mentioned in the CDC’s guidance for commercial spaces include:
- Kitchen/Food Areas
- Bathrooms
- Schools/Classrooms
- Offices
- Retail Spaces
- Water Fountains
- Shelving/Racks
- Sales Counters
- Carpets and Rugs
- Stair Handrails
- Elevator Cars
- Playground Equipment
- Fitness Equipment
Specialized Products
The CDC recommends usage of a labeled hospital-grade disinfectant with claims against similar pathogens to the coronavirus. Multiple products in the SERVPRO product line carry the EPA-approved emerging pathogens claims. While there is currently no product tested against this particular strain of the coronavirus, we are following all guidelines as provided by the CDC and local authorities.
Call Today for a Proactive Cleaning
If your home or business needs deep cleaning services, call the experts today – SERVPRO of Virginia Beach, 757-431-1400
Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned
2/17/2021 (Permalink)
When our logo is on your door, your commitment to clean is clear.
Getting back to business relies on getting your employees and customers back through your doors. When the stakes are this high, you want a partner who has developed an industry-leading and proprietary training program, cleaning solutions, and remediation processes. The COVID pandemic has changed what it means to be clean. SERVPRO of Virginia Beach is Here to Help get your business back to normal.
Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned is a defensive cleaning program that goes beyond janitorial cleaning, this is a proactive viral pathogen cleaning. SERVPRO of Virginia Beach is being called on by numerous businesses and community leaders to clean, disinfect and sanitize their properties as either a preventative measure or following a suspected or known positive COVID exposure. SERVPRO uses EPA approved products and follows the CDC guidelines for cleanup practices.
1. Consult - A Tailored Cleaning Program to Meet Your Needs
2. Clean - Proactive and COVID Emergency Response Cleaning Program
3. Certify - A Commitment to Clean for Your Employees and Consumers
We are here 24 hours a day, seven days a week, while life gets back to normal in the community we call home.
Five Things That You Need To Know About a Water Damage
2/15/2021 (Permalink)
When a pipe bursts, a drain backs up, or a flood occurs in your home, it can be hard to see past the mess. A million questions will run through your mind.
There is no doubt about it. Water damage is extremely stressful, and the more you know about it, the better you will be able to decide how to address it. Here are five things that every homeowner needs to know about water damage.
- There are different insurance policies for flood damage and water damage.
You might think that water is water, whether it is from flooding or a burst pipe, but flood damage is not covered under homeowner’s insurance. If you live in an area likely to experience flooding, you will probably already have a separate policy through the National Flood Insurance Policy (NFIP). When you report the claim to the insurance company, make sure to specify whether the claim is for water damage or for flood damage, so they can begin adjusting your claim correctly.
- Not all water damage is covered by your insurance.
It is a good idea to look over your insurance policy and familiarize yourself with any exclusion to your water damage coverage. For instance, most policies cover sudden damage, like water damage from a really bad storm or from an overflowing washing machine. On the other hand, any water damage that happens because you didn’t maintain the property may be excluded, as well as gradual leaks that caused water damage over time.
- Once water damage has happened; the clock is ticking before it gets worse.
When your property has been water damaged, you don’t have the luxury of waiting around for a convenient time to start the cleanup. Secondary damage from mold growth can present serious health effects associated with mold in the living environment.
Mold spores are everywhere, but they need moisture and a nutrient source to grow. And that is exactly what your wet carpet or drywall offers.
To prevent mold growth, you will need to get your property completely dry again within that 24-48-hour window. To do this, you will need to contact a company that specializes in water damage restoration and emergency water extraction. They will have the professional water removal equipment and drying equipment to get the job done as quickly as possible. Many have 24-hour a day emergency hotline, so you can start recovering your property almost immediately.
- Your insurance company needs to know right away.
It is a good idea to call your insurance company right away when you discover water damage. Your insurance agent can start the claims process immediately, as well as guide you through the first steps you will need to take to protect your property from more damage, like stopping the source of the water at the main water turnoff.
- The pollution level of the water is important.
Water damage is categorized as one of three levels by how polluted the water source was that caused the damage.
Category 1: Water from a clean water source, like a freshwater line for a dishwasher. This water will not cause illness or any ill effects.
Category 2: Water that may cause illness through contact. It may have bacteria in it,
Even though water may start out as Category 1, that doesn’t mean it will stay that way. Any contamination that the water touches, such as dirty carpeting or soil from the ground, can change water damage Category to 2 or even Category 3. And since standing breeds bacteria, the longer the water is around, the worse the contamination of your property.
More contamination can mean that the restoration team will have to use more aggressive measures to clean your structure and property, and it might mean that soft furnishings, like your carpet and the carpet pad, may have to be discarded for your safety.
Water damage can be dangerous and expensive, so preventing water damage is an important part of home maintenance. But if you know the basics of what to do once it happens, you can prevent it from doing its worst.
SERVPRO of Virginia Beach Additional services
2/15/2021 (Permalink)
These are some additional services provided by SERVPRO of Virginia Beach. Our team is dedicated to helping with ALL of your property damage restoration needs.
* HVAC duct and coil cleaning- commercial and residential
* Dry ice blasting- a nonabrasive alternative to solvent-based cleaning
*Commercial carpet and upholstery Cleaning
*FREE Emergency Ready Profile- a complimentary profile to get a commercial building back in business after a disaster...BEFORE a disaster
*We are a class A licensed contractor
We also offer some free services
*Free board up (depending on the severity of loss)
*On sight generators (depending on severity of loss)
*Free ladder assist for adjusters
*Infrared Thermo Pictures
*Training (state, alfa college/real estate, insurance, C.E.)
* SERVPRO is a green certified firm
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call SERVPRO of Virginia Beach at 757-431-1400
What is a SERVPRO Emergency Ready Profile?
2/15/2021 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Virginia Beach has 30 years of experience in restoring property damaged by fire, water & smoke. During those years, we have discovered that businesses that do not have an emergency plan in place, prior to a disaster, sustain much greater losses due in large part to the additional time it takes them to react and take proper emergency steps to mitigate damage after a loss has occurred.
The degree of damage not only increases with the length of time it takes to react, but dollars lost due to business interruptions also increase very rapidly. As many as 50% of businesses may never recover following a disaster, according to the latest industry research. Of the businesses that do survive, many of them had a preparedness plan in place. Pre-planning can serve as an insurance policy aimed at giving you peace of mind.
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, who to call and what to expect in advance is the key to timely mitigation and can help minimize the affects water and fire damage can have on your business.
The SERVPRO Emergency Ready Profile offers:
- A no cost assessment of your facility
- A concise Profile Document that contains only the critical information needed in the event of an emergency
- A guide to help you get back into your building following a disaster
- Establishes SERVPRO of Virginia Beach as your disaster mitigation and restoration provider
- Identification of the line of command for authorizing work to begin
- Facility details such as shut-off valve locations, priority areas and priority contact information
Give SERVPRO of Virginia Beach a call at 757-431-1400 to schedule yours now.
We Are Cleaning Experts
3/23/2020 (Permalink)
SERVPRO is Here to Help during this time of need
During this unprecedented time caused by the global pandemic of coronavirus, this is a reminder to our customers that we are specialists in cleaning services, and we adhere to the highest cleaning and sanitation standards.
Specialized Training
We are prepared to clean and disinfect your home or business, according to protocols set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We have years of experience in dealing with biological contaminants, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform on a daily basis.
The CDC encourages cleaning of high-touch surfaces such as counters, tabletops, doorknobs, light switches, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets and tables. Other spaces mentioned in the CDC’s guidance for commercial spaces include:
- Kitchen/Food Areas
- Bathrooms
- Schools/Classrooms
- Offices
- Retail Spaces
- Water Fountains
- Shelving/Racks
- Sales Counters
- Carpets and Rugs
- Stair Handrails
- Elevator Cars
- Playground Equipment
- Fitness Equipment
Specialized Products
The CDC recommends usage of a labeled hospital-grade disinfectant with claims against similar pathogens to the coronavirus. Multiple products in the SERVPRO product line carry the EPA-approved emerging pathogens claims. While there is currently no product tested against this particular strain of the coronavirus, we are following all guidelines as provided by the CDC and local authorities.
Call Today for a Proactive Cleaning
If your home or business needs deep cleaning services, call the experts today – SERVPRO of Virginia Beach, 757-431-1400
SERVPRO of Virginia Beach Spotlight: Anna Cheracles
2/21/2020 (Permalink)
As a second-generation owner, Anna has held almost every position within the company since she began working at SERVPRO of Virginia Beach. Before SERVPRO, Anna attended Old Dominion University, had a few jobs between high school and college, including managing a couple local tanning salons, while working part time at SERVPRO until 2007, when she came on board full time to learn how to run the business.
Anna is currently running the franchise as the General Manager, alongside operations manager, Jason Cheracles, her husband. Together they have grown the business with a wonderful team consisting of their office team (lead by her sister, Katie Anderton and office manager, Lisa Corley); a phenomenal marketing division and amazing production team of extremely hard-working technicians and managers.
Anna says, “Each and every person serves a very important role in making sure that our SERVPRO franchise is successful. From the very first phone call into the office about a new loss, to the production technician performing the work and all the way to the accounts receivable team collecting the money at the end and leaving us with a happy and 100% satisfied customer. Our customers don’t ask for these water/fire/mold losses to occur, so we do our best to put their lives and homes back together as quickly and effectively as possible, while trying to make a bad experience a less stressful one. It’s a hard job, but by having the right, positive people on our team, we make it work.”
Anna learned everything show knows from her parents, Bob and Beth Simeone, who started the Virginia Beach franchise in 1991. She has grown up in the business and enjoys seeing how her team helps people each and every day. Anna’s interest is not only on the customers, but on the employees as well. It has been fun for her to see so many people grow into their career and personal lives while they are working with the SERVPRO family.
While not working at the office, Anna enjoys spending her time with her husband Jason, and their three children; Ray, Maddox and Charlee. She loves watching her son Maddox play keeper for his Tsunami soccer team, which have been together for the past 4 years, growing from recreational soccer, all the way up to division 1 travel. She also enjoys watching (and listening) to her daughter Charlee play the piano. Her step-son Ray, who just turned 16, keeps her on her toes. She has loved seeing him grow into a young adult during his teenage years.
Anna and Jason also have two dogs: an 11-year-old Shih Tzu named Bella (who also serves as the SERVPRO office guard dog) and 3 year old Australian Shepherd, Molly.
At the end of the day, Anna loves that her family gets to work together every day. They get to share in each other’s successes and build a company together that truly believes in their mission statement, which is “to develop an accountable team of caring people who are committed to excellence and focus on quality service by being honest, fair and enthusiastic in their work.” By following this mission statement, SERVPRO of Virginia Beach has been able to build an incredible team of individuals that care about the work they do, and the customers that are affected by their actions.
Free ERP'S
2/19/2020 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Virginia Beach has 30 years of experience in restoring property damaged by fire, water & smoke. During those years, we have discovered that businesses that do not have an emergency plan in place, prior to a disaster, sustain much greater losses due in large part to the additional time it takes them to react and take proper emergency steps to mitigate damage after a loss has occurred.
The degree of damage not only increases with the length of time it takes to react, but dollars lost due to business interruptions also increase very rapidly. As many as 50% of businesses may never recover following a disaster, according to the latest industry research. Of the businesses that do survive, many of them had a preparedness plan in place. Pre-planning can serve as an insurance policy aimed at giving you peace of mind.
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, who to call and what to expect in advance is the key to timely mitigation and can help minimize the affects water and fire damage can have on your business.
The SERVPRO Emergency Ready Profile offers:
- A no cost assessment of your facility
- A concise Profile Document that contains only the critical information needed in the event of an emergency
- A guide to help you get back into your building following a disaster
- Establishes SERVPRO of Virginia Beach as your disaster mitigation and restoration provider
- Identification of the line of command for authorizing work to begin
- Facility details such as shut-ff valve locations, priority areas and priority contact information
Give us a call today to get started!
How SERVPRO of Virginia Beach saves Damaged Documents
2/19/2020 (Permalink)
Fire and water damage can not only affect the structure of your property but also your belongings. SERVPRO of Virginia Beach specializes in restoring contents damaged by water, fire, or mold. Our expertise and “restore” versus “replace” mentality can help save you money while preserving precious keepsakes, furnishings and clothing that can’t be replaced.
If your home requires extensive restoration or cleaning due to fire damage, SERVPRO of Virginia Beach can conduct an organized, efficient move-out of the affected area. Each item is carefully packed up and transported to our facility for cleaning. We use several methods of cleaning your contents: dry cleaning, used for cleaning light residues or to pre-clean prior to wet cleaning; wet cleaning, an effective cleaning method for removing moderate to heavy residues; spray and wipe, effective for items that can’t withstand wet cleaning; foam cleaning, used for upholstery fabrics that might shrink or bleed if wet cleaned; abrasive cleaning, involves agitation of the surface being cleaned and emersion cleaning, where contents are dipped into a bath of the cleaning product.
After cleaning, we meticulously re-wrap the contents in fresh packing material and place them in new boxes, which are stored, until building restoration is completed.
Dont Turn Off the Drying Equipment
2/19/2020 (Permalink)
When you call SERVPRO of Virginia Beach to help restore your property after suffering a water damage, our professional technicians will place the appropriate equipment to dry out the area as quickly as possible. It is important to always following our instructions and keep the equipment running at all times. We realize that the equipment is noisy and can become bothersome if you remain in your home during the restoration process, however, turning off the air movers and/or dehumidifiers can delay the drying time and can cause further damage to your property such as mold growth. It is also important to note that oftentimes your insurance coverage will only pay for the drying equipment for a specific length of time, depending on the category of damage. Your SERVPRO of Virginia Beach project manager will monitor the moisture readings of the equipment daily to determine the appropriate time for removal. If you have any concerns or questions about the drying equipment, be sure to speak to any of our crew members.
Happenings at SERVPRO of Virginia Beach
2/17/2020 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Virginia Beach is the only restoration contractor in Hampton Roads to own this 5000 CFM drying desiccant, capable of drying a large commercial building, with its own 150kw generator. This state-of-the-art equipment can quickly evaporate humidity to effectively help to dry large areas quickly. While other area restoration companies must rent this type of machinery, SERVPRO of Virginia Beach has it at the ready.
Why is this piece of equipment important to you?
Here at SERVPRO of Virginia Beach, our goal is to get your business back up and operational as quickly as possible. The desiccant can move 5000 cubic feet of air per minute, keeping the moisture levels normalized during evaporation. Applications include larger buildings such as schools, hotels, hospitals and commercial buildings requiring more dehumidification, to provide environmental control and restorative drying.
For more information and for 24-hour emergency response, contact SERVPRO of Virginia Beach at 757-431-1400.
SERVPRO of Virginia Beach Storm Team is Ready to Travel
3/25/2019 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Virginia Beach Storm Team working in Wilmington, NC in 2018
The SERVPRO Disaster Recovery Teams provide help to local franchises when a tornado, hurricane, blizzard or flood disaster strikes. SERVPRO of Virginia Beach has been a part of these storm teams since their inception. We traveled to Alabama after Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and in November 2009 franchises from Pennsylvania came to assist us with claims from a Nor’easter that hit and caused record amounts of flooding in Hampton Roads. In 2011 and 2013, SERVPRO of Virginia Beach assisted with microburst flooding in Northern Virginia. In August of 2016, we expanded our storm teams and dispatched 4 crews to Louisiana to assist with flooding cleanup for 2 weeks. In 2017, we dispatched another 4 crews to Texas for 3 weeks to help after Hurricane Harvey. In the spring and summer of 2018, we went to Maryland, Northern Virginia and Pennsylvania to assist with microbursts and localized flooding events when the job load was too much for the local franchises to handle. Our most recent storm activity was assisting after Hurricane Florence caused devastating damage in North Carolina; we sent 4 crews on September 16th and stayed until January 2019 to complete jobs. Available 24 hours a day and 365 days a year, SERVPRO of Virginia Beach is prepared for the unpredictable and available to travel with any of the 4 storm teams at a moment’s notice.
SERVPRO Spotlight: Anna Cheracles
2/22/2019 (Permalink)
As a second-generation owner, Anna has held almost every position within the company since she began working at SERVPRO of Virginia Beach. Before SERVPRO, Anna attended Old Dominion University, had a few jobs between high school and college, including managing a couple local tanning salons, while working part time at SERVPRO until 2007, when she came on board full time to learn how to run the business.
Anna is currently running the franchise as the General Manager, alongside operations manager, Jason Cheracles, her husband. Together they have grown the business with a wonderful team consisting of their office team (lead by her sister, Katie Anderton and office manager, Lisa Corley); a phenomenal marketing division and amazing production team of extremely hard-working technicians and managers.
Anna says, “Each and every person serves a very important role in making sure that our SERVPRO franchise is successful. From the very first phone call into the office about a new loss, to the production technician performing the work and all the way to the accounts receivable team collecting the money at the end and leaving us with a happy and 100% satisfied customer. Our customers don’t ask for these water/fire/mold losses to occur, so we do our best to put their lives and homes back together as quickly and effectively as possible, while trying to make a bad experience a less stressful one. It’s a hard job, but by having the right, positive people on our team, we make it work.”
Anna learned everything show knows from her parents, Bob and Beth Simeone, who started the Virginia Beach franchise in 1991. She has grown up in the business and enjoys seeing how her team helps people each and every day. Anna’s interest is not only on the customers, but on the employees as well. It has been fun for her to see so many people grow into their career and personal lives while they are working with the SERVPRO family.
While not working at the office, Anna enjoys spending her time with her husband Jason, and their three children; Ray, Maddox and Charlee. She loves watching her son Maddox play keeper for his Tsunami soccer team, which have been together for the past 4 years, growing from recreational soccer, all the way up to division 1 travel. She also enjoys watching (and listening) to her daughter Charlee play the piano. Her step-son Ray, who just turned 16, keeps her on her toes. She has loved seeing him grow into a young adult during his teenage years.
Anna and Jason also have two dogs: an 11-year-old Shih Tzu named Bella (who also serves as the SERVPRO office guard dog) and 3 year old Australian Shepherd, Molly.
At the end of the day, Anna loves that her family gets to work together every day. They get to share in each other’s successes and build a company together that truly believes in their mission statement, which is “to develop an accountable team of caring people who are committed to excellence and focus on quality service by being honest, fair and enthusiastic in their work.” By following this mission statement, SERVPRO of Virginia Beach has been able to build an incredible team of individuals that care about the work they do, and the customers that are affected by their actions.
24/7 Emergency Service
