Recent General Posts

Indoor Spring Cleaning Tips Part 1 Appliances

3/3/2020 (Permalink)

Indoor Spring Cleaning Tips Part 1 Appliances Spring Cleaning

Indoor Spring Cleaning Tips From SERVPRO® of Fredericksburg:

Part 1 - Appliances

  • Clean your major appliances outside, inside and behind if possible: refrigerator and refrigerator coils, range, oven and exhaust hood, freezer, dishwasher, garbage disposal and microwave.
  • Clean the outside, inside, behind and under your washer and dryer, also clean your dryer line. If you can not clean your dryer line yourself have a professional do it. Dryer lines build up lint and can catch fire.
  • Clean all small appliances inside and out - toaster, coffee pot, blender, etc.
  • Clean your vacuum cleaner and air cleaners and replace the filters if needed.
  • Clean your dehumidifiers and replace any filters that need replacing.
  • When replacing filters, it is a good idea to write the date on them and mark it on your calendar.
  • Clean the head on your paper shredder - it will help it to operate more efficiently.

Spring Cleaning Tips part 2

3/3/2020 (Permalink)

Spring Cleaning Tips - Part 2 


• Clean your ceiling fan motors, blades and globes.
• Clean light fixture and globes.
• Dust above all your doors, door openings, crown molding and windows.
• Clean drapes and blinds.
• Clean windows, window sills and trim.
• Clean above kitchen cabinets if they do not go to the ceilings.
• Clean inside kitchen cabinets and cabinet drawers if needed.
• Clean shower curtains (most can be put in the washing machine) and the tub drain.
• Clean toilet tank (use the proper cleaning chemicals).
• Clean under bathroom sinks and clean the sink drain.
• Clean Baseboards and HVAC vent covers, vacuum out vents.
• Change HVAC filters if needed.
• Take area rugs outside and shake, wash if possible.
• Change bed linens from winter linens to spring linens.
• Clean out closets and donate unwanted items.
• Clean all trash cans, kitchen and bathrooms. Hint – Put a dryer sheet in the bottom for a fresh smell.

SERVPRO of Fredericksburg Faster to Any Size Disaster

3/3/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO® of Fredericksburg Faster to Any Size Disaster!

When you think of SERVPRO® of Fredericksburg many people think of water damages, sewage back-ups, mold and fire damages but there is so much more to SERVPRO® of Fredericksburg.

  • The Certified Technicians that take to the streets day and night. They are in uniform, driving company vehicles, insured and have had criminal background checks performed.
  • The knowledgeable and trained staff that answer the phones to help you when you have an emergency in your home or business and to schedule non-emergency services for you.
  • The billing specialists that go through extensive training for individual insurance company billing procedures and specialty programs’ billing.
  • The marketing team that keeps the community aware of everything SERVPRO® of Fredericksburg has to offer and attends community events on SERVPRO’s behalf.
  • The Management Team that keeps the departments and business running smoothly and all of the team members up to date on certifications and classes.

 Please remember SERVPRO® of Fredericksburg is not just another restoration company, we strive to be your Premiere Restoration Company.

Home Inspection / Prep for Spring

3/3/2020 (Permalink)

Here are some Helpful Hints to help with inspecting and repairing your home after the Cold Harsh Winter!

  • Inspect the roof – Look for any damaged, loose or missing shingles. Inspect chimney flashings and check skylight seals.
  • Remove any leaves and debris from gutters – Check to make sure all downspouts and gutters are still secured to the home.
  • If you have an Attic- - Look in the attic for any evidence of leaks. Also inspect for any signs that critters may have decided to make your home their home during the cold months.
  • Examine your windows and doors – Look for leaks to make sure your seals and weather-stripping are in good condition.
  • Check any exterior drain for clogging.
  • Check any asphalt and concrete for cracking that may have occurred during the winter months.
  • Check your foundation for cracks that may need to be repaired.
  • Have your chimney inspected and cleaned by a professional so it is ready for next winter.

Storing Leftover Food

12/10/2019 (Permalink)

The Holiday season is here and with that comes a lot of leftover foods. Below are a few tips & answers to some frequently asked questions on how to safely store leftover foods so that you can enjoy the Holidays.

  • Keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold.
  • Take your time around the dinner table, but start packing up and refrigerating the leftovers within two hours.
  • Leftovers should be cooled down as quickly as possible.
  • Pack them into several shallow containers rather than one large one, and make sure you don't stack the containers in the refrigerator this can trap the heat.
  • You can store your leftovers in the refrigerator for up to four days.
  • Try to reheat only what you'll be serving at one time rather than reheating the entire portion.
  • It's safe to heat it all and then re-store what you don't use, but the food will continue to lose flavor and moisture the more it's reheated.
  • Once your leftovers are packed away, avoid opening and closing the refrigerator door until the food has had time to cool down.

We at SERVPRO of Fredericksburg hope you enjoy all of your Holidays!

Preparing Your Home Or Business With An Emergency Kit

1/24/2018 (Permalink)

Preparing Your Home Or Business With An Emergency Kit

Be prepared at your home or business with an Emergency Kit.
Ready.gov suggests you have enough supplies to last for at least three days. Below are some suggested items to include in your kit:
• 3-day supply of nonperishable foods
• Water (one+ gallon per person per day)
• Prescribed Medication
• First-aid kit
• Sleeping bag or blankets
• Battery Operated Radio
• Hygiene products
• Flashlights and extra batteries
• Cell phone charger
• Change of clothes
• Matches in waterproof container
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
• Whistle to signal for help
• Important documents such as insurance policies, IDs, and bank records in a plastic container
You can also keep a condensed emergency kit in your vehicle as well. For a more extensive list, check out Ready.gov.  Most importantly, remember to contact SERVPRO® of Fredericksburg for assistance if needed! 

It's Finally Fall!

9/26/2017 (Permalink)

It’s finally Fall!!! The fall season brings colors and an abundance of outdoor activities. Plan ahead this season to help ensure it is safe and fire-free. Here are a few tips for this fall to make sure that we keep fall fire-free.

  • Keep Fall decorations away from open flames and heat sources, including light bulbs and heaters.
  • Keep emergency exits clear of decorations so nothing blocks escape routes.
  • Teach children to stay away from open flames and make sure they know in case of a fire to stop, drop and roll if they are in a situation in which their clothes may catch on fire.
  • It is safest to use a flashlight or battery-operated candle in a jack-o-lantern. Place lit pumpkins away from anything that can burn and out of the ways of doorsteps, walkways and yards.

Pet Safety Tips During The Summer Months

7/5/2017 (Permalink)

Pet Safety Tips During the Summer Months!

For most of us that own pets, they are part of our family and when we think of our pets we treat them the same way we would treat family members. Sometimes people who own pets forget how dangerous the summer months can be for our furry family members and we need friendly reminders that they are not able to take care of themselves—our pets trust us to take care of them.

SERVPRO® of Fredericksburg has put together a list of friendly reminders to help you give your pets a safe and happy summer.

~Make sure your pets are vaccinated for parasites and have flea and tick treatment.

~Do NOT shave your pets, you can trim your pets but shaving them leaves them susceptible to overheating and sunburn.

~Always walk your pets with caution when not walking them on grassy areas, concrete and asphalt gets very hot and can burn their paw pads very quickly.

~Make sure they always have access to cool, fresh water.

~NEVER Leave them in a car alone.

~Know the symptoms of heat exhaustion and what to do if your pet suffers from heat exhaustion – Heavy panting, dry or bright red gums, thick drool, vomiting, diarrhea, wobbly legs. DO NOT place your pet in ice cold water, instead move to a cool area, drape a cool wet towel over their head and get them to a vet as soon as possible.

~Never leave them around pools unattended and pets should always wear life jackets when swimming in lakes, ponds or any open body of water.

~During the summer months we use chemicals and products around our homes that are toxic to our pets. Please be careful when using insecticides, rodenticides, citronella candles, tiki torches products, insect coils, etc.

~ When having friend and family gatherings ask them not to share food with your pets and make sure hot charcoal is never emptied where your pet can step on it.

~Keep it cool inside for your pet to enjoy with you.

~Remember your pet can have a heat stroke when temperatures are high.

Are You Ready??

12/28/2016 (Permalink)

Are you ready for the New Year? This year, make a resolution to be READY! No one ever plans for a disaster, but you can prepare for it. SERVPRO® has an Emergency READY Profile (ERP) that will help ensure you are “Ready for whatever happens” in 2017. Here are a few advantages for having an ERP for your commercial building:
• No cost
• A concise profile documenting critical information in an event of an emergency
• A guide to help you get back into your work space following a disaster
• Identification of the line of command for authorizing work to begin
• It provides facility details such as water shut-off valves locations, breaker box locations and other priority details
• It provides priority contact information for your business.

Preparation is key to making it through a disaster. Don’t wait until disaster strikes, be ready and call SERVPRO® of Fredericksburg today to establish your Emergency Ready Profile!

Ice Melting Products Can Damage Your Floors

12/20/2016 (Permalink)

ICE MELTING PRODUCTS CAN DAMAGE YOUR FLOORS

When severe cold weather hits and freezing rain and/or sleet falls it can make outdoor surfaces very difficult on which to stand, walk or drive. One of the aids that we use to help deal with this situation is to put an ice melting product on the frozen surface to thaw the ice.  While these products are great for melting ice and hopefully providing you with a safe path to and from where ever you must go outside, they are not meant for the inside of your home.

 

When using the ice melting products, here are a few tips for you:

~Make sure you remove your shoes or boots before walking on your floors.

~Have an outside door mat on which to wipe your feet.

~Have an inside shoe container to put your shoes in or a mat on which to sit them.

~If you do get ice melting products on your hard surface floors, clean it up right away as it can scratch and damage them.

~If ice melting products get on your carpet vacuum immediately and have carpets professionally cleaned, to avoid damage to them.

~Pets should never walk on ice melting products.  If they do get ice melting products on their paws, do not let them lick their paws as the ice melting products can be toxic, remembering to clean your pets’ paws--don’t forget the crevices between their toes!

 

Baby It's Cold Outside!

12/13/2016 (Permalink)

Keeping Our Pets Safe In The Cold

~~~~~~~~~~BABY IT'S COLD OUTSIDE!~~~~~~~~~~
Imagine going outside in these cold and frigid temperatures with no shoes or socks on, your feet would freeze if you were outside for very long. Here are some friendly reminders from SERVPRO of Fredericksburg to keep your fury family members safe during the winter:
~ Remember not to leave your pet outside for long periods of time.
~ Remember to make sure to dry your pets fur if they are wet or have snow or ice on them when they come back inside.
~ Keep your pet as far away from anti-freeze and ice melting products as possible.
~ If your pet does walk on ice melting products, please remember to clean their paws, paying close attention to between the toes. Ice melting products can burn their skin.
~ Our pets need the same exercise in the cold months as they do in the summer months, so put on your coats, put on your smiles and enjoy the walks with your fury family pets.