Frozen Pipes . . . Did You Winterize Your Hose Bibs?

12/14/2023 (Permalink)

This commercial facility had their cast iron pipe burst due to a recent deep freeze. SERVPRO of Dale City/Lake was there to help!

With the chilly weather in the Woodbridge, Virginia area, it is very important to be sure you have winterized your outdoor hose bibs.  If you do not winterize your hose bibs, your pipes may freeze and burst causing a water damage in your home.

How do I keep my outdoor hose bib from freezing?  You can easily prevent your hose bib from freezing by taking these simple steps before temperatures drop to the teens:

1. Turn off the shut-off valve.
2. Disconnect the hose from the bib.
3. Drain the hose bib.
4. Drain the shut-off valve.
5. Leave the hose bib valve open for the winter.

Install Faucet Covers for insulation.                     

You may remember the deep freeze in Woodbrige, Dale City, Quantico, Lorton and Dumfries, Virginia this time last year during Christmas week.  SERVPRO of Dale City/Lake Ridge was very busy with frozen pipe water damage losses and we just wanted to be sure to post this in hopes of being proactive to help educate our community on frozen pipes.

Also, it is very important to run your heat in the winter time.  Even if you are a snow bird and head to Florida in the winter.  Your heat needs to be left on to ensure the pipes do not freeze.  Do you know if your pipes freeze and the heat is not on, it will not be a covered loss.  Insurance companies request a picture of the thermostat on all frozen pipe jobs to ensure the heat is on when the pipes froze to determine coverage or not. 

Please keep your heat on even if you turn it down, it needs to be on whether you are home or not home to ensure you have insurance coverage should your pipes freeze! 

SERVPRO of Dale City is always here to help!

703-583-8484

Christmas, Candles, Live Trees and Fires Go Hand In Hand

12/14/2023 (Permalink)

This is the most wonderful time of the year!  Christmas carols, Christmas decorations, candles burning around the house and sometimes all of the excitement of Christmas can make us forget that little tea candle we left burning in the bathroom.  Candle fires increase drastically at this time of year.

Here are some tips when using candles:

• If you light multiple candles make sure to do a count of how many you lit so you know how many you need to blow out.
• Try to keep candles in the room you are in so you never leave a candle unattended.
• Although it is nice to put a candle in the bathroom during a holiday party, try to avoid doing this because these are the most forgotten about that usually lead to fires. Instead,use a battery operated tea light in areas you will not be to prevent fires.

Live Christmas trees are amazing!  They are so festive, they smell great, they are tradition BUT they need to stay hydrated to prevent them from catching fire.  Many people are putting up their trees earlier and earlier.  If you are someone who loves to put your tree up early either use an artificial tree or be sure to water your live tree daily. 

As always, SERVPRO of Dale City/Lake Ridge is always here to help!

703-583-8484

Why Choose SERVPRO of Dale City/Lake Ridge?

12/14/2023 (Permalink)

Ray and Alan are hard workers that will treat your home or business with care. They are always here to help.

There are many options for water/fire restoration contractors in Northern Virginia.  Why then, should you choose us?  

     That is EASY!!  It is our team!  Our team is by far the reason you want to choose SERVPRO of Dale City/Lake Ridge & SERVPRO of Woodbridge/Lorton. 

     Our Office team, Debbie, Linda and Kimberly, have all been with us for a combined 39 years of experience! That is a MAJOR BLESSING and it is rare!  But, what does that mean to you the customer?  They are knowledgeable, they have experience, they are all water certified by the IICRC and you can trust their advice and guidance.  

     Our production team is top notch!  All of our employees are promoted from within.  So, our crew chiefs were all technicians here for a long time before they got promoted to their position.  Our production managers were all promoted from within, as well.  One production manager, Mike,  started as a technician in the field for many years and the other, Sasha, started in the office for many years.  Our production managers have a combined 21 years of experience at our company SERVPRO of Dale City/Lake Ridge.  Our crew chiefs have a combined 22 years of experience at our company SERVPRO of Dale City/Lake Ridge & SERVPRO of Woodbridge/Lorton. We strive to treat each loss as if it were our own and we are HONEST!

     In the restoration industry, it is extremely rare to have tenure like this as turnover is usually very high in our industry.  All of our employees are back ground checked, they are all IICRC certified, they are all honest and you can trust them in your home or business.  

     You can TRUST SERVPRO of Dale City/Lake Ridge & SERVPRO of Woodbridge/Lorton with all your restoration and construction needs!  

703-583-8484

Our Team is the Reason WHY To Choose SERVPRO!

12/7/2022 (Permalink)

100% our teams are what make this individually owned company the one you want to call. We care about you, your property and doing the job right.

Our Team at SERVPRO of Dale City/Lake Ridge and SERVPRO of Woodbridge/Lorton is the reason why to choose SERVPRO.  Our teams truly care about their clients, both residential and commercial.  We will treat your property as if it is our own and we will keep you informed throughout the entire restoration/rebuild process. We are here to help YOU 24/7, 365 days a year!  We strive every day to ensure that our quality of service is up to the highest standards and we are always pleased to get positive feedback from our happy customers!

Here are some recent reviews from real customers who were satisfied with our services:

"We had the unfortunate experience of a 2nd story bathroom fixture break, which caused flooding under the flooring, into the 1st level dining room and into the basement (lower level). There was so much water and such a mess that it was overwhelming.

SERVPRO sent us Blake McGuire and Josue Alvarez, two consummate water damage/restoration professionals who genuinely cared for our home as if it were their own. They were knowledgeable, helpful, and considerate...and most of all, they listened. They explained their process and procedures and kept us informed about the progress of mitigating the damage.

While we hope to never encounter a problem like this again, there is great comfort in knowing that gentlemen like Blake and Josue - and the company they represent - are at the ready to assist." - T. Lyon

"Blake McGuire, the lead technician and Josue Alvarez were extremely professional. They were very knowledgeable and able to answer all my questions. I hope their boss sees this post! Thanks for a job well done!" - M. Jacobson

"I worked with Mike and his team out of Stafford. They were prompt in the response, got to work right away and made a stressful experience feel manageable. Mike explained everything along the way, was easily accessible for any questions and communicated regularly. A friendly and professional group of hard-working people."

- J. Cohen

If you happen to experience water damage, fire damage, or mold in your home or business call SERVPRO of Dale City/Lake Ridge and SERVPRO of Woodbridge/Lorton. We are always here to help by caring not only for your home or business but for YOU as an individual. We are a family owned business and know that each loss is not simply a project but is someone allowing us to come into their lives during a very stressful event. Our most important goal is to help make it as stress free as possible for you in a timely manner.

If you experience water damage, fire damage, or mold in your home or office call the Team at SERVPRO of Dale City/Lake Ridge and SERVPRO of Woodbridge/Lorton at 703-583-8484.  We’re always here to help.

Christmas Safety Tips from SERVPRO of Dale City/Lake Ridge

12/7/2022 (Permalink)

Christmas time is a time for lots of lights, Christmas Trees, Menoras, and lots of candles everywhere. We hope these tips will help keep you safe.

Just like Santa working around the clock for Christmas, accidents, overflows, emergencies also never takes a break during the holiday season. Shorter days, winter weather, travel, outdoor activities and holiday preparations bring a whole variety of potential safety hazards/accidents our way. Throw in long weekends or holidays in the middle of the week and it’s the perfect recipe for a safety slip-up. Unlike Grandma’s Christmas sugar cookies, that’s one recipe you do not want to ask for. Instead, let’s check out Santa’s recipe for safe holiday success!

1 dash of injury-free decorating
2 tablespoons of safe travels
3 cups of safe light assembling
4 ounces of carefully placing candles

Mix well and do not bake – instead keep an eye out for fire starters!!

Decorate Safely

Decorating is one of the best ways to get in a holiday mood, but emergency rooms see thousands of injuries involving holiday decorating every season.
When decorating follow these tips from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission:

• Keep potentially poisonous plants – mistletoe, holly berries, Jerusalem cherry and amaryllis – away from children
• If using an artificial tree, check that it is labeled “fire resistant”
• If using a live tree, cut off about 2 inches of the trunk to expose fresh wood for better water absorption, remember to water it and remove it from your home when it is dry
• Place your tree at least 3 feet away from fireplaces, radiators and other heat sources, making certain not to block doorways
• Avoid placing breakable ornaments or ones with small, detachable parts on lower tree branches where small children can reach them
• Only use indoor lights indoors and outdoor lights outdoors, and choose the right ladder for the task when hanging lights
• Replace light sets that have broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires, or loose connections to avoid fire
• Follow the package directions on the number of light sets that can be plugged into one socket
• Never nail, tack or stress wiring when hanging lights and keep plugs off the ground away from puddles and snow
• Turn off all lights and decorations when you go to bed or leave the house

Watch Out for Fire-Starters

Candles and Fireplaces
Use of candles and fireplaces, combined with an increase in the amount of combustible, seasonal decorations in many homes during the holidays, means more risk fire. The National Fire Protection Association or fire reports that one-third of home decoration fires are started by candles and that two of every five decoration fires happen because the decorations are placed too close to a heat source.

• Place candles where they cannot be knocked down or blown over and out of reach of children
• Keep matches and lighters up high and out of reach for children in a locked cabinet
• Use flameless, rather than lighted, candles near flammable objects
• Don’t burn trees, wreaths or wrapping paper in the fireplace
• Use a screen on the fireplace at all times when a fire is burning
• Never leave candles or fireplaces burning unattended or when you are asleep
• Check and clean the chimney and fireplace area at least once a year

We hope these safety tips are helpful to keep you safe.  As always, SERVPRO of Dale City/Lake Ridge is always HERE TO HELP 365 days a year.  

703-583-8484

Why Call SERVPRO of Dale City/Lake Ridge?

11/29/2022 (Permalink)

When a SERVPRO is located in a city or town, that is their baby. We at SERVPRO of Dale City/Lake Ridge & Woodbridge & Lorton are here to help!

SERVPRO of Dale City/Lake Ridge has been in business since 2004.  We have many of the same staff with us since then which is very rare for our industry and it means we will take good care of you, your home or business.  We are licensed and certified and we will treat your residence or commercial building with care. 

With over 1,700 locations across the U.S. and Canada, there’s a reason why SERVPRO is one of the top disaster recovery and restoration companies in North America. By providing 24 hour a day, 365 day a year service, a guaranteed response to service calls within one hour, and a verbal restoration evaluation within eight hours of damage assessment, SERVPRO has remained a preferred vendor for insurance agents and adjusters since it was founded in 1967. The unique business model of each SERVPRO franchise, including the one near you in Northwest Las Vegas, NV, is what makes them leaders in the industry.

1. Every SERVPRO franchise is locally owned. SERVPRO isn’t a giant, faceless corporation run solely by a boardroom full of CEOs and executives. It’s based on a franchise concept that allows everyday people to work hard and follow their dream of owning their own business and serving members of their community.
2. SERVPRO is a proven business concept. For over 50 years, SERVPRO has been helping franchisees achieve the American Dream of business ownership. It’s now the #1 ranked franchise restoration services company in the U.S., cementing an already stellar reputation that can only be earned through decades of helping investors achieve success and financial freedom.
3. SERVPRO guides its franchisees every step of the way. Becoming a certified SERVPRO franchise owner is easy thanks to a tried and true business model, which includes substantial training and expansion options. Franchise owners also benefit from the extensive branding that SERVPRO has already achieved thanks to its many years as a leader in the restoration industry.

While insurance industry professionals have many disaster restoration vendors to choose from, only the SERVPRO franchise has earned a national reputation as the top company in its field. That’s why SERVPRO remains a leader in the industry over 50 years after its inception.

Why Chose SERVPRO of Dale City/Lake Ridge? Happy Customers Share Why!

11/18/2022 (Permalink)

When water, fire or mold hit your home/business, it can get stressful. You want a crew like Blake & Josue to take care of you in your time of need.

Our Team at SERVPRO of Dale City/Lake Ridge and SERVPRO of Woodbridge/Lorton are always here to help YOU 24/7, 365 days a year!  We strive every day to ensure that our quality of service is up to the highest standards and we are always pleased to get positive feedback from our happy customers!

Here are some recent quotes from real customers who were satisfied with our services:

"Likely the most positive experience I've had with a local business here. Every single worker went WAY above their station to ensure my family was taken care of. They work long and hard, deliver quality work and always put the customer needs foremost.

Special shout out to team lead Blake ( w/ teammate Josue) and Estimator Sasha for stellar customer service. I cannot stress how great these individuals treated me & my family." - p12om3th3us

"I worked with Mike and his team out of Stafford. They were prompt in the response, got to work right away and made a stressful experience feel manageable. Mike explained everything along the way, was easily accessible for any questions and communicated regularly. A friendly and professional group of hard-working people."

- J. Cohen

“It was a very easy experience during a difficult time.” M. Martin

"Mike and Rob from SERVPRO were outstanding. They were quality experts and conducted themselves in a professional manner. I had a small flood in my laundry room and they quickly corrected the situation. They removed the tile and placed fans to dry the area. They returned several times to inspect the area and provide quality advice. They were very dedicated and wanted to provide the best support possible. I strongly recommend if you have problems call them. They were fair, honest and trustworthy."

- P. Kormos

If you experience water damage, fire damage, or mold in your home or business call SERVPRO of Dale City/Lake Ridge and SERVPRO of Woodbridge/Lorton. We are always here to help by caring not only for your home or office but for YOU as an individual. We are a family owned business and care about each and every client that trusts us in their time of need.

703-583-8484

Frying Your Thanksgiving Turkey Could be a Fire Hazard If Not Careful!

11/9/2022 (Permalink)

Turkey frying is faster and creates a moist, delicious turkey if done right. Follow these fire safety tips to ensure a smooth Thanksgiving Dinner!

Deep-frying a turkey can bring amazing results: a glistening bird with golden-brown skin that’s cooked perfectly in minutes. But anyone who has watched an online video in which a deep-fried turkey goes up in flames should understand that the technique is no joke. Done right, you could be filling your plate in an hour. Done wrong, you could be eating out of the vending machine at the Emergency Room.

5 DANGERS OF DEEP FRYING A TURKEY

1. Turkey fryers can easily tip over, spilling hot cooking oil over a large area or surface
2. An over-filled cooking pot can cause cooking oil to spill or splatter when the turkey is placed in the pot.
3. Even a small amount of cooking oil spilling on a hot burner can cause a large fire.
4. Without thermostat controls, deep fryers can overheat cooking oil to the point of igniting a fire.
5. The sides of the cooking pot, lid, and pot handles can get dangerously hot.

TIPS FOR AMAZING RESULTS

1. Test to see how much oil you truly need. Do not fill the pot with oil yet. Using cold water, measure how much liquid should be put in the pot to cover the turkey without overflowing onto the burner.
2. Only fry a turkey OUTSIDE. Turkey frying should only be done outdoors, on a flat and level surface—not in an enclosed area (like a kitchen or garage) or on a wooden structure (like a deck)! Also, remember that oil is hard to clean off concrete. Make sure to clear the area of children, pets, and especially intoxicated relatives.
3. Use a fresh bird, or fully thaw a frozen one. The minute any moisture from the turkey hits hot oil, the oil will start to splatter and can cause a spillover effect, starting a fire.
4. Forget about the stuffing. You’ll have to keep the stuffing on the side when frying a turkey. Also, remember to remove the giblets from the bird’s cavity before frying.
5. Lower the bird slowly into the oil. Do not drop the turkey into the deep fryer.
6. Do not move the pot. Adjusting a vat of hot oil is incredibly dangerous.
7. Stay nearby. Never leave the turkey unattended. It can only take a moment for something to go wrong.
8. Don’t start enjoying your adult beverages until after the oil has cooled. Better to be alert until the bird is cooked.
9. Wait to carve.  To help retain the hot juices, let the cooked turkey rest for at least 30 minutes.
10. Keep heavy blankets nearby for emergencies. Water will not extinguish an oil fire; it will only spread the ignited oil. A wool blanket will help put out flare-ups.

Following all of these tips will keep you and your loved ones safe!  

As always we are here to help @ 703-583-8484.

Are Your Ducts Clean?

11/2/2022 (Permalink)

Do you have bad allergies? Allergic to dust or pet dander? Consider cleaning your ducts to improve your indoor air quality!

Did you know, your ventilation system is often the biggest culprit in poor indoor air quality?  Inspecting the ductwork in your facility or home should be a high priority.  In most cases, the HVAC system has been operating for some time without much attention.  Dirty ducts can circulate odors, contaminants such as mold, and irritating dust throughout your building or home.

A routine part of SERVPRO Dale City/Lake Ridge is inspecting the heating, ventilation and air conditioning unit (HVAC).  Keeping the HVAC and ductwork clean can potentially extend the life span of the equipment by allowing it to operate at peak condition, which may save you money.

In some circumstances, such as after fire, smoke or suspected mold growth, duct cleaning becomes an essential part of the cleanup process.

If you have a fuel burning furnace, stove or fireplace, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends they be inspected for proper functioning, and be serviced before each heating season to protect against carbon monoxide poisoning.

The SERVPRO Duct Cleaning System is proven and cost efficient.  Unlike the majority of duct cleaning services, SERVPRO Dale City/Lake Ridge uses a portable ventilation and air duct cleaning system to examine ductwork and make a clean sweep, removing years of duct and grime.

• The process begins by using patented equipment including a roto-scraper, which automatically adapts to the duct's shape and diameter while traveling through the duct, removing debris and filth before vacuuming begins.
• Next, a powerful push-pull air delivery and collection system transfers the debris from the ducting to a 16-gallon container.
• Air is filtered through a HEPA filtration system, removing 99.97 percent of the particles in the airstream.  HEPA filters capture debris and keep the indoor environment clean.
• As an optional process, a sealant or coating product may be sprayed to address odor or microbial concerns.

For more information on duct cleaning, or to schedule an appointment contact our office at 703-583-8484.

Why Choose Our SERVPRO? It's All About the Training!

11/2/2022 (Permalink)

Why SERVPRO of Dale City/Lake Ridge and SERVPRO of Woodbridge/Lorton?  When you call our Team, you know you are getting well-trained, professional technicians to restore your property.  We are dedicated to ongoing training and keeping up with current technology and standards in the restoration industry.  About thirty years ago, back in 1992, SERVPRO Corporate developed a National Training Center to teach restoration and mitigation skills to SERVPRO Franchise Owners, team members, and insurance industry professionals.

The National Training Center offers employee training as a self-paced program designed specifically for the SERVPRO employees. At SERVPRO of Dale City/Lake Ridge and SERVPRO of Woodbridge/Lorton, all members of our Team, including our production managers, crew chiefs, restoration technicians, administrative and marketing staffs are required to complete the certification program.  Certification is awarded after successful completion of course materials and an examination. Modules include:

• Crew Training
• Fire Restoration
• Water Restoration
• Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning

SERVPRO is an approved IICRC (Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning) Training School that offers year-around classes in the following restoration categories:

• Mold Remediation
• Fire Restoration
• Water Restoration
• Upholstery Cleaning
• Applied Structural Drying
• Bio-Hazard Clean-Up

• When you call on us for help be assured that our entire team is knowledgeable about the services we have to offer.

In addition, SERVPRO of Dale City/Lake Ridge and SERVPRO of Woodbridge/Lorton are mold certified.  We have been serving the residential and commercial communities in Northern Virginia, including Dale City, Lake Ridge, Woodbridge, Lorton, and Quantico Marine Corp Base for more than 18 years.  If you need our help, we are only a phone call away at 703-583-8484. 

We’ll make it “Like it never even happened.”