Simple Fire Safety Tips!

5/17/2024 (Permalink)

Test smoke alarms and change batteries to keep them working properly.

Actively taking steps to prevent fires can easily save lives and property from severe destruction. Being mindful of potential hazards and following simple safety rules can drastically reduce the threat of fire.

Tips are as follows:

• Take the time to inspect smoke alarms on a yearly basis. Replace batteries and test each alarm to make sure they are working properly. Replace alarms based on the manufacture’s recommended guidelines. Do not obstruct alarms and be sure to install carbon monoxide detectors on each floor and within 10 feet of a bedroom for added protection.
• Keep young children and pets away from stoves, lighters and ovens. Unplug appliances when they are not in use. Pay special attention to space heaters; turn off and unplug heaters which are not attended.
• Do not leave lit candles unattended. Keep them out of the reach of children and pets.
• Clean dryer vents and attached ducts every few months. Inspect the HVAC system on a regular basis and keep the area around it clean and free of clutter.
• Make sure all fireplaces, fire pits, grills, and torches are distinguished when they are not attended.
• Keep excessive leaves and brush away from your home or business. Do not store gasoline or propane near anything with a flame. Be sure to have cars inspected regularly to reduce the risk of fire.
• Inspect extension cords and recycle those which are frayed and worn.
• Be sure to have functional fire extinguishers in the kitchen and within proximity to appliances with a flame.

Keeping these safety basics in mind, you are being proactive in keeping your home or business safe from fire!

Teamwork is the Key to Our Success

5/10/2024 (Permalink)

No matter what business you work in, teamwork and proper ethics are essential to running a successful business. Here at SERVPRO of Freehold, our team is fortunate to have a warm, yet effective working relationship with each other. Considering we are an emergency business, it is imperative communication is clear between the office, field technicians and project managers. During a surge in business due to a disaster event, proper communication and execution allow our franchise to respond to more calls efficiently.

One of our greatest strengths here at SERVPRO of Freehold is the camaraderie shared within our entire staff. The positive relationship amongst each other provides a pleasant working experience which is then passed on to our customers throughout the day. Evidence of our work environment radiates throughout our business and the communities we serve; the office staff receives numerous complements about our chief technicians on a regular basis. Visit our testimonial page to see what our customers say about SERVPRO of Freehold in action!

Monday Morning Surprise

4/29/2024 (Permalink)

The office was flooded over the weekend and the damage was discovered upon opening on Monday.

The manager of a real estate office in Colts Neck, NJ walked into a flooded office Monday morning and was shocked at the amount of water on the floor. He immediately called SERVPRO of Freehold to clean up the water. Our team of water removal experts arrived within the hour to begin the drying process of the wet materials.

After extracting the water from the floor, our team placed drying equipment to take care of any lingering moisture in the office. Since the technicians arrived shortly after the loss happened, it was possible to save the carpeting from demolition. Our attentive administrative staff were able to find the realtors temporary office space during the cleanup. The manager was very impressed with the short time frame!

SERVPRO of Freehold is available 24 hours a day for water emergencies no matter how large or small. When you are dealing with water damage, taking action immediately is essential. A quick response from our experienced team reduces the spread of damage and ensures successful drying to get you back in business!

Latest Technology

4/19/2024 (Permalink)

Using advanced equipment at a water loss.

SERVPRO of Freehold is using the latest technology in disaster recovery to ensure fast and efficient service for all emergency projects. Mastering industry standards, utilizing advanced equipment and providing continuous training to team members allow our business to be a leader in emergency recovery.

When on site at various losses, our technicians use a range of energy-saving equipment to dry, deodorize, and purify air and structural materials as needed. Specialized machines and environmentally- friendly cleaning agents are used to properly disinfect structures affected by fire, water or mold.

Advanced monitoring tools allow our technicians to accurately determine the moisture level of building materials affected by water. The tools make it simple to confirm the materials are successfully dried at the completion of the job. Our team utilized the inferred camera pictured on a commercial loss in Howell, NJ to check for moisture behind a wall which did not appear to be wet from the outside.

All technicians receive ongoing training and certifications in accordance with IICRC standards, which are a series of guidelines and processes necessary for performing emergency mitigation services. The training also updates the staff about the availability of innovative new equipment and tools which can provide them with greater capability in the field. Additional training is provided whenever equipment is updated.

SERVPRO of Freehold is dedicated to obtaining cutting-edge technology as it continues to become available. Equipped with innovative tools and knowledge, the franchise is always ready to take on emergencies large and small with complete accuracy.

Electrical Fire Emergency Recovery!

4/5/2024 (Permalink)

Kitchen damaged by an electrical fire.

Don’t let an electrical fire inflict significant damage on your home and belongings! Our SERVPRO of Freehold team was called out to a local home which had a fire originating in the kitchen due to an electrical spark. Excessive soot and smoke overtook the majority of the one-level property. Upon arrival, our fire experts started an inventory of damaged contents and prepared a plan of action to clean and restore the home to a pre-fire condition. Carpet, drywall, insulation, appliances and cabinets needed to be removed, soot-stained walls were wiped, and remaining stud walls were thermal fogged to remove any lingering fire smells. The tile floor was heavily covered in a dense layer of soot and needed to be given an extensive cleaning. The homeowner was amazed with the resulting clean floor and could not believe it had been restored as if the fire never happened!

Ever so grateful for the quick response and professional cleaning from SERVPRO of Freehold, the homeowner let us know she would recommend us to all her friends and family! In the instance fire affects your home or business, call us at 732-431-4440: our SERVPRO expert fire team will have your recovery covered!

To The Rescue After A Hurricane!

3/13/2024 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Freehold assisting with recovery in North Carolina.

After Hurricane Florence caused severe flooding and wind damage in North Carolina, our professional SERVPRO of Freehold team headed south from New Jersey to assist with the recovery effort. Many homes had suffered from roof damage due to the high wind speed. Other homes were damaged from the seepage of floodwater which was heavily soiled with contaminants. A vast majority of structures needed extensive interior demolition while those with extreme structural damage were scheduled for complete demolition at a later time.

Our SERVPRO team started work immediately, removing wet materials such as drywall, trim, insulation, hardwood floor, carpet, padding and vinyl. They sprayed antimicrobial to prevent unwanted microbial growth and placed drying equipment to remove moisture from the remaining structural components. Once the structures were dry in less than four days, customers were able to schedule needed repairs quickly.

Due to our dedication to excellence, our SERVPRO of Freehold crew is always ready to mobilize to regions hit by natural disasters. We have the experience, tools, vehicle fleet and trained personnel to master the completion of dozens of mitigation jobs, no matter how large or small. Don’t be surprised to see us on the road; SERVPRO of Freehold- “Faster to Any Disaster!”

Water Trapped Behind The Wall

2/29/2024 (Permalink)

Water damage behind the wall due to storm run-off outside.

Although SERVPRO of Freehold was called in to dry out a commercial building which had wet carpets from a water purifier, we took the initiative to take care of an ongoing issue behind the walls. The water originated from improper run off due to the building's gutters and outside slope. We picked up some leader extensions so that the water would run away from the building. As you can see, over time the water had run behind the walls causing the paint to peel.

Always take some time to inspect your property around your window wells and foundation walls. Clear your gutters and add some gutter down spout extensions so the water does not end up against your foundation. Any water which lays there could work its way into your home and in the future cause possible mold issues.

SERVPRO of Freehold will always provide you with advice to avoid future losses and develop an emergency ready plan for you. 

Fire and Water Restoration

2/14/2024 (Permalink)

The restored finished kitchen.

Fire and water combined cause a seemingly catastrophic situation. Our SERPVRO of Freehold team was called following a kitchen fire to help this apartment building get their tenants back in their units. Our professional cleaning staff worked their magic in 24 hours to extract and dry the water damage before our construction department replaced the sheetrock, kitchen cabinets, painted the walls and finished the floors all within 2 weeks. The property manager was thrilled with the results and the tenants were able to move back into their units quickly. Small kitchen fires can cause an incredible amount of damage in a short span of time in an apartment building when the sprinkler systems go off. There were 5 additional units in the building, including the main hallway which were flooded following this unit’s fire loss. Our SERVPRO team has the expertise and knowledge to fully assist an apartment complex which has a large -scale loss due to fire.

Waterproofing To Prevent Storm Damage

2/8/2024 (Permalink)

Flash floods occur suddenly during heavy rains.

It is very important to identify and correct possible points of entry for water during a storm situation. Rushing water, flash flooding, saturated ground and heavy rain can enter homes and businesses through weakened areas in the structure or a lack of proper drainage systems. Paying attention to potential issues in fair weather can prevent major damage when extreme weather arrives.

Be sure to check the gutter system to ensure there aren’t any clogs and to confirm they are properly draining water away from the structure. Pay attention to evidence of runoff in the vicinity of the building and have a special drainage system installed to prevent water from seeping in during inundating water events. Inspect basement windows, door and walls for openings or improper sealing to prevent floodwater from entering; groundwater intrusion is generally excluded from coverage in general homeowners’ policies. Consult with certified professionals who have expertise in drainage, waterproofing and landscaping for precise evaluation and proper corrective measures.

Utilizing foresight and taking the time to fortify homes and businesses from storm water can prevent costly damages while keeping interiors clean and dry no matter when and how severe weather strikes!

Water Heater Leak

1/26/2024 (Permalink)

The carpet and contents after the water damage.

The water heater from an office above rained down on this law office in Marlboro, NJ. They called SERVPRO of Freehold right away to assist with the removal of the water. Our emergency service technicians arrived quickly to extract the water from the carpet and dispose of the wet ceiling tiles.

Commercial water losses generally need to be handled in a different manner those taking place in residential structures. Most commercial buildings are active workplaces and even public retail spaces where a break in operations due to disaster can be harmful to the business. SERVPRO of Freehold makes every effort to work in a way which is least disruptive to daily activities in order to successfully dry affected buildings. Since our teams are available 24/7, performing work outside of normal business hours is usually more convenient.

The customer in Marlboro was delighted when the wet areas of the office were thoroughly dried in only a few days. Our in-house construction department was able to repair the damaged areas immediately once drying was complete.