Tackling an Overabundance of Garbage: How SERVPRO of Point Pleasant Restores Cleanliness and Safety

11/5/2024 (Permalink)

This Brick Township home is now garbage free and is a clean, safe environment once again.

Overwhelming Garbage Buildup

Excessive garbage buildup can quickly become overwhelming and hazardous. Whether due to hoarding or an overabundance of trash, both can pose health risks, attracts pests, and creates an unsafe environment in any home. Recently, SERVPRO of Point Pleasant was called to a home in Brick Township for a severe garbage cleanup situation.

The property in question had accumulated an excessive amount of garbage over time, creating unsanitary conditions that affected both indoor air quality and the structural integrity of the space. Excessive trash can lead to numerous issues, including attracting rodents, fostering mold growth, and even creating fire hazards. When garbage piles reach a certain level, they often become unsafe for regular disposal and require professional intervention.

Here’s a look at the steps involved in such a cleanup and the importance of expert handling.

SERVPRO of Point Pleasant’s Cleanup Approach

SERVPRO of Point Pleasant tackled this challenging cleanup with a methodical, step-by-step approach designed to ensure both thoroughness and safety:

1. Assessment and Planning: Our team conducted a careful assessment of the site to understand the extent of the garbage buildup and any specific risks involved. This initial evaluation is essential to identify safety hazards, such as sharp objects or hazardous materials, and determine the resources required.
2. Sorting and Safe Disposal: Our professional sorted through the accumulated garbage, separating recyclable items, hazardous waste, and general refuse. We adhere to local and environmental regulations for waste disposal, ensuring that each type of material is handled appropriately.
3. Sanitization and Disinfection: Once the garbage was removed, we sanitized and disinfected the entire area to eliminate bacteria, unpleasant odors, and any potential health hazards left behind. We used commercial-grade disinfectants to ensure that every surface was restored to a clean and safe condition.
4. Odor Removal: To address lingering odors from the accumulated waste, SERVPRO of Point Pleasant employed advanced odor removal techniques, including the use of air scrubbers, ozone treatments, and odor-neutralizing solutions. These techniques ensure that the property is not only visually clean but also free of any unpleasant smells.
5. Final Inspection: The team conducted a final walkthrough to ensure that the property was fully restored.

Why Choose SERVPRO of Point Pleasant for Garbage Cleanup?

Handling an excessive amount of garbage requires more than just removal; it calls for specialized knowledge of safe disposal practices, proper protective equipment, and industrial-grade cleaning solutions. Our team is trained to manage these complex cleanups, making sure they’re completed safely and in compliance with local regulations. We have over 20 plus years of experience, which allows us to restore order efficiently, no matter the level of buildup.

A severe garbage buildup can seem like an insurmountable problem, but with the right expertise, any space can be returned to a safe and clean state. SERVPRO of Point Pleasant’s recent cleanup project highlights how professional intervention makes a significant difference in handling large-scale garbage removal. For anyone facing a similar situation, reaching out to our experienced professionals ensures both safety and peace of mind.

Don’t Let Your Microwave Go Up in Flames

9/25/2024 (Permalink)

Always keep flammable items away from open flames and use battery-operated candles to avoid fire hazards.

In many households in Point Pleasant Beach, microwaves have become an essential appliance.
While generally they are considered safe microwave fires can still occur. According to National Fire Protection Association “During 2007-2011, U.S. fire departments responded to
an average of 7,100 home structure fires per year in which a microwave oven was involved in ignition. These fires caused an average of fewer than 10 civilian deaths, 150 civilian injuries, and $31 million in direct property damage per year”. WikiHow has compiled a list of ways to avoid your microwave causing fire damage to
your home:

Fire Starters

• Don’t microwave metal.
• Don’t microwave aluminum foil.
• Check to make sure plastic is microwave-safe.
• Check to make sure paper products are microwave-safe.
• Check if food/drink containers are microwave-safe.
• Don’t microwave chili peppers or grapes.
• Don’t put non-food objects in the microwave.
• Don’t turn the microwave on when it’s empty.

Safety

• Become familiar with the manufacturer’s guide.
• Make sure the area around your microwave is clear.
• Do not leave the microwave unattended.
• Read the directions prior to microwaving food.
• Do not allow children near the microwave.
• If the power cords appear damaged, do not use the microwave.
• If your microwave is broken, don’t try to fix it yourself.
• If your microwave does happen to catch a small fire, unplug it immediately and do not open the door.

Prioritizing safety is the key to enjoying the convenience of your microwave. If your microwave happens to cause fire damage to your home, SERVPRO of Point Pleasant is here to help. Don’t hesitate to reach out, our team of
trained professionals is ready to "Like it never even happened”.

Hurricane Preparedness Month: Essential Tips and Professional Cleanup Services for Property Owners in Point Pleasant

9/13/2024 (Permalink)

Hurricane Preparedness Month emphasizes the importance of planning, securing your home, and assembling emergency supplies to stay safe.

As Hurricane Preparedness Month rolls around, it's the perfect time to focus on getting ready for the storms that could impact NJ residents in the coming months. Taking the time to plan and prepare can make all the difference so let’s cover essential tips for preparing your home and family.

Why Hurricane Preparedness Matters

Hurricanes can cause devastating damage, from flooding and high winds to power outages and property destruction. Proper preparation can significantly reduce the impact on your home and ensure the safety of your loved ones. Here’s how you can get ready:

1. Create an Emergency Plan: Develop a comprehensive plan that includes evacuation routes, emergency contacts, and a communication strategy. Make sure every family member is aware of the plan and knows what to do in different scenarios.
2. Assemble an Emergency Kit: Stock up on essential supplies such as water, non-perishable food, medications, first aid supplies, flashlights, batteries, and a battery-operated radio. Don’t forget important documents and personal items.
3. Secure Your Home: Reinforce windows and doors, check your roof for damage, and consider installing storm shutters. Clear gutters and downspouts to prevent water buildup and reduce the risk of flooding.
4. Stay Informed: Keep up with weather forecasts and warnings through reliable sources. Sign up for local alerts and have a battery-powered or hand-crank weather radio handy to receive updates even if the power goes out.
5. Review Insurance Policies: Ensure your homeowners or renters insurance covers hurricane damage, including flood insurance if necessary. Understanding your coverage can help you manage claims and repairs more effectively after a storm.

The Role of Professional Hurricane Cleanup and Restoration Services from SERVPRO of Point Pleasant

Even with thorough preparation, hurricanes can still cause significant damage that requires professional intervention. Here’s why enlisting the help of professionals is crucial:

1. Expert Assessment and Damage Control: SERVPRO of Point Pleasant technicians have the expertise to assess the extent of damage and address issues such as water damage, structural issues, and mold growth effectively. Our experience helps in prioritizing repairs and preventing further damage.
2. Specialized Equipment and Techniques: Our professionals use advanced equipment and techniques for water extraction, drying, and dehumidification. This helps to address the damage more efficiently and reduces the risk of long-term problems.
3. Fast and Efficient Restoration: Time is of the essence when dealing with hurricane damage. Our technicians will act quickly to mitigate damage, perform repairs, and restore your home to its pre-storm condition, allowing you to get back to normalcy faster.
4. Insurance Assistance:  We can work directly with insurance companies to streamline the claims process and can provide detailed documentation and assist in managing paperwork, making the recovery process less stressful.
5. Health and Safety Considerations: Post-storm environments can pose health risks, including mold growth and hazardous debris. Our professionals are trained to handle these situations safely, ensuring that your home is not only repaired but also safe for reoccupation.

Hurricane Preparedness Month is an opportunity to take proactive steps in safeguarding your home and family. By preparing ahead of time and understanding the value of professional cleanup and restoration services, you can significantly reduce the impact of hurricanes and ensure a smoother recovery process.

Remember, preparation isn’t just about stocking up supplies—it’s about creating a comprehensive plan, protecting your home, and knowing when to call in the experts at SERVPRO of Point Pleasant. For more information on professional hurricane cleanup and restoration services, call us today at 732-202-3001.

Professional Biohazard Cleaning from SERVPRO of Point Pleasant

8/6/2024 (Permalink)

Hoarding cleanup involves sorting, organizing, & removing accumulated clutter along with specialized cleaning techniques & proper disposal of items.

What Is Biohazard Cleanup?

Biohazard cleanup involves the removal, cleaning, and disinfection of areas contaminated by biological materials. This could include anything from crime scenes and trauma incidents to unattended deaths and industrial accidents. Professionals in this field are trained to handle hazardous materials safely and effectively, ensuring that spaces are restored to a safe and sanitary condition.

Understanding Biohazards

Biohazards are biological substances that pose a threat to human health and the environment. They can include blood, bodily fluids, human tissue, animal waste, and other potentially infectious materials. These substances can harbor harmful pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi, which can spread disease and cause significant health risks. Proper handling and disposal are critical to preventing contamination and ensuring public safety.

The Role of SERVPRO Biohazard Cleanup Professionals

Biohazard cleanup professionals, also known as biohazard remediation specialists, are trained to deal with these dangerous materials. Our role involves assessing the situation, containing the area to prevent further contamination, and using specialized equipment and cleaning agents to remove and disinfect biohazards. SERVPRO professionals adhere to strict safety protocols and regulatory guidelines to ensure that all biohazards are effectively managed and disposed of.

SERVPRO Key Services Offered:

1. Crime Scene Cleanup: This involves cleaning and disinfecting areas where violent crimes or accidents have occurred. It includes removing blood, bodily fluids, and other biological materials to restore the scene to a safe condition.
2. Trauma and Accident Cleanup: Similar to crime scene cleanup, this service focuses on areas where traumatic incidents, such as accidents or injuries, have occurred. It requires sensitivity and attention to detail to ensure thorough decontamination.
3. Unattended Death Cleanup: When a person dies and is not discovered for a period of time, biological decomposition can pose significant health risks. Cleanup involves not only removing biohazards but also addressing any odor and structural damage caused by decomposition.
4. Hoarding Cleanup: This service addresses the often hazardous conditions found in hoarding situations, where accumulated waste and clutter can create biohazardous environments. Cleanup involves removing hazardous materials and sanitizing the area.
5. Industrial Accident Cleanup: In industrial settings, accidents involving chemical spills, exposure to toxic substances, or workplace injuries can create biohazards. Professionals handle these situations with expertise in both chemical and biological decontamination.

The Importance of SERVPRO Professional Cleanup Services

Attempting to clean up biohazardous materials without professional assistance can be dangerous and ineffective. Biohazard cleanup services use advanced equipment, protective gear, and industry-approved cleaning agents to ensure that all contaminants are thoroughly removed. Additionally, we understand the legal and environmental regulations surrounding biohazard disposal, ensuring compliance and safety. SERVPRO of Point Pleasant technicians have the expertise, specialized training, and adherence to strict protocols ensure that hazardous materials are handled with the utmost care and efficiency.

SERVPRO of Point Pleasant Volunteering for COR's 13th Annual Gift Auction Fundraiser

6/4/2024 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Point Pleasant always there to help!

It was a little rainy for the Central Ocean Rotary Club's 13th Annual Gift Auction but as always, SERVPRO of Point Pleasant was there to help. They moved everything from our office to the Clarion in less than one hour. The event was huge success. 

Did You Know Summer Is Mold Season in Ocean County?

4/26/2024 (Permalink)

Drywall is porous (like a sponge) and all the little pores allow perfect breeding grounds for mold as shown here.

As we head into the summer and fall months, cases of mold growth will become more common. So much so, in the restoration industry, we refer to summer as "mold season", especially in Ocean County.

Here are some general proactive tips that can help mitigate the chance for mold growth:

• Engage in “moisture controlling” behaviors, such as fixing plumbing issues and other water problems as soon as they occur and drying the area completely.
• In bathrooms or other areas prone to a lot of moisture, consider running a fan, opening a window, or cleaning more frequently to minimize the chance for mold growth. Run exhaust and/or bathroom fans as appropriate, when showering. The goal is to increase ventilation and decrease dampness.
• If possible, keep the humidity of your property’s interior below 60%. The EPA recommends an ideal relative humidity percentage of 30% – 50%. You can measure relative humidity with a small device called a humidity or moisture meter.
• Condensation can be a sign of high humidity and may occur on walls, windows, pipes, or more. If you see condensation, act quickly to dry the surface, and if possible, stop or reduce the water source. Reduce humidity by using air conditioners and dehumidifiers.
• Repair roof gutters and make sure they are cleaned on a regular basis.
• Make sure appliances that use moisture ventilate to the outside, if possible. 
• Be sure water pipes, or other cold surfaces, are covered with insulation if possible.
• Consider not using carpet in rooms or areas like bathrooms or basements that may have a lot of moisture.
• As part of routine maintenance, buildings should be checked regularly for evidence of water damage.

Mold is found both indoors and outdoors. Molds are part of the natural environment. Outdoors, molds play a part in nature by breaking down dead organic matter such as fallen leaves and dead trees but it can enter your home through open doorways, windows, vents, and heating and air conditioning systems. Mold in the air outside can also attach itself to clothing, shoes, and pets can and be carried indoors. It may begin growing indoors when mold spores land on surfaces and come in contact with moisture or water. It can grow especially well on paper products, cardboard, ceiling tiles, and wood products. Mold can also grow in dust, paints, wallpaper, insulation, drywall, carpet, fabric, and upholstery.

Mold growth, which often looks like spots, can be many different colors. Color is not an indication of how dangerous a mold may be. Any mold indoors should be removed and the moisture source that helped it grow should be removed. It is impossible to get rid of all mold and mold spores indoors. Some mold spores will be found floating through the air and in house dust but the mold spores will not grow if moisture is not present. Remember, moisture control is the key to mold control.

If you do find mold in your home or business, SERVPRO of Point Pleasant will be there. With the personalized care of local restoration professionals who live and work in Ocean County, we are dedicated to making any mold situation “Like it never even happened.”

SERVPRO of Point Pleasant IICRC Certified Firm 2024

1/15/2024 (Permalink)

Since 1972, the IICRC has provided the highest quality to industry professionals around the world and SERVPRO of Point Pleasant is proud to be one.

Finger Print Powder Removal by SERVPRO of Point Pleasant

12/19/2023 (Permalink)

Fingerprint powder and evidence-gathering chemicals can be tricky to handle, but our have the experience and tools to manage them effectively.

Oftentimes the aftermath of a robbery is overlooked. However, the cleanup process of a crime scene is a very vital part of the road to recovery.

In this particular incident, a homeowner's worst nightmare came true when they returned to their Brick home one evening to find that someone broke in. Thankfully, and most importantly, no one was injured. The robber took what they pleased and vandalized their beautiful waterfront home in the process. Brick Township Police Department responded quickly to the call and began to start their investigation. They had their canine unit on site and immediately dusted the scene for fingerprints. After they left to continue their investigation, the home was covered in white powder. Although a sign of a job well done by our local officers, the homeowners were left with the messy residue.

Wanting to get their home back to preloss condition, they called SERVPRO of Point Pleasant to perform crime scene cleanup.

How does SERVPRO of Point Pleasant clean fingerprint powder?

Our technicians use dry soil removal methods and powerful extraction devices to clean up powder and prevent transfer to adjacent surfaces. The cleanup process following a robbery requires meticulous attention to detail, technical knowledge, and compassion for the individuals who were impacted emotionally during this event.

Is Human Waste a Biohazard

5/11/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Point Pleasant provides cleanup and recovery services for many biohazard situations. Call us today at 732-202-3001.

The definition of Biohazard waste according to Wikipedia is “Biohazard waste is a biological substance that poses a threat to the health of living organisms, primarily humans. This could include a sample of a microorganism, virus or toxin that can adversely affect human health. A
biohazard could also be a substance harmful to other living beings.” Human feces may
potentially contain a variety of pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Cornell has provided us with a list of these pathogens, but here is just a few of many that human feces can carry:

• Salmonella
• E. coli
• Hepatitis A
• Shigella
• Candida
• Yersinia

These diseases are dangerous and sometimes can be life threatening, therefore human feces is
considered a biohazard.

Recently, we received a call from the Sheriff of Brick Township. A landlord had reached out to them originally because their rental unit was left in a disastrous manner and they were seeking help. The tenants had moved out, and the landlord discovered the walls, carpets and most areas of the house covered in human feces. Their contents and garbage was also left behind. SERVPRO of Point Pleasant came in and performed an emergency biohazard cleanup.

When it comes to a situation like this, hiring a professional is your only option. If you’re in need
of cleanup and restoration services, contact our professionals today at 732-202-3001.

What is the Transition from Thunderstorm to Hurricane?

4/26/2023 (Permalink)

We’re dedicated to responding immediately to storm damage emergencies because A fast response helps lessens the damage and reduces cost.

About 25 to 30 thunderstorms happen per year in New Jersey and in Point Pleasant. There is roughly 11 significant two day storms that happened per year. While hurricanes normally occur once every ten years. Although that is not often, all it takes is a thunderstorm, warm ocean
water and light winds for a hurricane to form. It is important to understand the difference in order
to protect yourself, your family, and prepare properly. SciJinks accurately breaks down the four transition stages from thunderstorm to hurricane below:

• Tropical Disturbance: Once water vapor from the warm ocean condenses to form
  clouds, it releases heat into the air. The warm air then rises and is pulled into the column of clouds. A pattern starts to develop with wind circulating around the center and as it encounters more clouds it is called a tropical disturbance.
• Tropical Depression: The air at the top of the cloud column starts cooling and becoming unstable as the thunderstorm grows higher and larger. As the heat energy is released from the cooling water vapor, the air at the top of the clouds become warmer, making air pressure higher causing winds to move outward. The movement and warming causes pressures at the surface to drop. When winds reach between 25 and 38mph the storm is called a tropical depression.
• Tropical Storm: Winds have to reach 39mph for the tropical depression to become a tropical storm. The storm will get a name, winds blow faster and start twisting around the eye.
• Hurricane: Once wind speed reaches 74mph it is considered a hurricane. The storm is at least 50,000 feet high, reaches 125 miles across and the eye is between 5 to 30 miles wide.

Hurricanes Categories:

• Category 1: Winds 74 to 95 mph (Minimal damage)
• Category 2: Winds 96 to 110 mph (Moderate damage)
• Category 3: Winds 111 to 129 mph (Extensive damage)
• Category 4: Winds 130 to 156 mph (Extreme damage)
• Category 5: Winds 157 mph or higher (Catastrophic damage)

Experiencing a storm can be an unsettling thing, and it is even worse if your home or business
has been affected. If you find yourself in that situation, we are here to help. Call SERVPRO of
Point Pleasant for all your storm damage repair
needs 732-202-3001.