Tips for Before & After a Flood

8/7/2023 (Permalink)

Did you know that Edgewater is susceptible to flood damage? If you have lived in Edgewater for quite some time, you are probably well aware of this. Flood prone zones can cause severe damage to homes and businesses in the area. Whether the flood comes from a flash flood, natural flood, major river or tropical storm, the damage can be extensive. To stay safe from flood hazards, SERVPRO of Edgewater/Deale-Churchton/Lothian has some tips for you to follow before and after a flood occurs.   

Before a flood  

• Make sure your insurance policy covers flooding. Even renters are eligible for flood insurance.  
• Move furniture and valuables to higher floors as floodwater rises.  
• Keep the car gas tank filled in case you need to evacuate.  
• Stay informed about weather conditions, flash flooding can occur in only minutes!  
    
• Do not drive through flooded roadways. The road may not be there. Follow the instructions given by emergency officials. If told to evacuate, do so!  

After a flood  

• Do not eat or drink anything that encounters flood water.  
• Follow emergency officials' instructions on safe water consumption. You may have to boil your water.  
• Clean and have electrical equipment checked before using.  
• Report broken utilities to the proper authorities.  
• Use flashlights, not an open flame like a candle. Candles are a fire hazard and could cause an explosion if they encounter flammable gases.  
• Watch out for snakes and other "stray" animals. Water will cause snakes to come out of the ground with nowhere to go. Many other animals may be abandoned and lost.   
• Remember, floodwaters sometimes take days to rise, even when the sun is shining. It can take days for floodwaters to make their way downstream. Do not underestimate the power and speed at which flood water can rise and destroy everything in its path.  

If your home or business is affected by flooding or water damage, call our experts here at SERVPRO of Edgewater/Deale-Churchton/Lothian and we’ll make it “Like it never even happened.” 

Flooded Basement? Wet Carpet? Odor Removal? We Got It Covered.

8/8/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Edgewater/Deale-Churchton/Lothian offers restoration services to homeowners, insurance companies, commercial businesses, and property managers in the Edgewater and South County communities. Our water damage restoration services include water removal, emergency water extraction, drying and dehumidification, carpet restoration, and mold and odor removal.   

We can help you with any water-related damage from pipe breaks, basement floods, storms, hurricanes, roof leaks or sewage backups.  Our technicians inspect your property to assess the unseen damage as well as the obvious visible damage. Our trained and certified teams use technology such as moisture meters and hygrometers to help complete a thorough cleanup of your property. The team will communicate with you throughout the drying process and walk you through the entire restoration step by step. We are available to assist you twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, service you need when you need it.     

SERVPRO of Edgewater/Deale-Churchton/Lothian is always here to help so call us at 410-867-3590! 

Move Fast when Water Damage Strikes

5/20/2022 (Permalink)

We’ve all been there...Sitting at the kitchen table and someone spills a glass of water. Quick! Clean it up! How does that relate to water that spills out of a pipe? Is it so important to clean water from your property? 

SERVPRO of Edgewater/Deale-Churchton/Lothian offers 24/7 water mitigation services because of the importance of quick remediation. Here’s a timeline of how water can create damage in your Edgewater home or Deale business: 

Water Damage Timeline 

Within Minutes 

• Water quickly spreads throughout your property, saturating everything in its path. 
• Water is absorbed into walls, floors, upholstery, and belongings. 
• Furniture finishes may bleed, causing permanent staining on carpets. 
• Photographs, books, and other paper goods start to swell and warp. 

Hours 1 - 24: 

• Drywall begins to swell and break down. 
• Metal surfaces begin to tarnish. 
• Furniture begins to swell and crack. 
• Dyes and inks from cloth and paper goods spread and stain. 
• A musty odor appears. 

48 Hours to 1 Week: 

• Mold and mildew may grow and spread. 
• Doors, windows, and studs swell and warp. 
• Metal begins to rust and corrode. 
• Furniture warps and shows signs of mold. 

• Paint begins to blister. 
• Wood flooring swells and warps. 
• Serious biohazard contamination is possible. 

More Than 1 Week: 

• Restoration time and cost increase dramatically; replacing contaminated materials and structural rebuilding may be extensive. 

When it comes to water in your property, the key to lowering your expenses and minimizing damages is get it cleaned quickly. 

5 Ways Water Damage Occurs in the Winter Months

1/20/2022 (Permalink)

Just because it is cold out does not mean water damage cannot affect your home. Water damage never sleeps. In fact, it is more common in the winter months than most others. Water can destroy your home or business’ walls, carpets, cabinets, ceilings and so much more. That is why, in this blog post, we want to talk about 5 ways water damage can occur during the winter months: 

Frozen Pipes – As one of the most common types of water damage causes in the winter, frigid temperatures cause pipes to freeze and break resulting in large water losses. 

Leaking Water Heater – Colder temperatures cause water heaters to work harder to heat up. When an older heater is constantly running and working harder, it often results in leaks or bursts.  

Melting Snow – Melting snow on your roof can create a serious threat. If gutters are clogged or frozen, water can seep back into your roof and in your attic. Water trapped in attics almost always support mold growth due to humidity. Melting snow can also leak into cracks in your property’s foundation, causing flooding.  

Overflowing Gutters – As previously mentioned, clogged gutters pose a serious threat during the winter months. Water can leak into the roof and pour over the sides, creating cracks in the foundation. 

Poorly Insulated Pipes – If a water line is exposed to outside temperatures, it must be properly insulated. Any exposed pipe not covered by some type of foam or fiberglass will most likely freeze and break during the winter.  

Snowstorm Inbound? What You Can do to Save Your Home

1/13/2022 (Permalink)

Attention to our fellow Anne Arundel County residents! If you have not been following the weather forecast, we have some news for you! An upcoming snowstorm is set to hit the East coast this weekend. Weather forecasts are calling for up to a few of snow with other wintry conditions on Sunday afternoon into early Monday morning.  

Travel disruptions could heavily affect our area near the end of Martin Luther King Jr. Weekend. The storm is still developing so its course is still unpredictable. That begs the question, are you prepared to tackle another winter snowstorm? Is your house in condition to withstand the wintry mix? If not, our professionals over at SERVPRO of Edgewater/Deale-Churchton/Lothian have gathered some tips for you to winterize your home before it is too late! 

Weatherproof your home. 

Ensuring your home is safe from any weather damage is essential for major snowstorms. This can include unclogging your gutters, clearing debris, and tree limbs away from the foundation of your home, turning off your outdoor water supply and more.  

Test your smoke detector.  

You should change your smoke detectors’ batteries twice a year. Daylight savings is a perfect time to do so. If you forgot this year, make sure you test your smoke detector in case of emergency.  

Check your emergency supplies.  

It is always a good idea to stock up on batteries, portable chargers, gasoline, food, and water when a storm is inbound.  

Clean or have your chimney inspected.  

Winter weather can cause considerable damage to your chimney, especially if it is already compromised.  

Considering purchasing a generator.  

A backup power supply in case of an outage can be the difference between being cold and being comfortable. With the most recent snowstorm, several homes on the East coast lost power, some for several days.  

Water In the Attic? Call SERVPRO!

11/30/2021 (Permalink)

We see water damage in attics all the time. Check your attic before the first day of winter!

Water In the Attic? Call SERVPRO! 

We see it all the time. One morning, you wake up and there’s water leaking from your ceiling, and you have no clue what happened. Come to find out, your attic is leaking water and you have no idea how. With winter weather approaching, our trained professionals see this problem all too often. Here are some tips we gathered to help protect your attic and home from water damage this winter.  

Check your attic insulation! 

Ensuring your attic is properly insulated is one of the most important things you can do to protect your home from not only the cold and humidity, but also to prevent mold, dust, dirt, and mildew from spreading in your home. Inspecting your insulation for any cracks or seams where water can enter is a great preventative measure you can take before the severe winter weather hits.  

Stay wary of ice dams forming over your gutters! 

Ice dams can be a major problem during the winter. They form when heated air melts roof snow downward into water dammed behind still-frozen ice. When the trapped water cannot flow into the gutter, it can flow back into the roof’s shingles and into the structure's interior. Our professionals can help mitigate water damage caused by ice dams and get your home back to preloss condition.  

Our SERVPRO professionals understand just how disruptive water in your home can be to you, your family and everyday life. That’s why we offer 24-hour emergency response by trained, uniformed professionals. SERVPRO of Edgewater/Deale-Churchton/Lothian has top-of-the-line equipment and time-tested cleanup and restoration techniques to make your house feel like a home again.  

Fall Weather Prep to Prevent Water Damage

11/15/2021 (Permalink)

Fall is a scenic time of the year that brings the color changing leaves with cooler temperatures. In Maryland, we have a variety of hardwood trees with large leaves as well as numerous types of pine trees, which shed their needles each year. Because of this, SERVPRO of Edgewater often sees homeowners who forget or neglect their gutters, forgetting to clean them. Do not be one of those homeowners this fall!  

Gutters can get clogged with leaves and debris which is why it is crucial for homeowners to have their gutters cleaned every year and prevent any water from getting through the flashing and into homes. The same goes for storm drains and window wells. Storm drains should be cleared to avoid any flooding occurring in the lowest level of the home. Window wells should also be cleared of leaves and debris.  

Lastly, clear the area where the water from your downspout empties onto your lawn. You will want the water to run clearly away from the foundation to avoid any water damage. In addition, clearing and trimming the landscaping around your house will prevent moisture from building up in your foundation which could also cause water damage.  

Quick Action Counts for Water Damage Clean Up

8/9/2021 (Permalink)

Ticking Clock

Do you know what to do if a water damage occurs in your home or business? When you are dealing with water damage, immediate action is crucial. SERVPRO of Edgewater/Deale-Churchton/Lothian professionals respond immediately and use advanced equipment and techniques to remove the water quickly. We are on call 24 hours a day 7 days a week to assist you when you need us.  

Technicians evaluate the situation and determine the best drying plan for your situation. They will closely monitor and document the drying process to verify your property is dried properly and thoroughly. We work hand in hand with insurance providers to ensure all your information gets transferred to them quickly, to speed the process so you can get your home back to normal as quickly as possible. From start to finish for a professional top-notch job SERVPRO of Edgewater/Deale-Churchton/Lothian are the ones to call.  

Does Your Home Have a Mold Problem?

5/21/2021 (Permalink)

South County is fairly used to water damage and mold since the area tends to be very low lying. SERVPRO of Edgewater/Deale-Churchton/Lothian recently did a mold remediation job in Deale.

With a lot of rain in the previous month, water seeped into a Deale basement and the homeowners were unaware until they went downstairs to change a furnace filter and smelled a strong, musty odor. Since the furnace was running with a moldy filter mold spores were floating throughout the ductwork. What a mess and potential health problem this could have been. Fortunately, the homeowners call SERVPRO of Edgewater/Deale-Churchton/Lothian to come out and evaluate the home. The next day, our trained technicians used specialized equipment to properly remediate the mold problem quickly and safely, including the ducts!

If you suspect mold, stay out of affected areas, turn the HVAC system and fans OFF and call us, SERVPRO of Edgewater/Deale-Churchton/Lothian at 410-867-3590, we will be there fast to help and solve your problem.

Edgewater Water Damage Cleanup

1/20/2021 (Permalink)

Edgewater Water Damage

SERVPRO of Edgewater/Deale-Churchton/Lothian can provide a solution to your water damage needs. Recently, our team worked in an Edgewater property that had a pipe burst. Learn how our restoration process works so you can feel confident calling on us. 

As you can see from the picture, this home suffered water damage when a pipe burst. Many rooms in the property suffered including a bedroom, a living room ceiling, and floors. The most important thing to remember is to get water damage mitigated quickly. 

Our process for water cleanup and restoration is as follows: 

A uniformed professional will arrive onsite usually within 4 hours of notification to begin providing a resolution to the water damage situation. 

A SERVPRO professional utilizes industry guidelines, knowledge, training and industrial equipment to examine the extent of the damage. 

Restoration services include moisture detection, water extraction, dehumidification, contents inventory and drying validation. 

Technicians will close the claim in a timely manner through electronic claims reporting, consistent communication and professional restoration techniques. 

Remember, SERVPRO of Edgewater/Deale-Churchton/Lothian is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. 

Why is it so Important to Get Water Cleaned Up Quickly?

1/13/2021 (Permalink)

Get Water Cleaned Quickly

We’ve all been there...Sitting at the kitchen table and someone spills a glass of water. Quick! Clean it up! How does that relate to water that spills out of a pipe? Is it so important to clean water from your property? 

SERVPRO of Edgewater/Deale-Churchton/Lothian offers 24/7 water mitigation services because of the importance of quick remediation. Here’s a timeline of how water can create damage in your Edgewater home or Deale business: 

Water Damage Timeline 

Within Minutes 

• Water quickly spreads throughout your property, saturating everything in its path. 
• Water is absorbed into walls, floors, upholstery, and belongings. 
• Furniture finishes may bleed, causing permanent staining on carpets. 
• Photographs, books, and other paper goods start to swell and warp. 

Hours 1 - 24: 

• Drywall begins to swell and break down. 
• Metal surfaces begin to tarnish. 
• Furniture begins to swell and crack. 
• Dyes and inks from cloth and paper goods spread and stain. 
• A musty odor appears. 

48 Hours to 1 Week: 

• Mold and mildew may grow and spread. 
• Doors, windows, and studs swell and warp. 
• Metal begins to rust and corrode. 
• Furniture warps and shows signs of mold. 

• Paint begins to blister. 
• Wood flooring swells and warps. 
• Serious biohazard contamination is possible. 

More Than 1 Week: 

• Restoration time and cost increase dramatically; replacing contaminated materials and structural rebuilding may be extensive. 

• Structural safety, mold growth, and biohazard contaminants pose serious risks to occupants. 

When it comes to water in your property, the key to lowering your expenses and minimizing damages is get it cleaned quickly. 

Record Rainfall for Edgewater

11/30/2020 (Permalink)

Water Damage

Like many things in 2020, the 2020 Atlantic hurricane season has astounded meteorologists around the globe.  With all the Atlantic hurricanes hitting the east coast, Edgewater and Anne Arundel County has shattered rainfall records. And, SERVPRO of Edgewater/Deale-Churchton/Lothian has been called to many properties suffering water and mold damage from all the moisture and precipitation. As we like to say, we are “Ready for whatever happens.” 

In 2020, the Atlantic Ocean has seen 30 tropical storms! This is more storms than meteorologists predicted for the season, and the reason storms were given Greek Names like Hurricane Eta. Our globe hasn’t seen such a number of storms since 2005. CBS News just published a scientific piece on why this hurricane season has been so severe.  

This hurricane season has dumped record-breaking rainfalls in Anne Arundel County.  Click here to see specific measurements for these record –breaking days.  So, what happens when Edgewater gets torrential rainfall in one day? Properties get sump pumps that can’t keep up and other mechanical plumbing mishaps that cause flooded basements and more. 

At SERVPRO of Edgewater/Deale-Churchton/Lothian, we are here to help. During these historic times, our team remained available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If your property suffers water damage, you can always count on us. 

Why Does Edgewater Flood Easily?

11/11/2020 (Permalink)

Flooded Basement

Edgewater and Anne Arundel County are situated along the western shore of the Chesapeake Bay. Edgewater and Deale border numerous creeks, streams, rivers and the Chesapeake Bay. This fact makes the southern portions of Anne Arundel County vulnerable to flooding during certain storm conditions.  Click here to learn more from Anne Arundel County. If you need Flood Insurance, click here. 

Most properties in Edgewater, have well and septic systems as well as sump pumps. Sump pumps can easily get overwhelmed during a heavy rain event. We see this a lot. Another common source of flooded basements is when power is lost and the battery backup fails on the pump.  

Tired of your Edgewater basement flooding? Be sure to know your local flood zones and your equipment is working well.  

The best way to avoid water damage from rain is to stay aware and be prepared. If you need assistance in a water emergency, call us 24/7 at (410) 867-3590. 

Does Water Need To Be Removed Immediately?

8/10/2020 (Permalink)

Edgewater Water Damage

When it comes to water damage in an Edgewater home or a Churchton building, it’s important to remove the water as quickly as possible in order to avoid additional damage. Water damage can quickly lead to mold damage within 48 hours, especially when combined with the heat and humidity that we experience here in Anne Arundel County.

SERVPRO of Edgewater/Deale-Churchton/Lothian is the cleanup team that is faster to any size disaster. Recently, Hurricane Isaias dumped up to 6 inches of rain on Maryland. A small leak from flood waters now could blossom into a big claim later.

No matter what time of day or night, water damage is an emergency. Emergency mitigation means under our SERVPRO of Edgewater/Deale-Churchton/Lothian can be onsite within 4 hours to begin drying your building and restoring contents.

Water from a hurricane or from a pipe leak needs to be mitigated quickly, trust our SERVPRO of Edgewater/Deale-Churchton/Lothian team to ensure your property is taken care of in a timely manner.

Water Damage for Facility Managers

5/21/2020 (Permalink)

Commercial Office Building

Apartment Building

Facility Managers often implement evacuation plans should an emergency occur. In addition, to an evacuation plan, SERVPRO of Edgewater/Deale-Churchton/Lothian recommends you do the following should a water emergency arise:

• Shut off the water source.
• Remove excess water by mopping and blotting.
• Remove and prop up wet upholstery cushions for even drying. Place aluminum foil or wood blocks under furniture legs.

Our team provides a solution to water damage needs. Our IICRC certified water damage restoration technicians will communicate with the facility manager throughout the restoration process.

When a tenant reports a water damage event, please collect the following information:

• Contact phone number
• Date/time of event
• Source of water
• Type of water
• Is the water clean, gray or sewer?
• Is there any structural damage?
• Is electricity available?
• Is there standing water?
• What areas are affected?

You can reduce loss severity by putting the above suggestions into your water emergency plan. Remember, fast response can lower claim costs!

Does Water Damage Floors?

1/21/2020 (Permalink)

Water Damage on Floor

Customers often ask SERVPRO of Edgewater/Deale-Churchton/Lothian if water damages flooring. The answer isn’t always straight forward. Depending on the type of flooring you have, water damage may not occur. Here are some general answers:

Laminate Floors. The top of laminate flooring is technically resistant to water damage. If you spill some water on laminate flooring but promptly wipe it up, then the floor will suffer no damage. Unfortunately, the situation changes if and when flooding occurs. If and when laminate flooring becomes saturated with water, it becomes warped and damaged.

Hardwood Floors. Whether it’s raining outside and water managed to get onto your hardwood floors or there’s a spill or leak within your house, when your wood floors are exposed to water or moisture, they are at risk of cupping and permanently damaged. At SERVPRO of Edgewater/Deale-Churchton/Lothian we can use Rescue Mats to dry hardwood floors. Rescue Mats pull moisture out of the floor with a vacuum.

Tile Floors. Ceramic floor tiles are not harmed by standing water but it can damage the grout between the tiles and detach the adhesive. The damage may not become noticeable for many weeks or even months, until after flood waters have diminished. Rescue Mats can be used on tile floors to remove moisture in the grout as well as sub floors.

If you feel your floors need further inspection due to a recent water damage, please reach out to us at (410) 867-3590.

What is Water Damage Mitigation?

1/20/2020 (Permalink)

Water Damage

Water emergencies can happen at any time…A pipe can break in the middle of the night, or a heavy rain can cause a flooded basement. That’s why SERVPRO of Edgewater/Deale-Churchton/Lothian performs water mitigation as well as water restoration services 24/7.

If your home or business suffers from a water intrusion, our top priority is time. Time is of the essence when it comes to mitigating the water damage. Once the source of the water has been contained, our water mitigation team will move swiftly to get your property and contents dry.

Our equipment removes the majority of the water. We use powerful pumps and truck-mounted vacuum units to quickly remove hundreds or thousands of gallons of water from your property. And, yes, we’ve had to remove that much water.

If your home or business requires extensive restoration or cleaning, SERVPRO of Edgewater/Deale-Churchton/Lothian can conduct an organized, efficient move-out to protect your belongings from further damage.

Water Mitigation is the first step in the water damage process. The next step involves water restoration and, finally, reconstruction.

SERVPRO of Edgewater/Deale-Churchton/Lothian prides ourselves on being the one-stop shop for water mitigation, restoration, and reconstruction.

How to Prevent Your Sump Pump From Freezing

11/18/2019 (Permalink)

Sump Pump Water Damage

Winter weather is quickly approaching. Did you know your sump pump discharge lines faces the risk of freezing? Your sump pump is designed to keep all excess water out from your basement, but it can’t do that if the discharge line is frozen. A frozen discharge line not only puts your basement at risk, but it can seriously damage your sump pump.

Here are some warning signs of a damaged sump pump:

• Your sump pump is constantly running. If your sump pump is constantly running, it could mean a number of problems, call a plumber.
• Frequent on and off cycling. A sump pump that constantly turns on and off could imply several problems and it should be inspected by a plumber.
• Wet areas. Because a sump pump is designed to remove any excess water from your basement, it’s best to be located at the lowest spot on the floor. If you can’t locate your sump pump at the lowest spot, installing a PVC feed line should help to remove any remaining excess water.
• Odors and humidity. Sump pumps have an airtight lid that’s designed to keep all odors humidity from rising out of the sump pit. If you smell something foul coming out of your sump pump, you might have a loose or broken lid.

Here are a few tips to prevent the sump pump drainage line from freezing:

• Keep your water running. One reason for your plumbing freezing is if there is any excess water that isn’t running. If the water can’t flow throughout your house, it’s more likely that any water inside your sump pump will freeze.
• Prevent the water from meeting freezing air. The best way to prevent a discharge line from freezing is with as much insulation as possible. To achieve this, you can try burying the line deeper underground, or try adding insulation using hay and a tarp.
• Give your sump pump a slight slope. One of the easiest ways to prevent a frozen discharge line is by letting gravity do the work. When you’re looking at where the sump pump lines go, try and see if you can make them go at a slope versus a straight line, as gravity will help keep the water running. If your house isn’t on a natural slope, you can make one.
• Add some insulation. Just like the pipes running through your home, adding some insulation can help drastically prevent a frozen discharge line. To properly insulate your discharge line, you should be able to find what you need at a local hardware store.

Nothing is worse than having damaged plumbing in the dead of winter because it can result in costly damages. You can keep your sump pump discharge line running properly this winter and all it involves is some maintenance.

What Happens When Water Sits?

11/11/2019 (Permalink)

Water

Water is so powerful that it can form mountains. But, when water is left sitting in your property it can become hazardous to your health. SERVPRO of Edgewater/Deale-Churchton/Lothian restored a property where a basement leak left standing water in a home for 2 weeks untreated. SERVPRO of Edgewater/Deale-Churchton/Lothian employees IICRC Water Mitigation Technicians that can properly treat a property with stagnant water.

Standing water is a breeding ground for bacteria, mold, and parasites that can be harmful to your health. While contaminated water poses a bigger health risk, bacteria will even grow in clean water. Mold can begin to grow and spread in as little as 48 hours.

A home experienced a basement water intrusion that went undetected for 2 weeks while the homeowner was hospitalized. Based on the insurance adjuster’s suggestion, the homeowner contacted SERVPRO of Edgewater/Deale-Churchton/Lothian when he witnessed the amount of stagnant water as well as mold in the property. The complete basement and first level of the home, up to the ceiling, was covered in mold. This included couches, kitchen cabinets, flooring, and walls…everything you can think of. Our team provided water extraction, drying, dhimmification, as well as mold mitigation. They use a variety of cleaning techniques to clean and sanitize your belongings.

SERVPRO of Edgewater/Deale-Churchton/Lothian is highly qualified to handle stagnant water. Our team members are certified and well-trained in water damage and mold mitigation. When standing water is found in your property, remember the team that is faster to any sized disaster, SERVPRO of Edgewater/Deale-Churchton/Lothian.

What Happens To Hardwood Floors With Water Damage?

8/6/2019 (Permalink)

Hardwood Floor Drying

Did you know that SERVPRO of Edgewater/Deale-Churchton/Lothian can dry water from wood floors? There is a science behind this and our SERVPRO technicians have been training to restore water-damaged wood floors.

A wet property or building can sometimes dry naturally because the environment always seeks equilibrium. At SERVPRO, we try to help speed up the drying process with technology and proven drying methodologies. When materials (including wood flooring) are wet, moisture will naturally move to the drier air surface, but only if the air is drying.

This is why SERVPRO of Edgewater/Deale-Churchton/Lothian uses de-humidifiers and air movers to keep the air at the surface of the hardwood flooring dry…to pull the moisture away from the sub-flooring as well as the wood. Our team uses a piece of equipment, Injecti-Dry, to ensure the hardwood is completely dry.

It’s not only the equipment but the technology too! SERVPRO has developed DryBook™, a proprietary tool that provides real-time documentation and updates on the drying process and helps ensure industry drying requirements are met. With DryBook™ Mobile, you have the ability to know exactly where your property is in the drying process.

Bottom line…if your hardwood floor has water damage, we can dry them.

Edgewater Water Damage

6/14/2019 (Permalink)

Refrigerator Water Line Leak

SERVPRO® of Edgewater/Deale-Churchton/Lothian recently worked on a property in Edgewater that suffered water damage. When there’s a water intrusion, like a leaking water line, mold can quickly become a problem in your home. It’s important to clean the water as soon as possible.

This townhome suffered water damage from a leaking water line to the refrigerator. A refrigerator water line usually lasts several years.  Warning: Unplug the refrigerator so you don’t get shocked or electrocuted! This leak caused water damage in the kitchen, basement hallway, ceiling, and carpeting. Typical refrigerator water lines are made of plastic. We recommend you change them to a sturdier material. You can read more about the other options for refrigerator lines in this article by Family Handyman.

If your property suffers water damage, keep in mind that water intrusions invade floors, ceilings, and walls to find the lowest point in the structure. Water from a refrigerator water line will search for pinhole crevices and cracks in your floors and walls looking for a way to travel down. SERVPRO® of Edgewater/Deale-Churchton/Lothian responds to water losses within 4 hours to start mitigation services. While we are on our way, remove and prop up wet upholstery cushions for even drying and place aluminum foil or wood blocks under furniture legs.

Did you know mold can start growing within 24-48 hours after water damage? Mold can cause health effects and can also cause significant damage to your property. Make sure your property is properly dried if your refrigerator water line leaks. Call SERVPRO® of Edgewater/Deale-Churchton/Lothian to get professional water mitigation to service your property needs.

Winter Weather and Water Safety

1/18/2019 (Permalink)

Prevent Frozen Pipes

Anne Arundel County contains several water ways and winter weather can bring about more issues than just slippery roads and a sidewalk to shovel. You are also at risk for frozen pipes and ice dams. 

With colder air and water temperatures, it’s crucial to be prepared for anything if you happen to be heading out on the water for any activity this winter –boating, kayaking, paddle boarding or even ice fishing and snowmobiling. 

If you plan to participate in any water activity this winter – know what will keep you safe! Click here to read more about Winter Water Safety. 

FROZEN PIPES Frozen pipes are often those exposed to the cold weather, such as those outside your house, or in cold areas such as basements, attics, garages, or kitchen cabinets.  

A frozen pipe can burst at the point where the ice blockage inside the pipe is located, but typically the rupture is caused by the backflow pressure between the water source and the blockage. A burst pipe can cause considerable damage to your property if not addressed quickly.  

To prevent pipes from freezing, here are a few steps you can take, according to The American Red Cross:  

• Be sure to completely drain water from swimming pool and sprinkler lines, as well as outside hoses. 
• Open kitchen cabinets to let warm air circulate near the plumbing.  
• When the weather is extremely cold, let water drip from faucets that may come from exposed pipes. 
• Keep your heat set to the same temperature both day and night.  

Ice dams can be a little-known, but major problem during the snowy season. They form when heated air melts roof snow downward into water dammed behind still-frozen ice. When the trapped water cannot safely flow or run into the gutter system, it can backflow under the roof ’s shingles and into the structure’s interior areas, as well as causing gutters and shingles to move or fall.  

Icicles can be an initial sign of an ice dam, according to Travelers.com. To spot ice dams inside, “check for water stains or moisture in your attic or along the ceiling of exterior walls of your house. Water stains or moisture may be an indication that an ice dam has formed and water has penetrated the roof membrane.”  

Removing an ice dam as soon as it is found is vital to helping prevent damage to your property and can be done using heated cables, a roof shovel, or calcium chloride ice melter.  

If winter weather causes water damage to you or your insured’s property, the SERVPRO of Edgewater/Deale-Churchton/Lothian are only a call away, 24/7, ready to restore to preloss condition.  

When Winter Weather Strikes, We Strike Back

1/14/2019 (Permalink)

Ice Dam

SERVPRO of Edgewater/Deale-Churchton/Lothian wants your home or business to be prepared for winter weather.  Water damage can occur for different reasons during cold winter months.  Follow these winter weather tips to prevent water from damaging your property.

TIPS FOR PREPARING YOUR HOME FOR WINTER WEATHER

Keep cabinet doors open during cold spells. This allows warm air to circulate around pipes.

Keep a slow trickle of water flowing through faucets, especially if the pipes for faucets run through unheated or uninsulated areas of your home.

Consider shutting off outdoor faucets. Find the shut-off valve in the basement or crawl space and turn it to “off”.

Ensure gutters are clean and secure. Leaves and debris accumulate, causing a damming effect on gutters, which could lead to roof problems and water damage.

Proper maintenance of your furnace can help reduce the risk of puffbacks.

TIPS FOR PREPARING YOUR BUSINESS FOR WINTER WEATHER

Check your business property for downed tree limbs and branches.  Weather, such as wind, heavy rain, ice and snow, can cause branches to fall, which could cause damage to the property and potentially cause personal injuries.

Inspect property, especially walkways and parking lots, for proper drainage to alleviate flood hazard potential.

Inspect all handrails, stairwells and entryways to address and correct potential slippery or hazardous areas. Install mats or non-slip surfaces and post caution signs where water can be present.

Contact SERVPRO of Edgewater/Deale-Churchton/Lothian for an Emergency Ready Profile for your business.

When water damage puts the things that matter most on the line, you need the very best help on the line as well. That’s why knowing the easiest ways to contact SERVPRO of Edgewater/Deale-Churchton/Lothian is so important. Just go to www.SERVPROedgewaterdeale-churchtonlothian.com on your mobile phone or call (410) 867-3590.

Sump Pump Failure Leads to Flooded Basement

11/15/2018 (Permalink)

Sump Pump

During a recent rain event, SERVPRO of Edgewater / Deale-Churchton / Lothian went to a home in Anne Arundel County to handle a sump pump failure.  Sump pump failures happen for a variety of reasons including power failure, stuck switch, overwhelmed pump and more.  For this specific home owner, there was a problem with their battery backup. 

When SERVPRO of Edgewater / Deale-Churchton / Lothian assessed the water damage, our water damage and restoration team determined that the effected areas included the storage/sump pump room, the recreational room and a basement bathroom.

In the recreational room, the laminate floor was removed because there was bound water underneath. Air movers and de-humidifiers were set up to dry the concrete subfloor. The bathroom tile is adhered to concrete subfloor and won’t facilitate mold growth.  The SERVPRO of Edgewater / Deale-Churchton / Lothian crew treated any effected areas with an anti-microbial and set air movers for a three day dry out.  Lastly, the storage/sump pump room was also treated with an anti-microbial and air movers were set for drying. Our crew removed all furniture during the cleanup process.

After 3 days of drying, the team monitored the effected materials and determined everything was dry.  All equipment was removed and the homeowners are ready to start with their reconstruction.

Bad weather storms and power failures often coincide to make one deadly combination that often results in flooded basements across Anne Arundel County.  This is due to the fact that the heavy rain storms result in excess water and a power outage completely immobilizes your sump pumps ability to drain water.

This problem can be avoided by simply purchasing and installing a backup generator for your sump pump. If you ever lose power during a bad storm, you can manually turn this generator on to ensure your basement does not flood.

Record Rainfall for Anne Arundel County

11/9/2018 (Permalink)

Water Damage

Did you know 2018 has been one of Southern Anne Arundel County’s wettest years on record? So far in 2018, Edgewater, Deale, Lothian, and other areas in the county have seen 60 inches of rain.  That means 2018 will go down in record books in the top 10 wettest years in history.  Anne Arundel County’s rainfall average is typically 42 inches.

So, what happens to your home or business when we get all this rain? You see water damage, flooded basements, sewer backups, flood damage and more.  SERVPRO of Edgewater/Deale-Churchton/ Lothian  has been working with Anne Arundel County business and residents to help cleanup water damage for over 42 years. Throughout the years we have seen lots of water damage.  Here are a few tips to help you keep water away from your structure:

Safety First.  Make sure it is safe for you to enter the wet area. Be sure to check for electrical hazards.  Only do activates that are safe to perform.

• Remove excess water by mopping and blotting.
• Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removal of lamps and tabletop items.
• Remove and prop wet upholstery and cushions.
• Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting.
• Turn air conditioning on for maximum drying in summer.
• Remove colored rugs from wet carpeting.
• Remove art objects to a safe, dry place.
• Gather loose items from floors.

SERVPRO of Edgewater/Deale-Churchton/ Lothian  is your emergency contact when you need water damage restoration. We answer the phone ready to help 24 hours a day/7 days a week.

Water and Sewage Damage

8/8/2018 (Permalink)

Basement water damage

SERVPRO of Edgewater/Deale-Churchton/Lothian is committed to educating our customers. As soon as you realize there is a water issue in your home or business, you need to call us for help and here’s why. There are different types of water and sewage damage and the sooner you fix the problem the better.

The three types of contaminated water:

Category 1: "Clean Water"

Category 1 water is from a clean source like a broken water supply line or leaking faucet. If not treated quickly, this water can turn into category 2 or 3, depending on length of time, temperature, and contact with surrounding contaminants.

• Water from a clean source like a broken water line
• If left untreated, can degrade into category 2 or 3

Category 2: "Gray Water"

Category 2 water is contaminated and could cause discomfort or illness. Examples include washing machine overflow; toilet overflow with some urine, but no feces; or dishwasher overflow.

• May contain bacteria and viruses
• Can quickly degrade into category 3 if left untreated

Category 3: "Black Water"

Category 3 water is grossly contaminated and could cause severe illness or death if ingested and any contact should be avoided. Examples include flooding from rivers or streams, water from beyond the toilet trap, water from the toilet bowl with feces, or standing water that has begun to support microbial growth.

• May contain untreated sewage, harsh chemicals, and microbes
• Water from flooding rivers or sewer backup

Sewage cleanup must not be taken lightly. Serious long term health issues to adults, children and even pets may occur due to bacteria, viruses and even parasites. Don't delay. Take immediate action. Call SERVPRO of Edgewater/Deale-Churchton/Lothian today at (410) 867-3590

Toilet Tank Water Damage

6/11/2018 (Permalink)

Ceiling Damage

During the recent rain storms, SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park was inundated with requests for help. However, even though most calls were about storm damage, some were routine water issues.  One such call came from Severna Park.

When this commercial building owner called us to attend to his three-story office building that was flooded, we discovered the loss occurred from a broken toilet tank on the third level.  The water ran all weekend long and the by the time Monday morning rolled around, all three levels were affected.  Most of the carpet was ruined, drywall was wet, and even the ceilings suffered from water damage. Nothing SERVPRO hasn’t seen before and within hours, 50 air movers and a 1200 CFM desiccant dehumidifier were installed, working off 55 KW generator to quickly dry the structure with as much minimum damage as possible.  Upon removing the carpet, we discovered asbestos tiles which no one wanted to disturb.  Being able to dry the structure so quickly and efficiently saved a lot of time and money for both the property owner AND the insurance company.  SERVPRO turned the building back over to the owner in under 96 hours!

Nobody in Lothian Likes a Cold Shower

12/28/2017 (Permalink)

The white covering is the BLANKET that helps insulate your water heater.

Waking up and taking a warm shower in the winter is what makes getting out of bed bearable, until, the water is COLD! The frigid temperatures of winter can cause some issues inside the home and for your water heater.  Many water heaters are in basements that can be drafty and poorly insulted.  Your pipes that run all the way to your shower are probably exposed.  With a few inexpensive tips, you can be back bathing in hot water!

1. Wrap foam pipe insulation around the pipes that lead from the water heater to your bathrooms
2. Insulate the water heater with a specialty water heater blanket
3. Have a professional check your heating element, pilot light and the thermostat on the heater

We are Fire and Water Damage Specialists

SERVPRO OF Edgewater/Deale-Churchton/Lothian specializes in fire and water damage restoration. Our technicians have extensive training and equipment to get you back to pre-fire condition. Our technicians are experts in fire & smoke restoration, odor identification and removal, upholstery & fabric cleaning, and water damage restoration.

SERVPRO OF Edgewater/Deale-Churchton/Lothian Offers:

• Inspection and Fire Damage Assessment
• Water Removal and Drying (if water damage is present)
• Removal of Smoke and Soot from All Surfaces
• Cleaning and Repair
• Restoration

Call us today at 410-867-3590
“Like it never even happened.”

Roadside bottles in Deale

12/22/2017 (Permalink)

Bottles around Hardwood will take over 400 years to naturally disintegrate.

Have you seen those clear sparkly things on the side of Route 2? One more than one occasion we have passed piles of plastic bottles scattered down the sides of the roads.   Statistics show globally we buy a million plastic bottle per minute. Now that we know we are the cause of all these bottles, what can we do to help eliminate them?

Our family recently purchased a bottle less water cooler similar to those at bottleless.com.  We had been using the 5 gallon jugs but felt bad even about that.  So now we are bottle less and we use refillable water bottles or glasses, which makes us feel like we are doing our part.  Some people are concerned about having a water line in another part of the house, which could leak and cause water damage to the kitchen or the basement below. 

Using a professional plumber to help us install the water line and verify all the connections were sealed, we felt very comfortable that we are doing the best thing for the environment.  Checking lines when you change the filter to make sure you spot any small leaks ahead of time., is a best practice.

If you find yourself with any type of water damage or in need of water restoration services, call SERVPRO of Edgewater/Deale-Churchton/Lothian 410-867-3590 anytime.

Freezing Temperatures Getting Ready to hit Anne Arundel County

11/9/2017 (Permalink)

Frozen pipes can cause major water damage. We are here to help 24/7/365.

The weatherman is telling us that freeze warnings are going into effect as of tomorrow.  The next week or so is going to be colder than average for November in Maryland. Are you and your home ready? 

If you have not checked your heating units, gotten out your gloves and scarves now is a good time to do that.  One thing many people do not think of when doing winter preparations is freezing pipes. Pipes that are exposed to the cold on the exterior of your home, near your pool or garage and interior pipes with little insulation are all at risk.

Draining outdoor water lines, insulating attic and crawl space pipes and keeping indoor temperatures to above 55 degrees, even if no one is home, are simple steps to help prevent frozen pipes.  The American Red Cross has a full guide to winter preparations for your pipes.

Should you get caught with a burst pipe and have water running everywhere, you need to call SERVPRO of Edgewater/Deale-Churchton/Lothian to mitigate the water quickly. Our professionals are available 24/7/365 even holidays.

Just woke up and there is water everywhere, Now What?

11/9/2017 (Permalink)

Shut off the water source and then call SERVPRO!

First thing is to find the source of the water and stop the flow if possible.  If you need to, turn off the water shut off for the whole house. Usually located in the basement. 

Now take a deep breath and make sure any electrical or trip hazards are addressed.  You can now call SERVPRO of Edgewater/Deale-Churchton/Lothian who will arrive and use advanced equipment and techniques to remove the water quickly. They closely monitor and document the drying process to verify your property is dried properly and thoroughly.

Our content cleaning division is capable of sanitizing items, drying documents and photos, and electronic cleanup.  We understand that your personal belongings are an important part of any restoration job. The entire team will be with you from beginning to end when you suffer an unexpected water loss.

Have A Water Damage Emergency? 
Call 410-867-3590

Faster to your South County Water Damage Event

6/2/2016 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Edgewater/Deale-Churchton/Lothian provides 24 hour fire and water damage restoration service in Annapolis, Severna Park, and Arnold.

Flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we. SERVPRO of Edgewater/Deale-Churchton/Lothian provides emergency cleaning and restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—including all holidays.

Faster To Any Size Disaster

Flooding and water damage is very invasive. Water quickly spreads throughout your home and gets absorbed into floors, walls, furniture, and more.  SERVPRO of Edgewater/Deale-Churchton/Lothian arrives quickly and starts the water extraction process almost immediately. This immediate response helps to minimize the damage and the cleaning and restoration costs.

Need Emergency Service? Call Us 24/7 – 410-867-3590

Water Damage Timeline

Within Minutes

·         Water quickly spreads throughout your property, saturating everything in its path.

·         Water is absorbed into walls, floors, upholstery, and belongings.

·         Furniture finishes may bleed, causing permanent staining on carpets.

·         Photographs, books, and other paper goods start to swell and warp.

Hours 1 - 24:

·         Drywall begins to swell and break down.

·         Metal surfaces begin to tarnish.

·         Furniture begins to swell and crack.

·         Dyes and inks from cloth and paper goods spread and stain.

·         A musty odor appears.

48 Hours to 1 Week:

·         Mold and mildew may grow and spread.

·         Doors, windows, and studs swell and warp.

·         Metal begins to rust and corrode.

·         Furniture warps and shows signs of mold.

·         Paint begins to blister.

·         Wood flooring swells and warps.

·         Serious biohazard contamination is possible.

More Than 1 Week:

·         Restoration time and cost increase dramatically; replacing contaminated materials and structural rebuilding may be extensive.

·         Structural safety, mold growth, and biohazard contaminants pose serious risks to occupants.

About Us

SERVPRO of Edgewater/Deale-Churchton/Lothian specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

South County 24 Hour Emergency Water Damage Service

5/10/2016 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Edgewater/Deale-Churchton/Lothian provides 24 hour fire and water damage restoration service in South County.

SERVPRO of Edgewater/Deale-Churchton/Lothian is available 24 hours a day for water emergencies, large or small. When you are dealing with water damage, immediate action is crucial. A delay of just a few hours can greatly increase the severity of the water damage.

We Answer the Phone Ready to Help
Call Today – 410-867-3590

We understand that when you call us, you may be feeling confused, stressed, and vulnerable. You need an expert to guide you through this crisis. SERVPRO of Edgewater/Deale-Churchton/Lothian has the specific water damage training and experience to help you through this tough time. We specialize in water damage restoration—in fact, it's the cornerstone of our business.

What to Expect

When you call, we will ask several questions regarding your water damage emergency. These questions will help us determine what equipment and resources to bring, including how many trained SERVPRO Professionals may be needed.

Our SERVPRO Representative will ask several questions:

·         Your name and contact information

·         Your insurance information (if applicable)

·         The street address of the water-damaged home or business

·         When did the flooding or water damage occur?

·         What caused the water damage (if known)?

·         Is there electricity available (on-site)?

About SERVPRO of Edgewater/Deale-Churchton/Lothian

SERVPRO of Edgewater/Deale-Churchton/Lothian specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

The 3 Categories of Water Damage

5/3/2016 (Permalink)

In the event of a water damage, We will identify the category and classification of water damage to ensure our professionals restore your property based on industry guidelines. The level of contamination of the water will affect the specific restoration processes we use.

Category 1 Water Damage

That which is clean at the releasing source and does not pose a hazard if consumed by humans. Category 1 water may become progressively contaminated as it mixes with soils on or within floor coverings or building assemblies (walls, decking, subflooring). Time and temperature, which promote the growth and amplification of microorganisms in water can cause Category 1 water to degrade. Examples: burst water pipes, failed supply lines on appliances, vertically falling rainwater.

Category 2 Water Damage

That which begins with some degree of contamination and could cause sickness or discomfort if consumed by humans. As with Category 1 water, time and temperature can cause Category 2 water to become progressively more contaminated.

Category 3 Water Damage

That which is highly contaminated and could cause death or serious illness if consumed by humans. Examples: sewage, rising flood water from rivers and streams, ground surface water flowing horizontally into homes. There are two ways in which water enters a building as a result of wind storm damage:

The first involves falling or windblown rainwater that enters as a result of damage to roof components or wall assemblies. The second involves horizontally traveling ground surface water (Category 3) containing silt and soil contaminants that infiltrate into structures, generally through doors or around foundation walls. This ground surface water (storm surge) may accumulate to a depth of several inches or several feet. When structures are partially submerged or remain substantially flooded for weeks, far more elaborate procedures usually are required.

Have a water damage emergency? Call us today, 410-867-3590

South County Residents: We Specialize in Flooded Basement Cleanup and Restoration!

4/25/2016 (Permalink)

Basement Flooding in South County

A basement can flood at any time, although flooding most often occurs during heavy rainfall. Basements are inherently prone to flooding because they are the lowest level of a building and are normally built partly or entirely below ground level. There are a number of reasons why your South County basement could flood, including: 

·         A blocked or failed sewer lateral pipe

·         Heavy rain causes surface water to pool around your home

·         Storm sewer backup

·         Sanitary sewer backup

·         Foundation drainage failure

·         Water supply-line break or hot-water tank failure

·         And many more

Have Questions about Basement Flooding?

Call Today – SERVPRO of Edgewater/Deale-Churchton/Lothian

If flood water is not handled quickly and properly, it can jeopardize your health and safety, and cause severe damage to your home’s structure. Remember, the longer you wait, the worse the problem will get.

The bottom line: a flooded basement can jeopardize your health, safety, and your home’s integrity. It’s worth making a call to SERVPRO of Edgewater/Deale-Churchton/Lothian and let our trained, professional crews handle the situation safely and correctly. We have earned the trust of hundreds of homeowners, business owners, and property professionals.

We are Flooded Basement Specialists:

·         We are Available 24 hours/7 days per week

·         We’re a Preferred Vendor to many National Insurance Companies

·         We Bill The Insurance Directly – One Less Thing For You To Worry About

·         Our Technicians are Highly-Trained  in Water Restoration Techniques

·         We use s500 IICRC Restoration Standards

·         Advanced Inspection and Extraction Equipment

Basement Flooded? Call Us Today – We’re Ready To Help 410-867-3590

Annapolis Regional Library

4/12/2016 (Permalink)

Annapolis Regional Library reopened today! SERVPRO Owner, Diane Whittles, and General Manager, Chris Goedeke are pictured with library staff Rudy Rodela, Maribel Ibrahim, and Gloria Harbertz.  SERVPRO of Annapolis was thrilled to be a part of the process, drying out an essential county facility!  Whittles said, “We perform restoration services daily but to work with such a cooperative and cohesive team at the library made our job that much easier.  I hope county residents realize how fortunate we are to have the plentiful resources provided by county libraries and their dedicated staff!”  

Freezing Pipes

2/11/2016 (Permalink)

One of the most common things to happen to a home during a cold snap is water damage caused by frozen pipes, especially if your pipes aren't insulated. Even where extremely cold weather is normal in winter, pipes freeze and cause all kinds of problems. Pipes freeze when they're exposed to freezing weather for a few days. Problems come up when frozen pipes thaw; cold weather makes pipes brittle and frozen water has less volume than running water. The pipe breaks due to the cold, water starts running and then you've got a mess on your hands.

Pipes can freeze in 2 main areas – water coming in and water going out. You know water coming in is frozen because nothing comes out the tap. Frozen outgoing pipes from showers, toilets and sinks are a bigger problem because these will back up into the house; that's the reason it's always recommended to keep a little water dripping into the sinks and opening the cabinet doors under the sink ... running water doesn't freeze as easily as standing water.

Every winter season, the pipes in your home are at risk of damage from freezing conditions. Low temperatures can cause your water pipes to freeze, and in some cases burst. Here in Maryland, we can go days with temperatures in the teens. The following tips can help you safeguard your home before, during and after a pipe freezes.

Prevent Your Pipe From Freezing

Monitor Freezing Pipe Conditions

If a Pipe Bursts 

Protect your Home this Winter

1/4/2016 (Permalink)

Being prepared and informed may help you to avoid the messy and often expensive issue of frozen pipes. 

Protect water pipes from freezing by simply allowing water to drip when temperatures dip below freezing. If pipes are under a cabinet, leave the cabinet doors open allowing warm inside air to circulate around the pipes. If the building has outdoor faucets, consider shutting off at the main valve in the basement or crawl space. Once the valve is off, open the outdoor faucet to ensure it drains, preventing any remaining water from freezing in the pipe. 

A few tips for preparing your home for winter weather from your local SERVPRO

10/28/2015 (Permalink)

Example of water marks on a drop ceiling. "It's the water you don't see!"

- Keep cabinet doors open during cold spells. This allows warm air to circulate around pipes. 
- Keep a slow trickle of water flowing through faucets, especially if the pipes for faucets run through unheated or uninsulated areas of your home. 
- Consider shutting off outdoor faucets. Find the shut-off valve in the basement or crawl space and turn it to "off"...
- If you follow the previous steps, then open the outdoor faucet to help ensure it drains completely and the inner valve is shut off. 
- Ensure gutters are clean and secure. Leaves and debris accumulate, causing a damming effect on gutters, which could lead to roof problems and water damage. 
- Proper maintenance of your furnace can help reduce the risk of puffbacks.