Archived General Blog Posts
Follow Us on Your Favorite Social Media Network
11/19/2017 (Permalink)
Calling All Social Butterflies! Find SERVPRO of Upper Darby on your favorite network.
Let’s Be Social - Follow Us, Like Us, Watch Us
Join our Social Media Community and keep in touch with what's going on.
When you Follow, Like or Watch SERVPRO of Upper Darby, PA on your favorite network you'll receive:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SERVPRO.upperdarby/
Google+: https://plus.google.com/112760091897644337098
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/SERVPRO-upper-darby-498ab425/
SERVPRO of Upper Darby, PA
Call SERVPRO of Upper Darby, PA at (610) 352-0700 for all your cleaning, water damage, fire damage and mold remediation needs!
We have the training and expertise to help make it “Like it never even happened.”
How to Thaw a Frozen Turkey (And How Not To)
11/11/2017 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Upper Darby, PA
What You Need to Know
Thawing a frozen turkey takes time, but you’ve got a few options if you find yourself behind schedule. You’ll need to take special care when defrosting your Thanksgiving turkey, since some approaches (like defrosting it on the counter) are unsafe.
You’ve got at least two safe alternatives for safely thawing your frozen turkey and a third option if your turkey is small enough. Here’s what you need to know about each method:
Refrigerator Thawing
This is the easiest method for defrosting a turkey but it also takes the longest amount of time
- Place the unopened frozen turkey (breast side up) on a tray that will prevent the turkey juices from dripping on other foods.
- Place the frozen turkey in the fridge after making sure your refrigerator temperature is set at 40 °F or below.
- Allow about 24 hours for each 4 to 5 pounds of frozen turkey
Approximate Times to Defrost a Whole Turkey in the Fridge:
10 pounds: 2 days plus 12 hours
15 pounds: 3 days plus 18 hours
20 pounds: 5 days
25 pounds: 6 days plus 6 hours
Check out this handy online calculator to determine how long it will take to defrost your frozen turkey.
A turkey that’s been defrosted in the refrigerator can be kept for an additional 1 to 2 days in the fridge before cooking. Another plus of thawing turkey in the refrigerator: If your plans change and you decide not to cook the turkey at all, you can safely refreeze the defrosted turkey within 1 to 2 days (although there may be some loss of quality).
Cold Water Thawing
You can defrost your frozen turkey much faster in cold water. But compared to refrigerator thawing, the process will require a lot more attention on your behalf.
- Make sure the frozen turkey is in a leak-proof package or plastic bag.
- Submerge the bagged turkey in cold tap water (never use warm or hot water, as that can cause the outer layer to heat up to a temperature where harmful bacteria begins to multiply.
- Change the water every 30 minutes, to ensure that it stays cold enough.
- Using this thawing method, you should estimate about 30 minutes of defrosting time per pound of turkey.
Approximate Time to Defrost a Whole Turkey in Cold Water:
10 pounds: 5 hours
15 pounds: 7 hours
20 pounds: 10 hours
25 pounds: 12 hours
A turkey that’s been defrosted in cold water must be cooked as soon as it’s completely thawed. You should NOT refreeze raw turkey that’s been defrosted using this method. Once cooked thoroughly, you can refreeze a turkey.
Microwave Thawing
If your frozen turkey is tiny enough, and you’re pressed for time, you can defrost a turkey in the microwave.
- Check your owner’s manual for the minutes per pound and the power level to use for thawing.
- Remove all outside wrapping.
- Place on a microwave-safe dish to catch any juices that might leak.
A turkey that’s been defrosted in the microwave must be cooked as soon as it’s completely thawed. You should NOT refreeze raw turkey that’s been defrosted using this method. Once cooked thoroughly, you can refreeze a turkey.
How Not to Defrost Your Frozen Turkey
You should never thaw a frozen turkey on the counter at room temperature or in hot water. Under either of those methods, the outer layer of the turkey can sit between the bacteria-breeding temperatures of 40°F and 140 °F for far too long to be safe.
Click Here For More Holiday Safety & Cleaning Tips
Call SERVPRO of Upper Darby, PA at (610) 352-0700 for all your cleaning, water damage, fire damage and mold remediation needs!
Highly Trained Restoration Specialists in Upper Darby, PA
9/18/2017 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Upper Darby’s staff
is highly trained in property damage restoration
SERVPRO of Bear/New Castle, DE Is An IICRC Certified Firm That Is Locally Owned And Operated In Upper Darby, PA
Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s Corporate Training Facility to regular IICRC industry certifications, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property. Our training program includes the following:
IICRC Training
- Employee Certification Training
- Initial Franchise Training
- e-Learnings
- Continuing Education Classes
IICRC Training and Certification
The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) certifies and sets the standards for the cleaning and restoration industries. Our Professionals study IICRC standards and best practices in water restoration, fire restoration, mold remediation, carpet and upholstery cleaning, and other cleaning and restoration courses.
IICRC Certifications
- Applied Microbial Remediation Technician (AMRT)
This four-day course covers mold and sewage remediation techniques and how to perform these procedures in the field while protecting the health and safety of workers and occupants on your property.
- Applied Structural Drying Technician (ASD)
Technicians learn to dry water-damaged structures efficiently and effectively using monitoring devices, extraction systems, and drying equipment. This three-day course includes comprehensive classroom and hands-on training to develop technical and practical drying expertise.
- Carpet Cleaning Technician (CCT)
This two-day course covers pre-inspection, fabric identification, cleaning chemicals and equipment, and proper cleaning techniques for residential and commercial applications.
- Fire and Smoke Restoration Technician (FSRT)
Technicians will learn about types of smoke and fire damage, job planning, equipment, and practical cleaning procedures in fire and smoke settings. This two-day course also includes instruction on odor and deodorization concepts.
- Odor Control Technician (OCT)
Technicians learn to address odors and deodorization techniques. This one-day course covers odor control caused by biological sources such as decomposition, urine contamination, mold, and other sources.
- Upholstery and Fabric Cleaning Technician (UFT)
Technicians learn fiber identification and upholstery cleaning methods. This two-day course also covers identifying upholstery cleaning problems before fabrics shrink, bleed, crown, or distort.
- Water Damage Restoration Technician (WRT)
This three-day course covers the concepts of water damage and its effects in residential and commercial settings. Technicians learn techniques and procedures to deal with water losses, sewer backflows, and contamination such as mold.
Employee Certification Training
The Employee Certification Training is a voluntary, self-paced program designed for SERVPRO Franchise employees. Certification is awarded after successful completion of course materials and an examination.
Modules include:
Initial Franchise Training
A 15-day hands-on course at the SERVPRO Corporate Training Facility is the foundation of the SERVPRO training program. This course is primarily for new Franchise owners and covers many restoration topics:
e-Learnings
All of our staff have access to web-based training. This voluntary program is designed to be an ongoing, self-paced coaching series for a Franchise's employees. Video presentations and support materials are followed by a knowledge test at the end of each module. This keeps our technicians and office staff up to speed on industry standards and the professional quality you expect.
Continuing Education Classes
SERVPRO of Bear / New Castle, DE offers both credit and noncredit courses for insurance agents, insurance adjusters, real estate professionals, and Franchise staff. These programs are designed to improve knowledge of emergency mitigation. Courses include:
SERVPRO of Upper Darby, PA understands the stress and worry that comes with a fire or water damage and the disruption it causes your life and in your home or business. Our goal is to help minimize the interruption to your life and quickly make it "Like it never even happened."
SERVPRO of Upper Darby, PA specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial properties after a fire damage, smoke damage, water damage and/or mold contamination, as well as provides trauma cleanup, vandalism cleanup, carpet cleaning and duct cleaning services for your home or business.
Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certifications, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge and experience to restore your property. With a nationwide system of qualified franchises, no damage is too large or too small for SERVPRO of Upper Darby, PA.
If you would like to schedule service for your home or business, please call us at (610) 352-0700
Visit us online to meet our team and learn more about our services.
Website: www.SERVPROupperdarby.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SERVPRO.upperdarby
SERVPRO of Upper Darby, PA & The American Red Cross Join Forces For A Greater Cause
8/30/2017 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Upper Darby, PA and the American Red Cross
join forces for a greater cause.
Helping Upper Darby, PA prepare for “Any size disaster”
SERVPRO of Upper Darby, PA is a proud National Sponsor for the Red Cross “Ready Rating” Program.
SERVPRO of Upper Darby, PA, continues to be a national sponsor of the American Red Cross Ready Rating program, a free, self-guided program designed to help businesses, organizations and schools become better prepared for emergencies.
This partnership just makes perfect sense and truly completes the readiness equation for businesses and other property owners in Delaware County, PA. The American Red Cross Ready Rating Program allows individuals to assess their readiness for a disaster, so they can take all necessary steps before disaster strikes to protect their property from damage and loss. When disaster does strike, knowing what to do and who to call saves time – and fast response is key to minimizing damage and downtime. That’s where SERVPRO of Upper Darby’s Emergency READY Program can help. Together, these two programs offer maximum peace of mind to residents and businesses whenever there’s a threat of severe weather – such as freezing rains, below 0 temperatures, high winds, downpours, flash flooding, fires caused by lightning strikes and even tornadoes spawned by thunderstorms.
SERVPRO of Upper Darby, PA joins in community outreach efforts to educate and highlight the importance of community preparedness in neighborhoods across the Delaware County.
SERVPRO of Upper Darby, PA urges all property owners in Upper Darby, PA to visit the American Red Cross Ready Rating website now at http://readyrating.org to complete a 123-point self-assessment of their level of preparedness for weather-related or other emergencies. Aligned with the federal government's Private Sector Preparedness standards, the Ready Rating assessment offers businesses, organizations and schools access to tools, tips and best practices to help improve their level of preparedness.
Keys to the program are the following Five Essential Steps to Preparedness – the cornerstones of the Ready Rating program:
- Commit to Preparedness
- Conduct a Hazard Vulnerability Assessment
- Develop an Emergency Response Plan
- Implement your Emergency Response Plan
- Help Your Community Get Prepared
The time to prepare for a disaster is before it happens. Taking steps to make your property as secure as possible, then having a plan to deal with the aftermath if disaster does strike is just good business and common sense. At SERVPRO of Upper Darby, PA, we can help you create a disaster recovery plan, specific to you.
SERVPRO of Upper Darby, PA specializes in disaster restoration, cleanup and repair services, helping to remediate damage, making it “Like it never even happened,” for both commercial and residential customers. For more information on the American Red Cross Ready Rating program, please visit http://readyrating.org/.
SERVPRO of Upper Darby, PA understands the stress and worry that comes with a fire or water damage and the disruption it causes your life and in your home or business. Our goal is to help minimize the interruption to your life and quickly make it "Like it never even happened."
SERVPRO of Upper Darby, PA specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial properties after a fire damage, smoke damage, water damage and/or mold contamination, as well as provides trauma cleanup, vandalism cleanup, carpet cleaning and duct cleaning services for your home or business.
Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certifications, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge and experience to restore your property. With a nationwide system of qualified franchises, no damage is too large or too small for SERVPRO of Upper Darby, PA.
If you would like to schedule service for your home or business, please call us at (610) 352-0700
Visit us online to meet our team and learn more about our services.
Website: www.SERVPROupperdarby.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SERVPRO.upperdarby
Residential & Commercial Restoration & Cleaning Company That Response Faster to Any Size Disaster in Upper Darby, PA
8/9/2017 (Permalink)
Faster to Any size disaster in Delaware County, PA
Call SERVPRO of Upper Darby, PA (610) 352-0700
SERVPRO of Upper Darby, PA Is a Trusted Leader in the Restoration Industry
We provide 24-hour emergency service and are dedicated to responding faster to any size disaster. With the training and expertise to handle your restoration and cleaning needs, we’re locally owned and operated and can respond immediately to your emergency.
Residential Services
With over 1,700 Franchises in the U.S. and Canada, there’s a SERVPRO nearby and ready to help. SERVPRO of Upper Darby, PA technicians are highly trained and use advanced equipment and techniques to clean and restore your home. Our focus on training and documentation help our technicians make your house feel like home again.
Commercial Services
Your property’s appearance speaks volumes to your clients. When it’s impacted by fire or water damage, you need professional help. Every hour spent restoring your business is lost revenue and productivity. When you need professional cleaning or emergency restoration services, we have the training and resources to get your property back to business quickly.
Locally Owned Company with National Resources
We are proud to be an active member of this community. SERVPRO of Upper Darby, PA is locally owned and operated, so we’re already nearby and ready to help residents and business owners in our community with any size cleaning or restoration emergencies.
We are proud to serve our local communities:
- Upper Darby
- East Landsdowne
- Clifton Heights
- Havertown
- Drexel Hill
- Lansdowne
- Aldan
SERVPRO of Upper Darby, PA understands the stress and worry that comes with a fire or water damage and the disruption it causes your life and in your home or business. Our goal is to help minimize the interruption to your life and quickly make it "Like it never even happened."
SERVPRO of Upper Darby, PA specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial properties after a fire & smoke damage, water damage and/or mold contamination, as well as provides trauma & vandalism cleanup, carpet cleaning and duct cleaning services for your home or business.
Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certifications, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge and experience to restore your property. With a nationwide system of qualified franchises, no damage is too large or too small for SERVPRO of Upper Darby, PA.
If you would like to schedule service for your home or business, please call us at (610) 352-0700
Visit us online to meet our team and learn more about our services.
Website: www.SERVPROupperdarby.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SERVPRO.upperdarby
Upper Darby, PA Like us on Facebook
8/3/2017 (Permalink)
Join SERVPRO of Upper Darby, PA on Facebook for
tips and advice for your home and business.
https://www.facebook.com/SERVPRO.upperdarby
Upper Darby, PA ...Join our Facebook community and keep in touch with what's going on.
We provide valuable cleaning tips, home and business tips, advice to help avoid costly repairs, and a whole lot more.
LIKE us on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/SERVPRO.upperdarby
SERVPRO of Upper Darby, PA understands the stress and worry that comes with a fire or water damage and the disruption it causes your life and in your home or business. Our goal is to help minimize the interruption to your life and quickly make it "Like it never even happened."
SERVPRO of Upper Darby, PA specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial properties after a fire damage, smoke damage, water damage and/or mold contamination, as well as provides trauma cleanup, vandalism cleanup, carpet cleaning and duct cleaning services for your home or business.
Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certifications, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge and experience to restore your property. With a nationwide system of qualified franchises, no damage is too large or too small for SERVPRO of Upper Darby, PA.
If you would like to schedule service for your home or business, please call us at (610) 352-0700.
Visit us online to meet our team and learn more about our services.
Pennsylvania Office: www.SERVPROupperdarby.com
WHY IS KNOWING THE WINDCHILL IMPORTANT
2/8/2016 (Permalink)
Since we do 24 hour emergency water damage cleanup from frozen pipes we definitely understand wind chill. When temperatures drop into a deep freeze we can get quite busy. When Mother Nature decides to add heavy winds to the already low temperatures we know we’ll get even busier, faster! The combination of freezing temperatures coupled with the driving winds blast frigid air into areas of your home and/or business and cause damage that would otherwise likely be Ok.
Now, what does wind chill mean to you and how can it affect you when you’re outside?
Wind chill describes the rate of heat loss from exposed skin due to the combined effect of wind and cold. As wind speed increases, heat is lost from the body at an accelerated rate lowering the body temperature. Dangerous wind chills begin at -19 F (-29 C). Winds of more than 45 mph (39 kt; 20 m/s) add little to the chilling effect. Wind chill can also affect animals. Please refer to the pictured NWS wind chill chart for more data and to help determine frostbite times.
As a bonus, what is the heat index?
The heat index or the "Apparent Temperature" is a measure of how hot it feels due to the combined effects of air temperature and relative humidity (RH). Heat-induced danger begins at 105 F (41 C).
SERVPRO of Upper Darby, PA & SERVPRO of Bear/New Castle, DE, proudly serves those in need! We will be on site quickly and our staff will give you the personalized attention you deserve. We specialize in the cleanup of water damage, fire damage, smoke damage, mold removal, trauma cleanup, vandalism cleanup, carpet cleaning and duct cleaning. Let us help you make it, “Like it never even happened!” Visit either of our websites for assistance. Pennsylvania customers visit –www.SERVPROupperdarby.com or www.SERVPRObearnewcastle.com if you’re located in Delaware. To speak to a qualified team member, call 1-877-352-0700.
IS IT GOING TO RAIN TODAY? UNDERSTANDING THE WEATHER FORECAST
2/2/2016 (Permalink)
(Courtesy: National Weather Service/NOAA, Department of Commerce)
Since we do 24 hour emergency water damage cleanup we definitely keep an eye on the weather. Each time it rains or storms we can get a wide range of phone calls from overflowing sump pumps to leaky windows & roofs, so it's important for us to follow and understand Weather Forecast Terminology. Here's some helpful information that should help you understand what all those weather terms mean.
Every day people check the weather forecast to plan their daily activities, but do they really understand what the meteorologist is telling them? This blog is intended to develop a better understanding of those forecasts. It is designed to help people make informed decisions about travel plans, sports practices and events, campouts or other outdoor activities before hazardous weather develops.
The National Weather Service (NWS) is the federal agency charged with providing weather services to the nation. It is the official source of watches, warnings and advisories for hazardous weather. Weather forecasts and warnings can be received directly from the NWS through its nationwide network of NOAA Weather Radio.
This blog will use terminology as defined by the NWS. Forecast products issued by countries other than the US have different criteria. Forecasters outside of the NWS (such as on radio and television) may use different terms or place a different meaning on weather terms.
WEATHER FORECAST TERMINOLOGY
The basic weather forecast includes the following weather elements: precipitation, probability of precipitation, sky condition, temperature and wind. Forecasts describe the weather in 12-hour increments such as "today", "tonight" and "tomorrow." Forecasters often use descriptive terms to convey the forecast message. While these terms may be subjective, the NWS attempts to standardize them.
Details on precipitation probabilities, sky conditions and wind will be provided in future blogs as well as information about additional Basic Weather Terms and Fire and Winter Related Terms.
SERVPRO of Upper Darby, PA & SERVPRO of Bear/New Castle, DE, proudly serves those in need! We will be on site quickly and our staff will give you the personalized attention you deserve. We specialize in the cleanup of water damage, fire damage, smoke damage, mold removal, trauma cleanup, vandalism cleanup, carpet cleaning and duct cleaning. Let us help you make it, “Like it never even happened!” Visit either of our websites for assistance. Pennsylvania customers visit –www.SERVPROupperdarby.com or www.SERVPRObearnewcastle.com if you’re located in Delaware. To speak to a qualified team member, call 1-877-352-0700.
24/7 Emergency Service
