Recent Why SERVPRO Posts

Overloaded Electrical Sources Lead to Fire Damage

11/7/2022 (Permalink)

A poorly organized electrical panel is shown. If you have fire damage call SERVPRO of The Lower Shore, Mid-Upper Shore and Talbot / Dorchester (410) 749-2221

Electrical related fires are a dangerous problem. Fire departments responded to an estimated average of 46,700 home fires involving electrical failure or malfunction each year. This is according to research from the National Fire Protection Association.

They also point out that home fires involving electrical failure or malfunction were most likely to occur in cold weather months of January, February, and December, which accounted for three in ten fires (30%). It is likely that home fires are more prevalent in winter months due to the increased use of space heaters and blankets, or flammable objects being left against electrical baseboard heating units.

Do an inspection of your home to see if you have overloaded outlets or other potential electrical problems. If you suspect a problem call a licensed electrician.

If you experience fire damage call in the professional renovation team from SERVPRO. Experience, training and knowledge are key when dealing with fire damage.

We have trained technicians that are ready to help. We are able to respond quicker with the right resources, which is extremely important. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces the restoration cost. Our restoration teams are well trained and properly equipped. We are locally owned, and we know this community. 

We respond to your call 24 hours a day 7 days a week. Our technicians can also help you recover items that are damaged.

If you have fire damage to your home or business, call the local restoration team that the Eastern Shore counts on. SERVPRO of The Lower Shore, Mid-Upper Shore and Talbot / Dorchester (410) 749-2221.

Don’t Let a Small Leak Become a Big Issue

7/22/2022 (Permalink)

A green square is shown with SERVPRO orange logo and the words “Check for small leaks under your sinks” If you suspect a leak or water damage call SERVPRO of The Lower Shore, Mid-Upper Shore and Talbot / Dorchester (410) 749-2221

Often times our team is called to a home or business where a small leak is now a larger problem. Homeowners have told us many times that they regret ignoring a small leak. In some cases, they thought they may have heard something, but didn’t investigate. Hoping it goes away is never a good approach to plumbing problems. 

Monitor your water bills, if you receive one that’s unusually high, and you haven’t been using excess water, a leak is a possibility.  

If you suspect a leak, check the cabinets under the kitchen, laundry, and bathroom sinks to make sure they’re dry. Look for water around the bases of tubs, toilets, and showers and beneath the water heater, dishwasher, and laundry.  

There are other signs of leaks and water damage. Bubbling paint or bulging wallpaper wall discoloration. This could indicate water leaking from behind the drywall and soaking through to the front side. Musty odors and dripping sounds can also indicate a leak.

If you have water damage or suspect a leak, call the local restoration team that the Eastern Shore counts on. SERVPRO of The Lower Shore, Mid-Upper Shore and Talbot / Dorchester (410) 749-2221. 

Our restoration teams are well trained and properly equipped. We are locally owned, and we know this community. 

We have trained technicians that are ready to help. We are able to respond quicker with the right resources, which is extremely important. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces the restoration cost.  

We respond to your call 24 hours a day 7 days a week. Our technicians can also help you recover items that are damaged.

SERVPRO of The Lower Shore, Mid-Upper Shore and Talbot / Dorchester provides 24-hour water damage restoration service (410) 749-2221.

Wet Weather and Being Near the Water Can Lead to Serious Mold

5/19/2022 (Permalink)

Mold in shower is shown close up Mold in a bathroom that is not removed by professionals can spread quickly.

Whether you’re in Cambridge or all the way down in Pocomoke, mold can be a serious concern throughout the Eastern Shore. Mold can spread through your home or business in as little as 24 hours. If you suspect mold be sure to stay out of affected areas until our technicians arrive. Turn off your HVAC system and any fans.

Contact our team, so we can help. SERVPRO of The Lower Shore, Mid-Upper Shore and Talbot / Dorchester, we respond with the right equipment and experience you can trust.

It’s important that you do not touch the visible mold. We’ll take care of it, don’t spray bleach or other disinfectants. Finally, don’t blow air across surfaces where you suspect mold.

A small mold problem can quickly become a major expense if left untreated. Our team can start the remediation process immediately after you contact us. A faster response lessens the mold damage, limits additional damage, and reduces the remediation cost.

SERVPRO of The Lower Shore, Mid-Upper Shore and Talbot / Dorchester has trained, knowledgeable technicians ready to help. 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.

SERVPRO of The Lower Shore, Mid-Upper Shore and Talbot / Dorchester provides 24-hour water damage restoration service (410) 749-2221.

Do You Know How to Shut Off the Water Going into Your Home?

4/9/2022 (Permalink)

A residential water valve with a red handle is shown. If you have water damage, turn off the valve and call SERVPRO of The Lower Shore.

Handling a Water Leak in Your Home 


You suspect a water leak in your home and you’re not exactly sure where the problem started. First you will want to find the main shut-off valve for the home. If your leak is somewhere in the main branch line, or if there is no fixture shut-off valve near the fixture you need to repair you’ll want to find the main shut-off valve. This is usually found in a utility space near where the main water line enters the house, or near the water meter.

This valve will always be located on the same side of the house as the water meter, and it is usually a rather large valve. This valve rarely gets closed, so it may be a little tight. After shutting off the main shut-off valve, open the lowest and also the highest faucet in the home. This will allow water standing in the plumbing system to drain away.

If you discover water damage in your home, you should call the highly trained restoration specialists. Their training is focused on restoring items that can be saved, drying and documenting the process.

We’ve earned trust and a solid reputation on the Eastern Shore. Our staff can also help you navigate the insurance claims process.

A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces the restoration cost. Since we are locally owned and operated, we are able to respond quicker with the right resources, which is extremely important.


SERVPRO of The Lower Shore is the clear choice for restoration services (410) 749-2221.

Serious Water Damage and Mold on the Lower Eastern Shore

2/28/2022 (Permalink)

Mold is shown with different colors including green and yellow, caption reads Mold growth starts in as little as 24 hours. Don’t Hesitate if You Have Water Damage on the Eastern Shore, call The Lower Shore Restoration Team (410) 749-2221

If You Suspect Mold in Your Eastern Shore Home, Call a Professional Restoration Team 

Water damage can be caused by many different things. Storms and flooding are often associated with water damage in the home, but there are many other causes.   

Here are some home maintenance tips that relate to appliances. This will help make your home safer and prevent water damage.   

Appliance maintenance in your laundry

Washing machine: Look for any cracks, weak spots or deformities in the hoses connected to your washing machine to prevent floods or leaks. Replace hoses every five years or as directed by your owner's manual.

Dryer: Clean the filter after every use, no exceptions. Use guidance from the manufacturer to clean out the vent. 

Appliance maintenance in the kitchen

Oven: Check the owner’s manual for recommended maintenance. Regularly inspect the burners to ensure they light up evenly. Check the seal on the oven door; a poorly sealed oven door can cause your appliance to lose a large portion of its heat, driving up utility bills and unevenly cooking food. Inspect the rubber or fiberglass seal around the perimeter of the door for any breaks, and check for leaks with the door closed. Replace if necessary.

Garbage disposal: Check for blockages and remove with tongs, then run the disposal with a deodorizing or cleaning agent such as ice cubes and salt, vinegar or even frozen citrus.

Dishwasher: Follow manufacturer recommendations for cleaning. Regularly inspect the racks for chips and go over them with special touch-up paint to prevent exposed metal and rust, which can damage your dishes.

Fridge: Clean the interior, exterior and coils according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Regularly inspect the seals on the doors for cracks or breaks.

Microwave: Regularly inspect the interior of the microwave to ensure the seals and coatings are intact.

Simple steps to make your home safer and prevent water damage. If you suspect water or mold don’t hesitate to call the trained professionals at SERVPRO of The Lower Shore (410) 749-2221.  

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.  SERVPRO of The Lower Shore has the specific water damage training and experience to help you.

We’ll respond to your Eastern Shore home or business quickly. SERVPRO of The Lower Shore arrives quickly and starts the water extraction process. This immediate response helps to minimize the damage and the cleaning and restoration costs. A delay of just a few hours can greatly increase the severity of the water damage. 

MOLD REMEDIATION and RESTORATION 

SERVPRO of The Lower Shore provides 24-hour fire and water damage restoration service (410) 749-2221.

Flooding and Water Damage on The Eastern Shore

2/3/2022 (Permalink)

The interior of a home damaged by flooding is shown If Your Home has Water Damage from Leaking Pipes or Flooding Call The Lower Shore Restoration Team (410) 749-2221

Flooding and leaking pipes can be a serious threat to your home. There is one thing for sure, if you experience large scale water damage, it will leave behind a large-scale mess. The Eastern Shore has several areas that are known to flood on a regular basis. 

Flooding is the most common and costly natural disaster in the US, this is according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). There are some good reasons to see if you can improve your home’s chances during a flood. One inch of flood water can cause $25,000 in damages to your home.  

A few tips to think about: 

Consider replacing carpet with tile 

Floodproof basements (consider waterproofing compounds and a sump pump) 

Install flood vents in foundation walls 

Invest in a sewer backflow valve   

Call a Professional Restoration Team

If you have water damage in your home call SERVPRO of The Lower Shore (410) 749-2221. We are locally owned and operated, so we can get to you quickly. Don’t let a small mess become a larger, expensive problem. 

SERVPRO of The Lower Shore technicians use advanced water damage inspection and extraction equipment to help them find the moisture and to remove it as fast as possible. The drying process can help avoid the spreading of mold. Water damage in your home can lead to mold in as little as 48 hours. 

The SERVPRO of The Lower Shore team is knowledgeable and experienced. 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.  

You can learn more about our advanced water repair process.

SERVPRO of The Lower Shore provides 24-hour fire and water damage restoration service (410) 749-2221.

Your Local Resource for Home Restoration Will Be There Fast l SERVPRO® of The Lower Shore

2/15/2021 (Permalink)

Do you know how quickly water damage can spread through your home and begin to damage your valuable personal property, furniture and family heirlooms?

The answer is faster than you think.

Within just a few minutes, water contamination can begin to spread throughout your home. It will start soaking into wood and furniture, causing it to warp and making upholstered pieces begin to fade or stain. Additionally, it can begin to impact personal papers and photographs just as quickly.

It barely takes a day to notice wood warping and wet drywall. Mold can start to grow just as quickly, with a musty odor becoming noticeable, in some cases, within a few hours.

Water damage from storms, leaks and burst pipes is a common woe for homeowners. But knowing how quickly it can spread or worsen means that you know it’s time to take action if you notice it.

Your 247 Restoration Team

We know how important it is for you to move fast if your home starts to show signs of water damage. That’s why you can count on our team to be available to you 247.

We’re always here to help you during an emergency, and we pride ourselves on getting to the site fast. If you have an emergency, you can count on us.

Our technicians are highly trained and certified experts. You can trust that the team you work with will know how to restore your home best. They’ll be able to take the advanced technology SERVPRO offers and use it to create a restoration plan you can trust.

If your home is damaged due to fire, water or any other cause, you can always count on us for restoration assistance. We have teams who are available 247 in the event of an emergency. Contact us at any time to learn more about our restoration services and how we can help your family.

SERVPRO is Here to Help during this time of need

3/31/2020 (Permalink)

During this unprecedented time caused by the global pandemic of coronavirus, this is a reminder to our customers that we are specialists in cleaning services, and we adhere to the highest cleaning and sanitation standards.

Specialized Training

We are prepared to clean and disinfect your home or business, according to protocols set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We have years of experience in dealing with biological contaminants, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform on a daily basis.

The CDC encourages cleaning of high-touch surfaces such as counters, tabletops, doorknobs, light switches, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets and tables. Other spaces mentioned in the CDC’s guidance for commercial spaces include:

  • Kitchen/Food Areas
  • Bathrooms
  • Schools/Classrooms
  • Offices
  • Retail Spaces
  • Water Fountains
  • Shelving/Racks
  • Sales Counters
  • Carpets and Rugs
  • Stair Handrails
  • Elevator Cars
  • Playground Equipment
  • Fitness Equipment

Specialized Products

The CDC recommends usage of a labeled hospital-grade disinfectant with claims against similar pathogens to the coronavirus. Multiple products in the SERVPRO product line carry the EPA-approved emerging pathogens claims. While there is currently no product tested against this particular strain of the coronavirus, we are following all guidelines as provided by the CDC and local authorities.

Call Today for a Proactive Cleaning

If your home or business needs deep cleaning services, call the experts today – [SERVPRO of the Lower Shore, 410-749-2221]

Why SERVPRO??

2/20/2019 (Permalink)

Faster to Any Size Disaster

SERVPRO of the Lower Shore services Residential and Commercial properties. We are an Emergency Service company that is open 24/7 that's ready to do any remediation or cleaning for your property.

We consider ourselves Professionals because

  • Provide 24/7 Emergency Services
  • Faster to Any Size Disaster
  • We have trusted Production Managers and Crew Chiefs to lead the way
  • Highly Trained Water Restoration Specialists
  • Preferred Vendor for many local Insurance Companies

We are here to assist you in any needs or questions you may have 24/7. Please call today!

(410)749-2221

IICRC Certified Firm

2/7/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of The Lower Shore is an IICRC firm. The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) creates the standards for the restoration industry and provides training and certification to restoration companies. IICRC Certified Firms have the right to display the IICRC Certified Logo.

IICRC Certified Firms must

• Present accurate information to consumers and conduct business with honesty and integrity.

• Require a technician on all jobs who has been formally trained and passed all required tests.

• Require a continuing education program to keep technicians up-to-date on the latest changes in the industry.

• Maintain liability insurance to protect all parties in the event of an accident.

• Maintain a written complaint policy and agree to Better Business Bureau or similar arbitration to resolve disputes, and accept the conclusions and recommendations of arbitration.

The IICRC Develops The Standards For The Restoration Industry

The IICRC has been the driving force in establishing the main industry standards and reference guides for professional carpet cleaning, water damage restoration and mold remediation. These IICRC standards take years to develop and require the coordination of experts in the field: manufacturers, industry organizations, insurance professionals, training schools, contractors, and public health professionals.

Every five years, the standards are reviewed and updated. The water damage restoration field changes rapidly with advancements in technology and science, and therefore the standards must evolve to keep pace.

About SERVPRO of The Lower Shore

SERVPRO of The Lower Shore 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 and we are an IICRC Certified Firm. We believe in continuous training: 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.

Additional Certifications

  • AQA - Indoor Air Quality Association Microbial Remediator
  • RRT - Carpet Repair & Reinstallation Technician
  • AMRT - Applied Microbial Remediation Technician
  • RRRP - Lead-Based Paint Activities and Renovation
  • OSHA - 10-hour General and/or Construction Industry Training Program
  • SRT - Fire & Smoke Damage Restoration Technician
  • HST - Health and safety Technician
  • MWR - Master Water Restorer
  • MTC - Master Textile Cleaner
  • IICRC Certified Firm
  • ASD - Applied Structural Drying Technician
  • OCT - Odor Control Technician
  • WRT - Water Damage Restoration Technician
  • CRT - Color Repair Technician
  • Residential HVAC Cleaning
  • UFT - Upholstery & Fabric Cleaning Technician
  • CCT - Carpet Cleaning Technician
  • ECTP - Employee Certification Training Program
  • OSHA - 30-hour General and/or Construction Industry Training Program