Recent Posts

Water Damage Turning Into Fire Damage

3/8/2024 (Permalink)

When flooding occurs in your home or business you need to worry when the water rises to the height of electrical outlets. This can result in a loss of power. However, in some cases the results can spark and damage can create a fire in a house, apartment, or commercial building.

There are restoration companies that specialize in water damage, but very few have the experience that can handle fire damage and water damage like SERVPRO of Morgantown. For decades we have been in the business of restoring homes to original condition.

Our expert response teams can pump out a basement and scrub away smoke residues with equal ease. Fortunately, fire damage that is caused by a flooded outlet is usually small and is mainly just smoke damage. In either disaster, removal of drywall is critical so that the workload is not as difficult to deal with.

However, the rising smoke can leave residue higher up on the walls, requiring more panels to be removed. Ceiling tiles can also require cleaning after a fire as well. When an outlet is damaged by water, it needs a replacement from the hardware store, which typically costs less than $5 apiece.

The spot where the fire begins, the point of ignition, would be the outlet in this case. The wires leading to the outlet are melted to the outlet box and may require cutting from above where there is any damage.

It is important to inspect the rest of the building as well to ensure that the fried wires did not compromise any other building materials. If the damage runs very far back along the wires, then they require replacing so that the new outlet is in the original location.

Our technicians are trained to run new wiring from any point in the structure back to the breaker box if it is needed to rebuild the wiring system of your home or business. This task is extremely easy! A different team member removes the flooded drywall; exposing the drywall for easier access.

Dealing with damage from a flood can be a very difficult and stressful process. Restoring your home and property from both requires professional treatment and care from experts with a nationwide support network or equipment. SERVPRO of Morgantown is ready to help you whenever disaster strikes.

Tracie "Dusty" Nichols

304-291-3434

What is Acrid?

2/23/2024 (Permalink)

Do you know that nasty sting you feel in your nose when walking by a building that has recently burned down? It's unpleasant & hazardous. The odor is sulfur mixed with smoke. It's called Acrid.

What’s the best way to get rid of it?

  • Smoke contains the residue of all the burned materials and it can be Caustic. Special equipment is used to completely clean the air. 

Ozone Machines   Air Scrubbers 

  • Ozone Machines destroy the Molecules, Bacteria, and Spores that cause unpleasant smells.
  • Air Scrubbers clean the air by repeatedly moving it through HEPA filters which help reduce the smell.

What else is involved? Other necessary steps involve: (1) Clean all the hard surfaces (2) Wash or treat clothes, drapes, carpets, and upholstery. A fire doesn’t always destroy a building, smoke, however, can ruin everything it contacts.

Make sure you do all that’s needed to “clear the air.” SERVPRO® of Morgantown here to help with all your fire damage needs. We are open 24/7, 365 days a year to help you get back to normal. 

Call us at 304-291-3434

Tracie "Dusty" Nichols

304-291-3434

Do You Need A Power Surge?

1/26/2024 (Permalink)

A power surge is an unwanted and unexpected surge of voltage that can damage or destroy your electronic equipment. Most people think of lightning and/or storms as the source of power surges however, the National Electrical Manufacturers Association estimates over 60% of surges originate from inside the home. 

A surge protector will protect your smaller, more expensive electronics. Some surge protectors include outlets for ethernet, cable, or satellite connections. Surge protectors are relatively easy to use. You simply plug them into the device you wish to protect. Only the electronics plugged into the device will be protected. Most surge protectors look like a power strip. Be sure to determine you are using an actual surge protector and not a power strip. The surge protector limits the unexpected voltage supplied to the electronic device by blocking those voltages that are above a safe level. If a surge does happen, and your electronics were protected, you will need to replace the surge protector after the event. You will also need to replace your surge protectors over time to ensure they will work properly when needed. While surge protectors offer a great deal of protection, no surge protector can handle a direct lightning strike. 

There are many threats to your home, both inside and out. SERVPRO of Morgantown strives to educate home and business owners on protecting their most valuable assets.

Tracie "Dusty" Nichols

304-291-3434

First Impressions

12/8/2023 (Permalink)

Owning a successful business is an incredible achievement. Whether it’s a local shopping center or a franchise bank they all have one thing in common – clients.

Having a reliable client base can really make your business soar. Having great customer service and a reliable product is only half of it. Clients and consumers like to feel safe in your business property surroundings.

With restrooms and facilities open to the public, you can’t guarantee what others may or may not do. We understand how important your business is to you. Impressions are a big deal and we want to make sure your company is in the best of shape. When a local business contacted us, we made sure their bathroom was clean and free from blood borne pathogens.

Our team is highly trained in working with biohazard materials that can be potentially hazardous for you and your clients. We work quickly to clean and sanitize all areas so that you can get back to managing your business. SERVPRO of Morgantown cares about the businesses that make this community thrive. We understand that closing your doors to biohazard materials can mean losing profit. We work quickly to minimize this issue as best we can.

Tracie "Dusty" Nichols 

304-291-3434 

Children and Fire Safety

11/10/2023 (Permalink)

When it comes to children, you can never prepare enough in the event of a fire. Making sure that children know what to do and what not to do can go a long way in safety. What a smoke alarm sounds like: Some children run and hide when an alarm sounds a house-fire warning. Making and practicing a house fire escape plan helps them respond appropriately to the alarm.

What a firefighter looks like at a fire:

  • Show your children with the equipment a firefighter may be wearing and/or carrying. Children may hide instead of responding to their calls. 

Escape routes:

  • Always teach children two ways out of every room (i.e., window and door).

Stay low during escape:

  • Crawl as close to the floor as possible under smoke to a safe exit. Test the safety of their exit route: Use the back of the hand to test if a closed door is hot. If it is hot, use another way out.

Where to meet after escape:

  • Everyone must meet at a previously designated meeting place outside the home so that firefighters know that all persons are out of the house.

How to call for help:

  • Call 911 from a neighbor's home. 

Stay out:

  • Never go back inside a burning home to get anything such as toys, clothes or pets These tips are a great way to ensure your children are prepared in the event you have a house fire.

Tracie "Dusty" Nichols

304-291-3434

3 Precautions To Take Before A Fire

9/1/2023 (Permalink)

Fires start and spread quickly, especially with the flammable items that fill our homes. Do you want to be caught in a fire, unprepared? Take a close read of the points below. Go over them a few times because your pet's life may be at stake.  3 Precautions To Take Before A Fire 

Ensure your pet's bed isn’t near any items that are highly flammable. Household items like curtains or chemicals are dangerously fast to go up in flames. Keep your pet's bed(s) near easily escapable areas, such as the front or back doors (we know this might sound crazy in day to day). 

Place a leash near the front door. When a fire breaks out in your home every second is crucial. By placing their leash near the door you will know exactly where to go in the frantic moments. This saves more confusion when you’re outside, trying to keep your pets close to you.  

Train your pet(s) with basic (but vital) commands. It’s vitally important that your pet knows basic commands like “come”. This simple but effective step will also save time when leaving the house. It may also help you avoid having to search for your pet.  3 Simple Steps To Take After The Fire  

Place your pet on a leash. Not only will this help them feel secure, but pets commonly try to escape when they feel stressed. Having them on a leash will reduce the risk of them running away, or getting injured outside the house.  

Give your pet water. It’s likely your pet will become hot and dehydrated after being around a fire. Make sure they have access to drinking water once you have left the house. This will help stop them from becoming overheated.   

Make sure your pet is okay. Look and feel for any burns or injuries. It is recommended that you take your pet to a local vet for a general health assessment as soon as possible.  

We hope that this has helped and you have found value. If you have any further questions please call us on.

Tracie "Dusty" Nichols

304-291-3434

Here 24/7 For Your Families Needs.

8/4/2023 (Permalink)

Let's be real:

Emergencies don’t wait to happen on a day that’s convenient for you. A house fire or an office flood won’t wait until your birthday is over or until Christmas Day comes to an end. It's why we at SERVPRO of Morgantown have to stand ready for when tragedy strikes, whenever that may be. It doesn’t matter if it’s Easter morning or the night of New Year’s Eve. Life happens, and both the good and the bad come along with it.

At SERVPRO, we want to make sure whatever nature might through your way is taken care of properly! Whether it’s water damage, fire damage, storm damage, or an issue with mold, we are ready to help you, and “Faster to any size disaster” at that! That’s why we are here for you 24/7, 365 days a year.

Facing a disaster can be terrifying and dealing with its effects is very stressful. We hope to diminish the stress you could be facing with our guarantee. We know the importance of reliability. We are a very trusted and known company , and have been in business for years. As a family-owned business, we pride ourselves on fast response, doing great work, and taking care of our customers! If you ever face a disaster, day or night, we are here to help, 365 days a year!

Tracie "Dusty" Nichols

304-291-3434

Weather Damage To Your Home.

7/7/2023 (Permalink)

In any type of weather there are lots of different issues that could cause damage to your home;

Roof damage is one of those. Damage due to storms is the most typical, but there are several things that COULD cause the damage to your roof some being more visible than others.  

It is always good practice to have your roof inspected every 10-12 years, unless there has been a specific issue that may have caused a reason to check it sooner such as a severe storm, hail, or some other sort of natural disaster. Unfortunately, when your roof becomes damaged it can lead to bigger issues that may ultimately cause water damage to the interior of your home.    Here we mention a few things to look for when you are inspecting your roof:     Loose or missing shingles: this could be caused by high winds, improper installation, or simply wearing out over exposure to the elements through the years. Loose nails can also leave a hole in the shingle that water can find its way through as well.  

Poor installation of the flashing. "Flashing" is the metal that is placed in the sections where the roof meets the walls, or in the valleys. This must be installed properly to divert water from the roof.    

Gutters that are not placed with the right pitch, or that have seams that are not sealed properly can also cause water to back up and then overflow into the house causing water damage to ceilings and/or walls. Not having gutter guards to keep leaves and debris from collecting in the gutters can cause overflow of water that can result in damage to your roof and other areas of your home as well.    

Rotted fascia or soffit can also be an area that allows water to intrude.   

If you suspect that you may have roof damage causing water damage to your home please feel free to contact us at  and we will be happy to assist you. SERVPRO® of Morgantown can also supply emergency tarping and board up if the need may arise.  SERVPRO® of y will be there for all of your home repairs or accidents.

Tracie "Dusty" Nichols

304-291-3434 

The 4 Key Factors in Commercial Restoration

6/9/2023 (Permalink)

The 4 Key Factors in Commercial Restoration

Residential restoration and commercial restoration are very different types of projects. Residential is very emotional for the customer and family that resides in the home and also is very personal due to the contents within the home having very sentimental attachments.

Commercial restoration can also be emotional for the clients but due to their being more stakeholders involved in the loss things can get much more complex. In commercial restoration we have business interruption, customer impact, Inventory issues and contents maintenance. For the commercial restoration process to go smoothly the 4 key factors are: safety, stability, continuity and communication.

Factor 1: Safety 

  • Safety is the paramount concern when it comes to commercial restoration projects because nothing is more important than the people. There are a variety of safety issues when on a commercial restoration project including mold exposure, hazardous materials, structural weaknesses, utility hazards including gas and electrical and construction related safety hazards. With all of these factors together the risk is just too great for secondary damage and additional loss if safety is not at the forefront of the project. Safety must not only be the first step in commercial restoration but must also be a key factor in every stage of the project.

Factor 2: Stability 

  • Stabilizing the loss is the first priority so that we can limit any secondary damage to the building or property. This included stopping the source of the water intrusion, putting out the fire and tarping up the roof and areas of the house that are exposed to the elements. As soon as the disaster is contained the team can begin the process of pre-cleaning, water extraction, dehumidification, salvaging contents and setting up various levels of containment around the property area is all part of the emergency services phase.  

Factor 3: Communication  

  • The most important thing in any job big or small is always going to be communication. As a restoration company your communication should be on point with all of the parties involved including the client, adjusters, clerks, agents and all other POI’s. Commercial restoration can be a very fluid and moving science with scope changes, directive changes and client requests so the restoration company must have good communication. The company must be able to make split second decisions and communicate that to their crew instantly with good follow up and leadership from the technicians. Solid communication will allow everyone to prepare, plan and adapt to the changing needs of a large project.  

Factor 4: Business Continuity 

  • Businesses need some assurances that they will be back up and running as a company very soon following a loss. As a company SERVPRO of Morgantown will do everything in their power to make sure that our commercial clients are back up and running their business in some capacity as soon as possible. Clients who don’t feel that their restoration project managers are making these efforts for business continuity will replace those companies quickly. Expediting the restoration and the reconstruction needs of a commercial client ensures that they can get back to normal operations sooner rather than later.  

I hope this little blog has given you a little tad-bit of what the actuality of what commercial restoration can be like and its differences from residential restoration. If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to call us at SERVPRO of Morgantown at 304-291-3434.

Tracie "Dusty" Nichols

304-291-3434

Property Damage from Storms

5/12/2023 (Permalink)

As we head into the summer months, West Virginia storms may be on their way, which can cause damage to your home. While we have experienced a dry spring, you never know when a sudden storm could form in our area. Below are some different ways a storm can cause property damage.  

Roof Damage  

  • High winds and water are the perfect combination to damage your roof. Whether it is tearing off shingles or opening a crack that creates a leak, your roof is the first and foremost concern after a violent storm. Additionally, trees and branches could be brought down during the storm, causing obviously devastating damage.  

Siding 

  • Similar to your roof, wind and rain can tear siding off your home or create leaks. After a storm, walk around the perimeter of your home and make sure nothing has come loose or been torn off.  

Foundation Damage  

  • While you may not think about your foundation being damaged in a storm, a storm with a large volume of rain can cause flooding into your basement. Rain can sink down and pool up next to your foundation, increasing the pressure of water against your foundation wall, which could result in cracks, shifting, sinking, and bowed foundation walls. 

These are just a few ways that storms can damage your home. If you ever have damage that you want professionally inspected, give us a call and we will see what we can do to help you get your home back to normal.

Tracie "Dusty" Nichols

309-291-3434