What To Do If My Smoke Detector Goes Off? 

5/18/2023 (Permalink)

Smoke detectors can go off even when there is no actual fire.

Smoke detectors are one of the most essential safety devices in any home. They are designed to alert you to the presence of smoke, which could be an indication of a fire. However, sometimes smoke detectors can go off even when there is no actual fire. This can be due to a variety of reasons such as cooking smoke, steam, or even dust. Here are some steps to take if your smoke detector goes off.

• Stay Calm: The first and most important thing to do is to stay calm. The loud, piercing sound of a smoke detector can be very unsettling and cause panic. However, it's important to remain calm so you can think clearly and take appropriate action.
• Determine the Source of the Smoke: Once you're calm, try to determine the source of the smoke. If you see smoke or smell something burning, then there may be a fire. However, if you don't see or smell anything, then the smoke detector may be triggered by something else. Check the room for any signs of smoke or fire.
• Silence the Alarm: If you determine that there is no actual fire, then you can silence the alarm. Most smoke detectors have a button that you can press to silence the alarm. If you're not sure which button to press, refer to the user manual.
• Ventilate the Room: If there was no actual fire, then you should ventilate the room to clear out any smoke or steam. Open a window or turn on a fan to help disperse the smoke.
• Check the Batteries: If the smoke detector continues to go off, then it may be due to low batteries. Check the batteries and replace them if necessary.
• Call for Help: If you determine that there is an actual fire, then you should call for help immediately. Call 911 or your local emergency number and provide them with your location and details about the fire.

Smoke detectors are an essential safety device in any home. If your smoke detector goes off, stay calm, determine the source of the smoke, silence the alarm, ventilate the room, check the batteries, and call for help if necessary. Remember to test your smoke detectors regularly to ensure they are functioning properly.

SERVPRO Of Norwood West Roxbury is The #1 Choice in Cleanup and Restoration for residential and commercial buildings’ fire, mold, water, and storm damage. 

We service Blackstone, Hopedale, Mendon, Milford, Natick, North Natick, and South Natick MA.

Can Cooking Grease Cause Fires?

5/9/2023 (Permalink)

To prevent cooking grease fires, it is important to take a few simple precautions

Cooking is a daily activity for many people, and while it can be a fun and satisfying experience, it can also be dangerous if proper safety measures are not taken. One common kitchen hazard is the risk of fires caused by cooking grease.

Cooking grease is the oil or fat that is left over after cooking, and it can be found in many different forms such as bacon grease, butter, vegetable oil, and more. It is a common ingredient in many recipes and can be very useful in the kitchen, but it can also be a serious fire hazard if not handled properly.

The reason why cooking grease is so dangerous is that it is highly flammable. If the grease becomes too hot, it can ignite and start a fire. This can happen if you leave a pan on the stove unattended or if you overheat the grease while cooking.

To prevent cooking grease fires, it is important to take a few simple precautions:

• Never leave hot grease unattended: When you are cooking with grease, it is important to stay in the kitchen and keep an eye on the pan at all times. If you need to step away, turn off the heat and remove the pan from the stove.
• Use a splatter guard: A splatter guard is a mesh screen that is placed over the top of a pan to prevent hot grease from splattering out. This can help reduce the risk of a fire.
• Keep a lid nearby: If a fire does break out, you should immediately cover the pan with a lid to smother the flames. This will help prevent the fire from spreading.
• Store grease properly: After cooking with grease, it is important to store it in a safe and secure container. This can be a metal can or a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid. Never pour grease down the drain, as this can clog pipes and cause other problems.
• Dispose of grease safely: When you are ready to dispose of the grease, wait for it to cool completely and then scrape it into a container that can be sealed. This can then be thrown away in the trash.

In addition to these precautions, it is also important to have a working fire extinguisher in the kitchen and to know how to use it. If a fire does break out, you should use the extinguisher to put out the flames. If the fire is too large or if you are not able to put it out, evacuate the building immediately and call 911.

SERVPRO Of Norwood West Roxbury is The #1 Choice in Cleanup and Restoration for residential and commercial buildings’ fire, mold, water, and storm damage. 

We service Blackstone, Hopedale, Mendon, Milford, Natick, North Natick, and South Natick MA.

What is spring weather like in Boston MA? 

4/26/2023 (Permalink)

As the weather warms up, Bostonians and visitors alike take advantage of the many outdoor activities available in the city.

Boston, Massachusetts is a city that experiences four distinct seasons throughout the year. With mild temperatures, blooming flowers, and an abundance of outdoor activities, the city comes to life after a long, cold winter.

The spring season in Boston typically begins in March and lasts through May. During this time, temperatures can vary greatly, with average highs ranging from the mid-40s to the mid-60s Fahrenheit. 

One of the most notable features of springtime in Boston is the blooming of trees and flowers throughout the city. The iconic Boston Common and Public Garden, which covers over 70 acres in the heart of the city, comes to life with colorful tulips, daffodils, and cherry blossoms. The Arnold Arboretum, a 281-acre botanical garden located in Jamaica Plain, also boasts a stunning display of blooming trees and flowers during the spring season.

As the weather warms up, Bostonians and visitors alike take advantage of the many outdoor activities available in the city. Biking and walking along the Charles River Esplanade, which stretches for three miles along the banks of the Charles River, is a popular springtime activity. The Boston Harborwalk, a 43-mile pedestrian trail that winds along Boston’s waterfront, is also a great place to enjoy the spring weather.

Sports fans flock to Fenway Park to catch a Boston Red Sox game, which is an essential Boston experience. Additionally, the Boston Marathon, which takes place on the third Monday in April, is a beloved annual event that draws runners and spectators from around the world.

Boston is a season of renewal and rejuvenation. With mild temperatures, beautiful blooming flowers, and an abundance of outdoor activities, it’s a wonderful time to explore the city and enjoy all that it has to offer.

We service Dedham, East Dedham, Endicott, Medfield, Norwood Centre, Norwood, Walpole, MA, and Westwood, MA

SERVPRO Of Norwood West Roxbury is The #1 Choice in Cleanup and Restoration for residential and commercial buildings’ fire, mold, water, and storm damage.

What to do when a tree falls? 

4/15/2023 (Permalink)

When a tree falls, it's important to stay safe and take necessary precautions.

Trees can be dangerous when they fall. A fallen tree can cause property damage, power outages, and even personal injury. 

If a tree falls here are the steps to take: 

• Assess the situation: The first thing to do when a tree falls is to assess the situation. Check for any immediate danger, such as downed power lines or gas leaks. If you suspect a gas leak, evacuate immediately and call your gas company.
• Call for help: If the fallen tree has caused damage or poses a danger to people or property, call for help. Contact your local emergency services or utility company. They can dispatch crews to assess the situation and make necessary repairs.
• Stay away from the tree: If the tree has fallen across a road or path, do not attempt to move it yourself. Fallen trees can be heavy and unstable, and attempting to move them can be dangerous. Stay away from the tree and wait for professional help to arrive.
• Document the damage: Take photos of any damage caused by the fallen tree. This will be useful when filing insurance claims or for repair purposes.
• Clear debris: If the fallen tree has caused minor damage, you may be able to clear the debris yourself. Use caution and wear protective clothing, such as gloves and sturdy shoes. Use a chainsaw or hand saw to cut the tree into manageable pieces, and dispose of the debris according to local regulations.
• Prevent future incidents: To prevent future incidents, inspect trees on your property regularly. Look for signs of decay or damage, such as cracks in the trunk or branches that are hanging low. Consider hiring a professional tree service to remove any trees that pose a danger.

When a tree falls, it's important to stay safe and take necessary precautions. Assess the situation, call for help, document the damage, clear debris if possible, and prevent future incidents. 

We service Dedham, East Dedham, Endicott, Medfield, Norwood Centre, Norwood, Walpole, MA, and Westwood, MA

SERVPRO Of Norwood West Roxbury is The #1 Choice in Cleanup and Restoration for residential and commercial buildings’ fire, mold, water, and storm damage. 

3 Categories of Water Damage

5/16/2017 (Permalink)

According to IICRC Standard and Reference Guide for Professional Water Damage Restoration (IICRC S500), there are three categories of water that cause damage in buildings. They are summarized as follows:

Category 1 Water – 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 – 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 – 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:

April School Vacation

3/29/2017 (Permalink)

It is hard to believe that April school vacation is only one month away! Will spring time be in full effect or will there still be snow on the ground, only time will tell. Regardless, finding ways to keep your little ones entertained can be challenging. Let SERVPRO® of Norwood and West Roxbury help! We have partnered with Monster Mini Golf of Norwood to offer two, $25 gift certificates just in time for school vacation. Simply download a copy of our latest word search form, fill it out and submit it to us by Friday, April 7th. We will announce the winners on the following Tuesday, April 11th. Simply click the image below to download the word search form. Visit the Monster Mini Golf Norwood website, monsterminigolf.com, to see all that they have to offer.

2017 Scholarship

3/29/2017 (Permalink)

It is our pleasure to announce to you that we will once again be offering the SERVPRO of Norwood and West Roxbury (SNWR) Scholarship Award. We have made some significant changes this year. Most notably; unlike last year in which we offered one scholarship to the school districts we serve this year we will be offering one scholarship to EACH district! The 2017 SNWR Scholarship Award details are as follows:

• The 2017 SNWR Scholarship Award is a onetime payment in the amount of five hundred dollars ($500)
• The winner of the award will be announced on Friday, June 2^nd 2017
• The Scholarship will be administered by SERVPRO of Norwood and West Roxbury
• A selection committee, comprised of the owner, Michael Callahan, myself and three other volunteers, will be formed to review all completed applications
• The criteria for the award are as follows:
  • Applicants must be a member of the Dedham high school graduating class of 2017
  • Applicants must have legal residence in Dedham
  • Applicants will need to submit a complete the application form process by Friday, April 21^st 2017
  • Applicants must have averaged a 2.5 GPA or better for the last four (4) reporting terms (second semester sophomore year to first semester senior year)

Why SERVPRO

3/22/2017 (Permalink)

For homeowners, property managers, businesses owners, and insurance providers alike SERVPRO® of Norwood and West Roxbury is the area's premier disaster cleanup and restoration authority that delivers a wide array of high caliber remediation services. How do we accomplish that you may ask, by empowering our certified technicians to offer personalized solutions to our customers so that they may realize accelerated recovery times. This is facilitated through the high level of professional development and training of our technicians because only SERVPRO® franchisees have access to the extensive SERVPRO® network, its professionals and equipment allowing us to arrive faster to any size disaster as well as offer continued support after the job is done.

Helping the Neponset Valley community to make it "Like it never even happened" since 2011.

The SERVPRO Difference

3/17/2017 (Permalink)

Professionalism what does that mean to you? We at  SERVPRO of Norwood and West Roxbury would like to tell you what it means to us. Our technicians go through an extensive vetting and training process. Every technician must pass a 7 year background check which includes a CORI check. Not only are they certified in Fire, Water, Mold and Bio Hazard remediation but they are also OSHA 10 certified which means they are trained in recognition, avoidance, abatement and prevention of safety and health hazards on the job site. Our equipment is meticulously maintained and regularly upgraded with the latest in remediation technology. All of this allows us to offer the best and most professional remediation experience to our clients. Disaster remediation does not need to be disastrous. Call us and we will make it made it "Like it never even happened.”

Rain, Rain Go Away

1/18/2017 (Permalink)

There is good news in the weather forecast for those of you that do not like to shovel their driveways, no snow! There is rain, however, and cold weather - that means ice! Be sure to grab your ice melt at your local hardware store while supplies last and be careful in the evenings on your commute home as the chance for black ice will be great. As always, for the latest weather forecasts visit The Weather Channel's website.

October's Winner

10/5/2016 (Permalink)

Are you receiving our Newsletter? In the latest issue we announced October's office breakfast winner, rang in Breast Cancer Awareness month with "7 Things You Should Know About Getting A Mammogram" from the American Cancer Society and showcased one of our commercial dehumidifiers. Click here to view our current Newsletter and to sign up to receive it automatically.

National Preparedness Month

9/7/2016 (Permalink)

September is recognized as National Preparedness Month (NPM) which serves as a reminder that we all must take action to prepare, now and throughout the year, for the types of emergencies that could affect us where we live, work, and also where we visit. Does your family have an Emergency Communicaiton Plan? Visit ready.gov by clicking the image below to learn how to design your family's plan.

Helping Kids Deal With Bullies

8/18/2016 (Permalink)

Everyone at SERVPRO® of Norwood and West Roxbury would like to help you and your family prepare for the upcoming school year. During the month of August we will be focusing on Back 2 School tips. The American Academy of Pediatrics offers tips for kids from how to make the first day easier to what to do when your child is bullied. Visit HealthyChildren.org for complete details.

Back 2 School Tips for Parents

8/11/2016 (Permalink)

Everyone at SERVPRO®  Norwood and West Roxbury would like to help you and your family prepare for the upcoming school year. During the month of August we will be focusing on Back 2 School tips. Starting the new school year can be a time of great excitement... and anxiety. Help calm your child's fears (and your own) with these teacher-approved tips provided by PBS Parents.

Back 2 School

8/3/2016 (Permalink)

Are you receiving our Newsletter automatically? If not, you are not receiving our latest promotions, gaining critical industry updates, learning about local business events or receiving our helpful tips. In this edition we announced our August Bobble Head winner, gave our first back to school tip of the month and highlighted the Injectidry HP-Plus!

Click here to view our current Newsletter and sign up for automatic delivery!

Fore

7/13/2016 (Permalink)

Are you receiving our eNewsletter? If not you are missing out on learning about upcoming events, fire safety tips and our new performance air movers! Click here to view our current eNewsletter and join our mailing list.

Happy 4th of July

6/29/2016 (Permalink)

From all of us at SERVPRO® of Norwood and West Roxbury we would like to wish you and yours a safe and enjoyable Holiday Weekend!

-Enjoy!

2016 SERVPRO NORWOOD WEST ROXBURY SCHOLARSHIP

6/8/2016 (Permalink)

CONGRATULATIONS!

Last year we announced the creation of the SERVPRO® of Norwood and West Roxbury Scholarship Award. This scholarship was in the amount of one thousand dollars ($1,000) and was open to students graduating this year in the towns of West Roxbury, Dedham, and Westwood. The purpose of this award is to recognize a student who exhibits excellence in academics, civic engagement and community service. Thank you to all those who applied!

This year we would like to congratulate Hanna from Westwood for winning our award!

May Is National Electrical Safety Month!

5/18/2016 (Permalink)

Don't Overload Your Home

According to the National Fire Protection Association, 47,700 home fires in the U.S. are caused by electrical failures or malfunctions each year. These fires result in 418 deaths, 1,570 injuries, and $1.4 billion in property damage. Overloaded electrical circuits are a major cause of residential fires. Help lower your risk of electrical fires by not overloading your electrical system. Visit the the Electrical Safety Foundation International website, ESFI, to learn more about electrical safety in your home.

Newsletter

4/5/2016 (Permalink)

Previous Bobble Head winner - Christine from Patterson Insurance

Check out our latest Newsletter. We announced our April Bobble Head winner and reminded everyone that the deadline to enter our latest word search campaign is this Friday, April 8th. Also, commercial property owners we given an outline of the benefits on our ERP program!

Are you not receiving our Newsletter automatically? If so, you are not receiving our latest promotions, gaining critical industry updates or learning about local business events in our community. Click here to view our current Newsletter and sign up for automatic delivery!

Happy New Year!

12/30/2015 (Permalink)

Wishing you and yours a very happy, safe, and prosperous New Year!

Best Wishes,
Michael Callahan

Winter Advisory

12/23/2015 (Permalink)

Do Not Let This Happen To YOU!

Water actually begins to expand once the temperature drops to 37ºF, putting strain on pipes and increasing the risk of rupture! Now is the time to ensure proper insulation of any exposed pipes. Additionally, it is always a good idea to shut off any external water sources. We hope you will not be impacted by the winter weather this year, but in case disaster strikes, the EPA has developed a quick reference guide to help you prepare for the removal of flood water. Click the link, SERVPRO of Norwood and West Roxbury, to visit our franchise company page and download the fact sheet. 

We are here to help too! Our certified technicians are available 24 hours a day. Give us a call and we will make it like it never even happened.