5 Health Insurance Myths Debunked

8/21/2024 (Permalink)

The world of health insurance is tricky and challenging to navigate. Many myths are surrounding it, but not all of them are true. If you are thinking of getting health insurance, you must have heard a few myths about it.

Don’t worry. Our guide will debunk the five most common myths that revolve around health insurance. Here is what they state.

Myth #1. Healthy And Young Individuals Don’t Need Health Insurance

Young individuals in their early or mid-20s are at the peak of their health. That is why they think they don't need to buy health insurance. However, you can get sick anytime at any age.

Many times we don’t even know we have an ailment until the symptoms slowly start showing. That is why it is important to take precautions and opt for a health insurance policy to cover your costs if the need arises.

Myth #2. Benefits Of Health Insurance Will Be Enjoyed From Day One

People think that as soon they purchase the policy, they will be able to reap the benefits. This couldn't be more further from the truth. Many policies have a one month waiting period where you can't claim within a month of the insurance policy.

Besides that, many policies will require you to wait a year or two before you make any claim if you have a pre-existing illness. That is why you need to buy health insurance so that all these waiting periods are over if you ever get sick.

Myth #3. Pre-Existing Conditions Don’t Need To Be Declared

When it comes to any insurance, honesty is the best policy. If you have a pre-existing condition, you will have to specify it on your application. If you don't specify and you need coverage, then your claim may be rejected.

That is because many insurance companies have waiting periods for these conditions, and they look at your medical records to look for undisclosed causes. So, being honest is the best course of action.

Myth #4. The Cheapest Policy Is The Best Policy

Just because a health insurance policy is cheap doesn't mean it's good.  Many low-cost policies only cover the basics. If you have an illness or a condition, then the cheapest policy may not cover it.

Premiums exist for a reason. It is because they cover advanced versions so that many health problems can be covered. So, you should get a policy you think is right for you even if it’s not cheap.

Myth #5. You Don’t Need A Separate Health Insurance Plan If You Are Covered Under A Corporate Health Plan

Just because your employer has provided you with a health insurance plan, it doesn’t mean you don’t need a separate one. However, you can’t entirely depend on your employer’s insurance plan.

If you lose your job, then your health insurance will also come to a halt. That is why it is always good to have a separate health insurance policy to cover all your medical costs and fill the gaps in your corporate health insurance policy.

How Big Of A Health Problem Can Mold Be

8/21/2024 (Permalink)

Mold, a layman term used to identify a variety of fungi, which can easily be classified as unappealing and disliked. Mold can exist both indoors as well as outdoors in the form of variously colored, smelly, and unsightly fuzzy patches. However, the sight and smell of mold are the least of your worries as the effect on your health has been far worse. 

How Does Mold Spread Health Problems

While mold exists on surfaces, it does produce a variety of spores, which then spread throughout the air in your property. In fact, if a patch of mold exists on your property, there isn't much that you can do that will prevent it from spreading these spores, which will only allow for the health issues to persist. Certain types of molds are even known to digest the surface that they are growing on. This is why you need to remove the mold itself. 

Health Issues Caused By Molds

There are a variety of health issues inflicted on people who are exposed to mold. In fact, mold can affect different people with different health issues. So to show you how big of an issue mold can be on your health, here is a list of health issues caused by exposure to mold. 

Respiratory Issues

The spores from mold that float in the air can produce a variety of irritants, mycotoxins, and allergens. Some of them have toxic nature and can greatly affect those who might be sensitive to them. So these toxic elements can then cause irritation within your throat, nose, and even lungs, which can cause you to become asthmatic or develop a chronic lung problem.

Allergies

Mold can also cause you to develop symptoms that overlap with different types of allergies, which can include seasonal allergies and even hay fever. So, symptoms, such as an itchy, blocked, or runny nose, excessive sneezing, and even watery eyes could persist as it affects your upper respiratory tract. People who are already asthmatic could begin to have asthma attacks due to the mold. 

Aspergillosis

Aspergillosis is a variation of mold that can cause a variety of different types of health issues in different types of people. The health issues can include issues with lung function, headaches, coughing so severe that it could cause you to cough up blood, respiratory issues, and weight loss. 

Other Health-Related Issues

Apart from toxins and irritants, mold also can produce bacteria and microbes. If one is exposed to such productions, then it could trigger their body to have an inflammatory response. It can also cause infections, such as a fungal or bronchial infection. In fact, for some, mold can even cause issues, such as hypersensitivity pneumonitis, bronchitis, and insomnia. 

All in all, the growth of any variation of mold can and should be treated like the plague as it is quite a significant threat to your health. This means that all of the necessary precautions should be taken in order to ensure that it does not damage you or your loved one's health.

Why Your Home Needs A Professional Storm Cleanup Service

8/21/2024 (Permalink)

A storm causes a lot of destruction in its wake. The chaos it creates is too much to deal with. This is why residential owners need extra help to restore their homes after a storm.

For this, you will need the service of a professional company that deals in storm damage restoration and cleanup such as us. After all, your home is your sanctuary and it needs to be protected so you can be safe.

Here are the many reasons why your home will need a professional storm damage restoration service.

Quick Cleanup And Repair

The damage that storms can cause can be extensive. You and your family can't possibly repair it in time and you will need a few days or a week to restore it yourself. However, because of this, you may feel unsafe in your own home.

Hiring a professional storm cleanup service means that your house will be restored to its original form in no time. This is because we are experts at what we do and we can quickly and effectively repair any damage caused by the storm around the house.

Professional Evaluation

As a layman, you will not know where to look for damage. You might miss out on a few things that should be repaired so your house can function well and live a long life.

Hiring a professional service will mean that they will do a full evaluation of your house first. This means that the experts will search every corner of the house to see the extent of the damage.

Apart from that, they will figure out what needs to be fixed through a detailed inspection and evaluation of your property. They will then come up with a solution to fix all the damage.

Clean And Sanitized Home For Optimal Health

Storm damage can cause contamination, infections, parasites, and diseases. These are serious issues that need to be addressed as soon as possible. If these issues exist then they will come to light when the experts do the inspection and evaluation.

As a professional cleanup service, our main priority is your health and we will do everything to ensure that it is not harmed. This is why your home will be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized to get rid of any contamination and infection. You can then go back to enjoying a safe and healthy home.

Flooding Will Be Taken Care Of

Storms can cause flooding in basements and other areas. However, we will clean it up through the use of our flood pumps to get rid of all the water and to prevent it from seeping into your walls.

As a professional cleanup service, we have all the equipment and expertise to execute the restoration effectively.

Final Words

Please don’t attempt to restore the house yourself after storm damage. Instead call professionals and experts such as us to effectively clean and restore your house to its original form.

For more information, feel free to get in touch with us now.

Why Commercial Cleaning is Important for Your Business

8/14/2023 (Permalink)

Commercial cleaning services allow you to outsource all of your cleaning requirements and let the experts handle it. These services have trained, professional cleaners who are sure to leave your entire building looking spotless.

By hiring a cleaning service, you will not only be free of the worry of cleaning your office but will also be able to provide a pleasant and comfortable working environment to all the employees. A neat and clean office is likely to motivate employees into working better.

In contrast, if a workplace has not been cleaned thoroughly, there can be a huge spread of bacteria in the building. This is harmful because it can spread illnesses, thus creating a negative impression about the hygiene and cleanliness of the office.

If you are still unsure about hiring a commercial cleaning service for your office, here are 5 reasons why it is absolutely essential to hire one:

1. Make a Good First Impression

First impressions can go a long way. When a client enters your building with a business proposal, it is important to welcome them into a clean and safe environment. The first thing that a client will judge your company on is the state of the building. If the floors are dirty and the walls are full of debris, the client is likely to become demotivated about working with you. Contrastingly, if the entire building looks clean and smells good, the client will automatically know that you are serious in your business ethic.

2. Outsourcing is Cost Effective

Instead of hiring a cleaning professional in-house, you can gain access to more cleaning services if you choose to outsource the job. You can simply search for a cleaning company that fits your schedule and requirements and hire them accordingly. This allows you to focus on more important things instead of always being worried about having the office cleaned.

3. Boost Office Morale

When you run a business, it is important to keep your employees motivated. Employees are unlikely to be productive when they enter a dirty workplace that has stains on the floor and mold on the walls. If you provide a clean and hygienic work environment instead, employees are likely to be motivated enough to be more productive in their work practices.

4. Prevent Sick Leaves

If you hire a professional cleaning service to thoroughly disinfect your building regularly, there will be no germs passed around the office. This means that your employees are unlikely to fall sick and take any sick leaves. By reducing the number of days that your subordinates do not come to work, you can ensure that they are able to complete more tasks efficiently and on-time.

5. Access to Different Cleaning Services

Outsourcing your cleaning requirements to a professional company means that they will be able to provide more services than an in-house cleaner. This means that apart from regular day-to-day cleaning, you can further contract the company for any repair or remediation services that you may require. This helps you avoid any major damage to the office building.

What To Do And What Not To Do When Dealing With Fire Damage

8/14/2023 (Permalink)

Sometimes unforeseen circumstances can completely change our lives. A fire in your home or place of business is one of them. It can cause extensive damage that can take a while to recover from.

However, you need to start the fire restoration process as soon as possible so you can resume life. When it comes to fire damage and restoration here are some of the things you should do and some you should avoid.

What To Do When Dealing With Fire Damage

It is important to always have a plan when it comes to such damage. Your plan will allow you to take the necessary steps to deal with fire damage and restore everything as fast as possible. Here is everything you need to do:

• Never enter the property until a professional has told you it’s safe
• Take pictures so you can have evidence of the damage
• Call your insurance agent
• Call your local restoration company such as SERVPRO
• Limit your movement inside the area of fire
• If the weather is fine then open all the windows for proper ventilation
• Throw away drinks and foods that have been left after the fire

All of this will protect you from further damage and help you restore your property as soon as possible. The best thing you can do is call a professional for restoration so they can take care of everything.

What Not To Do When Dealing With Fire Damage

It is important to know what not to do as well so that you don’t end up causing further damage. Here is a list of things you shouldn’t do when dealing with fire damage on your property:

• Don’t start cleaning everything unless your insurer has assessed everything first
• Don’t use carpets or other furniture until they have been professionally cleaned after a fire
• Don’t eat or drink anything that has been exposed to the fire
• Don’t turn on water, gas, or electricity till everything has been professionally assessed
• Don’t turn on any electronics until it has been professionally assessed

You need to give time to the professionals to handle all these aspects. This is because the residue that stays after a fire can cause a variety of health problems if you start doing everything too soon.

So, till the professional sort everything out and restore the damage this is what you should and shouldn’t do. Just make sure that you are not using the property at all until it has been assessed by an insurer and a fire restoration professional.

Final Words

If you want to minimize the risk of fire on your property then you should always take preventative measures. However, if you still end up having a fire on your property then this was your complete guide to what you should and shouldn't do.

Follow these steps and you will be good to go. If you want a professional fire damage restoration company then no one does it better than SERVPRO. Feel free to get in touch with us now.

Ways To Prevent Flood Damage In Your Home

8/14/2023 (Permalink)

No homeowner wants to watch their belongings washed away in one single day. This is why many of them take preventative measures to protect their home from flooding. As a homeowner, you should take these precautions as well.

In the long run, it will protect your property from being prone to water damage and flooding. Here are a few steps you can take to prevent flood damage in your home.

#1. Landscaping

Many people underestimate the power of a landscaping job well done. This is perhaps the best solution for keeping your home safe from flood damage. Keep your landscaping groomed by always keeping your gutters and splash pads clean.

This will ensure that no debris is blocking the flow of water going away from your home. Apart from that, you can utilize a rain barrel to collect the rainwater runoff.

It will protect the rainwater from pooling too much and you can use it for watering plants in your yard and garden.

#2. Monitor The Foundation Of Your Home

This is the most basic maintenance you need to do for your home. Foundations of homes can develop cracks over time. These cracks can let water seep in and this can widen the cracks further.

If the cracks get too wide then your house will be damaged by flooding. So, to protect your home from this you need to monitor your foundation and fill up any cracks with mortar or masonry caulk if they appear.

However, if your foundation continues to have cracks with time then you will need to call a professional to fix this issue as this is the biggest reason for flood damage.

#3. Seal Open Areas Of Your Home

Even if you monitor the foundation and fill the cracks, you still need to seal other areas in your home. These include walls, windows, and doorways.

Give them an extra coat of protection by applying a sealant. This will prevent rainwater from coming into your home. It is the biggest protector of homes from harsh weather conditions.

#4. Install Drain Plugs

This is the most overlooked measure but it is also just as important as any other. That is because your home can be prone to flood damage because of your sewage. If it backs up then it can get clogged which will eventually lead to flood damage.

This is why you should install drain plugs inside the floor drains in your basement. Doing so will ensure that your home doesn't get flooded through the toilet or sinks. Installing drain plugs is an integral component of keeping your home safe from flood damage.

Final Words

These are the top four ways you can utilize to protect your home from extensive flood damage. Taking these preventative measures early on will keep you from having an extensive problem in the future.

If there is any damage in your home and you need restoration then call our experts at SERVPRO. We will be happy to assist you and make sure your home is safe from all sorts of damage. Get in touch with us now.

Water Damage Restoration Tips And Tricks

8/14/2023 (Permalink)

Has your home or office experienced any water damage? Taking immediate action will only minimize the damage further. This is why you need to take action as soon as possible. Even though you need the services of experts in water damage remediation, there are many things that you can do yourself to minimize the loss. So, if your property has been damaged by water you need to follow some tricks and tips. Following these tips will ensure that the damage is minimized and will also ensure the safety of people present on the site. Want to know what these tips and tricks are? Keep reading then.

Dry Out The Affected Area

To minimize the damage, you must dry out the affected area as soon as possible. The presence of moisture in the affected area will only damage it further. This is why you need to be as thorough as possible. In smaller spaces, you can use fans to dry out the area affected by water. But, fans will not be effective in large spaces. So, if you need to dry out the larger space you can rent a large capacity dehumidifier.

Disinfect The Area

Once the area has been dried out and the damaged components have been removed, you need to disinfect the whole area before you start using it. Disinfecting the area is important so that the mold does not grow there. There are many ways through which you can disinfect the area but mostly bleach is used by the people. If you are not comfortable with using bleach, there are many other options that you can use instead.

Repair The Ceiling First

The ceilings that are damaged with water are riskier than other areas. This is why you need to repair them first or else they will collapse. If the damage is beyond control, you will need to remove the affected ceiling or boards. If it is repairable, then you can repair it as well. To repair the leaking ceiling, you must find the source of the leak first. Meanwhile, you need to make sure that the water does not cause any structural damage to your property.

Replace Damaged Wood

The wood that has been damaged by water will rot and develop mold on it. This is why it needs to be replaced as soon as possible. But, before replacing the damaged woods, you need to thoroughly clean the area beneath the wood. Also, you need to be careful about the placement as well and make sure that the structure has the right support.

Contact Professionals

The professionals can take of your damaged property in ways that you cannot do it yourself. So, if your property has been damaged by water, it is advisable that you avail the services of a professional company that can restore the place to its original form.

If your property has been damaged by water, you should take immediate action to restore the place back to its original form. It is an extremely important job that needs expert supervision. So, if you are looking for a team of professionals that would take care of your property, you must contact SERVPRO of Woodbury/Deptford and avail the professional services.

Why Your Home Needs A Professional Storm Cleanup Service

8/14/2023 (Permalink)

A storm causes a lot of destruction in its wake. The chaos it creates is too much to deal with. This is why residential owners need extra help to restore their homes after a storm.

For this, you will need the service of a professional company that deals in storm damage restoration and cleanup such as us. After all, your home is your sanctuary and it needs to be protected so you can be safe.

Here are the many reasons why your home will need a professional storm damage restoration service.

Quick Cleanup And Repair

The damage that storms can cause can be extensive. You and your family can't possibly repair it in time and you will need a few days or a week to restore it yourself. However, because of this, you may feel unsafe in your own home.

Hiring a professional storm cleanup service means that your house will be restored to its original form in no time. This is because we are experts at what we do and we can quickly and effectively repair any damage caused by the storm around the house.

Professional Evaluation

As a layman, you will not know where to look for damage. You might miss out on a few things that should be repaired so your house can function well and live a long life.

Hiring a professional service will mean that they will do a full evaluation of your house first. This means that the experts will search every corner of the house to see the extent of the damage.

Apart from that, they will figure out what needs to be fixed through a detailed inspection and evaluation of your property. They will then come up with a solution to fix all the damage.

Clean And Sanitized Home For Optimal Health

Storm damage can cause contamination, infections, parasites, and diseases. These are serious issues that need to be addressed as soon as possible. If these issues exist then they will come to light when the experts do the inspection and evaluation.

As a professional cleanup service, our main priority is your health and we will do everything to ensure that it is not harmed. This is why your home will be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized to get rid of any contamination and infection. You can then go back to enjoying a safe and healthy home.

Flooding Will Be Taken Care Of

Storms can cause flooding in basements and other areas. However, we will clean it up through the use of our flood pumps to get rid of all the water and to prevent it from seeping into your walls.

As a professional cleanup service, we have all the equipment and expertise to execute the restoration effectively.

Final Words

Please don’t attempt to restore the house yourself after storm damage. Instead call professionals and experts such as us to effectively clean and restore your house to its original form.

For more information, feel free to get in touch with us now.

Why You Shouldn’t Delay Storm Damage Restoration in 2022

8/15/2022 (Permalink)

Why You Shouldn’t Delay Storm Damage Restoration

When a disaster occurs, it is easy to get caught up in the chaos and stress of the situation. It is also very tempting to want to put off or delay storm damage restoration because you are busy with other things, but doing so can have a devastating effect on your finances. If you wait too long before hiring professionals for storm damage restoration, then prices for items that have been damaged will skyrocket. If you need help restoring your property after a natural disaster, contact our team today!

Your Home's Value Will Go Down

A home’s value can drop by as much as ten percent if the house has not yet undergone repairs after a major disaster such as flooding or fire. If your property sustains significant damage because of natural disasters, contact our team today! We are here to help 24/365 so do not hesitate to call us at any time of day or night! You may also fill out an online form for more information about what we offer and how we can help restore your home back to normal again.

It Will Cost You More If You Delay It

If you do not call for help when your home needs storm damage restoration, then it will cost more in the long run. When a professional is called to handle storm damage restoration as quickly as possible after a natural disaster strikes, this helps ensure that no further damages are sustained from exposure or rot. This can be very costly if it goes on too long because of how much time and exposure has passed since the initial incident occurred!

Your Goods Will Get More Damaged

If you wait to call for storm damage restoration, then it will take longer to fix your home and the cost of items that have been damaged may go up. In some cases, if a person waits too long before calling in professionals for storm damage restoration services after a natural disaster strikes, they can cause further damages or loss because of exposure or rot. It is important not to delay when you need help with restoring your property after a major event! Call us today at any time so we can start helping right away! We also offer free estimates on our work as well!

It Will Create a Dangerous Living Environment

If you allow your home to remain in a state of disrepair, then it can become unsafe for living. Living with damaged property due to natural disasters is not only dangerous but also hazardous because the items are exposed and vulnerable after being left out in nature’s elements without protection for so long. Not calling in professionals immediately when damage occurs leaves you and your loved ones at risk of injury or illness.

The longer you wait, the worse things will get and it can be very costly. Let us help today by giving our team a call at any time of day or night so we can offer free estimates on storm damage restoration services that are needed after natural disasters strike in your area. Our number is always available for assistance and we do not charge anything unless we solve your problem with helping restore damaged items back to normal again! Contact us now so we can start working together right away!

5 Ways to Protect Your Belongings during a Storm

8/11/2022 (Permalink)

5 Ways to Protect Your Belongings during a Storm

We've all been there. You're sitting in your home, anxiously waiting to hear if the storm that is heading towards you will be a Category 2 or 3. It's not until hours later when it has passed do you go outside to survey the damage. If you were lucky, only some of your property was damaged and everything else was still intact; but if you weren't so lucky, then this article may help stop future disasters from happening again! Here are five ways to protect your belongings during a storm.

Store important documents In a Safe Place

One of the simplest and most effective ways to protect your belongings during the storm is to place them in a safe place. This will not just save your belongings from getting damaged but it will also be great if you have to rush and evacuate due to the storm warning. A great option for this would be an Under Bed Safe, which you can easily store underneath any bed or heavy piece of furniture so that no one will ever think twice about it being there. This type of safe has been known not only to lock away documents but also jewelry, money, cameras, laptops, etc.

Place any items that can be blown away, such as plants or decorations, inside of the house

If you have any items in your yard that are not too heavy, then it is best to bring them inside the house or into a garage. This includes plants, decorations, and furniture. It may be fine for these types of objects to get damaged during just one storm but if they're outside when multiple storms happen back-to-back then there's no telling how much damage can occur!

Keep appliances unplugged

If you have any appliances that are not in use, then it is best to unplug them during the storm. If they get damaged due to power surges caused by lightning or rain/snow entering through poorly-sealed doors and windows, then this can become very costly! It's also a good idea to keep all of your electronics plugged into surge protectors so that if there does happen to be an electrical problem, these items will still remain safe (just make sure they're turned off).

Make sure you have multiple flashlights/lanterns around for when there is no power available due to storms which happen often lately

This is an essential item to have in any house, especially if you live in a rural area. There are many times where the power goes out for days at a time due to storms and it can be very annoying when there's no light or heat available! To solve this problem, make sure that you always keep flashlights/lanterns with candles on hand so that you won't ever have to worry about feeling completely powerless during a storm again.

Park the Car inside the Garage So the Storm Does Not Damage It

This is a relatively small but very effective way to protect your car from damages caused by the storm. If you live in an area that gets heavy storms then it might be best just to always park inside of your garage during such times so that there will no longer be any chance of water, hail, and/or fallen branches damaging it!

These are some great ways for how to care for your belongings during a storm which should hopefully stop future disasters from happening again.