6 Tips to Protect Your Philly Home While on Vacation

7/20/2023 (Permalink)

Many people go on vacations during the summer months, leaving their properties unattended. SERVPRO is the #1 choice in restoration services to property owners, property managers, and vacation rental agencies. The need for routine inspections, maintenance, and restoration is very important to prevent any potential damage while the properties are vacant.

Here are some tips to make sure your property is taken care of while you’re relaxing! 

• Secure doors and windows: Before leaving, double-check that all doors, windows, and entry points are securely locked. You don’t want water to make its way uninvited.
• Inform trustworthy neighbors or friends about your vacation plans. Provide them with your contact information and ask them to keep an eye on your property. 
• Maintain your property's exterior: Before leaving, ensure that your property's exterior is well-maintained. Trim trees and bushes, mow the lawn, and remove any potential hazards or debris that could cause damage during your absence.
• Unplug non-essential appliances: To prevent electrical fires or power surges, unplug non-essential appliances, such as computers, TVs, and kitchen appliances. This also helps conserve energy while you're away.
• Check water sources: Turn off the main water supply or shut off individual water valves to prevent leaks or flooding. Consider installing leak detection devices that can alert you to any water leaks or pipe bursts.
• IF EMERGENCY OCCURS: Inform your security company and emergency contacts, such as SERVPRO of Society Hill/Downtown Philadelphia. We are available 24/7.
  

Vacation is supposed to be a relaxing getaway from reality. Performing these tips and tricks will help your family have a stress-free trip!

Hydrating Heroes

12/13/2016 (Permalink)

SERVPRO spent Friday afternoon delivering and donating cases of water to over 100 First Responder organizations in Bucks, Montgomery and Philadelphia locations. Over 1,800 cases of water was delivered and donated on December 9th, 2016. We will continue to deliver cases of water throughout our territory each month to show our First Responders how much we appreciate all their dedication and service each day. It was a great day and we thank everyone who came out to help make this event such a success!

Aircraft in front of Franklin Institute to be Restored

9/7/2016 (Permalink)

SERVPRO aircraft restoration fire water and mold restoration

Created by Edward G. Budd, the Pioneer — the first stainless steel airplane — will be removed and transported in preparation for its restoration. It will be the first time it's been refurbished since 1969 – the one and only time the plane underwent renovations.

The two-phase restoration process could take up to two years, and the takedown is expected to take up to three days. There is no specific timeline, but The Franklin said the plane is likely to return sometime in 2017.

SERVPRO of Society Hill specializes in water damage restoration and cleaning services.  We do lots of work for the Franklin Institute facility. 

Philadelphia building is first within type to achieve LEED Platinum Certification

8/26/2016 (Permalink)

LEED Platinum Certified

A planned building in Philadelphia is expected to be the first building of its kind to achieve LEED platinum certification.  LEED certification can be silver, gold or platinum and certifies that construction materials, methods, and building energy usage are efficient and good for the environment.  The new building will use glass that can change its tint to reduce light intensity and reduce cooling expenses. 

The building contains a variety of other eco-friendly features including a heating and cooling system that saves energy by reducing the use of fans, high-efficiency LED lighting and a planted green roof that collects rainwater for reuse in cooling and irrigation systems.  These systems will also reduce groundwater runoff which can cause water damage to properties – a service that SERVPRO specializes in repairing. 

SERVPRO also has a variety of eco-friendly green cleaning chemicals that are certified green.  Using green chemicals can help the efficiency and eco-friendly score of a building of this type should they ever need restoration or cleaning work.  Call SERVPRO of Society Hill and ask about our GREEN products for your next cleaning so you can feel confident in our Green eco-friendly services. 

SERVPRO Sponsors the 44th Biannual Pennsylvania Fraternal Order of Police Conference

8/10/2016 (Permalink)

Fraternal Order of Police SERVPRO Sponsor

SERVPRO was a sponsor of the 44th Biannual Pennsylvania Fraternal Order of Police conference that was held at the Hilton Penn's Landing in Philadelphia.  SERVPRO of Society Hill and SERVPRO of Upper Bucks were both representing SERVPRO at the conference with a table set up in the exposition hall. 

Events for the conference included a welcome party at Sugar House Casino, a celebration at the Michael G. Lutz, Philadelphia Lodge 5 Headquarters on Monday, and our Awards Banquet on Wednesday at the Hilton Hotel.  

SERVPRO was supporting the FOP offering refreshments, information about services like bio-hazard cleanup, water damage and mold remediation.  SERVPRO supports America's law enforcement officers and it was a pleasure sponsoring the event. 

Philadelphia Summer Exhibits Not To Miss

8/8/2016 (Permalink)

Philadelphia Art

As summer heats up in Philadelphia, the perfect way to stay cool is to check out all of the coolest museum exhibitions that the city has to offer.  There are exhibits perfect for kids, teens and adults of all ages! 

Here are some of the picks we thought were especially cool:

1. The Franklin Institute: The Science Behind Pixar.   We love The Franklin Institute. They are one of our many great customers for emergency and cleaning services but they also have great exhibitions for people of all ages.  Learning about the science behind PIXAR animated films is also a great way to spend the hottest part of the day inside and not feel bad about it.  

2. The National Constitution Center: Headed to the White House features a great exhibit that is a perfect fit during the 2016 presidential election.  

3. Inside Out curated by the Philadelphia Museum of Art: Inside out takes the concept of an art museum to the outside by featuring high-quality replicas of famous art pieces from well-known artists outside in select Philadelphia neighborhoods.  Participating neighborhoods include Old City,  Brewerytown,  and Conshohocken. 

4. Cast of Curiosities at the Magic Gardens: One of the houses that stands out the most on South Street in Philadelphia is the Magic Gardens.  It's covered in mirrors, tiles and glass art and the artwork inside is abstract and is influenced by the artist's life as a nurse.  

There are many more in the great city of Philadelphia that as a member of this community providing water damage restoration we recommend visiting.  

SERVPRO of Society Hill Completes Crime and Trauma Scene Bio-Recovery Training

8/1/2016 (Permalink)

A mock blood mattress used in Bio Recovery Training

SERVPRO of Society Hill sent technicians to attend a multi-day training for Bio-Hazard related cleanup. This training course meets and exceeds the requirements of the American Bio Recovery Association (ABRA).  Our technicians successfully passed and became certified Bio Recovery Technicians.  

The training curriculum extensively covered cleanup of crime scenes, suicide and bodily decompositions. Safe and proper blood-borne pathogen cleanup is a serious business.  Clearly a service one hopes they will never require, but should the need arise you can turn to the SERVPRO professionals.

Democratic National Convention comes to Philadelphia Next Week and SERVPRO Stands at the Ready

7/20/2016 (Permalink)

Philadelphia Convention Center, One of SERVPROs Clients hosts the 2016 National Democratic Convention

The 2016 Democratic Convention comes to Philadelphia from July 25th - July 28th and The Pennsylvania Convention Center is one of SERVPRO of Society Hill's largest clients.  One of the largest buildings that SERVPRO has served, the "L" shaped building takes up four city blocks in the Market East section of downtown Philadelphia.  Boasting a total footprint of 1,000,000 square feet of multi-level convention space, the convention center has a train station where two of Philadelphia's subway lines give direct public access at 11th Street Station.  

SERVPRO responds 24/7 to building emergencies for Water and Fire damage.  We also provide more than 30 non-emergency cleaning and maintenance services such as carpet cleaning, air duct cleaning, mold removal and restoration and bio-hazard cleanup.   

Philadelphia Mighty Writers Plan to Break World Record

7/8/2016 (Permalink)

Philadelphia Art Museum

On Tuesday, July 26, 2016 from 10:00AM to 12:00PM, the Mighty Writers of Philadelphia are planning to break a world record for most people writing at the same time.  All they need are 3,000 kids aged 7 - 17 to gather at the steps of the Philadelphia Art Museum with their pens ready to write about the topic "If I Were President..." 

The event promises to have guest stars, lots of surprises and the honor of being part of history!  Mighty Writers is a Philadelphia non-profit that teaches kids to think clearly and write with clarity.  

For more information about the event visit: http://www.mightywriters.org/

Philadelphia Celebrates Independence Day Week With Free Admissions to 6 Museums

6/29/2016 (Permalink)

Six Philadelphia Museums Open for Free from the 27th - 4th of July.

If you're in Philadelphia the week of 4th of July, you'll be in town for some great museums offering free admission! Here are the museums offering free admission for the week leading up to the 4th! 

Monday: The Benjamin Franklin Museum

Wednesday: The Rodin Museum

Thursday & Saturday: The National Constitution Center

Saturday: The African American Museum

Sunday: The Barnes Foundation

Monday (July 4th): The National Museum of Jewish History

SERVPRO Sponsors Annual BOMA Golf Outing Dinner

6/22/2016 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Society Hill Sponsors The BOMA Golf Outing Dinner and Provides Expert Restoration Services For Any Type of Property

Every year SERVPRO is one of the sponsors of the annual BOMA Golf Outing.  As a member of the Philadelphia Community, SERVPRO enjoys being a part of BOMA.  The outing took place on a beautiful golf course with perfect warm summer weather which made for a great day followed by an evening dinner sponsored by SERVPRO.  

Our table offered event attendees SERVPRO branded selfie sticks and golf kits so event attendees can snap the perfect shot on the golf course for years to come.  

SERVPRO enjoys our partnership with BOMA and enjoys providing restoration services to help fix your property and restore it back to like it never even happened.  

Philadelphia IndeGo Bike Share Sees Increased Ridership After First Year

6/15/2016 (Permalink)

IndeGo locations can be found all over the city of Philadelphia.

Philadelphia's IndeGo bike share has seen growth all year and after its first birthday, has announced 300 upgraded new bikes and 24 new docking stations.  The city-owned program has been working to increase bike share availability to all neighborhoods in Philadelphia.  

“This expansion is going to every neighborhood,” said Kenney. “I would like to make the hallmark of this administration... equity in every single neighborhood. No matter what zip code you're born in, no matter what zip code you live in, the amenities you experience should be as high quality as the amenities experienced in any other zip code.”

SERVPRO of Society Hill enjoys providing emergency restoration services to the city of Philadelphia and being a member of this great community.  

Philadelphia Summer Concerts Offer Great Weekend Ideas

6/8/2016 (Permalink)

Philadelphia Free 4th of July Concert

With some amazing festivals and artists coming to Philly this Summer, there is something for everyone.  Here are some outdoor concerts we are looking forward to this summer. 

Dolly Parton: June 15th - June 16th

An internationally renowned superstar, the iconic and irrepressible Dolly Parton comes to the Mann Center of Performing Arts. A Country Music Hall of Famer, seven-time Grammy winner, and recipient of countless other honors and awards for he Dolly Parton is the most honored female country artist of all time.

Harry Potter with the Philadelphia Orchestra: June 23rd

The Harry Potter film series continues to delight fans around the world and this world premiere concert will feature The Philadelphia Orchestra performing the songs from Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. Audiences will be able to relive the magic of the film on a giant screen while hearing the orchestra perform John Williams’ magical score.  

4th of July Party on the Parkway

The Largest, free, outdoor concert event in America on Philadelphia’s Benjamin Franklin Parkway for Independence Day. From 12pm to 5 pm is the Meet Your Neighbors Block Party with music, food, fun, and games. After, 5pm to 8pm is Concert on the Parkway – including a musical performance by Philadelphia POPS! Concluded with the Fireworks on the Parkway at 10pm.

Philadelphia Green Projects Help Reduce Basement Floodings

6/1/2016 (Permalink)

Green Storm Water Management Systems

Philadelphia's sewers were first constructed in the 1800s and then rebuilt in the early 1900s.  Since then, the city has grown with more surface area where storm runoff is diverted into the older sewers.  When a large amount of rain passes through the area, sewers are sometimes unable to handle the surge of water and it ends up escaping the system to the next highest point: your basement.  

Basement sewer overflows are one of the many worst-nightmare situations for homeowners.  SERVPRO is available 24/7 to come to your home and clean up the mess, but it's also important to find solutions to stop the problem for happening in the first place. 

That's why the Philadelphia Water Department's Storm Water Management is making strides to incorporate green storm water management systems by offering grants, programs and public works projects to protect our water supply and fix problems that cause the sewers to flood your home.  Over 1669 projects have been completed from green roofs to tree and flower planters that store storm water that the plants benefit from.  

For information to get a grant to build a green storm water management system, visit: http://www.phila.gov/water/wu/stormwater/Pages/default.aspx

Memorial Day in Philadelphia Has Events For Everyone

5/25/2016 (Permalink)

Independence Hall in Philadelphia

With Philadelphia being the birthplace of the US Constitution, it's no surprise that Memorial Day in Philadelphia is packed with many different events and things that anyone can load their schedules up with to enjoy. 

From a free class of yoga along the river to a craft and flea market, there are many things residents and visitors to Philadelphia can find to do.  There is a memorial service at Laurel Hill Cemetery, Fine Art Festival and Showcase in downtown Philadelphia, Lacrosse Championship game at Lincoln Financial Field, and the ongoing Chinese Lantern Festival at Franklin Square.  

No matter what, there will be something for everyone.  On behalf of SERVPRO of Society Hill, we wish everyone a safe and happy Memorial Day! 

For more information on events, visit: http://vstphl.ly/1F0SwSF

SERVPRO attends Phillyman Jerseyman Magazine Networking Event

5/18/2016 (Permalink)

Jerseyman Phillyman Magazine

SERVPRO attendants many networking events throughout the year and on May 18th we attended the Phillyman/Jerseyman event at the Sugarhouse Casino.  

We were in the company of many great professionals throughout New Jersey and Philadelphia and we appreciate all the new contacts we made in the community.  Being in the company of great people and good food made for a great night of networking in the Greater Philadelphia Tristate Area!

Urban Gardens in Philadelphia on the Rise to Improve Neighborhoods

5/11/2016 (Permalink)

Philadelphia Community Garden

Gardening is a relaxing springtime hobby where the literal fruits of your labor are equally rewarding as they are delicious.  With the limited green space available in most Philadelphia urban homes, many people may wish to join a local community garden which is a trend that has been growing as our communities develop.  Community gardens benefit the community by bringing neighbors together and provide fresh and local food for better health.  

The Philadelphia Horticulture society sponsors many programs such as the City Harvest Program and LandCare Program which aim to provide community enrichment by transforming vacant lots to vibrant, beautiful greener neighborhood assets.  Other benefits result in better management of storm water runoff; reducing the chances of flood damage in your home.

To find a local community garden near you, visit http://phsonline.org/programs/garden-tenders/community-gardens-map

Philadelphia Summer Weekend Events Kick Off

5/5/2016 (Permalink)

Photo by M. Edlow for Visit Philadelphia™

With the warm air of summer steadily approaching comes with it Philadelphia’s planned outdoor community events!  This week, on the 4th and 5th of May we’ve seen the Rittenhouse Square Flower Market where 100% of the proceeds benefit children’s organizations. 

Up next this Saturday, May 7^th is the South Street Spring Festival. The free, all-ages festival will span a total of 12-plus city blocks – three more than last year – that will be lined with 125 vendors, 30-plus participating restaurants, 40 bands, 3 stages, 7 performance areas and a ton of family-friendly fun.

 For more info visit: http://southstreet.com/spring-fest-2016/

Celebrate Summer Safely

7/15/2014 (Permalink)

With summer in full swing with barbecues every weekend and camping trips set, SERVPRO of Society Hill wanted to share a few safety methods to keep your barbecues fire free and trips enjoyable:

• When using charcoal, don’t forget to use the proper starter fluids

• Gas Grills – check to make sure the hose connections are property hooked up and tightened

• When starting a camp fire, remember to build the fire downwind, and remember to make sure the fire is smothered before going to sleep!

SERVPRO of Society Hill wishes you all a happy and safe summer!