Recent Posts

SERVPRO is IICRC certified!

8/9/2024 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of South Springfield/Agawam 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 South Springfield/Agawam

SERVPRO of South Springfield/Agawam 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.

When your heating system misfires, its called a Puff Back

8/9/2024 (Permalink)

Have you ever heard the term Puff Back? This term is used when your heating system misfires. If your heating system is not regularly cleaned, the unburned fuel may accumulate in the combustion chamber, causing it to misfire.

When the heating system has a "puff back" soot is released into the air through your heating system. Buildings and contents can be damaged as well as the heating system. This puff back could cause the stack pipe from being disconnected allowing even more soot to enter your home. As oil creates more soot than gas, the damage created by an oil furnace can be more severe. However, gas furnaces can also allow puff backs to occur.

When a puff back occurs it can allow soot to collect on your ceilings, walls, carpets as well as inside your heating vents. And of course all of your belongings inside your home.


Puff back prevention is essential to all homeowners as it can be expensive and often is not covered by your insurance. Be sure to have your furnace checked every year before firing it up.

Insist on getting the cleanup of a puff back done by professionals, SERVPRO® can help.

How safe is your home from fires?

8/9/2024 (Permalink)

We all think we are safe in our homes. However, many of us do not realize that there may be things in your home that could cause a fire. After all the most important thing to all of us is keeping our families and our property safe. 

Here is a list of things you should look for. 

*Check your smoke/carbon detectors. These items should be checked every year to see if it needs to be replaced and twice a year the batteries should be replaced

*Keep flammable items such as kitchen towels away from the stove as they can easily catch fire quickly. 

* Don't overload your extension cords. Overloading extension cords can lead to an electrical fire.

*Keep clothing and other flammables away form your gas hot water heater as they could ignite when the water heater cycles on. 

*Clean your stove often. Leaving grease buildup on your stove could cause a fire and can get out of hand very quickly. 

*Fireplaces should have the chimney swept once a year. This helps remove any soot and debris that may have built up. 

*Loose electrical outlets should be replaced or fixed in order to prevent an electrical fire. 

*Antiques: be sure to check the wiring on any antique items as the wires may become brittle over time which could fuel a fire. 

*Electronics: do not leave electronics on flammable materials such as bedding. They have been known to cause fires when they heat up. 

* Dust: those little dust bunnies under the bed can ignite quickly and spread a fire throughout your home. Also check to make sure there is no dust inside your electrical outlets, as the tiniest spark could start a fire. 

*Having any type of glass other than windows in direct sunlight could combust due to the direct sunray light. 

*Dryer lint is extremely flammable and because of that you should check your exhaust hose on your dryer yearly. 

These are just some of the ways you can help keep your family and home safe. 

However, if you do have a fire SERVPRO® can restore your home "Like it never even happened."

Microburst explained.

8/9/2024 (Permalink)

Dennis Mersereau explains

Microbursts, also called "downbursts," are a sudden downward burst of wind from the base of a thunderstorm. The air can rush towards the ground at speeds of 60 MPH before impacting the surface and spreading out in all directions. Winds at the surface can exceed 100 MPH in the strongest microbursts, often causing extensive tree and building damage.

As the name suggests, microbursts tend to affect a small area, no larger than a few square miles in most cases. The intense damage these wind events leave behind can cause residents to think they had a tornado. While weak tornadoes and microbursts can produce similar amounts of damage, there is a marked swirl in tornado debris on the ground when viewed from above, while microbursts produce damage in a starburst pattern, with straight-line winds radiating away from the point of impact.

Two Types of Microbursts
There are two types of microbursts—dry microbursts and wet microbursts—each native to certain parts of the United States.

Dry Microbursts
Drier climates, such as Denver, experience dry microbursts. Dry microbursts hit the ground without any precipitation, making them virtually impossible to see unless they kick up dust and dirt at the surface. Dry air entrainment is basically the only process driving these wind events.

Wet Microbursts
East of the Rockies, especially in the southeastern United States, wet microbursts are dominant. Wet microbursts form from both dry air entrainment (causing cold air to sink towards the ground) and water loading (weight of the rain dragging the air). Seen from a distance, wet microbursts look like an upside-down mushroom cloud—a narrow rain shaft extending from the cloud to the ground, with a large burst of wind-driven water and dirt puffing away from the point of impact at the surface

Are you prepared for high windstorms in New England?

6/3/2024 (Permalink)

Wind can cause damage to homes and businesses. From having a tree blown over and falling on your home or business, which can lead to additional problems such as water damage and even the possibility of mold if not professionally taken care of quickly.

Here are some ways you can help protect your home and commercial buildings from damage due to high winds.

*Check outside for any and all objects that will be easily lifted during a wind storm and tuck those items away.

*Check around your properties for trees that may have loose limbs, or dying trees. By removing any possible dangers you improve the possibility of keeping your home and/or commercial building safe from trees falling onto your building(s).

SERVPRO of South Springfield/Agawam will be here if you find yourself needing storm cleanup.

HERE WHEN YOU NEED US 24 HOURS A DAY 7 DAYS A WEEK

6/3/2024 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of South Springfield/Agawam is available 24 hours a day 7 days a weeks for all emergencies, large or small. 

We Answer the Phone Ready to Help
Call Today - 413-372-4115

We understand that when you call us, you may be feeling confused, stressed, and vulnerable. You need an expert to guide you through this crisis. SERVPRO of South Springfield/Agawam has the specific training and experience to help you through this tough time. We specialize in water, smoke, fire and mold damage restoration—in fact, it's the cornerstone of our business.

What to Expect

When you call, we will ask several questions regarding your emergency. These questions will help us determine what equipment and resources to bring, including how many trained SERVPRO Professionals may be needed.

Our SERVPRO Representative will ask several questions:

  • Your name and contact information
  • Your insurance information (if applicable)
  • The street address of the water-damaged home or business
  • When did the incident or damage occur?
  • What caused the damage (if known)?
  • Is there electricity available (on-site)?

About SERVPRO of South Springfield/Agawam

SERVPRO of South Springfield/Agawam specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke, mold or water damage event. 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.

Know the Dangers of Smoke and Fire Damage

6/3/2024 (Permalink)

Fires are devastating on so many levels, from the damage caused by the flames, to the properties that get reduced to ashes, to the injuries resulting from smoke exposure, heat and escaping the devastation. There are hidden dangers created by fire and smoke that can linger long after the flames have died and the air clears up.

A Lingering Damage

During a home fire, the smoke and heat permeates throughout the house and can embed itself deep into your furniture, wood, insulation, and other materials. This strong odor often lingers and can be so strong that it causes nausea and coughing even days after the fire has been put out.

When a fire burns through toxic materials including plastic, the airborne pollutants can settle into your insulation and duct work. Without proper fire restoration, these waste products can linger and make you sick.

IT STINKS!!!

Fire and smoke damage leaves an unpleasant odor in your furniture, carpets. drapes, and clothes that's difficult to remove. Unfortunately, though, simple washing or scrubbing with laundry detergent wont be enough to get rid of the smell. If you have smoke damage in your home, you'll need special equipment such as an ozone generator to get rid of the odor-and that's something only professionals like us have access to.

Also, the longer you wait, the worse it gets. If you leave it sitting long enough, you may never be able to get rid of the smell, or even salvage anything. Why take a chance on someone else cleaning your home, when SERVPRO of South Springfield/Agawam is specially trained to do so properly.

Professional Cleaning for Commercial Cleaning

6/3/2024 (Permalink)

IT STINKS!!!

Fire and smoke damage leaves an unpleasant odor in your furniture, carpets. drapes, and clothes that's difficult to remove. Unfortunately, though, simple washing or scrubbing with laundry detergent wont be enough to get rid of the smell. If you have smoke damage in your home, you'll need special equipment such as an ozone generator to get rid of the odor-and that's something only professionals like us have access to.

Also, the longer you wait, the worse it gets. If you leave it sitting long enough, you may never be able to get rid of the smell, or even salvage anything. Why take a chance on someone else cleaning your home, when SERVPRO of South Springfield/Agawam is specially trained to do so properly.

Did you know SERVPRO of South Springfield/Agawam offers professional cleaning services for your offices or commercial buildings? Whether its spring time and you just want to refresh your office space, or if you have an occupant getting ready to take over a space. The SERVPRO team can assist you in cleaning your building properly. Here is a list of the services we provide. 

 *Biohazard and Sewage
 *Trauma and Crime Scene
 *Carpet and Upholstery
 *Ceilings, Walls, and Hard Floors
 *Odor Removal and Deodorization
 *Vandalism & Graffiti

Why not have your office cleaned by a professional. No matter how big or small the cleaning job may be we at SERVPRO of South Springfield/ Agawam can provide professional cleaning that you will be completely satisfied with. 

Call us to schedule your cleaning today!

Restaurants and kitchen fires.

6/3/2024 (Permalink)

Owning a restaurant can be very stressful. From dealing with deliveries, making sure the cooks make everything correctly to dealing with the customers. Having to close your business due to a fire can be very detrimental to your bottom line. Here are some ways in which you can reduce your likelihood of a fire breaking out in your kitchen. 

*Grease: Clean up grease daily, as it is very combustible. 

*Maintain your cooking equipment, and make sure you have the proper fire suppression system installed. The fire suppression system should be professionally inspected.

*Making sure your sprinkler system is in working order. 

*Having your fire extinguishers inspected yearly and making sure you have enough of them can help your crew put the fire out, hopefully, with minimum damage. 

*Training your staff to properly deal with different types of fires could also help minimize the damage. 

*Keeping all flammables away from flames. 

*Electrical fires can start due to frayed cables or damaged outlets. Periodic inspections by a licensed electrician should be conducted to look for other electrical issues that may not be obvious. 

*Buildup can easily cause a fire in the ventilation system. Have your ductwork, hood and the fan inspected and cleaned regularly. 

*Instruct your employees to NEVER throw water on a grease fire. Doing this will only cause the fire to become enraged. 

*NEVER allow employees to dispose of their cigarette buts inside the facility. There may still be embers which can cause a fire to start. 

And last but not least have an escape plan, just in case of a fire. And practice to ensure all staff gets out safely. 

SERVPRO of South Springfield, Agawam, Longmeadow cares about their community. 

Professional equipment and cleaning products for all of your needs.

8/21/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO® of South Springfield, Agawam, Longmeadow has air movers that will help circulate the air in your home to dry it out after water damage has occurred. 

We at SERVPRO® know exactly how many units will be needed to properly dry your home. To ensure you and your family’s safety we clean our equipment after each job to prevent any allergens or microbials from being passed onto the next customer. 

Our professional cleaning products are top notch and are safe to use around your precious pets and family. We get the job done right the first time. They come in a variety of fragrances for you to choose from. 

We have the experience and expertise to treat your home like our own, with respect and care. 

Choose SERVPRO® of South Springfield, Agawam, Longmeadow for all of your restoration needs.