Your Fire Damage Restoration Solution

11/4/2022 (Permalink)

Residential fire damage can be devastating, but SERVPRO is here to help.

Has Your Home Experienced a Fire Loss?

Our team at SERVPRO of Southern Rockland County, Stony Point understands how overwhelming a fire loss can be and how difficult it can be to get things back to normal. In most circumstances after the fire has ran its course a home owner would want to get the damaged repaired quickly, but there are a few steps that a person should consider before that. A property owner should contact their insurance company in order for them to determine if the damages will be covered and to get a better understanding of the entire process. The next step one should take is to secure their home.

Securing Your Home

When we say secure your home we don’t mean locking your doors. After a fire depending on the extent of the damage there can be hundreds of access points into the structure. A home owner has to consider all the damage that has been done by the flames, smoke, and the fire department. In order to secure your home, you would need to board up holes, windows, and doors.

Boarding up the structure can be a deterrent for vandals and thieves, making the vacant home a more difficult target. In some cases your insurance company may require it. It helps prevent the elements such as rain, wind, and sun from further damaging the structure. In any fire damage situation, the first thing that should be done before any further mitigation work continues is to cover up all the exposed areas of your home as soon as possible.

Inventory Check

Once your home has be deemed safe to enter, you should make an inventory/contents list. Once that is done SERVPRO technicians can help go over what items you determine to be disposed of and which ones are salvageable.

A Leader in Restoration

SERVPRO is here to help and our employees will get the job done to your satisfaction. We are experienced professionals, with training, certification, and countless jobs to back that claim up. Once a SERVPRO technician is on site, you can leave all the heavy lifting to us. By the time we are finished it will be “like it never even happened.”

The Aftermath of a Structure Fire

9/13/2022 (Permalink)

Fire and the damage it can do.

Fire and its Destructive Potential

When trying to control a part of nature such as fire there will always be tradeoffs. By using it as a tool we welcome the destruction it can cause into our everyday life. A home or business has the potential to be set ablaze, in situation like that we always hope for anyone that’s in such a situation to make it out safely. In our modern world an uncontrolled fire can start from any type of appliance that uses electricity and natural gas or even something simple like a candle or a cigarette.

If a controlled fire is left unattended or an electrical component is malfunctioning a fire can spread making it difficult to stop. It is a good idea to have a fire extinguisher in your home or business so you have the opportunity to contain and put it out. Do not use water if the cause of the fire is electrical. When the fire is unmanageable to tackle on your own or if the source can’t be determined you should evacuate the building quickly with a calm and organized manor. Once you are safe location call the fire department and let the professionals put it out.

What to do After a Fire

Depending on the severity of the structure fire you might be left with a lot on your plate and trying to salvage what you can. If the structure isn’t compromised and you have been informed that it’s safe to enter here are a few tips that can help, but only do activities that are safe for you to perform. Do your best to limit movement in the structure to prevent soot particles from being embedded into the upholstery and carpets. Try to keep your hands clean to avoid soiling upholstery, walls and woodwork.

Fire Damage Restoration Service

In most cases it requires a lot of work to cleanup and restore things to their original condition. This is where SERVPRO of Southern Rockland County, Stony Point come into the picture. If your home or business has been damaged by a fire we specialize in fire damage cleanup and restoration. It is critical to get appropriate damage assessment and inspections to happen quickly.

Much of our restoration success in residential and commercial blazes in the Rockland county area is because of our growing inventory of recovery and mitigation equipment. In situations where soot and odors are widespread concerns, containment strategies are vital like our hydroxyl and ozone machines that can filter out particulates and contaminates while addressing the odor at the same time. Our experienced and certified technicians will utilize tolls like chemical sponges for addressing smoke/soot residues and damages.

Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions. When carious materials burn, the soot and residue they create differs greatly and requires a specific cleaning procedure. If your home or business has be effected by fire damage don’t be afraid to reach out for help give us a call at (845) 400-4888.

Hurricanes in the Garden State

9/2/2022 (Permalink)

Stay alert it's hurricane season.

It’s that Time of Year Again

Tropical storms and hurricanes are becoming more frequent in our area, it’s time to get ready and prepare. Residents may experience flooding, power outages, and in some cases have to evacuate. It all comes down to Mother Nature to deciding if the storm will blow away to sea or hits land.

The best thing you can do is stayed informed and get your information from credible sources, so you know when and where the storm may hit. Next you should make a plan with people in your household or neighbors that you are close to. Keeping a written record of important phone numbers can be helpful especially if you do not have access to your own devices. Making a hurricane kit will come in handy, since it’s better to always be prepared. The New Jersey State Government recommends that you stock a two week supply of emergency necessities. It is recommended to have a stock pile of cleaning and repair supplies in a safe place and to do your best in making your kit is portable. Remember to bring special supplies for babies, elderly, or for anyone that has a disability in your household. A list of basic supplies can be found under step three of the Hurricane Survival Guide for New Jersey.

Hurricanes can cause a lot of devastation. There are a few hazards to keep a look out for depending on the area you are located in. Some of those hazards include high wind speeds, storm surge, flooding, tornadoes, and rip currents, along with other things.

After the Storm

Continue to stay informed and stay alert for more extreme weather events that may accompany the hurricane. Remain in a secure place until you know it is safe to return to your home. There are a variety of resources the government provides that can help you through a difficult situation. You can find most of that info in the Hurricane Survival Guide for New Jersey which you can get to by clicking the link.

Restoration

SERVPRO of Southern Rockland County, Stony Point understands how devastating these storms can be and at times even our own buildings we operate out of are affected depending on the severity of the storm. Even if that’s the case, we will do whatever it takes to push forward and provide storm damage cleanup and restoration services to the communities around us. We will use every tool at our disposal to get as many homes and businesses back on track. No matter what the situation is when it comes to property damage SERVPRO is “Here to Help”

How can Your Business be prepared for a Fire?

8/18/2022 (Permalink)

If your business has been affected by fire damage, SERVPRO of Southern Rockland county, Stony Point is your one stop solution.

Being Prepared for a Fire Requires Effort and Extensive Planning

In most cases a fire can be a business owner’s worst nightmare. Most situation would be covered by an insurance policy, which will give you the ability to rebuild, but what about protecting the most valuable assets: the life of your employees, potential customers, and your own. No one wants to be put in a situation where their life is at risk, that’s why a business should develop a fire escape plan.

Emergency Fire Plan Tips for your Business

1. Ensure your business has the proper amount of smoke alarms. When it comes to newer structures the National Fire Protection Association makes it apparent under the National Fire Alarm Code (NFPA 72) requires hard-wired, interconnected smoke alarms with battery backup on every building level, outside each work area, and inside each office. If you building is older and there aren’t any smoke alarms present, you should install them on every level and outside each work station. It is important to test the alarms every month along with replacing the batteries once every year.        
2. Go over what your smoke alarms look and sound like with your employees. Most smoke alarms should have a test feature, if they do you should find time to organize an employee meeting with either you or a professional to practice your fire escape plan while testing the alarm system. By any chance if your smoke alarm system does not have a test feature, you can find videos and courses online. Keeping your employees informed on how to recognize the alarm system and what the plan of action is during a fire will boost confidence and help people remain calm during such an emergency.                                                
3. Make sure everyone in the building is aware of two escape routes that can be used in each room. The route may not be the best to use under normal circumstances, but it will of great help if a fire emergency occurs. It is important to have a meeting point outside of the building already established, so you can monitor the situation and see if everyone is accounted for. The plan may have more complexity depending on the size of the structure, in some cases a customized escape diagram should be made with the layout of the building with multiple escape routes draw up depending on where a person may be located in the structure.                              
4. Have a well-rounded plan for communication during emergencies. Employees should know whose instructions they should listen to along with how to contact specific individuals during the event of an emergency.                                        
5. Organize meetings where you and your employees can practice a fire drill at least twice a year, so you can make sure it’s being carried out correctly and if any changes to the plan need to be made. It may seem like a lot to handle, but remember fire drill and proper procedures can save lives during a real fire. Frequently doing these exercises ensures that new employees are informed on what to do in emergency scenarios.

If your business has been affected by fire damage call SERVPRO of Southern Rockland County at (845) 400-4888.

How can Your Business be prepared for a Fire?

8/18/2022 (Permalink)

If your business has been affected by fire damage, SERVPRO of Southern Rockland county, Stony Point is your one stop solution.

Being Prepared for a Fire Requires Effort and Extensive Planning

In most cases a fire can be a business owner’s worst nightmare. Most situation would be covered by an insurance policy, which will give you the ability to rebuild, but what about protecting the most valuable assets: the life of your employees, potential customers, and your own. No one wants to be put in a situation where their life is at risk, that’s why a business should develop a fire escape plan.

Emergency Fire Plan Tips for your Business

1. Ensure your business has the proper amount of smoke alarms. When it comes to newer structures the National Fire Protection Association makes it apparent under the National Fire Alarm Code (NFPA 72) requires hard-wired, interconnected smoke alarms with battery backup on every building level, outside each work area, and inside each office. If you building is older and there aren’t any smoke alarms present, you should install them on every level and outside each work station. It is important to test the alarms every month along with replacing the batteries once every year.        
2. Go over what your smoke alarms look and sound like with your employees. Most smoke alarms should have a test feature, if they do you should find time to organize an employee meeting with either you or a professional to practice your fire escape plan while testing the alarm system. By any chance if your smoke alarm system does not have a test feature, you can find videos and courses online. Keeping your employees informed on how to recognize the alarm system and what the plan of action is during a fire will boost confidence and help people remain calm during such an emergency.                                                
3. Make sure everyone in the building is aware of two escape routes that can be used in each room. The route may not be the best to use under normal circumstances, but it will of great help if a fire emergency occurs. It is important to have a meeting point outside of the building already established, so you can monitor the situation and see if everyone is accounted for. The plan may have more complexity depending on the size of the structure, in some cases a customized escape diagram should be made with the layout of the building with multiple escape routes draw up depending on where a person may be located in the structure.                              
4. Have a well-rounded plan for communication during emergencies. Employees should know whose instructions they should listen to along with how to contact specific individuals during the event of an emergency.                                        
5. Organize meetings where you and your employees can practice a fire drill at least twice a year, so you can make sure it’s being carried out correctly and if any changes to the plan need to be made. It may seem like a lot to handle, but remember fire drill and proper procedures can save lives during a real fire. Frequently doing these exercises ensures that new employees are informed on what to do in emergency scenarios.

If your business has been affected by fire damage call SERVPRO of Southern Rockland County at (845) 400-4888.

How can your Business Bounce Back from a Water Loss

8/10/2022 (Permalink)

Technician performing water extraction at a local business.

Taking Control of the Situation

Let’s say a Suffern, NY Business owner has just discovered signs of ongoing water damage. The first thing they should do is try to determine where it might be coming from and if they have the ability to stop the water at the source in order to prevent the damage from spreading. If a person is unable to stop the flow of water or not able to determine the source it’s advised that they should contact a plumber to fix the issue. The reason why the flow of water needs to be stopped before water restoration can begin is to prevent the problem from occurring again. Once the water has stopped flowing this is where the services provided by SERVPRO of southern Rockland County, Stony Point come into play. The next step would be to give us a call and we will dispatch technicians to your location in order for the water restoration process to begin quickly. A person shouldn’t wait to mitigate water damage, since each day that passes gives mold a chance to take root and spread.

Time to Work

Now that our Suffern business owner has scheduled the appointment and our technicians are on site the work can begin. The first thing we do is begin a walk through to determine what rooms are affected. Our employees have tools and devices that give them the upper hand when it comes to determining what areas have been affected. Water can find a way through and absorb into materials that make up the structure along with any of the contents that are exposed. When our specialized technicians have completed the walk through the hard work can begin. If there still is a large amount of water present it will be extracted or pumped out. Depending on the extent of the damage it may require walls, floors and ceilings to be cut out in order to dry framing used to support the structure. If that’s the case the job is only getting started. Once all the non-salvageable material has been ripped out/removed and disposed of the drying process can begin. In order to determine the placement of the drying equipment, the data entered into our software during the walk through calculates how much equipment is needed and where they should be set up. This gives us the ability to dry the area effectively and quickly. When the drying is completed our technicians do a final walk through and do readings to determine if the water restoration process is completed. If the readings are dry it’s time to remove the equipment and time to start the reconstruction process.

Why Choose SERVPRO?

Our SERVPRO is locally owned and operated, which means each client is important to us and we will go out of our way to build close relationships in our surrounding community. We have the experience, equipment, and the man power to get the job done quickly to your satisfaction. In our line of work we understand all the stress that could be caused from a negative event that causes damage to your property, so the team of hard working employees does their best to take that load off your back. The office and field teams will walk you through each step, so you can have a basic understanding on what needs to be done through the water restoration process.

Planning For Disaster

8/5/2022 (Permalink)

Our technicians will do whatever it takes to get your business back up and running after a water disaster.

Why should your Business have a Disaster Plan?

If you are a business owner in Rockland County, making sure you have a disaster plan is a vital to making sure your covered if an emergency was to occur. It would be beneficial to have a written plan in place to help keep employees safe during an emergency situation. Keep your employees well informed on the procedure and inform them of the different type of instructions that should be followed depending on the emergency. As a business owner developing a plan based on each emergency can assist with getting operations back to normal quickly compared to a business that doesn’t have an emergency plan in place. There are a few elements that can help ensure that your property and employees are prepared.

Building Evacuation & Staying Put

If a disaster or issue pops up depending on its severity and type, may require you to evacuate the structure or necessitate staying in place. It is important that a business has a written procedure for any type of emergency situation that may happen.

Going over the layout of the structure and making sure the evacuation routes are properly marked/visible in case an emergency situation happens abruptly and without warning in the event of a flood or fire. Practice evacuation drills with your employees and make sure everyone knows how to respond to each type of situation.

Communication is Key

In the event of a disaster or emergency in the workplace there will most likely be mass confusion amongst staff when it comes to what action should be taken along with how it can affect their livelihoods. It’s important for you and upper management to clearly communicate and make sure everyone is alright. Once the chaos has subsided, coming up with a plan for mitigating the emergency can begin.

Recovery

If your business has been affected by a disaster or an emergency relating to water, fire, and/or mold damage, SERVPRO of Southern Rockland county can help get your business back on track. We even offer 24/7 emergency service and will work with you and your business every step of the way. So if your commercial property has experienced a disaster or emergency give us a call at (845) 400-488

Experiencing Water Damage - Look No Further Than SERVPRO of Southern Rockland County

7/15/2022 (Permalink)

Southern Rockland County home affected by a pipe leak in a finished basement, our technicians quickly got to the scene and saved the day.

SERVPRO's Experienced Water Damage Teams are Available 24/7 in Southern Rockland County

A water loss can be difficult obstacle to any homeowner or business. One thing that makes a water emergency complicated to handle, is the overwhelming amount of ways that can cause it. The causes could range from a sewage backup, burst pipes, or a leaking roof from storm damage, you need a professional on site and ready to get to work as fast as possible. The longer a person waits to begin water extraction and drying, the more a property owner can open yourself up to more costly secondary damages. SERVPRO is available 24/7 even on weekends and holidays, we can assist with water removal services, drying, along with the complete restoration process.

How to Handle Burst Pipes in Your Basement

Broken piping can catch you off guard in your home or business. A large amount of plumbing can be hidden in plain sight, so an issue may be overlooked or unnoticed until the damage reveals itself. If you notice damp building materials, musty odors, or any staining, these are indications that you might have a water damage issue developing. There are other signs to determine if you have a pipe leak such as:

• Standing water below sinks in your kitchen, bathroom, laundry room, etc.
• An unexplained spike in your water bill
• Strange noises coming from the pipes like bubbling or whistling
• Water that is discolored or has a funny smell
• Changes in your water pressure

SERVPRO of Southern Rockland County has technicians that carry multiple IICRC certification related to restoration work, they can conduct a thorough investigation with specialized equipment to determine the scope of the job and what may need to be done to address the issue. We make sure the issue is fixed before the water remediation can begin, so there isn't any further damage due to the cause of the loss. Whenever there is non-salvageable materials, we use controlled demolition to remove them carefully, dispose of them, and then rebuild.

Dehumidification and Drying are Essential in All Water Restoration Projects

During water related emergencies a big chunk of the work is done by using our drying and dehumidification techniques. SERVPRO has tested and proven methods to assist with bringing the interior of your property back to preloss conditions, but we can't do it on our own. We enlist the help of industrial grade equipment and experience with drying theory. Our company has access to large amounts of resources, which allows us to scale each project if needed. 

• Powerful extractors, both portable and truck-mounted, allow our crew to remove standing water and pull moisture from carpeting, flooring, etc.
• Air movers, industrial fans, drying mats, and other equipment allow us to enhance evaporation to reduce overall drying time.
• Dehumidification equipment help to cut back on relative humidity (RH) to help boost evaporation rates throughout the work zone.

No matter the cause of water damage to your property, our technicians have the skills and expertise needed to restore everything to pre-water event conditions. For water repair and restoration look no further than SERVPRO of Southern Rockland County - you can reach our team by calling (845) 400-4888 and remember "We're Faster to Any Size Disaster!"

Known Ways a Commercial Property can be Damaged

7/15/2022 (Permalink)

Pipe leak that affected most of the property since it wasn't noticed until it was too late.

Potential Disasters That Your Southern Rockland County Business can Run Into

Every business provides value to their local communities. Most of us visit several business daily, they help provide the services and products we need and want.

A business owner carries a lot of weight on their shoulders and are integral to daily operations. When a disaster strikes, the effects can be devastating not only to the property, but to the business as a whole.

When a disaster strikes whether they be natural or manmade, the costs to your business can add up. Here in Southern Rockland County, we know to anticipate cold, snowy winters and warm summers with the occasional hurricane that might hit at the end of the summer season. 

Potential Damages a Business can Face

Water is one of the most common ways a commercial property can be damaged. This can be caused by a variety of things such as weather, appliance failure, sewage backups, pipe burst, and hot water heaters along with many other things. No matter how it happens it can cause a lot of chaos and could potentially shut down operations for the time being.

Flooding can cause many issues by seeping through the doors and floor, which could cause damage to the structures foundation and should be addressed quickly. 

A pipe leak can also go unnoticed for some time and slowly start affecting walls, floors and ceilings, until someone realizes that there is an issue the problem and cost to fix it will only get worse. There are some ways that this could be prevented by simply checking your plumbing on a regular basis to ensure there are no drips. Check walls and ceilings for warping or discoloration, which could be signs that the material is exposed to water.

By doing routine checks it can help prevent any damage from happening in the first place or give you the business owner the upper hand by catching the issue early so it can be fixed as fast as possible. 

Who do You Contact If Your Commercial Property Has Water Damage?

You can call SERVPRO of Southern Rockland County at (845) 400-4888 if your commercial establishment has encountered water damage. We will send our certified and experienced technicians to provide a free estimate and begin the restoration process, so your business can get back on track. 

How Suffern Restorers Choose Products to Fight Fire Damage

7/6/2022 (Permalink)

Residues and soot can affect every part of your home after fire damage in your Suffern home. Contact our experienced team to assess and remediate.

Convenience Guides SERVPRO in Suffern Fire Restoration

The chemical and physical processes involved in combusting materials soils and changing them necessitate action to restore a home to its preloss state. That means cleaning the surfaces or contents affected by fire damage in most cases. Other measures like replacing or resurfacing some materials may be necessary if cleaning is deemed unfeasible. Choosing the products to use may be more challenging than you expect, so finding a Suffern professional to help manage the process is ideal.

The products used in Suffern properties for fire damage cleanup dissolve, precipitate or lubricate soils, thus eliminating them from surfaces. Soils can also change in other ways when specialized cleaning products are applied. When remedial actions are optimized, the cleaning process can be faster or more thorough. For example, if lubricating a surface to get rid of soils, the chosen chemical agents should remain potent throughout the cleanup process. Otherwise, soils removed from one section of materials may be lodged in a different area. SERVPRO evaluates cleaning products carefully before deciding to use them for a specific cleaning task.

Factors influencing product choice:

• Chemical composition 
• Whether solvent or water-based
• Equipment necessary for dispensation

Cleaning products vary in many ways apart from having different brand names. The pH level is one of the main variations, with some products being highly alkaline, neutral, or acidic. Products with pH levels slightly above or below the neutral range are sufficient for light soiling. However, highly alkaline products strip away easily heavy or oily fire deposits. Acidic products may be necessary, especially in dealing with stained materials. For instance, after removing soot from a tiled backsplash, the grout lines may not regain their preloss shade or be stained. Such outcomes occur because some soot molecules are minute and thus penetrate beyond the surface. When our SERVPRO IICRC FSRT-Certified technicians use a highly acidic product, it etches the grout surface, restoring the change triggered by soot "Like it never even happened."

Product Composition Impacts Convenience

Fire is characteristically inconvenient. Apart from occurring when least expected, it creates many problems, including hazards, strong odors, and piles of debris. Removing waste materials and cleaning soiled areas is crucial in restoring preloss conditions. The equipment or products used should address the issues you face without creating new ones. For instance, since smoke residues tend to be pungent, it would be ideal to find cleaning agents that do not leave smells after cleaning is over. Our SERVPRO crews choose products with minimal VOCs ensuring no unpleasant odors remain on your property after removing the offending fire residues. 

Other beneficial properties include:

• Buffered products that maintain specific pH levels
• Products that work well over a range of pH levels
• Biodegradable products

Whenever a cleaning solution is used on a surface or fabric, it changes the soils, thus removing them. The change happens both ways since soils like soot also affect the cleaning solution, as indicated by the color alterations as the process goes on. Chemical changes also occur, one being an alteration of the pH levels limiting the product's effectiveness. A buffer is a chemical that keeps the pH constant no matter how soiled the cleaning solution becomes. Our SERVPRO technicians can complete the process faster and save costs with such a product. Another alternative is to use products that retain potency even as the pH levels change.

SERVPRO of Southern Rockland County makes relevant choices that ease fire damage management. Call us at (845) 400-4888. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.

How Suffern Households Can Counter Water Damage

7/6/2022 (Permalink)

We have the cleaning and restoration equipment ready to be dispatched to your Suffern home that has experienced water damage.

SERVPRO Manages Suffern Water Cleanup Professionally

Since water freely flows once it finds an opening from a contained area, you have limited options to stop it from spreading around your Suffern house. However, you should not sit idly and let water damage take root. You can take pre-emptive actions on your own or hire a professional team to help mitigate the damages.

After exposure, it takes time before Suffern homes develop water damage. Severe problems might include warping or buckling in areas with solid wood, delamination for composite materials, and staining of fabrics, among other issues. Utilizing the window before such adverse damage sets in, which ranges from a few minutes, can reduce costs and inconveniences from the incident. For example, wood can swell within a couple of hours after water exposure, but it takes days for irreversible damage like warping to develop. Calling SERVPRO helps because we expedite restoration processes and use techniques that deal with the intrusion "Like it never even happened."

Priority actions to counter water damage:

• Moving items
• Blocking the water
• Extracting moisture

Some of the most helpful actions are also the simplest to implement. It helps if you do not hesitate to take them even as you wait for professional assistance. Removing areas rugs or other movable items from carpeted floors and lifting drapes minimizes the chances of running dyes causing staining. You can also use thick towels to blot wet areas or block water from spreading quickly from the source to the rest of the house. Mopping standing water from surfaces limits absorption into porous and semi-porous materials. It also limits evaporation into the air, which is detrimental since it raises the overall humidity levels in the house. If the humidity level exceeds 60%, it can trigger widespread mold growth on all organic surfaces like walls, ceilings, floors, and on contents such as wooden furniture or upholstery.

Advanced Action Against Moisture

Water is constantly moving even when it is not flowing physically over surfaces. Wicking through materials or condensing and wetting new areas after evaporating elsewhere are some of the insidious ways moisture moves, creating unexpected problems. Elaborate procedures are necessary to halt such movement and curtail the adverse outcomes. 

Useful actions include:

• Dehumidification
• Air movement
• Containment

Moisture wicks through materials from very wet areas to dry ones as it seeks equilibrium. Evaporating the water trapped in wet materials effectively limits such movement by providing an alternative escape route for the water. One way to sustain evaporation is by supplying a constant stream of air over wet surfaces. Our SERVPRO technicians use air movers to direct air currents towards the wet areas we identify in a house. 

Drying can run into a bottleneck if the air inside your home is oversaturated with the moisture escaping from wet materials. Opening windows can help push the moisture-laden air out of the house in what is referred to as an open drying system. However, that plan can run into problems since the outdoor air might also be humid. Our SERVPRO technicians prefer to incorporate dehumidification in drying your house. The dehumidifier draws in the moist air from a room and cools it down, forcing condensation of the absorbed moisture before releasing dry air back into the room. Sometimes we use plastic sheets to create containment, thus limiting airflow between different house sections.

SERVPRO of Southern Rockland County finds convenient solutions to deal with water damage. Call us at (845) 400-4888. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Diverse Ways to Address Odors in Suffern Homes after Mold Damage

7/6/2022 (Permalink)

If your home or business in Suffern suffers mold damage, call the professionals at SERVPRO today for remediation assistance.

SERVPRO Resources Simplify Suffern Mold Remediation

Mold development is a complex problem that leads to visual and physical deterioration of structural materials and contents. The surfaces affected by mold in your Suffern home exhibit dark patches or other forms of staining. Loss of structural integrity is also likely leaving materials crumbly, thus unable to withstand physical exertion. Another easily dismissed aspect of mold damage is the musty odor that properties develop once infested. The colonies emit odor because of the mycotoxins released into the air. Material deterioration from mold is similar to rot, so it produces smells.

Taking specific steps to address odors in a Suffern property with mold damage is essential in restoring preloss conditions. Odors might persist after the soiling and deterioration from mold are handled. Sometimes the odor issues experienced are psychological since the brain can latch on to the irritating sensation of a musty odor leading house occupants to claim there is odor where none exists (phantosmia.) SERVPRO offers a wide array of solutions to help you deal with odors.

Useful mold odor management products:

• Pairing agents
• Masking agents
• Absorption and adsorption agents
• Disinfectants and sanitizers

One straightforward way to deal with odors is to destroy the malodor molecules. Using a pairing agent helps facilitate this type of action. The pairing agent combines with the odor molecule changing it in one of two ways - changing it chemically or precipitating it over a surface for easier cleaning. Products that change odor molecules chemically are known as counteractants, while those that precipitate them are called humectants. Our SERVPRO technicians rely more on counteractants when dealing with mold because they destroy odor-causing bacteria. 

Changing the Environment to Manage Odors

Sometimes making changes around the contaminated property helps defeat the odors experienced. When our SERVPRO technicians use masking agents around the property, it qualifies as modifying the environment. We take such actions if we ascertain that the odors experienced in the property are imaginary or if they are temporary and thus expected to dissipate naturally after some time. A masking agent is a product that emits a sweet scent, thus overcoming any foul odors. The products work through time-release mechanisms such as wicks, gels, or beads to supply a pleasant smell for a sufficient period.

Another way to modify the surrounding is using absorption and adsorption agents. These products work by capturing gasses from the air or absorbing humidity and oils. Our SERVPRO OCT-Certified technicians mostly use adsorption agents when addressing mold smells. The main product used for this is activated charcoal which is usually fitted into an air filtration device. When indoor air is circulated through the machine, it helps capture and retain the odorous gasses.

Since mold is a form of life, terminating its development is the ultimate way to control all the problems it causes, including the unpleasant odors. Products with disinfectant or sanitizer properties are best suited for such control since they remove the soils from mold colonies and help stop microbial growth processes. Disinfectants are denoted with "cide" in the product name, while sanitizers have the suffix "stat" in the product name. 

Other products that help control odors:

• Enzyme digesters
• Oxidizing agents
• Air purifiers

SERVPRO of Southern Rockland County takes all the necessary steps to manage mold damage "Like it never even happened." You can reach us at (845) 400-4888 whenever you need assistance.

Actions Necessary during Water Cleanup in Suffern Premises

7/5/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO IICRC certified technicians have the training and experience needed for every commercial damage restoration service your business needs.

Water Restoration in Suffern by SERVPRO Is Thorough

When your business runs normally, it is hard to visualize interruptions that can interfere with your operations. However, a simple pipe leak can stop everything at your Suffern premises because, unlike the spillage, which happens quickly, water cleanup takes several actions and thus consumes time. It also requires different personnel and the right equipment.

Although challenging, water cleanup at your Suffern premises does not have to interrupt your business. With a bit of help from a professional team like SERVPRO, you can readily overcome any difficulties since our crews are well trained to handle several tasks simultaneously.

Processes that facilitate cleaning

• Removing standing water
• Clearing water spots and stains
• Cleaning any soiling from dissolved materials
• Removing odors

Since water is the source of the problem, expeditiously dealing with it unlocks several other benefits. Unlike working on your own when you only have a couple of mops and buckets to scoop the water, a professional team has advanced equipment ranging from wet vacuums to powerful truck-mounted extractors. Our SERVPRO technicians also use handy accessories such as squeegee or carpet wands, depending on the surface type, to ease the extraction or prevent damage.

Soiling from water

Water triggers different types of soiling, whether from dissolved sediments or the deterioration of materials in your premises through rusting or running dyes. When people move around wet areas, they soil the surfaces significantly. Therefore, isolation is necessary to limit soiling. Our SERVPRO technicians erect barriers or place warning signs around wet areas to restrict movement. We also separate items that might stain. For example, removing furniture from carpeted areas helps prevent rust stains. When soiling is limited from spreading, cleaning is easier.

After dealing with the standing water and visible soiling, your property might still need work to restore preloss conditions. Eliminating any odors is one such task since moisture triggers odors or heightens the sensation, thus making any odors present more irritating.

Ways to manage odors

• Drying wet materials
• Wet fogging with deodorizers
• Placing masking agents

SERVPRO of Southern Rockland County, Stony Point, can ensure water cleanup takes care of all the problems at your premises. You can reach us at (845) 400-4888.

Cleaning Small Items during Fire Restoration in Suffern Homes

7/5/2022 (Permalink)

Fire damage restoration is no DIY project. SERVPRO techs are ready 24/7 365 days a year to help you. Call now!

SERVPRO Handles All Levels of Fire Damage in Suffern Homes

Dealing with a fire loss is not just about the big things. Small items in your Suffern home can cause challenges since they require individual attention, and it is costly to throw everything away the moment the embers die down. Evaluating and cleaning small items that you deem salvageable is essential to fire restoration.

Some of the small items you have to deal with during the fire restoration of your Suffern home include light fixtures, kitchen utensils, jewelry, and chandeliers. You can only deal with such items effectively if you have time, a sufficient workforce, or specialized equipment. SERVPRO provides the crew and equipment you might need.

Preparation steps for cleaning

• Disassembling items
• Separating or grouping items
• Pre-cleaning heavily soiled items

Many small items are attached to or are part of larger items. For instance, light fixtures are connected to the ceiling or walls. On the other hand, chandeliers are made up of several small parts. Cleaning the items while still attached elsewhere is not ideal. Our SERVPRO technicians help disassemble the items safely when stripping the electrical from your house.

Performing cleaning

Another essential step is separating items based on their physical properties to facilitate cleaning. Some things, such as jewelry and kitchen items, can withstand immersion in cleaning solutions to remove soot or other fire residues. You might damage electrical fixtures irreparably from such exposure.

Helpful cleaning methods

• Ultrasonic cleaning
• Hand cleaning
• Spray and wipe cleaning

Ultrasonic cleaning effectively removes soot and other fire residues adhering to the surface of items. The system has large tanks where the soiled items are immersed in cleaning solutions. It then generates and implodes millions of tiny bubbles agitating the dirty areas.

SERVPRO of Southern Rockland County, Stony Point readily addresses big or small fire restoration tasks restoring homes to their preloss state. You can reach us at (845) 400-4888.

Decontamination after Flood Damage Affects Pearl River Homes

7/5/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO technicians have the training and experience needed for every phase of storm damage restoration.

SERVPRO Simplifies Flood Restorations in Pearl River

Your house can withstand a flooding incident because of its sturdy construction, or the storm is not that severe. One problem you might not escape is the deep and widespread contamination of vast sections of your Pearl River home after flood damage.

The process of decontamination after flood damage in Pearl River homes is rarely straightforward. You must locate all the areas the filthy water reaches and deal with special materials that retain contaminants even after cleaning. It would be best if you had the right skills and equipment to complete the decontamination conveniently. Therefore, involving a professional like SERVPRO is ideal.

The main actions that address contamination

• Applying biocides 
• Removing porous materials 
• Cleaning surfaces thoroughly

Using chemical agents is a basic part of decontaminating a flooded home. Chemicals work differently, including halting microbial growth processes and destroying harmful organisms. Choosing the appropriate products is just one of the requirements since you must also apply them effectively for the right outcome. Our SERVPRO crews select EPA-registered disinfectants for such tasks. We start by spraying products directly into the flooded areas before starting cleanup. Later we apply other biocides after cleaning to ensure a spot is sanitary.

Handling contaminated materials

Contamination can spread beyond the surface of a material if it is porous. Cleaning such materials to a sanitary level is a tough call. That is why our SERVPRO technicians remove some materials entirely. Carpets, pads, and soaked drywall must go for your property to regain its sanitary conditions. Our technicians provide the expertise needed to remove the unsalvageable materials without damaging the rest of the structure. For the walls, we make flood cuts a few inches above the water line, thus removing all the contaminated materials.

Cleaning is also essential to address contamination because it helps remove physical soils like silt and sewage on floors and other surfaces. Cleaning also helps in managing odors.

Helpful cleaning processes

• Pressure washing
• Vacuum extraction
• Immersion cleaning

SERVPRO of Southern Rockland County, Stony Point, is a reliable service to help you cope with flood damage. Call us at (845) 400-4888. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Why Having Professionals Address Mold Damage is Best in Suffern

6/5/2022 (Permalink)

Regardless of the color of the mold infestation, team SERVPRO can help. Call our technicians 24/7 to remediate the mold damage in your home.

SERVPRO’s Proven Mold Damage Restoration in Suffern Provides Effective Results

No property, commercial or residential, will be completely alike. As such, SERVPRO offers scalability and customization for each mold cleanup job so that you get the results you deserve. Whether you are suspicious of dark, fuzzy patches developing in the corner of your bathroom or feel you might have black mold in your basement, we are here to help with remediation and cleanup. With our proven methods and attention to detail, we are the top choice by Suffern customers when they want to have safe, practical mold damage assistance.

Why not DIY? Why contact SERVPRO for mold damage in Suffern? Because any do-it-yourself project involving mold is never recommended. Without the knowledge and tools to handle mold safely, you run the risk of further damage to your property. This secondary damage can be costly and require a lengthy process to have professionals fix everything. We can come in with our industry knowledge to get you the results you need with steps such as:

• Rapid response times – We know that you want your property back in order as soon as possible, so SERVPRO is available 24/7. 
• Detailed assessment – It is essential to locate and address areas where mold development is suspected so that we can fix the water or moisture issue and make a plan for clean up.
• Mold containment – We do this with plastic sheeting and negative pressure to create barriers so that microscopic mold spores do not travel to unaffected areas of your property. It is also best to shut off fans and your HVAC system.
• Indoor air quality (IAQ) – We use vacuums to pull up spores while air scrubbers featuring HEPA filtration pull particles from the air.

Before any mold damage project is complete, unsalvageable materials get replaced, and all surfaces get a thorough cleaning for disinfection. SERVPRO of Southern Rockland County, Stony Point will make it “Like it never even happened.” Call us when you need us at (845) 400-4888.

Get Fast Water Damage Restoration for Your Pearl River Business

6/5/2022 (Permalink)

When the water damage emergency at your business location surprises you, call in the professionals. Team SERVPRO technicians have the equipment.

Call SERVPRO 24/7 for Commercial Water Damage Assistance in Pearl River

No business owner expects that flooding or ceiling leaks will be part of their workday. This is why you need to have the contact information of a trusted restoration team to handle the water removal services should an emergency arise. SERVPRO offers 24/7 availability and scalability to handle any commercial water restoration project, including everything from small offices to large-scale production facilities, storefronts, etc. We are your number one choice in Pearl River to get in and out fast to provide quality results – We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster.

Many factors set SERVPRO apart from other restoration teams when you require commercial water damage assistance in Pearl River, including:

• 24/7 customer care for incoming calls
• Rapid response times and situational awareness
• Fully-stocked Green Fleet is ready to go, allowing us to mobilize and get to your business in as little as four hours or less
• A trusted partner for burst pipes, storm flooding, hidden leak damage, and more
• Strict adherence to all OSHA guidelines and standards
• Commercial, industrial-grade equipment to handle moisture detection, water removal services, drying, etc.

Business owners in Pearl River and the surrounding areas can count on us

When it comes to water-related emergencies, failing to act could lead to hazards and the onset of secondary damage or mold growth. SERVPRO water restoration technicians (WRT) know how to adapt and work fast to facilitate efforts such as:

• Skilled water damage mitigation and complete restoration
• Document recovery and restoration to address wet vital records
• Emergency power, as needed
• Refrigerant/desiccant drying and humidity control
• Application of EPA-registered cleaning agents and antimicrobials

Rather than having your in-house maintenance team attempt water extraction and drying, SERVPRO’s IICRC-certified team can get the project handled in a fraction of the time. Whether you are experiencing the fallout from a sewage backup or a significant water spill, we will make your business “Like it never even happened.”

Call (845) 400-4888 to contact SERVPRO of Southern Rockland County, Stony Point. Our customer care team is ready to initiate your water damage restoration services.

When Pack-Out in Suffern is Necessary for Commercial Fire Restoration

6/5/2022 (Permalink)

Dealing with fire damage at your commercial location can certainly stop work from getting done. Place a call to SERVPRO for effective remediation.

SERVPRO’s Suffern Team Offers Commercial Fire Restoration and Pack-Out Services

There is a lot on the mind of any business owner in the Suffern area. However, when your restaurant, retail space, or production facility has a fire, the weight on your shoulders becomes immense. You need to think about all the contents of your building, from the office equipment or machinery to furnishings, documentation, and more. Hiring skilled fire and smoke restoration technicians (FSRT) ensures that all facets of your business get handled with care. At SERVPRO, we provide careful inventory and handling of all of your commercial space contents with our professional pack-out/move-out services.

Slight to substantial fire restoration work in Suffern commercial spaces involves not only the removal of charred debris but also the soot and smoke residue that settled on various surfaces. SERVPRO is also there to handle any standing water and moisture left behind by first responders using water or chemicals to extinguish the flames.

When is pack-out service necessary?

There are many instances where packing up belongings and moving them off-site or for storage is best, including:

• Pack-out services allow items like documents, furniture, and equipment to get packed up and relocated to a secure destination for fire restoration.
• Move-outs are suitable for opening up space that allows our technicians plenty of room to work on restoration.
• SERVPRO follows detailed guidelines for tagging and logging all inventory to ensure everything is where it needs to be.
• After restoration wraps up, all of your business contents get moved back into your commercial space.

Do you have concerns about filing your business fire insurance claim? We handle all of the paperwork and make sure everything gets filled out correctly to ensure your fire damage claim goes as smoothly as possible!

We are your top choice at SERVPRO of Southern Rockland County, Stony Point, when it comes to commercial fire restoration. Call us at (845) 400-4888 to have a team scheduled for dispatch. We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster.

SERVPRO can Handle Any Size of Commercial Fire Damage in Suffern

5/4/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO commercial fire damage restoration service is second to none. Call now for fast and immediate service.

Suffern Businesses, Time and Money, Fire Damage Restoration

Fire damage to your commercial property in Suffern can be financially devastating. The fire incident damages the property, and the smoke and soot that accompanies it can also have a lasting impact. 

Hiring a professional restoration service like SERVPRO after fire damage to your commercial property in Suffern can help you to save both time and money. Our IICRC-trained professionals have experience in handling all-size commercial fire disasters. We offer various restoration services, including-

• Mitigation service
• Structural cleaning service
• Contents cleaning service
• Specialty restoration service 
• Reconstruction service

While the individual services involve different tasks, the goal is to help you restore your business as soon as possible so that you can start catering to your customers. 

How do SERVPRO techs use chemistry to clean smoke damage from your property? 

Smoke and soot particles can form bonds with surfaces on which they settle. It cannot be easy to dislodge these particles by merely scrubbing them. Hence, SERVPRO techs use agents that chemically modify these particles and loosen the bonds. 

The most commonly used chemical agents are bleaches. SERVPRO techs use two types of bleaching agents in fire-damaged Suffern properties-  

• Oxidizing bleaches: These chemical agents add oxygen to the stains, altering their structure and breaking them down. Chlorine bleach is a good example of this type of agent. 
• Reducing bleaches: Often called strippers, they take oxygen away from the stains causing a change in the chemical structure of smoke and soot particles. 

SERVPRO techs determine which type of bleaching agent to use depending on the type of the surface involved and the chemistry of the smoke particles. 

If you need any assistance with fire damage restoration of your commercial property, call SERVPRO of Southern Rockland County, Stony Point, at (845) 400-4888. 

Call SERVPRO to Manage Flood Damage After a Storm in Suffern

5/4/2022 (Permalink)

Flood damage restoration is no DIY project. SERVPRO will be on-site within 4 hours of the initial call.

Safety Is SERVPRO’s Priority with Flood Damage in Suffern Homes

Flood damage restoration in your Suffern home after a storm involves numerous potential safety hazards. SERVPRO takes safety concerns very seriously and addresses them properly before proceeding with emergency services and restoration work. 

SERVPRO techs adhere to the IICRC S500 Standard and Reference Guide for Professional Water Damage Restoration during flood damage restoration in Suffern. Our techs ensure that occupants are informed of any potential safety issues during the project. Several variables like the type of building materials involved, sanitation of the water, and length of water exposure constitute potential risk factors. SERVPRO techs ensure that the property is thoroughly examined for hazard assessment before any restorative work begins.  

What is hazard assessment during flood restoration of your Suffern home?  

SERVPRO techs define a hazard as anything that may cause harm or pose a threat to life, health, property, or the environment. Our techs are trained to understand the type of hazards commonly found in a water-damaged environment. Some of the common safety concerns in flood-damaged Suffern properties include- 

• Ceilings filled with water that may collapse
• Water intruding into the electrical systems may cause electric shocks
• Floodwater after a storm is contaminated and may cause a potential health hazard 
• The trip, slip, and fall hazards due to wet floors 

Once the SERVPRO techs identify potential hazards, they initiate control measures to manage the risk. If possible, the techs work to eliminate the safety issue, modify the environment to reduce the exposure, or use protective equipment to protect the workers and occupants. 

Call SERVPRO of Southern Rockland County, Stony Point, at (845) 400-4888; remember, We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster. 

Pearl River Trusts SERVPRO with Water Damage Restoration

5/4/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO water damage restoration specialists use the latest techology and equipment for every job.

SERVPRO Handles Odors & Water Damage in Pearl River Homes

Combating the smells can be a big challenge during the water damage restoration of your Pearl River home. SERVPRO restorers use a multi-step approach to get your flooded home smelling like home again. 

The first deodorization step during water damage restoration of your Pearl River home is to remove the source of the odor from the property as soon as possible. There can be several sources of smell in a water-damaged home, including-

• Trash and garbage
• Moisture
• Mildew
• Pet waste
• Bio-breakdown on materials on surfaces

Most odor problems from water usually occur because the wet materials have not completely dried. SERVPRO techs use dehumidifiers and air movers to accelerate drying to remove some odors. However, some odors that remain might need special deodorization treatments. 

SERVPRO uses multiple methods approach to deodorize after water cleanup 

SERVPRO techs ensure that your Pearl River home is restored, smelling "Like it never even happened." We use several deodorizing agents as a single agent never works for all kinds of odors. 

SERVPRO techs use masking agents to cover bad odors with a pleasant smell. However, some odors can't be masked, and for those, the techs use pairing agents. The chemicals present in the pairing agents can combine with the odor-causing molecules to neutralize them. 

SERVPRO techs also use electrically generated deodorizers like hydroxy generators. A hydroxyl generator uses ultraviolet type C (UV-C) radiation to break apart water vapor molecules, generating very reactive hydroxyl radicals (OH-). The radicals combine with odor-causing molecules, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs), to make them odorless. 

Call SERVPRO of Southern Rockland County, Stony Point, at (845) 400-4888; we are available round the clock to assist you. 

Fire Damage Restoration Objectives for Pearl River Homes

4/21/2022 (Permalink)

Pearl River Homeowners are always satisfied and pleased with SERVPRO's water damage restoration service.

Emergency Services Hasten Fire Damage Restoration in Pearl River

There are multiple emergency services and mitigative strategies that we can implement upon arrival. The first steps professionals take in fire-damaged homes make a difference in the total restoration time and cost.

Indoor Air Quality

Perhaps one of the biggest obstacles to safety after fire damage in Pearl River homes is threats to the indoor air quality (IAQ.) With efforts like HEPA filtration and cleaning approaches, we can grab smoke, solids, and sooty particles out of the air to reduce their health impact on those responding to the damage in your home. Hydroxyl generators can also reduce odors along with IAQ improvement.

Fire Debris

One of the byproducts of an active fire that gets extinguished is the heaps of debris and damaged elements throughout the property. In most cases, it is beneficial to quickly discard and remove these piles of structural remnants for several reasons. Some of the advantages of removing fire debris include:

• Reduce odors
• Lessen soot concentration
• Identify structural issues
• Improve safety condition

Standing Water from Suppression

Suppressing a fire and extinguishing the flames spreading through the house can often involve a large volume of water. The rapid response of firefighting teams can protect much of the property from greater fire damage, but standing water still becomes a concern in areas where the flames existed. We have multiple extraction and removal tools to overcome standing water and trapped moisture.

Structural Concerns

It is also important to address any structural concerns after fire damage exposures. Prolonged contact with active fires can cripple or destroy structural elements, compromising their integrity and making unsafe conditions for the occupants of the house and responding technicians. We have controlled demolition and repair strategies that can begin as soon as our team arrives.

Fires are rapidly spreading and destructive disasters several homes experience in their lifetimes. As debilitating as these situations might be, we have experienced SERVPRO of Southern Rockland County fire restorers to help. Give us a call today at (845) 400-4888. 

Tools Used During Water Mitigation Efforts in Suffern

4/13/2022 (Permalink)

Drying mats can save hardwood flooring in your Suffern home from the trash heap--Call SERVPRO

SERVPRO Handles Water Damage Remediation in Suffern

Whenever a homeowner suffers from a water leak, they usually notice when they see a puddle where there should not be one or when items in your house get wet. However, leaks can often start in concealed places like your wall cavities, where it is hard to tell everywhere the moisture went. As soon as water contacts your contents and building materials, it can soak into them and evaporate into the air, raising your structure's relative humidity.

The hardest part of water mitigation in Suffern is finding water migration and determining which of your contents and structural components got wet. Mold can grow if wooden or paper items stay wet for more than two days. Therefore, we must find all the damp materials in your home so that we can take steps to remove the moisture before a fungus starts to form. Before we begin any work, we first ensure the work area is safe for our crew and building occupants.

Next, we can conduct a thorough inspection of your house to discover moisture points and how wet your building materials and contents got. For carpets, we can use a moisture sensor that beeps and lights up in places where your carpets remain with embedded water. We can also use a penetrating and non-penetrating moisture meter to check the moisture content in your drywall and wall studs. To determine how much the relative humidity in your house raised, we can use a hygrometer.

Steps we can take to restore your water damage

• Water Extraction Services
• Applied Structural Drying (ASD)
• Water Damage Debris Removal
• Restorative Carpet Cleaning

If you ever notice a puddle of water in your house, call SERVPRO of Southern Rockland County at (845) 400-4888.

Understanding Fire Restoration in Suffern Homes

4/5/2022 (Permalink)

The visible and hidden damage caused by soot and smoke can be remedied by our SERVPRO FSRT fire and smoke damage restoration technicians

Fire Restoration Has Multiple Objectives in Suffern Properties

Fire damage can occur to your home in many ways, making each restoration situation unique and dependent on specific conditions in the household. We work quickly to inspect the house and its affected areas to design a custom restoration approach beginning with emergency services like:

• Air filtration
• Water removal
• Controlled demolition
• Board-up

Removing Debris and Materials

An objective of fire restoration for Suffern homes is the removal of debris and bulk materials ruined during combustion. Heaps of ash, blistered materials, and charred remnants of construction elements can amplify the concentrations of both odors and soot deposits, making it crucial to act quickly in eliminating this threat.

Cleaning Soot and Smoke Solids

Combustion creates soot and smoke solids and soil deposits that impact services and contents throughout the structure. It is one of the more formidable obstacles for restoration professionals. Several practices are necessary to overcome soot damage and remove these residues before irreparable harm occurs to the underlying substrates.

Protecting Impacted Contents

Your personal belongings can also be a heavily targeted part of the damaged household. We overcome these potential problems by implementing relocation procedures as soon as our technicians first arrive at compromised properties. We also can offer on-site cleaning and restoration where possible, or even an off-site relocation for intricate cleaning and recovery practices.

Odor Control

There is an unmistakable odor that is produced by combustion. Malodors can be a persistent threat depending on the materials impacted and what smoke solids and aerosols are generated. We work quickly to introduce deodorization products and tools to help, which can neutralize harsh smells coinciding with the burning of materials on the property.

Fires are a rapidly forming and severely destructive disaster homes endure. Our SERVPRO of Southern Rockland County team can help when you need restoration and recovery services. Call today at (845) 400-4888.

Nyack Residents – Choose Professional Water Restoration Companies

3/16/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO provides dependable water damage restoration services every time. We are ready at a moment's notice.

Select Trusted Water Restoration Companies Like SERVPRO in Nyack

Everyone loves to save money, which is a primary reason people in Nyack may attempt DIY water cleanup if they have an emergency. However, there are tremendous benefits from hiring the pros for emergency services water damage – especially if you want dependable results. SERVPRO takes pride in providing the best when it comes to response times, mitigation, and reconstruction services.

With trusted water restoration companies in Nyack like SERVPRO, you have a plethora of experience at your service. Whether you have burst pipes in the middle of the night or your ground floor encounters flooding from a storm, we can have our Green Fleet and technicians there and ready to work within hours. Because of our full selection of professional equipment and IICRC training, you can rest assured we get the project done quicker and with better results than DIY ever could.

Factors SERVPRO takes into consideration for all water cleanup calls:

• All flooring surfaces along with total square footage for impacted areas
• Individual rooms affected by water or moisture, as well as areas where moisture may have migrated
• Relative humidity (RH) levels within your property and how it may lead to bacterial growth  

How it starts:

All property owners have to do is put in a call to us at SERVPRO, and we dispatch a team within hours. We arrive to initiate the initial inspection and assessment to begin water removal services. At the same time, crew members set up drying and dehumidification equipment to work in tandem to help us meet our goals as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Are you worried about dealing with your insurance provider? SERVPRO is at the top of the chain for water restoration, handling all documentation to ensure your claim goes as smoothly as possible.

No water restoration companies are faster when it comes to a water-related emergency. Trust SERVPRO of Southern Rockland County and give us a call whenever you need us at (845) 400-4888.

Why Professional Fire Damage Restoration Is Best in Pearl River

3/9/2022 (Permalink)

Fire damage restoration is no DIY project. SERVPRO IICRC certified techs have the equipment and training for every size disaster.

SERVPRO’s Fire Damage Restoration Is What Pearl River Properties Need

While you may realize that a fire is devastating, you may not understand how difficult it is to handle the fallout and cleanup. Pearl River residents dealing with house fire cleanup will find that the debris, water saturation, and smoke damage call for a multi-faceted approach. This is why looking to the help of trained fire, and smoke restoration technicians (FSRT) is best. SERVPRO is the dependable team you need on your side, and We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster!

Why is calling a company for fire damage restoration in Pearl River best? SERVPRO not only knows the best methods and proven processes for restoring your property, but we go the extra mile, making life easier at this difficult time.

• We understand the aftermath of a fire and what it means. Our team knows the devastation a fire leaves behind. Ash and smoke can bring on secondary damage like etching, discoloration, corrosion, and foul odors.
• Rapid response means better results. Contacting our offices as soon as possible helps us get there more quickly to begin mitigation efforts. After soot and smoke residue sit for a while, it can create permanent damage and require more detailed reconstruction or replacement of building materials.
• Hiring IICRC-certified technicians gets you professional results. We arrive within hours of your call to begin inspection and assessment. We then select the best equipment, methods, and products to help us achieve our fire cleanup and restoration goals. This includes our odor control technicians (OCT) to ensure no pungent odors remain after your restoration is complete.

Do-it-yourself rarely works when it comes to fire damage restoration, so make sure that you have the best team in your corner. Why call SERVPRO of Southern Rockland County at (845) 400-4888? Because our reputation speaks for itself!

Suffern Residents Deserve Fast, Efficient Water Restoration

3/3/2022 (Permalink)

Water damage restoration can be a hassle. SERVPRO techs will have your home back to preloss condition ASAP. Call now!

SERVPRO’s Water Restoration Gets Your Suffern Property Back to Normal

Have you had a tub overflow or a sizable water spill somewhere within your Suffern property? If so, there could be a lot of hidden moisture and water damage even when you think you have pulled up all standing water. It is best to have professional water removal services tackle the job to avoid secondary damage or mold infestation. SERVPRO is your number one line of defense for handling extractions, water damage mitigation and any restoration efforts required.

Whether big or small, skilled restoration technicians help get the job done faster than DIY with any water damage. Not only that, but water restoration in Suffern with SERVPRO also gets you help when filing your insurance claim. We take the time to go the extra mile for all of our customers so we can ensure your life sees as little disruption as possible.

SERVPRO covers the entire gamut of water damage and restoration services, including but not limited to flood damage repair, burst pipes cleanup, a leaking roof from storms, sewage backups, and more.

• Standing Water – All standing water from whatever incident took place must get pulled up quickly. Water left to sit or drain slowly opens the door for saturated building materials and moisture migrating into dry spaces. This then leaves your property vulnerable to mold growth.
• Flooding – Floodwater of any kind harbors possible contamination. SERVPRO’s water restoration technicians (WRT) follow protocols for treating floodwater, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Equipment – Our Green Fleet comes fully stocked with the right tools to handle water removal and restoration. Pumps, extractors, industrial fans, and dehumidifiers are just part of the lineup. 
• Controlled Demolition – While we work to repair versus replace, some water restoration projects call for controlled demolition with trusted contractors to make your interior “Like it never even happened.” 

Because no two water restoration jobs are alike, you need a team like SERVPRO of Southern Rockland County to create a tailored plan of action. Reach us 24/7 by dialing (845) 400-4888.

Useful Equipment That Eases Mold Removal in Pearl River Properties

2/16/2022 (Permalink)

Do you have hidden mold in your home? Inspect your home often for signs of moisture and mold.

SERVPRO Has an Arsenal of Tools Helping Pearl River Homeowners Address Underlying Mold Issues

Mold is detrimental to buildings and contents alike. It might also cause health effects, so the appearance of any signs of an infestation at your Pearl River homes requires an immediate response. One of the essential resources that aids mitigation of mold damage is the right equipment.

When someone mentions equipment to facilitate mold removal from Pearl River properties, you may think specifically about tools to clean surfaces or manage other aspects of the contamination. SERVPRO, on the other hand, takes a comprehensive approach when picking equipment for a restoration exercise.

A wide range of equipment is necessary, including:

• Moisture controllers
• Agitation equipment
• Debris managers
• Odor modifiers

Mold is a wide-ranging problem that encompasses soiling, material deterioration, and contamination, among other things. Managing the underlying issues that drive mold contamination helps restore the home to its preloss state and guarantee long-term results. Moisture situations such as wet materials or high indoor humidity are the biggest drivers of mold proliferation. Still, moisture control is more manageable with the right equipment, thus suppressing the mold. Our IICRC trained SERVPRO teams have different dehumidifiers, including LGR and desiccant varieties for moisture management.

As mold develops on surfaces, it adheres or penetrates deeper into the material if given sufficient time, especially on porous surfaces. Cleaning the mold residues requires significant agitation. SERVPRO teams use different forces on surfaces depending on the surface and residue types involved.

Useful cleaning tools help facilitate processes like:

• HEPA vacuuming
• Sanding
• Blast cleaning with various materials

Some of the issues caused by mold can be categorized as a nuisance. For instance, the musty odor is not harmful - it only makes the house uncomfortable. Mold residues are also inconvenient. Various equipment help manage these inconveniences. Our SERVPRO teams use deodorization equipment such as hydroxyl generators to control odors. On the other hand, negative air pressure machines limit debris spread during demolition to remove moldy materials.

SERVPRO of Southern Rockland County invests in a wide variety of equipment to ease the mold removal processes from properties. You can reach us at (845) 400-4888. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.

What Determines the Outcome of Water Damage Restoration in Suffern Homes?

2/9/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO has the equipment for fast water extraction and drying. Call us today!

SERVPRO Improves Water Restoration in Suffern Properties Through Better Preparedness

Water changes almost any of the materials found in a home. However, many factors influence the outcome, so each water leak is unique. What matters most after an incident at your Suffern home is the restoration plan that you implement.

A water damage restoration plan for Suffern homes incorporates many things and depends mainly on the resources you can mobilize. SERVPRO steps in to provide any necessary resources, including equipment, technical skills, and workers to perform various tasks that manage the damages left on your property.

Typical water restoration tasks include:

• Cleaning to remove soils or stains
• Moisture control
• Removal of materials

Usually, restoration starts with mild procedures such as water extraction, cleaning, and drying. Other things like replacing materials should only be used as a last resort since it can be very costly, and you cannot return the sentimental value of the removed item. Most of the time, efforts to salvage items exposed to moisture fall short because of poor preparation.

Poor preparation can mean different things like:

• Failure to set any goals
• Insufficient equipment
• Insufficient workforce

Setting restoration goals help establish what is achievable and the likely timelines. Setting goals requires the appropriate information, such as the level of wetness in materials and the standard moisture content. Evaluating the current wetness levels with the normal typical moisture levels establishes the span such a process can take. 

Most aspects of water restoration are repetitive and tedious. If there is a limited workforce or equipment, even straightforward tasks like drying wet carpets can take longer to complete. Apart from having multiple technicians, our SERVPRO teams bring various equipment, including air movers, deep water extractors, and dehumidifiers, to the affected property. 

SERVPRO of Southern Rockland County is always prepared to tackle water damage restoration addressing any deterioration "Like it never even happened." You can reach us at (845) 400-4888.

Specific Tasks Involved in Fire Damage Restoration of Suffern Properties?

2/2/2022 (Permalink)

Even a small fire can cause smoke and soot to travel to all areas of your home.

SERVPRO Does Not Leave Anything to Chance When Restoring Suffern Properties After Fires

If you have never endured a fire incident, you may have a wrong or inaccurate idea of the damage left in your Suffern home. It is a significant disadvantage since you cannot prepare or execute the restoration correctly if you have the wrong information.

One reason for seeking help with fire damage restoration at your Suffern home is to ensure nothing is left to chance. Restoration technicians from SERVPRO undergo training from the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification, IICRC, so they can quickly identify the type of intervention necessary at your property.

Typical restoration tasks needed after a fire include:

• Textile cleaning
• Duct cleaning
• Reconstruction
• Deodorization

Most textiles are highly vulnerable to heat and flames action, which destroy. They are also affected by residues such as soot which soil them deeply or cause staining. Therefore, textile restoration mainly involves cleaning and removing stains. Our SERVPRO technicians can help you habilitate upholstery, carpets, rugs, and draperies.

Soot and other smoke residues find a way into all house sections, including the air ducts. If not cleaned, the system can keep recirculating residues or foul odor in your house. Cleaning the system and replacing some accessories such as filters resolves this. Our SERVPRO technicians section off the supply and return line of the HVAC system. Then we use negative air pressure systems such as vacuums to extract the soils. Rotary brushes are also helpful in dislodging soils.

Fire leaves structural areas such as walls and ceilings destroyed. Removing the deteriorated materials and replacing them with similar materials is essential. SERVPRO can handle such reconstruction directly or supervise local tradesmen to do it. We also deodorize the property to remove smoke odor or any traces of odorous cleaning products. 

Deodorization procedures vary from

• Ventilating the house with strong air movers
• Dry fogging with solvent 
• Applying water-based odor counteractants

SERVPRO of Southern Rockland County can help you tackle fire damage restoration conveniently. Call us at (845) 400-4888. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Why Are there Levels of Mold Remediation in Suffern Properties?

1/21/2022 (Permalink)

A musty mold odor is a hint for Suffern homeowners to call SERVPRO for remediation, "Like it never even happened."

SERVPRO remediators help overcome several types of mold damage in Suffern houses.

Mold can be one of the more destructive and damaging events a home faces. Despite precautions intended to keep water out of the house or to maintain dry living areas, mold is still an ongoing problem throughout Rockland County. Our fast response can help identify the extent of the damage, where it is, and the type of remediation necessary for the severity of the current colonization.

Mold Inspections by Competent Professionals

As soon as our SERVPRO team arrives, we begin elements of mold remediation for Suffern homes. The best means of focusing removal efforts is through a thorough inspection by our specialists.

Light Mold Damage

In the early stages of development, mold colonies are still manageable on many surfaces. In certain situations, cleaning the surface can positively impact removing the growth. Products for this include:

• Sporicides
• Biocides
• Antimicrobial products
• Scrubbing

Moderate Growth

This is a broad spectrum of potential damage, but it also encompasses the greatest volume of possible remediation strategies. With moderate damage, general surface cleaning will not resolve the colonization, so more aggressive measures will be necessary, which can include: 

• Sanding
• Media blasting
• Steel wool 
• Sponge pressure cleaning

Widespread and Destructive Colonization

When mold colonization has gotten out of control, the actions of our SERVPRO team are all the more pertinent and dire. We work fast to remove any surface mold and trapped organisms where they are found in the house. In some situations, it is most cost-effective and direct to consider controlled demolition to clear and discard active colonies.

Because there are varying infestation levels and damage, mold growth can have a different impact on every property it forms in throughout the area. Our SERVPRO of Southern Rockland County team has skilled professionals to help with remediation and the cleanup and repairs needed after mold removal. Call today at (845) 400-4888.

Managing Drying Sciences to Restore a Suffern Office Building

1/14/2022 (Permalink)

The SERVPRO Green Fleet, We're Faster To Any Size Disaster, arrives to mitigate commercial water damage in this Suffern high-rise building

Post-water damage cleanup and restoration for Suffern businesses rely on efficient drying tactics.

In any water restoration action our professionals take, we must determine the most efficient and effective use of our equipment and resources to dry and restore a home or business. This determination becomes even more critical to saving a customer time and money in larger commercial properties, especially high-rise buildings. When water leaks or pipes bursts occur, we are the team to call and help. 

Moisture Monitoring the Drying Zone

To accurately determine the necessary steps and actions of water restoration in Suffern office buildings, we must first thoroughly evaluate impacted materials. Several devices allow us to track the migration of moisture through sensitive building materials, including thermal imagery, hygrometers, and surface moisture meters. Each of these works independently to follow a type of moisture or water damage that might exist and should be addressed.

Using Equilibrium for Efficient Drying

One of the drying principles that can help restoration professionals is that wet areas seek equilibrium with nearby dry spaces. It is natural for conditions like wetness, temperature, and pressure to balance. Knowing how adverse conditions in an office building will behave helps place needed drying tools in ideal locations. During this attempt at balance, these principles will always be true:

• Hot Goes to Cold
• Wet Goes to Dry
• High Pressure Goes to Low Pressure

Manipulating Temperature and Airflow

To further improve the efficiencies of drying and dehumidification, drying principles must be manipulated to shorten the time to achieve results. It is easy to change the temperature of an affected area with portable heaters, similar to increasing airflow with more air movers daisy-chained through a single portable power source.

Regardless of how water damage impacts your building, our SERVPRO of Southern Rockland County team is among the most experienced in drying and restoration. Call today at (845) 400-4888.

What Are the Steps of Recovery for Pearl River Homes After a Flood?

1/6/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO provides storm damage demolition, cleanup, and reconstruction for our Pearl River neighbors

Knowing what to do for your flood-damaged Pearl River home

Not every flood situation is the same, meaning that the effect on your property and its contents will also change. Understanding the most efficient recovery plan can better protect your property, contents, and family. You can also determine the ideal time to contact our SERVPRO professionals to get mitigation services started on the house.

Vacate the Premises When It Is Unsafe

The earliest consideration among flood damage cleanup in Pearl River homes is protecting your family from harm. It is not safe or advisable to remain in the house in many flood situations while standing water and potential contaminants exist. Professionals like our SERVPRO team can tell you when it is safe to return and help set a baseline for pre-existing conditions.

Work With Restorers on Priorities

Once you have been brought back to the property and communicated with leadership like a SERVPRO crew chief or production manager, we can better appreciate the needed steps to meet your expectations in the most efficient manner possible. The earliest restoration strategies consist of:

• Extraction 
• Emergency Repairs 
• Thorough Drying 
• Disinfection 

Reconstruction and Repairs Needed After a Flood

Our contractor license is a unique advantage of choosing SERVPRO to help with post-flood recovery. This clearance allows us to complete a wealth of repairs and reconstruction work that your home might require after a devastating flood. We can even complete the controlled demolition often needed during the early stages of mitigation and emergency services.

Getting cleanup started after a flood is an important aspect of returning a property to preloss condition. Because We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster, trust in SERVPRO of Southern Rockland County to be there to help when you need it. We are standing by 24/7 at (845) 400-4888.

Monitor Every Step in the Water Damage Restoration of a Pearl River Home

12/22/2021 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO to prevent the demolition of walls after a large water spill in your Pearl River residence.

Professional Water Restoration Technicians Mitigate Water Damage in Pearl River

It is common for homeowners in Pearl River to debate whether to call a professional water restoration technician or attempt to tackle water damage on their own. The risk of leaving water residue behind and encouraging mold growth should always outweigh any reservations about enlisting the help of a water restoration company. Water emergencies are not the moment to try your hand at do-it-yourself solutions. Instead, rest easier by letting the experts take care of your needs.

In Pearl River, the water damage restoration team that brings peace of mind is SERVPRO. Our certified crew holds the skills and experience necessary to perform a successful water removal process. As we consider your needs, we investigate the type of water (wastewater vs. clean water) and its source. We also inspect the house in its entirety to identify any burgeoning problem areas and address them as soon as possible. 

Excess moisture can cause mold and structural weaknesses, not to mention the smell it leaves behind. Moisture left behind can result in needless demolition as shown in the photo. To avoid it, we use tools such as the following to discover excess humidity and rectify it:

• Penetrating and non-penetrating moisture meters to assess carpets and furniture, among others
• Infrared moisture sensors, which are particularly useful in porous materials
• Thermo-hygrometers also help guide us to problem areas and target our drying methods.

Regardless of how big or small your water incident may seem, reaching out to a team with the latest water damage and restoration technology is crucial. Call SERVPRO of Southern Rockland County as soon as you can at (845) 400-4888 and let us work diligently until your home feels once again “Like it never even happened.”

Fire Restoration Techniques Are Key in Removing Stubborn Smells Left Behind by a Fire in a Suffern Home

12/14/2021 (Permalink)

Suffern house fires need the qualified SERVPRO OCT odor control technicians to clean the air and restore excellent IAQ indoor air quality

SERVPRO Certified Fire Restoration Technicians Train to Handle the Toughest Fire and Smoke Remediation Jobs

Fire restoration technicians focus on returning your Suffern home to pre-fire conditions. Now that drops in temperature may have us reaching for space heaters, lighting fires, and spending more time indoors, the chances of a fire increase. Whether the incident results in widespread damage or is contained to an area of your home, smoke and soot can easily travel and settle inside closets, on walls and permeate textiles. When bringing fire damage under control, resorting to a professional fire restoration team is the best option.

SERVPRO is your premier fire restoration team in Suffern, and we are ready to help as soon as you call us. Aside from the obvious water extraction, surface cleanup, and fire damage repairs expected from a reputable restoration company, our staff places great emphasis on removing odors from your home. Smell particles travel easily through ventilation systems and from room to room, and they can also be set in enclosed spaces like attics. Our staff inspects every corner of the dwelling and identifies problem areas before implementing an efficient remediation plan.

Deodorizing the home becomes simpler for our SERVPRO staff thanks to air scrubbers, ozone generators, and deodorizing solutions available to our industry. Homeowners, however, can also take action to help remove odors from the space. Some suggestions include-

• Airing out the area as much as possible by opening doors and windows
• Encouraging air circulation by using box fans
• NEVER turn on the HVAC system
• Spraying deodorizing agents can also help mask the smell until professional help arrives

SERVPRO of Southern Rockland County is available by calling (845) 400-4888. Invite us into your home and let us leave it “Like it never even happened.”

Damage to a Suffern Home Can be the Result of Frozen Pipes and Ice Damming

12/3/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO says use water bib covers to prevent ice damage to the exterior of your Suffern home

Calling a Professional Restoration Team in Suffern Protects Homes for Escalating Damages

Freezing temperatures in Suffern can wreak havoc on homes in the area. Despite carefully preparing for dropping temperatures and cold fronts, it is not unusual for damage to happen after a pipe freezes and bursts or when ice dams form around the home. Many homeowners focus on insulations and reducing pipe exposure to the elements, but temperature changes may be more powerful than their efforts. Despite adding insulation and controlling the temperature inside the home, you may still find yourself needing water restoration services.

When frozen pipes and ice damming damage affect your Suffern home, your most immediate and effective solution is to call SERVPRO and let our team take over. Once an ice dam occurs on the exterior of your house, your roof may show some vulnerabilities, allowing outside water to seep into your living space. As leaders in our field, our certified technicians have at their disposal the latest in water extraction and drying technology available to the industry. When we arrive at your home, we assess the damage and use specialized measuring tools to gradually restore optimal humidity levels while avoiding exacerbated damage to flooring and personal belongings.

Prevention through Preparation

Protect exterior plumbing with rubberized tube insulation. Cover water bibs (spigots) with special wraps. The insulation in your attic must be adequate to prevent warm air from rising and melting ice on the roof. This water flows and is trapped by the eaves where the dams formed.

Although our SERVPRO crew is an expert in the field, prevention is always the first line of protection. With that in mind, keep in mind the following-

• Ice dams can severely compromise your structural roof. Routinely check your roofline and gutters to avoid water accumulation.
• Keep your home at a proper temperature, even if you will be away on vacation. Allowing its temperature to drop compounds the danger of outside freezing temperatures drastically. We recommend at least 55 degrees ambient temperature.
• Try to keep garages, basements, and attics somewhat warm by circulating heat throughout the home.  The cost of a higher power bill will seem minimal compared to preventing larger damage.

SERVPRO of Southern Rockland County is available by calling (845) 400-4888. Reach out when the unexpected happens and let us leave your home “Like it never even happened.”

Need Building and Fire Restoration Service in Suffern– Call SERVPRO

11/21/2021 (Permalink)

IICRC certified technicians from SERVPRO have all the understanding of fire damage restoration. Call now for the service needed for your home.

SERVPRO Provides Fire Restoration and Repair Service in Suffern

After a fire in Suffern, many clients begin cleaning up and removing debris and items damaged by the fire. Some of the contents, including food in packaging and cans, are saved for cleaning. At the same time, non-porous items are thrown out because they are coated with smoke residues and fire retardant chemicals deployed by the fire department. Clothing and fabrics may be sent for cleaning, while semi-porous materials like wood furniture are also thrown out. Clients are unaware that they are endangering themselves and their families and throwing items out that can be cleaned and refurbished.

SERVPRO provides fire restoration services to business clients and homeowners in Suffern. Our team has 120 years of restoration experience in the industry, and our team of professionals can restore and recover many items that amaze our clients. We are onsite in four hours or less. Our fast response and action are instrumental in saving many things from being thrown out.

Discard food items in packaging and also canned goods exposed to the fire and heat. The chemicals involved in the fire and distributed within your home may be harmful to your health. Non-porous items that are not charred by the flames can be cleaned and sanitized. We do not recommend sending fabrics and clothing to the cleaners. These items should be cleaned using specific chemicals that focus on the type of smoke residues distributed by the fire. Normal cleaning processes can damage these materials further.

Our fire restoration services provided by SERVPRO include:

• Fire and smoke damage restoration and cleanup
• Identification of residues, surface type, and cleaning methods to effectively remove specific smoke residues
• Disposal of cleaning materials, residues, debris, and materials damaged by the fire
• We use temperature, agitation, chemical reactions, and dwell time to clean your home effectively.

Call SERVPRO of Southern Rockland County for fire restoration in Suffern and nearby areas. We can help 24/7. Call (845) 400-4888.

Looking for Mold Removal Companies in Pearl River – Call SERVPRO

11/10/2021 (Permalink)

Mold remediation services by SERVPRO are second to none. We use the latest technology and equipment for every disaster.

SERVPRO Provides Mold Removal and Remediation in Pearl River

Mold infestations can be an ongoing issue for many homeowners and businesses in Pearl River. A small infestation starts in a warm area with high humidity or a small leak in a pipe. Condensation on cold water pipes is a sufficient catalyst for the growth of mold. When homeowners finally notice the problem, there is a strong, musty odor. The contents and structure in the immediate area are covered with mold. Mold spores are spreading the spores further. Attempts to remove and clean the mold only make matters worse unless appropriate processes for removing contaminated materials are followed.

SERVPRO is one of the premier mold removal companies in Pearl River. With over 120 years of hands-on experience and highly trained specialists, our team provides mold remediation and restoration following industry-approved removal processes to clean up the mess caused by a mold infestation.

The first stage is to assess the situation, isolate the area to avoid spores from spreading throughout the home further, and eliminate the source of moisture. We must remove all porous materials contaminated extensively by mold. Our team can clean nonporous materials using HEPA vacuuming processes to remove mold fragments.

Surfaces are cleaned from top to bottom since spores and fragments usually settle downward. In addition, we clean in the direction of negative air machines to avoid spreading into non-impacted areas.

SERVPRO provides mold removal services and follows rigorous procedures to ensure infestations are removed once and for all:

• Mold inspections, remediation, and removal
• Black mold damage repairs
• Mold removal utilizing negative air rooms
• Contents and structure are cleaned, dried, and the humidity is reduced to normal levels 

Call SERVPRO of Southern Rockland County for mold removal companies in Pearl River and nearby areas. We can help 24/7. Call (845) 400-4888.

Does SERVPRO Provide Emergency Flood Damage Repairs in Suffern

11/5/2021 (Permalink)

When a storm damages your home, SERVPRO is the professional team you need. Storm damage restoration is a specialty of ours.

SERVPRO Provides Flood Damage Repairs and Restoration Services in Suffern

Stormy weather causes flooding in many areas of Suffern to homes and businesses. Floodwaters can inundate a home, quickly introducing debris and contamination into a structure. Storms can also cause broken branches and trees to topple onto homes, crashing through the roof. Not only is the roof damaged, but rainwater also pours into the attic seeping down walls and onto floors causing further damage to structures and contents.

SERVPRO can be onsite within four hours of your call for emergency flood damage repairs in Suffern. We can help remove fallen trees, remove debris from the roof and place emergency tarps on your roof to prevent additional rainwater from entering your home. These coverings also prevent birds and rodents from entering the attic. Broken windows and doors are also boarded up to provide security.

Our team can quickly assess the damage done to the interior of your home and develop a plan to begin debris removal, water removal, and drying. Insulation in the attic may need to be removed and replaced if it cannot be dried sufficiently. The water inside interior walls is drained by drilling access holes at the bottom of the walls, and we use specialized equipment to blow dry air into the walls to dry the interior.

While the interior of your home is cleaned and dried along with the contents, our building services team can make arrangements for repairs to the roof and any other damage to the exterior of your home. Our services include:

• Emergency repairs to leaking roofs after a storm
• Water removal and cleanup services
• Complete building and reconstruction services

Call SERVPRO of Southern Rockland County for flood damage restoration in Suffern and nearby areas. We can help 24/7. Call (845) 400-4888.

Why Are Pack-Outs Necessary After Fire Damage in Your Pearl River Home?

10/19/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO IICRC certified technicians are trained and experienced in all phases of fire damage restoration. Pre-loss condition is our goal.

SERVPRO Helps Move Out Contents to Create Room or Safeguard Vulnerable Items

After a fire at your Pearl River residence, you should consider pack-outs since they can help in your efforts to restore preloss conditions in many ways. For instance, you can create the necessary room to perform restoration tasks. Alternatively, moving items can help safeguard them.

One of the main tasks necessary during fire damage restoration of Pearl River homes is removing sooty residues that accumulate all over interior surfaces. Another common task is drying moisture that accumulates in different structural materials during efforts to quell the fire. Reaching the different areas where sooty residues or moisture accumulates can be a challenge with contents such as furniture or appliances in place. One advantage of involving SERVPRO in the restoration process is the ease at which our technicians move contents.

Various factors can help determine the ease of movement, including:

• The relocation area
• The availability of equipment to help manipulate contents
• How the movement process is planned

SERVPRO has most of the resources needed to complete the pack out but also liaises with independent contractors who can help facilitate some aspects of the move out if deemed necessary. 

Having the right resources to perform the pack out is essential for the safety of the contents. The items you want to save through a move-out might end up damaged if the process is not done right. SERVPRO takes various precautions, including pre-cleaning and drying contents before packing them. Grouping related items and using high-quality wrapping materials or packing boxes.

SERVPRO of Southern Rockland County can help secure your valuables after fire damage by moving them away from the damaged property. Call us at (845) 400-4888. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Does Professional Flood Damage Mitigation Help Suffern Homeowners With Insurance Claims?

10/13/2021 (Permalink)

Storm and flood damage restoration services by SERVPRO are second to none. Call for fast and immediate service.

SERVPRO Can Help Document the Loss Better and Also Works Closely With Insurance Adjusters

Property damage from flooding is distressing, and logistical nightmares can characterize the restoration process. Hiring a professional restorer is one way to smooth out any obstacles. Apart from helping restore preloss conditions at your Suffern home, professional assistance can also help you with the insurance claim.

Filing an insurance claim after flood damage affects your Suffern home may present its own set of challenges. SERVPRO works to help you meet the expectations of your insurer since we have considerable experience dealing with similar incidents.  

Insurance companies require homeowners to do various things, including:

• Reporting the incident as early as possible 
• Documenting the loss clearly
• Protecting the property from further loss after the initial damage
• Saving any salvageable materials or items

It might be harder to meet all the expectations when working independently since you also have to deal with the emotional turmoil after a property disaster. When you call SERVPRO, our support staff inform you of any action that you need to take, including contacting your insurance provider immediately. When we arrive at your property, we start documenting the loss immediately by taking photos and videos inside and outside the structure. 

Protecting the structure helps you meet the expectations of your insurer and reduces the restoration cost you have to incur. Our SERVPRO technicians take different actions to protect your structure, including installing roof tarps and boarding up openings such as doors, windows, or any other opening. Roof tarps and board-ups help prevent further intrusion of weather elements into the house and keep out vandals or small animals.

Other helpful actions the professional can take include:

•   Spraying registered disinfectants in the affected areas to control contamination
•   Checking for electrical hazards
•   Starting moisture management processes early to prevent content deterioration

SERVPRO of Southern Rockland County handles every aspect of flood damage professionally. Call us at (845) 400-4888. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Why Is Professional Help Necessary in Cleaning Fabrics During Fire Damage Restoration of Suffern Homes?

10/6/2021 (Permalink)

Fabrics and materials damaged by a fire are no DIY project. SERVPRO uses the latest technology and equipment for every fire damage restoration job.

SERVPRO Takes Care of Challenging Cleaning Tasks Restoring Fabric Items To preloss State

Most fabrics readily combust when exposed to heat and flames, resulting in total damage. However, since flames might not reach every section of your home before the incident is contained, partial damage such as soiling is also possible. Fire damage restoration is possible in such cases, albeit with some challenges. 

Although you might be used to cleaning various fabrics in your Suffern home, fire damage restoration cleaning in Suffern may be challenging to execute on the same materials. The difficulties may arise because of the type of fabric or what it is attached to. The types of soils also matter since fire produces a wide range of residues, including greasy ones. SERVPRO starts by evaluating your property, locating the fabrics, and establishing the best way to perform the restoration.

The fabrics that need restoration in a house include:

• Beddings
• Wallcoverings
• Furniture covers
• Carpets 

Using different approaches is crucial for the best outcomes when cleaning fabrics. The first step is removing dry soils, which comprise over 70% of the soils in the fabrics. Using dry removal methods such as vacuuming or dry cleaning sponge is essential since dry soils are easily removed when dry. Using dry cleaning sponges is more effective for fire-damaged fabrics compared to vacuums.

Wet cleaning is also essential when dealing with fabrics. Our SERVPRO technicians improve efficiency by manipulating the elements of cleaning to combat different aspects of the soiling.

The main elements of cleaning are:

• Chemical action
• Time
• Temperature
• Agitation

By boosting any of the elements, our technicians can improve the outcome. For instance, heating the cleaning solution removes certain soils faster. Better agitation and the use of superior chemical agents also help.

SERVPRO of Southern Rockland County takes care of all fire damage restoration tasks. Call us at (845) 400-4888. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Water Restoration for Suffern Businesses When You Need It

9/23/2021 (Permalink)

Commercial water damage restoration is a service for SERVPRO. Call now for the help your business needs.

Small Water Damage Incidents in Suffern Offices Can Often Wait For After-Hours Water Restoration. 

While nearly all water damage events should get addressed and restored by competent professionals like our SERVPRO team, some lack the urgency of mitigation that could shut down the business to begin restoration and recovery. By coordinating with property management, we can find the off hours for water cleanup. 

Containment Solutions to Prevent Cross-Contamination

One of the immediate steps necessary in water restoration for Suffern offices is to contain the damage as efficiently as possible. Physical barriers sectioning off the work area can reduce or fully eliminate foot traffic and the potential cross-contamination that comes with it. 

Water Removal and Cleanup

One of the advantages to the construction of most modern office buildings is the concrete subflooring and thin carpet layers. Without padding and plush carpeting, flooring in the office only has a thin layer of material to absorb standing water. The rest can get readily removed with extraction devices and pumps. This glue-down carpeting is also easier to replace and reinstall should the need arise. 

Can SERVPRO Complete Repairs? 

The need for repairs and reconstruction are not universal in office spaces after a water damage incident. With a general contractor license, we can quickly determine the necessary build-back after instances like ceiling leaks and complete them after hours to promote better production during normal operating times. We can complete: 

• Plumbing replacement
• Reinstall ceiling tile
• Carpet installation

Our SERVPRO of Southern Rockland County team recognizes that not all water damage events that threaten your property are of the magnitude that requires a full stoppage of work. Containing the situation and cleaning up the damage after hours can often keep your business going in even a limited capacity. Give us a call anytime at (845) 400-4888. 

Primary Elements of Post-Fire Odor Removal for Pearl River Homes

9/15/2021 (Permalink)

Fire and smoke damage remediation is no easy task. SERVPRO trained technicians are ready at a moment's notice for the help you need.

The Deodorization Process Features Four Primary Steps to Eliminate Smoke Smells in Pearl River Properties. 

While fire restoration needs vary on a case-by-case basis, consistent elements make processes like fire and smoke removal tactics efficient and thorough. From initial mitigation strategies to limit the spread and severity of smoke odors to deodorization tools, our SERVPRO team can make it "Like it never even happened."

When Does Smoke Odor Removal Occur? 

Fire damage restoration in Pearl River homes has multiple steps and stages. Among the final obstacles, our SERVPRO team faces are reducing and removing harsh smoke odors. 

What Does Deodorization Look Like? 

Reducing and removing smoke and fire odors after a disaster can happen in several ways. Following specific base steps can neutralize and permanently eliminate malodors created by the combustion process. These general steps and stages of deodorization include:

• Remove Odor Catalysts – Removing fire debris and other solids can reduce the presence of harsh odors before surface cleaning gets underway. 
• Clean Residues – Cleaning up soot and smoke soils can reduce the presence and severity of post-fire smells. 
• Recreate Odor Penetration – Creating a similar distribution of deodorizing agents like the building was originally damaged uses a wealth of our odor removal tools. 
• Seal Damaged Surfaces – Odors can become trapped in porous materials like drywall and wood trim. To prevent tear-out and build-back, we can apply a special odor-sealing primer before surfaces get repainted after post-fire cleanup. 

The process to remove and neutralize smoke odors after a fire might vary depending on the equipment used and the time spent in each phase, but the core elements remain the same. Once these objectives get met, we can provide a deodorized residence back to the homeowners. Our SERVPRO of Southern Rockland County team can help 24/7 when you call (845) 400-4888.

Is Flood-Damaged Flooring in Suffern Homes Unsalvageable?

9/7/2021 (Permalink)

Flood and storm damage remediation is no DIY project. Call SERVPRO for fast and immediate service for your home or business.

Cleaning and Drying Flooded Suffern flooring Can Prevent Unnecessary Tear-Out. 

Flooding can overwhelm homes and businesses, pooling on the floors and absorbing into their components. Cellulose in wood planks can promote saturation, while carpeting is a highly porous flooring option that becomes a challenge to dry and clean. Our SERVPRO team works to overcome immediate absorption concerns with water removal and drying tactics. 

What Are the Best Ways to Remove Water from Floors? 

There are several immediate and formidable obstacles that exist following flood damage in Suffern homes and businesses. Mitigation is often one of the most vital phases of restoration and recovery to protect the house from further harm and destruction. Removing standing water can be one of the main emergency services we offer, covering exposed materials that could contact pooling water and absorb this moisture. Vacuuming and pumping are primary approaches for our water removal services. 

When is Flooring Unsalvageable? 

Inspecting installed materials can often indicate when drying and cleaning the building elements is no longer feasible. Physical signs of degrading hardwood, vinyl plank, and carpeting show when tear-out is the only remaining option. Some of the indicators for this include:

• Warping
• Distorted seams
• Delamination
• Bloating

Controlled Demolition and Reconstruction Solutions

While our SERVPRO team intends to avoid demolition and reconstruction needs whenever we can, having a general contractor license makes the fast transition for these repair needs possible. Hardwood and carpeting are both potential candidates for removal and replacement for cost-efficiency when floodwater exposure occurs. 

Flooding can leave many of your house's structural elements and installed materials exposed to water and contaminants. As challenging as cleaning and drying might be, our SERVPRO of Southern Rockland County team can help to make these emergencies "Like it never even happened." Give us a call today at (845) 400-4888.

Does SERVPRO Provide Water Damage Restoration in Pearl River?

8/19/2021 (Permalink)

Water damage from a pipe burst in your office building is a job for SERVPRO. Our technicians are trained and experienced in all phases of water damage

Leaky Plumbing Causes Water Damage in Pearl River Commercial Restaurant.

Pipes burst in commercial businesses in Pearl River at the most inappropriate times, spewing hundreds of gallons of water. If you are running a restaurant, water may be in the restaurant's kitchen, storage areas, and guest seating areas. Your restaurant has to stay closed, employee's shifts are canceled, and damage to contents and flooring could impact your business for several days or weeks.

SERVPRO responds in less than four hours to water damage restoration emergencies in Pearl River. Our teams and equipment are ready to respond on a 24/7 basis, and we are focused on getting your commercial restaurant back in business as fast as possible. Once the water source has been shut off, we vacuum up all excess water using truck-mounted high capacity water pumps, weighted water extractors on floors, and high capacity air movers and dehumidifiers.

These moisture removal machines can run 24 hours a day until humidity levels are returned to normal. Fast action by SERVPRO can mitigate the overall damage and have your commercial business ready to reopen quickly.

Our services include:

• Water clean up
• Water damage remediation
• Water damage repairs

Call SERVPRO of Southern Rockland County for water damage restoration in Pearl River and surrounding areas. We can help 24/7. Call (845) 400-4888.

Customized Fire Damage Restoration for Suffern Commercial Customers from SERVPRO

8/12/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO will work with your insurance company. Commercial damage restoration is a specialty of ours. Call now!

Smoke and Odor Control for Commercial Customers in Suffern – Call SERVPRO

Commercial buildings often have large rooms with high ceilings, so when a fire breaks out in Suffern business, the smoke and odor damage can spread throughout the building. Forced air heating and cooling systems, along with ceiling fans, do a great job of distributing the smoke to virtually every section.

SERVPRO provides fire damage restoration to commercial offices and warehouses in Suffern. Cleaning and deodorizing, water damage mitigation, and smoke damage restoration are among commercial business customers' services.

We respond to your commercial building in less than four hours from your initial call, assess the situation, and begin deploying equipment and human resources to help your business recover quickly from a devastating fire. We remove fire-damaged debris, structure, and contents. Anything that can be cleaned and deodorized is placed in a staging area until all fire damage repairs are completed.

Our team leader can provide all of the information needed to answer questions by building owners, building clients, employees, and insurance adjusters. Our services include:

• Insurance paperwork associated with fire damage and cleanup
• Storing contents and equipment in staging areas
• Fire and smoke damage restoration and cleanup

Call SERVPRO of Southern Rockland County for fire damage restoration in Suffern and surrounding areas. We can help 24/7. Call (845) 400-4888.

Does SERVPRO Provide Emergency Commercial Flood Damage Response in Suffern?

8/5/2021 (Permalink)

Flood water damage restoration for your commercial building is a job for SERVPRO. We are ready 24/7 365 days a year.

Flood Damage to Suffern Commercial Structures – Call SERVPRO

Floodwaters can damage structures as well as the contents in Suffern commercial buildings. The currents can be very strong, breaking down walls and carrying the contents out to the street. At the very least, everything is coated with mud and dirt, often mixed with various chemicals, biohazards, viruses, and bacteria picked up along the way.

SERVPRO has a great deal of experience managing flood damage situations in Suffern for commercial businesses. Regardless of the magnitude of the flood damage, our teams can be on-site in less than four hours to begin cleanup. We make sure the structure is safe to enter and begin removing water and debris. We clean and dry your contents before moving them to a storage area.

Our team leader works closely with your insurance adjuster to provide a clear plan regarding flood damage mitigation and restoration. We remove damaged drywall, flooring materials, and structural materials. We focus on decontamination and cleaning of the structure, drying, and repairs to return your business to normal operations as soon as possible.

Our services include:

• Emergency services flood damage cleanup
• Biohazard removal and cleanup
• Flood damage restoration

Call SERVPRO of Southern Rockland County for flood damage restoration in Suffern and surrounding areas. We can help 24/7. Call (845) 400-4888.

What Causes Mold Damage in Pearl River Homes?

7/22/2021 (Permalink)

Mold remediation is a job for a professional outfit. SERVPRO techs are trained and experienced in all phases of mold remediation.

SERVPRO Can Diagnose and Perform Mold Remediation in Local Pearl River Properties

More often than not, signs that a Pearl River home needs mold remediation are a symptom of an ongoing issue that needs to get addressed. Frequently seen reasons for mold infestation are:

• Plumbing problems
• Poor ventilation
• Improperly cleaned water damage

SERVPRO supports the Pearl River community with its professional mold damage remediation services. Once on-site, the technicians can identify the reason for the mold infestation and recommend the necessary steps to ensure that a favorable environment does not set up for mold growth in the future. The technicians undergo comprehensive training and keep up with the latest trends in technology and application regarding all phases of the restoration services industry, including handling damage from mold.

Mold can spread significantly behind walls and under flooring for a long period before homeowners discover its presence. SERVPRO technicians use an array of devices specifically for moisture detection equipment such as probes and infrared cameras to help define the areas that require mold remediation. Once all traces of the mold colonies get removed, SERVPRO techs perform actions that inhibit the return, such as cleaning and sealing surfaces with antimicrobial products. 

SERVPRO of Southern Rockland County at (845) 400-4888 is ready to handle mold damage remediation in Pearl River properties and make the problem "Like it never even happened."

Is Deodorization Part of Commercial Fire Damage Restoration Services in Suffern Properties?

7/17/2021 (Permalink)

Commercial fire restoration by SERVPRO is second to none. Our technicians are ready 24/7 365 days a year.

SERVPRO Eliminates All Traces of Fire Damage in Suffern Commercial Properties

Fire damage in commercial Suffern properties has several challenges during the cleanup. Not only do charred debris and ruined items need to get removed, but also the lingering fire odors. 

Commercial fire restoration in Suffern properties handled by SERVPRO is a detailed process that includes removing all traces of the fire, including smoke damage cleanup and odor control applications. 

Removal of charred building materials and objects can lessen odors in the structure significantly. It is common for SERVPRO techs to establish cleaning stations outside the work area to handle items that have no evidence of heat damage but may be covered in soot. Non Porous items can get cleaned through different methods such as:

• Agitation 
• Immersion
• Removal using manual tools and detailed hand cleaning
• Use of proprietary solvent-based liquid agents

When SERVPRO techs perform fire restoration services, it is a detailed process that ensures cross-contamination to other areas of the building does not occur through containment or the setup of negative air venting. The final phase of all fire cleanup jobs for both residential and commercial properties is the deodorization to ensure no residual fire odors remain.

SERVPRO of Southern Rockland County is available 24/7 for commercial fire damage restoration services in Suffern by calling (845) 400-4888.

What is the Difference in Water Damage Restoration Needed for a Toilet Backup Versus a Toilet Tank Leak in Suffern Homes?

7/12/2021 (Permalink)

Toilet water is contaminated with wastewater. SERVPRO will handle all water damage restoration services needed for your home.

SERVPRO Techs Can Handle Contaminated or Clean Water Cleanup in Suffern

Toilets in Suffern homes are a frequent cause of water damage. However, the outcomes can be vastly different depending on the type of water in the house. 

When SERVPRO handles water damage restoration in Suffern properties, the technicians identify the cause of the home disaster. A toilet backup can deliver gallons of sewage-tainted water within a home and ruin anything that absorbs the water. In the case of a tank leak or supply line coupling failure, the water can damage. Still, as long as the water cleanup efforts begin within 24 hours before it starts to degrade, it is considered clean with limited if any bacteria.  

When carpet gets affected by either of these water types, the outcome can vary. When carpeting absorbs contaminated water, there is very little chance to sanitize it for reuse. SERVPRO technicians need to safely extract the wastewater and dispose of the carpet using biohazard protocols. For a clean water carpet disaster, SERVPRO technicians can:

• Perform water removal
• Dry the carpet
• Make no water spots remain through steam cleaning

SERVPRO of Southern Rockland County at (845) 400-4888 brings their professional water damage restoration services to the local Suffern community and is available 24/7.

Looking for Professional Restorers After Flood Damage to Your Suffern Home? Call SERVPRO

6/23/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO can mitigate the storm damage to your Suffern home with controlled demolition, heavy-duty cleaning and disinfecting.

Suffern Homes Have a Better Chance of Successful Restoration After Flood Damage With SERVPRO

Flood damage can cause all sorts of problems to your Suffern home. The floodwater can seep into the structural components making them weak and vulnerable to rot, and the contaminants can pose a health hazard. SERVPRO technicians can help you get on top of things by offering a premier flood restoration service to get your home back to preloss condition as soon as possible.

SERVPRO technicians can estimate the extent of flood damage to your Suffern home by studying the permeability and porosity of the material affected. Permeability describes the ability of water to move through a material. SERVPRO technicians measure material permeability in units called 'perms.' A material with a permeability of less than 1 perm is considered impermeable to moisture and has less chance of water damage. Material with higher porosity generally has higher permeability and is damaged the most after a flood incidence.

SERVPRO's Strategy for Flood Restoration of your Suffern Home Depends on the Type of Material Damaged

SERVPRO techs use water damage remediation strategies in Suffern based on the porosity and permeability of the material involved. The IICRC S500 Standard for Professional Water Damage Restoration defines material in the following three categories-

• Porous- Can absorb moisture readily and can even support microbial growth. Examples include carpets, fiber-fill insulation, and textiles.
• Semi-porous- Absorbs moisture but at a much slower rate. These materials can also support microbial growth. Unfinished wood, concrete, and brick are examples.
• Non-Porous- These materials don't absorb water at all and are least damaged by it. Glass, plastic, and sheet metal are a few examples.

For a fast and reliable flood damage restoration service, call SERVPRO of Southern Rockland County at (845) 400-4888.

SERVPRO Is a Trusted Name When It Comes to Fire Damage Restoration of Suffern Homes

6/15/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO can cross the fire line and restore your Suffern home after a fire damaging incident

SERVPRO Is Quick to Respond to Fire Damage Remediation Calls from Suffern Residents

The success of fire damage restoration of your Suffern home is contingent on how quickly SERVPRO technicians can spring into action. The longer the smoke and soot residue remains on the surfaces, the more difficult and time-consuming it gets to clean them during a house fire cleanup.

Fire damage restoration of Suffern homes requires the use of several cleaning and restoration techniques by SERVPRO experts. Cleaning soot deposited after smoke damage on porous surfaces such as acoustic ceilings is a significant challenge. SERVPRO has developed a special cleaning process for such cases that preserves the sound-dampening qualities of acoustic tiles and restores their appearance at the same time. The method is called Peroxide active cleaning.

How SERVPRO uses Peroxide Active Cleaning During House Fire Cleanup in Suffern?

Peroxide active cleaning uses a cleaning solution that contains stabilized hydrogen peroxide, which is an oxidizing agent. The stabilized hydrogen peroxide can oxidize the soot particles making their bonds with the surfaces weak to be removed easily.

SERVPRO techs use this method to clean porous surfaces that are not damaged by water-based cleaning solutions in unoccupied structures. The process begins by vacuuming the affected area to remove loose soil and coating it with the cleaning solution mist without over-wetting it.

Active Peroxide cleaning is, however, not suitable to clean surfaces made from natural materials such as wool and cotton. SERVPRO techs use safety equipment such as goggles and respirators utilizing this technique.

Call SERVPRO of Southern Rockland County at (845) 400-4888. Our technicians are available round the clock to assist you.

Water Damage Restoration Be Carried Out Promptly in Pearl River Homes?

6/6/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO understands the need to quickly remove water and molsture from your Pearl River home to mitigate water damage and mold growth

Time Lost in Seeking SERVPRO's Help in Water Damage Restoration of Your Pearl River Home Can Prove Costly

Burst pipes, ceiling leaks, or basement flooding, whatever be the cause, water damage restoration should be your immediate priority after a water incident at your Pearl River home. SERVPRO technicians can prevent the damage from getting worse if they can start the restoration process as soon as possible after the incident.

SERVPRO's technicians begin the water damage restoration of your Pearl River home by extracting any standing water. However, hidden water can continue damaging your property even after the standing water is removed. Water can enter into materials in two primary ways-

• by absorption of water directly in contact with the surface
• by absorption of excess moisture in the air

Knowledge of the mechanical process of moisture movement might help you better understand how SERVPRO restores water-damaged homes in the Pearl River area.

Why Some Water Cleanups Take More Time Than Others in Pearl River?

The time required to dry the structure depends on how moisture moves in and out of the material. Mold can develop if this dampness is not soon removed from organic materials. Some of the mechanical processes of moisture movement include-

• Liquid Flow- Water moves in liquid form into the structural components after ceiling leaks and broken pipes or whenever there is standing water. Such movement stops once SERVPRO techs remove the water.
• Air Movement- Water in the vapor form can enter the structure with moist air through cracks and small openings. SERVPRO techs control humidity to prevent such kind of movement.
• Capillary suction- The movement of liquid water through small pores in a porous material such as wood and fabric occurs by capillary suction. Drying such materials can take time.

Call SERVPRO of Southern Rockland County at (845) 400-4888 for reliable water damage restoration.

Do Fire and Smoke Damage Inspections Aid Restoration of Suffern Homes?

5/28/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO teams are ready to assist you with fire damage remediation services 24/7. Just call (845) 400-4888.

We Can Assess Damage in Suffern Fire Damaged Homes to Begin Restoration and Cleanup Quickly.

Fire inspections and damage assessments showcase where immediate attention is required after a structure fire gets extinguished. From structural concerns to circulating soot particles, we must catalog threats and create a fire damage restoration plan to help.

Are There Actions that Happen Before Job Scoping? 

Because of how destructive and potentially hazardous the need for fire damage restoration in Suffern homes can be, multiple emergency services often precede job scoping and damage assessment. These initial actions are necessary to reduce the spread and severity of post-fire damage situations and reduce contaminants and health hazards present in the environment before official fire damage restoration services begin. This mitigation helps:

• Fire damaged homes
• Fire and smoke damage removal
• Smoke remediation

As quickly as these conditions can get out of control after a fire gets extinguished, our SERVPRO of Southern Rockland County team implements vital mitigation and emergency services to protect a property and its contents. You can reach us anytime at (845) 400-4888.

How Quickly Must Black Mold Get Removed from Pearl River Homes?

5/21/2021 (Permalink)

Don't let mold go unchecked in your home. Call SERVPRO for help to avoid further damage.

Our Experienced Professionals have Several Mold Remediation Strategies for Pearl River Properties.

The presence of black mold and attic mold are two substantial concerns for area homeowners after prolonged moisture exposure and damp pockets in their property. Mold organisms can spread fast through these environmental conditions, requiring fast and deliberate mold removal strategies to get implemented as quickly as possible by experienced remediation technicians like our SERVPRO team. We offer: 

• Mold remediation
• Black mold damage repairs 
• Black mold removal

What Mold Removal Strategies Work Best for Area Homes? 

Choosing the appropriate strategy for mold removal in Pearl River homes requires information obtained during a mold inspection process. Identifying the condition of exposed hosting materials can determine where surface treatments might be beneficial and when these superficial removal tactics will not be effective. 

As challenging as black mold might seem, our SERVPRO of Southern Rockland County remediation professionals can help. We have powerful strategies for eliminating active colonization and restoring the damage organisms cause. Give us a call at (845) 400-4888.

What Mitigation Solutions Do SERVPRO Restorers Provide Nyack Homes?

5/14/2021 (Permalink)

Our skilled teams of experts have the tools and experience you will need after water strikes in your home.

The First Actions Professionals Take After Water Damages can be Critical for Nyack Properties.

The objective of drying is to create an environment that supports efficient evaporation of moisture-damaged materials and contents. This process focuses on isolating your home's damaged areas and preventing the migration of any standing water or trapped moisture. Water mitigation plays a critical role in this process, providing the initial efforts necessary to remove pooling on floors. Wet vacuums are typically ideal when combined with high-efficiency attachments for less accessible areas like light wands and carpet wands.

How Can Mitigation Professionals Protect Contents? 

Your personal belongings must also be a focal point of water mitigation in Nyack properties. Relocation provides the most immediate results when potentially affected items are not yet damaged, though on-site cleaning might also be required. The recovery of your personal belongings is a staple of many services we offer, including:

• Flood restoration
• Water damage remediation
• Emergency services water damage

When water mitigation is needed in your home, our SERVPRO of Southern Rockland County team can help. Call us today at (845) 400-4888.

How Do Specific Efforts Increase Water Clean Up Efficiency for Suffern Homes?

5/7/2021 (Permalink)

Talk to our certified experts today for assistance with water damage in your Suffern property.

Our Team Responds Fast to Clean up Water and Dry the Damaged Areas of Suffern Properties.

Every water damage incident that impacts homes and businesses throughout the area requires multiple steps and stages to clean and restore. As rapidly as homes can become damaged by standing water or other threatening conditions, our professionals provide thorough water damage cleanup for area homes that encompasses highly efficient drying and surface cleaning practices. We intend to make these emergencies “Like it never even happened.” We can help with:

• Flood restoration
• Basement flooding
• Burst pipes
• Ceiling leaks
• Emergency services water damage
• Water damage remediation

Getting Water Removal Services Started Immediately in Water-Damaged Homes 

Water damage cleanup in Suffern is not as successful if water removal services have not started. Standing water can be a substantial threat to residences, making it critical for our responding technicians to provide immediate actions to overcome these concerns. Standing water leads to saturation into flooring materials, drywall, and areas beyond these surface materials like subflooring and structural cavities. Without preventing the spread of moisture through the property, the subsequent drying required will take longer and ultimately cost more. Eliminating standing water involves several extraction tools in our inventory, including:

• Wet vacuums
• Self-priming trash pumps
• Electric submersible pumps
• Light wands
• Truck-mount extractors

How Can Air Movers Improve Evaporation?

Air movers are often the most critical element to water damage cleanup and drying. Centrifugal units target specific points of the damaged surfaces to maximize evaporation at these spots. Moisture monitoring equipment can help determine when these units have reached the desired production value on a specific area and should move to a new location to continue with efficient evaporation for collection by our strategically placed dehumidifiers.

How Do Dehumidifiers Eliminate Moisture Concerns?

Dehumidifiers work by capturing the moisture present in the environment and converting it back to a discardable liquid. Often, much of our equipment relies on pulling environmental air across cooling coils to allow for condensation to collect in a tray on the unit to be regularly emptied. In situations where entire households suffer moisture concerns, we have trailered desiccant dehumidifiers to pull out moist air and replace it with warm, dry air instead.

Is It Possible to Prevent Water Damage Repairs? 

It is always the intention of responding technicians and experts from our team to minimize tear-out and reconstruction whenever possible. While some degree of repair and build back might be inevitable in almost all water damage incidents that occur, the amount can often be reduced through swift action and thorough cleaning. Water damage cleanup focuses on removing surface moisture and trapped water from installed materials, making it possible to preserve and protect several building materials that otherwise require discarding.

Many tools and products are critical to water damage cleanup and mitigation of damaged properties. Our SERVPRO of Southern Rockland County team can help with efficient solutions to help you every step of the way. Give us a call today at (845) 400-4888.

How Can Ceiling Leaks Be Dangerous in Suffern Properties?

4/20/2021 (Permalink)

During flood water removal and restoration for Suffern properties, SERVPRO technicians monitor the moisture levels to prevent mold growth

SERVPRO Removes Hanging Debris from Suffern Water Damaged Structures

When a home has a ceiling leak, it is an indication of a more significant issue. The key to limiting damage to the property and contents is to locate the source. After storms deliver copious amounts of water that causes flash floods when the floor takes on moisture, it can wreck the ceiling below in the basement.

SERVPRO technicians inspect Suffern homes for flood damage issues upon arrival, and the technicians use more than visuals. The techs have access to many equipment types to locate moisture collections within the structure without removing portions of the floor or wall to find water migration paths.

Some of the most relied on devices SERVPRO uses are: 

• Infrared cameras that do not detect water but temperatures
• Probes to find leaking into the subfloor
• Equipment to take air moisture readings

Ceiling leaks can be hazardous to be around in a home. As the sheetrock wicks water, it swells and deteriorates until it finally falls. When large pieces of the ceiling collapse, it has the potential to cause injury.

SERVPRO of Southern Rockland County at (845) 400-4888 brings years of experience and the latest technological advances to every Suffern flood damage cleanup job.

How Can Fire Damage Restoration Services Save Suffern Property Owners Money?

4/14/2021 (Permalink)

Full-service fire damage cleanup and restoration for Suffern homes are what SERVPRO does best. We erase evidence of a house fire, including odors.

Contact SERVPRO for House Fire Clean-Up in Suffern

After a fire in a home, when it comes to insurance claims, one of the most costly factors for the insurance company is replacing items lost to the flames. Using a professional company to renew items through cleaning is a way to keep costs down. 

SERVPRO goes into Suffern fire damage restoration job to clean away the soot and fire damage to help homeowners reclaim as many of their possessions as possible. 

The technicians have numerous tools and advanced methods taught through the IICRC, the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification. For example, washable clothing with heavy smoke damage may not be a loss when it gets cleaned for reuse using the Esporta Washing System, saving the replacement cost. SERVPRO techs rely on a wide array of fire restoration equipment such as: 

• Dry cleaning sponges for house fire clean up of dry smoke residues
• Hand vacuums for smoke damage cleanup
• Cleaning agents with solvents to force sticky smoke residues to release their grip on surfaces
• Odor control devices to eliminate smoke odors in the home

SERVPRO of Southern Rockland County at (845) 400-4888 handles fire damage restoration for local Suffern properties and makes the problems "Like it never even happened."

Local Suffern Property Owners Rely on SERVPRO for Expert Water Damage Restoration Services

4/4/2021 (Permalink)

Need help with mitigating water damage from a roof leak ruining your Suffern home's ceiling? SERVPRO provides the solutions--and fast.

SERVPRO Brings Years of Experience and Knowledge to Handle Suffern Water Damage Remediation 

For its size as a small village in New York, Suffern's town has a large number of historically significant sites. Of particular interest to history buffs, George Washington stayed in the village on several occasions as America fought to get freed from British rule.

Suffern is a stop on the Washington–Rochambeau Revolutionary Route National Historic Trail, designated by the National Park Service. This trail recreates the route taken by General Washington and the French Comte de Rochambeau as they traveled to the siege of Yorktown, Virginia. This battle led to the victory for the newly named United States in gaining independence. This was no small number of soldiers. The Rochambeau encampment had roughly 5,000 men that stayed in August 1781, where the presently located Lafayette Theater, named for Revolutionary War Hero Marquis de Lafayette, resides. After the battle in Yorktown, the men came through again in September 1782 as they headed to New York and set up camp in the same place. There is a historical marker on the Washington Avenue side of the Lafayette Theater that marks the space as Rochambeau's Encampment site. At the time of the encampment, the place was across the road from the home and tavern owned by John Suffern, the village's founder. The property was torn down in the late 1800s and is now the Suffern Furniture Company's home. The top historic places to visit in the village are:

• Rochambeau Encampment located at Lafayette and Washington avenues
• Soldier's Monument, also known as Washington Ave. Monument,
• Suffern's Depot Located at 1 Erie Plaza

Some world-renowned brands have established bases in Suffern. The first railroad to cross Rockland County was the Erie Railroad. In exchange for the right-of-way given to the rail to run through Suffern by Judge Edward Suffern, son of the founder, the Erie Railroad named the depot "Suffern's Station." Another well-known company got its start in Suffern as the California Perfume Company when they built a laboratory in 1897. The lab went on to expand to 3,000 square feet and employ many residents when it re-branded as Avon Products. By 2005, the company expanded its global hub to a 225,000 square foot research and development facility in Suffern.

How Does SERVPRO Limit Disruption to Suffern Homes During Water Damage Restoration Services?

When SERVPRO technicians handle Suffern water damage, there are considerable efforts to disturb the home as little as possible. It is stressful to have a burst pipe or ceiling leaks from a damaged roof, and the techs know that. They make every effort to move out as few furnishings as possible, including: 

• Putting furniture on blocks to dry in place during water removal services
• Use of secured pods on-site when interior humidity may further cause water damage repairs needed
• When circumstances require pack out, items get put back exactly in their original location

The portable pumps and maneuverable ride-on water extraction equipment used by SERVPRO allow the technicians to move around furnishings while still perform professional water removal services.

For fast, efficient water damage restoration services, call SERVPRO of Southern Rockland County at (845) 400-4888. The trained, certified technicians are available 24/7 to make the issues caused by the water "Like it never even happened."

Not A Good Surprise: Mold Found Inside A Wall

2/14/2021 (Permalink)

Microscopic mold spores naturally occur almost everywhere, both indoors and outdoors.

This makes it impossible to remove all mold from a home or business. Therefore, mold remediation reduces the mold spore count back to its natural or baseline level. SERVPRO has specialized mold removal equipment and trained technicians to get the job done right. Consider the following mold facts:

• Mold is present almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors.
• Mold spores are microscopic and float along the air and may enter your home through windows, doors, or AC/heating systems or even hitch a ride indoors on your clothing or a pet.
• Mold spores thrive on moisture. Mold spores can quickly grow into colonies when exposed to water. These colonies may produce allergens and irritants.
• Before mold remediation can begin, any source of water must be addressed. Otherwise, the mold may return.
• Mold often produces a strong, musty odor.
• Even higher-than-normal indoor humidity can support mold growth. Keep indoor humidity below 45 percent.

If your home or business has a mold problem, we can inspect and assess your porperty and use our specialized training, equipment, and expertise to remediate your mold infestation.

If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today - (845) 400-4888. Visit our Mold Web Page to learn about all our services

Time is a Precious Commodity: SERVPRO Is Faster To Any Size Disaster

2/9/2021 (Permalink)

When you need your water, fire or mold disaster cleaned up right and done fast, call SERVPRO of Southern Rockland County for all your commercial cleaning and restoration needs. Because, when you experience a fire, water or mold damage disaster in your business facility, you need fast response and the expertise to get the job done right. Ensuring your Rockland County business can get back into operation as quickly as possible.

Through it all, you expect the most reliable information and the very best service at a fair price. SERVPRO of Southern Rockland County is committed to providing our customers with the very best service to reduce business interruptions and recovery costs. 

Our SERVPRO of Southern Rockland County Service Technicians can provide:

• Over 25 years of experience as a leading fire, water and mold cleanup and restoration provider.
• 24/7 on call emergency service for faster response to your damage disaster. A fast response time helps to ensure the damage is contained and repair costs are lower. 
• Large loss capabilities- no fire or water damage is too big. We have commercial grade equipment ready to handle any size disaster. 

Quality cleaning and fast response is the SERVPRO of Southern Rockland way!

Is Your Home Winter READY?

2/9/2021 (Permalink)

Did You Know? We Cleanup Water damage caused by storms. Cold weather can have a huge impact on your home or business if you are not properly prepared. Whether it is heavy rains, freezing temperatures, sleet or snow, all can cause serious and costly property damage. Take steps to be prepared and help take the sting out of the winter blues.

• After winter storms check your property for downed tree limbs.
• Roofs, water pipes and gutters should all be inspected to ensure they are in proper order. Gutters should be clear of debris and directed away from buildings. 
• Inspect property for proper drainage to alleviate flood hazard potential.
• Inspect all handrails, stairs, and entryways to address and correct potential slippery or hazardous areas. Install mats or non-slip surfaces and post cautions signs.
• Protect water pipes from freezing by simply allowing water to drip when temps fall below freezing. If pipes are under cabinets, leave the cabinet doors open.
•  Consider turning outdoor faucets off at the main valve. Once shut remember to drain the outdoor faucet. 

When winter weather strikes and causes a disaster, call SERVPRO of Southern Rockland County to strike back!

The Problem: It's the water you don't see

1/19/2021 (Permalink)

Even small water damages have the potential to cause serious structural and indoor air quality issues over time. 

The key to avoiding costly future restoration is to handle every water problem as a serious problem that will affect your property. Our SERVPRO Southern Rockland County service technicians have the training and equipment to find and dry unseen water before secondary damage occurs. The proper equipment makes a measurable difference in reducing the damage and expense during a fire or water damage event. 

When time matters, technology and equipment must be counted on to work, here are just a few of the tools our technicians use to do their job and restore your property.  

Moisture sensors are used to detect moisture in carpets, baseboards and walls. 

Moisture Meters are used to determine the actual moisture content of various materials. The moisture tester provides accurate reading, allowing technicians to monitor the drying process. 

Thermohygrometers measure temperature and relative humidity. When armed with this information, technicians can calculate and create an environment most conducive to drying. When facing a contaminated water loss, it is not only important to dry the structure, but  also to disinfect and deodorize. 

Ultra Low-Volume Foggers will atomize liquid deodorizing agents, producing a fine mist that can easily penetrate the site where odor-causing residues may accumulate. This device can also be used to inject fungicides and disinfectants into wall cavities and other hard to reach areas. 

Thermal Foggers dispense solvent-based products by creating a dense fog. The fog consists of tiny particles of deodorant solution that attach to and neutralize odor causing particles. 

These are just a few pieces of the professional grade equipment that each SERVPRO technician is trained to use to help ensure your property is completely restored.

At SERVPRO of Southern County we handle more than just water damage

1/15/2021 (Permalink)

Recognized as a leading fire, water, and mold restoration provider by hundreds of insurance companies, SERVPRO of Southern Rockland County also offers fast and reliable mold, biohazard/sewage, vandalism and crime scene cleanup and restoration services. Visit our website to learn more.

Exposure to biological and chemical contaminants can pose serious health consequences for building occupants, employees, customers and owners. A failure to properly handle and safely remove such hazardous substances can contribute to unhealthy and even dangerous environments. 

SERVPRO service technicians are trained to safely and effectively remove bio-hazardous substances and prepare waste for proper disposal according to OSHA, EPA and state and local health regulations. 

Equipped with the necessary safety equipment and cleaning products, SERVPRO of Rockland County helps turn unsafe environments into clean, safe homes and offices. 

Our services cover the following issues:

• Bloodbourne Pathogens: SERVPRO removes and disposes of bodily fluids, tissue and other potentially pathogenic substance resulting from accident, trauma, crime or death. Technicians clean, disinfect, and deodorize the structure.
• Methamphetamine Labs: Many chemicals used in the production of illegal drugs are volatile and can leave harmful residues throughout a structure. SERVPRO follows federal and state guidelines to properly clean all surfaces. 
• Crime Scene Residues: Fingerprint powder and evidence-gathering chemicals to tear gas and pepper spray residues can be cleaned from surfaces and contents to restore your property. 
• Arson and Vandalism: After the fire trucks are gone, your home and belongings likely suffer from not only fire and smoke damage, but also extensive water damage from firefighting efforts. SERVPRO has the specialized fire and water damage cleanup and restoration training and experience to quickly restore your home to pre-fire condition. We also have specific training and equipment for odor removal and deep cleaning of upholstery and carpet. 
• Sewage Backups: Water from sewer system backups should be considered very dangerous. The water is grossly unsanitary and may contain bacteria and viruses that could cause serious illness. Special training and equipment is necessary to safely clean this type of contamination. This water is grossly unsanitary and could cause severe illness or death if ingested, and any contact should be avoided. Sources for category 3 water could include flooding from rivers or streams, water from beyond the toilet trap, water from the toilet bowl with feces, or standing water that has begun to support microbial growth.
• Black Water Intrusions: This water is grossly unsanitary and could cause severe illness or death if ingested, and any contact should be avoided. Sources for category 3 water could include flooding from rivers or streams, water from beyond the toilet trap, water from the toilet bowl with feces, or standing water that has begun to support microbial growth.
  • May contain untreated sewage, harsh chemicals, and microbes
  • Water from flooding rivers or sewer backup
• Mold Mitigation and Remediation: Mold can produce allergens and irritants and has the potential to cause other health effects. Mold can spread quickly through your home or business in as little as 48 hours. If you suspect that your home or business has a mold problem, we can inspect and assess your property. If mold is found, we have the training, equipment, and expertise for the remediation of your mold infestation.

Trust the professionals at SERVPRO of Southern County (845) 400-4888.

Is Your Rockland County Home Ready For Winter Weather?

12/29/2020 (Permalink)

With temps getting colder, here are some tips to avoid frozen pipes:

On The Inside:

• If you will be away from home for days at a time, make sure that all of your pipes are kept warm, especially in spaces that receive little or no heat.
• If any pipes will stay exposed to freezing temperatures, open up one faucet with a very small drip to keep water moving through the pipes.

 
On The Outside:

Protect your pipes as you would protect your plants.

• Cover up your outside faucets with foam or towels to insulate them.  Especially if you plan to be away from home this winter, remember to leave your contact information with a neighbor.
• You might consider giving them a key to your home, too, and leaving your preferred plumber's contact information behind should an emergency occur.
• If your pipes burst and your home has water damage call SERVPRO of Southern Rockland County. (845) 400-4888.

Fire Safety: Every Second Counts

12/29/2020 (Permalink)

Every second counts during a fire. Fire experts agree; people have as little as two minutes to escape a burning home or work space. It is critical to be prepared and have an escape plan in place.

Once the plan is developed, it is critical everyone in the home or office understands the plan. The best way to do this is to discuss and practice the plan at least twice a year.

The following are a suggestions to help you develop an emergency escape plan: 

• Draw a map of each level of your home or business and show all the doors and windows. Find two ways to get out of each room. Make sure all doors and windows that lead to outside open easily. 
• Consider escape ladders for sleeping areas on the second floor. Only purchase collapsible escape ladders evaluated by a recognized testing laoratory. 
• Choose an outside meeting place a safe distance from the home or business where everyone can meet. Make sure to mark this location on the map. 
• Teach children how to escape on their own in case you annot help them. 

Here are some Fire Prevention tips:

• Install smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors in your home and test them monthly.
• Don't Wait, Check the Date-Replace smoke alarms every 10 years. 
• Store matches and Lighters safely, mainly out of the reach of children. Also, make sure you store them in locations where combustion or exposure to flames might be an issue.
• Practice proper cooking safety. Don't leave cooking food unattended, have a working fire extinguisher in the kitchen, keep children and pets away from the kitchen while cooking. 
• Be careful with all open flames, never leave them unattended. 
• Generators should always be used outside the home. Carbon monoxide poisoning can occur when a generator is not working or vented properly. 

The key is to reduce risks by practicing fire safety in your home and business, while there are no guarantees taking these steps will help prevent fires and keep your property, family or coworkers safe.

Read our Fire Damage restoration services page to learn more.

Kitchen Cautions During The Holiday Season

11/19/2020 (Permalink)

Each November, families gather to celebrate Thanksgiving, which includes cooking large dinners, but if you don't practice safe cooking habits your holiday could become hazardous very quickly. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), cooking fires are the number one cause of home fires and home injuries. The leading cause of fires is unattended cooking. Here are some useful tips to avoid cooking fires:

• Be on ALERT! If you are sleepy or consumed alcohol don't use the stove.
• Stay in the kitchen while you are frying, grilling, boiling, or broiling food.
• If you are simmering, baking or roasting food, check it regularly, and remain in the kitchen while food is cooking, and use a timer to remind you that you are cooking. 
• Keep anything that can catch fire (oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, and towels) away from the stovetop.

If you have a cooking fire, consider the following safety protocols to help keep your family safe.

• Just get out! When you leave, close the door behind you to help contain the fire.
• Call 911 or the local fire department after you leave.
• For an oven fire turn off the heat and keep the door closed.
• If you try to fight the fire, be sure others are getting out and you have a clear way out.
• Keep a lid nearby when you're cooking to smother small grease fire. Smother the fire by sliding the lid over the pan and turn off the stovetop. Leave the pan covered until it is cooled completely. 

Have a safe and happy holiday season!

Winter Weather Worries

11/4/2020 (Permalink)

Winter weather and temperatures falling below freezing in the Rockland County New York area can bring about home water damage issues such as frozen pipes and ice dams. These damages are costly to repair and in most instances can be prevented. 

Frozen Pipes

Frozen pipes are not only those exposed to the cold weather, such as outdoor pipes, but also pipes in cold areas like basements, attics, garages and kitchen cabinets. A frozen pipe can burst at the point where the ice blockage inside the pipe is located, but the rupture is caused by the backflow pressure between the water source and the blockage. A burst pipe can cause considerable damage to your home if not properly and quickly fixed. 

According to The American Red Cross here are some tips to prevent pipes from freezing:

• Drain water completely from swimming pool, sprinkler system and outside hoses.
• Open kitchen cabinets to let warm air near plumbing.
• In extreme cold, let water drip from faucets that may come from exposed pipes.
• Keep your heat set at the same temperature day and night. The temperature should not be set below 55°f 

Ice Dams

Ice dams can cause major damage during the snowy season. They form when heated air melts roof snow downward into water dammed behind still frozen ice. When the trapped water cannot run into the gutter system, it can backflow under the roof's shingles and into the structure's interior areas, as well as causing gutters and shingles to move or fall. Icicles can be an initial sign of an ice dam, (source Travelers.com) check for water stains or moisture in your attic or along ceiling of exterior walls in your home. These are indicators that ice dams have occurred and water has penetrated the roof membrane. Remove the ice dam quickly to prevent major water damage to your homes exterior and interior. Using heated cables, a roof shovel, or calcium chloride ice melt can be used to alleviate the ice dam problem. 

If winter weather causes water damage to your property, SERVPRO of Southern Rockland County has trained professional technicians ready to restore your property.

After The Storm: Watch for Leaks That May Cause Mold Growth

10/21/2020 (Permalink)

Did You Know?There is a Water Damage Time Line

Intrusion of water into your home from a storm can result in mold growth. When water damages are not addressed right away, the result is an increased risk of mold growth. Mold may appear within 24 to 48 hours after a water damage intrusion event if the conditions are conducive to mold growth.

SERVPRO of Southern Rockland County New York, handles water damages every day, and we know prompt action is required to prevent mold growth. By utilizing the proper equipment and moisture measuring devices, your home or business building will be quickly and thoroughly dried to industry standards, which help prevent the secondary damage like mold growth. 

Water Damage Timeline

Within Minutes:

• Water quickly spreads throughout your property, saturating everything in its path.
• Water is absorbed into walls, floors, upholstery, and belongings.
• Furniture finishes may begin to bleed, causing permanent staining on carpets.
• Photographs, books, and other paper goods start to swell and warp.

Hours 1-24:

• Drywall begins to swell and break down.
• Metal surfaces begin to tarnish.
• Furniture begins to swell and crack.
• Dyes and inks from cloth and paper goods spread and stain.
• A musty odor appears. Mold spores grow if conditions are conducive to microbial growth.

Before risking further damage to you home, and belongings don't try to clean a water damage incident on your own, instead call SERVPRO of Southern Rockland County at (845) 400-4888 to handle the water damage cleanup and restoration. 

Fire Mitigation Requires Quick Action

10/18/2020 (Permalink)

The faster our SERVPRO of Southern Rockland County team of professional Service Technicians arrives on-site to perform fire, smoke, and soot cleanup and restoration, the better you home and contents will recover from the fire disaster. We will make sure the fire damage cleanup will be handled properly by utilizing the following steps:

Structural Cleaning: After a smoke, soot or fire damage, ceilings, walls, woodwork, carpeting and floors will often need a thorough cleaning. Our experienced Service Technicians will pretest to determine the extent of damage, then use the specific equipment and cleaning products required to clean and protect the different types of surfaces found with the structure.

Contents Cleaning: All of the restorable contents in the affected areas will be professionally cleaned and deodorized. This includes area rugs, furniture, draperies, and upholstery. SERVPRO of Southern Rockland County can provide both dry and/or wet cleaning services. Additionally, restorable contents will be cleaned and deodorized to preloss conditions.

Deodorization: Our SERVPRO Rockland County team of Service Technicians provide specialized services, equipment and cleaning products that will rid the property of offensive odors left behind by the fire or smoke damage. We do not merely cover up the lingering odors with a fragrance, they seek out the source of the odor and remove it.

Don’t leave the cleanup of your Rockland County home or business after a fire to just anyone, call in the trusted professionals at SERVPRO of Southern Rockland County. We have years of experience and knowledge dealing with fire, smoke and soot damage, our team can help you through the process of cleaning and restoring your home. Call (845) 400-4888. To learn more visit Fire Cleanup and Restoration Information

Home and Business Fires are preventable when precautions are taken

10/13/2020 (Permalink)

When it comes to your Rockland County, New York home or business property, there are certain safety precautions that can be taken to help prevent fires. 

Electrical and Appliance Safety

• Frayed wires can cause fires. Replace all worn, old or damaged appliance cords immediately ad do not run cords under rugs of furniture. 
• If an appliance has a three-prong plug, use it only in a three-slot outlet. Never try to force it to fit into a two-slot outlet or extension cord.
• Immediately shut-off, then professionally replace, light switches that are hot to the touch and lights that flicker.

Fireplace and Wood-stove Safety

• Inspect and clean wood-stove pipes and chimneys annually and check monthly for damage or obstructions
• Use a fireplace screen heavy enough to stop rolling logs and big enough to cover the entire opening of the fireplace to catch flying sparks. 
• Make sure the fire is completely out before going to bed or leaving the house. 

Source: ready.gov

Don't forget to have a working fire extinguisher in your home, and read all the instructions before emergencies happen.

When you're Rockland County home or business experiences fire or smoke damage, you need professional help quickly. SERVPRO of Southern Rockland County is dedicated to responding immediately, which helps to prevent secondary damage and to reduce the cost of restoration. 

Is Your Rockland County Business Prepared If Disaster Strikes?

10/13/2020 (Permalink)

How quickly your Rockland County company can get back to business after a fire, flood, or storm often depends on the emergency planning done today. The regular occurrence of natural disasters demonstrates the importance of being prepared for any emergency.

While each situation is unique, your organization can be better prepared if you plan carefully, put emergency procedures in place, and practice for all kinds of emergencies. Review the following questions to learn if your company is prepared.   

Be Informed: Do you know what types of emergencies might affect your company?

Develop a Business Continuity Plan: Do you know which staff, procedures, and equipment are absolutely necessary to keep operating? Are you ready for utility disruptions? Do you have a plan if your building is not accessible? What will you do if your suppliers are impacted? 

Prepare Your Emergency Plan: Do you have an plans  for evacuation and shelter? Do you have plans for communications with employees before and during? Do you have copies of buildings and site maps with utilities and emergency routes marked? Are any employees trained for medical emergencies?

Practice the Emergency Plan: If you have a plan, have your practiced it recently? How often do you review the plan? Do you have to coordinate the plan with other businesses?

Review Insurance coverage: Have you review your insurance coverage recently to see if you're covered in a disaster?

Secure Your Facility and Equipment: Have you conducted a room to room survey to determine what can be strapped down and secured?

Improve Cyber security: Do you regularly install patches to your software? Have you installed a firewall on your computer? Do you update your antivirus software?

Promote Family and Individual Preparedness: Do you encourage employees to have a personal emergency supply kit and a family communication plan? 

If you answered "NO" to any of these questions, visit https://www.ready.gov/ and learn how to better prepare your business, employees, and family.

Also, call Art at SERVPRO of Southern Rockland County to complete an Emergency Ready Profile for your business. This is a great first step to better prepare your business for any type of disaster. 

After the Fire: Destroy Odors with Deodorization

10/8/2020 (Permalink)

Even small fires in your Rockland County home or business can cause odors for years to come if the affected areas are not properly cleaned and deodorized. Fire, smoke and soot damages in your home or business can create unpleasant and potentially permanent problems.

As various materials burn the odorous residues and deposits on surfaces are left behind. Unless fast, professional action is taken, these residues and deposits can cause permanent damage to contents and may result in resurfacing odors. 

We have Production Managers and Service Technicians certified by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration (IICRC), to handle specialized services that can rid your home or business of offensive odors left by fire or smoke damage. 

Our services don't cover up the odor with fragrance; we seek out and remove the sources of the odor. Once the source is found, we use the SERVPRO proprietary line of cleaning products to treat and prevent the odor from returning. Any savable items in affected areas will also be professionally cleaned and deodorized, including furniture, draperies, upholstery, electronics, art, flooring, walls, ceilings, HVAC ducts and more. 

We also handle other odors that may require deodorization:

• Cigarette Smoke
• Pet Odors
• Decomposition
• Mold

Whether it is a fire, water, mold damage, or just a stubborn odor that refuses to go away, SERVPRO of Southern Rockland County will make it "Like it never even happened." Call to learn about our Fire Damage Cleanup Services (845) 400-4888. 

Is Your Home Ready for Fall and Winter Storms

9/24/2020 (Permalink)

Cold weather and winter storms can have a huge impact on your home or business if you are not properly prepared. Whether it is heavy rains and wind, freezing temperatures, sleet or snow, all can cause serious and costly property damage. Take steps to be prepared and help take the sting out of the winter blues.

• After winter storms check your property for downed tree limbs and branches. Downed limbs can cause damage to your property and lead to possible water damage issues.
• Roofs, water pipes and gutters should all be inspected to ensure they are in proper order. Gutters should be clear of debris and directed away from buildings. Leaves and other obstructions can cause a damming effect, which can lead to roof damage and interior water problems. 
• Inspect property for proper drainage to alleviate flood hazard potential.
• Inspect all handrails, stairs, and entryways to address and correct potential slippery or hazardous areas. Install mats or non-slip surfaces and post cautions signs.
• Protect water pipes from freezing by simply allowing water to drip when temps fall below freezing. If pipes are under cabinets, leave the cabinet doors open.
•  Consider turning outdoor faucets off at the main valve. Once shut remember to drain the outdoor faucet. 

Check out our Water and Storm Damage tips.

When winter weather strikes and causes a disaster, call SERVPRO to strike back!

Does Your Rockland County Business have an Escape Plan?

9/24/2020 (Permalink)

An emergency escape plan is not required for all businesses, however, OSHA recommends building an emergency action plan to protect yourself, your employees, and your business during an emergency. OSHA suggests the following steps when developing a plan.

Organize an Emergency Preparedness Procedures review with employees to review your emergency plans. You may wish to select an individual or team of individuals to lead and coordinate your emergency plan.

Once a plan is developed, post evacuation procedures, including routes and exits, where they are easily accessible to all employees. Ensure all exits and routes are clearly marked and will lit, wide enough to accommodate the number of evacuating personnel, and unobstructed and clear of debris at all times.

Conduct office evacuation exercises and drills. Designate a safe spot outside of the facility where employees can regroup, recover and conduct a head count. Once completed, evaluate how well the plan worked and if additional training or exercises are needed. 

SERVPRO of Southern Rockland County can help you and your business with the cleanup after any water, sewage or fire disaster. But first make sure your employees, and customers are safe by planning ahead and having a plan. 

Read our about our Fire Damage Cleanup Services.

*Tips provided by the National Fire Protection Association and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

September is National Preparedness Month: Preparing Your Business Property Makes Sense

9/16/2020 (Permalink)

September is National Preparedness Month, and it is the perfect opportunity to share the benefits of having a readiness plan in place with your customers, employees and family. 

The SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile (ERP) will help ensure you and your business are "Ready for whatever happens." In the event of an emergency, the SERVPRO ERP can help minimize business interruption by having an immediate plan of action in place for your facility.

Advantages of the SERVPRO Emergency Ready Profile:

• A no-cost assessment of your facility. 
• ERP is a comprehensive document containing critical information about your business, including emergency contact information, shut-off valve locations, and priority locations.
• The ERP is also accessible online using your computer or tablet; download the SERVPRO free Ready Plan APP  to access this information at any time using your smartphone or tablet. 
• Establishes SERVPRO of Southern Rockland County as your disaster mitigation and restoration provider. Knowing who to call in advance is key to a quick response and timely mitigation, helping to minimize the amount of time your business is inactive. 

Preparation is the key to making it through any disaster, whether it is a small water leak, a large fire or an area flood. No one plans on a disaster, but now you can have a plan in place when it happens.

To learn more about National Preparedness Month visit: https://www.ready.gov/september 

Ready to start your ERP? Call our office at (845) 400-4888 or contact us via Email.

Water Damage in a Commercial Space is always treated with a Quick Response

9/16/2020 (Permalink)

Flooding and water damage events at commercial properties are often complex with numerous issues that require a knowledgeable and flexible response. 

At SERVPRO of Southern Rockland County we are experienced at dealing with any size disaster scenario, a large scale event that effects many floors, offices or warehouse space, and even a small office with a limited water damage disaster. We work quickly to assess each unique situation and isolate the damaged area. In many instances, normal operations can continue in a temporary space while we restore your facility. 

Restoring Commercial Properties Presents Unique Challenges

Our professional Service Technicians are trained to be mindful of legal and environmental concerns and strive to fully restore the damaged area of your business. We understand that every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when an emergency situation arises in your business, give us a call and we'll be there fast with the help you need. 

About SERVPRO of Southern Rockland County

SERVPRO of Southern Rockland Rockland County specializes in the cleanup and restoration of commercial properties after a water damage event.  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.

Meet our Crew  

Mold, Biohazard and Cleaning Services: Not just water and fire damage cleanup

9/8/2020 (Permalink)

Recognized as a leading fire, water, and mold restoration provider by hundreds of insurance companies, SERVPRO of Southern Rockland County, also offers fast and reliable biohazard, vandalism and crime scene cleanup and restoration services. 

Exposure to biological and chemical contaminants can pose serious health consequences for building occupants, employees, customers and owners. A failure to properly handle and safely remove such hazardous substances can contribute to unhealthy and even dangerous environments. 

SERVPRO of Rockland County technicians are trained to safely and effectively remove biohazardous substances and prepare waste for proper disposal according to OSHA, EPA and state and local health regulations. 

Equipped with the necessary safety equipment and cleaning products, SERVPRO of Rockland County helps turn unsafe environments into clean, safe homes and offices. 

Our services cover the following issues:

• Bloodbourne Pathogens: SERVPRO removes and disposes of bodily fluids, tissue and other potentially pathogenic substance resulting from accident, trauma, crime or death. Technicians clean, disinfect, and deodorize the structure.
• Methamphetamine Labs: Many chemicals used in the production of illegal drugs, are volatile and can leave harmful residues throughout a structure. SERVPRO follows federal and state guidelines to properly clean all surfaces. 
• Crime Scene Residues: Fingerprint powder and evidence-gathering chemicals to tear gas and pepper spray residues can be cleaned from surfaces and contents to restore your property. 
• Arson and Vandalism: After the fire trucks are gone, your home and belongings likely suffer from not only fire and smoke damage, but also extensive water damage from firefighting efforts. SERVPRO has the specialized fire and water damage cleanup and restoration training and experience to quickly restore your home to pre-fire condition. We also have specific training and equipment for odor removal and deep cleaning of upholstery and carpet. 
• Sewage Backups: Water from sewer system backups should be considered very dangerous. The water is grossly unsanitary and may contain bacteria and viruses that could cause serious illness. Special training and equipment is necessary to safely clean this type of contamination. This water is grossly unsanitary and could cause severe illness or death if ingested, and any contact should be avoided. Sources for category 3 water could include flooding from rivers or streams, water from beyond the toilet trap, water from the toilet bowl with feces, or standing water that has begun to support microbial growth.
• Black Water Intrusions: This water is grossly unsanitary and could cause severe illness or death if ingested, and any contact should be avoided. Sources for category 3 water could include flooding from rivers or streams, water from beyond the toilet trap, water from the toilet bowl with feces, or standing water that has begun to support microbial growth.
  • May contain untreated sewage, harsh chemicals, and microbes
  • Water from flooding rivers or sewer backup
• Mold Mitigation and Remediation: Mold can produce allergens and irritants and has the potential to cause other health effects. Mold can spread quickly through your home or business in as little as 48 hours. If you suspect that your home or business has a mold problem, we can inspect and assess your property. If mold is found, we have the training, equipment, and expertise to re-mediate your mold infestation.

Don't leave the cleanup of your home or business to just anyone call the professionals at SERVPRO of Southern Rockland County at (845) 400-4888. We are a locally owned and operated company that has been proudly serving the local Rockland County, New York area for 25 years. 

Plan Ahead: Make sure your Business is Ready for Potential Disasters

9/3/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Emergency Ready Profile and Ready App

In the event of an emergency, the ERP can help minimize business interruption by having an immediate plan of action in place for your facility.

The ERP is a comprehensive document containing critical information about your business, including emergency contacts, shut-off valve locations and priority areas. The ERP also establishes SERVPRO Southern Rockland County as your disaster mitigation and restoration provider, giving you access to 25 years of experience in water, sewage, mold and fire cleanup.

The ERP is a no-cost assessment; all it requires is a little time, making it a great value that could save you time and money in the future. By downloading the FREE SERVPRO READY App, this information is stored electronically and can be accessed using your mobile device putting help at your fingertips. 

Preparation is key to making it through any size disaster, whether it is a small water leak, a large fire or an area flood. Having a plan in place may help minimize the amount of time your business is inactive and get you back in the building quickly following a disaster. Don't wait until disaster strikes--resolve to Be READY.

Call SERVPRO to establish your Emergency READY Profile, and be "Ready for whatever happens" in 2020 and 2021. 

Advantages of the SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile

• A no-cost assessment of your facility.
• A concise profile document containing only the critical information needed in the event of an emergency.
• A guide to help you get back into your building following a disaster.
• Establishes SERVPRO as your disaster mitigation and restoration provider.
• Identification of the line of command for authorizing work to begin.
• Provides facility details such as shut-off valve locations, priority areas and priority contact information.

SERVPRO of Southern Rockland County is #heretohelp

SERVPRO of Southern Rockland County Has Drying Down To A Science

9/3/2020 (Permalink)

Did You Know There is Actually a Science Behind the Drying Process?

Having the knowledge of psychrometrics is essential to restoring a water-damaged structure to its preloss condition. Our SERVPRO of Southern Rockland County Service Technicians are trained in the science of drying and follow strict industry standards to help lower the chances of any secondary damage to your home or business property. 

What is the Science of Drying?

The Science of Drying is a process that was created to establish industry guidelines, regulated techniques, and provide validation and documentation on the drying process.

Why is it important?

When it comes to water damage, there’s nothing more important than making sure the job is done right the first time. Doing so relies on a restoration company like SERVPRO that is dedicated to training, technology and technique. SERVPRO of Southern Rockland County is an industry leader in all three. We have the equipment to help dry hardwood floors, hard to reach spaces inside walls and much more. We also have state of the art monitoring equipment and a proven scientific process to help speed the drying of your home or business. The technology of DryBook a proprietary tool that provides real-time documentation and updates on the drying process and helps ensure industry standards are met. 

Our Service Technicians Will:

• Inspect the building to detect every component that is wet to help prevent secondary damage from happening.
• Measure how much moisture is in the wet materials and monitor whether the materials are drying properly.
• Speed up Mother Nature-by using professional drying equipment. 

The bottom line? SERVPRO of Southern Rockland County has the training, equipment the technology to make your water damage or storm flood damage disaster "Like it never even happened."

Stay Safe From Summer Storms

8/16/2020 (Permalink)

While the spring season is known for severe thunderstorms and heavy rainstorms, the threat also exists throughout the summer months as well.

It’s difficult to prepare for the unpredictable, there are steps you can take now to help ensure you are ready when disaster strikes. One way to prepare your business for any type of disaster, is to establish an Emergency Ready profile (ERP). Contact SERVPRO of Southern Rockland County ((845) 400-4888) to discuss how this program can help your business. For home owners download the Ready Plan APP for free and select SERVPRO of Southern Rockland County as your preferred restoration specialist. 

Consider the following tips when preparing for an approaching storm:

Before the Storm:

• Build an emergency supply kit and develop a communication plan
• Unplug any electronic equipment before the storm arrives
• Secure outdoor objects that could blow away or cause damage
• Shutter windows and secure outside doors. If shutters are not available, close window blinds, shades or curtains

During the Storm:

• Use your battery-operated NOAA Weather Radio for updates from local officials
• Avoid contact with corded phones, cordless and cellular are safe to use
• Avoid contact with electrical equipment or cords
• Unplug appliances and other electrical items or devices. Power surges can cause serious damage
• Avoid contact with plumbing, fixtures can conduct electricity
• Stay away from windows and doors

After the Storm:

• Never drive through a flooded roadway
• Stay away from storm damaged areas to keep from putting yourself at risk
• Stay away from downed power lines and report them immediately

Here is a recommended emergency supply kit:

• Water-1 gallon for per person per day
• Food- non-perishable 3-day supply
• Manual can opener
• Battery operated radio-preferably a NOAA Weather Radio
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Whistle to signal for help
• Clothing-fast drying
• Dust masks or bandanna
• Plastic sheeting or garbage bags and duct tape
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
• Hygiene items
• Important documents or photos of documents-copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account information
• Cash
• Fire extinguisher
• Matches in waterproof container

Fire Alarms: Save Lives

8/11/2020 (Permalink)

Smoke alarms save lives when properly installed and maintained, according to the National Fire Protection Assoc. (NFPA). 

Follow these tips:

1. In homes, smoke alarms should be in every bedroom and on every level, including the basement. In office and commercial environments, check your state requirements or contact your local Fire Marshall to help ensure all codes are met. 
2. Test Smoke alarms monthly using the test button. Smoke alarms with non-replaceable batteries need the entire smoke alarm unit replaced every ten years. Other smoke alarms need batteries replaced every year and the unit replaced every ten years. If the alarm chirps signaling low battery, take the proper steps to replace the unit or batteries immediately. Never disable or remove the battery from an alarm. Almost half of fires where smoke alarms are present but did not activate had missing or disconnected batteries. (source NFPA)
3. In larger commercial facilities, hard wired or wireless smoke alarms offer benefits such as not needing to be tested as often and activating throughout the entire building is smoke is detected in just one area. (source NFPA)

If you need help installing, testing or changing batteries in your smoke alarm, contact your local fire department, electrician or the American Red Cross.

Visit our Fire Damage Information page for more information about our Fire Cleaning Services.

(Source: Restoration Newsline Vol.29, Issue 9)

Do You Know What To Do When Your Home Has Water Damage?

7/23/2020 (Permalink)

Water Damage and Flood Tips

The first 24 hours following a water loss are the most important in preventing secondary or permanent damage to your Rockland County New York home or business. To help ensure a water damage is handled correctly follow these steps:

Call SERVPRO of Southern Rockland County:

SERVPRO Southern Rockland County Technicians will provide the following services in a timely and professional manner. 

Inspection: Our Service Technicians will inspect affected areas to determine the extent of water damage and will review the inspection with you to answer any questions before beginning any work. 

Emergency Service: Technicians will take steps to help protect your home of business, as well as personal belongings and other contents, from further damages by extracting the excess water and preparing the area for drying. They will explain the needed emergency services to you step by step.

Monitoring: To help ensure your home or business and belongings are dried to appropriate industry standards, a technician will monitor the drying process. The updates will be consistently be communicated to you. 

Restoration Services: Are available upon request. We will repair structural materials, reinstall carpets, and clean affected areas of your property. A final walk-through of the job-site will be conducted with you.

Emergency Water Damage Tips:

• Shut off the water source if possible or contact a qualified party to stop the water source.
• Turn off circuit breakers for wet areas of the building when access to the power distribution panel is safe from electrical shock. 
• Remove as much excess water as possible by mopping or blotting.
• Place aluminium foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting.
• Move any paintings, art objects, computers, documents, and other sensitive valuables to a dry place. 
• Don't enter affected areas if electrical outlets, switches, circuit breakers or electrical equipment are exposed to water. Always avoid electrical shock hazards.
• Don't use your household vacuum cleaner to remove water *this could cause electrical shock and/or damage to the vacuum.
• Don't turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet or enter rooms where ceilings are sagging from retained water. Watch for a possible Ceiling collapse.

SERVPRO is an IICRC Certified firm and our Service Technicians will quickly and professionally clean and restore your home to pre-damage condition.

Grilling Safety Tips to Avoid Home Fires

7/21/2020 (Permalink)

Grilling Safety Tips

As the season for grilling outside officially kicks off this summer, here are some tips to remember while grilling at your BBQ. 

1. Always supervise a barbecue grill when in use
2. Make sure people especially young children and pets stay away from the grill
3. Use long-handed tools made for cooking on the grill
4. Don't place your grill close to your home 

If a fire damage does happen at your home or business, SERVPRO of Southern Rockland County is ready for any size fire cleanup disaster. 

Our Service Technicians are highly trained and have years of experience cleaning fire damage properties. SERVPRO also uses cleaning products specially formulated to safely and throughly clean fire damaged properties. 

We clean and restore Fire, Smoke and Soot damage "Like it never even happened." 

Find out why it is important to choose a firm with IICRC certifications

7/14/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Southern Rockland County is proud to be an IICRC Certified Firm. The IICRC, or the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification, is a non-profit organization that set standards for the cleaning and restoration industry.

The goal of the IIRC is to establish and advance globally recognized standards and certifications for the inspection, cleaning, and restoration and installation industries. To accomplish this goal, the IICRC sets standards and certifications for inspection, cleaning and restoration. The IICRC ensures that when the customers hire a certified firm or technician that they have hired experts who will provide reasonable assurance that work will be completed in accordance with the industries “standard of care.”

The Certified Production Managers and Service Technicians of SERVPRO of Southern Rockland County set themselves apart through IICRC Certification, SERVPRO training, and years of experience on the job. 

SERVPRO is the company you can trust to get the job done right, which is important especially when it comes to cleaning and restoring your home or business property. 

Our Service Technicians are on call 24 hours/7 days a week for emergency service. 

Severe Weather Safety

7/7/2020 (Permalink)

Severe weather can happen any time, and anywhere. According to NOAA.gov each year, we cope with an average of

• 10,000 severe thunderstorms
• 5,000 floods or flash floods
• 1,300 tornadoes
• 2 land falling deadly hurricanes

Approximately 98% of all presidential declared disasters are weather related, and cause nearly $15 billion dollars in damage. Knowing your risk of severe weather events, taking action, and being an example are just a few steps you can take to be better prepared to save your life and assist others during weather disasters.

Know Your Risk: The First step to becoming weather ready is to understand the type of hazardous weather that can affect where you work and live. Check the weather forecast regularly, learn about Wireless Emergency Alerts, obtain a NOAA Weather Radio especially if you live in a heavily impacted weather area. 

Take Action: Take the next step in severe weather preparedness by creating a communications plan for your home and business. Put together or purchase an emergency kit. Keep important documents and valuables in a safe place. 

Be An Example: Once you have taken action to prepare for severe weather, share your story with co-workers, family and friends via social media. Your story will inspire others to do the same.

Watch vs Warning: Do you know the difference?

Watch: Conditions are favorable for severe weather and it is possible. Remain alert for possible further warnings. 

Warning: Severe weather has been spotted or indicated by radar. Take Cover!

Once you are safe, you may need a damage restoration company like SERVPRO of Southern Rockland County to help with any damage your home or business property may have suffered during the storms. Click here to learn more about our storm services .

*source: ready.gov

Defense Against Mold: Rapid Water Damage Cleanup

7/2/2020 (Permalink)

Did you know? Prompt water damage mitigation is vital to avoid mold growth, which can be visible in as little as 24 to 48 hours under certain conditions.  The faster the water is removed, the less chance of serious damage or excessive mold growth will happen to your building. 

Follow these tips to help prevent mold growth in your home or business. 

• Keep the humidity between 30 and 60 percent.
• Provide proper drainage away from building foundations.
• Regularly inspect plumbing and appliances for leaks.
• Keep gutters and drains clear of debris.
• Inspect the roof, windows and other areas where water might enter the building and perform necessary maintenance.
• Respond to all water intrusions immediately. 

Don't forget to contact SERVPRO of Southern Rockland County for professional water removal and mold mitigation. We are a local company with over 25 years of experience in the water and mold remediation industry. Our Production Managers are IICRC Certified and our Service Crews are highly trained and have professional grade equipment to facilitate proper cleanup. Don't hesitate to call us at (845) 400-4888. We are Faster to any size disaster.

Got Water? Mother Nature May Need Help

7/2/2020 (Permalink)

What exactly does it mean to "help" Mother Nature?

A wet building can often dry naturally because the environment always seeks equilibrium. When materials are wet, moisture will naturally move to drier air at the surface of the material-but only if the air is, indeed, drier. The only problem is, nature takes too long and secondary damages like mold may occur while the building is drying out. 

SERVPRO of Southern Rockland County has  the tools and professional equipment to help Mother Nature along, including equipment to help dry hardwood floors, and tough-to-reach spaces inside walls and much more. 

The bottom Line? SERVPRO has the equipment and training to help make water damage "Like it never even happened."

Celebrate Summer Safely: FIREWORKS

6/25/2020 (Permalink)

E-All of the above

Fireworks Safety Tips

Summer is synonymous with barbeques, parades and fireworks displays; but along with all the festivities are plenty of visits to emergency rooms-especially during July.

Each year, around 230 people are injured badly enough to require medical treatment after fireworks-related incidents, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. In addition to causing injury, fireworks are also responsible for thousands of house fires each year with millions of dollars in property damage. 

• Anyone using fireworks or standing nearby should wear protective eyewear. 
• Do not try to re-light or handle malfunctioning fireworks
• Keep a bucket of water nearby to fully extinguish fireworks that don't go off or in case of fire. 
• Children should never pick up fireworks that may be left over as they may still be active.
• The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend a public display conducted by trained professional.
• Have a Happy Fourth of July.

Firework Facts:

• Fireworks cause an average of almost 20,000 reported fires per year.
• In 2013, sparklers caused 41% of fireworks injuries.
• On Independence Day in a typical year, fireworks account for two out of five reported fires, more than any other cause of fire. 

SERVPRO of Southern Rockland County is locally owned and operated company in Rockland County, New York. We are a premier fire cleanup and restoration company with over 25 years of experience and training. We also have the professional cleaning products and equipment to get your property restored properly and quickly. 

AND the answer to the question is E!

Tips and information provided by the National Fire Protection Assoc. 

Water Damage Disaster at Commercial Properties

6/5/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO provides expert water damage cleanup and restoration in Suffern

There's no such thing as a small disaster: especially when the water you don't see trapped behind walls and under floors contains bacteria or can cause mold, rot and other unseen damage until it is out of control.

Water damage can affect the value of your Rockland County property. Before you get out the mop bucket and try to clean it yourself, consider how the damage can affect your business if it is not cleaned properly and quickly. 

SERVPRO of Southern Rockland County knows how disruptive water damage can be for your business. Our Office Staff, Production Manager, and Service Technicians are trained and equipped to manage the drying process from start to finish. By assessing the damage and utilizing the proper equipment and moisture measuring devices, your commercial building will be quickly and thoroughly dried to industry standards, which will help prevent secondary damage such as mold. 

With rapid response time, 24/7 emergency service, and a full line of water cleanup and restoration services, SERVPRO of Rockland County can help you regain control quickly, by helping to ensure your facility and its contents are properly dried, cleaned, and deodorized.

Before you risk further damaging the value of your commercial property, and losing precious hours doing business call your local professional cleanup crew  at SERVPRO of Southern Rockland County (845) 400-4888.

Does Your Business Have a Fire Emergency Plan?

6/4/2020 (Permalink)

An emergency escape plan is not required for all businesses; however the Occupational Safety and Health Admin. (OSHA) recommends building an emergency action plan to protect yourself, your employees, and your business. OSHA suggests the following when creating your plan: 

• Organize a Preparedness Procedure review with employees to review your company's emergency plan. You may want to select an individual or team to lead and coordinate your emergency plan. 
• Once a plan is developed, post evacuation procedures, including routes and exits, where they are easily accessible to all employees. At all times ensure all routes are clearly marked, well lit, unobstructed, and wide enough to accommodate the number of evacuating personnel.
• Conduct office evacuation exercises and drills. Designate a safe spot outside the facility where employees can regroup, recover and conduct a head count. Once conducted, evaluate how well the plan worked and if additional training is needed. 

Every second counts during a fire, help your employees and business by being prepared by having a plan in place. 

Call SERVPRO of Southern Rockland County to help with restoring your business after a fire damage event. Our company is a local to the Rockland County, New York area.

Our Service Technicians are professionally trained in fire and water damage restoration techniques, and use industry standards protocols for proper cleanup and restoration. Don't trust your business to just anyone TRUST the professionals at SERVPRO.

Managing Mold

6/4/2020 (Permalink)

When there's a water intrusion event like a leaky roof or leaky water line, mold can quickly become a problem in you home or business. Mold can cause health effects and can also cause significant damage to your property. Our Service Technicians have the training, protective gear, and specialized equipment necessary to handle any size mold problems at your property. Although every mold damage scenario is different and requires a unique solution, the general mitigation process remains the same, the following is a typical mold removal process. 

Call SERVPRO of Southern Rockland County: A representative will ask a series of questions to help determine the necessary equipment, resources and personnel needed. An independent Air Quality/Environmental Professional may be needed to do the initial mold testing. 

Inspection and Damage Assessment: Your property will be carefully inspected by SERVPRO for signs of mold using technology designed to detect mold and hidden water sources. Mold feeds on cellulose and water and can be hidden from plain view.

Mold Containment: Various containment procedures will be placed to prevent the spread of mold and isolate the contaminated area with physical barriers and negative air pressure to keep the mold spores from spreading during the cleanup process. 

Air Filtration: Specialized filtration equipment captures microscopic mold spores out of the air. We have powerful air scrubbers and HEPA vacuums to prevent the spread of these mold spores while the mold remediation is in process.

Removing Mold and Mold Infested Materials: The mold remediation process depends on the amount of mold growth and the type of surfaces on which the mold appears. Antifungal and antimicrobial treatments will be used to eliminate mold colonies from forming. Removing and disposing of mold infested porous materials, like drywall and flooring, may be necessary to remediate heavy mold growth. 

Cleaning Contents and Belongings: Restorable items such as furniture, decorative items, and curtains affected by mold can be cleaned. We use a variety of cleaning methods and techniques to clean and sanitize your belongings. Technicians are trained to remove odors with specialized fogging equipment. 

Restoration: Depending on the level of mold damage, drywall, subfloors, and other building materials may be removed. Restoration may involve minor repairs or major reconstruction.

Our Professional Technicians have the training and equipment to mitigate mold in your home or business, don't hesitate to call (845) 400-4888.

Protect Your Home From Floods: BE FLOOD SMART

5/26/2020 (Permalink)

Did You Know? 

Floods are one of the most common and widespread natural disasters in the United States. Whether you home or business is near a coastline, along a city street, in the mountains, near a river or even in a desert--there is always a potential for flood damage. Floodsmart.gov reports, in the last 5 years, all 50 states have experienced floods or flash floods. 

Follow our tips for minimizing the damage to your home after a flood.

If a flood does strike your home or business, contact your local professionals at SERVPRO of Southern Rockland County at (845) 400-4888 as soon as possible.  Even minor floods can lead to major damage when not treated quickly and properly, and cleanup is often an overwhelming task soon your own.

Call the Professionals

SERVPRO Service Technicians are trained to  handle any size water damage disaster. Our company also has the equipment that can extract water, dry the entire environment/room and then deodorize your home. We can also help your rebuild and restore your home. SERVPRO is here to help!

Weather Disaster Preparedness: Build an Emergency Kit

5/19/2020 (Permalink)

Is your family prepared for a weather emergency? Build an Emergency Kit

The goal of Hurricane Preparedness Week May 3-9, 2020 is to inform the public about hurricane hazards and provide knowledge which can be used to take action. We may not suffer hurricanes in Rockland County often, but we do have severe storm weather, and being prepared for these types of events is critical.  Visit the National Weather Service website for more information. 

The American Red Cross offers a Hurricane Safety Checklist visit the website for more information.

Build An Emergency Supply Kit:

• Water-1 gallon per person per day
• Food-non-perishable 3-day supply
• Manual can opener
• Battery operated radio, preferably a NOAA Weather Radio
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• First Aid Kit
• Whistle to signal for help
• Clothing
• Dust mask or bandannas
• Plastic sheeting, garbage bags and duct tape
• Wrench/pliers
• Hygiene items
• Cash
• Fire extinguisher
• Matches in a water proof container

Responding to storm damage quickly is critical, and our Service Technicians are on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, because you never know when a storm disaster may strike. To learn more about our storm restoration services visit: https://www.SERVPROsouthernrocklandcounty.com/storm-flooding-restoration

Smoke Detectors: LIFE SAVERS

5/19/2020 (Permalink)

Smoke alarms save lives when properly installed and maintained, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

In homes, smoke alarms should be in every bedroom and on every level, including the basement. In office and commercial environments, check your state requirements or contact your local Fire Marshall to help ensure all codes are met.

Here are some guidelines to follow for properly using and maintaining a smoke alarm:

• Test smoke alarms monthly using the test button.
• Smoke alarms with non-replaceable batteries need the entire smoke alarms unit replaced every ten years.
• If the alarm chirps signaling low battery, take the proper steps to replace the unit or the batteries immediately.
• Never disable or remove the battery from an alarm. Almost half the fires where smoke alarms were present but did not activate had missing or disconnected batteries (NFPA). 

In larger commercial facilities, hard wired or wireless smoke alarms offer benefits such as not needing to be tested as often and activating throughout the entire building if smoke is detected in just one area (NFPA). 

If you need help installing, testing, or changing batteries in your smoke alarms, contact your local fire department, an electrician or the American Red Cross. 

Be sure your home or workplace has a fire emergency escape plan in place and conduct regular drills to ensure proper execution of the plan. The NFPA website  is a good resource for information. 

If your home or business has suffered damage from a fire SERVPRO of Southern Rockland County has the experience, training and equipment to clean and restore your property from any size fire damage loss. Learn about our services here Fire cleanup and restorations services. 

May is Building Safety Month

5/19/2020 (Permalink)

Building Safety Month is an initiative of the International Code Council. Building Safety Month-is an opportunity to educate insurance and commercial property professionals as well as the general public, on "what it takes to create safe, resilient, affordable, and energy efficient homes and buildings," according the ICC website. 

The theme for 2020 is Safer Buildings, Safer Communities, Safer World. Which highlights managing the need for the adoption of modern, regularly-updated building codes, and helps individuals, families and businesses understand what it takes to create safe and sustainable structures.

They state:

"All communities need building codes to protect their citizens from disasters like fires, weather-related events and structural collapse. Building codes are society's best way of protecting homes, offices, schools, manufacturing facilities, stores and entertainment venues. Code officials work day in and day out to keep the public safe."

Important Tips From The ICC

Disaster Safety & Mitigation

•  If you live in a high wind or hurricane prone area and do not have tested and code-approved shutters for protection from windborne debris, consider temporarily protecting your doors and windows by mounting exterior grade plywood. Visit www.flash.org for more info.
•  Flooded roads could have a significant damage hidden by floodwaters. Never drive through floodwaters or on flooded roads. Do not attempt to cross a flowing stream. It only take 6 inches of fast flowing water to sweep you off your feet and two feet of moving water to move an SUV-sized vehicle. Want more info visit www.iccsafe.org

Here are a few tips to follow from the Federal Alliance for Safe Homes – (FLASH®) when preparing your family for any emergency.

• Develop a family disaster plan that includes a list of food and water supplies needed for each member of your family and supplies for your pets. Make copies of important documents like insurance policies, the deed to your home, and other personal papers, important phone numbers and a home inventory. Create a checklist of important things to do before, during and after a disaster.
• Review your evacuation route and emergency shelter locations with your family. Options for evacuation would include staying with friends and relatives, seeking commercial lodging, or staying in a mass care facility operated by disaster relief groups in conjunction with local authorities.
• Taking shelter is critical in times of disaster. Sheltering in place is appropriate when conditions require that you seek protection in your home, place of employment, or other location where you are when disaster strikes.

The general public may not be aware how codes and code officials improve and protect the places where we live, learn, work, worship and play, so this type of "monthly" awareness is important. 

The Science to Drying Water Damage

5/19/2020 (Permalink)

Did you know?

There is actually a science behind the process of drying. Having the knowledge of psychrometrics is essential to restoring a water-damaged structure to its preloss condition. SERVPRO of Southern Rockland County technicians are trained in the science of drying and follow IICRC industry approved standards. This helps lower the chances of any secondary damages like mold growth. 

Here are the steps we will take to ensure your water damage restoration is handled correctly and efficiently.

• Inspect the building to detect every component that is wet to help prevent secondary damage from happening.
• Measure how much moisture is in wet materials is in wet materials and monitor whether the materials are drying properly.
• Speed up Mother Nature by using professional drying equipment.

What exactly does it mean to help "speed up mother nature"?

A wet building can often dry naturally because the environment always seeks equilibrium. When materials are wet, moisture will naturally move to drier air at the surface of the material-but only if the air-is drier.  The only issue is that nature often takes too long and secondary damage such as mold may occur. SERVPRO has special equipment and tools to help dry hard wood floors, and hard to reach spaces inside walls. We use modern moisture monitoring equipment and a proven scientific process called DryBook to help speed the drying of your home or business. DryBook is a proprietary tool that provides real-time documentation and updates on the drying process. It helps ensure industry drying requirements are met. With DryBook Mobile, you have the ability to know exactly where your property is in the drying process.

SERVPRO of Southern Rockland County has the training, equipment and technology to help make your water damage disaster "Like it never even happened."

The Behavior of Smoke

5/6/2020 (Permalink)

Fire soot and webbing damage

The damage to your property following a fire can often be complicated due to the unique behavior of smoke.

We Are Trained and Certified

SERVPRO Service Technicians are thoroughly trained and IICRC Certified in fire cleanup and restoration. We know the different types of smoke and its behavior patterns. Knowing this information is vital to proper restoration. Before restoration begins, the technicians will survey the loss to determine the extent of impact from fire, smoke, heat, and moisture on the building materials and contents. The soot will then be tested to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. Pretesting determines the proper cleaning method and allows us to focus on your precious items. 

Smoke can penetrate various cavities within the structure, causing hidden damage and odor. Our knowledge of building systems helps us to investigate how far smoke damage may have spread. The following are additional facts you may not know about smoke.

• Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.
• Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor. 
• The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.

Types of Smoke:

Wet Smoke (Plastic and Rubber) Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.

Dry Smoke (Paper and Wood) Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke dries. 

Protein Fire Residue (Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire) Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor. 

Fuel Oil Soot (Furnace Puff Backs) While "puff backs" can create havoc for homeowners, SERVPRO technicians can, in most cases restore the contents and structure quickly. 

Other Types (Tear gas, fingerprint powder, and fire extinguisher residue) Special loss situations require special care.

Our SERVPRO Southern Rockland County Service Technicians are trained to handle even the toughest fire damage losses. And make any smoke disaster "Like it never even happened."

You Can Be Ruined or You Can Be READY! And SERVPRO of Southern Rockland County Can Help!

5/4/2020 (Permalink)

With the Help of Technology

Technology can be a vital tool in preparing for emergencies or disasters. The following are tips to help you be ready and use technology in the event of an emergency disaster.

Store Information Online

There are many places to store information securely online. Services like Google Drive, and Dropbox offer a free way to store different types of files, from a Word document to images of important documents. Ready.gov suggests saving an electronic version of insurance policies, identification documents, medical records and information on your pets if necessary.

Follow the News

Stay informed by following agencies such as FEMA, local news channels, and local government on Twitter for the most up-to-date information in a disaster situation. You can also alert first responders if a rescue is needed through Twitter.

Mark Yourself Safe

The American Red Cross offers a Safe & Well Chick-in site to list yourself as safe or find family and friends in situations where communication is difficult to establish.

Facebook also has a feature called Safety Check that is activated after natural disasters or a crisis. You will receive a notification from Facebook if you're located in the affected area at that time. 

Get in Touch

Make sure your contact information is up-to-date in your phone and e-mail for communication with family,  friends, business contacts and others whom you may need to contact before, during and after a disaster. SERVPRO of Southern Rockland County have the READY Plan APP. Simply, download the APP (available for both Android and Apple) and be READY for any fire, water or mold disaster. 

Charge Up

Keep a portable charger in your car and home in case of an emergency. You may need to recharge this from time to time, but you can also buy solar-powered chargers as well. 

Get an Emergency READY Profile

SERVPRO of Southern Rockland County offer an Emergency READY Profile (ERP) for free to help you prepare, your property or your business for an emergency. By having an ERP done in advance you minimize business interruption by having an immediate plan of action. Knowing what to do and what to expect in advance is the key to timely and cost effective mitigation.

Call our office for more information regarding your ERP Profile for your property or business. 

As always please don't hesitate to call our Customer Service department if you have any questions regarding all our cleaning and restoration services at SERVPRO of Southern Rockland County, call (845) 400-4888.

Leaking Pipes can lead to Water Damage and Mold Growth in your Rockland County Home

4/30/2020 (Permalink)

Did You Know?

Water damage from leaky faucets can often cause mold growth in your home or business; therefore, it is important to have your water damage cleaned properly, professionally and quickly. 

Signs of the presence of excessive mold include:

• Visible Mold
• Strong, musty odors
• Excessive humidity
• Any evidence of past moisture problems that might have caused undetected mold growth

The Next Step

These conditions may require the expertise of a qualified Indoor Quality/Environmental Professional to inspect the building for mold growth before clean up can happen. After a Mold testing company is used to test the mold, and determine what kind of mold your home has. Our SERVPRO Service Technicians will assess the situation and advise how best to clean the area.

Trained and Certified

Production managers and Service Technicians are IICRC Certified, so they have the training needed to handle any situation. We have all the PPE gear to safely handle any type of mold infestation. SERVPRO of Southern Rockland County also has the commercial grade equipment and cleaning products to mitigate mold safely.

We live and work in this community too; we might even be neighbors. As a locally owned and operated business, SERVPRO of Southern Rockland County is close by and ready to help with your mold-damaged property. We are proud to be an active member of the Rockland County, New York community and want to pitch in and help make our community the best it can be.

Minimizing the Impact of a Water Damage Disaster

4/23/2020 (Permalink)

Water causes millions of dollars in damage to residential and commercial properties every year.

What is the Cause of the Damage?

There are frequent leaks in plumbing, overflowing bathtubs and toilets, malfunctioning hot water heaters, dishwashers and washing machines, and many more. The water spreads from the source, and if the cause is not contained quickly, water can spread to every area of the home. There are steps the average homeowner can take to contain the damage until help arrives.

How can SERVPRO Help?

SERVPRO of Southern Rockland County provides water damage mitigation and restoration services in Rockland County and surrounding areas. Our Production Managers are IICRC Certified and Service Technicians are trained to follow IICRC certified water mitigation and removal techniques to minimize the damage to your home. We aim to remove all excess moisture and dry your home to avoid potential mold infestations that can affect your health as well as the structure of your home or business.

What Can You Do to Minimize the Impact of Water in Your Home?

After shutting off the valve to the central water intake to your home and calling your plumber for repairs and SERVPRO for cleanup and restoration help, there are several things that homeowners can consider to minimize the damage. First, make sure that it is safe to enter the area. There is no need to make a bad situation worse by slipping and falling or being shocked by an exposed electrical connection that has been immersed in water.

Secondly, colorful items such as pillow cushions and magazines can leak and stain porous  surfaces. If possible, remove all wet items away from wet carpeting and furniture. Lift furniture legs and place aluminum foil under the legs. High humidity can damage decorative items such as paintings and other valuable items. Remove these items as quickly as possible to another area where there are lower humidity levels. 

SERVPRO is available 24 hours a day and arrives on-site as soon as possible. Our Service Technicians can pack out your contents, and move heavier items if needed. After removing contents we will begin removing water and moisture from your home with commercial grade fans and air scrubbers. We want to return your home to normal humidity levels quickly to avoid mold growth.

Call our Customer Service department at SERVPRO of Southern Rockland County at (845) 400-4888 to learn about all our cleaning and restoration services. We proudly serve all of Rockland County and the surrounding areas. We are #heretohelp when it matters most. 

Mold Cleanup and the Remediation Process

4/14/2020 (Permalink)

Does Your House have a Mold Problem?

 When there's a water intrusion, like a roof leak from a storm or leaking water line, mold can quickly become a problem in your home or business.  Mold can affect your health and can also cause significant damage to your property. SERVPRO of Southern Rockland County technicians have the training, protective gear, specialized equipment and cleaning products to handle your mold problem. Many of our Production Managers and Crew Chiefs are IICRC Certified,  which is a highly regarded damage restoration industry standard.

Call SERVPRO, the mold cleanup and restoration process begins when you call. Our customer service will ask a series of questions to help determine the necessary equipment, resources, and personnel needed. 

 Mold Containment, we use various containment procedures that prevent the spread of mold.  The contaminated  area is isolated  with physical barriers and negative air pressure to keep the mold spores from spreading during the cleanup. 

 Air Filtration, equipment captures microscopic mole spores our of the air. Technicians use powerful air scrubbers and HEPA vacuums to prevent the spread of these mold spores while the mold remediation is in progress.

 Removing Mold & Mold-infested materials, is dependent on the amount of mold growth and the type of surfaces on which the mold appears. Antifungal and antimicrobial treatments will be used to eliminate mold colonies and help prevent new colonies forming.  Removing and disposing of mold-infested porous materials, like drywall and flooring, may be necessary to remediate heavy mold growth.

Cleaning Contents & Belongings, we clean your furniture, decorative items, curtains, and other items affected by mold. A variety of cleaning techniques are used to clean and sanitize your belongings. Technicians will also remove odors and deodorize using fogging equipment.

Restoration, may include removing drywall, subfloors, and other building material depending on the level of mold damage. Restoration may involve minor repairs such as replacing drywall, painting, and installing new flooring. Or major renovations if the mold damage is extensive. 

SERVPRO of Southern Rockland County is locally owned and operated—so we live and work here too and are proud to be part of this community. We are proud to provide quality mold remediation services in our Rockland County, New York community.

We are Cleaning Experts

3/17/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Southern Rockland County is Here to Help during this time of need. During this unprecedented time caused by the global pandemic of coronavirus, this is a reminder to our customers that we are specialists in cleaning services, and we adhere to the highest cleaning and sanitation standards. Specialized Training. We are prepared to clean and disinfect your home or business, according to protocols set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We have years of experience in dealing with biological contaminants, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform on a daily basis. The CDC encourages cleaning of high-touch surfaces such as counters, tabletops, doorknobs, light switches, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets and tables. Other spaces mentioned in the CDC’s guidance for commercial spaces include:

• Kitchen/Food Areas
• Bathrooms
• Schools/Classrooms
• Offices
• Retail Spaces
• Water Fountains
• Shelving/Racks
• Sales Counters
• Carpets and Rugs
• Stair Handrails
• Elevator Cars
• Playground Equipment
• Fitness Equipment

Specialized Products. The CDC recommends usage of a labeled hospital-grade disinfectant with claims against similar pathogens to the coronavirus. Multiple products in the SERVPRO product line carry the EPA-approved emerging pathogens claims. While there is currently no product tested against this particular strain of the coronavirus, we are following all guidelines as provided by the CDC and local authorities.

Call Today for a Proactive Cleaning

If your home or business needs deep cleaning services, call the experts today – SERVPRO of Southern Rockland County - (845) 400-4888

Sources: 

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/guidance-prevent-spread.html?cdc_aa_refval=https%3a%2f%2fwww.cdc.gov%2fcoronavirus%2f2019-ncov%2fguidance-prevent-spread.html

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/specific-groups/guidance-business-response.html

SERVPRO Bio-hazard, Vandalism and Crime Scene Cleanup and Restoration

2/25/2020 (Permalink)

Recognized as a leading fire, water, mold cleanup and restoration provider by insurance companies, property managers, home and business owners, SERVPRO of Southern Rockland also offers fast, reliable bio-hazard and crime scene cleanup and restoration services. 

Exposure to biological and chemical contaminants can pose serious health consequences for building occupants, employees, customers and owners. A failure to properly handle and safely remove such hazardous substances can contribute to unhealthy and even dangerous environments. SERVPRO Southern Rockland is trained to safely and effectively remove bio-hazardous substances and prepare waste for proper disposal according to OSHA, EPA and state and local health regulations.  Equipped with the necessary safety equipment and cleaning products, SERVPRO Southern Rockland help turn unsafe environments into clean, safe homes and offices.

SERVPRO Southern Rockland can help with: 

• Blood-borne Pathogens
• Crime Scene Residues
• Arson
• Vandalism
• Sewage Backup
• Black Water Intrusions
• Mold Mitigation and Remediation

Blood-borne Pathogens: SERVPRO Southern Rockland can remove and dispose of bodily fluids, tissue and other potentially pathogenic substances resulting from accident, trauma, crime or death. Our trained technicians thoroughly clean, disinfect and deodorize the structure. 

Crime Scene Residue: From fingerprints powder and evidence-gathering chemicals to tear gas and pepper spray residues, SERVPRO Service Technicians can clean and restore your property and contents. 

Arson and Vandalism: General cleaning and deodorization services for situations resulting from vandalism including graffiti, egg, spoiled foods and waste. 

Sewage Backup: Sewage backups and black water intrusions are more than nasty, smelly situations-the damages also introduce harmful microorganisms into a structure. SERVPRO Southern Rockland technicians remove the sewage, contaminants and moisture, disinfecting as they clean. We help ensure the structure is properly cleaned, disinfected and deodorized to eliminate any secondary damages. 

Here are some Helpful Do's and Don'ts for handling Vandalism Damages.

DO:

• Hose or wash egg or other residue damage from building exterior as soon as possible.
• Carefully vacuum glass particles from carpets and upholstery.
• Save containers revealing the ingredients of products used in vandalism damage.
• Record all damage and photograph when possible.

DON'T

• Attempt to remove ink, paint or cosmetic stains.
• Operate damaged lamps or appliances.
• Discard broken or damaged pieces from porcelain, furniture, or other contents that may be used for repair. 

CALL SERVPRO Southern Rockland (845) 400-4888

Mold From the Ordinary to the Unhealthy

2/20/2020 (Permalink)

Mold spores cover interior basement wall.

Service Technicians at SERVPRO of Southern Rockland County work hard to control and remove contaminants while protecting the health and safety of our clients and building occupants.

From the Ordinary: Fungi and mold naturally occur in our environment. In fact, over 100,000 kinds of fungi have been identified. Fungi produce some very useful results. Yeast is a type of fungi used in preparing breads, baked goods and other food products. An edible mushroom is simply a type of fungi, and lifesaving penicillin is a product of mold. 

To The Unhealthy: Intrusion of water into your home or business can result in mold growth because the moisture levels inside are out of balance.  Water intrusions and excessive moisture levels can result from storm damage, plumbing or equipment failures, long standing leaks, and poor humidity control. When these problems are not addressed immediately the resulting damage can present increased risk of harmful mold growth. If the humidity and moisture levels in a water-damaged environment are not promptly returned to normal, mold spores may grow and multiply. Organic materials found inside buildings such as wood, paper, drywall, and insulation provide a food sources for mold to flourish. Excessive mold growth can lead to indoor environmental conditions that can potentially pose a health threat.

Health Concerns: Health concerns may arise from excessive mold growth indoors. Concerns are more likely to arise for "at risk" people, which might include immune suppressed or compromised individuals, young children and individuals with chronic inflammatory lung diseases such as asthma and severe allergies. 

SERVPRO of Southern Rockland County professionals are trained to handle various water and mold issues.  Our initial focus is to stop the source of water feeding the mold. We then isolate the affected area using a negative air pressure chamber. Every mold damage scenario is different, and requires a unique solution, but the general mold remediation process stays the same.

The steps listed below illustrate our “typical” process:

1. Emergency Contact 
2. Inspection and Mold Damage Assessment (may need to be done by an outside source)
3. Mold Containment
4. Air Filtration
5. Removing Mold and Mold-Infested Materials
6. Cleaning Contents and Belongings
7. Restoration

Don't hesitate to give us a call at (845) 400-4888, we are locally owned and operated, to provide the service you expect. 

Is Your Home Ready for Winter?

1/23/2020 (Permalink)

Cold weather can have a huge impact on your home or business if you are not properly prepared. Whether it is heavy rain, freezing temperatures, damaging winds, sleet or snow, all can cause serious damage. While you cannot control weather, you can take steps to be prepared, and help take the sting out of winter weather. 

• Check your property for downed tree limbs and branches.
• Roofs, water pipes, and gutters should all be inspected to ensure they are in proper working order. Obstructions can lead to roof damage and interior water problems.
• Inspect property for proper drainage to alleviate flood hazard potential. 
• Protect water pipes from freezing by simply allowing water to drip when temperatures dip below freezing. If pipes are under cabinets, leave the doors open allowing warm air inside. If you have outdoor faucets, turn off the water at the main valve.
• Ask SERVPRO of Southern Rockland County about completing an Emergency READY Profile for your business. The ERP is a no cost assessment of your facility, and provides you with a plan to get back in business fast following a disaster.

Halt Winter Heating Hazards

12/17/2019 (Permalink)

Did you know? 50% of all residential heating-related fires are reported during the months of December, January and February.

Keep the following safety tips in mind to help reduce your risk of a heating-related fire in your Rockland County home or business. 

• Keep anything flammable at least three feet away from heating equipment., like the furnace, fireplace, wood stove, or a portable space heater. Have a three foot "kid free" zone around open fires and space heaters.
• Make sure the fireplace has a sturdy screen to stop sparks from flying into the room. Ashes should be cool before putting them in a metal container a safe distance away from your home. 
• Remember to turn portable heaters off when leaving the room or going to bed. 
• Always use the right kind of fuel, specified by the manufacturer, for fuel burning space heaters.
• Have heating equipment and chimneys cleaned and inspected every year by a qualified professional.
• Have a qualified professional install stationary space heating equipment, water heaters or central heating equipment according to the local codes and manufacturer's instructions. 
• Test smoke alarms monthly. 

If your Rockland County property does suffer fire damage in your home or business, contact SERVPRO of Southern Rockland County to help make it "Like it never even happened."

Storm Damage: Being Flood Smart

12/16/2019 (Permalink)

Flooding can happen fast even in the winter months. Just because you haven't experienced a flood doesn't mean you won't in the future. In fact, 20% of all claims paid by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) were for policies in low-risk communities. 

The American Red Cross recommends having the following list of items packed and ready to go in the event of an emergency or evacuation due to flooding.

• Water-3+ day supply; one gallon per day per person
• Food-3+day supply of non-perishable, easy to prepare food
• Flashlight
• Battery-powered or hand crank radio (NOAA Weather Radio, if possible)
• Extra batteries (all sizes)
• First Aid Kit
• Medications (7 day supply) and medical items (hearing aids, glasses, contacts, syringes, canes)
• Multi-purpose tool, supplies to secure your home
• Personal hygiene items
• Copies of personal documents (medication lists, deed/lease to home, insurance policies, birth certificates)
• Cell phone with chargers
• Family and emergency contact information
• Extra cash
• Blanket
• Baby supplies, pet supplies
• Maps
• Extra car and house keys
• Extra clothing for both warm, cold and rainy weather-sturdy footwear
• Insect repellent and sunscreen
• Camera for photos of damage

Being safe should be your first priority, minimizing the impact of a flood or storm damage to your property is also important. At SERVPRO of Southern  Rockland County we are here to help and can handle any water disaster left after the flood. Visit our Flood Tips page to learn more.

SERVPRO Donates Some Time to Clean A Veterans Carpet

11/12/2019 (Permalink)

In honor of Veterans Day on November 11, SERVPRO of Southern Rockland County recently donated our cleaning services to a Captain in The Salvation Army and her service dog living in Nanuet, New York. Felix our SERVPRO carpet cleaning expert has been with us for over 20 years and did a great job cleaning and deodorizing the carpets in the Rockland County home.  

This years 2019 Veterans Day theme is "SERVICE" which  observes and honors military veterans who have played a critical role in our local communities and countries history. 

We were happy to help this very nice veteran and her service dog. A big Thank you to Karen for coordinating this effort, Felix for his great Carpet Cleaning skills, Charlie for always supporting such efforts and most of all the Veteran and her service dog! #HERETOHELP 

Cleaning Your Dryer Vents can Prevent Home Fires

9/16/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Southern Rockland County would like to remind homeowners by cleaning your dryer vents on a regular basis you can reduce the risk of fires happening in your home.

According to FEMA , failure to clean home dryers causes 34% of home dryer fires. Home dryer fires cause $35 million in property loss and can even cause injury or death. 

Other tips for keeping your dryer vents clean from the National Fire Protection Agency include:

• Cleaning the lint filter before and after each load.
• Make sure the outdoor vent flap will open and is not restricted by snow, a bird's nest, or other potential obstacles. 

For more information visit  https://www.usfa.fema.gov/prevention/outreach/clothes_dryers.html

SERVPRO of Southern Rockland County will treat your family with empathy, and your property with care during the difficult cleanup process after a fire damage event. Call our office today: (845) 400-4888

If you suffer a fire damage event, please refer to our Fire Damage Tips—Until Help Arrives Guide and follow these tips to protect yourself and your property.

Extreme Heat

7/8/2019 (Permalink)

As hot days of summer swing into full gear it is time to consider safety precautions for extreme heat. Heat affects all people, but is particularly dangerous for the sick, elderly and young. Urban area residents also have a greater chance of being affected than those who live in rural areas due to the heat island effect.

According to the EPA, "the sun can heat dry, exposed urban surfaces, such as roofs and pavement, to temperatures 50-90° F hotter than the air, while shaded or moist surfaces often in more rural settings remain close to air temperatures." 

Whether you are in an urban or rural area, there are several things you can do to prepare for an prevent extreme heat from affecting you and your family. If possible stay indoors I the air conditioning. Remember to bring your pets indoors, or have shade and water available for them at all times. Stay hydrated and limit alcohol and caffeine intake. 

If you must venture outdoors, wear light-colored, and loose-fitted clothing. It is also important to wear sunscreen when outdoors, and follow the instructions for application. 

Pay attention to signs of heat exhaustion, which include: heavy sweating, weakness, cold, pale and clammy skin, nausea or vomiting, and fainting according to the Center For Disease Control And Prevention (CDC). Heat exhaustion can lead to heat stroke, which is life-threatening. Signs of heat stroke are a high body temperature (103°+), rapid and strong pulse, and possible unconsciousness. If you think someone has heat stroke, call 911 immediately and move the person somewhere cool. Try to reduce the body temperature with cool, wet clothes or a bath. Do not give the person with heat stroke fluids, and treat the situation as a serious medical emergency. (CDC)

If you live in a humid climate, be aware of the heat index. The heat index factors in the humidity, which can make the temperature feel 15° hotter. 

Extreme Heat Safety Tips to Prepare Your Home

• Install window air conditioners snugly, insulate if necessary
• Check air-conditioning ducts for proper ventilation
• Install temporary window reflectors (for use between windows and drapes). Aluminum foil covered card board can be used to reflect heat back outside. 
• Cover windows that receive morning or afternoon sun with drapes, shades, awnings, or louvers, to reduce the heat that enters a home by up to 80%.

source ready.gov

Extreme Heat is a serious danger. For more information on preparation and prevention, visit https://www.ready.gov/ or https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/index.html

Celebrate Summer Safely

6/28/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO 4th of July Safety Tips

Summer is synonymous with barbecues, parades and fireworks displays; but along with all the festivities are plenty of visits to emergency rooms-especially during July.

Each year, around 230 people are injured badly enough to require medical treatment after fireworks-related incidents, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. In addition to causing injury, fireworks are also responsible for thousands of house fires each year with millions of dollars in property damage. 

• Anyone using fireworks or standing nearby should wear protective eye-wear. 
• Do not try to re-light or handle malfunctioning fireworks
• Keep a bucket of water nearby to fully extinguish fireworks that don't go off or in case of fire. 
• Children should never pick up fireworks that may be left over as they may still be active.
• The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend a public display conducted by trained professional.
• Have a Happy Fourth of July.

Firework Facts:

• Fireworks cause an average of almost 20,000 reported fires per year.
• In 2013, sparklers caused 41% of fireworks injuries.
• On Independence Day in a typical year, fireworks account for two out of five reported fires, more than any other cause of fire. 

SERVPRO of Southern Rockland County would like to have everyone celebrate summer safely. However, accidents do happen and homes can have fire damage disasters.  We provide professional clean up and restoration after a fire.  Visit our fire restoration page to learn more:

 https://www.SERVPROsouthernrocklandcounty.com/fire-repair-process

Tips and information provided by the National Fire Protection Assoc.

The Problem is: The Water You Don't See

6/11/2019 (Permalink)

Water Damage Clean up

Even small water damages have the potential to cause serious structural and indoor air quality issues over time.

The key to avoiding costly future restoration is to handle every water problem as a real threat to your property. SERVPRO of Southern Rockland County has the equipment, training and experience to find and dry unseen water before secondary damages occur. The proper equipment makes a measurable difference in reducing the damage expense during a fire or water loss. When time matters, technology and equipment must be counted on to perform. 

We have a full arsenal of drying equipment. Here are a few of the tools used by our trained SERVPRO staff. 

• Moisture Sensors are used to detect moisture in carpets, baseboards and walls.
• Moisture Meters  are used to determine the actual moisture content of various materials. The moisture tester provides accurate readings, allowing SERVPRO to monitor the drying process.
• Thermohygrometers measure temperature and relative humidity. When armed with this information, SERVPRO staff can calculate and create an environment most conducive to drying. When facing a contaminated water loss, it is not only important to dry the structure, but the structure must also be disinfected and often deodorized.
• Ultra Low-Volume (ULV) Foggers will atomize liquid deodorizing agents, producing a fine mist that can easliy penetrate the site where odor-causing residues may accumulate. This device can also be used to inject fungicides and disinfectants into wall cavities and other hard-to-reach areas. 
• Thermal Foggers dispense solvent-based products by creating a dense fog. The fog consists of tiny particles of deodorant solution that attach to and neutralize odor-causing particles. 

The bottom line? At SERVPRO of Southern Rockland County we have the training and equipment to help make it "Like it never even happened." Give us a call today (845) 400-4888.

Understanding the Behavior of Smoke

5/22/2019 (Permalink)

Smoke

The damage to your property following a fire can often be complicated due to the unique behavior of smoke.

There are two different types of smoke--wet and dry. As a result, there are different typed of soot residue after a fire. Southern Rockland County SERVPRO technicians are trained in fire cleanup and restoration, and know the different types of smoke and its behavior patterns. Knowing this information is vital to proper restoration. Before restoration begins, the technicians will survey the loss to determine the extent of impact from fire, smoke, heat, and moisture on the building materials and contents. The soot will then be tested to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. Pretesting determines the proper cleaning method and allows us to focus on your precious items. 

Smoke can penetrate various cavities within the structure, causing hidden damage and odor. Our knowledge of building systems helps us to investigate how far smoke damage may have spread. The following are additional facts you may not know about smoke.

• Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.
• Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor. 
• The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.

Different Types of Smoke

Wet Smoke (Plastic and Rubber) Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.

Dry Smoke (Paper and Wood) Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke dries. 

Protein Fire Residue (Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire) Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor. 

Fuel Oil Soot (Furnace Puff Backs) While "puff backs" can create havoc for homeowners, SERVPRO Southern Rockland technicians can, in most cases restore the contents and structure quickly. 

Other Types (Tear gas, fingerprint powder, and fire extinguisher residue) Special loss situations require special care.

Our technicians are trained to handle even the toughest losses. And make any smoke disaster "Like it never even happened."

Understanding Different Types of Water Damage Disasters

5/8/2019 (Permalink)

When your Southern Rockland County home or business suffers a water damage, understanding what type of water you are dealing with is critical to ensuring proper cleanup. 

There are three types of water. Clean water is water from a broken pipe, or other water source; rainwater is also considered clean. The term gray water is used to classify slightly contaminated water. Clean water becomes gray water when left untreated allowing bacteria and other contaminants to begin growing, making the water hazardous. Black water is highly contaminated and filled with fungi, bacteria, chemicals and more. Black water is typically caused by sewage damage, flooding or any type of natural disaster. Black water should always be handled by trained professionals. 

Consider taking the following precautions to help minimize damage or prevent further damage while waiting for help to arrive.

Damage from Clean Water: 

DO:

• Shut off the water source if possible or contact a qualified professional to do so. 
• Turn off the circuit breakers for wet areas of the building is access to the power distribution panel is safe from potential electric shock. Do not enter rooms with standing water, as electrical shock hazards may exist.
• Remove as much excess water as possible by mopping and blotting.
• Wipe excess water from wood furniture.
• Remove and prop up wet upholstery cushions to allow more even drying. 
• Move moisture sensitive items like paintings, documents, and computers to a safe dry place. 

DON"T:

• Do not leave books, newspapers, magazines, or other colored items on wet carpets or floors as they may cause staining.
• Do not use your house hold vacuum to remove water as there is potential for electric shock or causing damage to the vacuum cleaner.
• Do not turn on ceiling fixtures if the ceiling is wet; do not enter rooms where ceilings are sagging from retained water.

Damage from Contaminated Water:

DO:

• Avoid all contact with sewage and items contaminated by sewage. Wash your hands thoroughly if you come in contact with contaminated items.
• Discard any food and/or products for personal hygiene and cleanliness if exposed to the contaminated area. 

DON'T:

• Do not walk through contaminated areas, as you could spread damage to unaffected areas.
• Do not turn HVAC system if there is a possibility of spreading contaminated air. 
• Do not use household fans to dry the structure; air flow could spread contaminants. 

When you have a water damage disaster, don't leave your property to chance. Call SERVPRO of Southern Rockland County we are your remediation and restoration experts.

Safety First Before the Feast

11/16/2018 (Permalink)

Each November, families gather to celebrate Thanksgiving by preparing a delicious feast, but if you don't practice safe cooking habits, your holiday could become hazardous very quickly. The leading cause of fires in the kitchen are unattended cooking. It's important to stay alert to prevent cooking fires.

• Be On Alert! If you are sleepy or have consumed alcohol don't use the stove or stove top.
• Stay in the kitchen while you are frying, grilling, boiling or broiling food.
• If you are simmering, baking, or roasting food, check it regularly, remain in the kitchen while food is cooking, and use a timer to remind you that food is cooking.
• Keep anything that can catch on fire away from the stove top--that includes oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, towels or curtains.

If you have a cooking fire, consider he following safety protocols to help keep you and your family safe. 

• Just get out! When you leave, close the door behind you to help contain the fire.
• Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number after you leave.
• For an oven fire turn off the heat and keep the door closed.
• If you try to fight the fire, be sure others are getting out and you have a clear path out.
• Keep a lid nearby when you're cooking to smother small grease fires. Smother the fire by sliding the lid over the pan and turn off the stove. Leave the pan covered until it is completely cooled.
• Install a smoke alarm near the kitchen, on each level of the home, and near sleeping areas. Use the teat button to check it each month. Replace all batteries at least once a year. 

Have a safe Holiday Season!

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

10/16/2018 (Permalink)

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The Presidential Proclamation encourages citizens, government agencies, private businesses, nonprofit organizations, and other interested groups to join in activities to increase awareness of what Americans can do to prevent breast cancer. Visit the Breast Cancer Awareness Website for valuable information about Breast Cancer Awareness. 

Disasters Happen: Plan Ahead

9/13/2018 (Permalink)

As a business owner you are a leader in your community, and have the opportunity to set an example for your employees, customers, and community to follow.

This year For National Preparedness Month (September), join your community in preparing for emergencies and disasters of all types, and leading efforts to encourage the community as a whole to become more prepared. "Disasters Happen" and not only devastate individuals and neighborhoods, but entire communities, including businesses of all sizes.

As an employer in your community, having a business continuity plan can help protect your employees, company and its infrastructure. This will maximize your chances of recovery after an emergency or disaster. You can do this by taking three simple steps:

1. Plan to stay in business-develop a Emergency READY Profile with SERVPRO 
2. Encourage your employees to become ready-Download the READY Plan APP
3. Protect your investment-Plan Ahead

Advantages of the SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile

• No Cost Assessment of your facility
• A concise Profile document that contains only the critical information needed in the event of an emergency
• A guide to help you get back into your building following a disaster
• Establishes us as your local SERVPRO restoration provider
• Identification of the line of command for authoring work to begin
• Provides facility details such as shut-off valve locations, priority areas, and critical contact information

We must all work together as a team to ensure that our families, businesses, and neighborhoods are ready when disaster strikes. At ready.gov/business companies can find vital information on how to begin preparing and addressing their unique needs during an emergency. Contact SERVPRO to find out more o how to be ready when disaster strikes wit the Emergency READY Profile program and APP.

Is Your Business READY? Commercial Disaster Prepardeness

9/11/2018 (Permalink)

September is National Preparedness Month, and it is the perfect opportunity to share the benefits of having a readiness plan in place with your customers, employees and family. 

The SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile (ERP) will help ensure you and your business are "Ready for whatever happens." In the event of an emergency, the SERVPRO ERP can help minimize business interruption by having an immediate plan of action in place for your facility.

Advantages of the SERVPRO Emergency Ready Profile:

• The no-cost assessment ERP is a comprehensive document containing critical information about your business, including emergency contact information, shut-off valve locations, and priority locations.
• The ERP is also accessible online using your computer or tablet; download the SERVPRO free Ready Plan APP  to access this information at any time using your smartphone or tablet. 
• Establishes SERVPRO as your disaster mitigation and restoration provider. Knowing who to call in advance is key to a quick response and timely mitigation, helping to minimize the amount of time your business is inactive. 

Preparation is the key to making it through any disaster, whether it is a small water leak, a large fire or an area flood. No one plans on a disaster, but now you can have a plan in place when it happens. 

Extreme Heat Safety Tips

7/13/2018 (Permalink)

Now that summer time is here, it is time to consider safety precautions for extreme heat. Heat affects all people, but mainly the young, elderly and sick. There are several things you can do to prepare for and prevent extreme heat from affecting you. If possible, stay indoors in air conditioning. Be sure to check on your pets who may be outdoors or bring them inside. Stay hydrated and limit alcohol and caffeine intake. If you must go outdoors, wear loose-fitting, light-colored clothing, and be sure to apply sunscreen often. Pay attention to signs of heat exhaustion, which are heavy sweating, weakness, cold, pale and clammy skin, nausea or vomiting and fainting. (according to the Center for Disease Control) Heat Exhaustion can lead to Heat Stroke which is life threatening. Signs of Heat Stroke are a high body temperature (103 Degrees or more) rapid and strong pulse, and possible unconsciousness. If you think someone has Heat Stroke, call 911, and move the person somewhere cool. Reduce the body temperature with cool wet clothes or a bath. Do not give a person with Heat Stroke fluids- treat the situation as a serious medical emergency. For more info visit ready.gov  Extreme Heat Tips to Prepare Your Home 

• Install window air conditioners snugly, insulate if necessary.
• Check air-conditioning ducts for proper insulation.
• Install temporary window reflectors such as aluminum foil-covered cardboard to reflect heat back outdoors.
• Weather strip doors and sills to keep cool air in.
• Cover windows that receive morning or afternoon sun with drapes, shades, awnings, or louvers.
• Keep storm windows up all year.

Carbon Monoxide: A silent Cold-Weather Killer

1/18/2018 (Permalink)

Carbon Monoxide is a gas you cannot see, taste, or smell. According to ready.gov, an average of 430 Americans die each year from unintentional carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. Often times, it is the result of faulty, improperly used, or vented consumer products like furnaces, ranges, water heaters, room heaters and engine-powered equipment such as portable generators. There are precautions you can take to help protect yourself, your family and your employees from deadly CO fumes. Reduce CO fumes exposure in your home or workplace by performing regular maintenance on equipment and appliances that can produce CO. Install carbon monoxide detectors on every level of the home, including outside bedrooms. Consider having all fuel-burning heating equipment and chimneys serviced annually by a professional. Use portable generators only in well ventilated areas away from openings to prevent fumes from entering the home/building. Visit usfa.fema.gov or osha.gov for more info on CO safety.

Prevent Home Fires

12/11/2017 (Permalink)

Fire Prevention Tips

Home fires are preventable! The following are simple steps that everyone can take to prevent a home fire disaster.

Cooking

• Stay in the kitchen when you are frying, grilling, or broiling food. If you leave the kitchen for even a short period of time, turn off the stove.
• Wear short, close-fitting or tightly rolled sleeves when cooking.
• Keep children away from cooking areas by enforcing a "kid-free zone" of 3 feet around the stove.
• Position barbecue grills at least 10 feet away from siding and deck railings, and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.

Electrical and Appliance Safety

• Frayed wires can cause fires. Replace all worn, old or damaged appliance cords immediately and do not run cords under rugs or furniture.
• If an appliance has a three-prong plug, use it only in a three-slot outlet. Never force it to fit into a two-slot outlet or extension cord.
• Immediately shut off, then professionally replace, light switches that are hot to the touch and lights that flicker.

Portable Space Heaters

• Keep combustible objects at least three feet away from portable heating devices.
• Buy only heaters evaluated by a nationally recognized laboratory, such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL).
• Check to make the portable heater has a thermostat control mechanism, and will switch off automatically if the heater falls over.
• Only use crystal clear K-1 kerosene in kerosene heaters. Never overfill it. Use the heater in a well-ventilated room.

Woodstoves and Fireplaces

• Inspect and clean woodstove pipes and chimneys annually and check monthly for damage or obstructions.
• Use a fireplace screen heavy enough to stop rolling logs and big enough to cover the entire opening of the fireplace to catch flying sparks.
• Make sure the fire is completely out before leaving the house or going to bed.
• Do not put any decorations near the fireplace.

Source Ready.gov

Every Second Counts: Plan Two Ways Out

10/17/2017 (Permalink)

Fire Restoration and Safety

October is Fire Prevention Month and an excellent time to examine the emergency preparedness plans for your home and business.

1. Do you have a fire escape plan?
2. Have you changed your Smoke Alarm batteries within the last year?
3. Are you prepared? 

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) sets aside a designated week each October to focus on Fire Prevention. This years theme is "Every Second Counts: Plan 2 ways out!" 

According to the NFPA, once the fire alarm goes off "you have less than two minutes to get out safely," yet only 8% of people surveyed said getting out was the first thought after hearing the alarm. Creating, implementing, and practicing a fire escape plan for your home or business may be the difference between safety and tragedy. Make your plan today. Visit http://www.nfpa.org/fpw

Every Second Counts: October is Fire Prevention Month

9/26/2017 (Permalink)

Fire escape plan: 2 Minutes to escape

Every Second counts during a fire.

Fire experts agree; people have as little as two minutes to escape a burning home. That is why every second counts, it is critical to be prepared and have an escape plan in place. Once a plan is developed, it is important that everyone in the home understands the plan. The best way to do this is to practice the escape plan at least twice a year. 

A survey by the American Red Cross shows only 26% of families have a fire escape plan in place. 

Here are a few suggestions to help you develop an emergency escape plan. 

• Consider escape ladders for sleeping areas on the second and third floors. Only purchase collapsible escape ladders evaluated by a recognized testing laboratory. (Store them by the window)
• Choose an outside meeting place a safe distance in front of your home where everyone can meet after they've escaped, emergency personnel will also be able to see you. Make sure to mark this on your plan. 
• Teach children how to escape on their own in case you cannot help them. 
• Practice your plan twice a year during the day and at night. 

Increase your chance of surviving a fire by having working smoke/fire detectors in place, developing an escape plan, and then practicing the plan with the family. 

At SERVPRO our priority is your safety. We are here to help you to prepare for possible disasters, and restore your home after a disaster strikes.

Follow these Mold Safety Tips if You Suspect Mold in Your Home

2/14/2017 (Permalink)

Be careful! Without proper training or tools, you could be spreading mold throughout your home.

If you see visible mold, do not disturb it. You can inadvertently spread the mold infestation throughout your home. When mold is disturbed, the mold can release microscopic mold spores which become airborne and can circulate inside your home. 

What To Do:

• Stay out of affected areas. 
• Turn off the HVAC systems and fans
• Contact SERVPRO of Southern Rockland County for mold remediation.

What Not To Do:

• Don't touch or disturb the mold
• Don't blow air across any surface with visible mold growth
• Don't attempt to dry the area yourself
• Don't spray bleach or other disinfectants on the mold

About our Mold Remediation Services:

SERVPRO specializes in mold cleanup and restoration, in fact, it's a cornerstone of our business. Our crews are highly trained restoration professional that use specialized equipment and techniques to properly remediate your mold problem quickly and safely. 

If you see mold, call SERVPRO today!

Portable Fire Extinguishers

1/24/2017 (Permalink)

Fire Safety and Fire Clenaup

Portable fire extinguishers can be life and property saving tools when used correctly. In order to operate an extinguisher, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) suggest remembering the word PASS: 

Pull the pin. Hold the nozzle pointing away from you and release the locking mechanism. 

Aim low. Point the extinguisher as the base of the fire. 

Squeeze the lever slowly and evenly. 

Sweep the nozzle from side to side.

Read the instructions on the fire extinguisher and become familiar with them before a fire breaks out. It is also important to ensure you have the correct type of extinguisher for your home or facility. To find more information on choosing the appropriate class extinguisher, please visit the NFPA website at http://www.nfpa.org/codes-and-standards/all-codes-and-standards/list-of-codes-and-standards?mode=code&code=10

Halt Winter Heating Hazards

12/27/2016 (Permalink)

Did you know? 50% of all residential heating-related fires are reported during the months of December, January and February.

Keep the following safety tips in mind to help reduce your risk of a heating-related fire. 

• Keep anything flammable at least three feet away from heating equipment., like the furnace, fireplace, wood stove, or a portable space heater. Have a three foot "kid free zone around open fires and space heaters.
• Make sure the fireplace has a sturdy screen to stop sparks from flying into the room. Ashes should be cool before putting them in a metal container a safe distance away from your home. 
• Remember to turn portable heaters off when leaving the room or going to bed. 
• Always use the right kind of fuel, specified by the manufacturer, for fuel burning space heaters.
• Have heating equipment and chimneys cleaned and inspected every year by a qualified professional.
• Have a qualified professional install stationary space heating equipment, water heaters or central heating equipment according to the local codes and manufacturer's instructions. 
• Test smoke alarms monthly. 

If your property does suffer fire damage, contact SERVPRO to help make it "Like it never even happened".

Can You Do It In Under 2 Minutes?

10/20/2016 (Permalink)

Fire Safety, Cleanup and Restoration

EXIT a Fire

Every Second Counts during a fire. Fire experts agree, people have as little as two minutes to escape a burning home before it's too late to get out.* In a matter of moments, a small flame can become a major fire, making it critical to be prepared and have an escape plan in place. Once a plan is developed, it is critical everyone in the home understands the plan; the best way to do this is by practicing the escape plan at least twice a year. Increase your chance of surviving a fire by ensuring you have working smoke detectors in place, building an escape plan, and then practicing the escape plan. The following are a few tips to help you develop a plan.

Draw a map of each level of your home and show all doors and windows. Find two ways to get out of each room. Make sure all doors and windows that lead outside open easily.

Consider escape ladders for sleeping areas on the second or third floors. Only purchase collapsible escape ladders evaluated by recognized testing laboratory.

Choose an outside meeting place a safe distance in front of your home where everyone can meet after they've escaped. Mark this place on your escape plan map.

Teach children how to escape on their own in case you can't help them. Plan for everyone in your home with special considerations for elderly or disabled individuals.

Practice your escape plan during the day and nighttime.

*Tips provided by the American Red Cross

October is fire Prevention Month

9/29/2016 (Permalink)

Fire, soot and smoke cleanup and restoration

WHAT TO DO UNTIL HELP ARRIVES

A fire can leave behind soot, smoke damage and a host of other problems. Ceilings, walls, woodwork, carpeting, and floors will often need a thorough professional cleaning. If your home or business suffers a fire, it is important to take the appropriate steps to prevent further damage. The following tips may help reduce damage and increase chances of a successful restoration.

• Limit movement in the home to prevent soot particles from being embedded into upholstery and carpet. 
• Keep hands clean. Soot on hands can further soil upholstery, walls and woodwork.
• Place dry, colorfast towels or old linens on rugs, upholstery and carpet traffic areas. 
• If electricity is off, empty freezer/refrigerator completely and prop doors open to help prevent odor.
• Wipe soot from chrome kitchen/bathroom faucets, trim and appliances, then protect these surfaces with a light coating of lubricant.
• If heat is off during the winter, pour RV antifreeze in sinks, toilet bowls, holding tanks and tubs to avoid freezing pipes and fixtures. 
• Change HVAC filters; leave system off until a trained professional can check the system. 
• Tape double layers of cheesecloth over air registers to stop particles of soot from getting in or out of the HVAC system.

• Don't attempt to wash walls, painted surfaces, furniture or carpets. Instead call SERVPRO.
• Do not attempt to clean electrical appliances before consulting authorized repair service.
• Do not consume any food or beverages that may have been stored close to fire, heat or water, as it may be contaminated. 
• Do not turn on ceiling fans. Wiring may be wet or damaged and cause electrical shock.
• Don't send garments to the dry cleaner. Improper cleaning may set in smoke odor. 

10 Ways You Can Be Prepared

9/22/2016 (Permalink)

Disaster recovery, restoration and preparedness

If a disaster strikes, will you be ready?

It is important to prepare before a disaster occurs. Consider the following steps to help you better prepare for an emergency situation. 

1. Sign up for local alerts and warnings, download apps, and/or check access for wireless emergency alerts.
2. Develop and test emergency communication plans.
3. Assemble or update emergency supplies. 
4. Learn about local hazards and conduct a drill to practice emergency response actions.
5. Participate in a preparedness discussion, training, or class. 
6. Collect and safeguard critical documents.
7. Plan with neighbors to help each other and share resources.
8. Document property and obtain appropriate insurance for relevant hazards.
9. Make property improvements to reduce potential injury and property damage.
10. Hold a scenario-based continuity of operations tabletop exercise for your organization.

Emergencies can happen anytime to anyone. Take action now to protect yourself and your property.

Does Your Home or Business have a Mold Problem?

8/16/2016 (Permalink)

In Rockland County mold can spread through a home in as little as 48 hours.

Microscopic mold spores naturally occur almost everywhere, both indoors and outdoors.

This makes it impossible to remove all mold from a home or business. Therefore, mold remediation reduces the mold spore count back to its natural or baseline level. SERVPRO has specialized mold removal equipment and trained technicians to get the job done right. Consider the following mold facts:

• Mold is present almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors.
• Mold spores are microscopic and float along the air and may enter your home through windows, doors, or AC/heating systems or even hitch a ride indoors on your clothing or a pet.
• Mold spores thrive on moisture. Mold spores can quickly grow into colonies when exposed to water. These colonies may produce allergens and irritants.
• Before mold remediation can begin, any source of water must be addressed. Otherwise, the mold may return.
• Mold often produces a strong, musty odor.
• Even higher-than-normal indoor humidity can support mold growth. Keep indoor humidity below 45 percent.

If your home or business has a mold problem, we can inspect and assess your porperty and use our specialized training, equipment, and expertise to remediate your mold infestation.

If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today - (845) 400-4888. Visit our Mold Web Page to learn about all our services. 

Managing MOLD

6/16/2016 (Permalink)

Mold Growth-Mold Remediation

When there's a water intrusion, like a roof leak or leaking water line, mold can quickly become a problem in your home or business. Mold can cause health effects and can also cause significant damage to your property. Fortunately, SERVPRO has the training, protective gear, and specialized equipment necessary to handle your mold problem. Although every mold damage scenario is different requiring a unique solution, the general mold remediation process stays the same. The following steps illustrate a "typical" mold removal process. 

CALL (845) 400-4888 
The mold cleanup and restoration process begins when you call our office. A representative will ask a series of questions to help determine the neccessary equipment, resources, and personnel needed. 

Inspection and Damage Assessment
Your property will be carefully inspected for signs of mold using technology designed to detect mold and hidden water sources. Mold feeds on cellulose and water and can be hidden from plain view. 

Mold Containment
Various containment procedures will be places to prevent the spread of mold and isolate the contaminated area with physical barriers and negative air pressure to keep the mold spores from spreading during the cleanup process. 

Air Filtration
Specialized filtration equipment captures microscopic mold spores out of the air. SERVPRO technicians utilize powerful air scrubbers and HEPA vacuums to prevent the spread of these mold spores while the mold remediation is in progress. 

Removing Mold and Mold-Infested Materials
The mold remediation process depends on the amount of mold growth and the types of surfaces on which the mold appears. Antifungal and antimicrobial treatments will be used to eliminate mold colonies and help prevent new colonies from forming. Removing and disposing of mold-infested porous materials, like drywall and flooring, may be necessary to remediate heavy mold growth. 

Cleaning Contents and Belongings
SERVPRO will clean your furniture, decorative items, curtains, and other restorable items. We use a variety of cleaning techniques to clean and sanitize your belongings.  

Restoration
Depending on the level of mold damage, drywall, subfloors, and other building materials may be removed. Restoration may involve minor repairs such as replacing drywall, painting, and installing new carpets; or it may involve major repairs such as the reconstruction of entire rooms within your home or business. 

No matter how big or small your mold problem is SERVPRO will make your mold problem "Like it never even happened."

Fire & Smoke Damage: Top 3 Do's and Don'ts

4/28/2016 (Permalink)

Fire and Soot damage in a basement of a recent job

DO:

1. Limit Movement in the home to prevent soot particles from being embedded into upholstery and carpet.
2. Keep hands clean. Soot on hands can further soil upholstery, walls and woodwork.
3. Place dry, colorfast towels or old linins on rugs, upholstery and carpet traffic areas. 

DON'T:

1. Attempt to wash any walls or painted surfaces without first contacting SERVPRO.
2. Attempt to clean electrical appliances that may have been close to fire, heat or water withour first consulting an authorized repair service.
3. Turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet, wiring may be wet or damaged and cause electrical shock, and air movement may create secondary damage. 

Remember:

Call (845) 400-4888

National PrepareAthon Day -April 30th

4/27/2016 (Permalink)

National PrepareAthon! Day, revolving around taking the actions to prepare for earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, wildfires, and winter storms * America's PrepareAthon! is an opportunity for individuals, organizations, and communities to prepare. Visit this website for more information http://1.usa.gov/1NAblCS

Celebrate Earth Day all week

4/15/2016 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Deals with the aftermath of weather disasters all the time- but this week lets celebrate all things green.  Did you know starting a personal/community garden and buying local food makes a huge difference? SERV the world by PROtecting the environment. Earth day is Friday April 22!  

Suburban Home Show Carpet Cleaning Contest Winner

4/7/2016 (Permalink)

Congratulations to Lina M. of Piermont, NY.

She was the winner of our Carpet Cleaning raffle valued at $225 at the Suburban Home Show.

Spring has Sprung Get Ready For Wild Weather

3/23/2016 (Permalink)

Get Ready For Unpredictable Weather

SERVPRO of Southern Rockland County has experience restoring homes affected by storms and flooding. We can respond immediately with highly trained technicians, who employ specialized equipment and techniques, to restore your home or business back to pre-storm condition.  Visit Weather.gov for all types of weather alerts and safety information.Visit weather.gov website

Home Safety during Spring Break

3/8/2016 (Permalink)

Remember these quick tips to keep your home safe. 

• Keep Valuables away from your windows
• Set up timed lights around your home
• Have a neighbor watch your house
• Turn off your home phone ringer
• Don't post your vacation photos while your away

If any mold, water or fire disasters happen while your away use your READY Profile App or call SERVPRO. 

Clean Homes Sell Faster

3/1/2016 (Permalink)

It is a fact:

A clean, fresh smelling home sells faster. Home owners should keep their homes in top condition for very important reasons:

• Increased maket value
• Reduced list to sale conversion times

SERVPRO offers professional cleaning services:

• Carpets, Upolstery and Drapery Cleaning
• Ceiling and Wall Cleaning
• Mold Mitigation and Remediation

Home Fires Occur More Often in the Winter Months

3/1/2016 (Permalink)

Did you know?

Home fires occur more often during the winter than in any other season. 

A home or business fire can be a very stressful event. Damage to personal belongings and the contents of the building is just one concern. Timely mitigation is key to controlling damage, while reducing downtime and rocevery costs. 

Be Prepared!

• Install Smoke Alarms- on every level of your home
• Test Smoke Alarms at least once a month
• Replace batteries at least once a year
• Replace all smoke alarms every 10 years

After the Storms: Flood Tips

2/25/2016 (Permalink)

The rains and wind have stopped but the aftermath of the storm may still be affecting you and your home. Here are some helpful tips if you have flooding in your home. SERVPRO can handle any size water damage disaster.

SERVPRO Ready Plan Mobile App: Help for any size disaster

2/16/2016 (Permalink)

Help At Your Fingertips

The SERVPRO Ready Plan Mobile Application provides home and business owners with a quick and convenient way to call in to SERVPRO when disaster strikes. The Ready Plan App is a free emergency preparedness tool offered by SERVPRO, and can be downloaded on your Android or iPhone.

The application allows both residential and commercial property owners and managers to create an Emergency READY Profile containing critical facility information that can help speed up response time after fire or water damage occurs. In addition to property details, the application tracks prior loss history, utility shut off locations, key contacts; stores photos of the damage; and integrates local weather forcasts and more, including our SERVPRO contact information. 

Through the application, the user can quickly call SERVPRO or submit an electronic "First notice of Loss" to the SERVPRO National Call Center setting the wheels of recovery in motion. Rapid response can help the owner evaluate options, and start the insurance process and take the right steps from the beginning to bring their property back to normal, "Like it never even happened."

Call the CLEANUP TEAM that's faster to any size disaster

2/4/2016 (Permalink)

A home or business fire can be a very stressful event for the property owner. Damage to personal belongings and the contenets of the building is just one concern. Timely mitigation is the key to controlling damage, while reducing downtime and recovery costs.  We offer 24 hr. 7 days a week emergency service. The rapid response and the training of our professional staff will help limit damage and get your home or facility back in operation quickly and help make it, "Like it Never Even Happened." 

Ice Can lead to Water Damage

1/28/2016 (Permalink)

Got icicles? It could be a sign that heat is leaking from your home into the attic, and it's probably a good idea to check for cracks or gaps.

Freezing Pipes may lead to Water and Mold Damage

1/21/2016 (Permalink)

Mold damage from a frozen pipe and water disaster.

Mold can quickly become a major problem. After a water damage event, an infestation can spread throughout your home in just 48 to 72 hours. Molds come in multiple colors. Most have a musty odor and appear like blotches or spots. Since there are no clear standards for determining acceptable quantities of mold, there's no need to identify the specific type of mold. Instead, simply treat all molds as potential health threats and remove promptly and safely. Call SERVPRO your professional mold remediation company. We can make mold disasters "Like it never even happened".

Heating Hazards

1/5/2016 (Permalink)

The winter season is in full swing! 50% of all residential heating-related fires are reported during the months of December, January and February. 

SERVPRO handles Fire, Smoke and Soot cleanup and restoration.  The first steps taken in a disaster situation can mean the difference between recovery and total loss.

SERVPRO professionals help meet the real needs of insurers and property owners by supplying reliable and consistent service.

Be READY!

1/5/2016 (Permalink)

The New Year brings the opportunity for new beginnings! start 2016 off right by being READY! SERVPRO of Southern Rockland County wants to ensure you enjoy a safe an happy New Year by helping you be prepared for any Fire & Water- Cleanup & Restoration you may need. Call (845) 400-4888. 

Holiday Safety

12/17/2015 (Permalink)

Trees, though festive, can be the cause of serious fire damage. 

• Keep your tree away from fireplaces.
• Avoid high-traffic areas.
• Don't forget to water it!

Did You Know? December is the peak time of Year for Home Candle Fires.

12/1/2015 (Permalink)

Candles, pretty lights and decorations are just a few of the tems that add to the charm and cheer of the holiday season, however, if not used carefully your holidays may go from festive to frightening.

SERVPRO handles Fire, Smoke and Soot cleanup and restoration.  The first steps taken in a disaster situation can mean the difference between recovery and total loss.

SERVPRO professionals help meet the real needs of insurers and property owners by supplying reliable and consistent service. 

Did You Know? We offer Professional Mold Remediation Services

11/19/2015 (Permalink)

Mold can quickly become a major problem. After a water damage event, an infestation can spread throughout your home in just 48 to 72 hours. Molds come in multiple colors. Most have a musty odor and appear like blotches or spots. Since there are no clear standards for determining acceptable quantities of mold, there's no need to identify the specific type of mold. Instead, simply treat all molds as potential health threats and remove them promptly.

Keep Your Holiday Safe

11/17/2015 (Permalink)

Each November, families gather to celebrate Thanksgiving by preparing a delicious feast, but if you don't practice safe cooking habits, your holiday could become hazardous. 

Here are some safety tips to ensure you can enjoy a safe holiday.

Never leave cooking food unattended.

Check food  regularly, use a timer as a reminder.

Keep young kids away from the cooking area. 

Keep anything flamable away from the stove, oven or any other hot surface. 

Do not wear loose clothing while cooking.

Clean cooking surfaces to prevent grease buildup.

Purchase a fire extinguisher and learn how to use it properly.

Always check the kitchen before going to bed or leaving home, to make sure all appiances are turned off. 

Install a smoke alarm near the kitchen, on each level of the home, near sleeping areas, and inside and outside bedrooms. Use the test button to check it each month. Replace all batteries at least once a year.

SERVPRO wishes you a safe and happy holiday season.

Here is a link with additional safety tips. http://www.nfpa.org/thanksgiving

Did You Know? Cooking and Fire Safety tips.

11/17/2015 (Permalink)

Thanksgiving is the peak day for home cooking fires, followed by Christmas Day and Christmas Eve.

On average, there is an 183% increase in fire incidents on Thanksgiving Day. 

Here is a link to help keep your hoiday safe, http://www.nfpa.org/thanksgiving

Turn on the Green Light to Honor Verterans

11/10/2015 (Permalink)

Waldwick - Every Nov. 11, the nation takes a day to honor all those who have served in the armed forces.

This year, in addition to a procession at 10:45 a.m. in front of American Legion Post 57 and a ceremony at Veterans Plaza at 11 a.m., Mayor Thomas Giordano is urging residents to take part in an initiative that would make it more obvious just how much the borough supports its veterans.

"To show our thanks to our veterans in all they have done for all of us, I ask all Waldwick residents to change a single light bulb in the front of your home to green to show support for those who have served," Giordano said in a statement.

Giordano's call is part of the nationwide initiative called Greenlight A Vet. The website describes the initiative as a "campaign to establish visible national support for our veterans by changing one light to green" with the color green signifying "hope, renewal and well-being" as well as offering a "greenlight" forward for veterans who are back home.

American Legion Post 57 Commander John Vervoort said he appreciated the initiative and Giordano's support of veterans.

"[In] our post, we've got men from the 'Greatest Generation' that served in the Pacific and European theaters and all war eras, up until now," said Vervoort. "I know, to me, I'm going to be very interested to see how many green lights are out there. It's going to touch my heart to see it."

For Giordano, along with recognition, the green lights will serve as a quiet "thank you" to all veterans.

"As Veterans Day approaches, I would like to extend my sincerest gratitude to all our Waldwick veterans and all veterans for your sacrifices and selflessness as you make our country a better place," said Giordano. "Your dedicated service to our country will never be forgotten. You are examples of how courage and leadership leads to service. And we owe all of you a debt of gratitude."

For information about local Veterans Day ceremonies, visitlegionpost57.org

http://www.northjersey.com/community-news/community-events-and-announcements/waldwick-turns-on-the-green-light-in-thanks-to-veterans-1.1450550

Fire Prevention Month

10/15/2015 (Permalink)

October is Fire Prevention Month and an excellent time to examine the emergency preparedness plans, for your home and business, including your fire escape plan. Do you have a Fire escape plan? Have you changed your smoke alarm batteries within the last year?

Fire Prevention Week

10/6/2015 (Permalink)

We support National Fire Protection Association.

National Fire Protection Association Fire Prevention Week, longest running public health and safety observance on record. U.S. President has signed a proclamation declaring a national observance during that week every year since 1925.

Turn the Town Teal

9/8/2015 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Southern Rockland County are big supporters Turning the Town Teal.

SERVPRO is Turning the Town Teal in support of Ovarian Cancer awareness month.

Know the symptoms. Visit the website at www.turnthetownteal.org

Rockland Boulders Baseball Game

9/8/2015 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Southern Rockland County likes to support their community.

SERVPRO of Southern Rockland hosted a fun night of food, fireworks, and baseball at a Rockland Boulders game.