Peeling Paint: Why and What to Do

11/5/2022 (Permalink)

Humidity can peel the paint off your ceiling and walls

Peeling Paint: Why and What to Do

Peeling paint is a common problem in Scarsdale homes and businesses. It’s unsightly and can be difficult to fix. So why does peeling paint happen? If you’re wondering why your paint is pooling, here are some reasons that this might be happening:

Places You May Notice Peeling Paint

You may notice your paint peeling in various spots, including the following:

• Walls and ceilings
• Trim
• Molding (corners)
• Doors
• Windows

Fix the Problem Quickly 

Not fixing the peeling paint might cost you more in the long run. Peeling paint, as you may have guessed, is not a good look. But it's also more than just an aesthetic issue—a peeling paint job is also prone to rust and mildew growth, which can lead to structural damage in the long term. That's the last thing you want for your home!

Once you've determined that there are no structural issues holding your paint back from sticking properly, it's time to address the problem head-on. Fix the source of the problem first, and then fix the paint issue.

Possible Sources of Peeling Paint

A water leak might be your source. If you have a water leak in your home (or if there was a plumbing problem before you purchased it), the moisture could be causing peeling paint. You should call a plumber to repair any leaks and check the foundation of your home to make sure it’s not damaged.

If you're noticing paint peeling off your walls and ceiling, it's possible that the problem is caused by a water leak. Invisible leaks can lead to visible problems if they're not taken care of quickly and effectively. For example, invisible leaks can lead to mold and mildew growth, as well as particleboard disintegration, and peeling paint. 

Humidity could be another problem. The humidity level in your house may also have an effect on whether or not paint will peel off, especially if it's very low in temperature for an extended period of time (as this can cause condensation). In order for paint to adhere properly, humidity levels need to be above 50 percent. Otherwise, moisture can get trapped between the wall and its surface coating which causes peeling over time due. 

It's important for homeowners to act quickly when they notice paint peeling off their walls and ceilings—especially if there are any other signs of moisture damage in the home (for example discolored carpeting or floors).

It’s easy for us humans to tell ourselves that we don’t have enough money for home repairs like these, but when something goes wrong with our homes it becomes an emergency situation that requires immediate action! Often these emergency situations are more costly than fixing the problem at the first, small sign of a problem.

Hopefully, we’ve given you a few ideas on why your paint is peeling and how to fix it. If you have any water damage in your home or business, call SERVPRO of Scarsdale/Mount Vernon. We will be glad to assist in mitigating and restoring your home back to its original condition. 

What Should I do if My Roof is Damaged in a Fire?

10/16/2022 (Permalink)

We recommend asking your insurance company if they offer money for tarp-overs and temporary repairs after storms or fires before you commit to paying.

What Should I Do If My Roof Is Burned Down?

After a fire, your roof is likely the last thing on your mind. But if you don’t repair it immediately, water damage can cause more problems for your home down the line. 

It’s always best to seek professional help when repairing a roof after a fire or other natural disaster. SERVPRO of Scarsdale/Mount Vernon has been helping families just like yours recover from fire damage for years, and we want to help you too!

Start With Assessing the Roof

When it comes to figuring out what to do first after a fire, we recommend beginning with your roof. The damage may be hard to see from street level, but heavy rains will reveal weak spots in the roof that need to be repaired.

The most important thing is to have your roof inspected by a professional who can tell you if repairs are necessary or if a new shingle installation is required. It's also important that you protect your property from further damage while waiting for repair work on the damaged area of the home's exterior and interior walls/ceilings/floors by putting up tarps over these areas until they're fixed as well!

Tarping Your Roof

A quick tarp-over is an affordable solution for repairing a roof after a fire. A professional roofer can cover the entire roof with a sturdy tarp and make sure it doesn’t come loose during inclement weather. The tarp will keep out the elements and prevent further damage. It should be replaced as soon as possible, but it will offer temporary protection in the meantime.

Talk With Your Insurance

We recommend asking your insurance company if they offer money for tarp-overs and temporary repairs after storms or fires before you commit to paying for them out of pocket. If your insurance company doesn’t provide money for tarp-overs and temporary repairs, you should ask if they will reimburse for them. If not, consider asking the fire department if they can help out. If neither of them is able to pay for it, then consider getting a quote from a roofing company. You may find that paying a roofing company will be cheaper than replacing the entire roof yourself.

Call SERVPRO

When you’re ready, call SERVPRO of Scarsdale/Mount Vernon at (914) 699-5181 and we will help guide you through the rest of the cleanup process! We offer professional fire cleanup services to help with any home or business that has been damaged by fire.

We are your first point of contact when disaster strikes and can be there within minutes. Our trained technicians use the most advanced tools and techniques available to get your life back to normal as quickly as possible.

So, if you’re ready to get started on the rest of the cleanup process, give us a call at 914-699-5181. We’d be happy to help guide you through it!

3 Ways a Restoration Response Team Streamlines Business Insurance Claims

8/27/2022 (Permalink)

Severe water damage in Yonkers, NY.

3 Ways a Restoration Response Team Streamlines Business Insurance Claims

When fire, flooding and storm damage causes problems for you and your Yonkers, NY, business, one of your main concerns may be how to handle the insurance claim and where to begin. Between itemizing the damage and the paperwork, you may feel overwhelmed. However, working with an emergency disaster response team like SERVPRO can streamline this process, from pretesting to filing.

1. Pretest Assistance

Once you have the chance to survey the damage inside your business, it can seem insurmountable. Working with a disaster response company can help you to better understand the extent of the issue with pretesting, which gauges whether certain areas can be fixed or if they are likely a total loss. Overall, this can lower claims expenses and may even help you file an insurance claim more quickly.

2. 24/7 Support

Disaster can strike anytime day or night, but because SERVPRO locations are locally owned and operated, the response time is usually swift. This can reduce the need for insurance claims, such as with flooding, as the restoration technicians can drain standing water and provide mitigation solutions for areas that may degrade over time and cause secondary damage, such as mold growth.

3. Preferred Vendor Status

Working with an insurance agent after your business suffers damage can be daunting, especially if you have never filed a commercial claim before. SERVPRO may serve as a bridge between your company and the agent, as the franchise is well known as a preferred vendor and can boost your confidence during the process. The presence of a certified disaster response team may also benefit the agent, who may feel more comfortable working with a preferred restoration vendor.

Fire, flooding and severe storms can cause a variety of damage to your Yonkers, NY, business and require you to file an insurance claim. Working with a SERVPRO disaster response team, from the pretesting phase to filing, may help you weather the storm with greater peace of mind.

4 Possible Sources of Sewage in Your Home

8/22/2022 (Permalink)

A clogged pipe can result in sewage backup in your home.

4 Possible Sources of Sewage in Your Home

Your home's plumbing system brings in clean water and discreetly clears away the used and dirty water. Occasionally, pipes break, and sometimes those pipes are in the process of taking away contaminated water. When this happens, professional sewage cleaning is a necessity. A number of situations in your home in Secor Gardens, NY, could result in a black water spill.

1. Toilet Overflow. While this might seem minor, any time water from a toilet that contains urine or feces overflows it is a serious situation. The water potentially contains harmful bacteria and microbes that are detrimental to human health. Plus, the water can contaminate flooring and other materials.

2. Clogged Pipe. A discharge line that is obstructed could result in a sewage backup, spilling out contaminated water into an area of the home. As with all other types of spills requiring professional sewage cleaning, a water damage mitigation team should be called. Trained technicians will work safely and quickly to remove the dirty water and clean and sanitize the home.

3. Pipe Burst. Older pipes tend to weaken with age. After forty or fifty years of use, many piping materials are at or near the end of their lifespan. This is especially true of galvanized steel piping. If the pipe that breaks is carrying used water, the spill should be considered potentially harmful to human health.

 Though this situation has nothing to do with the plumbing system, it is still an issue important to homeowners. Outside water coming into a home from overflowing streams or lakes or heavy rains is often contaminated with germs, chemicals, and other substances. As such, it should be treated with the highest level of concern.

No matter what the source of the spill, sewage cleaning is best handled by a professional company. It will have the appropriate equipment and training to deal with the situation safely and efficiently.

Coping With Water Damage

8/17/2022 (Permalink)

Drying up the area that was damaged by water in a Mount Vernon, NY home

How Do You Deal With Water Damage

Water damage in Mount Vernon, NY, can happen suddenly and unexpectedly. Whether the result of a storm, broken pipes, or a washing machine malfunction, you’re suddenly facing a big water cleanup task. When you’re preparing to address the mess, consider the following:

• Safety
• Assessment
• Cleanup and Repairs

Keep It Safe

One of the first steps you should take is shutting off power in the affected areas since water and electricity are a dangerous, potentially deadly, mix.

If you need to go into the damaged space, consider the source of the water; if there’s any chance of contamination, such as from stormwater or an overflowing toilet, wear protective clothing and wash hands thoroughly after handling anything that has been in the water.

Assess the Damage

If the damage is significant, you may want to contact your insurance company to find out whether or not you have coverage. Keep in mind that water damage is different from flood damage, and insurance companies adjust differently for the two. If you are covered, an adjuster will likely want to take pictures of the damage to help evaluate your claim. You may want to take your own pictures as well in order to have a record of what has happened.

Cleaning Up and Making Repairs

It is important to act fast when you have standing water, as mold and bacteria can begin to grow in as little as 24 to 48 hours. Even if the damage was caused by clean water, the longer it stands, the better the chance of contamination.

In most cases, you should contact a restoration professional to come out and evaluate the situation. These people have the knowledge, experience and equipment to deal with the problem safely and efficiently. They can advise you about the extent of your damages and the need for any repairs, whether fixing broken pipes or replacing damaged wallboard.

Water damage can be frustrating and overwhelming, but following these steps can help you manage the problem as efficiently as possible so that you can get your home and your life back to normal.

How to Safely Clean and Disinfect After Sewer Damage

7/28/2022 (Permalink)

Sewer damage in Scarsdale, NY

Types Of Contaminated Water

A flooded toilet is always inconvenient, but it can also be dangerous. A toilet flood is usually caused by a clog or a block in the drain that isn't allowing things to flow out correctly. There are three types of contaminated water that you may encounter when you have a toilet backup, and the category of contamination will help you to know how dangerous it is for people in your home.

1. Clean Water
Clean water is water that floods into your home from a broken water line. This is not true sewer cleanup, because the water is not contaminated with any type of sewage. As long as it hasn't mixed with other contaminants, you can clean up this water with towels, a mop, or a shop vacuum.

2. Gray Water
Gray water has urine in it. A sewer backup can cause your toilet to overflow into your bathroom, and the bacteria present make this a more dangerous cleanup process. Make sure that pets and small children can't get to the overflow by closing doors. Open windows to ventilate the area, if possible, and wear personal protective equipment if you attempt to do any cleaning yourself. You should dispose of anything you use for cleaning afterwards.

3. Black Water
Black water is the most dangerous level of sewer cleanup that you're likely to encounter because of a toilet backup. This contains water with feces and anything that comes from beyond the toilet trap. If you must clean, wear gloves, a mask, goggles, and boots. Shovel debris into heavy plastic bags and dispose of them immediately. Use bleach to prevent the spread of infection. However, this type of sewer backup is especially toxic, and it is best to leave the cleanup to a professional.

While it is possible to do some of the cleanup yourself with some of the less severe categories, it's always best to contact a local sewage cleanup and restoration expert in Scarsdale, NY. You want to be very sure that your home is properly disinfected and that there won't be any future complications from sewer cleanup that wasn't thorough enough.

3 Topics To Review With Kids Before a Fire

7/28/2022 (Permalink)

Plan for your family on what to do in case of a fire in your home breaks out

Kids Safety Tips

A top priority for parents in Scarsdale, NY is kids' safety. When developing emergency drills and plans, parents should remember these three often-overlooked concepts. They will especially help children be mentally and physically prepared for an emergency.

1. Visit a Firefighter in Full Gear

First, it is a terrific idea for children to visit a fire station in Scarsdale, NY, to see a firefighter in full gear before any emergency, especially a home fire. The basic uniform includes a coat, boots, pants, gloves, and a helmet. People may forget that a mask covers the firefighter’s face and his or her breathing device can sound more like Darth Vader. Children hopefully will feel less anxious if they’ve seen a firefighter’s apparatus before a true emergency.

2. Discuss Usage of the Fire Escape

The second item to discuss regarding kids' safety is how children actually use a fire escape if they are above the first level of a home or apartment. Children should practice unlatching and opening windows or doors nearby. They need to understand how to physically climb down the house or building. Every bedroom higher than the primary level should have a fire ladder. All family members should know where to find the ladders, how to set them up, and how to use them. This process can include pushing or kicking a screen to remove it.

3. Explain the Need To Attract Attention

In a truly desperate situation, family members should all understand it’s okay to break a window to get attention from firefighters below. If children have trouble opening a window, teach them how to break the glass in an emergency.

When it comes to fires and kids' safety, drills and discussions are crucial. As children grow and mature, their understanding will expand and actions and responses will vary in any emergency situation. Hence, it’s also important to regularly review and revise your plans for what to do in case of a fire and the necessary work afterward.

The Best Response to Black Water Damage in Your Home

7/28/2022 (Permalink)

Flood damage in Bronxville, NY

The Best Response to Black Water Damage in Your Home

Water damage caused by home flooding in Bronxville, NY, is a serious matter. When your surrounding area experiences a flood, water pools from sources such as sewage drains and any household contaminants kept at ground level. Flood water is also known as black water, and it is important to have as little contact with this contaminated flood water as possible. As the flood recedes, it leaves behind water damage. This damage is hazardous to your home's environment, and you should not attempt to clean it up yourself.

Attempting to clean it up yourself could lead to a bigger disaster. There could be structural damage you can't see, and when there has been standing water in your home, it is prone to other hazards, such as mold. These hidden dangers will be more expensive to repair as they are allowed to worsen and grow.

The Restoration Process
The IIRHC recommends hiring professionals who possess the protective gear and training needed to safely remove debris and restore your home to its pre-flood state. The following tasks will be performed in the remediation restoration process.

• Any areas of your home that have experienced water damage will be closed off and further assessed.
• In protective gear, a professional team will assess the damage.

Your home will be inspected for dangers that come after flooding, such as mold and structural damage.
Salvageable items will be cleaned; non-salvageable items will be discarded. This includes personal items, furnishings, fixtures, and materials such as drywall and flooring.
Any needed restoration will be performed.

After Restoration
Following restoration, your family can safely return to the home without fear of any lingering or hidden dangers. Water damage from flooding can wreak havoc on your life for a short time, but by working closely with a trusted team of professionals, the damage won't be allowed to continue to grow and you'll have peace of mind in the knowledge that all areas of concern have been properly handled.

What To Do Before Your Adjuster Arrives

6/21/2022 (Permalink)

When a storm hits your home in Bronxville, NY, call SERVPRO of Scarsdale/Mount Vernon

Before Your Adjuster Arrives, Here's What You Should Do

When a storm hits your home in Bronxville, NY, it is likely that damage will be widespread throughout the area. Even if you have flood insurance, it is still in your best interest to limit the amount of damage to your home as much as possible. Your insurance adjuster will likely be very busy during this time, so it's important to take a few key steps before he or she arrives.

Call Restoration Professionals

The first call you should make after alerting your insurance company is to flood restoration specialists. There are several benefits to calling them quickly:

• Assessment of initial damage
• Faster water extraction to prevent further harm to your home
• Itemized list of damages to help with insurance claim

Even if they get a lot of calls, they tend to be equipped to mobilize quickly in an emergency situation and can probably get to you faster than your flood insurance adjuster. In fact, with the list of damages they provide, they can actually make adjusters' jobs easier once they arrive by providing an estimate of what the remediation will cost.

Take Lots of Pictures

If the damage is severe, you may have to evacuate your home to keep yourself and your family safe. If you can safely do so, however, it is a good idea to take as many pictures as you can. You may even consider taking a video of all the affected areas of your home. If it has been a few days, and the flood damage has turned into mold damage, make sure you document that as well. The more evidence that you can provide of the repairs your home needs, the better chance you have of getting your claim accepted.

Even if you have great flood insurance, a large storm can overtax local adjusters, delaying their ability to get to you in a timely manner. Taking proactive steps to document the flood damage and keep it from getting worse can help you in the long run.

Tips for Filing a Renters Insurance Claim After a Fire

6/13/2022 (Permalink)

If you rent your home in Tuckahoe, NY, you need renters insurance to cover expenses in case of a fire or another covered peril.

After a Fire, Here Are Some Tips for Filing a Renters Insurance Claim

If you rent your home in Tuckahoe, NY, you need renters insurance to cover expenses in case of a fire or another covered peril. Most tenants don't know how far those benefits reach, though. When filing your claim after a fire, be sure to include the following costs, if applicable to your circumstances.

Fire Damage to Belongings

One document you should prepare before you file your claim is an itemized list of belongings damaged by the fire and how much it costs to replace them. Your policy should cover all your personal property:

• Furniture
• Electronics
• Clothing
• Food
• Valuables

You may be surprised how many items fire restoration experts can repair. If they cannot be fixed, however, your provider should recoup the replacement cost rather than the depreciated value of the items.

Limited Liability

A fire can break out in your apartment due to your negligence. If this happens, the liability clause in your renters' insurance policy is likely to come into play. This protects you in the event that a third party has damages due to anything you did that led to the fire.

Medical Expenses

Even if you do everything right, it is still possible that someone can get injured when fleeing the burning building. Most policies for renters can cover medical expenses to a certain extent. Check with your agent to see how much coverage an injured party can get.

Temporary Relocation

If there is a lot of damage to the structure of the rental property, it may take some time to repair. You will probably have to live somewhere else while it is mitigated. Your policy should cover the cost of the hotel room or other temporary accommodations. 
You may not know a lot about your renters' insurance policy until you need to file a claim. Chances are good that it covers more than you expect.

4 Benefits of Commercial Document Restoration

6/7/2022 (Permalink)

By acting quickly, you can save your documents and get your Scarsdale, NY business back on its feet.

4 Reasons to Restore Commercial Documents

In the aftermath of a disaster in your building, it is crucial to address damage to sensitive documents as quickly as possible. Damage from water, mold, fire, or smoke can be devastating to your business.

The best way to proceed with document restoration is to contact a professional restoration company that has the equipment and expertise to make sure that you are protecting your documents as effectively as possible.

Here are some of the benefits of having commercial restoration done by SERVPRO.

1. Specialized Equipment and Procedures

You can protect sensitive documents such as books, photographs, and paperwork by having a team of trained technicians pack up the documents and treat them with professional care. Cutting-edge technology such as gamma irradiation and freeze-drying ensures that you are doing everything you can to return your documents to a healthy condition.

2. 24/7 Service for Emergencies

Disasters such as fires and storms can happen at any time. If an alarm goes off in your building in the middle of the night, it is crucial to begin the document drying process as quickly as possible. A 24/7 emergency service ensures that you will have a team of professionals on-site no matter when disaster strikes.

3. Send Documents to a Document Restoration Facility

In addition to using the latest technology, the facility offers 24/7 surveillance and can also digitize documents quickly so that you can preserve the content of your documents.

4. Help With the Claims Process

Insurance claims for document restoration can be complicated. It is helpful to have a team of experts on hand to help you file the necessary paperwork and communicate with the insurance company effectively.

Damage to your commercial building in Scarsdale, NY can be mitigated by using a professional restoration company. By acting quickly, you can save your documents and get your business back on its feet.

Who Is Financially Responsible for an Apartment Fire?

5/23/2022 (Permalink)

Structural fire damage is the responsibility of the landlord. It includes the building itself and its electrical, plumbing and other systems.

Who Is Financially Liable For A Fire In An Apartment?

Landlords take on various responsibilities when they rent a property in Bronxville, NY. They must provide a safe, clean and livable space for their tenants. Keeping up with maintenance, repairs and safety codes is part of a landlord's duties. Paying the mortgage and property taxes is also necessary. Property insurance is vital, too, and if your property experiences an apartment fire, it's good to know what damages landlords must cover.

Landlord Duties After a Fire

Immediately following a fire, landlords should take care of some urgent tasks:

• Contact your insurance agent to file a claim.
• Call a fire restoration company to secure your property from further damage and begin repairs.
• Check on your tenants to ensure they have received medical treatment. Ask them what they know about the fire.
• Check with a fire officer before entering the property with your tenant to collect belongings and assess the damage.

Financial Responsibility for an Apartment Fire

Once the initial shock is over and your tenants have temporary housing, repair work can begin. You may have questions about financial responsibility.
Structural fire damage is the responsibility of the landlord. It includes the building itself and its electrical, plumbing and other systems. Landlords are not liable for the tenant's personal belongings. Tenants should have renter's insurance to cover their items.

Your property insurance policy typically covers your portion of the damage. If the fire resulted from the negligence of your tenants or their guests, they must be accountable for paying the deductible and your out-of-pocket costs. It's a good idea to explain this in the lease agreement so that if you have a fire, there's no question about responsibility. Typically, your insurance company reaches out to the tenant's insurance company to seek liability compensation.

An apartment fire is something landlords prefer to avoid. However, knowing what to do in an emergency helps you be prepared if the unthinkable happens.

What To Expect During Commercial Fire Cleanup

5/17/2022 (Permalink)

If a fire disaster occurs, it is important to know who to call for your commercial fire cleanup and restoration needs! Call SERVPRO!

What To Expect When Cleaning Up After A Commercial Fire

After a commercial fire, business owners in Eastchester, NY, face many challenges. As the fire crews drive away, you have the daunting challenge of cleaning the water and smoke damage left from rescue efforts. Over the next few weeks, turn to experts in fire remediation services to assist you in the fire cleanup process. These professionals should complete the following stages, focusing on restoring and sanitizing the premises.

1. Immediately Secure the Facility

The fire created moisture and soot damage, possibly leaving you with drenched and crumbling structures. However, additional secondary conditions could set in if the experts do not defend the property from other future hazards. The remediation crew evaluates the team for possible exposures, such as openings within the walls and roof. Once identified, workers fortify the vulnerabilities with thick plywood and tarps.

2. Determine the Extent of Water and Smoke Damage

Before cleaning begins, the specialists perform tests to learn more about the fire's structural impact. Using moisture reading tools, employees determine the amount of saturation. In addition, they assess concerns with odor, smoke and ash. Using this information, professionals develop a thorough plan to remediate the property.

3. Tend to the Fire's Harm

Water hoses quenched the blaze; however, it also penetrated porous objects such as papers, cloth, drywall and carpeting. Before completing the smoke cleaning, the restoration staff tends to this concern. Fluid and organic material serve as a host for fungus, allowing spores to reproduce and spread within days. To mitigate this trouble, the crew must dry out the property immediately. They use air movers and dehumidifiers to extract the dampness. In addition, they may tear out pieces and remove contents that cannot wholly air out.

Once specialists complete this phase, they rely on sophisticated equipment to scrub the premises, removing soot stains. In addition, they use innovative technology such as fogging equipment and air scrubbers to deodorize rooms.

Fire devastates building structures, creating many problems for owners. Remediation professional services can handle the cleanup process, from securing the premises to managing the smoke damage.

What You Should Expect From a Fire Damage Estimate

5/16/2022 (Permalink)

Our SERVPRO team is in action on a commercial fire cleanup job. Our crew is working hard to clean up the smoke damage left behind after a fire.

What To Look For In A Fire Damage Estimate

After a business fire in your facility in Eastchester, NY, you are likely looking for a little clarity. Even after a small fire, your building probably looks like a disaster zone with burned walls and soot and smoke damage everywhere. One of the first steps toward recovery is receiving a complete and understandable estimate of restoration services from a trusted fire mitigation company. This important document should tell you a lot of things about the costs and time frame for the cleanup.

A List of Fire Damage Services

A vague document with few details probably raises more questions than it answers. You deserve clarity at this time, and the bid for services document should cover the status of the following typical restoration services provided after damage by fire:

• Fire board up services
  
• Roof replacement
  
• Security provisions
  
• Damage restoration
  
• Smoke and fire odor removal
  
• Debris removal

The document should also include the name of a contact person, a project manager who oversees the entire process. This is who you will contact when you have questions or concerns. The estimate should also provide details on how long each stage should last, anticipated expenses and costs, and any additional services that could become necessary.

A Transparent Process

Many benefits exist for working with a full-service contractor after a commercial fire. The project manager should be involved in all aspects of the restoration process so you won't have to deal with multiple contractors who can't see the overall picture. This makes the process simpler, especially when it comes to dealing with the insurance company, which could result in a faster and more accurate claims settlement. In most cases, working with one contractor speeds up the cleanup and also results in lower expenses. 

An accurate and complete estimate can take away some of the stress of dealing with the aftermath of a fire. It also means your company is one step closer to recovery.

How To Conduct an Emergency Drill in a Commercial Building

4/27/2022 (Permalink)

Judge your fire drill based on how long it takes everyone to evacuate the building and shut down the equipment

In A Commercial Building, How Do You Conduct An Emergency Drill?

A fire drill does not only prepare you and your employees for potential blazes in your commercial property. It can also help everyone learn how to evacuate the premises during major storms that damage the building.

Drills alert you to potential issues so you can correct them before an actual emergency occurs. Ideally, you should hold storm drills for your Elmsmere, NY, building at least twice annually. Here are some tips for making the most out of these drills.

1. Make an Evacuation Plan

Before you hold your next drill, ensure everyone in the office knows and understands the evacuation strategy. Map routes to the nearest exits and highlight the locations of the alarms. You should also create a communication system that keeps each employee informed about the status of the storm.

2. Set Goals

Judge your fire drill based on how long it takes everyone to evacuate the building and shut down the equipment. Set a realistic time frame for the completion of the drill and try to meet or beat that goal.

3. Rehearse

Start by doing a walkthrough of the drill with members of the emergency response team. Then hold the drill with as many of your employees as possible.

Once everyone has mastered the basic evacuation strategy, try adding some obstacles such as broken elevators and blocked stairwells. To make the drill even more realistic, have a designated employee practice calling 911 and/or cleanup and restoration professionals.

4. Observe

Have a few members of your team observe the drill in its entirety. They should specifically look for behaviors or problems that could be dangerous during a real storm. These individuals can then hold a debriefing after the drill to discuss anything that went wrong.

The above steps should help you run an efficient and effective fire drill. This way, if a severe storm forces you and your employees to evacuate, everyone will understand what to do.

3 Tips To Prevent a Dryer Fire

4/25/2022 (Permalink)

Make sure that birds, insects, or other animals do not build nests that could obstruct the exhaust vent. A clogged vent could lead to a lint fire.

Three Ways To Avoid A Dryer Fire

If you’re like most people in Yonkers, NY, you probably use your clothes dryer at least a few times per week, but when was the last time you cleaned out your dryer’s exhaust vent? According to the U.S. Fire Administration, clothes dryers cause approximately 2,900 home fires each year. The top cause of those fires is excessive lint buildup due to inadequate cleaning. Follow these tips to keep your dryer in good condition and reduce your risk of a lint fire.

1. Keep Up With Regular Dryer Maintenance

Make sure to clean your dryer’s lint filter every time you use the dryer. Every three months or so, remove any built-up lint from the back of the dryer and clean out any that has accumulated in the vent pipe. Twice a year, brush the filter thoroughly with a nylon brush to remove difficult lint fibers.

2. Remember To Check Your Outside Dryer Exhaust Vent

Nearly all dryers are required to vent to the outside of your house. Keep a cover on the outside vent opening to keep dirt and rain from entering the vent. Check the cover occasionally to be sure it opens fully when the dryer is running. Make sure that birds, insects, or other animals do not build nests that could obstruct the exhaust vent. A clogged vent could lead to a lint fire.

3. Call a Professional if Problems Arise

If you discover any unusual sounds or smells coming from your dryer or notice that your clothes are taking longer than usual to get dry, don’t wait for an inconvenience to develop into a major problem — or a dryer fire. Call a repair person who is licensed to work on your model of dryer. The cost to repair your dryer correctly will almost certainly be less than the fire cleanup costs after a home fire caused by a malfunctioning dryer.

Following these tips requires a small investment of time and energy. However, preventing a lint fire from destroying your home is well worth the extra effort.

Why Local Disaster Cleanup Is Fast and Effective

4/20/2022 (Permalink)

When it comes to disaster cleanup, SERVPRO is the number one choice of most insurance companies.

Why Is Local Disaster Cleanup So Quick And Efficient?

Commercial emergencies such as flooding, storm damage and fire often require a rapid response from a team of experts. When it comes to disaster cleanup, SERVPRO is the number one choice of most insurance companies. At any hour of the day or night, these pros are Faster to Any Size Disaster, outshining the competition in all of the following ways:

1. Locally Owned and Operated

When emergency water cleanup is needed in Fleetwood, NY, business owners want to work with a local company that has a good reputation. Supporting local businesses is a top priority for most business owners. Likewise, professional work and results are a major concern. Commercial business owners are more likely to use a water damage restoration company in their community such as SERVPRO that can boast these important credentials:

• Trained professionals
  
• Experienced staff
  
• Proper equipment
  
• Local management
  
• Timely services

2. Nationally Recognized

Although SERVPRO branches operate at a local level, the brand and services are nationally recognized by the average commercial establishment owner who knows they are Faster to Any Size Disaster. With over 1,700 franchisees across the nation, there is no doubt that the company is considered the best in the business. Along with the well-known company name comes a reputation for dependability and unsurpassed disaster cleanup.

3. A Preferred Vendor for Most Insurance Companies

When working with their insurance provider, commercial clients know that SERVPRO is a preferred vendor for both national and local insurance companies. As business managers go to file an insurance claim for flooding, fire, mold or other damages, they want to choose a restoration company that is recognized by their insurance provider and that gets the job done right.

As a locally operated facility, employees live within the community they serve. This means SERVPRO professionals can get to the disaster site more quickly to resolve the problem. Learn why these franchises are both trusted and revered by local clientele because of the ability to be Faster to Any Size Disaster.

Tips To Reduce Commercial Damage and Loss

3/12/2022 (Permalink)

Our SERVPRO of Scarsdale/Mount Vernon team is in action on a commercial fire cleanup job. If you need help, just call us today!

Tips For Minimizing Commercial Damage And Loss

If you are suffering from devastating damage to your commercial building in Yonkers, NY, it is critical to act quickly. Finding a restoration service that has professionals standing by all hours of the day and night is crucial to reduce damage and loss. A quick response to the problem is important when you submit an insurance claim as well.

Reduce Claim Costs with SERVPRO

Restoring property is always preferable to replacing it because it keeps expenses down. SERVPRO understands this process. Each professional is trained to follow certain steps aimed at reducing the costs associated with your claim.

Pretesting - An expert will examine the property to determine what can be restored and what must be replaced.

Claims Inventory - The inventory list itemizes the materials, furniture and equipment that you have lost, along with pictures of the more important items that can’t be saved.

Electronic Claims Files - Insurance claim information is stored in a database to help your adjuster determine an accurate accounting of the costs in restoring the property.

Assure That Professionals Are Properly Trained

SERVPRO professionals go through a rigorous, self-paced training program to properly restore your property. There are a number of certification programs available to employees, including modules in fire and water restoration, carpet and upholstery cleaning and crew training.

SERVPRO franchises are individually owned and operated, but each one also has access to corporate training and materials. Approved as a training facility for the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification, corporate classes are offered all year in water restoration, fire restoration, applied structural drying and carpet cleaning.
Training at the corporate facility is also available to new franchises in mold mitigation and fire and water restoration.

These training programs and cost reduction techniques are among the many reasons your insurance agent is likely to prefer you to work with a SERVPRO franchise.

Before you file that insurance claim, make sure you are working with a professional.

3 Common Causes of a Lint Fire in Your Dryer

3/7/2022 (Permalink)

Contact your local fire damage restoration service if there has been a fire in your home due to lint. Contact SERVPRO, we are ready to help you!

The 3 Most Common Causes Of A Dryer Lint Fire

Homeowners in Mount Vernon, NY, whose dryers are no longer functioning, should think twice before purchasing a new appliance. Lint buildup is a common cause of a malfunctioning dryer. It is also a lint fire hazard that may go unnoticed for years. Lint can accumulate in places where it is hard to spot, such as:

• Dryer vents
  
• Inside the dryer
  
• Behind the dryer

Lint is made up of small thread particles, such as wool or cotton, that easily combust. These three common causes of a dryer fire should be prevented.

1. Failure to Maintain the Dryer Vent

Experts recommend that you service your dryer at least once a year to prevent a lint fire. Fluff and fuzz can fill the exhaust hose and dryer vent. An appliance that no longer dries your clothes is a sign that the vent is clogged. When the lint has no exit, it will eventually fill the vent until it has no other escape except into your home.

2. Lint Inside the Dryer

You should clean your lint filter before and after each use of your dryer. Lint is visible on the filter but can hide inside of the dryer as well. When you remove the filter, peer inside of the housing to make sure no fluff is left behind. If you see buildup inside of the filter housing, clean it thoroughly with a vacuum cleaner to prevent a dryer fire.

3. Lint Behind the Dryer

Lint hidden behind the dryer is a sign that the vent needs to be cleaned. Any spark near the lint can cause a house fire. To prevent this, clean behind your dryer regularly to keep lint buildup at a minimum. Then, contact a professional to service your dryer annually.

Contact your local fire damage restoration service if there has been a fire in your home due to lint. Taking preventative measures, such as yearly dryer maintenance, will keep your house safe from a lint fire.

Concepts To Understand When Dealing With Business Interruption Insurance

3/3/2022 (Permalink)

Businesses can be disrupted by a variety of disasters, including severe flooding.

When It Comes To Business Interruption Insurance, There Are A Few Things To Keep In Mind.

Many different disasters, such as severe flooding, can result in business interruption. Whether the water comes from a broken pipe or a hurricane, your company will probably need to shut down while a water remediation company fixes the damage. If you find yourself in this situation, it is important to know the various terms you will find on your business interruption insurance policy.

Business Income

Your policy will cover reduced business income that is a direct result of the flooding. Business income is calculated using:

• Typical net income
• Normal operating expenses

Actual Sustained Loss

This type of insurance covers your Scarsdale, NY, business from any actual loss sustained due to flooding. This means you will only receive funds if you experience a disaster that directly contributes to your inability to run your business for enough time that you experience a loss of income. However, the amount of funds you receive is subject to the specifics of your situation.

Period of Restoration

Insurers are only responsible for your income that was lost during the period of restoration. This is the time from when the damage occurs to when the building should reasonably be operational again.

Extra Expense

Sometimes, business interruption insurance can be used to cover any extra expense. These are expenses incurred during the period of restoration that you would not have experienced if your business had been operational.

Service Interruption

Certain policies will allow their clients a service interruption extension for their period of restoration if they do not have the necessary utilities to operate their business. This extension does not require that clients name the utility providers as an added insured on their policy.

Understanding these crucial terms is critical to knowing whether your interruption insurance will cover the time you were shut down due to large water damage or another disaster. Make sure you read about these terms and your policy before trying to file a claim.

What To Do If A Pipe Breaks

2/10/2022 (Permalink)

Our team is quick to respond to this flooded home. After a pipe malfunction, our team showed up with extractors and began to mitigate the damage.

What Should You Do If A Pipe Bursts?

A pipe with weak points or a pipe under pressure often goes unnoticed until it breaks. Bursting pipes require the assistance of a water restoration specialist. Professional technicians not only fix the broken pipe but also clean up the flood waters to help you avoid mold. When a pipe breaks in your home in Scarsdale, NY, the following steps can help you get your home on the road to recovery as quickly as possible.

1. Stop the flow of water. The sooner you can arrest the flood at its source, the smaller the flood will be. Every minute counts when it comes to preventing extensive water damage. Shutting off the main water valve won’t repair the damaged pipe, but it can help to minimize the amount of cleanup that is required.

2. Call the professionals. Enlisting the services of experienced technicians to deal with bursting pipes and their aftermath is crucial to preventing further damage. Flood restoration specialists can remove excess water and dry out the flooded area. It is important to start this process as soon as possible to prevent the growth of mold. If your home in Scarsdale, NY, is left untreated after a flood, you are welcoming spores to settle and multiply on damp surfaces.

3. Document the damage. While you are waiting for the repair technicians to arrive, take pictures and make a list of everything that needs to be repaired or replaced. Fight the urge to clean up the mess before you do this. Your rushed efforts could leave you with insufficient evidence of the problem when you file an insurance claim, and if the water is contaminated, it could spread harmful bacteria or make you ill. It’s best to leave the cleanup to the experienced professionals.

Bursting pipes require immediate action. If a pipe breaks in your home, enlisting repair services quickly to fix it and clean up the mess can significantly minimize the damage and further complications.

SERVPRO: Helping Insurance Agents Through the Claims Process

2/10/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO has created the Claims Information Center that utilizes the ReportER database to help agents prepare and rectify claims.

SERVPRO Is Here To Assist Insurance Agents With The Claims Process.

There is a new way to research an insurance claim, and it is being offered to insurance agents through one of the highest rated disaster restoration firms in the Tuckahoe, NY, area. SERVPRO has created a claims database to help restructure the approach to claims research. The system helps agents quickly and efficiently appraise claims to help move the approval process along.

1. Claims Information Center

The Claims Information Center or the CIC is a collection of claims information for any insurance agent performing research. Agents can research by the type of claim or the cause of loss and find regional and localized information, helping them better prepare their assessment.

2. Claims Database

The actual database used by the CIC system is ReportER. When an insurance claim or estimate is created, it is uploaded into the system where it can be monitored by the insurer as it progresses from an estimate to a work in progress and finally a completed job. All of this information is accessible through the Managed Dashboard.

3. Management Dashboard

The Managed Dashboard is an agent’s way of keeping tabs on claims and ensuring that progress is being made. The dashboard also acts as the entry point into the CIC system, allowing insurers to research and compare different estimates and outcomes.

The insurance claim process can be complicated for agents. They are having to juggle multiple claims every day and having to research those claims to ensure accuracy. SERVPRO has created the Claims Information Center that utilizes the ReportER database to help agents prepare and rectify claims. While the research alone makes this tool priceless, it is the managed dashboard where agents will find the most use. This dashboard allows them to organize claims by the level of completion and helps them to organize their research. The CIC system truly helps to make a difficult process tolerable.

Mold and Mildew: Bad Smells and Where To Find Them

1/27/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO has the expertise and trained technicians and equipment to knock out the mold in your building or any business. Call us!

Mold And Mildew: Unpleasant Odors And Where To Look

Building owners in Scarsdale, NY quickly realize that mold is much easier to smell than it is to locate. The mold smell can be strong and overpowering without being directly visible, leaving you to wonder just where exactly it’s coming from. Following is a discussion about what causes a mold smell, mildew smell, fungus smell or any variety of the three and how best to find the sources throughout your commercial property.

What Makes Mold and Mildew Odor So Distinct?

Mold and its similar species are quick to grow in areas with a lot of moisture and humidity. Mildew and mold thrive in such places as they’re both different kinds of fungi that need the presence of water to survive and multiply. These fungal inhabitants create their smells through the basic function of their existence, meaning any time they eat and reproduce the smell becomes stronger. Mildew brings less of an odorous presence with lighter, musty smells, but moldy smells become quite overbearing the more they continue to grow and spread around your building.

Where Can You Find Non-Visible Mold on Your Property?

The mold smell itself often leads you closer to its original growth point, though it’s not always an exact indicator. Thermal cameras are available these days to help find previously undetected sources of water, but mold is generally found in common areas like:

• Kitchens, bathrooms and other sources of consistent water usage
  
• Air conditioning units or water heaters
  
• The walls below leaky windows or door frames
  
• Cellars or basements where light to heavy flooding occurs regularly
  
• Refrigerators or freezers that create high condensation in dark corners

When you’re trying to find the presence of mold in your Scarsdale, NY, property, following your nose towards the mold smell is a great first step. However, remediating the fungus smell, mildew smell and any other similar odors that are harder to pinpoint requires checking these suggested places to find their non-visible locations. Once the mold is found, call remediation specialists to clear out your building.

4 Reasons To Have a Commercial Flood Policy

1/27/2022 (Permalink)

Property owners should consider these reasons to obtain flood coverage for a commercial property Tuckahoe, NY.

4 Reasons Why You Should Have A Commercial Flood Insurance Policy

Most general commercial insurance coverage excludes damage caused by flooding. The National Flood Insurance Program or an endorsement on a private policy can cover this type of damage. Here are four reasons why commercial property owners should consider taking out a flood policy.

1. A Business Is Located On a Flood Plain

The Federal Emergency Management Agency maintains flood maps that can help business owners determine whether a commercial building is located in an area prone to flooding. Most insurance providers define a flood as water damage that originates from outside water sources such as rain or rising bodies of water.

2. A Federally-Regulated or Insured Mortgage

Owners of property located in a flood zone with mortgages regulated or insured by the federal government are required to purchase and maintain flood coverage. Contact an insurance agent that offers NFIP policies or add a flood endorsement or rider to a general commercial insurance policy.

3. Owners Want To Be Prepared

If there is any reasonable risk of flooding at a commercial building, the owner of the property may want to obtain coverage for this peril. According to FEMA, the average flood insurance claim is approximately $33,000 and total property damage due to flooding tops $6 billion every year.

4. Mold and Other Secondary Damage

In addition to excluding flooding, most standard commercial property policies also cut out coverage for any secondary damage that results from this uncovered peril. Without a flood policy, it may be more difficult or prohibitively expensive to pursue mitigation and restoration. As a result, a structure may be prone to mold growth.

Property owners should consider these reasons to obtain flood coverage for a commercial property Tuckahoe, NY. This commercial insurance will apply to cleanup and restoration costs for primary damage and extend to secondary damage as long as owners do everything they can to limit damage.

3 Ways Mitigation Differs From Restoration

1/26/2022 (Permalink)

If you need mitigation or restoration service, at SERVPRO, we have the professionals to help, call us!

3 Differences Between Mitigation And Restoration

A commercial building that has suffered storm damage is likely to require mitigation followed by restoration. The owner may hire a flood cleanup company and a restoration company or rely on a service capable of cleaning up damage and completing repairs. Here are three differences between mitigation and restoration.

1. Mitigation Takes Place First

As soon as any type of damage has occurred, a building owner should contact a company that provides mitigation. Be sure to document the worst of the damage before taking any measures to clean up or prevent further damage. Restoration should take place after the structure has been cleaned and steps have been taken to limit additional damage.

2. The Goal of Mitigation Is Limiting Damage

Mitigation efforts focus on cleaning up existing primary damage and reducing the risk of secondary damage. For instance, a flood cleanup company will extract standing water as soon as possible to limit water damage and prevent mold growth. Another mitigation measure is tarping over a damaged roof to stop leaks. Restoration focuses on fixing the damage sustained by a structure.

3. Mitigation May Involve Tearing Out Damaged Materials

It may be necessary to tear out certain materials in order to limit damage. Carpet, drywall, insulation and other porous building materials exposed to contaminated water can be difficult to completely clean and dry. These materials may no longer function as intended and can increase the risk of mold. Tearing out is done to limit damage and falls under the category of mitigation. Restoration involves replacing these materials after the affected area is clean and dry.

Mitigation and restoration are both necessary to remediate damage at a commercial property in Scarsdale, NY. Rather than hiring a separate flood cleanup company and restoration company, look for a single service that has the equipment and expertise needed to complete the entire damage remediation process.

What Can a Flood Cut Reveal?

1/26/2022 (Permalink)

You can trust our trained team to restore your business or home after a storm, to make it "Like it never happened."

What Information Can A Flood Cut Provide?

Commercial property owners in locations prone to flooding may have heard of a flood cut. This procedure involves cutting out drywall one foot above the highest point of flood damage. Flood cuts enable damage mitigation experts to determine the extent of moisture present behind a wall. Here are several things this type of cut may reveal.

The Extent of Damage

A flood cut can help experts determine how much water is present in wall cavities. Standing water or residual moisture can heighten the risk of mold growth in a structure. A flood cut can also indicate other types of damage:

• Saturated drywall
• Ruined insulation
• Hidden moisture

Depending on the degree of damage, restoration experts may recommend that owners have restoration professionals tear out and replace drywall and insulation. If damage is less severe, increased ventilation and a dehumidifier can promote drying.

Whether Tearing Out Is Necessary

Porous materials such as drywall and insulation can be ruined by saturation with water and will pose a heightened mold risk. The category of water damage is an important consideration. If water damage resulting from a broken pipe is addressed quickly, drying may be all that is necessary. Contamination is probably a factor for damage caused by a sewer backup or flooding, and more extensive cleanup and restoration may be necessary.

Whether Mold Is Present

If water damage occurred more than 48 hours earlier, a flood cut can help experts determine whether mold is growing. This procedure may expose an amateur to mold spores. For this reason, business owners should not attempt to make a flood cut, particularly if a musty odor or other indications of fungal growth are present.

Only a mitigation expert should make a flood cut at a building in Tuckahoe, NY . To determine whether this procedure is necessary after flooding, contact a service that specializes in storm and water damage.

3 Tips for Water Damage Claims

1/26/2022 (Permalink)

Most homeowners policies cover sudden or accidental water damage, but not all repairs associated with it are necessarily covered.

3 Water Damage Claims Tips

Bursting pipes are not the only issue that could prompt the need for water remediation services in your home. So many different factors can play into filing your insurance claim that you may not know where to begin or how to decide if the damage to your home in Bronxville, NY, is covered. Here are three ways to improve your confidence that your claim will be accepted.

1. Review Your Policy

Most homeowners' policies cover sudden or accidental water damage, but not every repair associated with it is necessarily covered. For example, your insurance will likely pay for the damage caused by a busted pipe but not to fix the broken pipe itself. Depending on the exemptions in your coverage, you may be able to pay for the remediation of any secondary damage that happens as a result of the original issue if it was covered by your policy. Your insurance agent can help you understand exactly what your policy covers.

2. Perform Regular Maintenance

The key to an accepted claim is often your own vigilance. Have bursting pipes repaired as soon as you notice the problem. Perform regular inspections and maintenance on all your plumbing. Make sure that your roof is intact, and have any weak points fixed immediately. If damage happens because you neglected to take care of your home, your claim may be denied.

3. Keep Accurate Records

Keeping a file with records of the repairs that plumbers and other maintenance professionals have done can help you back up your insurance claim. If your action on an issue is called into question, you have proof that you stayed on top of the problem. Accurate records also help keep you on track so that you remember when your last inspection or update was performed.

Whether water damage was caused by bursting pipes or some other type of leak, responding quickly and keeping an account of how you responded is important. Your fast action and knowledge of your policy can help you file a successful claim.