Emergency Kit Necessities

1/23/2023 (Permalink)

We hope this article has given you some ideas for what to include in your own emergency kit.

Severe weather can be unpredictable events and it can be difficult to say how severe they will be. They can cause severe flooding, property damage, and even death. It's important to be prepared for a storm so that you're ready if one hits your area. This article will discuss some of the most important aspects of your emergency kit.

Flashlights

Flashlights are an important tool for finding your way around in the dark. They can also be used to signal for help or to find things you've lost.

Extra Batteries

Batteries are a must for any emergency kit. In addition to flashlights, radios and other electronic devices will also need them. You may also want to consider storing backup chargers for your cell phone in your kit too so that you can keep your devices charged up when power is out. 

Battery Powered Radio

A battery-powered radio is another crucial piece to your emergency kit. You'll want to listen to local news updates and emergency broadcasts, as well as your local radio station for updates. If you have access to NOAA weather radio, that's another resource that can be useful during a hurricane. And if you live in an area with a fire department that uses a paging system in emergencies like these, you can use this resource as well.

Non-perishable Food and Water

Ensure you have enough nonperishable food and water to sustain you and your family for at least three days. This should give you enough time for things to calm down after the storm has passed.

Water is best stored in sealed containers with tight lids so that it doesn't evaporate or spill out. Food should be kept in cool, dry locations where there is little risk of being exposed to high temperatures or direct sunlight (so no leaving your emergency kit outside).

Please remember that pets need food as well! Be sure to include pet supplies like food, bowls, and leashes for them as well.

Blankets

Blankets are one of the most important items in an emergency kit. They can be used for sleeping or as a blanket, but you may also want to include them if you live in a cold climate.

Make sure you have enough blankets for everyone in your family or group before putting together an emergency kit! 

Portable Phone Chargers

If you are without power and would like to charge your phone, it's important to have a battery-powered charger on hand. Ideally, this should be a portable power bank or car charger, which can charge your phone while you are away from home.

Prescription Medications

Prescription medications are a must. Make sure to have enough medication for at least 3 days, and make sure you have a copy of your prescription in case your pharmacy doesn’t have the one you need. Make sure the medications are in their original containers with labels intact, that they haven’t expired, and that they are properly stored in airtight containers (they can lose potency quickly when exposed to heat and humidity). If possible, also include a list of all current medications (with dosages) and instructions on how to take each medication.

First Aid Kit

A first aid kit is an essential part of any emergency kit. It should be easy to carry, so don't forget to pack it in your go bag.

It's important that the first aid kit be well stocked with supplies that will help you treat minor injuries and illnesses until professional medical assistance can be reached. The following items are recommended:

• Bandages (various sizes)
• Gauze pads and rolls
• Disinfectant wipes or spray bottles (baby wipes are great for cleaning wounds)
• Antiseptic ointment - e.g., Neosporin or bacitracin
• Sterile gauze sponges or cotton balls
• Emergency tape/bandage strips
• Tweezers - for removing splinters and other small objects

Whether you're in the path of a storm or not, it's important to be prepared for emergency situations. In case of a hurricane, flood, or another natural disaster that causes damage to your home and access to shops is cut off for more than 48 hours, you'll want to have an emergency kit on hand.

We hope this article has given you some ideas for what to include in your own emergency kit. If a storm comes through and damages your Scarsdale home, give SERVPRO of Scarsdale/Mount Vernon a call! We will help you get back on your feet quickly.

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.

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 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.

Flood Water Removal: What to Expect

11/19/2021 (Permalink)

If your business suffers flood damage after a storm, give SERVPRO a call. Our team of flood damage experts will restore it efficiently.

What To Expect When Flood Water Is Removed.

If you’re dealing with flooding in West Mount Vernon, NY, then you may be wondering how to remove the standing water from your business. With the right equipment this process can be fairly straight forward.

Putting Safety First.

Whether you’ve hired a water removal professional or decided to attempt to remove the water yourself, safety is the first step before any cleanup can be done. Here are a few steps you should consider taking:

• Make sure electricity is turned off in the flooded area before attempting to go in
• Wear appropriate protective gear such as waders, waterproof boots and gloves
• Use appropriate equipment for water removal such as a trash pump
• Read the manuals for equipment use before hand
• Thoroughly wash your hands before touching your face or eating

Removing the Water.

Water removal should only be attempted with the appropriate equipment for the job. Many professionals have heavy duty pumps designed for this work, but buckets or a shop-vac may also be used. It’s best to remove as much of the standing water this way as possible, after which our building’s drainage should kick in.

Ensure Proper Drainage.

In many cases after the storm waters have subsided a bit, the drainage system installed in your building should begin to work again. However you will also want to ensure that any drainage your business is equipped with has not been clogged with debris from the flood water. Check for sticks, leaves and muck that could get in the way. If a sump pump is installed the intake and outtake valves should also be looked over. Once the main part of the water is removed then you can begin drying out the building, and follow up with any needed sanitation steps.

With the right equipment, such as a trash pump, water removal doesn’t have to seem like a daunting task. Remember to take proper safety precautions during the cleanup process. If you think your business may have suffered water damage then a professional in West Mount Vernon, NY, may be able to help.

Divvying Up the Responsibility for Flooding When You Rent

9/21/2021 (Permalink)

If you have any storm damage in your business, SERVPRO is here to help!

When Renting, Assigning Responsibility For Flooding

One great thing about renting your business space is that your responsibility for your building is limited. The actual owner of the building in Eastchester, NY, is responsible for maintenance and upkeep. Therefore, if you encounter a flood in your place of business, that’s not your problem, right?

The actual answer is yes and no. It is the owners’ responsibility to take care of any damage done to the building, meaning they’ll be the ones who need to call in the clean-up and restoration crew. However, any damaged property belonging to your business is your problem. That means you could be out of luck when it comes to:

• Computers and other technology
• Furniture and décor
• Data loss (paper and digital)

Your insurance will help with some of these issues, but renter’s insurance is often the most valuable in a scenario such as this one.

Low Costs

As insurance coverage goes, renter’s insurance is potentially the cheapest addition you could make to your overall plan. With some companies offering this form of insurance for as low as $20 each month, it’s a miniscule expense that could save your business from ruin in the event of a disaster in your rented space.

Coverage

While some might deem this form of insurance to be unnecessary, renter’s coverage is extremely thorough, especially considering its low cost. If your belongings are destroyed by a fire, flood or other covered event, you often can either have the item replaced or be fully reimbursed for its value so you can replace it yourself.

A Wide Range of Threats

Of course, it’s not just flooding that’s covered by renter’s insurance. It also includes fires, theft, structural damage and any other issue that might result in the loss of your valuable business assets while you’re in your rented office space.

You may not need to pay for restoration services after a flood in Eastchester, NY, but paying to restore all of your damaged equipment can be a huge strain on your business. Renter’s coverage offer valuable protection, regardless of what type of business you’re running in the rented space.

Financial Help for Flood Damage

8/4/2021 (Permalink)

Residential flood damage to a home in Scarsdale, NY.

Flood Damage Financial Assistance

Most homeowners in Scarsdale, NY don't realize that homeowner insurance does not cover floods. Separate policies are needed and those often take 30 days to go into effect. If you don't have flood insurance but damage to your home was caused by a storm in an area declared a federal disaster area, you may be eligible for FEMA grants. Here's what you need to know.

1. Federal Disaster areas are attributed to certain events are and are designated regions. You can find these at the FEMA website: https://www.fema.gov/disasters/year.
2. Funds may be available for damage to your property, including your vehicle or personal property.
3. You can apply for a grant online.
4. An inspector will call you after you apply. Official inspectors have identification, do not ask for money and don't recommend certain contractors for repairs.
5. Grant money may pay for temporary housing, repairs, medical, or funeral expenses caused by the approved event.
6. You may still be eligible for assistance if you already made repairs and cleanup. Always take before and after photos.
7. You should still apply for assistance even if you have flood insurance or think your income may disqualify you.
8. Low-interest SBA disaster loans may also be available.

Flood damage comes with a lot of complications including contamination of your home and personal property. A professional flood remediator can help you by using their expertise to remove what cannot be saved and clean what can. They are trained in disinfecting and cleaning all kinds of materials, as well as thoroughly drying your property to prevent the development of mold.

If you have never been through a flood, don't wait until it's too late. You can find out if your property is on a floodplain by checking the FEMA website. If you are at a higher risk for a flood, consider getting a specific flood insurance policy.

3 Steps To Take in Case of Water Damage From Severe Storms

6/18/2021 (Permalink)

Water damage impacts local business.

3 Steps To Take In Case Of Water Damage From A Bad Storm

When floodwater enters a building in Bronxville, NY, the results could lead property owners to spend thousands of dollars on repairs. Knowing what to do and acting fast after water damage from severe storms could save building owners money. Water damage from severe weather conditions can result from:

• Floods
• Burst pipes
• A leaking roof
  

1. Clean the Water Immediately
If you allow water to sit on your property, the porous natural construction materials will sop it up, leading to water stains, microbial growth, and other problems. Use mops, towels, or rags to remove as much of the water as possible. If it is a leaking roof or a burst pipe, take the appropriate steps to stop water from damaging more materials. Make sure you wear protective gear if you are dealing with black water or water that is highly contaminated.

2. Contact Your Insurance Company
It is common for insurance companies to cover water damage costs from floodwater. Contact your insurance provider before taking any steps to fix the building and prevent unnecessary costs. Doing so could save you thousands of dollars on repairs in addition to your insurance costs.

3. Hire a Professional Service
A professional water damage restoration service can help you clean, dehumidify, and restore your property to its normal state. Cleaning up storm damage can be a rigorous task. Sometimes it is more beneficial for property owners to hire a professional service. Research your local companies to hire the best one for you.
Flood water can lead to irreparable damages, especially if water is allowed to sit on the natural construction materials of a building. Take the appropriate steps to prevent unbudgeted costs of an emergency repair. Doing so could save you time and money, valuable resources that are better spent at your discretion.

Negative Effects of and Protections Against Business Power Outages

6/18/2021 (Permalink)

Having a portable generator means lights can stay on until power is restored.

When your business experiences a power outage, the results can be devastating. Thankfully, there are measures you can take to mitigate the problems that come with suddenly lacking power. Here's some quick information regarding office power loss, along with tips on protecting data.

Effects of Losing Power

A heavy storm or blizzard can knock down power lines in Elmsmere, NY, putting your company in an unenviable position. Some difficulties that come with suddenly losing energy include:

• Spoiled food, when office lunches are no longer being refrigerated
  
• Lowered productivity, triggered by the inability to access electronic systems
  
• Lost income, due to clients severing ties as a result of dissatisfaction with lack of service
  
  

Additionally, there is the possibility that when a power outage ends there could be a power surge that causes a fire. Even minor blazes can create structural damage that must be fixed by a team of commercial restoration experts.

Protections Against Losing Power
There are numerous ways of keeping your business safe from a loss of power. One essential protective measure is to use a cloud backup and recovery system. Regularly duplicating electronic records keeps important information secure.
Assure that computers are always accessible by installing backup batteries. These replaceable life-savers typically last between three and five years. As a general rule, you want one with a wattage output capacity that is 20 to 25 percent higher than the devices it connects to.
Having a portable generator means lights can stay on until power is restored. A wide variety of options may be found at major hardware stores. Prices range between a few hundred dollars and a couple thousand.
Never ignore the importance of surge protectors. Without one, a sharp electrical rush might completely incapacitate your computer.
A power outage has the potential to wreak havoc on your office. Take steps to guard yours before bad weather brings about disaster.

The 3 Stages of Residential Storm Damage Restoration

6/8/2021 (Permalink)

Storm water intrusion in Scarsdale, NY.

Steps To Restore Damage After a Storm

Severe weather can damage a residence and require professional cleanup and restoration. This process typically starts with removing standing water and lowering moisture levels. It may be necessary to tear out damaged building materials prior to cleaning, disinfecting, promoting drying, and eventually rebuilding. Restoration professionals will take the following steps to restore damage after a storm in Scarsdale, NY.

1. Extracting Water and Cleaning
From a roof leak to a broken window to flooding, a storm may introduce any amount of water to a residence. It is necessary to extract all standing water and reduce levels of moisture as soon as possible. From wet vacs to submersible pumps, restoration experts can recommend the right solution for removing stormwater from a residence.
While rainwater may not be heavily contaminated to start, the level of contamination can increase through contact with building materials and passing time. Mold may start to form within just 48 to 72 hours after water damage. Cleaning and disinfection should take place as soon as the water has been removed.

2. Promoting Drying
Storm damage cleanup experts may recommend the use of dehumidifiers and ventilation devices. Mold growth is less likely the sooner moisture is eliminated from a residence.
Prior to drying, storm restoration specialists may tear out irreparably damaged building materials. Rebuilding and restoration can only continue when the affected portion of a structure is completely dry.

3. Cleaning and Restoration
After drying, the affected portion of a residence can be cleaned, disinfected if necessary, and restored. This stage may involve replacing any torn-out materials and cleaning and restoring building materials and contents that have sustained water damage.
A homeowner should rely on a restoration company to mitigate, clean, tear out damage, and rebuild a residence after a severe storm in Scarsdale, NY. Commercial-grade equipment and professional expertise support faster and more complete cleanup and restoration.

Common Causes of Flooded Basements and How To Address Them

1/19/2021 (Permalink)

Your home's line could be blocked by tree roots

A flooded basement can destroy any furniture or carpet that you have on the lower level of your home. The floodwater could also encourage the growth of mold, which can then spread throughout your Eastchester, NY, house.

What Causes a Basement Flood?

It helps to understand what leads to water flooding your basement. There are several possible causes:

1. Sewage Backup
If sewage water is backing up into your home, you may be dealing with a clog in either the municipal or your house's sewage line. The city line may clog during storms when excess water enters the sewers. In older homes, rain from the municipal sewer system could back into your perimeter foundation drain. Your home's line, meanwhile, could be blocked by waste, tree roots, or grease.

2. Surface Water
Water that comes into your basement via the foundation wall is likely to surface water. Common causes of surface water floods include overflowing gutters, your landscape slope, and a faulty irrigation system.

3. Subsurface Groundwater
If you see water entering your flooded basement through multiple locations, the fluid is probably subsurface groundwater. Hydrostatic pressure can push water-saturated soils toward the basement. The fluid then enters through any small cracks.

How Do You Prevent a Basement Flood?
If your home sustains any of the above problems, water damage cleanup specialists may be able to salvage your belongings. However, you can save yourself some stress and hassle by preventing floods in your basement.
Start by updating the drainage system in your home. Adding a downspout or increasing the size of an existing one can limit gutter overflow. You can also install a sump pump that drains water from the flooded basement. Sealing your basement can prevent water from entering your house, as well.
There are many causes of basement flooding. Whether surface water leaks through the walls or sewage backs into your house, the consequences can be devastating. You should thus make some basic home improvements that can limit water damage.

5 Ways to Protect Your Business from Flood Damage

11/11/2020 (Permalink)

Install a backup generator to supply your building with power

5 Ways to Protect Your Business from Flood Damage

Protecting your commercial building in Eastchester, NY, is an important part of being a business owner. Disasters, such as severe weather, flooding and unwanted mold growth, can strike at any time and it's important that you take the necessary steps to protect your building. The following tactics can help you keep your property, your business and your employees safe in the event of a severe storm.

1. Pay Attention to Emergency Alerts.
Subscribing to a credible emergency alert system can help you stay up to date on severe weather activity. Pay attention to what the authorities have to tell you and make sure to follow their directions if they instruct you to evacuate.

2. Create and Practice an Emergency Evacuation Plan.
Meet with your employees to draft and discuss potential evacuation plans. Once you create an effective strategy, you need to make sure to regularly practice emergency protocol with all of your employees. This can help eliminate accidents and unnecessary panic if flooding does occur.

3. Protect Important Documents.
Any physical documents need to be sealed away in waterproof containers, as well as elevated on high shelves that are at least one foot above the projected flood level. It's also important to create multiple backup copies of electronic documents. You can store these on the Cloud to protect them from flood damage.

4. Trim Back Overgrown Trees and Shrubbery.
Overgrown tree branches can quickly become dangerous projectiles in the event of a storm. Make sure to regularly trim back any plant growth that could potentially inflict storm damage on your building's roof or windows.

5. Install Backup Generators.
If the flood isn't severe enough to warrant an evacuation, you want to make sure that your employees can continue to conduct business. Install a backup generator to supply your building with power and reduce the amount of lost income.
The above precautionary measures can help you protect your property, business and employees from damage caused by severe storms. If your building has fallen victim to flooding or storm damage, make sure to contact storm remediation professionals as soon as you can.

3 Ways Storms Damage Residential Contents

10/19/2020 (Permalink)

Ceiling damaged by storm

Three Ways Storm Damage Necessitates Content Cleaning

When a storm breaches a residence in Scarsdale, NY, precipitation and wind can damage interior contents. Overhanging or surrounding trees and items stored outside may become falling or flying debris. 

1. Leaks Introduce Moisture
Roofing can stand up to a considerable amount of impact and only sustain mild to moderate damage. These incidents should not affect the interior, given timely repairs. Over time, water can work through layers of roofing materials and reach the interior of a structure. Sudden, severe damage caused by the impact of falling or flying debris can cause a major leak. Water damage from roof leaks is initially Category Two, although standing water from a persistent leak can degrade to Category Three black water.

2. Breaches Admit Moisture and Debris
A breach in the building envelope allows precipitation and humidity to affect the condition of contents. Furniture and possessions may become damp or stained and could support mold growth without timely content cleaning. If a storm breaks windows, blows open doors, rips off siding or causes flood damage, a homeowner or resident should board up or tarp over surfaces and arrange for storm damage cleanup and restoration.

3. Wind Damages and Scatters Contents
Many types of severe weather involve high winds. If any part of the building envelope is compromised, wind can cause major damage. In the event of a major weather event or natural disaster that affects many households, a restoration company with franchises across the country is prepared to respond to spikes in demand in any region.
These are three ways in which the contents of any residence might sustain damage from a moderate to a severe storm in Scarsdale, NY. The materials from which a structure is built and the integrity of a building envelope may determine the extent of content cleaning necessary after a roof leak or structural breach.

Business Interruption Insurance: A Good Investment?

9/8/2020 (Permalink)

Business interruption is an investment, a hedge against the risk of uncertain loss

Major disasters can mean your business must close temporarily, then rebuild its commercial momentum on reopening. Calamities, for instance like a Category 5 hurricane, can test the resilience of even the most successful, financially sound venture. To offset the often steep costs of a business interruption, business income insurance can help ease the economic pain as you reopen, regroup, and reestablish the daily business of business.

What's Covered?

This insurance covers a variety of common business costs:

• Lost net income
  
• Mortgage, rent, and lease payments
  
• Loan payments
  
• Taxes
  
• Employee payroll
  
  

What's Not Covered?
Be sure to note what this insurance doesn't cover. Additional insurance may be needed for the following:

• Broken items (glass)
  
• Flood and earthquake damage
  
• Utilities
  
• Undocumented income (not listed in financial records)
  
• Pandemics
  
  

Who Qualifies?
Businesses with 100 or fewer employees and revenues up to $5 million are the norm. If yours is a small to midsize business, you can purchase a business owner's policy that combines property, liability, and BI coverage, which bundled together is typically more cost-effective than buying separate policies.

How Long Does BI Pay Out?
Business income (or interruption) insurance is usually limited to 30 days; however, extensions up to 360 days can further buoy up operations as your business works to rebuild its revenue stream. Typically, policies have an initial 48-to-72-hour waiting period before reimbursement.

How Much Coverage Is Enough? And How Much Does It Cost?
Consider your business' gross earnings and revenue projections to get a ballpark estimate of adequate coverage. Cost factors vary according to location, such as Elmsmere, NY, industry, employee count, amount of coverage, and your claims history.
Unfortunately, a sudden emergency and a closed business can leave you with lost revenue, ongoing fixed expenses and even new monetary outlays. Sometimes there's a need for damage restoration services before you can rebuild operations to pre-closure levels. Business interruption insurance can neutralize these financial pressures. Like any insurance, BI is an investment, a hedge against the risk of uncertain loss. It's worth considering.

Flooding Doesn’t Only Strike When it Rains

3/30/2020 (Permalink)

Frozen pipe in Yonkers, NY

If your commercial property isn’t situated in a high-risk flood area, you may not worry about flooding. Unfortunately, you aren’t totally out of the woods. Cold temperatures in Yonkers, NY can freeze the pipes in your building and cause a burst pipe. The good news is there are some safety measures that, if followed, will ensure your pipes stay safe from the elements.

Why Do Pipes Freeze?

Pipes that are installed near the exterior of the building are exposed to harsh weather conditions. If they aren’t properly insulated and the temperature dips below freezing, the pipes can freeze. A frozen pipe can then burst and wreak havoc on the property.

What Can You Do to Prevent Frozen Pipes?

To prevent a burst pipe inside the building, there are some smart proactive procedures to follow.

Any water pipes running along the outside wall of the building need to be insulated. There are many options on the market made of various materials, such as fiberglass, foam wrapped with a rubber backing and foil-backed cotton.
Inspect all water pipes on a routine schedule. Look for leaks or other signs of wear that may trigger a leak.
Make sure all shutoff valves are working well.

There are additional measures to follow outside to protect your property.

Drain all water from underground sprinkling before winter comes.
Unhook all outside hoses and remove any standing water. Store the hoses safely inside.
Make sure all water faucets outside are tightly turned off.

What Should You Do if a Pipe Freezes?

If you suspect that a pipe has frozen, or maybe about to freeze, turn off the water supply immediately and call a plumber.
It is also a good idea to keep the temperature constant inside the building. Even if there is no activity in the evenings or weekends, keep the temperature above 55 degrees.
Having a burst pipe in your building can be devastating, so protect those pipes from damage all year long.