SERVPRO is prepared with restoration equipment and experienced technicians.
Restoring Carpets in North Syracuse Homes After Water Damage Involves Several Steps
Flooring can often be one of the most widely damaged groups of materials after residential water damages occur, as the pooling collects at this lowest portion of the room and directly impacts the materials. Carpeting is one of the most challenging to restore after water damage.
Water Extraction
To begin water restoration of North Syracuse carpeted floors, our professionals must first remove any trapped water-saturated into this material. As one of the most absorbent installed construction elements, carpeted floors can hold a high volume of water before allowing pooling on their surface. Carpet wands and high-efficiency extraction devices pull water trapped in the carpet and the padding together.
Floating
Drying is one of the unique processes when carpets and padding can be preserved. If the inspection determines that it is viable to dry this flooring, the carpet's borders are removed from installed tack strips along the edge of the room where installed. A centrifugal air mover is placed in the small opening between the unattached top layer of carpet and the underlying padding beneath to begin infusing warm, dry air into this seam. The result is drying both materials simultaneously.
Deep Cleaning Strategies
Even with efficient drying and restoration that prevented the need for tear-out and reconstruction, extensive and intricate cleaning practices are still necessary to help. Carpet Cleaning Technicians (CCT) of our roster can utilize our powerful deep-cleaning tools from our inventory to restore the appearance of a carpet in several ways. Strategies to improve the appearance and color while removing set-in soils include:
Hot Water Extraction
Bonnet Cleaning
Deluxe Conditioning
Because carpeting is such a standard installation for homes and businesses in the area, it is vital for responding technicians to have appropriate restoration techniques uniquely designed for these materials. Our SERVPRO of North Onondaga County team can help with extracting, drying, and cleaning this popular flooring. Call us anytime disasters strike at (315) 457-3432.
How to Deal With Storm Flood Damage in North Syracuse
Storm damages may happen in a flash, SERVPRO storm damage restoration techs have the experience and equipment for every size disaster.
SERVPRO Can Restore Your North Syracuse Home After Storm Flood Damage
The extent of damage caused by a storm is unpredictable. Flood damage can ruin your home its contents, affect your health, and even cause electrical shorts. Therefore, it is essential to contact flood damage restoration experts like SERVPRO.
We can handle the storm flood damage in your North Syracuse residence efficiently. Our technicians are trained in specialized restoration procedures. We are also armed with state-of-the-art equipment. Our restoration process goes as outlined below:
Thorough assessment
Extraction of floodwater
Disinfection and deodorization
Rebuilding
Assessment of the Damage
Upon arrival, our SERVPRO team can conduct an extensive assessment of the extent of the damage to determine the most appropriate mitigation procedure.
Removal and Extraction of Water
We can remove the water on the floors as quickly as possible, using suitable pumps depending on the situation’s severity. For instance, if there is sand and silt in your home, we can use self-priming trash pumps to remove the floodwater because these pumps can move water that contains solids.
Disinfection and Deodorization
Our SERVPRO team can clean and disinfect all affected areas and contents. We can apply anti-microbial solutions to stop the growth of microbes. We can also use deodorants like odor-counteracting gels to remove the unpleasant smells.
Drying and Dehumidification
We can use air movers and dehumidifiers to dry your residence. Air movers expedite evaporation at the surface level while dehumidifiers remove the moisture from the air after it has evaporated. Refrigerant dehumidifiers remove water vapor through condensation. The water vapor in the air gets condensed on cold refrigerant coils, drains into a collection tray, and is then pumped into a drain.
Rebuilding
Our SERVPRO team can restore your house to its original condition by performing restoration activities like drywall replacement, tile floor repair, and hardwood floor repair, among others.
SERVPRO of North Onondaga County is well-equipped to help you handle the storm flood damage in your house. Contact us at (315) 457-3432. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.
Handling Fire Damage in North Syracuse Requires Professional Help
SERVPRO fire damage restoration technicians have all the tools and experience for every phase needed for your property.
SERVPRO is Ready to Help You Handle Fire Damage in Your North Syracuse Home
I have fire damage in my home. What steps should taken to repair my property? After fire damage, refrain from cleaning floors, walls, ceilings, and other absorbent surfaces. Improper cleaning can cause stains to set in.
The fire damage in your North Syracuse residence may be too challenging for you to handle alone. That’s why you need the assistance of an expert restoration firm like SERVPRO. We offer turnkey solutions for property owners dealing with fire damage and can assist you in restoring your home by taking several steps, including the following:
Testing for smoke residues
Water extraction and drying
Cleaning
Odor removal
Testing for Smoke Residues
We test to determine where the smoke residues are located, if it is possible to clean the residues and if the damages or residues are pre-existing or happened because of the recent event. Our SERVPRO technicians can verify if smoke residues are present by observing the contrast between the unaffected and affected areas or by cleaning a spot and comparing the cleaned spot and the uncleaned areas.
Water Extraction and Drying
It’s necessary to remove standing water from the building using pumps to prevent long-term water-related problems like mold growth or warping of wood flooring. We prevent these issues by drying the damp materials using air movers and dehumidifiers.
Cleaning
Our SERVPRO team can use general surface cleaners to wet clean a wide variety of surfaces, including painted ceilings and walls, wet cleanable wallpapers, hard surface furniture, appliances, paneling, and countertops. If there is grease and difficult soils in your home, we can remove them using heavy-duty cleaners.
Odor Removal
Our SERVPRO team can use ULV misters to remove the smoke odors. The misters produce small deodorant particles (20 to 60 microns in size) that remain suspended in the air for several hours. Due to their small size, the particles can penetrate crevices and cracks to eliminate the odors.
When you need fire damage repair services, contact SERVPRO of North Onondaga County at (315) 457-3432. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.
Commercial Water Cleanup in Liverpool Requires Expert Assistance
Commercial water cleanup services by SERVPRO are top-notch. we use the latest technology and equipment for every service.
SERVPRO Has Trained Technicians Who Offer Commercial Water Cleanup in Liverpool
Malls consist of offices, shops, places to eat, entertainment venues, other businesses, and their staff and customers. The visitors and customers are an essential element, and they expect your mall to be in great condition. Water damage in your mall can cause the loss of property and equipment, health and safety risks to the people who work in the building, legal concerns, and huge financial costs.
SERVPRO can help you to avoid these issues. We have well-trained technicians who are fully equipped to perform commercial water cleanup in your Liverpool property. Our restoration process proceeds as outlined below:
Finding the Leak and Moisture
Upon arrival, our SERVPRO technicians can find the leak and remedy it before beginning water extraction and repairs. We can also use moisture meters to measure the actual moisture level or content of various materials.
Extraction of the Water
To prevent additional damage like mold growth in the walkways and arcades of your mall, our SERVPRO team can use high-pressure pumps to remove the standing water. These pumps are designed to offer high pressure, which delivers above a typical discharge head. These pumps are suitable for pumping out underground structures like parking garages and basements because of the high amount of lift.
Drying and Dehumidification
We can use air movers to move dry air into the affected area to expedite evaporation. We can then use desiccant dehumidifiers to remove water vapor from the air. These dehumidifiers use chemicals called desiccants, which have a high affinity for water and absorb moisture from the air the dehumidifier processes.
Repairs and Restoration
After water extraction, drying, and disinfection, our SERVPRO team starts the process of repair and restoration. We can replace the building materials destroyed beyond repair and fix the salvageable ones.
SERVPRO of North Onondaga County has the expertise required to help commercial property owners restore their buildings to a preloss state. Our goal is to make the water damage seem “Like it never even happened.” Contact us at (315) 457-3432.
What Does North Syracuse Home Fire Damage Restoration Take?
After a fire incident takes place. You can trust that your home is in good hands with the experienced technicians at SERVPRO.
Better Product Choice from SERVPRO Aids Fire Cleanup in North Syracuse Property
With temperatures dropping during winter seasons, it is common to use space heaters at your North Syracuse home for some extra warmth. Despite the advantages, it also poses some disadvantages, such as fire risk, so take some precautions when using one. Ensure you do not leave it unattended and turn it off whenever you go to bed. You should also keep the heater at least 3 feet away from anything flammable like curtains and beddings.
A fire can still happen despite the precautions, so a fire damage restoration plan helps North Syracuse homeowners deal with the situation. Damage can extend to various structural components and items like clothes, rugs, nightstands, pictures, and paintings. SERVPRO helps in many ways, including inspecting the fire loss, cleaning debris such as soot, and deodorizing the affected areas.
Various Products Used for Content and Structural Cleaning
Heavy-duty cleaners
General surface cleaners
Wood crème cleaners
Getting the Right Performance from Cleaning Solutions
Smoke can spread throughout the house, depositing soot to surfaces and items. This can affect the property and air quality if not removed fast. There are different kinds of soot, and some forms are easier to clean than others. The choice of cleaning product matters, and in some cases, general cleaning products are sufficient.
SERVPRO also uses unique products to dial in on specific cleaning needs such as stubborn soot. Soot can be tough to remove if it is greasy. Hence we use heavy-duty cleaners due to their high alkalinity level and ammonia content to strip it down. Controlling odor after cleaning is also essential.
Various Equipment Used by Deodorization Technicians
Pressure/electric sprayer
Ozone generators
Air filtration devices
SERVPRO of North Onondaga County provides effective measures for fire damage restoration in your North Syracuse home. Call us at (315) 457-3432. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.
Is Professional Help Needed for Water-Damaged Liverpool Homes?
SERVPRO teams have the tools and experience you need to handle water damages on your property.
Water Restoration Companies Can Quickly Help Liverpool Properties After Disasters.
You might not always look at water damage events as reasons to acquire professional assistance. Many of these scenarios can damage your property worse than the surface materials might suggest. Experienced technicians like ours have tools for tracking moisture and efficiently removing problematic trapped water.
Assessing the Situation and Acting
Among the reasons for choosing water restoration companies for Liverpool homes and businesses after water damage is our ability to thoroughly assess the damage and mitigate loss quickly. Emergency services play a critical role in protecting the property from greater harm and reducing out-of-pocket expenses for the customer.
Removing Water and Surface Moisture
One of the initial mitigation actions possible by our professionals is removing standing water from areas in the house. We have multiple extraction tools and equipment uniquely designed for specific loss situations and can help overcome threatening problems requiring rapid water removal.
Providing Peace of Mind
There is no greater value our professionals can provide to homeowners and business owners than peace of mind. Through dozens of intricate cleaning and drying actions. We can interact with your property and its contents to offer a complete and thorough result. Some of the helpful services our team provides in this regard include:
Protecting Contents – Personal belongings are greatly at risk when standing water is a threat to your home. We can relocate contents to safe places on-site or our nearby SERVPRO facility for intricate cleaning.
Moisture Tracking – We have sophisticated moisture meters and technology like infrared imagery to identify and monitor water migration in affected materials.
Repairing the Damage – Our contractor license allows us to handle repairs and reconstruction that might be necessary. So you do not have to pursue third-party assistance.
Water damage does more than pool on the surface. When you need full-scale restoration and repairs, we have experienced WRT-Certified technicians to help. Give our SERVPRO of North Onondaga County team a call today at (315) 457-3432.
Where Is Mold Typically Discovered in North Syracuse Houses?
SERVPRO professionals are trained to handle every level of mold damage, Including the odors that come with it. Call us today, we are always available.
North Syracuse Homeowners Have Seen Many Types of Mold Damage.
Mold is an often-underappreciated threat to Syracuse area homes after storm damages, water emergencies, or high humidity concerns. While mold can appear almost anywhere on your property, there are areas where it is more likely to develop than others.
The Common Areas for Mold Growth
There are several areas where mold damage in North Syracuse homes is possible, and identifying these potential threats is critical to preventing costlier harm by finding developing mold concerns early. Some commonly affected spaces include:
Bathroom – Steam and water damage present in the bathroom can allow mold development under sinks, behind toilets, and in other damp areas.
Basement - Moisture from groundwater and the dark, cool conditions are often ideal for the development of residential mold.
Attic – Roof leaks and other moisture concerns can leave this confined space vulnerable to mold growth.
How Do You Know There is Mold?
Some physical signs and signals could point to developing mold colonies where these effects might not be blatantly obvious. Spotting is the earliest physical stage of colonization, where mold appears on the surface of the hosting material via irregular spots and marks of various colors. Musty odors can also indicate active colonization, even when they cannot be seen.
Can SERVPRO Help with Mold Removal?
SERVPRO has multiple products and approaches for cleaning surfaces and removing active colonies found throughout a household. We evaluate the type of remediation necessary to ensure that the right steps are taken quickly to prevent further spread and eliminate organisms.
Identifying mold quickly can be a critical element of efficiently mitigating loss in a house and remediating microbial growth. As leading remediation professionals, our SERVPRO of North Onondaga County team can help with effective and thorough mold removal, drying, and repairs where necessary. Give us a call today at (315) 457-3432.
For Safe Water Damage Repair in North Syracuse, Call SERVPRO
Regardless the magnitude of water damage, our technicians provide complete water removal services, including extraction, cleaning, drying & repairs.
Need Help Dealing With Flood Damage After a Storm in Liverpool? Contact SERVPRO
Safety of both the occupants and workers is of the highest priority when SERVPRO begins water damage repair in North Syracuse commercial properties. The first responsibility is to identify potential safety or health hazards and take steps to prevent exposure or accidents.
SERVPRO techs use a process known as HARM (Hazard Assessment and Risk Management) during water damage repairs in North Syracuse properties. The HARM process is made up of two components:
Hazard assessment
Implementation of controls
What Are Some Common Hazards During The Water Damage Restoration Process in North Syracuse Commercial Properties?
The restorers must identify potential hazards during water restoration in a commercial building in North Syracuse for the repairs to go on smoothly. Some of the safety concerns that SERVPRO techs examine during the HARM process include:
Ceilings damaged by water may collapse
Water may cause electric systems to malfunction
Deterioration of floors and subfloors might cause slip and trip hazards
Contaminated water
How Do SERVPRO Techs Implement Controls to Tackle Hazards?
Once the hazards are identified, the SERVPRO techs implement control measures to manage the risk created by the identified hazards successfully. Some of the control measures include:
Elimination /Substitution includes alternate, safer means to accomplish a given task.
Engineering includes redesigning the work environment or activity to eliminate or reduce exposure to the hazard.
Personal Protection: The use of personal protective equipment to create a barrier between the personnel and the hazard.
Need Help Dealing With Flood Damage After a Storm in Liverpool? Call SERVPRO
Water damage due to storms poses a significant challenge to the restorers as the water is often dirty and contaminated. Professionals like SERVPRO understand the importance of safety during flood damage restoration in Liverpool homes.
SERVPRO techs often need to use professional decontamination products while restoring flood damage to Liverpool homes. The products are useful to eliminate the contaminants and prevent their growth in the floodwater. SERVPRO techs use several antimicrobial agents to accomplish this:
Phenolics
Chlorines
Quaternary ammonium compounds
Botanicals
Agents that kill or destroy living organisms are called '-cides' while those that inhibit their growth are called '-stats.' So, a bactericide is an agent that kills bacteria, while a fungistat is an agent which prevents growth of fungi.
What Are Some Plant-Based Disinfectants That SERVPRO Techs Use During Flood Restoration in Liverpool?
Disinfectant agents derived from plant sources are called botanicals. SERVPRO uses quite a few botanicals in managing contaminated floodwater in Liverpool. Most botanicals contain essential oils like thyme oil and organic acids like citric acid.
As botanicals are derived from plants, they are much less harsh than chemicals. Another advantage of botanicals is that these agents are gentler on various surfaces, making them suitable to disinfect a wide variety of materials. Think Green.
When Do SERVPRO Techs Apply Professional Disinfection Products?
According to the IICRC, disinfecting agents are efficient only after using proper techniques to promote rapid drying and contaminated material is completely removed. Hence, SERVPRO techs never rely on professional products as the only means to control contamination. We always ensure that robust drying methods are in place before applying chemicals.
Let the experts at SERVPRO help restore the fire damage in your home.
SERVPRO Can Handle Any Size Fire Restoration in North Syracuse
One of the biggest challenges in restoring a fire-damaged home is eliminating the odors left behind by burning material. SERVPRO's fire restoration experts in North Syracuse tackle the odor problem using a multi-step approach.
Once the SERVPRO techs identify the cause of the odor during fire restoration of your North Syracuse home, they use many kinds of deodorizing agents to neutralize it. Some of the most common deodorizers that we employ in domestic fire incidents include:
Masking agents
Pairing agents
Adsorption and absorption filter agents
Enzyme digesters
Oxidizing agents
Apart from the masking agents, most other deodorizers alter the chemistry of the odor-causing molecule and render it odorless.
How Do SERVPRO Techs Use Pairing Agents to Deodorize Odors During House Fire Cleanup in North Syracuse?
Pairing agents are chemicals that chemically combine (pair) with odor-causing molecules. The pairing agents neutralize the odors in your smoke-damaged North Syracuse home in two principal ways:
Absorbing the air-borne odor particles and causing them to precipitate onto surfaces where they can be cleaned up. An agent that can do this is called a humectant.
Chemically combining with the odor molecules and changing their chemical properties make them odorless. A deodorizing agent that can do this is called a counteractant.
How Are Pairing Agents Applied During House Fire Cleanup?
A humectant pairing agent is usually applied after clean-up using a wet fogger that creates minute droplets of the deodorizer that can then absorb the odor-causing particles. A counteractant is generally applied by thermal fogging. In this process, the broken down into smaller particles using heat. Thermal fogging is especially useful to eliminate odors from difficult-to-reach places.
Broken pipes behind walls can quietly cause water damage in your home. Contact SERVPRO should the water damage become evident. Our team is here 24/7.
SERVPRO Provides Water Damage Mitigation in Liverpool
Water leaks can occur anytime in homes in Liverpool from broken pipes, overflowing sinks and tubs, and blocked drains. When a water line in a ceiling springs a leak, the subsequent damage to ceiling tiles or drywall can be extensive. The ceiling may even collapse, spreading water across the room below and damaging flooring materials and the contents in the room.
SERVPRO provides water damage restoration and mitigation services to homeowners in Liverpool. We respond within four hours of your call to assess the situation and mitigate additional damage from the water leak. Once a leak is detected, homeowners should immediately turn off the main water valve to limit further water spread. Keep away from sagging ceiling tiles and drywall. The weight of the water in the ceiling could cause the entire ceiling to collapse.
Our team carefully removes water from the ceiling by puncturing the ceiling tiles or drywall to release any water. Waterlogged ceiling tiles and drywall are removed to expose leaking plumbing and damp ceiling structures.
We employ water extractors to remove water from flooring materials. Weighted water extractors are used on carpets and underpads to prevent delamination of the carpet and damage to the subfloor.
Drying mats are used on hardwood floors to prevent water absorption, causing swelling of the wood leading to buckling and cupping of the hardwood floor planks. We use dehumidifiers and air movers to reduce the humidity in the affected spaces and dry the contents and structure in the room.
Frozen pipes and ice damming can leave large amounts of excess water in your home. Our technicians are standing by 24/7 - 365 days a year.
SERVPRO Provides Water Removal Services Caused by Frozen Pipes in North Syracuse.
If you have previously had frozen pipes and ice damming problems in North Syracuse, you already know how much damage is caused when water pipes freeze and split. Once they thaw, water runs everywhere, often from inside an exterior wall and into the home's main living areas or the basement. Preventing water lines from freezing in the first place eliminates the potential for extensive water damage.
SERVPRO provides frozen pipes and ice damming cleanup services in North Syracuse. If water pipes have frozen and thawed, releasing a torrent of water inside your home, our water removal technicians can help with water cleanup and drying all of the structure and contents. Our fast response to your call limits the amount of water and reduces the damage caused by the water. Ice dams can also cause water to leak into your home through the roof and into the attic insulation. Water then travels into the main areas of the house.
Homeowners can prevent ice dams by removing snow from the roof using a snow rake attached to a long pole to avoid climbing onto the roof. Add insulation in the attic to reduce heat escaping into the attic, which melts snow even during cold snaps.
Keep pipes warm by turning up the temperature in your home for a few days when there is a cold snap. Insulate the water lines using foam rubber insulation or use heating tape wrapped around pipes susceptible to freezing. Don't forget to heat the drain lines as well. Allowing the water to run from water taps slowly can also prevent water lines from freezing. While you may use more energy and water to avoid frozen pipes, the cost is minuscule compared to the damage leaking pipes can cause.
SERVPRO provides the following services when you have a water incident in your home:
Water damage from a broken pipe at your business location can quickly cause complications. Contact our SERVPRO team to investigate and remediate.
SERVPRO Provides Commercial Emergency Services Water Removal in North Syracuse
Whether it is a water leak from a broken pipe in the unit next door or the ceiling of your business unit, your North Syracuse commercial building operations come to a standstill until the water can be removed. The pipes must be repaired and everything dried. Your employees may not perform their normal duties, and suppliers cannot enter the building for deliveries. Alternate arrangements for your customers must also be arranged until operations return to normal.
SERVPRO understands the impact of any delays in water damage repairs to your North Syracuse commercial building. That’s why we respond in less than four hours from your call with the required team members and equipment to begin recovery, repair and control the water to limit further damage to your building and contents.
We focus on cleaning up the mess caused by the water leak and preventing additional damage to porous products. Unless the water is removed immediately, carpets can delaminate, wood products absorb moisture, and begin to swell. Many wood furniture items are made from particle board with a thin wood veneer to provide a finished look. Once they expand, these items cannot be repaired and lose structural integrity. Hardwood floors also absorb moisture and can swell, causing buckling and cupping.
SERVPRO technicians deploy:
Emergency services water mitigation techniques are applied to control the damage
Water extractors to remove excess water
To perform water damage repairs
We aim to return your commercial business to normal operations as fast as possible and avoid additional damage caused by standing water.
Fire damage and soot removal are cornerstones of SERVPRO's recovery for North Syracuse homes
SERVPRO Provides Fire Damage Restoration and Repair Services in North Syracuse
Even small fires can produce a great deal of smoke and residue that coats everything in the immediate area of the fire. While the actual fire may not cause significant damage, cleaning smoke residues can be time-consuming. Residue from grease fires that produce oily residues vs. hot fires that produce light soot and dust must be cleaned carefully with the correct cleaning agents and materials.
SERVPRO provides fire damage restoration and smoke residue cleaning in North Syracuse residents. We cover everything from demolition and removal, cleaning and drying, to restoration and repair for fires of all sizes and types. Every fire is different, and the damage and restoration activity must be assessed and planned to ensure all expenses are kept to a minimum while restoring your home as fast as possible.
SERVPRO uses appropriate cleaning methods for each type of fire and smoke residue
Dusting cloths dry or treated with mineral oil can be used to remove light soot and dust.
Dry cleaning sponges can be used to remove loose soils, especially on dry smoke residues; however, they are not effective with greasy smoke residues causing smearing across the item's surface to be cleaned.
Clean white towels are used to apply wet cleaning solutions and help to prevent streaking. They absorb and remove soils and moisture from the surface of the material being cleaned.
These are just a sample of the cleaning methods used by SERVPRO to remove smoke residues in your home. We analyze the type of fire, the residue produced, and we apply the appropriate cleaning method to return your home to its original condition, "Like it never even happened."
Call SERVPRO of North Onondaga County for fire damage restoration in North Syracuse and nearby areas. We can help 24/7. Call (315) 457-3432.
Need Help Cleaning Up Your Liverpool Home After Flood Damage? Call SERVPRO
SERVPRO mitigates flood-damaged houses in Liverpool. We understand how to deal with vapor barriers.
Contact SERVPRO for Flood Damage Restoration and Repair in Liverpool
Flooding caused by a storm can do a lot of damage to Liverpool homes and businesses quickly. Rainwater streams in through broken windows or holes in the roof. Floodwaters can also fill your home fast with debris, silt, and muddy water full of contaminated materials. Flood damage can be extensive, or it may not seem obvious at first if it is just rainwater coming in through the windows.
SERVPRO can help clean up after a storm, complete repairs from flood damage to your Liverpool home. We provide board-up services to cover all broken windows and doors, holes in the siding caused by flying debris, and tarps to protect the roof if it has been compromised. We deploy high-capacity pumps, weighted water extractors, air movers, and dehumidifiers to dry your home fully. Everything is cleaned and sanitized to remove any chemical, biological, bacteria, and viruses that may have been carried in with the floodwaters.
In addition, we check the inside of the interior and exterior walls. Exterior walls have a vapor barrier to prevent moisture from passing through. Compromised siding may have allowed water into the wall space between the vapor barrier and the insulation. Long-term secondary damage can occur if this moisture is not removed, and mold can grow inside the walls.
Vinyl wallpaper also acts as a vapor barrier. While it stops moisture from getting inside a wall cavity, it also prevents moisture from exiting the cavity during the drying process. We use moisture sensors to check for high moisture levels inside exterior and interior walls and take appropriate action to dry the area.
Our services at SERVPRO include:
Emergency flood damage response, repair, and restoration
High-capacity water removal and drying
Complete house cleanup and sanitation
Call SERVPRO of North Onondaga County for flood damage restoration in Liverpool and nearby areas. We can help 24/7. Call (315) 457-3432.
Can SERVPRO Water Mitigation Activities Reduce Secondary Water Damage in North Syracuse?
With rapid water removal SERVPRO mitigates damage to hardwood flooring in North Syracuse
Fast Water Mitigation in Homes by SERVPRO Reduces Secondary Damage to Homes in North Syracuse
Most North Syracuse residents focus on removing water after a water leak in their North Syracuse homes. They also make arrangements to repair the leak to avoid additional water leaking from the plumbing or overflowing from a bathroom or kitchen sink. However, after the water is mopped up, there can still be many gallons of water soaking carpets and under padding, inside cavities in walls or under cupboards, and hidden inside ceilings causing secondary damage.
SERVPRO provides water mitigation services in North Syracuse to remove water in these areas, reduce the humidity levels, and reduce the amount of secondary water damage. High humidity and water in these spaces, along with wet carpets, can lead to pressed wood products found in subfloors and cupboards absorbing moisture, expanding, and losing structural integrity. Hardwood floors can cup or buckle, requiring replacement or extensive repairs. Mold is also a potential issue. Mold colonies can become established in as little as 24 to 72 hours, and mold can cause health effects.
SERVPRO utilizes sophisticated tools to detect water and high moisture content in difficult-to-reach areas and remove water and reduce humidity to dry your home’s structure and contents. Our services include:
Deployment of weighted water extractors on carpeted floors
Hardwood floor drying mats to remove water from between the hardwood planks
Moisture detection devices to verify thorough drying inside walls and cavities under cupboards
Air movers and dehumidifiers positioned and monitored to dry your home
Our fast response in less than four hours from your call and deployment of highly trained technicians who utilize state-of-the-art equipment can help avoid secondary damage to structural components in your home.
Call SERVPRO of North Onondaga County for water mitigation in North Syracuse and nearby areas. We can help 24/7. Call (315) 457-3432.
Need Help with Fire Cleanup After a Fire in Your Commercial Building in Liverpool
Commercial fire damage restoration is a hard project. Call the professionals of SERVPRO for fast and immediate service.
SERVPRO Provides Fire Cleanup and Restoration for Commercial Buildings in Liverpool
After a fire, the first reaction is the appreciation for the fire department's quick action, and no one was hurt during the fire. All of your employees, clients, and suppliers safely left the building. But then reality sets in! How much damage is there? How much time will it take to recover and resume normal operations? Can temporary operations resume in another building or an area of the building unaffected by the fire? Who can they call for help to clean up after a fire?
Many commercial building owners call SERVPRO for help with fire cleanup in Liverpool. We have significant experience helping commercial customers with cleanup after a fire and restoration. We understand how important it is to resume normal operations for everyone involved. That's why we are on-site in less than four hours from your call with specialists in fire damage restoration.
The services provided by SERVPRO to commercial clients include:
Commercial contents cleaning and storage in staging areas
Among the many services we provide is help with storage of your commercial goods that have been cleaned and need to be stored in a staging area until everything can be moved back into its normal location. We can move cleaned items to a staging area in an unaffected area of the building or one of our safe, secure, and climate-controlled storage areas.
We work closely with your building manager to complete everything as quickly as possible to help your team resume operations without delay.
Call SERVPRO of North Onondaga County for fire cleanup in Liverpool and surrounding areas. We can help 24/7. Call (315) 457-3432.
Need Fire Damage Restoration After a Small Fire – Call SERVPRO
SERVPRO fire damage restoration technicians have the experience for any size fire damage to your home. No matter how small or big.
SERVPRO Provides Fire Damage Restoration Services to Residents of North Syracuse
Small fires can cause extensive damage to homes and their contents in North Syracuse. A burning cigarette dropped in the wrong place, or a candle tipped over can ignite loose papers, fabrics, and scattered materials. Most residents can extinguish these small fires quickly by smothering the fire or using a fire extinguisher. Unfortunately, even a small fire burning for several minutes can produce copious amounts of smoke. Fire extinguisher dust can cover everything. Your walls, furniture, floors, and contents must be cleaned, the odor removed, and smoke residues removed.
SERVPRO provides fire damage restoration for all types of fires in North Syracuse. All of your contents are cleaned and removed to another area of the home unaffected by the fire. These items remain in the staging area until your home is returned to its preloss condition.
Then, every square inch of the area impacted by the fire, smoke residue, and dust is cleaned. Our cleaning products have been carefully selected as the best to deal with the type of smoke residue deposited on your walls and floors.
SERVPRO responds to all types of fires, large and small, to provide restoration and repair services to our clients in North Syracuse. We train our team to deal with any fire damage. We utilize cleaning products that remove smoke residues caused by hot fires that produce fluffy smoke residue; grease fires produce oily sticky residues and odors; cool fires have lots of smoke residue, chemical fires, and more.
Our fire damage restorations services for all types of fires include:
SERVPRO storm damage restoration techs have the manpower and equipment for every size disaster. Call now!
SERVPRO’S Fast Response Mitigates Flood Damage in North Syracuse
Many of our clients jump right in after a flood in North Syracuse and begin cleaning up. Basements may be flooded, floors are wet, and there is debris covering most of your contents and walls. In addition to the debris carried into your home by the floodwaters, there are bacteria, viruses, fecal matter, and biological material mixed in with the water, which can cause medical issues for many people.
SERVPRO is well equipped to handle flood damage cleaning and restoration in North Syracuse. We have truck-mounted pumps to clear excess water from basements, personal protective equipment to protect our team. In addition, we clean and sanitize everything touched by the floodwaters to protect you and your family while we restore your home. Why take a chance when SERVPRO has all of the equipment and tools to repair your home safely and properly?
If you must re-enter the home, take precautions to protect yourself until SERVPRO can be onsite. We aim to be onsite in less than four hours from your call. Avoid using anything that requires electricity. It may short circuit and cause shocks to anyone who is not properly protected. Never use a vacuum to remove water. If ceilings are sagging or appear to be wet, stay out of these rooms. Remove colored items to avoid staining flooring materials and hang furs and leather goods to help them drain.
SERVPRO can restore your home after a flood damage event, “Like it never even happened.” Our services include:
Emergency services flood damage, water removal, and restoration
Basement flooding cleanup, dehumidification, and drying
Water cleanup and ceiling repairs
Call SERVPRO of North Onondaga County for flood damage restoration in North Syracuse and surrounding areas. We can help 24/7. Call (315) 457-3432.
Liverpool Residential Water Damage Mitigation is Critical
When a burst pipe causes water damage in your home, SERVPRO is the team to call. Our IICRC certified techs are ready at a moment's notice.
Contacting SERVPRO for Water Damage Mitigation Lessens Damage and Costs in Liverpool
While you may not think about it happening, water damage remains to be one of the more common and often destructive issues that homeowners face. It would be best if you addressed the fallout fast whenever you have leaking faucets or burst pipes in your home. Failing to act immediately might lead to excess water bringing on expensive damage, electrical hazards, and potentially harmful mold and mildew growth. Proper mitigation with the help of water restoration technicians (WRT) from SERVPRO gets you the results you deserve!
What is water damage mitigation in Liverpool, and why do you need it? Essentially speaking, water mitigation is the best approach to help prevent the onset of secondary damage. Mitigation prevents water saturation from impacting various building materials. Mitigation includes drying multiple areas to avoid degradation and mold growth, including:
Framework
Beams
Flooring
Drywall
Ceiling tiles
When you have standing water, our extraction crew gets to work with powerful pumps to pull up as much water as possible. Damaged contents may also be packed out for further drying or restoration. We also take the time to select our processes and equipment to better achieve our goals. This includes adjusting as we work to get the best possible result.
The type of water damage your Liverpool property has will also be considered as we select the proper water removal services and drying method. The three main categories of water include:
Category 1 – This is clean water from a source like a faucet or incoming water pipe.
Category 2 – This water may have started as category one but came into contact with contaminants. This category is often called gray water.
Category 3 – This is contaminated water from flooding, toilets overflowing, and other questionable sources. This category is known as black water.
When you need prompt water damage mitigation, contact the crew at SERVPRO of North Onondaga County. We can be reached 24/7 at (315) 457-3432.
North Syracuse Residents Need Fast Basement Flood Damage Restoration
SERVPRO is very conscious when it comes to safety products being used in your home or business. Storm damage restoration is a job for us.
24-Hour Flood Damage Response in North Syracuse with SERVPRO Gets You Results Quickly
When heavy rains roll in, and a storm front ravages your North Syracuse property, all it takes is a few hours and an issue with your sump pump, and you could be in for immense flooding. Storm drains can quickly overflow, and you might start to see rising waters overtaking your basement. SERVPRO is there to assist with your flood restoration needs, and we are available 24 hours a day to take immediate action.
For years, area residents have been able to turn to SERVPRO to handle all kinds of water and flood damage in North Syracuse. We are the industry leaders when it comes to advanced technology, proven methods, and response time so that you can get your unfinished or finished basement back to normal after you have flooding.
When you contact us for flood damage restoration services, you can count on a crew standing by, and we can deploy our Green Fleet fast to start in with:
Flood damage inspection – by assessing the flood damage, we can determine all materials and contents impacted by water, including the level of contamination.
Decontamination – Floodwater often brings various decontaminants, including raw sewage, vermin, chemicals, and more. We use EPA-registered cleaning agents and antimicrobials to kill bacteria and viruses.
Structural drying – Any building materials that get wet are vulnerable. Should significant portions of your framing, drywall, and other elements of your basement get damaged by water, the crew formulates a customized drying plan as soon as possible.
Dehumidification – Post-flood humidity can bring on mildew and mold growth, creating even more damage within your home. Our industrial fans and dehumidification equipment lower humidity to help eliminate mold growth while amplifying our drying efforts.
Skilled technicians best handle flood damage to your basement or lower level. Call our team at SERVPRO of North Onondaga County at (315) 457-3432 for rapid response.
Why Do Commercial Water Damage Restoration Methods Matter for North Syracuse Businesses?
SERVPRO techs have the training and experience in all phases of commercial water damage restoration. Call now!
Proven Water Damage Restoration Methods with SERVPRO Ensure Results for Your North Syracuse Commercial Location
SERVPRO understands how important it is for you to keep your North Syracuse commercial space up and running. Whether you are in the food service field or run a boutique, you need a safe space to conduct business. Water damage and flooding call for rapid cleanup, and we are here to assist area businesses with high-quality, efficient water removal services. Our IICRC-certified technicians do whatever it takes to help you recover from whatever water incident takes place.
Water Damage Assessment – Our crew chief takes a look at the space to determine the path of water migration, the level of damage, content saturation, and the potential for secondary damage.
Drying Plan Formulation – We put together a drying plan and adjust our process as we go so that we can quickly begin restoring relative humidity (RH) to normal.
Standing Water Extraction – After the drying plan gets established, we start water extraction using industrial-grade tools to pull up 99% of the water in the impact zone.
Address Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) – The crew sets up air scrubbers with HEPA filtration to pull potentially hazardous particulates from the air.
Reconstruction – In some instances, controlled demolition might be required to remove unsalvageable building materials. We make sure that everything gets carefully removed and disposed of properly before new materials get installed to make it “Like it never even happened.”
Never let your business miss a beat; contact SERVPRO of North Onondaga County when you need water damage restoration by calling (315) 457-3432. We can send a restoration crew out as soon as possible to get started.
Is Fire Restoration Necessary to Make a North Syracuse Home Safe?
Fire damage restoration services for your home are an important choice. SERVPRO IICRC certified technicians are ready at a moment's notice. Call now!
SERVPRO Fire Restoration Technicians Can Return your North Syracuse Property to a Safe and Secure Condition
Particulate contamination is one of the adverse effects of a recent property fire. Particulates, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), describe the microscopic toxins, dust, and soot released from burning materials. With many common household materials having increasingly complex ingredients, the risk of particulate contamination is higher. Natural, organic material such as cotton, for example, leaves behind a relatively low-impact carbon dry soot. Polyester, one of the more commonly used materials for home draperies or fabrics, is built from a synthetic polymer and can release toxic particulates or VOCs into the indoor environment. SERVPRO can help with:
Fire damaged homes
Smoke remediation
Fire and smoke damage restoration and cleanup
Conducting fire restoration in North Syracuse is a process of returning the home to a safe condition as it was before the fire. Managing particulate contamination is an essential part of this process. High pressure in a fire can lead to particulates bonding with or absorbing into clothing, draperies, fabrics, and mattresses. We have several methods that can help to decontaminate these materials before returning them to your home smoke, odor, and particulate-free.
Exposure to ozone gases can break down organic and volatile compounds quickly through the process of oxidization. This technique is very useful for deep sanitizing clothing or fabrics exposed to fire gases.
Professional-grade dry cleaning can help restore expensive natural fabrics, often employing solvents to break down or pair with particulates.
Mechanical cleaning uses Esporta washing machines to suspend fabrics, while rotary jets apply natural wet cleaning to the fabric's surface. Automatic cleaning is capable of removing 99% of contaminants from cloth.
Tackling fire impact can be tough without access to professional-grade equipment and products. Contact SERVPRO of North Onondaga County for fire restoration at (315) 457-3432.
Can Water Mitigation in a Liverpool Home Reduce Damages and Prevent Losses?
Water damage from a burst pipe is no easy task. SERVPRO water damage restoration techs will have your home back to preloss condition.
SERVPRO Technicians in Liverpool are Experts at Water Mitigation for Residential Properties
Water mitigation is the process of reducing potential losses in a home that has suffered a recent water intrusion event. Water intrusion can occur from internal plumbing problems, structural deficiencies, condensation or humidity damages, and natural disasters. There is a real risk of permanent damage arising in a property that is wet, which is why we consider it essential that you seek out professional assistance for:
The most important part of water mitigation for your Liverpool home is extraction and stripping. Extraction uses motorized suction equipment to transport high volumes of water out of the property and is essential for reducing the standing water level. Stripping a property refers to removing wet materials, including draperies, furniture, fittings, and upholstery. Wet contents generally require specific drying actions. Leaving them inside a damp structure can complicate the drying process as moisture raises humidity and potentially causes condensation damage or vapor damages. There are three main methods for drying a system. These include:
Natural drying, otherwise known as an open-drying system. This method relies on natural ventilation by opening windows or doors but is relatively inefficient and weather-dependent.
Convection drying relies on the use of temperature to speed up drying times and high-velocity air movement. Convection drying requires the service or hire of professional drying equipment.
Dehumidification relies on a closed-drying system and can be combined with convection drying for the best results.
Mold removal is not a DIY project. SERVPRO technicians are trained and experienced in all phases of mold remediation.
Mold Removal Companies like SERVPRO are Based in Syracuse and Ready to Help
No homeowner likes to find mold growing in their property. Sometimes mold growth can be relatively benign with an easily fixable solution such as resealing or ventilating the affected areas. In other situations, the visible signs of mold growth can be indicative of a much larger problem. Mold is a natural organism that spreads through microscopic spores and requires moisture to live. If a mold issue consistently returns after cleaning away, it may be a sign of a much more complex microbial infestation. In these circumstances, it is vital to bring in professionals that can help with:
Mold inspection
Mold removal
Black mold damage repairs
The core principles relied on by mold removal companies in North Syracuse are to address the source of the issue and then completely remove any contaminated materials. When working on a mold remediation job, one central tenet is to ensure that the area is sealed while work takes place. Since mold removal often uses aggressive action and machinery, there is a strong chance of mold spores becoming airborne. Containing these mold spores at the source is essential to ensuring that the infestation does not spread to previously unaffected areas.
When using sand or soda blasting equipment, negative air pressure machines can help capture airborne spores released by aggressive cleaning.
A containment barrier is usually set up as an extra precautionary measure to seal off areas of infestation before work begins.
Decontamination of any clothing, boots, gloves, and equipment is vital to prevent mold spores from being transported through the property.
If you suspect a recurring mold issue in your property, contact SERVPRO of North Onondaga County for mold removal companies at (315) 457-3432.
SERVPRO Offers Swift and Efficient Fire Damage Restoration to North Syracuse Businesses
When your restaurant kitchen has fire damage. SERVPRO is the team to call for your commercial fire repairs. Call now!
SERVPRO is Available Round the Clock for Fire Damage Restoration of North Syracuse Eateries
Although restaurants are especially susceptible to fire damage incidents, many restaurateurs find themselves ill-prepared to deal with the aftermath. After such an unfortunate incident, the best thing you can do is hire a professional fire damage restoration service like SERVPRO to take care of your North Syracuse property.
SERVPRO's technicians work with you to get the fire damage restoration of your North Syracuse property underway in no time; We're Faster To Any Size Disaster. We aim to minimize the downtime of your business and get it up and running as soon as possible. Although cleaning residue left behind by fire and smoke damage can be challenging, SERVPRO technicians have the training and knowledge to get the job done.
Kinds of Residue SERVPRO Technicians Deal with After Smoke Damage to Your North Syracuse Property
There are four general categories of smoke residues that SERVPRO technicians deal with in fire-damaged properties in North Syracuse-
Dry smoke residue
Wet smoke residue
Protein smoke residue
Fuel oil smoke residue
Burning materials such as poultry, meat, or fish, common in restaurant kitchens, leaves protein smoke residues. Such residues are yellow or amber and can stain painted walls and cabinet surfaces. However, the biggest issue with protein residue is the odor.
SERVPRO technicians use several deodorizing techniques to eliminate the odors left behind after protein fires. We use equipment such as thermal foggers and air scrubbers to get rid of the smells.
When appliances go crazy in your home. Call SERVPRO IICRC certified technicians for the job. We will be onsite within 4 hours of the initial call.
Fast and Reliable Service Makes SERVPRO One of the Highest Rated Water Restoration Companies in North Syracuse
The intrusion of water into your home can initiate a sequence of events that can quickly get out of hand, extensively damaging the structure and contents. Hiring SERVPRO, one of the most reputed water restoration companies in North Syracuse, can help you get the situation under control and prevent long-term damage.
SERVPRO is one of the few water restoration companies in North Syracuse whose IICRC certified technicians have the proper training, expertise, and equipment for the job. Water damage restoration is a complex operation that requires meticulous planning and precise execution. Once the SERVPRO techs finish inspecting the property identifying the scope and extent of the damage, the next step is to establish a drying goal.
How do SERVPRO Techs Establish a Drying Goal During Water Cleanup in North Syracuse Properties?
A drying goal during water damage repairs is a set of conditions that materials and contents should display once SERVPRO techs have restored them to a preloss condition. The purpose of a restorer is to eliminate the excess moisture from the material by speeding up the drying process using dehumidifiers and air movers.
The drying goal is set by establishing a dry standard, which is the moisture level of dry material in an undamaged area of your North Syracuse home. The SERVPRO IICRC technicians aim to attain the moisture level in the water-damaged area close to the dry standard during the water damage remediation process. The restoration is deemed complete once the moisture readings of the water-damaged site match the dry standard.
When flood damage occurs to your home. Call SERVPRO for the storm damage restoration needed for your home.
SERVPRO Offers Fast and Efficient Service After Flood Damage to North Syracuse Homes
Contamination can be a major issue after flood damage to your North Syracuse home. SERVPRO technicians can safely handle contaminated water after flooding incidents and prevent any long-term problems associated with it.
SERVPRO technicians often have to deal with contaminated water after flood damage to North Syracuse homes. The most important goal while providing water damage repairs in such situations is to ensure the safety of the technicians and the occupants. The SERVPRO flood restoration experts use different types of antimicrobial agents to control the microbial load of the floodwater. Our technicians also use proper personal protective equipment (PPE) during the water damage restoration.
What are Some of the Chemical Agents that SERVPRO Techs Use During Flood Restoration in North Syracuse?
SERVPRO technicians use various chemical agents during the water damage remediation after a flooding event in North Syracuse. Most of them are categorized into the following two categories-
-stats: These are chemical agents that do not necessarily kill the microbes but prevent them from growing. Most common -stats that SERVPRO techs use are fungistats and mildewstats.
-cides: These are chemical agents that destroy or kill living microbes. For instance, a bactericide is a chemical agent that can kill bacteria.
It is worth knowing that in the restoration industry, a more common term used is 'biocide,' which is used to identify any chemical substance that can affect the growth of microbes, including bacteria and fungi. A biocide can be either a -stat or a -cide.
Whether it was soot or smoke that caused damage, team SERVPRO can help. Contact us for fire damage remediation services.
North Syracuse Property Owners Look to SERVPRO for Help With Fire Damage
The effects of fire damage to your North Syracuse home can be limited if you involve SERVPRO professionals as soon as possible. The longer the smoke and soot residue sits on a surface, the more difficult it gets to remove.
Every fire incidence is different, and SERVPRO techs use a combination of cleaning principles to clean up fire damage to your North Syracuse home. SERVPRO technicians use multiple ways to agitate surfaces, multiple products to produce chemical reactions, and multiple cleaning procedures to remove the residues. We utilize the complete range of restoration procedures before any fire-damaged material is declared unrestorable.
Principles of Cleaning SERVPRO Uses During House Fire Cleanup in North Syracuse Homes
Although the specifics may change with every fire situation, SERVPRO techs invariably use some basic principles during fire and smoke restoration of your North Syracuse home-
Finding and identifying type of residue- Type of smoke and soot (dry or wet smoke residue, protein residue) involved determines the cleaning procedure to be used. SERVPRO techs meticulously identify the type of residue and surfaces involved and develop a cleaning strategy accordingly.
Capturing and removing residues- Residues are captured by either vacuuming them or dissolving them in appropriate solvents to loosen the bonds with surfaces. The type of residue and the kind of surface determine which of these are used.
Properly disposing of the residue- Once the residue is captured and removed, it needs to be disposed of safely. SERVPRO adheres to the guidelines set forth by the state and local administrations while disposing of the residue from fire-damaged homes.
Has your home been facing a mold infestation? Contact our experienced SERVPRO team for mold damage remediation services.
What Makes SERVPRO Stand Out Among Other Mold Removal Companies in North Syracuse
Mold damage can cost you in more ways than one if you don't seek professional help on time. Mold removal companies like SERVPRO have the necessary expertise and experience to mitigate mold from your North Syracuse home safely.
SERVPRO stands out among other mold removal companies in North Syracuse as we believe in providing a quality service that you can trust. As mold can cause health effects, safety is paramount during mold inspection, remediation, and removal. SERVPRO collaborates with Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) professionals and Indoor Environmental Professionals (IEP) to develop a mold mitigation strategy that is safe and efficient.
Signs That You Need SERVPRO Mold Specialists to Tackle Mold in Your North Syracuse Home
The best way to control mold damage in your North Syracuse home is to involve the professionals early. Some indicators that your home might need professional mold remediation include-
If you notice musty odors, especially in places where the moisture is high
If you have water issues such as burst pipes or ceiling leaks. Mold love water and spores can quickly germinate in water damaged areas
If there are visible signs of mold, including discoloration that is fuzzy or slimy. It is important to know that mold colonies can have a variety of colors, including gray, white, brown, or green
Remember, black mold is no more dangerous than any other type of mold found in your home. Getting professional help early is the key to successful mold mitigation.
Excess water and moisture? Team SERVPRO arrives on the scene with the equipment to detect and remediate the water damage in your home.
SERVPRO Provides Fast and Reliable Water Cleanup at North Syracuse Homes
Water mitigation by SERVPRO at your North Syracuse home involves activities that help to minimize the damage to the structure and contents after a water incidence. SERVPRO provides one of the fastest water removal services in the area, followed by the necessary water damage repairs.
Once the SERVPRO technicians begin the water mitigation of your North Syracuse home, their first goal is to scope the structure to identify areas where water has intruded. SERVPRO techs use equipment such as moisture sensors, thermal cameras, and thermo-hygrometers for this purpose. However, due to its many advantages, a thermal camera is one of the first pieces of equipment that technicians use.
How SERVPRO Techs use Thermal Image Camera During Water Damage Repairs in North Syracuse?
A Thermal image camera is one of the best pieces of equipment for a fast evaluation of the extent of moisture in your water damaged North Syracuse home. The camera can show how water traveled through the structure and indicate moisture that otherwise might never have been discovered. As water evaporates from a surface, it tends to cool the surface down. A thermal image camera can detect such colder areas and hence help the technicians find moisture.
A thermal image camera offers several advantages to a water damage restoration technician, including-
Causes no damage to the structure- Unlike penetrating moisture meters that can cause minimal damage, thermal cameras don't cause any damage.
Allows inspection of difficult areas- Using penetrating moisture meters can be difficult to detect moisture in areas such as an extremely high ceiling. A thermal camera can be easily pointed up to the ceiling for moisture measurement.
Saves time- Pointing thermal cameras to large areas is faster than probing them with moisture meters.
SERVPRO uses the latest technology and equipment for every size of storm and flood-damaged properties.
One Way SERVPRO Eases Water Damage Repairs in Liverpool is Providing Varieties of Equipment
Flooding is both a nuisance and a costly problem to resolve. However, with the help of a professional restorer, it is possible to minimize both. Even for simpler tasks such as removing floodwaters, professional assistance makes a significant difference.
Easing flood water removal from Liverpool properties requires equipment that can expedite extraction or handle unique processes such as removing solid-filled water or water trapped in cavities. For instance, using a truck-mounted water extractor that can remove many gallons of water an hour cuts down the time it takes to remove any pooling water.
SERVPRO teams are equipped with various types of extractors to address different water removal needs. Submersible pumps help if there are pools of standing water deeper than 2 inches in the structure. We also have self-priming trash pumps to remove water filled with solids up to 3 inches in diameter. In many cases, floodwaters recede, leaving only small pools around the house. In such cases, light wands are the best.
Removing standing water is only the first phase when solving flooding. Moisture management is also necessary. Our SERVPRO technicians have high-speed air movers and a variety of dehumidifiers like LGR and desiccant to help with drying delivering satisfactory:
Water removal services
Water damage repairs
Sewage cleanup
SERVPRO of North Onondaga County provides unique flood water removal solutions. Call us at (315) 457-3432 when you need assistance.
Clearing the Mess after Flood Damage Incidents in North Syracuse
Flood damage restoration for properties needs the help of SERVPRO. Our techs are ready 234/7 365 days a year.
SERVPRO Provides Water Clean Up Resources in North Syracuse Homes to Reduce Inconveniences
Heavy rainfall releases a significant amount of water within a short while. As the water moves and collects debris like mud, there is a risk of depositing it inside your house, creating a significant mess. Unfortunately, the mud remains behind when the water recedes.
Although mud accumulation does not necessarily mean significant flood damage in North Syracuse homes, removal can be challenging or lengthy. You might need to scoop off the mud manually or use special extraction equipment to ease removal.
Our SERVPRO technicians are comfortable with all removal methods. We can use shovels if the water recedes, leaving a thick layer of mud. Pressure washing is another alternative since the strong force of the water peels of the mud from the surfaces fast. In case there is standing water mixed with debris, self-priming trash pumps come in handy.
On finishing cleaning, drying the floors and walls is essential to dry off excess moisture to prevent secondary issues like mold, staining, and odors. Our SERVPRO crews use industrial-grade dehumidifiers or air movers, thus leading to a better conclusion of:
Water clean up
Basement flooding cleanup
Flood restoration
SERVPRO of North Onondaga County strives to deliver satisfactory services when called to resolve flood damage incidents. Call us at (315) 457-3432.
Which Water Damage Repair Solutions Should We Try If Our North Syracuse Business Is Affected?
Water damage restoration services by SERVPRO are second to none. Call now for all the help your property needs.
SERVPRO Combines Simple and Advanced Techniques When Delivering Water Removal Services in North Syracuse
A case of a water spill or leak has various implications on your business. In many instances, spilled water interrupts normal operations since customers and staff members would not want to perform any tasks in wet areas. In addition to the interruption, moisture and other factors cause wide-ranging physical damages.
It is essential to perform timely water damage repair at your North Syracuse premises. Repairs can be as simple as drying wet materials or reversing physical changes such as swelling, staining, or discoloration, among others.
SERVPRO provides IICRC certified Water Restoration Technicians to handle the different renovation tasks your property needs. We inspect the loss site to establish the kind of damage present. In most cases, organic materials such as wood and its derivatives are significantly damaged after:
Burst pipes
Ceiling leaks
Emergency services water damage
When notified about the loss, our SERVPRO teams can use various strategies to reverse multiple damages. For wooden materials and items, swelling is usually the precursor of other problems such as warping and cracking. Our technicians use methods such as drying chambers to enhance and regulate drying. The technique can help save wooden floor panels or even furniture such as desks or chairs. Other problems such as water-spotting can be reversed by wetting entire items before drying them.
Day or Night, SERVPRO Can Arrive for Fire Damage Emergencies in the Liverpool Area.
SERVPRO is Available 24/7 for Expert Fire and Smoke Damage Remediation
When fire damage strikes your Liverpool home, never wait too long for help. After a fire, visualize your kitchen in shambles. The walls are burnt and caked with smoke. The floor is a greasy mess and it is covered with water from emergency efforts. While this may seem like a daunting cleanup, we have your back here at SERVPRO.
If you quickly reach out for Liverpool fire damage restoration services, our technicians can always make an effort to reach you just as swiftly. To remediate the aforementioned example, our technicians could:
Remove cabinetry and appliances
Demolish unsalvageable flooring and drywall
Set up advanced technology to help reduce moisture, malodors, and smoke damage
Our technicians are expertly trained and continue to take updated courses so we can say we have the best technicians around. We want to leave you feeling like you were in the best hands for the remediation process. Call us when you need:
Don't let mold take over home. Call in the experts at SERVPRO right away.
SERVPRO is Available For Your North Syracuse Mold Damage Emergency!
Finding mold damage in your North Syracuse home can be difficult for any homeowner to face. What matters is how you react to the damage you find, and how quickly you can get professional help into your home. Here at SERVPRO, our goals align with yours. We want to get into your home, remediate the damage, and then leave you feeling good about the work we did, and we want to do it quickly. “Like it never even happened.”
When we offer you our North Syracuse-based mold damage remediation services, we want you to feel confident about the assistance we gave. At SERVPRO, we:
Provide our technicians with excellent training
Use advanced technology and the newest remediation techniques
Are available 24/7, whenever an emergency strikes
If you suspect mold damage is in your home, do not bother trying to reach out for high-cost mold testing. Our technicians can enter your home, do an investigation, and then set up the best remediation course for you. Using advanced technology, we can reduce musty odors and remove active mold colonies. Trust SERVPRO to provide you with expert:
Mold Remediation
Mold Inspection
Attic Mold Removal
Mold Removal
If you think you may possibly have a mold issue, do not hesitate. Reach out to SERVPRO of North Onondaga County by calling (315) 457-3432. We're ready to help!
How Can I Deal With the Fire Damage in My North Syracuse Home?
Call SERVPRO immediately following a fire in your North Syracuse home. We will leave your home looking "Like it never even happened."
Our SERVPRO Technicians Can Provide You With Expert Fire Damage Restoration!
North Syracuse has a very long history in New York and was once called Centerville. The small town was first settled in 1788, during mid-summer. Centerville became North Syracuse officially during 1880 and became an official village in 1925.
North Syracuse Facts:
North Syracuse is extremely small, with a census population of 6,800 as of the 2010 census. It is located in the towns of Cicero and Clay and North of Syracuse, thus the reason for the name it took on in 1880. The village is reported to only take up two square miles of space, which truly highlights how tiny it is.
What Can I Do in the Surrounding Area?
Seeing as North Syracuse is so small, people touring the area usually branch out and see various sites throughout the nearby towns and cities. No matter if you are alone or with family, there are attractions for you to see.
Rosamond Gifford Zoo: This iconic zoo was created more than 100 years ago. In 1986 it went through renovations and redevelopment before it reopened to the public.
Great New York State Fair: If you catch yourself in North Syracuse during the right time of year, do not miss this legendary event. The fair has been in operation since 1832, so there is plenty of history to be seen. Furthermore, the fair has amazing foods, drinks, and local craft items that you can sample and buy.
Central New York Regional Market: If you want to do some local shopping, taste local produce, and meet the amazing people who make up central New York, this market is the right place for you. Don't miss out on the organic and local food, as well as the craft goods you can find.
Fire Damage in my North Syracuse Home?
Experiencing fire damage in your North Syracuse home is a traumatic event for many families. Here at SERVPRO, we understand many of the local buildings and houses have history to them. We know you might have inherited the home that has been in your family for decades. For this reason and many more, we take our job very seriously and strive to provide you with the best services possible. Call us whenever you need, day or night, our technicians can help you with:
Fire & Water Damage Restorations
House Fire Clean Up
Smoke Damage
Our IICRC certified technicians have the best training, and we make sure they are equipped with advanced industry-leading technology. For example, say your food caught fire while you cooked in the kitchen, and those flames got out of hand before you could quell them. At SERVPRO, we do not fear any size disaster and can help you restore your home to its pre-fire state. Our technicians can use the following equipment inside of your home to remediate the damage inside:
Thermal foggers for airborne malodors
Odor-locking priming paint
Wet/dry vacuums to clean up water from firefighting efforts
When your home suffers fire damage, do not wait long to get help. Speak with SERVPRO of North Onondaga County by dialing (315) 457-3432. We're here to help you!
Can Certain Materials In North Syracuse Buildings Affect Water Clean Up and the Drying Process?
You might not be able to avoid water incidents, but SERVPRO of North Onondaga County is there to help if they occur.
SERVPRO Has Experience Helping Businesses in North Syracuse with Water Intrusion Issues
Moisture impacts materials in different ways. This fact can often make water restoration a more complicated procedure. Technicians must know precisely the type of materials, how they interact with water and what equipment or products are the most effective at drying them.
When looking for commercial water restoration companies in North Syracuse, it is vital to identify those with correct qualifications. Qualifications are a solid indicator of expertise. In business premises, building materials with high permeance, vapor barriers, or hygroscopic materials, like Gypsum board, all require unique drying methods. SERVPRO technicians have the training to restore your business quickly.
Hygroscopic material absorbs water vapor quickly. Often dehumidification can be an effective remedy, although, with long-term exposure, a replacement can often be more cost-effective.
Vapor barriers such as vinyl wallpaper can make it difficult to completely drywall or ceiling cavities. In these situations, we can either drill or temporarily remove the wall to permit airflow.
High permeance materials like carpets can often be restored using drying equipment and cleaning products.
Expert technicians are available now. Contact SERVPRO of North Onondaga County for expert water restoration companies at (315) 457-3432.
How Long Does it Take to Dry a Liverpool Residential Property?
We have the equipment and training to restore your home to pre-damage condition after storm damage strikes.
SERVPRO Uses Advanced Drying Equipment to Reduce Water Damage in your Liverpool Home
Floodwaters can affect the materials in your home in two distinct patterns. The first is through liquid water, which directly contacts materials. The second pattern is a result of evaporating moisture, causing water vapor damage to materials.
When performing flood damage in your Liverpool home, it is vital to recognize these two distinct patterns and mitigate them. SERVPRO technicians use psychrometry science to help limit the losses of both liquid and vapor water impact. Psychrometrics is the study of how humidity, temperature, and airflow interact in an environment. By manipulating these factors, we can speed up drying times, reduce condensation damages and limit secondary microbial-related losses.
We use rapid-air moving equipment to control airflow in an indoor environment.
Dehumidifiers are deployed to counteract the effect of water vapor in an environment.
Indirect fired-furnaces and electric heaters are often used to control the temperature within an environment for optimal drying times.
We understand the dangers of fire damages and the need for rapid response to your property. Call SERVPRO right away!
SERVPRO Helps Liverpool Residents with Smoke Damages after a Recent Fire
The village of Liverpool is a small residential town that borders suburban areas like Syracuse and Salina. The lakeside community of 2,347 people is part of the broader New York metropolitan area. The nearby Lake Onondaga, from which the wider county derives its name, was once a famous salt-producing region that grew the surrounding communities that manufactured salt and shipped it across the United States in the nineteenth century. Nearby Syracuse is fondly nicknamed the 'Salt City'; however, it was on Lake Onondaga's shores that the majority of salt production took place.
Early settlers to the region set up camp on Onondaga Lake in the early seventeenth centuries. At this point, the demographics of the area were primarily Iroquois indigenous peoples alongside a handful of French Canadian missionaries. The completion of the Erie canal in the area diversified the local population, with a large number of Irish, German, and Yankee settlers moving to the area in search of work. The industrial revolution in America saw a boom in many lake and waterside communities as these provided ideal power sources to run sawmills. The village was incorporated into the United States in 1830 when it changed its name from 'little Ireland' to 'Liverpool.' Local historians suspect the name change's driving factor was the UK Liverpool's strong reputation as a salt producer.
The Salt Museum at Onondaga Lake Parkway is an exciting collection of exhibits and artifacts that charter the region's economic journey through salt mining. Run by the non-profit organization, admission is free, and there are several video watch-alongs documenting the processes and economic importance of salt-mining.
The Onondaga Lake Park is one of the most sought-after spots in Liverpool, NY, on warm days. Alongside the scenic lake and landscape is a selection of facilities, butterfly enclosure, basketball, and volleyball courts. Several trails are available that run from five to ten kilometers in length.
To live like a local in Liverpool, New York, you must attend a college basketball or football game. Upstate New York is famous for its love of SU games and, if you are unable to make it to the game, there are numerous atmospheric bars to catch it on. The Cobblestone, the Retreat, and the Barking Gull are a few of the local favorites.
SERVPRO Can Help Get Rid of Smoke Residues and Odors from your Liverpool Home
Fires produce smoke that can stick to walls, ceiling, interior cabinets, and fabrics. These particles are notoriously difficult to clean, and anyone's house fire can produce hundreds of chemical different smoke stains. SERVPRO technicians have extensive training and experience in assessing your home and finding the appropriate cleaning solution.
Pre-testing involves light washing, dry sponging, and analyzing smoke deposits to inform the restoration project.
Upholstery cleaning surfaces are available for a wide range of material fabrics, including leather, satin, and suede.
Our dry cleaning services can remove clothes, sheets, and fabrics with smoke odor and return them to you in a preloss condition.
Is your home affected by recent water damage? Call SERVPRO for water removal tools and certified technicians.
Excessive Dampness can Create Problems in Your Liverpool Residence.
Home should always provide your family with not only protection but a high level of comfort. This includes warmth and healthy air quality. When either of these becomes less than optimal, your family can feel the difference.
Several situations can develop that can increase the amount of humidity inside your home. Before we start any water removal project in Liverpool, we look for the source of the moisture. While water vapor can hide in the air, this is never its source. From inside the house, we use infrared technology to detect sweating pipes or other dampened places. Water vapor can also come from the outside, for instance
A sagging roof or loosened shingles, common with ice dams,
Flooding that leaked into the basement, or
Saturated crawl spaces that seep moisture in through the ventilation system.
These are only a few examples of how water vapor can enter your home’s living space. Excessive moisture makes things feel cooler on your skin. Our infrared cameras use this difference, even from a distance.
SERVPRO of North Onondaga County makes such projects fast and easy for our Liverpool customers, helping restore a comfortable home. Call (315) 457-3432 for professional water removal service.
Why North Syracuse Remodelers Often Need SERVPRO’s Mold Remediation Team.
SERVPRO technicians are standing by to investigate and remediate the mold damage situation in your home. Call right away.
Keep Your North Syracuse Home’s Remodeling Job Safe.
There are many ways to raise the value of your home, make things more modern and comfortable, or increase usable floor space. The majority of these projects require tearing out walls and other structural components. All too often, the remodeling crew finds stuff hidden inside these once-hidden areas.
Remodeling crews know that even the cleanest North Syracuse home might need mold remediation. When mold or other microbial infestations appear within dismantled areas, work must stop to protect workers’ safety and health from any unnecessary risks.
Some areas are more prone to hide mold than others. Some prime areas chosen for remodeling work are also those same places where microbes make themselves at home. Others might surprise you. In addition to the kitchen and bathroom as targets of mold infestations, other locations like
Under windows – broken seals or twisted frames
Exterior walls – pests, misaligned gutters
Rooms and hallways under the roof – ice dams and other roofing deficits.
You can rely on SERVPRO of North Onondaga County to get your remodeling project back on schedule and ensure normal microbial populations in your home. Call (315) 457-3432 for fast but thorough mold remediation.
Fast Cleanup of a Business’s Water Damage Strengthens North Syracuse.
Water damage at your business can certainly interrupt the flow. Contact SERVPRO for remediation services and certified technicians.
Our Village Had Previous Names, Before it was Called North Syracuse.
Our village was not always called North Syracuse. In the early 1800s, many places in New York remained undeveloped and untouched by anyone but the indigenous tribes. When settlers moved into an area, homesteads and family farms held the only non-indigenous individuals for miles. As more people moved into an area, small settlements took root.
One of these settlements was called Podunk, which, to many people, means a small place where the pace of life remains slow and relaxed. Podunk grew in size as more families settled in the area. With new roads built to support the salt industry, Podunk's people renamed it Centerville in 1869. Eleven years later, in 1880, another name change occurred, resulting in what we have now, North Syracuse. Almost half a century later, formal incorporation of our village took place.
Different things helped us steadily grow, including
The salt industry that passed through, and
The first (wooden) plank road in America that kept transportation possible even in muddy conditions.
The plank road in our area did not fare as well as many others did. The road needed constant repairs, and while materials remained available nearby, the costs of the necessary maintenance created an ongoing financial burden. This happened even with the four tollhouses' creation spaced evenly along the 16.5 miles length of the plank road. Several investors lost their life savings because of the never-ending cost involved in making crucial repairs.
The weather and the soil composition made regular dirt roads unusable most of the time. Rain and snow could wash a road out or leave heavier vehicles stuck for days. The same weather caused planks to deteriorate rapidly and unable to last the expected decade. Many fell apart after less than half that time. The boggy, spongy soil made gravel unstable. A better road that could endure the weight in terrible conditions and maintain its stability comes from engineering with rock, sand, and intense labor.
Eventually, sections of the road were pulled up, and gravel was used instead. Paving also became more common, and the original road ended up completely paved by 1917. It is now a part of the highway, specifically US 11. More durable materials could last through heavy rains, freezing winter weather, non-stop traffic and its heavy loads to make North Syracuse vibrant.
Water damage cleanup in North Syracuse – Messy but necessary.
Restoring your commercial building to safe conditions included eliminating any hazards, both visible and microscopic. Clean water can allow anything that existed within a normal range population-wise to increase in number and migrate to other areas.
SERVPRO wants to stop both explosive growth and the ability of such possible pathogens to relocate within your building. Doing this can become quite messy, but SERVPRO’s dedicated and highly trained crew arrive with all the gear, materials, tools, and equipment to regain control of an otherwise hopeless-looking situation.
The overall durability, including inherent porosity, of any material exposed to water dictates how much damage it sustains. Concrete and stone contain pores, and both materials can suffer damage from water. The roads in Rome were often paved with a combination of the two, and many show the signs of wear and tear from rain and floods. Clean water from a break in your water lines can leave water over a concrete slab or seeping into a basement’s concrete floor. Freezing temps can make the tiniest cracks noticeable.
Cleanup covers the following for your North Syracuse business:
Extraction of visible water – pumps of various sizes leading to our pump truck and never to your drains,
Removal of damaged materials (furniture, flooring, walls) – by hand using buckets, bags, and shovels,
Disinfectant sprays on all surfaces – both before we start and just before we finish,
Rinsing and wiping down of hard surfaces – removes any debris or grittiness and leaves surfaces nearly dry,
Desiccant machines – removing water vapor lets air do more work in getting everything dry,
Carpet cleaning wherever possible – reduces costs and controls odors, and
Structural repairs, including plumbing and electrical.
SERVPRO of North Onondaga County is always prepared and ready to help with B2B services, including water damage cleanup, mitigation, and repairs. Contact us by calling (315) 457-3432, 24/7, any day of the year.
After the flames are extinguished, call SERVPRO for fast fire damage remediation.
SERVPRO Offers Liverpool Residents Detailed Fire Restoration from Start to Finish
Big or small, a fire in your Liverpool home brings immense destruction. Not only will there be varying levels of charred debris, but you also have to worry about corrosive, lingering soot, and smoke residue. Various materials throughout your home may not be salvageable. You have to ensure your entire interior gets the restoration you deserve, making this where our crew at SERVPRO comes in.
We tackle every aspect of the clean up through sanitization and finishing touches for fire restoration in Liverpool. In some instances, we may enlist the help of subcontractors to assist with fire damage recovery for areas such as:
General construction or building experts to inspect areas of your structure where significant damage took place.
Architects and remodeling professionals to help with fire emergency scenarios that are extreme.
Electricians to ensure all re-wiring and re-circuit work is carefully taken care of to bring your home back to code.
Our fire restoration technicians can handle extensive cleaning along with associated drying and deodorizing needs. Fully IICRC-trained and certified, our team has the skills and experience to ensure your interior is left “Like it never even happened,” after the fire.
Call SERVPRO of North Onondaga County whenever you need us for fire restoration services at (315) 457-3432. We are Faster to Any Size Disaster!
Is Professional Fire Restoration Necessary After a Storm?
Did you know that fire damage can result from storms? Let SERVPRO make an assessment of your property so that you can rest easy.
Liverpool Residents can Call SERVPRO for Detailed Storm Cleanup and Fire Restoration
Storms can sometimes take a turn for the worst, and in some cases, lead to fire from downed wires or other damage on your Liverpool Property. When significant damage occurs and impacts your roof or windows, SERVPRO is here for rapid board up and tarping services. We work quickly to keep out vermin, extreme weather conditions, and trespassers. Regardless of the scope of the fire or how it started, we have your cleanup needs under control.
After a storm, you want peace of mind knowing you have the right team for the job for fire restoration in Liverpool. We have many services to help you get your life back to normal as quickly as possible, including:
Thorough assessment of all fire and water damage left in the wake of the storm
Cleanup of all debris and removal of unsalvageable materials
Pack out services to store your belongings in a climate-controlled storage warehouse
Careful cleaning of all fabrics and textiles, including drying and treatment for smoke odors
Immersion cleaning to address any dense items
Complete deodorization of all contents and materials that are odorous
Don’t wait when you have fire restoration needs after a recent storm. SERVPRO of North Onondaga County provides 24/7 emergency service – call us at (315) 457-3432 for rapid response.
Ensure Best Results When Seeking Water Damage Repair
SERVPRO has the equipment and experience necessary restore water damage in your home.
Your North Syracuse Home Needs Skilled Technicians for Water Damage Repair
With a population of 6,800 people when the United States Census got taken, North Syracuse, NY, remains a lovely place to live and visit. Located within Onondaga county, the village includes the towns Clay, Cicero, and Salina to the north of Syracuse, the city.
North Syracuse was originally named Centerville but changed to the current name back in 1880. In 1925, it became an incorporated village. The Fergerson family was part of the first group of settlers to put down roots in the town in 1826. This family line still resides on the same land, which is now considered the village center, and many streets in the area got named after them.
Enjoying Attractions and Local Dining Throughout North Syracuse, New York
There is something unique for everyone to enjoy within a short walk or drive in North Syracuse. Whether you want a quiet natural park to take a walk through or you want dinner out with friends, there are plenty of offerings, such as:
Surf City Family Fun Center – This is an excellent place to go for a fun date night or bring the entire family. You will find go-karts, batting cages, mini-golf, and more onsite. There is also an option for pre-booking your group for a birthday party, school event, or another occasion.
Erie Canal Bike Tours – If you are looking to get out for some exercise and fresh air, these local bike tours are just the thing. Whether you book a tour or take advantage of their shuttle service, this is one gem that locals and visitors alike both rave.
Full Boar Craft Brewery and Tap Room – With plenty of craft beers on tap and a great pub menu, this is an excellent place to go with friends or for a quick lunch. The staff is amicable, and the atmosphere is always laid back and inviting.
You Deserve the Best in Water Damage Repair – Call SERVPRO to Your North Syracuse Home
You must have confidence in the team you hire to provide water damage repair to your North Syracuse home. SERVPRO employs highly-trained technicians to ensure that every detail is considered from the start of your project until the time that everything is restored “Like it never even happened.”
The steps that we take when you call us to your property include:
Complete assessment of all water damage
Determination of the source of water so that we can ensure it gets under control
Formulation of a plan for removal of all standing water
Moisture and relative humidity get taken into account to facilitate speedy drying
If necessary, we perform controlled demolition to remove and replace materials such as carpeting, drywall, flooring, baseboards, etc.
Finalization of the job, including deodorization and sanitization so that your home is Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned
Call (315) 457-3432 to have our Green Fleet dispatched to your door. SERVPRO of North Onondaga County is available 24/7 when you require skilled water damage repair.
Don't let water damage brew in you commercial property. Call SERVPRO for fast remediation.
Professional Tea Taster Gives Chat in North Syracuse
Local North Syracuse tea lovers can enjoy an evening chat with Kevin Gascoyne, a man that has honed his lifelong love of tea into a successful career. He sources leaves from Darjeeling, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and the African continent. The Yorkshire native will bring an engaging and fun chat that covers his experience with getting into the tea business as a professional taster and the founder of a successful tea company. Kevin will cover how he started as a tea writer and went on to create a tea house. He has experience lecturing and advising about tea worldwide and has participated in the World Tea Awards. A quick google search can provide more contact information.
This fun evening chat takes place on January 14, 2021
Time: 2 PM to 3 PM
Price: $35
When local business properties need help with commercial water damage restoration in North Syracuse, SERVPRO of North Onondaga County at (315) 457-3432 is the company they count on for fast help with any size water removal and drying.
Let us worry about fire damage while you prepare to celebrate the new year.
Local Liverpool Residents Can Learn with A Professional Sommelier
Join Advanced Sommelier Greg B. Carlstrom as he guides Liverpool participants on a one-hour tour through champagne and sparkling wines. Learn how to tell the difference and the different types and regions from which these celebratory libations hail. This event is an ideal class to take before New Year's Eve and kick-off 2021 with some advanced knowledge of your favorite drinks. Attendees will learn the history, makes, styles, and the best food pairings for both champagnes and sparkling wines. The featured bottles include Adami Garbel Prosecco, Schramsberg Blanc de Blanc California, and A.R. Lenoble Brut Intense Mag, Champagne.
Date: December 29, 2020
Time: 7:30 PM – 8:30 PM EST
In the interest of public safety, this is a virtual tour, and the URL to join the session will be sent after signing up
Price: $25
SERVPRO of North Onondaga County at (315) 457-3432 supports the local Liverpool community with flood damage cleanup and restoration services. Our trained technicians are available 24/7 to make the water damage, "Like it never even happened."
SERVPRO Brings Fire Damage Restoration to Local North Syracuse Properties
Syracuse receives more than 115 inches of snow each year, but no matter the weather, SERVPRO is always on call.
Local Syracuse Residents Know SERVPRO Is Ready to Handle Fire Damage Restoration 24/7
Although Syracuse is not the most populous city in New York, it is the fifth-largest. Called the economic and education hub for Central NY, this region has over one million residents. The city's name comes from the Greek city Syracuse, a town on the eastern coast of Sicily's Italian island, which also has salt pools and high saline lakes much like this area of New York.
Started and Continues as a Major Crossroads
At its inception, Syracuse began as a major crossroad between the Erie Canal and the branches. Then after the railroad came through, it became part of the network. Air travel is also convenient, and this city has the largest airport in the region.
Syracuse Has Humble Beginnings
In the 1600s, the Onondaga Nation's local indigenous population invited French missionaries to come work with them after meeting a few early settlers. The first mission got established on the northeast shore of the Onondaga Lake called Sainte Marie. The local tribes and the Europeans quickly set up a trade for furs and other necessities. This arrangement ended during the American Revolutionary War. The local Iroquois tribes were divided into two distinct groups. One group supported the British, and the other group supported the American patriots.
The original Syracuse was a loose gathering of several small villages and towns. To be a recognized township, the area needed two things: a post office and a name. The original idea for the town's name was Corinth, which was denied as it was already in use in another area of New York.
John Wilkinson would become the first postmaster and established Syracuse's name in 1820 based on a description in a poem he read about Syracuse, Sicily. This poem described the lake and salt springs that were also in the New York area he was tasked with naming.
Early Industry in Syracuse
The salt springs inspired some of the early industry. The first Solvay Process Company plant was established in Syracuse in 1884 by Ernest Solvay, who invented the ammonia-soda process to produce soda ash. Soda ash is also known as anhydrous sodium carbonate and comes from the brine wells in the area. Soda ash has numerous applications as a robust industrial cleaning agent. It can cut through grease, floor wax, and other hard to remove substances with ease. While this development creates many jobs and boosted industry in the area, it left Onondaga Lake as one of the most heavily contaminated bodies of water in the United States.
Industries reliant on the salt industry declined during the second half of the 1800s, but other manufacturing began, such as:
The Franklin Automobile Company that produced air-cooled engines
Smith-Corona Company
Craftsman Shops that turned out finely made handcrafted furniture
Syracuse Climate
The area has a humid climate, and Syracuse receives more snow than any other metro area in the U.S., getting around 115 inches on average. The rainfall amounts are in line with the rest of the country at approximately 38 inches yearly, with September usually being the wettest month. The winters are cold, and the summers are hot and incredibly humid, with temperatures breaking the 100s are not uncommon.
Diverse Neighborhoods in Syracuse
The City of Syracuse has 26 neighborhoods within its established boundaries. The communities are good reflections of the historically ethnic and culturally diverse population.
Like many other New York cities, the city of Syracuse participates in the sister cities program. The sister cities are:
Chiayi City, Taiwan
Fuzhou, Fujian, People's Republic of China
Taiz, Yemen
Tampere, Finland
After signing up with the program, Syracuse students can trade and go to a sister city for two weeks; a student from the other city stays with a host family in New York to experience life and learn customs in America. The switches most often occur at the end of September or the first week of October each year.
Syracuse Fire Department
Until 1965, local volunteers made up the fire fighting force in Syracuse. Then, in 1965, the Syracuse City Fire Department got established, and the unit commissioned a 1946 Ford Pumper Truck to serve as the fire truck. The first fire chief elected was Keith West, who then appointed 25 volunteers who agreed to help when the siren sounded. At present, there are several firehouses around Syracuse, and each has state-of-the-art equipment, vehicles, and living quarters for the full-time first responders. They undergo rigorous training in the on-site facilities.
Can Soot-Covered Furnishings Get Cleaned Through Fire Damage Restoration in North Syracuse Homes?
When it comes to handling fire damage restoration in North Syracuse properties, the initial inspection is crucial. When SERVPRO technicians arrive, the techs quickly ascertain the items that show potential for cleaning and reuse and the articles that have too much damage from charring and smoke for restoration.
SERVPRO techs set up cleaning stations outside the worksite to handle the items removed from the home. The techs choose from among several different applications and solutions for the best outcome for each article. Non-porous items tend to fare the best as they do not absorb much of the airborne soot or smoke odors.
When cabinet surfaces or hardwood furnishings have damage post-fire, many considerations determine the potential for restoration, such as:
If the furniture shows signs of heat damage
Signs of water damage such as cracking or swelling
Attempts made at cleaning before SERVPRO's arrival
The technicians have various professional cleaning agents specifically formulated for use on wood furnishings, countertops, and other surfaces that may need assistance in removing smoke damage after a fire. The techs are always extremely careful to test any items before cleaning to ensure the correct methods get chosen. This attention to detail assists in avoiding causing damage to items through incorrect cleaning methods.
SERVPRO of North Onondaga County at (315) 457-3432 brings the professional equipment and certified technicians to handle any type or size of fire damage restoration needed in North Syracuse properties.
Monthly Breakfast for Bridgeport Business Professionals
Syracuse Business Professionals Monthly Breakfast is a good event to attend if you enjoy meeting and supporting your fellow businesses.
Catch Up With Other Business Owners in Bridgeport over a Cup of Tea
Collaboration is necessary to lighten the load of handling challenging tasks. For businesses, associating with other people in your industry or even competitors helps foster growth. However, you may have a hard time connecting with people, especially if you are just establishing your venture. The Syracuse Business Professionals Monthly Breakfast is an event meant to help Bridgeport business operators connect and support each other.
Some of the top benefits the event presents include:
Regular meetups, every second Tuesday of the month
Equal opportunity to get noticed since a member or guest makes a presentation each month
A chance to get better insights on how your peers or competitors are doing
The event is held at the Gem Dine and starts at 9 AM. It is organized by Stephanie Harvey of Wise Financial Solutions LLC.
SERVPRO of North Onondaga County handles water damage restoration processes in Bridgeport with utmost professionalism helping reinstate properties to their preloss state. Call us at (315) 457-3432 for a prompt response.
Proper Management of Flood Damage in Liverpool Properties Helps Improve the Outcome
Storm damage to your Liverpool property can be overwhelming, call SERVPRO today.
SERVPRO Uses Various Resources to Control the Outcome of Flooding In Liverpool Homes
Although Liverpool, New York lies close to a water body, the general risk of flooding its 2,300 residents is classified as minimal. According to Flood Factor, only 4% of the town properties are considered likely to be affected by a major flooding event. The area mostly comprises of residential properties with commercial parks and other properties limited mostly to the shoreline of Lake Onondaga.
Since flooding is considered the primary natural hazard in the New York state, one might want to know how the area has fared over the years against the hazard. There have been several notable incidents, including the severe storm and flooding in July 1974 that left The Drive-in Theater inundated with over four feet of water. The incident was classified as part of FEMA disaster 447. There have been many other incidents with varying intensity levels over the years.
Liverpool is a fascinating place to spend time during any season of the year since it has various attractions like nature parks, outdoor areas, and wellness centers. Visitors consider Lake Skate Park one of the top attractions in the area. It is famous for the Lights On The Lake Display every Christmas. There is a 16900 square foot skate park perfect for riding BMX bikes, scooters, and skateboards. It is a perfect place to test your skills or learn new tricks. Among its key features include:
The 8 feet deep Liberty Bowl, which you can rise around, across, or the traditional back and forth.
The seven-stair gap and a four feet high ledge
Quarter pipes, spines, grind rails, gaps, and hips are also available to test the mettle of every biker or skater using the park
Other interesting things to do at the park include fishing, canoeing, or visiting The Salt Museum.
Apart from the outdoor activities, there are fun educational activities. You can visit the Golden Bee Bookshop on Vine Street, which features curated young adult fiction books. There are also Middle Grade and Picture Books for younger kids. The shop also offers dedicated space for public or private special events.
A Salty Legacy of the Areas around Liverpool
Apart from being a top-listed place to visit, The Salt Museum gives visitors a glimpse into the past when Syracuse was the main salt producer in the entire nation. For an area located in the heart of the country, that may sound like an anomaly. However, it is a product of the geological changes in the area over the years. According to geologists, long before the central New York area was inhabited, it was covered by a sea. Later on, the sea evaporated, leaving a thick layer of salt extending from Lake Huron to the Hudson Valley. That layer provided a useful resource that was mined for commercial purposes.
Although salt extraction and export later became one of the main economic activities in the region, the early inhabitants initially thought it was an unsolvable problem. They knew there was a problem with the water because it tasted different, but the superstitions of the time led them to believe it was cursed. However, Simon Le Maybe, a Jesuit missionary who arrived in the area in 1654, drank from a spring and realized no divine intervention was needed since the problem was salt deposits in the water. At The Salt Museum, you can learn a lot about the exciting history of the era.
The Iroquois Heritage
The Skanonh-Great Law of Peace Center is another museum in the area that can shine a different light into the history of the area, focusing on the Haudenosaunee people who were the native inhabitants before European settlers arrived. Visitors can learn about their beliefs, culture. For instance, the Onondagas, which means The People of the Hills, were the 'keepers of the central fire,' the political and spiritual center. Reading about the Iroquois governing rules, it is easy to draw parallels to the current system of government.
The name Haudenosaunee means "people who build a house."
There were six distinct nations of the Haudenosaunee, namely Mohawk, Onondaga, Oneida, Cayuga, Seneca, and Tuscarora, brought together by a confederacy.
The Great Law of Peace, which emphasized the power of reason, not force, helped guide the Haudenosaunee people through all aspects of their lives.
What Flood Damage Management Services Does SERVPRO offer Liverpool Property Owners?
Flooding may not happen every other day, but when it does, it can have a significant impact on the affected property. Various factors determine the level of damage Liverpool homeowners have to deal with after an incident, including its intensity and the kind of response chosen. SERVPRO seeks ways to help property owners respond correctly.
Flooding incidents may affect properties in many ways. However, the high amounts of moisture left in vulnerable areas and the deep contamination are the most common issues that property owners face. The good thing is that a speedy response can make a significant difference, primarily when the right resources are utilized. The resources can help in:
Stopping the spread or development of pathogens within the property. Our SERVPRO technicians spray EPA-registered disinfectants directly into the flooded sections of the property to manage contaminants.
Safeguarding materials and contents from the effects of moisture exposure. Our technicians take various steps, such as setting up dehumidifiers to regulate moisture levels faster. Using physical barriers, such as wrapping items using plastic sheets, is another alternative.
Cleaning up the wastes deposited by the floodwaters all over the property. Our teams are equipped with various state of the art cleaning tools, including pressures washers and automated agitation equipment. Air movers and various types of dehumidifiers are also available to help remove all excess moisture after cleaning.
SERVPRO of North Onondaga County helps restore Liverpool residences affected by flood damage to their preloss state. Call us at (315) 457-3432 to help start mitigation processes the same day of the loss cutting down the time you stay away from the property.
The Future of Food and Agriculture Influenced by Robots and Genetics
Having a healthy diet in your life is so important, join the virtual event for New Scientist Live’s Future of Food and Agriculture.
Virtual Event Connects You with Top Scientists from the Comfort of Your North Syracuse Home
As the collective diet consciousness levels increase, you probably desire to know more about the nutritional value of the food you eat or even how it is produced. Although there are many information sources, determining whether it is accurate is not always easy. Getting such information directly from renowned scientists is one way to boost confidence in its accuracy. You can do this right from your North Syracuse home by participating in the New Scientist Live’s Future of Food and Agriculture virtual event on November 28th, 2020. The event focuses on issues such as farming practices that help protect the environment and how robotics and genetics change the face of agriculture.
The event focuses on three main areas:
The main stage where speakers address issues such as nutrition, the future of food and people, the environment, and climate.
Field stage topics where the discussion focuses on how to feed eleven billion people sustainably, robotics, and farming, and how people got it wrong on GM foods.
The fork stage where discussions shift to sustainable diets, cellular food, lab-grown meat, and feeding on insects.
SERVPRO of North Onondaga County has grown from a small operator to a dependable water cleanup provider in North Syracuse. Call us at (315) 457-3432.
Supporting the Art Community Around North Syracuse In the "New Normal"
Don’t scoure the city when you need fire damage restoration, Call SERVPRO
When You Live in North Syracuse, You can Support the Art Scene From Your Home
The shift of many of our activities to platforms such as Zoom and Skype has pros and cons. Even though we miss the in-person interaction, it has also opened a universe of opportunities not limited by distance or physical boundaries. For example, North Syracuse residents can now actively participate in Ithaca's Gallery Night without leaving their homes.
On the first Friday of the month, including November 6th and through dates into 2021, First Friday Gallery Night in Ithaca opens art galleries and other businesses to visitors walking through, and now you can also enjoy it virtually from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. Whether you choose to drive to Ithaca or join virtually, you will support the local art scene and experience special performances while changing your week's monotony.
As part of the community, SERVPRO of North Onondaga County invites you to learn from the art experts just as you would call the experts in our team for fire restoration services. When you need us, all you need to do is call (315) 457-3432 and let us leave your home, "Like it never even happened."
What Type of Equipment Will Be Used During the Clean-up and Restoration Process?
SERVPRO has the answers you're looking for when it comes to your North Syracuse water damage.
North Syracuse Homeowners Benefit from the Use of State-of-the-Art Water Damage Restoration Equipment
So, your North Syracuse home has suffered the after-effects of water loss. You have heard that SERVPRO does a good job when it comes to reversing some of the damage that has been done to your home and actual possessions. How do they do it? Well, first, We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster, but we also use proven techniques and some powerful equipment, which aids in getting you the best results possible.
The water damage to your North Syracuse home may look irreversible, but the job done by our machines and other equipment will surprise you. Here is a look at some of the items used by our techs to bring live back into your belongings. The equipment below is some that is typically used during the restoration process:
Air Movers - Air movers speed up the evaporation process of surface water, which makes the actual drying process much faster
Dehumidifiers - These are used to get the moisture from evaporation out of the air
Extractors - These portable units are used for shampooing and rinsing, as well as water extraction; you will also see tanks and pumps and vacuum machines
Ozone Generator - The ozone generator aids in eliminating odors from pets, smoke, and other offensive smells
Rotary Floor Machines - These are used as buffer machines on a variety of hard floor surfaces, and they are used in the shampooing/carpet cleaning process
When paired with the powerful, safe chemicals our professionals use, you will discover an amazing reversal in damage accomplished by these machines.
The Goal is Restoration
Our professional technicians are trained well and, with the use of all their resources, will turn your water damage needs around, “Like it never even happened.” Call SERVPRO of North Onondaga County at (315) 457-3432 for your cleanup and restoration needs. We will get you and your home back on track.
What Are Some Ways to Avoid Christmas Tree Fires Over the Holidays?
SERVPRO knows a few things about preventing Christmas tree fires.
SERVPRO technicians handle the cleanup and restoration of fire damage in North Syracuse homes with their experience and advanced equipment.
While the holidays are a great time to celebrate with family and friends in your North Syracuse home, it is also a time to be aware of the many activities that get done during the celebration are also potential fire hazards. Here are some ways to avoid having your home become a statistic during December:
Pick a fresh-looking tree
Keep your tree watered; a dry tree can burn faster than newspaper
Keep heat sources such as candles away from the tree
Get rid of your tree as soon as possible after the holidays, you can take your tree to Natural Resource Center at 7413 County House Road in Sennett, and they will use it for composting
Is Fire Damage Restoration Possible for Furniture?
When your North Syracuse home undergoes fire damage restoration, the fire and smoke damage can be unforgiving to many parts of building materials and contents. However, SERVPRO technicians have a great deal of comprehensive training and state-of-the-art equipment to clean up and restore many items that may not look like they have the potential.
In particular, when the fire was extinguished rapidly before the flames spread, the smoke damage can permeate the entire home. Here are some of the most commonly seen types of damage to furniture and how they get cleaned:
Leather and faux-leather furniture - in cases of fire extinguisher or light smoke residues, SERVPRO technicians have dry cleaning sponges to gently lift away the layer covering the leather and then use specially developed restorative agents for use on the leather.
Upholstered furniture - the techs inspect to see if smoke residues penetrated the piece. If it is on the surface only, it can often undergo cleaning for reuse
Hardwood furniture - Using wet and dry cleaning agents plus wood soaps, as long as there is no heat or water damage, these articles can get restored
SERVPRO technicians have training in the different levels of the restoration that hardwood furniture may require. They have a wood paste with a solvent to remove a thin layer of the finish. This method is known as semi-refinishing and is an effective method for eliminating issues such as watermarks. This problem usually gets caused by firefighters spraying water that landed on the surface and then evaporated. As long as the furniture piece does not have heat or water damage such as cracked joints or warping, it can get the soot, and smoke residues lifted away and then restored for reuse in the home.
Appliances need immediate attention if they have smoke residues. Soot is caustic to metal and should get removed as fast as possible before it causes pitting to the surfaces. The techs have cleaning solutions that work without marring the polished surface. The techs recommend having electric appliances tested by an industry expert before reusing any chance of interior heat or water damage.
Area rugs are an investment for many homeowners. Cleaning away stains and smoke damage from a fire in the home can occur in many cases. Before cleaning, the techs test the fibers and backing of the rug to ensure the correct cleaning agent and method gets chosen. For example, some fibers react badly to any type of wet solution by bleeding or shrinking; both can render a rug non-restorable. Spending the time testing the fibers and determining the best way to clean it saves the homeowner the cost of replacing their area rug.
Clothing exposed to smoke damage is something that many homeowners want to get cleaned as fast as possible. Since many articles get manufactured with synthetic fibers, soot bonds with these fibers if not removed. SERVPRO techs ask homeowners to separate clothing into three categories:
The clothing they need now
The clothing they want to get cleaned but do not need immediately
Seasonal clothing they want to keep and reuse
Anything hanging in a closet with exposure to the fire gets removed, and metal hangers get disposed of because they can oxidize onto clothing. Washable items get cleaned through the use of the Esporta Washing System; this powerful piece of equipment can remove all traces of smoke odors and particulate after a single wash.
SERVPRO of North Onondaga County at (315) 457-3432 handles all sizes of fire damage restoration for local properties. The trained, certified technicians are available 24/7 to restore your home and contents from flame and smoke damage to make it, "Like it never even happened."
Should Syracuse Store Owners Carry Out Regular Mold Inspection?
For professional mold inspection, call SERVPRO of North Onondaga County at (315) 457-3432.
Syracuse Proprietors Can Use Mold Inspection to Protect Their Premises from Fungus
Looking after your Syracuse storefront is essential. A clean, welcoming, and well-organized storefront offers a fantastic welcome to customers and encourages them to stick around, buy, and come back. Of course, as a business owner, you ensure your store is clean – but have you remembered to check for fungus?
One way to protect your property from fungus is by carrying out regular mold inspection in your Syracuse store. Some inspections can be done by you or your staff, but there are times when you need to call a professional remediator.
What mold inspections can staff carry out?
There are three things your staff or cleaning crew should look for: • Visible signs of mold, such as mold colonies or damp patches on floors and ceilings • Potential mold risks such as dark corners or where water is pooling on floors or around faucets • A moldy smell that does not go away
When should you call the professionals?
You should call SERVPRO as soon as you notice any of the telltale signs of mold. Even if the outbreak appears to be small, it is better to call us. Cleaning the fungus yourself can actually make things worse: • Over-the-counter cleaners can add moisture, which makes regrowth more likely • Rubbing or scrubbing can dislodge spores and encourage them to find a new part of your store to set up camp • Walking in and out of the area means spores can hitch a ride on clothes and shoes and spread throughout your premises
What does professional mold inspection entail?
SERVPRO teams have all the equipment to carry out thorough mold inspection. We start with a visual assessment and then move on to using a range of instruments to test for humidity, moisture, and the presence of water on the surface of walls and ceilings. Once we have readings to work from, we can wipe and scrub away the mold. We use containment and sometimes negative air to lower the risk of spores spreading. We also dry the area after to make it less welcoming to fungus.
We leave your shop Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned. For professional mold inspection, call SERVPRO of North Onondaga County at (315) 457-3432.
What Should Be Expected During Water Damage Cleanup?
Water damage in your home? SERVPRO can make it "Like it never even happened."
SERVPRO techs approach each Liverpool restoration service with professionalism and are happy to go over the water damage cleanup steps with homeowners.
When water damage affects your Liverpool home, getting the water removed and the structure dried is your biggest priority. SERVPRO technicians rely on a myriad of extraction equipment types, and their use depends on the amount of water that needs removal. The most frequently seen are the portable pumps, but in cases of standing water, they have access to pumps that can submerge in water greater than two inches or more and continue to get the job done. The overall process goes like this:
Extraction of the water
Move out of items to a safe location if necessary
Removal of ruined and deteriorated building materials
Drying and hand cleaning
Prepping the structure for repairs
Can a Water Damage Restoration Service Get Rid of Musty Odors?
After the cleanup efforts for the water damage restoration complete in your Liverpool home, there may be some odor control applications needed. The scent level depends on the type of water in the house and how long the moisture remained in the home before the mitigation began. Clean water spills are by far the most straightforward type of scent removal. When the water in the house is from flooding or contains sewage or chemicals, the odor in the home may be far more pungent. SERVPRO techs have numerous pieces of equipment and advanced methods that can eradicate foul odors at the molecular level. In many cases, a multi-layered approach gets used to ensure that the home is left smelling clean and refreshed without a hint of the previous water damage.
SERVPRO of North Onondaga County at (315) 457-3432 is ready to handle your water damage restoration when you need it. The certified technicians are available 24/7 and arrive on-site within hours after your initial call in their green service vans stocked with advanced equipment.
How Can Flooded North Syracuse Properties Get Dried?
Flood Damage in North Syracuse? Don't Fret! Call SERVPRO for Extraction and Restoration--We're Faster to Any Size Disaster!
After mitigation completes, several factors play a rolein drying your flooded property.
Flooding is a situation that can strike quickly in North Syracuse, often following prolonged bouts of hard, torrential rain. With so many creeks and streams including Lake Onondaga, surrounding the city, many homes and businesses can be at risk for natural flooding. Fierce storms can also damage roofs, allowing direct rainfall and runoff to find its way into the property. Whatever kind of flood damage that your property faces, it is critical to get mitigation and drying completed as soon as possible to protect the residence.
Many tactics and practices make up flood restoration for North Syracuse properties, and these actions begin as soon as our technicians arrive at a damaged address. Because we anticipate storm losses here in Upstate New York, we stay prepared with stocked trailers loaded with our water restoration and drying equipment. Our industry-leading equipment is only part of the drying equation, however. To promote efficient moisture removal, technicians must control:
Airflow
Temperature
Humidity
How Does Airflow Impact the Drying of a Property?
Air movement is an underappreciated aspect of drying beyond air movers that our professionals bring to a job site. There is a science behind air movement to find a balance between both temperatures and moisture content. Understanding the direction airflow is most likely to travel can help our technicians to develop the best drying plan with the appropriate placement of equipment like desiccant and low-grain refrigerant dehumidifiers (LGR.)
Vapor Pressure – Regarding the natural movement of air in a house after water disasters have occurred, our technicians plan for properties to seek equilibrium of effects. Relative humidity between one area and another causes air to move to even these two spaces. Temperature can be another driving force in the air seeking equilibrium.
Vapor Barriers – Minimal airflow on drying surfaces can allow cooling vapor barriers to form that restrict warmer temperatures beneficial to the drying process.
Regulating Airflow – Air movers, both axial and centrifugal models, are instrumental in our SERVPRO professionals' drying process. Axial units work to circulate dry air through an open area, while centrifugal options are targeted at wet materials to promote faster drying in specific points.
Can Temperature Differences Impact Drying?
Temperatures of both the room and the affected materials can impact the effectiveness and efficiency of drying. Because it is vital to remove excess moisture trapped in materials as soon as possible, monitoring these temperature changes and varying conditions can help provide the best approach to recovering the house after a water disaster.
Surface Drying – Evaporation can cool surfaces and form a barrier that restricts warm air from reaching the damaged material and continuing the drying process. We can determine when more direct airflow with our centrifugal air movers is necessary by recognizing these conditions with devices like infrared cameras.
Cooling Concerns – Cooler room temperatures in the drying zones can also slow the evaporative process and make restoration longer. We can increase these enclosed work zones' temperatures to the desired warmth for the most efficient drying.
Direct Heating – By warming surfaces with our equipment like portable electric heaters in drying zones, we can promote a faster evaporation time if technicians are careful not to over-dry structural elements.
Is Environmental Moisture a Factor in Drying?
The area where our technicians have formed a drying zone requires regulatory actions to reduce moisture. Higher humidity and moisture content in this area of the house can lead to slower drying times and ultimately cost customers more. There are three primary considerations when contending with changing humidity in drying zones, and these include:
Vapor Pressures – Pressure from one saturated material to open areas forces moisture into otherwise dry or less humid environments.
Relative Humidity – The measure of relative humidity is the moisture content in an environment. The higher this percentage, the more challenging that drying efforts can become, as evaporation slows. The more effective evaporative drying becomes the more equipment and processes required to reduce relative humidity.
Regulating Moisture Content – The most efficient method of regulating and controlling the excessive humidity common to water disasters is dehumidification equipment. Desiccants introduce heated air back into the environment after pulling moisture out, encouraging more efficient evaporation and drying.
Multiple factors play a role in how efficient and thorough drying can be for your home or business. Despite the extensive inventory of recovery equipment, it is often the knowledge and experience of our SERVPRO of North Onondaga County team that has the most significant impact on providing a swift restoration process. Give us a call anytime that you need us at (315) 457-3432.
Can Any Food Items Be Saved After a Fire in North Syracuse?
Fire damage in your home can be hard to clean up. Contact SERVPRO for professional remediation services.
Heat Can Compromise Food Safety – SERVPRO in North Syracuse Can Help You Decide What Needs to Go
Whenever a house fire happens in North Syracuse, one of the main risks is trying to salvage food items that may be fire damaged. Tainted food cannot be saved, but our fire restoration technicians can help determine what has not been affected by the fire.
What Does High Temperatures Do to Food Items?
High temperatures can cause fire damage in North Syracuse to groceries even when the item looks undamaged. Contaminants may be present in what looks like a perfectly fine can of tomatoes or jar of peaches. Tiny cracks can develop in high heat that allows contaminants to enter the product. Extreme heat can cause sealed products to spoil later on, even though they are still “safely” sealed. Plastic containers can melt, or hazardous chemicals in the packaging can leach into the food as a result of intense heat.
What Additional Problems Can Occur with Food Items?
Smoke residue and soot can spread throughout a home quickly, even if the fire is contained to one room. Chemicals from fire extinguishers can contaminate boxed goods and fresh items. Anything left out like fruits and vegetables should be tossed. They cannot get washed and salvaged. Plastic wrap and cardboard boxes cannot protect food even if it hasn’t been exposed to the high temperatures. Soot contains any toxic material it came in contact with as the fire burned. These end up in food products that may look safe.
What About the Food in My Fridge?
Although your refrigerator has a seal to keep the cold air inside it may not be enough. If you refrigerator is still running, do not open it until our SERVPRO techs arrive. They can inspect the appliance and help you decide if the food inside is safe to eat.
It is always better to err on the safe side and throw any foodstuff out that is questionable. Our fire damage experts can help you make wise choices. Contact SERVPRO of North Onondaga County at (315) 457-3432 for professional fire restoration services.
Taking care of your home is one of your top priorities, but when disaster strikes it’s hard to deal with. Contact SERVPRO for remediation services.
Homes and businesses depend on the fast and reliable response of our experienced professionals after fire, water, storm, and flood losses impact their properties.
You rarely have time to lose when disasters strike your North Syracuse home or business. Because many of these loss incidents feature a finite timeline before irreparable damage occurs, the faster the professionals can reach your address, the more likely it is that restoration happens quickly, and costs less than it otherwise would. As a locally owned and operated facility, we have a unique position among our communities to reach disasters promptly. By combining our resources with our sister franchises, we can address even substantial loss incidents in properties more than several thousand square feet in size.
Water
We understand how challenging water losses can be for North Syracuse homes. Many times the situation is worse than it initially appears on the surface. The best way to determine the full extent of the damage is through a process called job scoping. Our project manager and crew chief can walk through the damaged property to identify several factors that indicate what tools, personnel, and methods are necessary to return the house to its original condition.
How Can My Belongings Get Recovered?
Your personal belongings are part of this initial assessment. On an individual basis, we can determine the effect of water exposure on each of your possessions. While relocation can help in some regards for exposed contents, it is also likely that on-site cleaning and drying are necessary. When water damage becomes severe enough in your North Syracuse property, it is also possible that the best solution for your personal belongings is our pack-out process. This keeps your possessions in our care for focused cleaning, drying, and safe storage.
What Strategies Get Used Most Often for Water Removal and Drying?
There is no one set method for drying and extraction after a loss incident. As standard as these tasks might be, there are multiple tools within our inventory that all seek the same result. The severity of the damage in your North Syracuse home and the location of the damage can be factors in determining which of these extraction and drying tools get used in your own house:
Wet Vacuums
Electric Submersible Pumps
Weighted Extractors
Air Movers
Dehumidifiers
Floor Mat Drying System
Storm
Since we first began to consistently track and record weather events throughout the history of New York in the 1800s, there have been nearly 100 hurricanes to hit the state. Even with our positioning in the northern portion of New York, North Syracuse has seen its share of hurricane events and considerable violent storms or damaging snowstorms. Staying prepared for all of these emergencies requires skilled technicians and useful tools available 24/7.
What Are the Benefits of a Large Loss Recovery Team?
We have always said there was no job too big for our restoration team to handle. While our roster focuses most on the events surrounding North Syracuse and our region, we are also part of a large loss recovery team that can confidently address massive loss incidents that impact commercial properties throughout our area. Between our sister franchises, we can pool:
Resources
Personnel
Equipment
Products
Experience
What Are Effective Flood Removal Approaches?
Flooding is often an unfortunate side effect of a storm loss incident. Whether it is the rising water that penetrates the main floor of your property, or roof vulnerabilities that allow runoff to pour into your attic space, flooding must get addressed as soon as possible. To remove standing water from your North Syracuse home, we have multiple tools in our inventory to help. We use wet vacuums, submersible pumps, and trash pumps to eliminate surface water concerns quickly.
Fire
A fire loss incident in your North Syracuse home can be devastating to the structure. It is because of this destructive force that a fast response to these emergencies is vital. We have trained fire restoration technicians on our roster available anytime that disaster strikes. We can mobilize quickly to reach homes and businesses throughout upstate New York.
What Are Emergency Services?
Reaching the property quickly is not the only factor and effectively restoring and recovering your North Syracuse home or business. Emergency services play a critical role in recovering your residence. Our in-house contractors can perform many temporary construction solutions to eliminate more significant threats to the house while mitigation begins.
What Restoration Steps Occur After a Fire?
Understanding what to expect from fire restoration services can help you appreciate the need for professional technicians like our SERVPRO team. Fire recovery in your North Syracuse home has much more to do with providing a safe and stable environment as it does improving the aesthetics. We can blend multiple tasks to address a myriad of potential problems that could exist after a loss incident. These include:
Surface Cleaning
Debris Removal
Air Quality Control
Deodorization
Reconstruction and Repairs
Commercial
There are hundreds of commercial properties that we have helped since we first opened the doors of our SERVPRO location in 1994. In that time, we have become a reputable and trusted restoration team for North Syracuse businesses contending with multiple emergencies in niches like:
Water
Fire
Flood
Storm
Biohazards
The Best Times for Cleaning and Restoration
Even without a disaster, the cleaning and recovery efforts that your North Syracuse property might require should not inconvenience your customers. That is why much of our appointments and ongoing engagements for thorough cleaning and renewal of commercial properties occur after hours. We can work around your schedule to help your business look its best.
What Deep Cleaning Solutions Does SERVPRO Offer?
Thorough surface cleaning is also a needed service in modern management of North Syracuse commercial properties. We strive to provide a top-tier solution for the deep cleaning, disinfection, and creation of sanitary spaces that your business needs. Our Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned program can ensure that we meet high expectations for surface cleaning.
Regardless of whatever disaster might impact your home or business, you are never alone and getting your property back to preloss condition. You can count on the fast and reliable response of our SERVPRO of North Onondaga County team. We are available 24/7 at (315) 457-3432.
What Signs Should I Look for to Find Hidden Water Damage in My North Syracuse House?
No matter when you make the call, we have technicians who can assist you.
SERVPRO's Diligent Managers and Technicians Do Not Rest Until We Reveal, Release, and Dry Out Trapped Water Damage in North Syracuse.
Water emergencies with burst pipes and free-flowing over-filled tubs or sinks are not good news for North Syracuse homeowners. The abrupt onset of the issue, however, does make detection of the water source obvious, and a fast engagement of the shut-off valve halts the primary damage. Rapid recovery from the sudden disaster is possible because we can easily access and extract the water, and the structural materials are minimally saturated, drying quickly.
What Are the Challenges When the Leak or Breakdown and the Subsequent Damage Is Hidden?
A slow leak in a supply or waste pipe or a poorly caulked tub or shower can cause water damage in your North Syracuse home to build up over time. Water that drips persistently inside walls or sprays on a tiled shower enclosure with cracked grout or missing silicone eventually causes damage that you see, feel, or smell. What are examples of hidden water damage clues?
Staining on walls or ceilings
Peeling or blistering paint and loosening wallpaper
Bulging areas on surfaces
Shiny, "sweaty-looking" walls
Loosening of crown molding, paneling, beadboard, or wainscoting
Musty smells
Visible mold or mildew
Heightened humidity in a space
Increase in your water bill unrelated to higher use
How Do Professionals Manage Hidden Water Damage?
SERVPRO technicians use water and moisture detection devices to outline the incursion. We devise a plan to carefully access and release the water, avoiding a collapse of the building materials surrounding the pooled moisture. Our technicians use controlled demolition strategies to slowly drain the water and provide access for the air movement during the structural drying that must follow. The demo techniques include:
Weep holes for ceilings -- a few punched through near a wall and allowed to drain completely before the pattern repeats several times, closer each time to the center of the ceiling. This deliberate method minimizes the ceiling's chance of crashing down with the flow of too much water at a time.
Drainage holes near or under the baseboard to release water from between walls
Flood cuts to remove damaged wallboards and open the space between studs several inches above the waterline
SERVPRO of North Onondaga County has the experience and training to solve the hidden water mystery in your home. Call us at (315) 457-3432 to get the project rolling before the circumstance becomes too severe.
Should your home suffer flood damage, call SERVPRO. We can help!
SERVPRO Knows What to Look for Inside and Out of Your Syracuse Home When You Suspect Flood Damage
Regardless of the time of the year, storms are something you cannot avoid. When a storm hits the Syracuse area, and you are worried that you have taken on water damage, it is best to get a trained technicians' insight. SERVPRO knows that storms can bring on a range of damage, both inside and outside of your property.
For What Should I Look?
To see if you have flood damage in Syracuse, you need to look in several areas. Take the time to inspect your exterior for:
Wind Damage –this often happens when the storm brings winds at 45mph and up. Signs of wind damage will include damaged or missing shingles and debris that have fallen around your property.
Miscellaneous Damage –you may also have falling gutters, dents in your siding, or big washouts around your house that could point to water damage on your home's interior.
On the inside of your home, flood damage to look for includes:
Water stains on your floors or walls
Saturated insulation
Water seeping from your crawlspace or attic
Cracks in your skylights, and more
Should you start to notice any of these signs of water infiltration or damage, our trained crew here at SERVPRO is available. We can make sure that no water is left to fester long enough to create the perfect atmosphere for the onset of mold and mildew. Our powerful extraction equipment pulls up any standing water, and the combination of air movers and dehumidifiers help to bring your interior relative humidity back to normal levels. Once we are on the job, we make everything inside your home seem, "Like it never even happened."
Call (315) 457-3432 to have SERVPRO of North Onondaga County look at your flood damage needs. We are Faster to Any Size Disaster, and we have crews standing by 24/7 for emergency service!
Call (315) 457-3432 Immediately after the fire truck drives away to ensure a speedy and favorable outcome.
SERVPRO Can Help You Plan the Restoration Process to Suit Your Requirements Including Continued Habitation of the Damaged Property.
The combination of financial loss from the damage caused by fire and the hassle of seeking alternative accommodation can make the aftermath of a fire incident in your Syracuse home feel unbearable. SERVPRO has IICRC certified restoration technicians that can help evaluate and carry out emergency procedures that allow you to continue occupying the property during restoration.
Does continued occupation of a house interfere with the restoration of fire damage?
Such steps create heaps of debris, release settled debris into the air, and may also produce strong odors. In general, the processes can make it uncomfortable to occupy a house as it is renovated. Also, your presence in the home can limit what restorers can do. If you determine additional living expenses of vacating the property are worse than the discomfort, our SERVPRO technicians can help make your stay more bearable by performing emergency cleaning in some sections of the property to make them "Livable."
Does cleaning alone overcome all the challenges?
Cleaning can remove soot and other soils deposited on surfaces and materials around the house. However, it might not be effective against other aspects such as odors. When our SERVPRO technicians prepare your home for occupation, we can perform other processes like:
Deodorization
Containment
Laundering clothes
Deodorization involves the use of specialized agents that neutralize odor molecules, eliminating the strong smells you experience in your house after a fire. Our technicians can fog the rooms you pick as your temporary abode with water-based or oil-based deodorizers. We can also seal off some areas of the house to prevent the spread of materials between the affected and unaffected areas.
With the right help, the restoration of your fire-damaged property proceeds with ease. Call SERVPRO of North Onondaga County at (315) 457-3432 to help. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.
SERVPRO Provides Skilled Technicians Utilizing Advanced Equipment and Cleaning Products to Mitigate Water Damage in Your North Syracuse Workplace
The Primary Differences Between the Two in North Syracuse Involve the Complexity of the Issues and Magnitude of Water Volumes Handled.
Water removal from commercial sites in North Syracuse is often much more complex than local residential water extractions. This is because business facilities are usually much larger than homes, have considerably more extensive and complex pipe networks and drainage systems, house bigger and more sophisticated water-related appliances and containers, likely have been in operation for decades, and usually need greater volumes of water extracted. Moreover, there are many vastly different kinds of businesses that each present unique and exceedingly difficult challenges. At the same time, these commercial entities are under greater socio-economic pressure than homeowners to resolve their water issues as soon as possible.
What Types of Commercial Facilities Have Local Water Extraction Services Like SERVPRO Removed Water From?
SERVPRO’s North Syracuse commercial water extraction technicians have successfully completed jobs in a wide variety of commercial structures. We have removed standing water from and dealt with water-related issues in:
Small and big-box retail stores
Shopping malls
Office towers and smaller commercial office buildings
Motels and hotels
Large apartment and condo complexes
Restaurants of all sizes
Whatever kind of business you operate, we have likely performed a water extraction at a similar site. This enables us to understand and anticipate the potential difficulties involved in dealing with a water event in your structure before we begin work. Ultimately, this knowledge helps us finish your job more quickly and saves you time and money.
What Specialized Equipment Does SERVPRO Use to Extract Water from Businesses and Remediate Commercial Water Damage?
As you can imagine, commercial water extraction and remediation jobs require more powerful, industrial-grade equipment. These high-tech tools help our skilled experts rapidly remove standing water and excess moisture from all kinds of commercial establishments. They also enable us to limit or prevent future damage related to your water issue. Some of these innovative and highly effective gear includes:
Truck-mounted extractors massive enough to swiftly remove large volumes of standing water
Low-grain refrigerant (LGR) dehumidifiers that remove excess moisture from expansive areas by condensing it out of the air
EPA-approved disinfectants and antifungals that slow or prevent the growth of harmful bacteria and fungi
State-of-the-art ultra-low volume (ULV) and thermal foggers that treat impacted areas with antimicrobials and deodorants
As a business owner affected by a leak or other water-related problem, timely recovery is crucial. The sooner your business is effectively remediated, the sooner it can return to its operations. This is important not only for owners but also for customers and employees. Powerful industrial-grade equipment is, therefore, a necessity for commercial remediations.
In What Ways Do Commercial Extraction and Water Damage Restoration Services Help My Business?
Commercial extraction and water damage restoration companies like SERVPRO help businesses save time and money, as well as avoid future problems related to their water problems. Some of the various ways our services benefit your business are by:
Reducing overall costs by restoring impacted structural elements and business contents, rather than simply replacing them, whenever possible
Limiting potential future damage and health effects resulting from mold and bacterial growths
Neutralizing persistent unpleasant odors related to water damage
Helping you minimize financially destructive operational downtime
Working to protect necessary and valuable business inventories
Protecting and restoring essential business records
Safeguarding customer and employee health
As you can see, there are many crucial ways SERVPRO can save your commercial enterprise. These involve quickly removing standing water, effectively treating water damage, salvaging as many affected materials as possible, and returning your business to operational condition as soon as possible.
Ultimately, following a water event, the most important thing you can do to save your business is to find the right extraction and remediation company to swiftly resolve your water-related problems. Companies like SERVPRO have all the necessary training, experience, and equipment to do the job right, the first time. They help ensure that your commercial establishment avoids long-term effects resulting from standing water and excess water vapor in the air. Our technicians always work to limit your losses and save you money by first attempting to salvage all water damaged items. They also try their best to make your business operational in as little time possible. The end result of all these efforts is to give your business the best chances for continued success following a water event.
Whenever a leak or other clean water issue causes standing water in your office building, store, hotel, restaurant, or rental complex, remember there is help available. If such issues ever affect you, contact SERVPRO of North Onondaga County for assistance at (315) 457-3432.
How Do I Determine What To Save After Fire Damage Ravages My Liverpool Home?
Assistance from a professional can help you make the right decision about salvaging items.
SERVPRO Helps Evaluate and Restore Fire Damaged Items Cost-Effectively in Liverpool
In the aftermath of a fire at your Liverpool house, you may have a hard time determining whether items should go directly to the disposal bin or whether there is a way to save them. Various aspects can influence the decision you make, including how the damage happens.
What aspects contribute to fire damage of items in Liverpool homes?
• Burning or searing by flames and heat • Accumulation of residues • Exposure to firefighting chemicals • Oversaturation with water
Although fire sets the ball rolling, other things that happen during, or after the incident can end up damaging your valuables. For instance, heat and flames might have minimal effects on metal items. However, when residues like soot accumulate on their surfaces, and they remain untouched over extended periods, corrosion can develop, ruining the items. Our SERVPRO technicians in Liverpool are IICRC certified in fire and smoke restoration, so we can help take corrective steps to prevent secondary damage of salvageable items.
What level of resources should go towards saving items?
Although all items in your house have some value that you might want to preserve, it might not be feasible trying to save them all. Various considerations should be made before making the final decision. Our technicians consider: • The cost of restoration compared to the value of the item • The extent of damages • Whether the item has sentimental value
Restoration procedures, whether it is regular or specialized cleaning, incur costs. Our SERVPRO technicians can help you make accurate evaluations, whether it is better to perform restoration or make replacements. Spending money and time restoring extensively damaged items, which can be readily replaced, is a waste of resources. For items with sentimental value, our technicians use a variety of cleaning techniques, including sophisticated ones such as soda blasting to deal with charring or stubborn residues.
Assistance from a professional can help you make the right decision about salvaging items. Call SERVPRO of North Onondaga County at (315) 457-3432 to help. We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster.
What Is the Rush? Why Does Water Damage Need Such a Fast Response in My Liverpool House?
SERVPRO says that hidden moisture can cause secondary water damage to your Liverpool property
Rapid Reaction by Our Highly-Qualified Employees is Why SERVPRO Avoids Long Term Damage from Water Both Seen and Unseen for Liverpool Residents
Water moves, always looking for an outlet out of your Liverpool kitchen, bathroom, utility room, or other space where a sink overflowed or an appliance broke down. Often it is difficult to determine the direction taken by the water because it disappears into cracks and crevices. Permeable materials common in building construction also wick up the water, locking it in where it cannot be seen but can still harm:
Drywall
Subfloors
Laminate flooring
Insulation
Will Moisture that Seeps Away from the Original Water Loss Dry without Intervention?
The water damage in your Liverpool home that hides in building cavities and soaks into structures requires quick mitigation and remediation. Allowing it to remain can weaken supporting structures, destroy other materials, intensify the harm, and increase the expense of cleanup. Water is incredibly corrosive, dissolving cellulose products like drywall, soaking and compressing insulation, and providing optimum conditions for mold growth and damage. The destruction starts immediately and becomes incrementally worse within hours, but it often occurs in hidden places, so homeowners erroneously believe the worst has passed.
How Is Hidden Water Damage Found?
Excess water takes unexpected pathways inside your house, why SERVPRO trains our employees in water tracing. A thorough assessment identifies and manages any safety concerns. Then our experienced technicians use moisture detection and measuring devices on a quest to find the damaging fluids. Comparative readings from unaffected structures inform our drying goals. Crew members use controlled demolition to gain access to liquid and absorbed water for removal. Research-based drying techniques finally bring moisture in damaged materials levels in line with those found in unaffected areas of your home.
Skilled technicians trace water migration and guide SERVPRO of North Onondaga County to remove standing water and perform structural drying, preventing progressive and secondary damage. Call us at (315) 457-3432 for an assessment and project plan to ensure we eliminate the potential for further water damage.
When your commercial property undergoes a devastating loss, you should feel confident contacting SERVPRO for help! We know the importance of getting your business up and running again as soon as possible. We understand that your business needs to be running in order to thrive. That’s why we will do everything possible to make that happen.
The SERVPRO Commercial Large Loss Division is composed of the best, highly trained people in restoration. We have special large loss training and highly experienced people leading this department. Our large losses are handled directly by a commercial operations manager to ensure we are working efficiently and seamlessly to help your business.
If needed, our SERVPRO will bring in other highly trained franchises to help with manpower and to provide additional equipment.
Our SERVPRO has provided large loss commercial property restorations for schools, universities, the hospitality industry, property managers, municipalities, etc. Our specific franchise has over 20 years of large loss work. We have provided services from damage due to flooding, fires, hurricanes, blizzards and more!
We are available to help you out 24/7, 365 days a year. Don’t hesitate to give us a call for help or with any questions you may have.
Restoring Your Commercial Property Following a Water Damage
Flooding and water damage events in Onondaga and Oswego Counties commercial properties are often complex with numerous issues that require a knowledgeable and flexible response. Whether we’re dealing with a relatively small water cleanup scenario or a large scale event, we work quickly to assess each unique situation and isolate the damaged area. In many instances, normal operations can continue in a temporary space while we restore your facility.
Our professionals are trained to be mindful of legal and environmental concerns and strive to fully restore the damaged area while working within your budgetary constraints. We understand that every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when an emergency situation arises in your business, give us a call and we’ll be there fast with the help you need.
About SERVPRO of North and East Onondaga and Oswego Counties
SERVPRO of North and East Onondaga and Oswego Counties specializes in the cleanup and restoration of commercial and residential property after a water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.
Our technicians are certified by the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification for the Following:
Did you know that our SERVPRO franchise has the capability to provide water mitigation, mold restoration and fire restoration for your commercial building quickly and efficiently? Our SERVPRO franchise has approximately 20 employees that will mobilize quickly when you need our services.
Should your commercial building experience a large loss, we can quickly activate more SERVPRO trained teammates from other SERVPRO franchises to help us get your building back in order so that you don’t lose revenue. SERVPRO has mobilization teams that travel across the country as needed to support recovery after large storm or disaster events. These teams are familiar with handling the work that goes into a large loss project and are trained to work as efficiently as possible. In the 24 years our franchise has been in business we have brought the mobilization teams in to help a handful of times. Each time, we have had successful outcomes.
Timely mitigation is the key to controlling damage, downtime and recovery costs. Our crews are available 24/7, 365 days a year. We are dedicated to providing detailed and consistent communication to make our customers aware of job status and progress toward completion.
Have you ever had water leak into your home through your roof? If so, you understand the ways a roof leak can cause damage in your home. If you haven’t experienced a roof leak- you’re lucky!
It is important to understand the condition of your roof. Knowing that roof maintenance will be needed and what types of maintenance will be required can be helpful! Roof repairs and replacements can be very costly, it helps to know in advance so that you can prepare.
If water starts leaking into your home it can cause a lot of damage in a short period of time.
Damaged shingles is one of the most common sources of roof leaks. Having damaged or missing shingles, it is important to replace them as soon as possible. Missing or damaged shingles will allow a lower layer of the roof to be exposed to nature’s elements and can allow water to seep through the uncovered spaces.
Nails that have backed out due to extreme weather should be hammered back in securely. When the nails are raised or fall out, allows water to seep in.
Flashing that is improperly installed or have been damaged allows water to enter through gaps. Have them inspected to ensure they are properly installed and are well maintained.
Clogged gutters can cause water to back up and overflow onto your roof. This would cause water to possibly intruder into your home through the underside of the roof. If you notice water stains around the perimeters of your home, water maybe backing up into your home from your gutters. Also, gutters that are not pitched properlydon’t allow the water to flow the correct direction to the downspouts causing the same damage as a clogged gutter.
Skylights often have leaks if they are not installed properly or have seals that are worn and cracked. Water can seep into the home from the skylight causing damage.
Sometimes water damage from a roof leak goes undiscovered for a long time because of the insulation in the attic or crawl space. It takes a lot of water to seep into the home, soaking the insulation before it reaches the ceiling and walls. In some cases, mold forms before water intrusion from the roof is noticed.
If you think your roof needs attention, call a roofer to have them inspect your roof. They can tell you what kind of shape your roof is in, inform you of any repairs that are necessary and give you a quote for the repairs.
During the summer months, we do a lot of grilling outside. It's important to remember a few safety tips to keep grilling fun and enjoyable.
First, keep the grill a few feet away from the house. If the grill gets out of control and a fire erupts, you don't want the flames to catch fire to the side of the home or any decking.
Use the grill in an open area. Do not use the grill where there is a ceiling, such as a covered deck area.
Keep the grill clean. If the grease tray gets too full, it makes it easier for it to catch fire. A grease fire can be very dangerous!
If you use a cover for your grill, wait until the grill has completely cooled before putting the cover on.
Lastly, don't walk away from the grill at any time. It's important to keep an eye on the grill so nothing happens.
Many people use their basement as storage for their contents. The basement is also the most common area for water damage. Even if the water damage doesn't start in the basement, it usually drains down to that level. We recommend keeping your contents off of the floor. Put shelving in your storage area, use pallets, or place your items in rubber totes to protect your contents. This way, everything will be more likely to be safe from damage. This will prevent your items to be the first things that the water touches and soaks into. The items still may need to be moved out so that mitigation can happen, but they won't be damaged.
Most people either love a good thunderstorm or hate them! Either way, we want you to be safe!
A thunderstorm warning means that a thunderstorm is happening in your area. At this time, you should be inside with any doors or windows closed.
A thunderstorm watch means that a thunderstorm is likely to happen in your area and you should be prepared to move inside quickly.
Even if there is no rain, if you hear thunder or see lightning you should immediately move inside. If getting into a building is not possible, stay in your car and keep the windows and doors closed.
Stay away from trees during a thunderstorm.
Do not swim during a thunderstorm.
Do not touch metal.
Lastly, do not use a telephone with a cord.
We want you to be safe during a thunderstorm, thunder and lightning can be very dangerous!
Did you know that insurance coverage for a sump pump failure is not always written into an insurance plan? Therefore, you could get left paying for the damage caused from a sump pump failure in your home out of pocket. When a sump pump fails, the damage can be very costly. Especially if the area of the home is a finished area.
We recommend that you contact your insurance company to ensure that you would be covered if your sump pump fails during a storm or heavy snow melt. When you get coverage, think about the cost of the items structural and personal that could potentially get damaged and make sure the coverage would be enough if it all were to be damaged.
Do you know where the water shut off valve is in your home?
It's important to know where the shut-off valve is in case a pipe were to crack or break and you needed to stop the water from getting to that pipe. You could shut the water to the house off to eliminate damage from getting worse until help arrives to fix the pipe. Sometimes plumbing companies can get backed up with work and you don't want water shooting everywhere until they arrive.
After the plumbing company has fixed the problem, then you can call SERVPRO and we'll get any water damaged all cleaned up for you!
It's important to be ready for a power outage at any time. Losing power can happen all year long for a number of different reasons. We want you to be safe if that should occur.
Make sure to always have a flashlight with batteries and candles in an easily accessible area of your home that you could grab. Every few months you should check to make sure the flashlight is still in working order and that the batteries have not died.
You should store bottled water in your home for this type of emergency. Remember not to open the refrigerator or freezer more than necessary to keep all of the food cold for as long as possible.
Consider having a generator on back up to use in case of a power outage.
Our SERVPRO Franchise specializes in commercial cleaning. Whether you need to have a general cleaning to keep your business looking great, had a water damage that needs to be dried out, experienced mold damage the required remediation or had a fire that needs items to be inventoried and cleaned, we're here for you! We pride ourselves in doing a thorough, quick job so that you business can get back up and running again.
Our Operations Managers have taken classes to gain experience on large jobs. We have extra staff at our finger tips to get the job done quickly. We are experienced in talking with insurance companies and sorting out the fine details. If your business should need a company like SERVPRO, please do not hesitate to give us a call.
When we think of storm and water damage, we often think of structure damage. Did you know that SERVPRO offers content restoration for your affected contents as well? Your contents can be your most valuable and meaningful belongings. We wouldn't want you to have to throw away damaged contents because the water damage they may have endured leads to mold damage and staining.
Our technicians are specially trained to restore contents damaged by mold, water and smoke. Our technicians start by spot cleaning items to determine what cleaning techniques will work best based on the materials the item is made of and the type of damaged the item sustained.
The types of cleaning we offer are:
Dry Cleaning - Used for cleaning light residues or to pre-clean prior to cleaning.
Wet Cleaning - An effective cleaning method for removing moderate to heavy residues.
Spray and Wipe -Effective for items that can’t withstand cleaning.
Foam Cleaning - Used for upholstery fabrics that might shrink or bleed if cleaned.
Abrasive Cleaning - Involves agitation of the surface being cleaned.
Immersion Cleaning - Contents are dipped into a bath of the cleaning product.
If your home or office requires extensive restoration, a pack out may be required. In this case, the SERVPRO team would inventory and pack out all contents and move them to our office. There, the team would clean all contents and store them in our climate controlled containers until you are ready to have your contents brought back.
We work with you for 100% of this process letting you make decisions and offering solutions to possible problems along the way. Pack outs, storage, and pack backs are often covered by insurance. We work with your adjuster to ensure they understand any type of necessary cleaning and pack out.
There is an old myth that says if there it is not raining, and there are no clouds overhead, then you're safe from lightning. However, this is simply isn't true. Lightning often strikes three miles from the center of the storm, away from the storm clouds.
The temperature of a lightning bolt is about 54,000 degrees Fahrenheit, which is about 5 times hotter than the sun. Which is why getting struck by lightning can be so damaging! The bolt of lightning can travel through a building, tree or a person and can be fatal, which is why it's very important to take cover during a lightning storm. About 2,000 people a year are killed due to lightning.
There are certain precautions that should be taken when flooding occurs in order to stay safe. Please consider following these steps to be safe in flooded areas:
Do not walk, drive or ride through flooded areas. You don't know what may be in the water below. It is better to use precaution and not go into the water than to risk drowning, getting hit with a sharp object, fall into an unseen hole or be taken by the fast current. Remember that only 6 inches of water can knock down an adult, less for a child. When evacuations are necessary, list to local officials and get out while you can. This will save yourself and rescue crews from being put into dangerous situations. When flash flooding is possible, move to higher ground. It is better to be safe than sorry. It is easier to move to higher ground before the flooding occurs than to get trapped and not be able to get out. Flash floods are the number 1 cause of weather related deaths in the US according to FEMA. Avoid driving through flooded areas. One foot of water is enough to move a vehicle and leave you unable to control the vehicle's destination. Avoid camping or parking along streams, rivers and creeks during heavy rainfall. These ares can quickly flood. If you have notice of possible flooding, but sand bags around your house in areas that might allow water intrusion. You cannot stop all water intrusions, but this step might save your home from possible water damage.
Did you know that part of the reason SERVPRO can provide excellent service to clean up after water damage is because of our specialized equipment? We have equipment specifically for cleaning and drying water damage in homes and businesses.
Our franchise is stocked with different types of air movers and dehumidifiers to fit the needs of your damage. Air movers are made to be more/less powerful and to sit at different angles depending on where you need them pointed. Dehumidifiers are built to work at different temperatures and in different sized spaces. We calculate the size of the area we're trying to dry to decide how many air movers we need to use and what type/how many dehumidifiers to use in a space.
Beyond these pieces of equipment, we have extraction machines to pull up standing water or water that is soaked into carpets. This helps move the drying phase along substantially.
There may come a time when you need to have a first responder help you become safe during an emergency situation. Here is some terminology you may hear from first responders and emergency personnel regarding a fire and what it means:
Class A fire – A fire involving combustibles such as wood, paper, and other natural materials.
Class B fire – A fire involving hydrocarbons (Petroleum and natural gas).
Class C fire – An electrical fire.
Class D fire – A fire involving metals, such as sodium, magnesium, potassium, uranium, lithium, and calcium.
Remember that if the cause the of the fire is known, they may use different techniques to put the fire out to get it out faster and causing less damage. It's important to give as much information as you know about a situation.
When you call 911 to alert them of a fire, there are many people you may come into contact with throughout the situation. The following list explains some of those people and their duties. The people you work with during and after a fire can be overwhelming to remember everyone's name and positions, so we hope this is helpful!
Company – Two or more firefighters organized as a team, led by a fire officer, and equipped to perform certain operational functions. Compare with platoon and unit.
Company officer – A fire officer, typically a lieutenant or captain, who leads a team of two or more firefighters in a company.
Dispatch – Refers to a person or place designated for handling a call for help by alerting the specific resources necessary.
Engineer – A firefighter responsible for driving the engine to the scene of the call and operation of the pumps on an engine, to provide enough water to the firefighters on the hose. The term may be either a position title or a rank; usage varies among departments (also a Chauffer).
Engine Company – A group of firefighters assigned to an apparatus with a water pump and equipped with a firehose and other tools related to fire extinguishment.
Fire inspector – A person responsible for issuing permits and enforcing the fire code, including any necessary premises inspection.
Fire marshal – Administrative investigative office for fire prevention and arson investigation. Has legal authority to enforce state and local fire laws.
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), home fires are the leading cause of all fire deaths in the United States. For the most part, home fires are easily preventable.
Here are the top causes of home fires.
1.Cooking equipment. This may seem like a no brainer but believe it or not, cooking equipment is the leading cause of all home fires. Do not leave the stove or oven unattended while cooking. If you do need to leave the room, even for a second, make sure there are no flammable items such as dish rags,cookbooks, grease, curtains or paper products near your appliances. It’s always a good idea to keep a fire extinguisher in the kitchen as well, just in case.
2. Heating, the second most common cause of home fires. Most fires involving heaters are caused by portable space heaters. They may be nice and convenient but blankets, lint and other flammables can easily get caught in them. If you have to use a space heater, make sure there are no loose materials that could easily burn around it.
3. Smoking. Cigarette’s and their ashes can easily catch on curtains, bedding and clothing which can quickly result in an out of control fire. Many fires caused by smoking happen in the bedroom when someone falls asleep with a cigarette in their hand. If you must smoke, do so outside your home for the safety of everyone involved.
4. Electrical fires can happen for a variety of reasons. Here are the top four:
Never remove the grounding plug on an appliance. Three pronged plugs exists on appliances that need extra power to operate. Get an electrician to install the proper outlet if you find this a problem in your home.
Lamps and light fixtures. You should never install a bulb with wattage that is too high for a particular appliance. This will cause the bulb to overheat and in turn, catch the lampshade or other flammables nearby on fire. Another thing to avoid is covering your lamp shade or fixture with a cloth or paper. While it may look nice, it’s not worth the potential fire you may cause.
Faulty cords and outdated appliances. Never use a cord that is worn or frayed. For this reason, you should also avoid running cords under rugs where they could become worn and go unnoticed for a long amount of time.
Last but not least, outdated wiring. If your home is more than twenty years old, you may want to have a licensed electrician take a look at the wiring system. While replacing the system can get costly, it is nothing compared to a life or the belongings you could lose if the old wiring causes a fire.
Take the time to look around your house and ensure the safety of your friends and family by checking these common fire causes. Do you have a fire extinguisher? A working smoke alarm? How about a carbon monoxide detector? While it may seem tedious to check these items and think ahead, you will be able to sleep more soundly at night knowing that you and your family are safe.
In order to understand why different fire extinguishers exist, first one needs to understand how a fire exists in general. Using the wrong extinguisher can even cause fires to re-ignite or spread in some cases.
The fire triangle is a model used to illustrate how fires start. The triangle includes 3 elements: oxygen, heat and fuel. Without these three elements, a fire cannot exist. Fire extinguishers are made to take away one or more of the three elements to cease the fire. Since there are different types of fuel involved in different fires, there are a variety of fire extinguishers one can use based on the source of the fire.
Dry Chemical is the most common fire extinguisher used today as it is effective on all types of fires and is most likely the one you have in your home or at your place of business. This type of extinguisher interrupts the chemical reaction by creating a barrier between the fuel source and the oxygen. This can be used on Class A, B and C fires.
Dry Powder extinguishers are similar to dry chemical in that they separate the fuel from the oxygen or remove the heat element of the fire. They are only used for combustible metal fires (Class D) and are ineffective on all other types of fires.
Clean Agent or Halogenated extinguishers use halon agents and halocarbon agents to interrupt the chemical reaction of the fire. Clean agent is mainly used for Class B and C however, it can be used on Class A as well. There are concerns regarding contamination when these are used which brings us to the next type of extinguisher…
Water Mist extinguishers are a newer development and extinguish the fire by taking away the heat component. These are much safer than clean agent extinguishers as no halocarbon is involved and are primarily for Class C but may be used on Class A fires as well.
Cartridge Operated Dry Chemical interrupt the chemical reaction of the three components in the fire triangle and create a barrier between the fuel and the oxygen components when used on Class A fires. This extinguisher is also effective on Class B and C fires.
Wet Chemical extinguishers are unique in that they remove the heat component and prevent re-ignition by creating a barrier. These extinguishers are used for Class K fires which typically involve deep fryers and commercial cooking operations but may also be used for Class A fires in commercial kitchens as well.
Water and Foam extinguishers not only take away the heat element but the foam separates the oxygen from the other elements. These are used in Class A fires only and should never be used in Class B or C. If used in a B or C classified fire, there is a risk of spreading and not extinguishing the fire.
Carbon Dioxide fire extinguishers remove the oxygen first and secondly, remove the heat with cold discharge. They can be used on Class B and C fires but aren’t normally effective on Class A fires.
Fire extinguishers exist for your safety but if used improperly, may cause more damage. Make sure you know what kind of fire extinguisher you have and what types of emergencies it should and should not be used for.
Lightning from thunderstorms injures hundreds of people in the U.S. every year and kills dozens. These causalities are easily preventable if you follow these simple safety tips.
1) Listen to the radio and television for severe thunderstorm warnings. The National Weather Service issues warnings for counties and even sends out text messages now to our mobile phones when storms are on their way. Pay attention and heed their warnings for safety.
2) Remember the 30 second rule. If there is not 30 seconds in between the time you see lightning and hear thunder, it’s time to go indoors.
3) Lightning typically strikes the tallest object around so if there is a storm, move indoors if at all possible or into a hard top car if there are no buildings around.
4) Once inside, stay away from windows, plumbing and electrical. If lightning strikes outside, it can carry inside via land lines.
5) Get out of boats and away from bodies of water. If you can hear thunder than you are close enough to get struck by lightning.
6) If you are caught outside, avoid standing by tall isolated objects such as trees. Find a grouping of small trees surrounded by taller ones, avoid bodies of water, and if there is only open spaces, look for a dry low-lying area and try to make yourself the smallest target possible. Do not lay flat on the ground, rather crouch with your head between your knees. Sheds, outhouses and tents provide no safety so keep this in mind when you are hiking or camping. Always think ahead and be prepared in the event that you are caught in a thunderstorm and if possible, turn around on your trip and head home.
How should you prepare for the possibility of a natural disaster?
-Prepare to be without electricity for several days. Here is a list of very basic items you should have on hand:
>You should have a couple flashlights with extra batteries. Candles and matches.
>Food that will not spoil and does not need to be heated to be eaten or kept cold.
>Plenty of bottled water. Some sources say as much as 1 gallon of water per person per day.
>Blankets and clothing stored in a plastic container that won’t get wet if flooding should occur.
>First aid kit.
>At least a week’s worth of any prescription medication and any over the counter medication you may take.
>Toiletries such as paper towels, toilet paper, shampoo, body wash, tooth paste and tooth brushes, anti-bacterial wipes, hand sanitizer.
Remember that stores and gas stations can get overwhelmingly busy when everyone is trying to prepare for a storm. Be patient and understanding during this time. It is easy to become anxious as no one truly knows what will happen in the days or hours to come.
-Watch the news and stay current on what is happening. In some areas evacuations may be necessary. It is important to know what is going on and what safety measures are being recommended.
-Create a family communication plan. In case you get separated from your loved ones, make sure you have a plan of how you would get back in touch with them. Often we hear on the news that family members were evacuated separately from one another. If this were to happen, you would want to have a plan to get back in touch with your loved ones so that you know quicker that they are alright.
-Be flexible with your plans. Circumstances may change in a moment’s notice and it is important that we remain flexible in our plans. The area you’re in may not be expecting initially to get hit with the eye of the storm. However, this can change very quickly and officials may decide to evacuate your area. You need to be prepared to do so with very little time so that you and your family can get to a safe zone.
Water Damage is split up into three different types of categories and four different types of classes according to the Institute of Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) which sets the industry standards for the water damage restoration and repair industry.
The following categories describe the type of water involved:
Category 1: This is water from a clean source such as faucets, toilets, tanks, drinking fountains, etc.
Category 2: Liquid in this category is sometimes called grey water. The level of contaminants in grey water may cause illness if ingested and comes from sources such as dishwasher or washing machines, sink drains and toilet overflows with some urine but no fecal matter.
Category 3: This is the most unsanitary classification as it could cause severe illness or even death if ingested. Liquid in this category is also known as black water and comes from sewer backup, flooding from rivers, streams, toilet overflow with fecal matter and stagnant liquid that has begun to grow bacteria.
The classes below describe the level of destruction.
Class 1: Only one area of the room was affected, little or no wet carpet, and water has only touched materials with a low permeance rate such as plywood or concrete. Evaporation rate is slow in this class and damage is the easiest to deal with.
Class 2: In this class, the evaporation rate is fast and water has affected the entire room, going up the wall at least a foot leaving a lot of moisture in materials.
Class 3: Liquid may have come from above and the ceilings, walls, insulation, carpet and sub-floors are all saturated and have the fastest evaporation rate.
Class 4: Specialty drying situations are placed in this class when there is enough water to completely saturate materials with very low permeance such as hardwood, brick or stone.
These categories and classes are used by the restoration industry to determine what type of plan and process should be used in each water damage situation. Ask your restoration company beforehand if their technicians are IICRC certified to ensure the highest quality and standards in the cleanup process of your home or business.
Keeping your business going after a disaster can be tough! A lot of revenue can be lost, money spent fixing things that were damaged and lost customers can impact whether your business is successful after a disaster. SERVPRO is here to help you! We can come out before a disaster and help you create a plan. The plan will include creating a list of people to contact to have the quickest response, we'll draw out the building so that it doesn't have to be done after the fact and keep it on file. We'll also mark important areas of the building in our drawing like the water main shut off.
Our goal is to help you get your business back up and running as soon as possible so that you don't miss a beat! We want your business to thrive in our community.
Has your house been a victim of water damage this spring? The rain just keeps on coming, and this gives many chances for water to come in through the basement, foundation or have a leak in the roof. It's important to pay close attention to all areas of your home so that water damage doesn't go unnoticed.
Foundation leaks in the springtime are very common. The ground is constantly moist and has had a hard time in many areas absorbing all the rain that keeps coming. This leads to water coming in through the foundation. Unfortunately, before we could start mitigation, we would want the foundation leak to be fixed prior to starting our work. We don't want to have to keep coming and performing mitigation on the same area of your home due to the problem not being fixed. In this case, it's important to call a company who specializes in sealing foundations. Once they have finished, we can proceed with water mitigation.
Did you know that you can call SERVPRO, get a quote for carpet cleaning at your business and schedule to have regularly scheduled carpet cleanings? Carpets in businesses tend to get a lot of wear and tear due to how much traffic the carpet gets. Therefore, it's important to keep up on regular carpet cleanings to keep your carpet looking great! We can schedule to do monthly, bi-monthly, quarterly or even annual carpet cleanings to keep the carpet in your business looking great! This way, you don't even have to think about scheduling to have the carpet cleaned. We'll give you a call a day or two before the scheduled cleaning to ensure that you still want your carpets cleaned on the scheduled date. We can complete the cleaning day or night.
Give us a call today to schedule your carpet cleaning!
Did you know that the American Red Cross installs smoke detectors in homes for free? That's right! They believe that it's so important to have smoke detectors in the home to alert people of a fire that volunteers around CNY and Western NY have will provide free smoke detectors AND install them in your home at no cost! All you need to do is go to: https://www.redcross.org/local/new-york/western-and-central-new-york/about-us/our-work/home-fire-campaign.html and sign up.
We want you and your family to be alerted as soon as possible of a fire so that you can get out safely and call 911. Once the fire department has completely put out the fire and secured the area, you can call SERVPRO and we'll clean up any of the damage. We'll demo any structure that needs to be removed, clean and deodorize affected structure and contents, provide rebuild if necessary. We're here to help make your house a home again for you and your family!
Did you know that SERVPRO not only performs mitigation and restoration on residential properties but at commercial properties too?
Our Operations Managers have completed training to understand the important steps of completing a commercial job. We want your business to be able to re-open and be in full working capacity as soon as possible. We know that delaying the job getting done and getting done right slows down your business' ability to make money.
We have stocked up on equipment and resources so that we can complete mitigation and restoration at large commercial jobs. Our managers and technicians have worked in state buildings, schools, universities, warehouses, and automotive properties and have gained a lot of knowledge in doing so.
If you need mitigation or restoration on your commercial property, please do not hesitate to call our office! We're here to help!
Our team takes pride in our community! We care about the people in our community and want to help out in any way that we can.
Our owner, John Halko, has a huge heart and makes sure to take time to donate to causes that he believes in. John is a long time supporter of the Rescue Mission. In addition to monetary donations, our team has participated in coat drives and donated furniture to support those in need through the Rescue Mission.
We currently hold a Jean Day on Fridays that those in the office are able to participate in. Office employees are able to wear jeans to work on Fridays as long as they donate $2. Currently, the money is being saved to buy toys to be donated to Toys for Tots. Additionally, we are collecting bottles and cans to go towards buying toys for the cause. Last year we were able to donate many toys thanks to our staff.
If you would like to donate money or toys to the cause, please feel free to drop off at our office. We hope to fill a truck with as many toys as possible to make Christmas grand for children in the area who don't have much.
Fire damage can cause a great deal of damage to both the structure of your home and your belongings. After you experience a fire in your home, know that we are so happy to hear that you and your loved ones are safe!
It is important to clean up from fire damage quickly and efficiently. Smoke and soot can be very hard to clean by yourself. Many cleaning products will not touch smoke and soot damage, or they will push it around spreading it. SERVPRO has created cleaning products to clean different types of smoke and soot from a variety of different types of materials. Throughout the years, our SERVPRO headquarters has worked with experts creating products to clean up after fire damage. We know that you have items in your home that are very near and dear to your heart that would be devastating to loose. Our job is to ensure that these items are cleaned properly.
When you call us, we can give you tips on what to do to make sure that items are not damaged further until we can get out to the house to perform a proper cleaning. Best of all, we work with insurance companies so that you are not burdened with the cost of cleaning your home from top to bottom!
Have you ever had a bad smell coming from the vents in your home? Did you know that dust, dander and debris can build up in your ducts over time causing allergies, respiratory problems, and other possible health problems?
Having your ducts cleaned on a regular basis makes it possible to avoid having breathing and other health problems caused by your HVAC. Our technician, Lew who leads all of our duct cleanings has been working with us for over 13 years. He has experience working with many different types of HVAC units and ducting. He has the duct cleaning down to a science. Lew is able to answer any questions you may have regarding the duct cleaning and can walk you through the whole process before he begins. This way, you know exactly what to expect.
Call to schedule your duct cleaning today before you suffer all winter long breathing in the dust and toxins that have gotten into your duct work!
When you're looking for a company to clean up after water, fire or mold damage you can be sure that SERVPRO will be a reliable company for you!
We are independently owned and operated. John Halko has owned SERVPRO of North Onondaga County for over 25 years. He grew up in the area, started a business and raised a family in the area. John understands how important your home and business are to you! That's why our SERVPRO will take care of you in your time of disaster.
John also takes pride in working with other local companies to ensure that everything needed to complete the job is done. We work with local dry cleaners, industrial hygienists, dumpster and storage companies, abatement and contractors.
We will work with you and make you feel comfortable along the way. Our managers have been with our company for over 12 years and are dedicated to getting you back into your home and business as quickly as possible.
Have you experienced a sewage back up in your home or business? Sewage backups can be very dangerous, as the water can contain viruses, bacteria and other contaminants that have potential to cause illnesses. This is why we do not recommend that you clean up a sewage backup yourself. Let your local SERVPRO professionals clean it up for you! We have specialized training and cleaning products to ensure that the affected area is cleaned properly.
When we come out to assess damage, we first consider whether a water damage is a category 1, 2 or 3. From there, we determine the proper way to clean the area.
The three types of contaminated water:
Category 1: "Clean Water"
Category 1 water is from a clean source like a broken water supply line or leaking faucet. If not treated quickly, this water can turn into category 2 or 3, depending on length of time, temperature, and contact with surrounding contaminants.
Water from a clean source like a broken water line
If left untreated, can degrade into category 2 or 3
Category 2: "Gray Water"
Category 2 water is contaminated and could cause discomfort or illness. Examples include washing machine overflow; toilet overflow with some urine, but no feces; or dishwasher overflow.
May contain bacteria and viruses
Can quickly degrade into category 3 if left untreated
Category 3: "Black Water"
Category 3 water is grossly contaminated and could cause severe illness or death if ingested and any contact should be avoided. Examples include flooding from rivers or streams, water from beyond the toilet trap, water from the toilet bowl with feces, or standing water that has begun to support microbial growth.
May contain untreated sewage, harsh chemicals, and microbes
Water from flooding rivers or sewer backup
We'll be there for you! If you experience a sewage backup, give us a call day or night. We have technicians available 24/7 to clean up the water damage quickly and efficiently!
When looking at companies who can provide you with water mitigation, mold remediation and fire restoration services you might ask yourself, why SERVPRO?
Let me tell you somethings about SERVPRO:
1. SERVPRO has been around since 1967 when Ted and Doris Isaacson founded the company which started as a painting business. Today, more than 1,700 SERVPRO franchises exist nationwide. Therefore, SERVPRO has proved to be an outstanding company. SERVPRO is actually one of the top 10 franchises today.
2. Our SERVPRO started over 25 years ago. Our owner started a SERVPRO franchise, with no other employees, one vehicle and just a couple pieces of equipment. Since then, we now operate with about 20 employees, multiple types of vehicles, a wide range of equipment for all types of work in our field. We have been successful, which has allowed us to grow.
3. All of our technicians are trained and specialists in the work that they do.
4. We work with your insurance company to make sure you are covered for the work that we complete. If your insurance company does not cover a service we recommend, we will let you know the price before the work is done.
5. We work quickly to ensure that your home is back to normal ASAP.
6. We appreciate your feedback! We would like to know if your happy with our services. We also are interested in knowing if your unhappy with our services. We want to make it right, and fix anything that may have gone wrong.
We understand that flooding can be a very emotional and stressful time. Your home has water in rooms where there shouldn't be water, your contents have been damaged, sometimes even ruined by the water. And now, you have to take time out of your busy life to try to make things right again in your home.
We will come out to you as soon as possible. We are usually able to get out to you the same day you call, but in case it is a busy time, below are some do's and don'ts for things you can do to help.
What To Do After Flooding
Remove excess water by mopping and blotting.
Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removal of lamps and tabletop items.
Remove and prop wet upholstery and cushions.
Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting.
Turn air conditioning on for maximum drying in summer.
Remove colored rugs from wet carpeting.
Remove art objects to a safe, dry place.
Gather loose items from floors.
What NOT To Do After Flooding
Don't leave wet fabrics in place. Hang furs and leather goods.
Don't leave books, magazines or other colored items on wet carpet or floors.
Don't use your household vacuum to remove water.
Don't use television or other household appliances.
Don't turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet, and keep out of rooms where ceilings are sagging.
Hurricane Florence began affecting the east coast on September 14th, and has caused a great deal of damage. Even after the hurricane hit, waters continued to rise throughout the Carolina's, Virginia and parts of Maryland. Many people were displaced and homes were ruined. SERVPRO dispatched our Storm teams into the areas to begin flood cleanup.
SERVPRO has its own meteorologist, Lela Davis, who works at our corporate branch. Her job is to keep our corporate office updated on the forecast so that storm teams can be ready for dispatch in areas that is predicted to have storms. This way, we're one step a head of the weather.
Our storm teams make it possible for local franchises to reach more people in an area hit by storm and devastation. They will bring trailers of equipment with them, and as much crew as possible. Our focus is to help those in need and get homeowners back in their homes, businesses up and running quickly.
Come see us at the 41st Beaver Lake Golden Harvest Festival September 8th-9th from 10AM-6PM. They have some great activities planned!
There is free parking available on-site, and free shuttles from the River Mall and Tops parking lot in Baldwinsville.
At this event there will be hands on activities, horse drawn hayrides, canoeing, fresh doughnuts, live animals, games, face painting, lots of food to choose from, local artists, crafters and live music. Wylie Fox Farm from Cato, NY will be there with fresh produce!
The cost is $5 for adults and $1 for children (6-17 yrs old)
People often ask the question, what is mold remediation? Those who do not work in the mold industry may not know what mold remediation is or the procedures needed to properly get rid of mold.
It is first important to know that mold spores exist naturally just about everywhere. If you have an industrial hygienist come to your property to complete mold testing, they will test the air outside and in different areas inside your property. When the hygienist performs testing, they are looking to see what the spore count is in certain areas and what types of mold are present. Based on the testing, it can be determined what exactly needs to be done in order to remediate the mold in your home or business.
When performing remediation, it is important to follow proper procedures. First, you want to make sure the underlying problem causing the mold growth has been stopped. If your property has a moisture problem, you can remove the areas of mold that are currently present. However, the mold will continue to grow and further remediation will be necessary.
The affected area should be contained. Often to contain an affected area we set up a plastic containment barrier specially created to keep mold spores from exiting the affected area. Containment barriers should be set up around any openings in the room such as closets, hallways and doorways that lead to unaffected areas. Vents should be covered so that the spores to not get into your duct system.
Proper air filtration is necessary. SERVPRO uses air scrubbers to filter the spores out of the air while work is being completed. This step is important because while contaminated materials are being removed or cleaned, mold spores are being thrown into the air. The air scrubbers draw air in from the nearby surroundings and pass it through filters to remove contaminants.
What type of materials the mold is growing on determines the methods taken to remediate the mold. Some of the methods used for remediation are:
Removal of the material
Dry ice blasting
Mold stain remover
Mechanical steel grinding
Should you have any questions regarding mold, please call our office at 315-457-3432.
Did you think SERVPRO only performs mitigation and restoration inside of residential and commercial properties? We also do work on the exterior of properties when affected by water, fire or other mayhem.
The picture below is a commercial building that experienced smoke damage when a car parked on the street next to the building caught fire. The building was covered from top to bottom with soot. We used one of SERVPRO’s newest products, a water-less masonry cleaner to clean the soot off of the outside of the building. This square area was a test patch that we did to ensure the product would work to the customer’s liking. The owner of the building was extremely happy with the results of the restoration we were able to perform.
Our SERVPRO can pressure wash vinyl siding that has been affected by smoke damage to make it look fresh and new.
Another exterior service we provide is board-ups and roof tarping. We have an emergency crew available 24/7 if you experience a broken door or window that needs to be boarded up while waiting for a repair. If you have a leaky roof, we can tarp the roof until repairs can be made to stop further damage inside of the home.
It is important to start mitigation as soon as a water damage happens to avoid mold growth. Mold can start to become visible in as little as 24-48 hours depending on the conditions. Many times, water damages are not found immediately which makes it vital to respond to water damage as soon as it is found. Mold can be harmful to you and your loved ones, as well as, the building structure. Somethings you can do to fight mold growth:
Keep the humidity between 30-60 percent
Provide proper drainage away from the building structure
Inspect plumbing and appliances regularly
Keep gutters and drains free from debris
Inspect windows, doorways, roofs and other areas where water may enter
Don't leave it, respond to all water intrusions immediately
Summer in Central New York is the time to enjoy the great outdoors! It is however, important to keep safety in mind. Please consider the following tips in order to enjoy being outdoors with friends and family in a safe way to keep you and your loved ones safe all summer long!
When using charcoal grills, only use start fluids designed for BBQ grills. DO NOT add fluid after coals have been lit.
When using a gas grill, ensure the hose connection is tight. You want to avoid having a gas leak which may cause a fire to ignite outside of the grilling area. Applying soapy water to the hose will easily help identify any leaks.
When camping, always use a flame-retardant tent and set up any camp far away from the campfire.
Always build a campfire downwind from the tent area.
Clear any vegetation and dig a pit before building your fire.
Extinguish the fire before leaving the site or going to sleep.
Store liquid fire starters away from the tent area and only use dry kindling to freshen a campfire.
Fires can be understandably overwhelming. Here are the first steps to take after a fire.
Make sure the local fire department has given the okay to go inside the residence.
Call your insurance company so they can start a claim and initiate paperwork. If you are a tenant contact your landlord.
Call loved ones to let them know you are okay and inform anyone who wasn’t home what happened.
Secure the residence to prevent theft by locking doors and covering windows or holes. If you need help, give us a call! We offer board up services to secure the property.
Get a copy of the fire report by contacting your local fire department.
If the residence is uninhabitable, contact a friend or relative in the area to see if you can stay with them or the American Red Cross for assistance.
Notify your employer, friends, family, post office, children’s schools, delivery services such as newspapers, utilities, telecom services and the police all of your current move.
Consider the cleanup requirements. Does all of your contents need to be cleaned? Does every rooms need to be cleaned? Was the affected area contained to certain rooms in the home?
Talk to your insurance company about what your policy covers before having a cleanup and restoration company come on site.
If counseling is needed, especially for small children, don’t be afraid to seek help.
Having water damage can be very frustrating and exhausting. We often hear from customers that they have tried to move all of their contents from an affected area, mop up the standing water, and fix the source of the water damage themselves during all hours! We spend our hard earned money on things that make our houses a comfortable and enjoyable environment. The last thing we want is to lose expensive or sentimental pieces of furniture.
There are a few things you can do in order to save your furniture from being ruined in a water damage situation:
-Assess what items have been affected by the water.
-Take pictures to document the water damage and specific pictures of items that have been damaged due to the water.
-Move any furniture out of the affected area that can be moved. The less time the furniture can be sitting in the water, the better. If you cannot move the furniture, try to put something underneath it that gets it up out of the water. For example, you could use wood blocks or aluminum foil.
-If you have wood furniture that has been affected by the water, make sure you put it somewhere it can air dry. Keep the furniture out of direct sunlight as direct sun exposure could cause the wood to crack or warp.
-Apply mayonnaise to any furniture that is lightly water damaged. Apply a thin layer of the mayonnaise and let it sit on the water damaged area for 1-2 hours. Use a damp cloth to remove the mayo from the area. This should remove the water damaged areas.
At SERVPRO of North Onondaga County, we often get calls from customers with questions or concerns regarding black mold. People worry about how harmful black mold is to their health, how to get rid of it, and how to stop the mold from coming back. In this blog post we will try to create a quick reference on the subject of black mold.
The scientific name for black mold is Stachybotrys Chartarum or Stachybotrys Atra. Black mold usually grows in moist areas with poor circulation. Mold often produces a strong odor. There are many types of mold which have a similar appearance to black mold. An industrial hygienist would be able to identify whether or not the mold you have in your home is black mold or another type.
Mold affects everyone differently. The American Industrial Hygiene Association advise that pregnant women, infants and children, the elderly and the immunocompromised, those with allergies, asthma or respiratory conditions are at risk to more severe side effects than others.
If you suspect that black mold is in your home there are a few steps needed to correctly get rid of the mold and keep it from coming back. First, you need to figure out where the mold is in your home. You may need to call an Industrial Hygienist to complete an assessment of your home. The hygienist will complete a moisture intrusion assessment, air and surface sampling and relative humidity testing. This investigation will determine what kind, how much and where the mold is present in your home. From knowing these items, you will be able to figure out what is causing the mold to grow and what area of your home mold remediation is necessary. It is important to fix the problem that is causing the mold to grow. For example, if there is a leaky pipe dripping into an area causing mold to grow, the pipe should be fixed before mold remediation takes place. Next, you will need to remediate the mold. By disrupting the materials that mold is growing on, you can easily spread mold spores into the air multiplying the spores rather than reducing them. It is important to contact a company who specializes in mold remediation to get mold levels back to normal. At SERVPRO of North Onondaga County our technicians have are highly trained mold remediation specialists. Our technicians have Applied Microbial Remediation Certifications and have completed the New York State Mold Abatement Worker Course.
With the increasing amount of technology, we are often able to predict storms before they happen. However, natural disaster can happen without much warning. Though, it is important to be prepared and understand what it takes to be prepared. It is often joked about that the only job that you won’t get fired for being wrong is being a weatherman. Whether we believe the storm will affect us directly or not, we need to trust the possibility that if a storm is predicted to hit a specific area and prepare of the worst.
How should you prepare for the possibility of a natural disaster?
-Prepare to be without electricity for several days. Here is a list of very basic items you should have on hand:
>You should have a couple flashlights with extra batteries. Candles and matches.
>Food that will not spoil and does not need to be heated to be eaten or kept cold.
>Plenty of bottled water. Some sources say as much as 1 gallon of water per person per day.
>Blankets and clothing stored in a plastic container that won’t get wet if flooding should occur.
>First aid kit.
>At least a week’s worth of any prescription medication and any over the counter medication you may take.
>Toiletries such as paper towels, toilet paper, shampoo, body wash, tooth paste and tooth brushes, anti-bacterial wipes, hand sanitizer.
Remember that stores and gas stations can get overwhelmingly busy when everyone is trying to prepare for a storm. Be patient and understanding during this time. It is easy to become anxious as no one truly knows what will happen in the days or hours to come.
-Watch the news and stay current on what is happening. In some areas evacuations may be necessary. It is important to know what is going on and what safety measures are being recommended.
-Create a family communication plan. In case you get separated from your loved ones, make sure you have a plan of how you would get back in touch with them. Often we hear on the news that family members were evacuated separately from one another. If this were to happen, you would want to have a plan to get back in touch with your loved ones so that you know quicker that they are alright.
-Be flexible with your plans. Circumstances may change in a moment’s notice and it is important that we remain flexible in our plans. The area you’re in may not be expecting initially to get hit with the eye of the storm. However, this can change very quickly and officials may decide to evacuate your area. You need to be prepared to do so with very little time so that you and your family can get to a safe zone.
Summer is finally here and we all know what that means…. grilling time! Who doesn’t love a nice steak or veggies cooked on the grill while basking in the sun? It’s easy to forget that while grills are a great way to cook food in the summer, there are some hazards that go along with them. Here are some tips to remember for safe grilling.
Use your grill outside and away from low roofs. This will not only prevent toxins from lingering in your home but will also prevent potential fires.
Place the grill on a flat surface away from anything that may catch fire such as trees, shrubs, fences and hedges.
Do not grill with loose clothing or dangling bits that can catch fire or are flammable.
Have a fire extinguisher on hand and know how to use it. It’s also a good idea to have a small squirt bottle fill with cold water nearby to douse any minor flames.
Keep children and pets away from the grilling area.
Do not leave the grill unattended.
Smoke and char contain chemicals that have been linked to health problems including cancer. Do not stand over the barbeque and inhale the smoke if at all possible. While char stripes may look good on your steak, char has been known to contain cancer causing toxins. Cook the meat to your liking and then remove it from the grill before too much char builds up.
Bristles from wire brushes have been known to get stuck on the grill and then people’s food which enters the digestive system causing abdominal pain. Use a different kind of nylon or plastic brush to clean your grill to ensure no one digests these harmful bristles. If you already use a wire cleaning brush or plan to continue using one, just make sure you check your grill before cooking to clean any bristles off.
Follow these simple safety tips for a fun and safe grilling season!
When most people think of summer, particularly the Fourth of July, fireworks come to mind. While it’s best to just let the pros take care of bright light displays, we realize that many people often ignite their own fireworks. Here are some tips on how to stay safe while lighting off your own fireworks.
Never let young children handle fireworks.
Ensure older children are supervised closely by an adult when using sparklers and remind them to keep the sparkler away from their body, clothing, hair and others.
Store fireworks in a cool damp place until usage.
Do not use or buy illegal fireworks. These typically have names such as M-80, M-100, quarter pounder or blockbuster. Illegal fireworks account for the majority of accidents cause by fireworks in the first place.
Never try to make your own fireworks.
Read the labels on all fireworks before igniting so you are aware of safety precautions and performance of each.
Do not carry fireworks in your hand or pocket as they could ignite due to friction.
Never light fireworks in a metal or glass container.
Wear protective goggles when lighting fireworks off or if you happen to be near the ignite site.
Always have a bucket of water nearby and a hose just in case.
Never reignite a dud. Wait twenty minutes and if it still hasn’t gone off, place it in a bucket full of water away from people, structures and flammables for several hours.
Never point a firework at someone, even in jest.
Ignite fireworks outdoors in an open space away from people, homes, brush and other flammable substances.
Only light one firework at a time.
Soak all fireworks in a bucket of water for several hours before throwing them away.
Do not pick up firework debris until several hours after the display as many of pieces may still be hot and can cause burns.
Please keep these Safety tips in mind when setting off fireworks this season!
The flooding of the Mississippi River in 1927 was the worst flood in American history. At the height of its power, the flood affected an area approximately 27,000 square miles affecting the states of Missouri, Illinois, Kansas, Tennessee, Kentucky, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma and Texas with Arkansas being hit the hardest. At one point the flooded area was 50 miles wide, a 100 miles long and 30 feet deep. 500 people were killed, 600,000 were left homeless and there were 350 million dollars in damages – approximately 5 billion dollars today.
How did it happen?
Heavy rains came down in late 1926 and kept falling from the sky well into 1927. The tributaries of the Mississippi started to become burdened and the levees overflowed. The single greatest weak point in the levee system was at Mounds, Mississippi but authorities assured residents that the levee would hold. Slaves were made to pile sandbags on top of the levee but once one leak started, the water flow continued to increase. The levee started to shake and eventually collapsed with water flowing more than double the volume of Niagara Falls. The Mounds Landing levee break was significant in that after its collapse, the entire levee system along the river broke. Mounds Landing is known as the most severe levee break in the history on the United States to this day.
Changes
The Mississippi Flood of 1927 brought about many changes to the region and the entire country. Racial tensions soared high and many African Americans migrated north resulting in what is now known as the Great Migration. Under the Flood Control Act of 1928 the world’s longest system of levees were built. In 1941 Congress authorized the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers Yazoo Backwater Project which utilizes levees, connecting channels, drainage structures and pumps to prevent flooding in the Mississippi Delta. The Great Flood of 1927 will always be remembered and continues to affect our country, its geography, its people, culture and our landscape to this very day.
Tips for Making an Insurance Claim for Water Damage
Having a water damage is never something expected. Coming home to a house filled with water can be a traumatic experience. It can be hard to think about the appropriate steps to take to resolve the issue as quickly as possible to limit secondary damage and keep the out of pocket cost to a minimum. Below are some tips to help make filing an insurance claim easier.
Something to Know:
Every insurance policy is different. Therefore, what will be covered may only be determined by reading your policy or calling your insurance agent/insurance company to have them determine coverage.
Knowledge is Power:
Be sure you know who your insurance company is and how to contact them. You may want to list the phone number for your insurance company on your refrigerator for easy access. You could also add your insurance company's 24 hour emergency contact number to your cell phone to have ready at all times. You never know when this information is going to be important.
Stay Calm:
This experience can be upsetting. It's important to stay calm when you are talking to your insurance company so they can ask all the essential questions to set up your claim and get the ball rolling.
Take Pictures:
Document the situation every step of the way to help your insurance company understand the full extent of the damage. Take pictures of every room that sustained damage, structural materials affected and personal items. These pictures will help your adjuster understand the full picture of what happened and what will be involved in restoring your house and the contents affected.
Ask Questions:
Resolving the water damage issue can be very confusing. Feel free to ask as many questions as you can think of to your insurance company so that you understand what will happen next every step of the way. It's important to know what your roles are and what your insurance company will be doing for you.
Use a company with IICRC Certified Technicians:
While there are many companies that may be willing to help you clean up from your water damage, it is important to utilize a company that has technicians who have been trained to properly perform mitigation. SERVPRO prides itself on the fact that our technicians are IICRC certified. Our technicians go through on-the-job training and complete IICRC training so that we can keep up with the latest techniques and technologies to dry your home out quickly to eliminate further damage. Education and training is very important to satisfying our customers. http://www.IICRC.org/education-certification/
While mold and bacteria are often grouped together, they are actually two very different organisms. Both occur naturally in nature but certain types of molds and bacteria may be harmful to humans.
Size. Molds are typically a lot larger than bacteria and possess hyphae or long, multi-celled filaments. Bacteria are generally smaller and more numerous in size but less complex.
Cellular structure. Molds are fungi and bacteria are not. Fungi are considered eukaryotes which means their DNA is enclosed in a nucleus (often referred to as a proper or well-defined nucleus) which is separated from their cytoplasm. The nucleus of a bacteria cell is not separated from their cytoplasm making them prokaryotes. What makes fungi cells complex are all the structures within their cell that bacteria cells do no possess.
Growth. There are two types of fungi which are important to consider when talking about growth; filamentous and yeasts. Fungal yeast reproduce by budding and filamentous fungi reproduce by branching or elongation. Bacteria on the other hand, regenerate by binary fission which means each parent cell divides into two smaller cells, typically of similar sizes.
Food and nutrition. Bacteria are autotrophic in that they have the ability to produce their own food via light or chemical energy and they are heterotrophic as well meaning, they can take in energy from other organisms for food if need be. Fungi are a type of heterotroph called saprophytes which get their energy from dead organic matter. This is why fungi are often found in soil or on surfaces that are in the process of decay.
Fungi and bacteria often come with a negative stigma but don’t forget about all the good they do! They release and create nutrients to provide energy for our ecosystem, are used in the fermentation of chemicals, the production of food and even in our bodies to make certain vitamins. Remember, not all molds and bacteria are created equally. While different, they are necessary to our ecosystems and way of life.
SERVPRO Professionals handle water damages everyday and know the prompt action required to prevent mold. Our Operations Manager has been with us for over 11 years and specializes in mold remediation. The following are common things to look for:
Ongoing moisture problems which may be present. It's possible that a pipe has had a slow leak for sometime that has gone undetected.
Watch for visible mold. Remember that not all mold will be visible to the eye.
Strong musty odors
Evidence for past moisture problems, look for water stains.
Excessive humidity
All of these conditions may require the expertise of a qualified Indoor Air Quality/Environmental Professional to inspect for mold growth and water damage. If you have any questions regarding mold, please feel free to call our office and speak to someone. We can help point you in the correct direction of what steps you should take, we can send someone out to take a look at the possible mold and guide you.
Not all fires are the same. They are caused by and thrive on different elements so, as a result, classes of fires came about. Classifications of fires are needed to determine how to extinguish them properly. You wouldn’t want to re-ignite or spread a fire by using the wrong type of extinguisher. Determining what class a fire is, is detrimental to using the proper equipment to extinguish it.
Class A involve ordinary combustibles such as paper, wood, plastics, cloth, trash and items that leave ash as a residue.
Class B fires are fueled by flammable or combustible liquids such as gasoline, propane, butane, paint and oil. Class B does not however include cooking oils or grease.
Class C are energized electrical fires which involve engines, transformers and appliances.
Class D fires are caused by combustible metals such as potassium, magnesium, titanium, sodium, and aluminum.
Class K fires are fueled by cooking oils, animal fat or grease. These normally occur in commercial kitchens.
In one of our previous blogs, you can read about the different types of extinguishers and which ones should be used for each specific class of fire.
Lightning from thunderstorms injures hundreds of people in the U.S. every year and kills dozens. These causalities are easily preventable if you follow these simple safety tips.
1) Listen to the radio and television for severe thunderstorm warnings. The National Weather Service issues warnings for counties and even sends out text messages now to our mobile phones when storms are on their way. Pay attention and heed their warnings for safety.
2) Remember the 30 second rule. If there is not 30 seconds in between the time you see lightning and hear thunder, it’s time to go indoors.
3) Lightning typically strikes the tallest object around so if there is a storm, move indoors if at all possible or into a hard top car if there are no buildings around.
4) Once inside, stay away from windows, plumbing and electrical. If lightning strikes outside, it can carry inside via land lines.
5) Get out of boats and away from bodies of water. If you can hear thunder than you are close enough to get struck by lightning.
6) If you are caught outside, avoid standing by tall isolated objects such as trees. Find a grouping of small trees surrounded by taller ones, avoid bodies of water, and if there is only open spaces, look for a dry low-lying area and try to make yourself the smallest target possible. Do not lay flat on the ground, rather crouch with your head between your knees. Sheds, outhouses and tents provide no safety so keep this in mind when you are hiking or camping. Always think ahead and be prepared in the event that you are caught in a thunderstorm and if possible, turn around on your trip and head home.
Stress on pipes can result in leaks which can be expensive to fix, replace and, not to mention, could cause extensive water damage to your home, business and personal items if they burst. Here are some ways to decrease the amount of stress and pressure on your pipes.
High water pressure can feel nice in the shower and it may seem like the dishes are getting done faster but, this can put an unnecessary amount of strain on your plumbing. You can get a hose bib gauge at your local hardware store to test the pressure. Attach it to an outside spigot and open the valve. Normal pressure is between 40-85 PSI so if you pressure measures above this, you may want to consider hiring a plumber to install a pressure reducer. You can also install a low flow shower head in your bathroom to help reduce pressure there.
Hard water is another obstacle as far as pipes are concerned. Hard water is water with a higher than normal amount of mineral content such as calcium or magnesium present. These minerals can build up inside your pipes which restricts flow and in turn, increases the pressure. Deposits can also corrode joints and fittings over time. If you see a white substance on our faucet heads, you more than likely have hard water. If you are unsure or want more proof, ask your local municipality to view the water quality report they are required to have through the Environmental Protection Agency. The only way to effectively soften the water in your home or business is by having a plumber install a water softener.
Wrap your pipes. If you have exterior piping and plan on going out of town in the winter months, take precautions to prevent coming home to a disaster. Wrap your pipes in electrical heat tape or a pipe sleeve which you can purchase at your local hardware store to prevent them from freezing. Remember, if the water is not constantly moving and the cold water pipes touch the exterior of the building when the temperature gets below freezing, your pipes will most likely freeze!
Set the spigot valve. If you have a pipe running through cement to your outside spigot valve, it’s always a good idea to install a frost-free hose bib which allows you to shut off water to the inside of the home preventing freezing.
These are all relatively simple and in expensive ways to protect your pipes that in the end could save you thousands of dollars!
The IICRC stands for the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification. They are a non-profit organization that sets the standards for the cleaning, installation, inspection and restoration industry for more than 25 countries. They offer classes, training and certification.
The IICRC was formed in 1972 by Ed York and was originally intended to be the standard for carpet and upholstery cleaning. Quickly, the organization grew to include water, fire and smoke damage, cleanup and repair, as well as wood, stone and tile cleaning and repair.
How Are the Certifications and Classes Determined?
IICRC’s Shareholders vote to nominate candidates to sit on a Board of Directors which is comprised of 15 industry professionals. The Board only meets four times of year so within the Board, there is an Executive Committee. The Committee is selected once a year at the fall meeting. The Board, along with the Committee, determines the direction of the organization while still following the ethics and guidelines set in place by IICRC. The Board determines what classes and certifications are necessary throughout the industry. The IICRC does not own schools or hire instructors but rather approves them to teach classes according to the organizations standards.
For more information on the IICRC, you can visit the website here: http://www.IICRC.org/
We are preparing for our 15th annual Make a Wish charity golf tournament which will be held on June 12, 2018 at the Pompey Club. This is a great charity event which raises money for children with a critical illness can have a wish granted. In previous years we have been able to raise enough money to grant a child a wish, which completely warms our hearts!
In order to participate in the tournament, players should email John at John@SERVPRO5941.com or call our office at 315-457-3432 to register their team. Players should then send in a check made to the Make a Wish Foundation. The cost is $100 per player. We will play 18 holes of golf. Our sponsors have helped us, so that with your donation you will receieve any drinks that you would like throughout the day, breakfast, lunch and a steak dinner.
Skins, mulligans and a 50/50 raffle will be offered.
If you would like to donate raffle prizes to the tournament, you can email John Halko to let him know. You can bring them in to our office, arrange for us to pick up the donations or bring them with you to the tourament. Any monitary donations will be donated directly to the Make a Wish Foundation of CNY.
Please contact our office directly if you have any additionl questions. Our office phone number is 315-457-3432. We look forward to seeing you there!
During this time of year, we may experience a lot of rain, which can leads to thunderstorms. It’s important to be prepared and have a plan in place. Talk with your family and create an emergency plan for thunderstorms, floods and tornadoes. Think about an emergency shelter and evacuation plan.
Protect your electronics. Your electronics can get fried if they are not properly protected. Plug electronics into a surge protectors to avoid damage during a storm.
Prepare for power outages. Have battery operated flashlights and lanterns in easy to get to places. Check on these items from time to time to make sure the batteries still work, replace them if necessary. Also, think about keeping the refrigerator and freezer doors shut to keep food from spoiling. If these food items rise above 40 degrees for 2 hours or more, they should be disgarded. Call your local power company to inform them of the outage and to get information regarding when the power should be restored.
Stay away from power lines. Don'tgo near power lines should they fall to the ground, they can be very hazardous. Call 911 if you see downed power lines.
Go inside when you hear thunder. If you hear thunder, it is likely that lightening is also occurring. Lightening can be dangerous, therefore, make sure to go inside when thunder occurs.
Seek shelter. There are many different nature elements which can occur and be harmful when outside during a disaster. Therefore, during a storm it is important to seek shelter and be safe. If your inside, a good place to be is in the lowest level of your home. If you have a basement, or storm cellar you can hang out in until the storm passes.
Keep an emergency kit ready. Conisder putting together a kit of things you may want to have on hand during a storm. Items you may want to include would be water, non-perishable food, flashlights, blankets extra batteries, a radio and a first aid kit.
When heavy rain occurs, water can likely end up getting inside your home causing expensive damage. When water pools around the foundation from the roof or gutters it can leak through the basement walls. One thing that you can do in order to avoid water damage from heavy rain is to install downspout extensions. These extensions will force water away from the foundation from the home. They are simple to install and there are a variety of different types to choose from.
You can look at your local hardware store to see what your options are. Some extensions look the same as the downspout, but add length making it so the water flows further from your home. There are also cement extensions which stay in place a little better than the plastic or aluminum extensions.
Additionally, it is important to check your downspouts to ensure that they aren’t blocked by leaves, or debris. If the downspouts become blocked, water may intrude under your roof causing water damage to your ceiling.
Laminate flooring comes in many different looks and can be a great choice when replacing flooring. However, water damage to laminate flooring can cause have many potential problems. If possible, avoid putting laminate flooring down in rooms that are could potentially have water damage. Use caution when installing laminate flooring in kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms and basements.
Water can cause laminate flooring to detach and break down. Water can cause laminate flooring to permanently buckle, in which case replacing would be necessary. Many times when we see water damage to laminate flooring, we would recommend removing it in order to avoid mold growth and to allow the subflooring to completely dry in a timely manner.
When laminate flooring is placed in bathrooms, kitchens and laundry rooms, some of the appliances in those rooms can slowly leak water which seeps underneath the laminate. This leakage can go unnoticed until buckling or mold develop. Basements can accumulate water during heavy rain storms, leaky pipes or when sump pumps fail damaging your beautiful flooring.
Placing a vapor barrier down can eliminate some of the damage. Being conscious of any leaks or damaged ocurring to your flooring is important. It is easier to clean up from water damage immediately when it occurs rather than letting it set, therefore, deteriorating the structure of your home.
After extensive research on the subject of the different colors of mold, this topic appears to be enigmatic. Scientists have come up with several different reasons why mold comes in such an array colors but can’t seem to nail down one over the other. There is a good chance a number of things are influencing the color of any give mold.
Colors of mold for example, vary regionally. The colors in the Pacific Northwest tend to be more green and blue whereas oranges appear more often in the Amazon. Some molds secrete pigment known as melanin that can act as a barrier to protect them against other rival molds. Other studies indicate that the color of this particular fungi comes from its food source, genus, conditions under which it grows and it’s age. While all of these things do contribute in some way, shape or form, mycologists (scientists that study mold) still haven’t been able to pinpoint one single reason why this mysterious fungi comes in all colors of the rainbow to this day!
Today, May 1st, we are celebrating 25 years in business! John Halko started his first SERVPRO Franchise with one truck, one employee and one dream. His dream was to build a successful company helping people affected by disaster. Today, John’s dream has become a reality. He has over 20 employees, multiple types of vehicles that allows the ability to service those affected by damage to both residential homes and large commercial properties. In 2012, John bought his first office for the company. The new location offers on-site storage for contents that need to be moved away from our customer’s properties for remediation and mitigation can be performed. We now also have room to park our vehicles inside the building extending the life of our vehicles, a clean room to clean contents on-site, a conference room for training and to loan out to those in need of a professional space. Our Operations Managers, Jeremy Wolfe and Matthew Balch, have been with our company for 11+ years individually and have helped us grow and become more versatile as a company. Their training has allowed us to service customers in a variety of different ways. If you see John this week, don’t forget to congratulate him on his achievements! Of course, we also want to reach out to our customers and colleagues to thank them for all of their continued support throughout the years. We could never be the company we are today without the help and support of our community.
This spring we have been having a wide range of different types of weather. This has been both challenging to ourselves as people and to our homes, businesses and landscaping. We thought it would be important to share some safety tips with you regarding heavy rains and flooding.
Check your Roof-Look for current damage and areas that look vulnerable to leaks. Repair these as soon as possible. If need be, call a roofer to perform the inspection and the repairs.
Trim Foliage-Plants and trees with overgrown branches can pose a danger to your household in harsh winds and rain.
Waterproof Windows-Check the edges of your window sills to see if they need a waterproof sealer or rubber on the edges.
Clear out Gutters-It is important that these are clear in case of heavy rain to prevent any possible flooding. You should check your gutters a couple times throughout the year as the wind tends to carry leaves and debris into the gutters blocking the water from flowing freely.
Remember, it is very important to keep an eye on these things, because a small leak can cause a lot of damage. If you have any questions, feel free to contact our office so that we can help!
Have you ever had water in your basement or crawl space? Some basements and crawl spaces may get water inside of them after a heavy rain, quick thaw, or a long rainy season. Installing a sump pump in these areas can help keep these spaces dry and stop your property and contents from sustaining water damage. You can choose to install a sump pump yourself of have a plumber come and put it in for you. Sump pumps can be purchased from your local hardware store and usually require approximately a 2 foot by 18 inch hole to set in. Water flows into the hole and immediately gets pumped out through a pipe that leads away from your home.
When you have the sump pump installed, somethings you should consider is:
How will the sump pump run if the power goes out? Generally the sump pump is plugged in, and therefore would not work if there was no power going to the home. Storms often trigger the power to turn off, so an alternate power source is important. You could keep a generator handy to hook up if the power were to go out. Another option would be to have a back up battery that would automatically turn on if the power went out. The battery would need to be able to withstand long periods of inactivity.
What if my sump pump stops working? We often recommend to homeowners to have a back up sump pump handy and ready for use should yours stop working. It can take a lot of time to get a plumber out to the house to have them fix the sump pump, in this case, you would want to be able to hook up an alternate sump pump in the mean time to stop the sump pump pit to overflow causing water damage to your home.
There are many things in the home that should be checked on a regular basis to stop possible damage to your home. Have you ever checked your dryer vent to see if it is plugged? A plugged dryer vent could stop your dryer from running sufficiently and could possibly cause a house fire.
Dryers that are centrally located in the home are the most at risk of plugging up because the duct system is longer than ones that are located on an exterior wall of the home and vent directly to the outside.
Reasons for a dryer plugging up are:
Excess lint build up. Over time, lint builds up in the dryer ducting and can cause a blockage. It’s important to unhook the ducting 1-2 times a year and thoroughly clean it out from any lint or debris that may be blocking it. If possible, you can simply use a vacuum and vacuum out the dryer ducting. However, if your dryer ducting is longer and is ducted through different areas you may need to have someone do this for you. Call our office and we’ll schedule an appointment to have your dryer ducts out for you! We have special equipment that can thoroughly clean all of the dryer ducts.
Nesting pets. The dryer ducts can be a warm place for animals to borrow into. Animals may bring debris into the ducts to crate a home for themselves causing possibilities for fire damage. Checking that the ducts are not plugged will help ensure that this does not occur.
Stuck exhaust hood flappers. From time to time, check the exhaust hood flap to ensure that it is not stuck.
When a water damage occurs, the water may travel to places in your home you didn’t even think of. It’s important to consider all of the possible places the water may have traveled to thoroughly understand where the affected areas may be. Make notes during your inspection so that you can relay your concerns to the remediation company and your insurance company.
Exterior damage- damage to the exterior of your home from water can cause structural damage which may affect the integrity of the home. Make sure to check the foundation, windows, doors, porches, decks, sidewalks, landscaping, fence and slope of your property.
Interior damage- when water damage occurs inside your home, it can cause damage to your contents and the components that make up the building of your home. It’s important to check the flooring, walls, attic, basement, stairs, inside of cabinets, windows and doors.
Roof damage- when water intrudes through the roof of your home it can also cause damage to your attic/crawl space and any insulation that may have been in the way of the water coming in. Additionally, the soffits, fascia, gutters, downspouts and shingles should be inspected. This will help you determine if they need to be fixed or replaced. It will also help you determine if further water damage may occur if left alone.
Electrical system- if water affects your electrical system, you could be at risk of having a fire start, a short, or parts of your wiring system no longer working. Additionally, check your water heater, air conditioner, furnace, appliances, light fixtures and wall outlets. If necessary, bring in an electrician for their professional opinion.
Plumbing system- excess water can cause damage to your plumbing. This can cause backups causing further water damage. It’s important to check your pipes, faucets, sewer lines and septic systems.
When your commercial property undergoes a devastating loss, you should feel confident contacting SERVPRO for help! We know the importance of getting your business up and running again as soon as possible. We understand that your business needs to be running in order to thrive. That’s why we will do everything possible to make that happen.
The SERVPRO Commercial Large Loss Division is composed of the best, highly trained people in restoration. We have special large loss training and highly experienced people leading this department. Our large losses are handled directly by a commercial operations manager to ensure we are working efficiently and seamlessly to help your business.
If needed, our SERVPRO will bring in other highly trained franchises to help with manpower and to provide additional equipment.
Our SERVPRO has provided large loss commercial property restorations for schools, universities, the hospitality industry, property managers, municipalities, etc. Our specific franchise has over 20 years of large loss work. We have provided services from damage due to flooding, fires, hurricanes, blizzards and more!
We are available to help you out 24/7, 365 days a year. Don’t hesitate to give us a call for help or with any questions you may have.
SERVPRO has a large list of specialty branded products to clean a variety of different surfaces and materials. We do not sell these products to homeowners or commercial property owners, for the majority or our branded products, they are made for our employee use only. One of the products we have to remediate mold is our Concrobium® Mold Stain Remover. This product is an innovative mold stain remover designed to quickly and easily remove mold stains. Our concrobium physically separates mold from the surface to fully remediate the affected area. After the concrobium is sprayed on the affected area, we will allow the area to dry. Once dry, we will complete a thorough HEPA vacuuming to clean up any residual mold.
This product is safe to be used on most hard, non-porous or semi-porous surfaces. These surfaces include wood, composite wood, concrete, masonry, drywall, grout, fiberglass, tile, plastic laminate and metal. Concrobium Mold Stain Remover was made to remove cosmetic mold stains from surfaces.
If this product sounds like it would be helpful to remove mold stains in your home or property, please feel free to call our office. We can send out an estimator to look at the affected area and provide a detailed estimate on the cost of removal and the amount of time the project would take. From there, you can move forward to schedule to have our team provide remediation for you.
Bathrooms are one of the most common areas of the home where mold occurs. Steamy showers with bad ventilation and possible leaks from the toilet, shower, tub or sink are the most common reasons for mold in the bathroom. However, you can prevent mold from occurring by watching out for these things:
cracked or missing caulk- when caulk is cracked or missing, it allows water to get behind the wall or under flooring. When water pools and gets trapped, mold could begin to grow. You can prevent this from happening by recalling around the bathtub, sink or toilet.
Bad or no ventilation- some bathrooms lack an exhaust fan allowing the steam from a hot shower to properly exit the bathroom. Without an exhaust fan, the steam causes the walls and flooring to dampen which could cause mold growth. Other times, the exhaust fan is not hooked up correctly or is for show rather than actually venting to the outside. A properly installed exhaust fan vents to the outside the remove the steam from the air.
Broken seals- when seals around toilets or pipes break, they cause leaks that you likely can’t see because the leaks occur behind walls or under flooring.
Sometimes these leaks are are only found when flooring and walls are opened up and exposed.
We recently moved our clocks forward an hour to get ready for spring and prepare for the warmer weather coming our way soon. This is the time of year we begin spring cleaning our homes, preparing to spend more time outside, doing repairs and refreshing our lives. This is also a great time to check things in our homes like smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors and fire extinguishers.
SMOKE ALARMS According to the National Fire Protection Association Association, 3 out of every 5 home fire deaths result from fires in homes with no smoke alarms. Now is a great time to test your smoke alarm to make sure it still works and replace batteries if necessary. If your smoke detector begins making a chirping noise, that is a sign that you need to immediately replace it. The NFPA recommends having a smoke alarm in every bedroom and on each level of your home.
CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTORS Carbon monoxide (CO) is an invisible, odorless gas that can have harmful affects on people and animals. CO alarms should be installed outside in a central location outside of bedrooms and on each levels of the home. Some smoke detectors are also CO detectors. Use the same rules for CO detectors as you use for smoke alarms, check that they are working and check their batteries.
FAMILY EMERGENCY PLAN Now is also a great time to review your family emergency plan with the people who stay in your home. It’s good to remind everyone of the plan and make sure everyone is on board. Should any changes be necessary to the plan, now is a good time to discuss that as well.
EMERGENCY KIT Because we never know when disaster may strike, it’s important to have an emergency kit in your home and car. During your spring cleaning, check to see if any supplies need to be restocked or replaced in your emergency kits.
In the recent snow storm, a lot of trees and tree limbs fell. We saw pictures of trees falling in people's yards, on fences, and on people's homes. Trees can cause a great deal of damage, especially those that fall on houses. This can cause damage to roofs, exterior walls and windows.
Here are some tips for what to watch out for before the storm:
-Keep an eye on cracks in tree trunks and large limbs
-Watch out for hollowed, aged and decaying trees, trees that lean to one side
-Branches leaning over the roof or close to the house
-Any trees or branches that are close to or hover over utility lines
All of these things are cause for potential dangers to your home and property. Do you know someone who performs tree removal services? Getting contact information for someone who performs tree removal services is great to have on hand for emergency situations.
Before a storm hits, it's always good to remove dead, diseased or damaged tree limbs. Prune branches close to the house and near utility lines.
In addition to paying attention to the trees, you should also check gutters and remove any debris you might find to prevent a water back up in your gutters. Having a water back up, could cause damage to your ceilings bringing the storm inside your home.
After the storm has passed, be sure to re-evaluate your property. Take precautions and remove any trees or branches that appear damaged. If necessary, call a professional to help.
Over the years, we have talked to many home and business owners about mold. We have talked to people who have tried to get rid of the mold on their own and then decided that they need our help. You should know, we’re here for you! We’re here to answer your questions and remove the mold from your home safely and effectively.
We have talked to home owners who have sprayed mold, scrubbed the surface mold, painted over it with paint or Kilz. All of these techniques have ended with the same story, “the mold came back”.
The mold comes back because in these circumstances, your simply covering up the mold or removing what can be seen on the surface. These methods are not actually removing the mold completely from the materials where the mold has invaded.
Materials in your home that mold grows on can be very porous, therefore, even though you cant’t see if anymore doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist under the surface. Likewise, painting over the mold or spraying the mold covers it up for a limited time before the mold continues to grow and penetrates the new surface. Completely removing the mold will remove potential toxins from spreading and affecting the air you breathe.
When SERVPRO gets a call to remediate mold, we ensure that the job is done properly. We start out by containing the area where the mold exists. We HEPA vacuum all areas around where the mold exists. The HEPA vacuum is able to trap the smallest particles of mold. Following this step, we would continue with remediation specific to the affected materials where the mold exists. The whole time that remediation is occurring we run air scrubbers to continue to filter the spores out of the air.
Smoke and Soot Damage Can Cause a Pervasive Odor in Your Home.
Smoke and soot is very invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your home, causing hidden damage and odor. Our smoke damage expertise and experience allows us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damage to develop a comprehensive plan of action. Smoke and soot facts: * Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure. * Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor. * The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process. Different Types of Smoke There are two different types of smoke–wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of North and East Onondaga, and Oswego Counties will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. The cleaning procedures will then be based on the information identified during pretesting. Here is some additional information: Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber * Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean. Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood * Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke rises. Protein Fire Residue – Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire * Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor. Our Fire Damage Restoration Services Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions. We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage. We will also treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care. Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage??Call Us Today – (315-457-3432)
Do you own a business or commercial property? If so, we know your likely very busy running the business and taking care of the many tasks that goes along with the property. Therefore, you don’t have time to worry about the common wear and tear that gradually soils your office. When your business needs cleaning beyond the scope of your regular janitorial staff, call your local SERVPRO franchise to perform a deep cleaning to spruce up the place!
We have specialty products to remove strong odors, and to remove tough stains that otherwise ruin carpets and flooring. When you call our office, we’ll come out to do an estimate for pricing. If there are tough stains that you would like to have removed, we will perform a test cleaning in a small area to ensure the stain will come out.
Our technicians come be scheduled outside of your normal business hours so that we are not causing a distraction from your employees ability to work or hindering your customer’s ability to enjoy your space.
Our technicians are thoroughly trained to do the job right for you! We have over 100 exclusive cleaning products, so we can clean a variety of different types of materials and spaces.
In addition to our regular cleaning services, we also clean:
Do you own rental property? Have your previous tenants left an unsightly mess after they have moved out? Perhaps they left a large amount of garbage and debris, dirty floors and walls or left a strong smelling odor that would make it impossible to rent again as is.That can be an overwhelming experience! But don’t worry, we’re here to help get your rental property clean, fresh smelling and ready for the next tenants to move in.
Give SERVPRO a call and we’ll send out an estimator that will thoroughly explain the type of cleaning needed and how we would get your rental property cleaned and sanitized. Our estimators have seen all sorts of damage caused by previous tenants and have a good understanding of what chemicals and cleaning techniques would be needed. They also can estimate the time needed to perform the necessary tasks. This will provide you with an estimated cost and timeline for the cleaning project.
We’ll then schedule a crew to complete the cleaning for you.
Some of the tasks our technicians could do for you to get your rental property ready to rent again: Clean floors, ceilings and walls Clean carpeting and upholstery Thermal fogging- to remove any unwanted odors Duct cleaning Debris removal Cleaning kitchens and bathrooms
If you should find any other tasks not listed, please feel free to call our office and check with any other things you may come across that may need cleaning.
When you experience a fire in your home, the fire damage affects not only the structure of your house, but also your belongings. SERVPRO is here to help! SERVPRO understands your furniture, clothing, keepsakes and belongings are very important to you. We know that some of these items are essential to making a house a home.
After experiencing a fire, it is common to feel overwhelmed. We are here to make this awful situation better for you. SERVPRO offers a Contents Claim Inventory Service, this provides a detailed and accurate list of your belongings. Our technicians go room to room documenting your contents by creating a list and taking digital photos. This way, the lists and photos can easily be sent to you and your insurance company. Once the list is created, a preload value of contents can be created. This will help produce a detailed and accurate report to settle your insurance claim quickly and accurately.
When necessary, SERVPRO can complete move-outs and pack-outs for you! If your home requires extensive restoration or cleaning due to the damage from the fire, we can organize an efficient move-out of contents from the affected area. Move-outs allow for a quicker rebuild/remodeling and protects contents from damage during the remodel. While the rebuild/remodeling happens, your items can be inventoried and cleaned at our office. Should the remodeling take extra time, we can store your items until the project is finished.
When the restoration project is completed, we will move everything back into your home and help you get settled.
At SERVPRO, we get a lot of calls from people who are concerned about mold in their homes and businesses. Mold is something that causes a lot of worry as it should. Mold has the potential to cause many different kinds of health issues and can also cause a lot of structural damage. Please know that we're always happy to take your calls and emails to answer any questions that you have about mold.
If you're considering completing the mold remediation yourself, please know that there are many risks involved. It's important to choose a remediation company that has the proper equipment and knowledge to fully get rid of the mold. If mold remediation is not completed properly, you risk spreading the mold spores and affecting previously unaffected areas.
Things you should consider when choosing a mold remediation company are:
-Does the company understand mold and the potential hazards involved? It's important that mold remediation is completely properly so that spores are not spread and all of the affected materials are removed and/or cleaned. At SERVPRO, our technicians have completed mold classes and have experienced on the job training.
-Do they recommend mold testing? New York State requires that mold testing is completed before remediation can begin for most mold remediation work. Therefore, if a company is not completing mold testing they breaking the law. Mold testing allows the remediation specialists to identify the type of mold present which would determine exactly how the remediation is performed. Testing also identifies exactly where the mold is, as mold is not always identifiable to the human eye.
-Does the company keep records of what they are doing, daily notes, pictures of before, during and after? This is important incase you ever need to go back and ask questions. Documentation is also helpful for insurance companies and if you ever want to sell your property you have specific details of what was done.
-Is the contaminated area properly contained? This is important to stop the spores from spreading to unaffected areas.
-Is the remediation company insured? Every SERVPRO franchise is required to be properly insured by our corporate office. Therefore, every SERVPRO is insured in order to be in business. We will gladly send any documentation needed to show what we are insured for.
-Do the technicians where protective gear? All of our technicians understand the importance of wearing personal protective equipment to keep them safe while on the job.
-Does the remediation company discard the moldy materials? Any company that completes mold remediation should properly bag the waste materials and remove them from your property so that you and your property are not exposed to the hazardous materials.
If there are any questions that you have, please feel free to call (315-457-3432 or email (SERVPRO5941@SERVPRO5941.com) us. We'll be happy to help!
When you have a water damage in your home, if not properly mitigated, you are at risk of mold becoming a problem. Today, I'm going to tell you some facts about mold:
Mold is a type of fungus.
One of the most common type of mold is known as mildew.
There are hundreds of different types of mold.
Mold can live indoors or outdoors and grows best in damp, warm, and humid environments.
Even though bathrooms and basements are typically moist areas prone to the growth of molds, any moist area in the household may harbor mold.
Having a properly installed fan in the bathroom can help reduce the moist content in the room.
Running a dehumidifier in your basement, especially during the humid months, can help prevent mold from growing.
Some people experience allergic reactions or have negative health side effects when exposed to mold. The likely hood of this depends on the type of mold growing and the person.
Controlling the moisture content in your home is the best way to prevent mold.
Mold is not always able to be seen by the human eye.
This is why we highly recommend having mold testing completed by an industrial hygienist.
Imagine this... you wake up on a cold winter morning, stumble to the bathroom, turn on the sink to splash your face with some water but only a very small trickle of water coming from your pipes. Confused? You call a plumber, and they tell you that most likely you have a frozen pipe. Eek! What do you do now?
Try to locate the section of pipe that is frozen. Using a blow dryer or heat gun blow hot air at the frozen section of pipe. If possible, you could place a space heater near the pipe to begin the thawing. It is important not to use a torch or open flame to attempt to thaw the pipe. Also, don’t place the space heater too close- remember the 3 ft rule!
Inspect the pipe for any cracks that may occur when the water causes the pipe to expand. Slowly begin the run water and check for any leaks. If you notice water leaking from the pipe, you should turn off the water at the main shut-off valve. Contact a professional plumber to come fix the pipe.
Don’t forget, we’re available 24/7 to clean up any water damage that may have occurred. It’s important to clean up any water damage quickly and efficiently to prevent further damage from occurring.
Winter is here! So is freezing temperatures, ice and snow. It’s important to make sure that your business’s parking lots and sidewalks are safe for your employees and customers to walk on to get in and out of your building. Putting down rock salt is a very common way to make sure your sidewalks and parking lots are safe. However, rock salt can leave lasting stains on your carpet.
Our SERVPRO professional technicians have been trained to clean rock salt stains out of carpet. Our SERVPRO Corporate has created special carpet cleaning solutions to get rid of these stains better than any store bought cleaner. Call our office today to schedule a carpet cleaning so your carpets stay looking their best! The sooner we clean the rock salt stains out of your carpet, the better chance you’ll have to remove the stains.
During this time of year, we recommend having the carpets vacuumed and cleaned more often to keep the rock salt stains from sticking around.
Before heading south for the winter, you should definitely check out these important preventative measures to protect your home!
Make sure your furnace is set no lower than 55 degrees. There are new thermostats that are considered “smart thermostats” so that you can control the temperature of your home from your phone from anywhere. The Nest https://nest.com/thermostats/ the thermostat that we use in our home and is so easy to use and manage.
At SERVPRO we have talked to many homeowners who live in the south for winter and have had their heating system fail while they’re away. This leads to frozen pipes that can be undiscovered for long periods of time. Not knowing that your heating system has failed and pipes breaking while your away can lead to water and mold damage that affects large areas of the home.
Winterize your pipes. Shut off the main water supply and drain the system by opening all faucets and flushing the toilets. You may also consider replacing the water traps and drains with a nontoxic antifreeze. Don’t think this is something you want to do yourself? Plumbers will come winterize your home for you.
This year, we gained a valuable asset to our company. We hired a contractor to join our team! Let's take a moment to get to know our contractor, Mark Ruzekowicz!
"I have been doing construction for approximately 20 years spending almost all that time in residential/commercial remodeling and new construction. I am quite proficient in all aspects of this work. I started learning the trades when I was a wee lad from my father and other family members who are also trades folk. Over the years I have worked as a subcontractor for a handful of phenomenal carpenters that helped me expand and refine my abilities. I am elated to join the SERVPRO family and am looking forward to the opportunity to augment the existing team here and provide the best customer service I can when taking the damage to a home or business and making it like it never even happened."
During New York winters, our homes can take a beating from the freezing cold weather. It’s important to prepare your home before the winter weather hits. Failing to prep your home for winter, may result in a costly disaster later. Freezing cold temperatures can cause pipes to freeze which causes the pipes to expand and crack or burs which leads to water damage.
Where the pipes in and around your home are, could mean that they are more likely to freeze than others.
Pipes that are outside your home are the most likely to freeze as they are directly exposed to the cold weather. For these pipes, it’s best to turn off the water to these pipes and drain the pipes. This will ensure that no water can freeze inside allowing for possible cracks to form.
Pipes located along exterior walls of the home or in areas of the home that are not heated are the next pipes likely to freeze. Consider whether or not areas of your home such as attics, basements, crawl spaces, garages or unused rooms have pipes in and around them. Because these pipes may be important to be left on throughout winter, it is important to insulate them. Special insulation for the pipes can be found at your local hardware store. Thermostatically controlled heat tape will turn on at certain minimum temperatures. This tape keeps the pipes slightly heated to ensure that freezing does not occur.
If you have had pipes that are inside of walls freeze, consider adding insulation in those walls. It’s possible that there is not enough insulation installed as would be recommended in our climate.
Did you know that there are actually different types of smoke which can cause damage to your home and contents during a fire? When we access the damage caused by fire and smoke, we take into account the cause of the fire and the type of smoke damage. This way, we make sure that the proper cleaning supplies and techniques are used to clean the fire and smoke damage. Just like there are different methods you would use to get a stain out of your favorite shirt based on what kind of stain it is, we use different cleaning methods based on what kind of smoke caused the damage to your home and contents.
Wet Smoke is occurs when plastic and rubber burn. The fire most likely burned at a lower temperature than other types of fire and leaves a very strong, pungent odor. Wet smoke leaves a sticky residue. There are often smoke webs in the corners that can be difficult to clean.
Dry Smoke often occurs when paper and wood burn. These materials burn quickly and at very high temperatures. The smoke rises and can cause a lot of damage to the ceilings and even higher levels that were not directly affected by the fire itself.
Protein Fire Residue occurs from evaporation of material rather than an actual fire. This type of smoke can be hard to see, but causes a discoloration or paints and varnishes. Protein fire residue has a very strong odor which can be hard to get rid of.
Fuel Oil Soot often happens when a furnace has a “puff back”. This is caused when a furnace malfunctions and the HVAC system throws smoke throughout the home by way of the duct system. The furnace will need to be replaced or repaired before cleaning can begin to ensure that the problem does not occur again. A duct cleaning will also need to be performed so that left over soot in the ducts doesn’t get thrown around the affected areas again.
No need to worry about figuring out what type of smoke damage you have, our SERVPRO team will assess the type of smoke that has affected your property and decide what cleaning methods will be the best.
What causes mold growth? - adamandbrit@gmail.com - Gmail
Did you ever wonder what causes mold to grow? Why sometimes you might see mold in places that have not experienced water damage or water penetration?
Mold is found everywhere, in the air, on surfaces inside and outside. There are many, many different types of mold. Mold can grow on any substance where moisture is found.
Mold reproduces by tiny microscopic spores. That is why when we perform mitigation in an area that has preexisting mold, we do not place air movers. The air movers will push the spores around, waking them up and causing them to reproduce at an increased rate. Instead, we like to keep the conditions as still as possible and try not to disturb the mold until we can remediate the mold. We also use air scrubbers to scrub the air clean of any spores that may get thrown into the air. This will stop the mold spores from being able to reproduce.
There are three main requirements for mold growth:
Moisture- When mold spores land on moist surfaces, they begin to reproduce. Typically mold found inside grows in an area that may have experienced a water damage. If flooring and walls are not properly dried, mold growth can begin. Indoor plumbing can have leaks that are disguised by the surrounding structural materials. This kind of mold damage is often unexpected because the leak went on undiscovered for so long.
Flooring that is over crawl spaces that do not have vapor barriers can be prone to mold growth as the water condensates seeping into the floor. The underside of the flooring may be wet, but the floor may not be noticeably wet from the perspective that we walk on it.
Mold is often found initially by sight of smell. Mold can go undetected for a long time as it can grow behind wall paper or paneling, under carpeting and padding, on the back of drywall, etc.
Food for the spores- Food sources for mold in buildings include dust and dander, cellulose-based materials such as wood, cardboard and paper.
Warmth- Mold typically does not grow in colder temperatures. Mold grows best between 77-86 degrees. However, mold can grow when temperatures are between 32-95 degrees.
Should you have any questions about mold, please do not hesitate to call our office at 315-457-3432. Our office staff are trained on mold remediation techniques and can help you get started on solving a mold problem you may be having.
When we think of storm and water damage, we often think of structure damage. Did you know that SERVPRO offers content restoration for your affected contents as well? Your contents can be your most valuable and meaningful belongings. We wouldn't want you to have to throw away damaged contents because the water damage they may have endured leads to mold damage and staining.
Our technicians are specially trained to restore contents damaged by mold, water and smoke. Our technicians start by spot cleaning items to determine what cleaning techniques will work best based on the materials the item is made of and the type of damaged the item sustained.
The types of cleaning we offer are:
Dry Cleaning - Used for cleaning light residues or to pre-clean prior to cleaning.
Wet Cleaning - An effective cleaning method for removing moderate to heavy residues.
Spray and Wipe -Effective for items that can’t withstand cleaning.
Foam Cleaning - Used for upholstery fabrics that might shrink or bleed if cleaned.
Abrasive Cleaning - Involves agitation of the surface being cleaned.
Immersion Cleaning - Contents are dipped into a bath of the cleaning product.
If your home or office requires extensive restoration, a pack out may be required. In this case, the SERVPRO team would inventory and pack out all contents and move them to our office. There, the team would clean all contents and store them in our climate controlled containers until you are ready to have your contents brought back.
We work with you for 100% of this process letting you make decisions and offering solutions to possible problems along the way. Pack outs, storage, and pack backs are often covered by insurance. We work with your adjuster to ensure they understand any type of necessary cleaning and pack out.
On August 25th, Hurricane Harvey caused widespread devastation throughout Texas and Louisiana. The area was affected by flooding and destruction from the Category 4 hurricane. Houston's total rainfall during this storm exceeded 50 inches of rainwater.
SERVPRO mobilized Disaster Recovery Teams from around the country to help the areas affected by Hurricane Harvey. Over 400 teams initially deployed fully equipped with equipment and supplies to perform mitigation and restoration.
Then on September 10th, Hurricane Irma made landfall in the southwest of Florida. Flooding and wind damage affected Florida and Georgia. Many people lost power, gas and water. Again, SERVPRO dispatched additional Disaster Recovery Teams to help clean up the affected areas and help families affected by the storm.
After Hurricane Irma landed on the Florida coast, our SERVPRO sent one of our operations managers, Matthew Balch to go down and assist with the clean up. Our thoughts are with those affected by these disastrous storms. We hope that the families affected can recover quickly and get back on their feet. SERVPRO Industries is working as hard and quickly as possible to make sure things run smoothly so that we can help as many people as possible.
Our SERVPRO sent a team down to Florida to help out with the Hurricane cleanup. We are currently helping perform mitigation and restoration in a country club. Our crews are working as quickly as possible so that the country club get get up and running again.
Each year many fires break out in homes and commercial buildings due to a failure in the electrical system. While not every electrical fire can be prevented, there are precautions which can be taken to lessen this risk.
Electrical fires can be caused by:
Broken wires
Wire insulation drying out
Loose switches or receptacles
Overheating caused by dirt an oil
Allstate Insurance company recommends that you have your electrical system checked by a licensed electrician every four years. Having an electrician assess the electrical system will ensure that your home or building is up to code and that any issues are addressed. If you see an appliance that has a broken wire, fix the wire immediately or replace the appliance. While replacement may be costly, it will reduce the chance of a fire. Tighten any switch or plug that appears loose. It is important that switches and plugs are secure. Remember not to overload outlets. If necessary use an electrical adapter with surge protection.
Studies show that faulty wiring is the number 1 cause of electrical fires. Watch for warning signs of faulty wiring:
Flickering lights
Breakers that always trip
Fuses that blow
A burning smell when appliances are plugged in
Outlets/switches that spark when plugging in or unplugging an appliance
Discoloration around outlets
Remember that prevention is the key to safety! Electrical fires spread quickly and can be life threatening and costly. Call your local electrician if you have specific questions or concerns about something in a home of building that you own. Working with electrical work can be very dangerous and it is important to hire an experienced technician to complete any necessary electrical work.
Flood watch vs flood warning - adamandbrit@gmail.com - Gmail
We have been hearing on the news a lot lately that there is a "flood watch" or a "flood warning" in effect. It is important to understand the lingo so that we can be prepared for what is ahead of us. Since the beginning of this year, we have gotten record high rain falls. Many areas of New York State have flooded or had possible flood warnings issued. Knowing what to prepare for can save your life and the lives of your loved ones.
A flood watch simply means: be aware. The conditions in your area are right for flooding to occur.
Steps you should take are:
Listen to your TV and /or radio to get the latest updates and emergency instructions. Download an app to alert you of possible warnings or instructions to follow if conditions worsen.
Know where to go should you need to seek higher ground.
Check your emergency kit to make sure your ready for anything! Or create one if you don't currently have one. Search the internet for suggestions of what should be included in your emergency kit!
Prepare your house for flooding by moving outdoor furniture inside and moving items to somewhere it won't be damaged should flooding occur in your home.
Disconnect electrical appliances.
A flood warning means: take action! Flooding is either already underway or will be shortly.
Steps you should take are:
Immediately move to higher ground.
Evacuate if instructed. Don't risk putting yourself or others in danger.
Avoid walking or driving through flooded areas. Remember, 6 inches of water can knock you down and 1 ft of water can move your vehicle.
There are certain precautions that should be taken when flooding occurs in order to stay safe. Please consider following these steps to be safe in flooded areas:
Do not walk, drive or ride through flooded areas. You don't know what may be in the water below. It is better to use precaution and not go into the water than to risk drowning, getting hit with a sharp object, fall into an unseen hole or be taken by the fast current. Remember that only 6 inches of water can knock down an adult, less for a child. When evacuations are necessary, list to local officials and get out while you can. This will save yourself and rescue crews from being put into dangerous situations. When flash flooding is possible, move to higher ground. It is better to be safe than sorry. It is easier to move to higher ground before the flooding occurs than to get trapped and not be able to get out. Flash floods are the number 1 cause of weather related deaths in the US according to FEMA. Avoid driving through flooded areas. One foot of water is enough to move a vehicle and leave you unable to control the vehicle's destination. Avoid camping or parking along streams, rivers and creeks during heavy rainfall. These ares can quickly flood. If you have notice of possible flooding, but sand bags around your house in areas that might allow water intrusion. You cannot stop all water intrusions, but this step might save your home from possible water damage.
Did you know that SERVPRO of North and East Onondaga and Oswego Counties has the capabilities to provide water mitigation, mold restoration and fire restoration for your commercial building quickly and efficiently? Our SERVPRO franchise has approximately 20 employees that will mobilize quickly when you need our services.
Should your commercial building experience a large loss, we can quickly activate more SERVPRO trained teammates from other SERVPRO franchises to help us get your building back in order so that you don’t lose revenue. SERVPRO has mobilization teams that travel across the country as needed to support recovery after large storm or disaster events. These teams are familiar with handling the work that goes into a large loss project and are trained to work as efficiently as possible. In the 24 years our franchise has been in business we have brought the mobilization teams in to help a handful of times. Each time, we have had successful outcomes.
Timely mitigation is the key to controlling damage, downtime and recovery costs. Our crews are available 24/7, 365 days a year. SERVPRO of North and East Onondaga and Oswego Counties is dedicated to providing detailed and consistent communication to make our customers aware of job status and progress toward completion.
Who doesn’t love fireworks in the summer time? While it is so much fun to enjoy fireworks light up the night sky, it is important to be safe! Please read these safety tips to ensure you have a fun, safe night!
Safety Tips:
-Check to make sure that fireworks are legal in your area before buying and using them.
-Read instructions for proper use of the fireworks thoroughly before use.
-Do not allow young children to play with fireworks unsupervised.
-Do not hover directly over the fireworks at any time when lighting the fuse.
-Do not attempt to re-light fireworks that didn’t ignite on the first try.
-Keep water easily accessible in case of a fire or other accident.
-Do not point fireworks toward another person.
-Do not consume alcohol when using fireworks.
Facts about Fireworks:
-Sparklers are 15X’s hotter than boiling water.
- Approximately 200 people go to the ER everyday from June 17th-July17th with injuries related to fireworks.
-People ages 25-44 make up 40% of injuries reported from fireworks.
- There are 2X’s as many fires on July 4th than reported any other day of the year.
Have you ever had water leak into your home through your roof? If so, you understand the ways a roof leak can cause damage in your home. If you haven’t experienced a roof leak- you’re lucky!
It is important to understand the condition of your roof. Knowing that roof maintenance will be needed and what types of maintenance will be required can be helpful! Roof repairs and replacements can be very costly, it helps to know in advance so that you can prepare.
If water starts leaking into your home it can cause a lot of damage in a short period of time.
Damaged shingles is one of the most common sources of roof leaks. Having damaged or missing shingles, it is important to replace them as soon as possible. Missing or damaged shingles will allow a lower layer of the roof to be exposed to nature’s elements and can allow water to seep through the uncovered spaces.
Nails that have backed out due to extreme weather should be hammered back in securely. When the nails are raised or fall out, allows water to seep in.
Flashing that is improperly installed or have been damaged allows water to enter through gaps. Have them inspected to ensure they are properly installed and are well maintained.
Clogged gutters can cause water to back up and overflow onto your roof. This would cause water to possibly intruder into your home through the underside of the roof. If you notice water stains around the perimeters of your home, water maybe backing up into your home from your gutters. Also, gutters that are not pitched properly don’t allow the water to flow the correct direction to the downspouts causing the same damage as a clogged gutter.
Skylights often have leaks if they are not installed properly or have seals that are worn and cracked. Water can seep into the home from the skylight causing damage.
Sometimes water damage from a roof leak goes undiscovered for a long time because of the insulation in the attic or crawl space. It takes a lot of water to seep into the home, soaking the insulation before it reaches the ceiling and walls. In some cases mold forms before water intrusion from the roof is noticed.
If you think your roof needs attention, call a roofer to have them inspect your roof. They can tell you what kind of shape your roof is in, inform you of any repairs that are necessary and give you a quote for the repairs.
Plumbing problems cause a lot of the water damages that we hear about. It is important to ensure that the plumbing in your home is working properly and have any problem areas fixed.
You should check for:
Signs of leakage. Ex. Water/puddle marks
Corrosion
Signs of bad pipe connections
Water pressure. Low water pressure may be caused by a water line problem or sediment build up.
Any exposed pipes, ceilings and walls that may have pipes in them. If you see water stains or smell a musty odor.
Know where your water supply line valves are. It is important to be able to turn the water off to certain areas or turn off the water completely to your home. In an emergency situation you could completely shut off the water to your home until a skilled plumber can come fix the leak.
Did you know that May is Electrical Safety Month? We would like to give you some electrical safety tips which could help you avoid fire in your home! Between 2007and 2011, 48% of home fires caused by electrical failures were because of distribution errors. This means that the electric usage in the home was at an unsafe level, causing fires to start due to overloading the system.
Items in your home that you should check the wattage of to ensure they are not being overloaded are:
-Bulb wattage- ensure that you are using the correct wattage in lamps and fixtures
- Cords- replace any frayed, cracked or damaged cords as soon as possible
-Extension Cords and Power Strips- Do not over load! Only plug in one high-wattage appliance per power strip
-Outlets- if the outlet feels warm, this is a signal that the wiring is unsafe and should be checked out by a professional
-Appliances- Unplug any unused appliance
-Fuse Box-Make sure the fuses are the correct size for the circuit
-Circuit Breaker Box- Occasionally turn the circuit breakers off and on to make ensure they are in good working condition.
Should you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact an electrician to check out the electrical situation in your home. They are happy to come out and inspect your home for any improvements that can be made. It is important to make sure your house’s electrical system is up to code for the safety of you and your family.
When customers call to set up an appointment for mold remediation, we start by scheduling one of our certified technicians or managers to go out to assess the situation. Our assessor goes out to do a visual assessment and creates an action plan. They are considering both the structural and content items that need mold removal.
Structural items may include (but are not limited to):
walls ceilings flooring trim or molding doors or windows framing and studs cabinets or vanities bathtub or shower enclosures insulation concrete
Some of these materials would be removed completely during remediation. Other materials may be sanded, or dry ice blasted to remove a thin layer of the material to remediate the mold. Materials like ceramic tile, can usually be wiped clean of mold.
Content items may include (but are not limited to):
clothing curtains or blinds appliances or electronics bedding mattresses and furniture dishes knickknacks
During the remediation process, some items can be cleaned using our SERVPRO branded products. However, some items need to be discarded because of their material. If a material is too fibrous, we would not be able to guarantee that the mold was completely removed. We would recommend the item be thrown out to eliminate that item from contaminating the other structural material or content items. For example, mattresses and upholstered furniture would be recommended to be discarded. These items are cleaned topically and have cushion that would not be cleaned thoroughly enough to ensure the mold spores are no longer present.
Have you noticed the Syracuse area experiencing a large amount of rainfall this year? We have had a record setting amount of rain to date! 0.69 inches fell on May 5th as of 3PM alone.
To the west of us, Buffalo received more than 6 inches of rain in April. As of May 5th, Buffalo had already received 3 inches of rain this month! 3 inches of rain is the typical amount of rain Buffalo normally receives in an entire month.
Many of the local lakes, streams, rivers and canal ways are flooding. Over the weekend, events surrounding the Syracuse Creekwalk were canceled and the Creekwalk has been closed for some time due to high water levels. Parts of the Creekwalk are flooded making it unsafe for people to use that area. Lake Ontario water levels are nearing 2 feet above average and are expected to continue rising.
In Oswego County, a beaver dam burst causing water to pour all over State Route 183. Also in Oswego County, a swamp along Lakeshore Road flooded causing the town to close the road completely.
Onondaga Lake Park, had massive flooding throughout the park. High waters in the park caused some of the park benches to be taken into the lake as water levels began to shrink.
Remember, it is important to watch for flood warnings in your area. There are safety precautions that should be taken for health and safety reasons. Do not walk, drive or ride through flooded waters, because you do not know what is underneath the water that could harm you. If you must travel, find detours that lead around the flooded waters.
It’s finally spring time in upstate New York! AND it finally FEELS like spring! We can’t be happier to break out of the house and enjoy the great outdoors!
However, with spring time comes some unpredictable weather patterns. Something’s we can expect along with the beautiful sunshine are; heavy rain, high winds, and hail. Have you experienced any of these so far? I can attest to seeing heavy rain and high winds! I have also seen warnings to hail in the area.
It is important to be prepared for any weather that might come our way.
Heavy Rain
Before heavy rain comes your way, make sure to check your gutters and down-spouts to ensure they are facing the correct direction and that they are free of any debris that could stop water from flowing through properly. Failing to do this may cause water do back up in the spouts and cause water damage to your roof and ceiling. If your spouts are not facing away from the house, you could have water intruding the foundation of your home causing water damage to your basement or ground level.
High Winds
If you have trees surrounding your home, high winds may cause tree limbs to fall and infringe your roof or side of the house. You may want to trim back any branches that could land on your home causing damage. You should also move inside or tightly secure any outside furniture or decoration that could be blown over or blown away by heavy winds.
Hail
Hail can come in many different sizes. I have seen some hail that is the size of golf balls. This one can be tough to protect your home and belongings from, but make sure anything that can be moved out of harm’s way is. Consider covering anything that cannot be moved from the outside elements to protect it.
Did you know that your local SERVPRO offers roof tarping? That’s right, our SERVPRO offers emergency service tarping. When you call our office, day or night seven days a week someone will be there to answer your call and we will come out to start work as soon as possible. Because you never know when you’re going to need this type of service and you never plan for it!
As we approach the heavy rain season, some homeowners may discover that their roof needs repair. You may also find that your skylight is not air tight and is allowing rain to come into your home causing further damage.
For scheduling, financial or weather related reasoning, you may not be able to have the roof or skylight immediately repaired to stop the water from trickling in. However, it is important to prevent water from getting into your home. As a result, tarping is necessary. Our skilled technicians will identify the damaged section of the roof, checking for damaged tiles and check the interior of the home for leaks. We can then tarp the damaged area of the roof to stop water from entering the home. Any water damage that has occurred inside the home can be mitigated by our technicians to stop further damage in your home.
This way, when you are ready and the weather allows, you can have a roofing contractor come and either fix or replace your roof.
April showers bring May flowers! The spring time can be a very moist season in CNY. This week for example, has a large amount of rain predicted in the forecast. Forecasters have even issued a flash flooding storm watch lasting several days.
All of this rain may have you thinking about ways you can prevent basement flooding this spring. Whether you have a finished or unfinished basement area, a flooded basement can be very stressful.
Take the following steps to prevent a flooded basement:
Keep gutters and downspouts free from any debris. Clear out any leaves, gravel or anything else that may have formed a blockade in your gutters and downspouts.
Make sure downspouts face away from your home. If the ground around your downspout has a slant, make sure that when the downspout empties the water is not going to flow back towards your home.
Fill cracks in the foundation with an epoxy.
Check your sump pump. Make sure the area is cleared from debris and that your pump is in good working order. You may want to have a back up sump pump or an alternative electrical source for the sump pump incase the power goes out.
Examine sewer systems and septic tanks.
Install window wells on any windows that lead to a lower level. Check the window to make sure it is water tight.
Check over your homeowner’s insurance policy to make sure you have the correct coverage. We often find that homeowners do not have a sump pump rider on their policy; therefore there is no coverage when a sump pump fails.
It is important to take the right precautions. Completing these steps will not be full proof to preventing water damage. However, it will minimize the risks.
Our SERVPRO Franchise has taken the IICRC Commercial Drying Specialist (CDS) class and has obtained special certifications to complete water mitigation in commercial buildings. Drying out a commercial building can be much different than performing a dry out service for a residential home. The materials a commercial building and residential home is built of can be completely different. The buildings are also used for different purposes.
The CDS course is a five day class and covers commercial, industrial, institutional and complex residential structures. The class teaches students to become skilled at performing damage inspections and evaluations. The class covers workflow management, process administration and technical methods of effective and timely drying of commercial, industrial, institutional and complex residential water damaged structures, systems and furniture.
Commercial drying projects often have additional potential hazards and safety risks than residential water mitigation projects. According to the IICRC, potential hazards include but are not limited to higher voltages, confined spaces, energized machinery, hazardous chemicals, heavy equipment and forklifts. In addition to this information, it is important that state and local laws for safety and contractor s are still followed.
If you are in need of having mitigation performed on a commercial or industrial building, make sure you utilize a company that has the knowledge to perform the services properly and effectively.
When customers call us wanting to get rid of the mold in their home, we often ask them what caused the mold to be there. This is an important question, because if the cause of the mold growth is not fixed, then mold will return after the mold remediation is completed.
There are many different reasons that could cause mold to grow. By failing to get to the root of the problem, mold will most definitely come back.
There are many different types of mold. Mold is essentially all around us. It is indoors, outdoors, settled on materials and in the air. Mold can transfer from place to place by spores wafting around in the air or being transferred via clothing or other items. Mold growth thrives in moist damp areas.
In order to stop mold growth in your home, it is important to follow these recommendations:
Keep doors and windows closed during times when the mold count outside is high.
Make sure your windows, doors and roofs are not allowing moisture into the home. These are places in the home that often allow water into the home causing mold problems.
Make sure your basement is properly sealed and ground water is not settling inside of your home.
Ensure that your home is exhausting and ventilated appropriately. Often people find that their bathroom exhaust fan is not ventilating properly and the moisture is getting stuck in the attic space causing mold to grow. Likewise, a dryer vent may be exhausting into a crawlspace rather than all the way to an outside area.
Check your pipes and drains to ensure that water is not leaking from these areas.
If you have an area of your home that gets a lot of moisture that cannot be fixed correctly or may be too costly, consider putting a dehumidifier in that area to draw extra moisture out of the air. You may want to consult with someone with knowledge about different types of dehumidifiers do see what kind would best work in the space you are drying to dehumidify.
If you should have more questions on this topic, please feel free to call our office at 315-457-3432 and ask to speak to someone who can further assist you. We would be happy to help!
Mold staining can remain on surfaces affected by mold even after the mold has been removed. Concrobium Mold Stain Remover is one of the products that we often use on mold projects for stain removal. This product is designed to effectively eliminate mold staining. This stain remover removed the toughest mold staining and separates mold from the surface for remediation. Once the concrobium has been applied, we let it dry and begin HEPA vacuuming and wiping affected surfaces. Using this solution, stops the need for materials to be physically removed if it is not necessary not possible for the material to be removed.
This solution is safe for use in homes, hospitals, schools, commercial and industrial buildings. The stain remover works on hard, non-porous or semi-porous surfaces such as wood and composite wood, concrete, masonry, drywall, grout, fiberglass, tile, plastic, laminate, metal and fabric.
The Concrobium Mold Stain Remover has a slight odor which will dissipate within a couple hours of usage. Due to the odor, it is important that this product is used in a well ventilated area.
Should you have questions as to whether or not this product could be used on a project you have, feel free to call our office at 315-457-3432 and speak to someone about our Concrobium Mold Stain Remover.
The flooring in commercial buildings generally get more traffic than residential carpeting. Therefore, the carpeting in commercial buildings need more care and attention. Carpets can get dingy due to how much they are walked on. Carpets also get traffic patterns worn in to them as a result of people walking in the same areas
Even the highest quality carpets can show soiling over time. We offer a variety of different types of carpet cleaning. The different cleaning methods include:
Bonnet Cleaning- a less aggressive method for short piled carpets.
Hot Water Extraction- A deeper cleaning method for all carpet types.
Deluxe Precondition and Rinse- helps restore deeply soiled carpets.
Showcase Premier Cleaning- the most thorough cleaning method in the industry.
Dry Cleaning- for when color-fastness is an issue.
When scheduling a carpet cleaning for a commercial property, we will send a marketing representative out to measure the area, establish expectations for the carpet cleanings, and determine the type of carpet cleaning which is best for your carpeting.
We offer monthly, semi-annual, annual scheduling. We also will schedule cleanings on an as-needed basis. Feel free to give us a call today to meet with a marketing representative about having your carpets cleaned!
The National Fire Protection Association lists the frequency of reported fires by causes on their website. The following are the most frequently reported fires:
Appliances and Consumer Electronics- This list includes but is not limited to cooking equipment, heating equipment, washers and dryers, air conditioners and fans.
Child Play- Approximately 44,500 fires are started each year by children playing with matches, lighters and other fire starting materials not even knowing the dangers this type of play can cause.
Candles- Placing candles in places where they can easily catch fire and leaving them unattended.
Chemicals and Gases- Storing gases improperly and spontaneous combustion.
Holidays- Christmas trees, holiday lights and decorations.
Weather and Outside Elements- Such as lightening, brush, grass and trees.
Smoking Materials- Cigarettes and other smoking supplies.
It is important to take notice that many of the commonly reported causes of fires are preventable to some amount. It is important to take caution when utilizing anything that could have potential to start a fire. Some of the actions seem harmless, such as going to take a shower while baking in the oven. However, fires often start when we least expect it. It is better to be safe than sorry. For more information about fire visit: http://www.nfpa.org/news-and-research/fire-statistics-and-reports/fire-statistics
The American Red Cross was founded in 1881 and is a charitable organization that relies on donations and volunteers to carry out their mission. The Red Cross provides disaster relief, blood donations, military family support, training and certification in CPR, lifeguarding and first aid. The Global Red Cross Network can be found in 187 countries throughout the world. SERVPRO began a partnership with the America Red Cross in 2013 and became a Disaster Responder partner in 2016. The Disaster Responder program provides those in need with support, comfort and assistance in times or disaster. Disaster Responders help communities prepare for disasters before they even happen!
Some safety tips the Red Cross recommends in order to prepare for severe thunderstorms are:
Listen to the local news via television or the radio for emergency updates.
Put off participation in outdoor activities if thunderstorms are predicted.
Pay attention to the weather around you. Watch for signs of a storm such as darkening skies, high winds, and lightening. Lightening can happen even without rain.
If a severe thunderstorm warning has been issued get to a safe location. Find shelter or get in a vehicle with the windows closed.
Do not use electronics such as telephones, computers, televisions, etc.
Close all windows and doors.
Do not take a bath, shower or partake in activities that use running water.
If you’re driving, pull safely off the road and use your flashers.
Do not touch metal surfaces that can conduct electricity.
Stay out of pools, or bodies or water.
For more information on being prepared for storms, go to redcross.org.
After a fire, you may have a strong residual smoke odor even after a full cleaning has been performed. Smoke odors can penetrate materials and get in hard to reach crevasses. In order to completely remove smoke odor we have an Ozone Generator that is used to oxidize odor. In addition to smoke odor, this Ozone Generator can be used to eliminate odors from pets, mildew, organic pollutants and more without the use of chemicals.
This Ozone Generator does not leave any residual film. All people and animals should vacate the area while the ozone machine is being used in. We seal the room to prevent dissipation to areas that do not need deodorization.
We recommend customers having their contents and structure ozoned following fire restoration to ensure all odors are removed.
Recently a fire broke out at a local business, Salt City Billiards, during the very early morning. (http://cnycentral.com/news/local/early-morning-fire-at-salt-city-billiards-in-north-syracuse) Many of the customers who play pool at this location had their pool cues and cases stored on-site at Salt City Billiards. The pool cues and cases can be very expensive and absorbed a good amount of smoke odor. We told the customers that they could bring their pool cues and cases to our office and we would put them in our ozone room free of charge to remove the odor.
Keep your Property Safe from Potential Snow and Ice Flooding
As we continue to get waves of large amounts of snow and then warmer weather that melts the snow, we need to protect our homes and businesses from water damage.
As we get lots of snow throughout the winter, there are a few ways we are susceptible to experiencing water damage. When the roof has a lot of snow, it can leak water from the roof into the home. Ice backups can occur if the home is not properly insulated allowing water to penetrate the ceiling and walls. When there are cracks in the foundation, melting snow can allow water to seep into the building.
It’s important to pay close attention to the forecast and know what types of weather to expect. However, in order to avoid winter weather from affecting your home there are something’s you can do to prepare:
Seal any cracks in the foundation. It is natural for cracks in the foundation to appear. It’s important to keep on top of them and seal any that you notice.
Install a back-flow valve. A back-flow valve would prevent a sewer back up to occur during flooding.
Install a sump pump. Many people have sump pumps installed in their homes to stop water from rising to higher levels of the home. A sump pump automatically drains any water that intrudes your home. If you already have a sump pump, check it often to ensure it is not blocked and is working properly. If yours uses batteries, make sure the batteries are not old and have backups on hand.
Do not store valuable items in places they can be ruined if water damage does occur. Store your valuables on shelving; consider placing stored items on pallets where possible. Keep your items in plastic storage totes to protect them.
Remove snow from around your home. You can eliminate the snow from around your home to help keep water out. If there is less melting snow around your home, there is less of a chance the water will flow into your home.
Keep sewage drains and downspouts clear.
Use a snow rake to remove snow from your roof and stop ice build up.
This is a copy of our Mold Remediation Contractor License
Beginning January 2016, the New York State Department of Labor activated a new Mold Program. Any business performing mold remediation needed to obtain the training and licensing required and adhere to the minimum work standards in order to be in compliance with the law.
The reason for the required training is to protect consumers. By requiring contractors to receive proper training prior to obtaining licensing to perform mold assessment, remediation and abatement services they are ensuring that the technicians doing the work understand the correct ways to perform the job. Contractors are not legally allowed to perform mold assessments, remediation, or abatement without having the proper licensing.
In order for our company to stay incompliance with the new law, all of our technicians and managers have had to complete Mold Remediation Technician and Mold Remediation Supervisor training from a New York State Department of Labor approved trainer. The courses involved 24 hours of training which we were able to obtain locally.
Because of the new mold program, we cannot send any technicians on-site to a mold project without having this license. Before scheduling mold remediation in your home or office, make sure to thoroughly check out the company you’re hiring to ensure they have the proper certifications to perform the work.
What if we told you there was something you could hook up in your home that would alert you when water penetrated an area of your home you didn’t want it to?
Worried about your dishwasher leaking? Concerned about your water heater being old and water seeping out of it? Nervous about having your sump pump fail? Having an alarm that would sound if water infiltrated an area that it was not suppose to be could be helpful in many different spaces in a home or business. If there is an area of your home that has had previous water damages that you may be worried about happening again this water damage alarm could make you feel more comfortable.
If there is a space in your home that you don’t go often, this alarm would notify you of any water damage that occurs. Often, people have areas of their homes they don’t go into on a daily basis. For example, many people don’t or can’t go into their basement every day. Water damages occur in these areas and sit for long periods of time without being noticed. In the mean time, secondary damage occurs. Mold grows, contents get ruined and the already expensive damage becomes a lot more expensive than if it was discovered at the time of loss.
While browsing Amazon.com I found that many of the water damage alarms cost anywhere from $12-$50. When you think about the cost it may save you in the long run, it’s well worth the money! Consider purchasing one (or a few) of these alarms in your home to alert you of a water damage.
Did you think SERVPRO only performs mitigation and restoration inside of residential and commercial properties? We also do work on the exterior of properties when affected by water, fire or other mayhem.
The picture below is a commercial building that experienced smoke damage when a car parked on the street next to the building caught fire. The building was covered from top to bottom with soot. We used one of SERVPRO’s newest products, a water-less masonry cleaner to clean the soot off of the outside of the building. This square area was a test patch that we did to ensure the product would work to the customer’s liking. The owner of the building was extremely happy with the results of the restoration we were able to perform.
Our SERVPRO can pressure wash vinyl siding that has been affected by smoke damage to make it look fresh and new.
Another exterior service we provide is board-ups and roof tarping. We have an emergency crew available 24/7 if you experience a broken door or window that needs to be boarded up while waiting for a repair. If you have a leaky roof, we can tarp the roof until repairs can be made to stop further damage inside of the home.
Should You Have a Mold Inspection Before Purchasing a Home?
The spring time is often when the real estate market gets busy. Are you in the market for a new home? Are you worried about existing problems you may find after moving in? Will you have your new home inspected before purchase?
You may want to also consider having a mold inspection before buying a home. Mold can be found behind walls under flooring materials, hidden by furniture and wall coverings and in out of sight locations such as crawl spaces and attics. Therefore, you may not see the mold before buying the home. Mold remediation can be very a costly process.
It has become popular to make homes as energy efficient as possible. The advantage to an energy efficient home is that the utility bill is much lower. Everyone can appreciate that! The disadvantage is that mold flourishes in a sealed environment. Water gets trapped and doesn’t evaporate as quickly. This diminishes the indoor air quality.
Do not think that because you are buying a new or newer home, that mold does not exist in that home. Lack of proper ventilation, construction errors and the time of year the home was built could be a factor as to whether or not mold exists.
A home inspector may be able to find visible mold in the home. However, it is likely that they are not a mold expert. Mold cannot always be seen, therefore, sometimes it is necessary to take air samples and submit them for testing to truly know if there is mold in the home or not. An indoor environmental quality consultant would be able to perform this type of testing for you.
People often ask the question, what is mold remediation? Those who do not work in the mold industry may not know what mold remediation is or the procedures needed to properly get rid of mold.
It is first important to know that mold spores exist naturally just about everywhere. If you have an industrial hygienist come to your property to complete mold testing, they will test the air outside and in different areas inside your property. When the hygienist performs testing, they are looking to see what the spore count is in certain areas and what types of mold are present. Based on the testing, it can be determined what exactly needs to be done in order to remediate the mold in your home or business.
When performing remediation, it is important to follow proper procedures. First, you want to make sure the underlying problem causing the mold growth has been stopped. If your property has a moisture problem, you can remove the areas of mold that are currently present. However, the mold will continue to grow and further remediation will be necessary.
The affected area should be contained. Often to contain an affected area we set up a plastic containment barrier specially created to keep mold spores from exiting the affected area. Containment barriers should be set up around any openings in the room such as closets, hallways and doorways that lead to unaffected areas. Vents should be covered so that the spores to not get into your duct system.
Proper air filtration is necessary. SERVPRO uses air scrubbers to filter the spores out of the air while work is being completed. This step is important because while contaminated materials are being removed or cleaned, mold spores are being thrown into the air. The air scrubbers draw air in from the nearby surroundings and pass it through filters to remove contaminants.
What type of materials the mold is growing on determines the methods taken to remediate the mold. Some of the methods used for remediation are:
Removal of the material
Dry ice blasting
Mold stain remover
Mechanical steel grinding
Should you have any questions regarding mold, please call our office at 315-457-3432.
Having water damage can be very frustrating and exhausting. We often hear from customers that they have tried to move all of their contents from an affected area, mop up the standing water, and fix the source of the water damage themselves during all hours! We spend our hard earned money on things that make our houses a comfortable and enjoyable environment. The last thing we want is to lose expensive or sentimental pieces of furniture.
There are a few things you can do in order to save your furniture from being ruined in a water damage situation:
-Assess what items have been affected by the water.
-Take pictures to document the water damage and specific pictures of items that have been damaged due to the water.
-Move any furniture out of the affected area that can be moved. The less time the furniture can be sitting in the water, the better. If you cannot move the furniture, try to put something underneath it that gets it up out of the water. For example, you could use wood blocks or aluminum foil.
-If you have wood furniture that has been affected by the water, make sure you put it somewhere it can air dry. Keep the furniture out of direct sunlight as direct sun exposure could cause the wood to crack or warp.
-Apply mayonnaise to any furniture that is lightly water damaged. Apply a thin layer of the mayonnaise and let it sit on the water damaged area for 1-2 hours. Use a damp cloth to remove the mayo from the area. This should remove the water damaged areas.
Do you have a fire extinguisher in your home or business? Did you know that many insurance companies offer a discount for having a fire extinguisher in your home? For a mere $20-$50 you could save money on your homeowners insurance and have a life and property saving tool in your home.
If you have a fire extinguisher in your home, it is important to understand how to properly use it. After reading this article read the instructions on your extinguisher and become familiar with where everything is located on it. Make sure to share the information with everyone in your home so they too can be prepared.
The National Fire Protection Association recommends remembering the word PASS in order to properly operate your extinguisher.
Pull the pin. Hold the nozzle pointing away from you and release the locking mechanism.
Aim low. Point the extinguisher at the base of the fire.
Squeeze the level slowly and evenly.
Sweep the nozzle from side-to-side.
Make sure you store your fire extinguisher in a safe and easily assessable area. Check the date on your extinguisher and make certain it is not expired. Put in your calendar to check the expiration date yearly.
Before purchasing a fire extinguisher, visit NFPA.org to understand which type of extinguisher is right for your property.
As a way to give back to those in the community that helps everyone in a time of need, SERVPRO of North and East Onondaga and Oswego Counties hosts a Syracuse Crunch/Local Firefighters Night at a Syracuse Crunch hockey game. Our owner, John Halko has been supporting the Syracuse Crunch/Local Firefighter night for 9 years. This tradition started in 2009 when John wanted to show appreciation to local fire fighters and their families for the hard work they put in to our community. They make themselves available to the community and our families to protect us and help in times of need.
We send out flyers, post on social media and visit each of the local fire stations in the area to let fire fighters know that we are offering 150 free tickets to the Syracuse Crunch game. This year’s Syracuse Crunch/Fire Fighter night will be held on Friday, January 20th at 7:00PM against the Binghamton Senators at the War Memorial Arena. Local firefighters can contact our office by email at Sales@SERVPRO5941.com or by calling our office at 315-457-3432 to request tickets for themselves and their families. Tickets will be delivered to each fire station before the event. Firefighters can pick up their requested tickets at their fire station.
During the hockey game, we usually toss t-shirts or hats as an extra token of appreciation. We are looking forward to this year’s event! If you know someone who is a local fire fighter in the CNY area, please give them the information so they can get their free tickets! Please note that tickets are limited.
Restoring Your Commercial Property after A Water Damage Event
Flooding and water damage events in Onondaga and Oswego Counties commercial properties are often complex with numerous issues that require a knowledgeable and flexible response. Whether we’re dealing with a relatively small water cleanup scenario or a large scale event, we work quickly to assess each unique situation and isolate the damaged area. In many instances, normal operations can continue in a temporary space while we restore your facility.
Our professionals are trained to be mindful of legal and environmental concerns and strive to fully restore the damaged area while working within your budgetary constraints. We understand that every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when an emergency situation arises in your business, give us a call and we’ll be there fast with the help you need.
About SERVPRO of North and East Onondaga and Oswego Counties
SERVPRO of North and East Onondaga and Oswego Counties specializes in the cleanup and restoration of commercial and residential property after a water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.
Our technicians are certified by the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification for the Following:
Do you ever worry that your sprinkler system may malfunction and water will start leaking from your sprinkler system unnecessarily? Have you ever had water damage due to your sprinkler system? We have provided mitigation many times for companies that have sprinkler systems that malfunction. Many times, the system fails in the middle of the night when no one is around to turn off the water. By the time someone gets to the shut off valve, a large amount of water has already been dispersed throughout the building. Sprinkler systems can be very helpful in putting out fires and saving a building, but they need to be properly maintained to stop damage from occurring outside of having a fire.
In many cases, doing sprinkler maintenance can be very easy. However, remember that in some cases you may need to call in the company that installed the system to do maintenance on the sprinkler system or have another company brought in.
You should check and make sure that any pipe that is in an area that gets very cold is properly insulated. For example, if the pipes to the sprinkler system are in an attic space or outside wall that does not get heated.
Your sprinkler system should have a flow test valve that you can discharge water through the pipes to the outside. This will test the pipes that they are in good working order. Be aware that by running the water to the flow test valve, your fire alarm may go off. Make sure to contact your alarm company to let them know that you will be performing a test so that they do not call the fire department and dispatch an emergency crew.
Ensure that sprinkler heads and cover plates do not get painted over. Check that boxes, shelving units or other contents are not placed in the way of the sprinkler heads.
Should you have a water damage due to a fire sprinkler system malfunctioning, give our office a call day or night and we’ll clean up the water and dry out any structure or contents that have been affected.
Some insurance companies offer a discount for having a fire sprinkler system installed. Check with your insurance company today to see if discounts are available to you!
As we continue to have freezing weather, we must be aware that the pipes in our homes and businesses could freeze at any time. Last week, I talked about how to keep your pipes from freezing. However, we must be prepared if they do freeze.
Some ways you can tell if your pipes have frozen are…
--If you turn on a faucet and no water comes out.
--If you can see visible frost on the pipes.
When you have discovered that your pipes have frozen, you should immediately turn off the main water valve. It is important for everyone in the home to know where they shut-off valves are in your home. Once the water has been shut off, you should begin to thaw the pipes.
Ways you can do to thaw frozen pipes are…
--Wrap hot clothes or heating pads around the frozen pipes. Leave the cloth on the pipes until they have cooled, if needed repeat this step.
--Put a space heater near the frozen pipes. Ensure that the space heater does not directly touch the pipes.
--Use a blow dryer to thaw the pipes.
--DO NOT use any type of open flame to thaw the pipes, this can damage your pipes and is a fire hazard.
Once the pipes are thawed, you will want to turn the water back on to the home. It is important to inspect your pipes and ensure that the pipes did not burst. Remember, as water freezes it expands. Some pipes cannot hold up to the expanded water and crack or break. A pipe can have a very small crack in it which will slowly leak water and can cause a great deal of damage.
If you find that a pipe has cracked or burst, you will want to turn the water off to that area. Call your local plumber to have them fix or replace the broken pipe before turning the water back on. Should you have any water damage, be sure to call your local SERVPRO. We’ll be sure to get there quickly to start mitigation.
As we begin getting below freezing temperatures we need make sure we are following the steps to keep our pipes from freezing. Remember, when water freezes it expands which will cause a pipe to crack. When the pipe thaws water will leak from the pipe. A small pipe can allow up to 250 gallons of water to leak out over the course of one day. Larger pipes will allow more water to spew out. This amount of water can cause a hefty amount of damage to your home or business.
There are some steps we should take to keep pipes from freezing…
First of all, all outside hoses and pipes should be drained and unhooked. These hoses should be properly stored away for the winter.
Seal any openings in your home where cold air may get in. You may want to get an expandable calk to help seal any openings.
Properly insulate pipes in attics and crawl spaces. These are areas that are usually unheated, and therefore have the most likelihood of having frozen pipes. Check what grade of insulation is recommended for your area. https://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=diy.diy_attic_insulation
When your area is experiencing freezing temperatures, make sure to leave cabinet doors open that lead to pipes. This way, the cabinets are exposed to the same about of heat as the rest of your home. Turn your faucets on so that they slowly drip water. This will keep water flowing through the pipes. You will be able to tell if the pipes stop dripping, there is probably ice blocking the pipe.
Leave the heat set to one temperature. This will surely cost you money to leave your heat at one temperature rather than turning the heat down at night or when you’re not home. However, it will stop areas of the home with plumbing from getting too cold and allowing pipes to freeze.
Now that it is winter in Central New York, we must remember how to prepare for a winter storm. All winter long we get warnings of impending snow. Whether we enjoy the winter season or not, we must be ready at any time for a large amount of snow fall, ice storms, or well below freezing weather.
As for any type of impending storm it is suggested to have enough food and water for everyone who lives in the home to last at least three days. The recommended amount of water per person is 3 gallons. The food should be food that doesn’t need to be cooked or refrigerated. It is also suggested that you have a radio that runs on batteries so you can get updates on what is happening even if the power goes out. Additionally, extra batteries, flashlights and candles should be on hand. If you have a fire place, ensure that the chimney has been cleaned and inspected and that you have wood available. A fireplace, kerosene heaters can be used as alternative heat sources.
There are specific things that can be done right before a winter storm hits. You should fill your gas tank to ensure you have enough gas should you get stuck while traveling. Put blankets and additional winter gear in your car. If possible, you should avoid driving during a winter storm. This will lessen the traffic on the roads and the chance of getting stuck or in an accident.
Check your shovels and snow rakes and put them somewhere that is easily assessable. It is important to keep a shoveled path into your home. Should an emergency arise where emergency responders need to come to the home, it’s important for them to have easy access. Spraying your shovel with WD-40 will stop the snow from sticking to your shovel.
Make sure your cell phones and other electronics are charged and ready for use.
During the storm, should temperatures dip below freezing you should turn all faucets in your home on so they are slowly dripping. This will help keep pipes from freezing, which could save you in the long run from having to clean up water damage. Leaving the cabinet doors open will help your pipes stay warmer. Wrapping towels or newspaper around your pipes to help insulate them should you lose the ability to heat your home.
The carpeting in an office can quickly because soiled due to heavy traffic. Carpets act as a filter, trapping dust, dirt, gases, animal hair and other soils into the fibers to the carpeting. The IICRC believes that soil in carpet is 79% dry soil. Therefore, regular vacuuming is a major factor in keeping up with proper care and maintenance of your carpets. Vacuuming should be done at least once a week. However, in high traffic areas it may be necessary to vacuum once daily.
Other things you can do to help maintain your carpets appearance are…
Spot removal. Don’t wait until your whole carpet needs to be cleaned to try to remove a stain or spill from the carpet. Take care of any staining that may occur on the carpet immediately.
Move furniture to change traffic patterns. If everyone at your office walks in the same path on the carpet, the carpet will quickly show warn spots in those areas. Those same areas will receive the most amounts of dirt and soil on them while other areas never get walked on. Moving furniture around forces people to walk in different areas of the carpet preventing the carpeting to get worn too quickly in the same areas.
Using entryway mats. Using entryway mats limit the amount of soil brought in and tracked onto the carpets. Entryway mats are especially useful during the winter months when salt from the roads and sidewalks can stain the carpeting.
Schedule a professional cleaning. Professional carpet cleaning can address moderate and heavy soil in your carpets. We generally recommend having your carpets professionally cleaned at least every 12 months. However we may suggest having your carpets cleaning more frequently based on soil build-up, traffic, type and color of carpeting.
Why It's Important to Roof Rake Snow in the Winter
Have you ever had large amounts of snow built up on your roof? Ever notice how large icicles can build up after the snow has melted a little and then re-froze? Having large amounts of snow and ice buildup can be damaging to your home.
The heavy snow can cause your roof to collapse.
When the snow starts to melt and then freezes again, ice can build up on the roof. Ice can be damaging to gutters and downspouts.
Ice dams can form causing water damage in your home.
Roof rakes can be purchased at most hardware stores. They look like a thin, wide shovel and have an extension pole so that you can stand on the ground to remove the snow from your roof. It can be extremely dangerous to try to get up on the roof covered in snow or to stand on a ladder to remove the snow. The roof rake allows you to stand on the ground and remove the snow.
If ice damming should happen to your home, the affected area of the roof will need to be completely cleaned off in order for mitigation to begin. Otherwise, the snow will continue to leak in through the roof and the drying of materials will not be able to start. Having the roof completely cleaned off can be a very difficult task and often a roofer is needed.
Approximately 50% of businesses affected by fire and water never reopen. The majority of businesses that do reopen after a catastrophe had a preparedness plan set up prior to their disaster. Is your business ready for whatever may happen?
Did you know that your local SERVPRO can create an Emergency Ready Profile (ERP) for your business. The ERP serves as an immediate reference of important information regarding the business, building and chain of command as far as who would be our contact and who would approve emergency services. By creating an ERP, we are able to help to minimize business interruption by having an immediate plan of action.
What can you expect from an Emergency Ready Profile?
There is no cost to the business for having an ERP created for your business.
A brief Profile Document that contains critical information needed in the event of an emergency. Having an ERP created will not take a great deal of your time.
Getting the restoration started quickly will minimize the time your business is interrupted due to disaster.
Establish a relationship with your local SERVPRO Franchise. You will then have a direct contact when an event does arise rather than needing to research what company provides the services you need.
Identify a chain of command for authorizing work to begin. This way, it is pre-established who needs to be called in order to get work approved.
You will be prepared with facility details such as shut-off valve locations, priority areas and priority contact information. Your business will be “Ready for whatever happens.”
If you’re interested in having an Emergency Ready Profile created for your business, call our office today 315-457-3432.
This information is from the National Fire Protection Association.
Did you know that Thanksgiving is the leading day of the year for home fires involving cooking equipment? Follow these tips to ensure that you can enjoy the holidays with family and friends eating delicious food and thinking about what you’re most thankful for!
Pay attention! Don’t get distracted by having too much going on at once. Keep a close eye on everything you have cooking and never leave the kitchen unattended.
Don’t cook while intoxicated. Although the holidays are a time to relax and let loose, make sure you do not have too much to drink while cooking/baking.
Keep a lid handy to smother the flames. Fires can start very quickly. Make sure you’re prepared any event that may erupt.
Do NOT pour water on a grease fire. Water may be your first thought to put on any fire, but for a grease fire it will not help. If possible, you can cover the grease fire to attempt to remove oxygen from the flame. Pouring baking soda on the flames will also help deprive the flames of oxygen and put out the fire.
Consider purchasing a smart stove which will extinguish fires or turn off automatically by itself. It is amazing what technology has been developed! There are many different types of smart stoves which have many different functions. Some of which you can connect remotely to your cooktop and oven to control the settings remotely.
Keep flammable items away from the stove top. This may seem obvious, but when you are trying to make 3 things at once, it can be easy to set something down on or near the cooktop that shouldn’t be there.
If you do have any type of fire while cooking, make sure to call your local fire department. After a material has been on fire the objects stay very hot for a long time. Sometimes the fire can restart. The fire department can ensure that the items are cool enough that the fire won’t restart.
We hope you remember these tips all year long! Hope you have a safe and happy holiday with your friends and family!
SERVPRO provides biohazard cleanup and restoration when a home or business has been affected by a trauma, sewage back up, chemical spill, hoarding, human and animal wastes. A trauma clean up may consist of a suicide/death, homicide, blood clean up, or accident clean up.
Our technicians have received Blood Borne Pathogens Training and know how to properly clean and remove biohazard materials from the affected area. We provide the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) for our technicians to keep them safe from exposure to biological and chemical contaminants.
When cleaning an area affected by biohazard, we start by cleaning the area completely. We remove any biological materials, blood or chemicals in the area. This step may consist of wiping surfaces or removing materials that cannot be completely cleaned and disinfected- such as fibrous materials. Then we sanitize and disinfect affected materials to stop the spread of biological and chemical contaminants. If necessary we deodorize the area so there are no remaining odors.
If you have ever watched the 2008 movie, Sunshine Cleaning, you know that biohazard materials cannot simply be thrown away in the regular trash. When disposing of hazardous waste, we make sure to follow state and local requirements.
Service your winter gear! Get your snow shovels out. Make sure they are in good condition. If not, you’ll need to get new ones. Better to have everything ready rather than wait until the first snow!
Clean up and put away your summer gear. Drain the gas and oil from your lawn mower and weed eater. Clean this lawn equipment and move it into storage for the winter. Leaving this equipment outside during the winter months can reduce the life expectancy.
Revitalize your lawn! Fall is the best time to rejuvenate your lawn! Fertilize and reseed any areas that need a little extra love.
Winterize. Wrap up and put hoses into storage. Insulate outdoor faucets and winterize your sprinkler system. You want to avoid pipes freezing and adding wear and tear on the exterior fixtures.
Schedule maintenance for your chimney! You should have your chimney cleaned and inspected every year. This will reduce the likelihood of smoke or soot damage in your home. Having yearly maintenance on your chimney will also keep your fireplace in its best condition. You want to be able to use your fireplace to keep warm on those cold nights ahead!
Check your gutters. During the fall a lot of leaves, double samaras (also known as helicopters), twigs and other debris get blown around and often find a home in your gutters. It is important to make sure your gutters are clean and rain water can flow easily thru your downspouts.
Change your air filters. According to energystar.gov, you should change the filters in your home either once a month or once every three months depending on the type your using. Check the manufacturer’s label on the filters your using to find out how often you should change the filters in your home.
Schedule for your HVAC unit to be serviced. Having your HVAC unit serviced can ensure that your furnace is ready to use when the weather gets colder. Having regular maintenance on your HVAC unit can also help with the efficiency of your furnace.
Have your ducts cleaned. By having your ducts cleaned you are helping your furnace to pump the warm air more efficiently through your home. If your HVAC has been operating for some time without attention, it could be circulating one or more of the following:
Dust
Pollen
Odors
Dirt and debris
Other contaminants
For more information on HVAC and air duct cleaning call us today at 315-457-3432. We would be happy to answer any questions you may have or schedule to have your air ducts cleaned.
The eye of Hurricane Matthew provided my Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.
As Hurricane Matthew approaches the southern tip of Florida we are reminded of the necessary preparations that need to be taken to keep our loved ones safe in a natural disaster. It is often joked about that the only job that you won’t get fired for being wrong is being a weatherman. Whether we believe the storm will affect us directly or not, we need to trust the possibility that if a storm is predicted to hit a specific area and prepare of the worst.
How should you prepare for the possibility of a natural disaster?
-Prepare to be without electricity for several days. Here is a list of very basic items you should have on hand:
>You should have a couple flashlights with extra batteries. Candles and matches.
>Food that will not spoil and does not need to be heated to be eaten or kept cold.
>Plenty of bottled water. Some sources say as much as 1 gallon of water per person per day.
>Blankets and clothing stored in a plastic container that won’t get wet if flooding should occur.
>First aid kit.
>At least a week’s worth of any prescription medication and any over the counter medication you may take.
>Toiletries such as paper towels, toilet paper, shampoo, body wash, tooth paste and tooth brushes, anti-bacterial wipes, hand sanitizer.
Remember that stores and gas stations can get overwhelmingly busy when everyone is trying to prepare for a storm. Be patient and understanding during this time. It is easy to become anxious as no one truly knows what will happen in the days or hours to come.
-Watch the news and stay current on what is happening. In some areas evacuations may be necessary. It is important to know what is going on and what safety measures are being recommended.
-Create a family communication plan. In case you get separated from your loved ones, make sure you have a plan of how you would get back in touch with them. Often we hear on the news that family members were evacuated separately from one another. If this were to happen, you would want to have a plan to get back in touch with your loved ones so that you know quicker that they are alright.
-Be flexible with your plans. Circumstances may change in a moment’s notice and it is important that we remain flexible in our plans. The area you’re in may not be expecting initially to get hit with the eye of the storm. However, this can change very quickly and officials may decide to evacuate your area. You need to be prepared to do so with very little time so that you and your family can get to a safe zone.
At SERVPRO of N & E Onondaga and Oswego Counties, we often get calls from customers with questions or concerns regarding black mold. People worry about how harmful black mold is to their health, how to get rid of it, and how to stop the mold from coming back. In this blog post we will try to create a quick reference on the subject of black mold.
The scientific name for black mold is Stachybotrys Chartarum or Stachybotrys Atra. Black mold usually grows in moist areas with poor circulation. Mold often produces a strong odor. There are many types of mold which have a similar appearance to black mold. An industrial hygienist would be able to identify whether or not the mold you have in your home is black mold or another type.
Mold affects everyone differently. The American Industrial Hygiene Association advise that pregnant women, infants and children, the elderly and the immunocompromised, those with allergies, asthma or respiratory conditions are at risk to more severe side effects than others.
If you suspect that black mold is in your home there are a few steps needed to correctly get rid of the mold and keep it from coming back. First, you need to figure out where the mold is in your home. You may need to call an Industrial Hygienist to complete an assessment of your home. The hygienist will complete a moisture intrusion assessment, air and surface sampling and relative humidity testing. This investigation will determine what kind, how much and where the mold is present in your home. From knowing these items, you will be able to figure out what is causing the mold to grow and what area of your home mold remediation is necessary. It is important to fix the problem that is causing the mold to grow. For example, if there is a leaky pipe dripping into an area causing mold to grow, the pipe should be fixed before mold remediation takes place. Next, you will need to remediate the mold. By disrupting the materials that mold is growing on, you can easily spread mold spores into the air multiplying the spores rather than reducing them. It is important to contact a company who specializes in mold remediation to get mold levels back to normal. At SERVPRO of N & E Onondaga and Oswego Counties, our technicians have are highly trained mold remediation specialists. Our technicians have Applied Microbial Remediation Certifications and have completed the New York State Mold Abatement Worker Course.
Tips for Filing an Insurance Claim for Water Damage
Having a water damage is never something expected. Coming home to a house filled with water can be a traumatic experience. It can be hard to think about the appropriate steps to take to resolve the issue as quickly as possible to limit secondary damage and keep the out of pocket cost to a minimum. Below are some tips to help make filing an insurance claim easier.
Something to Know:
Every insurance policy is different. Therefore, what will be covered may only be determined by reading your policy or calling your insurance agent/insurance company to have them determine coverage.
Knowledge is Power:
Be sure you know who your insurance company is and how to contact them. You may want to list the phone number for your insurance company on your refrigerator for easy access. You could also add your insurance company's 24 hour emergency contact number to your cell phone to have ready at all times. You never know when this information is going to be important.
Stay Calm:
This experience can be upsetting. It's important to stay calm when you are talking to your insurance company so they can ask all the essential questions to set up your claim and get the ball rolling.
Take Pictures:
Document the situation every step of the way to help your insurance company understand the full extent of the damage. Take pictures of every room that sustained damage, structural materials affected and personal items. These pictures will help your adjuster understand the full picture of what happened and what will be involved in restoring your house and the contents affected.
Ask Questions:
Resolving the water damage issue can be very confusing. Feel free to ask as many questions as you can think of to your insurance company so that you understand what will happen next every step of the way. It's important to know what your roles are and what your insurance company will be doing for you.
Use a company with IICRC Certified Technicians:
While there are many companies that may be willing to help you clean up from your water damage, it is important to utilize a company that has technicians who have been trained to properly perform mitigation. SERVPRO prides itself on the fact that our technicians are IICRC certified. Our technicians go through on-the-job training and complete IICRC training so that we can keep up with the latest techniques and technologies to dry your home out quickly to eliminate further damage. Education and training is very important to satisfying our customers. http://www.iicrc.org/education-certification/
Fires can be understandably overwhelming. Here are the first steps to take after a fire.
Ask the firefighters or proper authorities on the scene if it is safe to go inside the residence.
Call your insurance company so they can start a claim and initiate paperwork. If you are a tenant contact your landlord.
Call loved ones to let them know you are okay and inform anyone who wasn’t home what happened.
Secure the residence to prevent theft by locking doors and covering windows or holes. If you need help, there are numerous companies that offer these services.
Get a copy of the fire report by contacting your local fire department.
If the residence is uninhabitable, contact a friend or relative in the area to see if you can stay with them or the American Red Cross for assistance.
Notify your employer, friends, family, post office, children’s schools, delivery services such as newspapers, utilities, telecom services and the police all of your current move.
Consider the cleanup requirements. Is this a small fire or a large project you will have to hire a company for?
Talk to your insurance company about what your policy covers before having a cleanup and restoration company come on site.
If counseling is needed, especially for small children, don’t be afraid to seek help.
Are New Orleans Post Katrina Defense Plans Enough?
Katrina hit New Orleans and it hit HARD. Take a look at this video to see what they have done since to amp up the city’s defense system and how we as a society have contributed to our own downfall regarding flood control.
As of January 1, 2016, New York State has taken the steps to ensure proper mold cleanup and restoration through a new set of laws. These laws are very similar to those regarding asbestos.
Training: Contractors are now required by the State to obtain training prior to being licensed to perform mold assessments, remediation and abatement services.
Licensing: Contractors are not allowed to advertise or perform any mold service to the public without proper licensing. The only exception to this law is if they are performing work on their own home or business.
Minimum Work Standards: The new mold laws establish he minimum standards needed throughout the industry to perform mold assessment, remediation and abatement activities by licensed professionals.
There are three levels of certification concerning mold: contractor, supervisor and assessor. To ensure there are no fraudulent activities surrounding the mold industry, the state has mandated that the same company that performs the actual work of remediation and abatement may not be the same company that assesses if that work is needed.
For any further questions concerning the new mold laws; we encourage you to view the Department of Labor’s website or contact New York State.
When most people think of summer, particularly the Fourth of July, fireworks come to mind. While it’s best to just let the pros take care of bright light displays, we realize that many people often ignite their own fireworks. Here are some tips on how to stay safe while lighting off your own fireworks.
Never let young children handle fireworks.
Ensure older children are supervised closely by an adult when using sparklers and remind them to keep the sparkler away from their body, clothing, hair and others.
Store fireworks in a cool damp place until usage.
Do not use or buy illegal fireworks. These typically have names such as M-80, M-100, quarter pounder or blockbuster. Illegal fireworks account for the majority of accidents cause by fireworks in the first place.
Never try to make your own fireworks.
Read the labels on all fireworks before igniting so you are aware of safety precautions and performance of each.
Do not carry fireworks in your hand or pocket as they could ignite due to friction.
Never light fireworks in a metal or glass container.
Wear protective goggles when lighting fireworks off or if you happen to be near the ignite site.
Always have a bucket of water nearby and a hose just in case.
Never reignite a dud. Wait twenty minutes and if it still hasn’t gone off, place it in a bucket full of water away from people, structures and flammables for several hours.
Never point a firework at someone, even in jest.
Ignite fireworks outdoors in an open space away from people, homes, brush and other flammable substances.
Only light one firework at a time.
Soak all fireworks in a bucket of water for several hours before throwing them away.
Do not pick up firework debris until several hours after the display as many of pieces may still be hot and can cause burns.
Fireworks are illegal in many states so make sure you check your state and local laws before lighting up the skies. Happy Fourth of July!
Lightning from thunderstorms injures hundreds of people in the U.S. every year and kills dozens. These causalities are easily preventable if you follow these simple safety tips.
1) Listen to the radio and television for severe thunderstorm warnings. The National Weather Service issues warnings for counties and even sends out text messages now to our mobile phones when storms are on their way. Pay attention and heed their warnings for safety.
2) Remember the 30 second rule. If there is not 30 seconds in between the time you see lightning and hear thunder, it’s time to go indoors.
3) Lightning typically strikes the tallest object around so if there is a storm, move indoors if at all possible or into a hard top car if there are no buildings around.
4) Once inside, stay away from windows, plumbing and electrical. If lightning strikes outside, it can carry inside via land lines.
5) Get out of boats and away from bodies of water. If you can hear thunder than you are close enough to get struck by lightning.
6) If you are caught outside, avoid standing by tall isolated objects such as trees. Find a grouping of small trees surrounded by taller ones, avoid bodies of water, and if there is only open spaces, look for a dry low-lying area and try to make yourself the smallest target possible. Do not lay flat on the ground, rather crouch with your head between your knees. Sheds, outhouses and tents provide no safety so keep this in mind when you are hiking or camping. Always think ahead and be prepared in the event that you are caught in a thunderstorm and if possible, turn around on your trip and head home.
Summer is finally here and we all know what that means…. grilling time! Who doesn’t love a nice steak or veggies cooked on the grill while basking in the sun? It’s easy to forget that while grills are a great way to cook food in the summer, there are some hazards that go along with them. Here are some tips to remember for safe grilling!
Use your grill outside and away from low roofs. This will not only prevent toxins from lingering in your home but will also prevent potential fires.
Place the grill on a flat surface away from anything that may catch fire such as trees, shrubs, fences and hedges.
Do not grill with loose clothing or dangling bits that can catch fire or are flammable.
Have a fire extinguisher on hand and know how to use it. It’s also a good idea to have a small squirt bottle fill with cold water nearby to douse any minor flames.
Keep children and pets away from the grilling area.
Do not leave the grill unattended.
Smoke and char contain chemicals that have been linked to health problems including cancer. Do not stand over the barbeque and inhale the smoke if at all possible. While char stripes may look good on your steak, char has been known to contain cancer causing toxins. Cook the meat to your liking and then remove it from the grill before too much char builds up.
Bristles from wire brushes have been known to get stuck on the grill and then people’s food which enters the digestive system causing abdominal pain. Use a different kind of nylon or plastic brush to clean your grill to ensure no one digests these harmful bristles. If you already use a wire cleaning brush or plan to continue using one, just make sure you check your grill before cooking to clean any bristles off.
Follow these simple safety tips for a fun and safe grilling season!
The Great Flood of 1927 of the Mississippi River not only changed the landscape of the region, the people and government regulations but their culture as well. Many musicians were inspired to express their feelings at the time of the disaster and others continue to do so through conveying those emotions which they so closely associate with those in peril at the time of the flood. Below are some of the most well-known songs about the flooding in 1927. I have collected primarily songs from the blues genre although you will find some other styles mixed in. Some of these songs and artists have stories and information to share outside of the songs themselves and others simply leave the music to do all of the talking. I encourage you to listen to the songs by clicking on the title, the emotions behind them and add any other songs about the flooding of 1927 that are not mentioned in the comment section below.
This is probably the most famous song that came about from the Great Flood of 1927. Many African Americans were forced to work, often at gunpoint, on the levees as the river waters rose during the flood for the Mississippi in 1927. At this point in time, many blacks worked on plantations in the Deep South and rented homes from the plantation owners. When the flood came, they had nowhere to go and were forced to move North to find better jobs. This song rose to fame when rock band Led Zeppelin covered it and released it in 1970.
This particular song is written about the very early stages of the flood of 1927 which actually started all the way in Tennessee on Christmas Day of 1926. This blues and jazz standard is about the Cumberland River which flows through Nashville and contributed to the overall flooding in 1927.
Barbecue Bob wrote “Mississippi Heavy Water Blues” about the flood of 1927 and years later his brother, Charley Lincoln (also known as Laughing Charlie) wrote the sequel “Mississippi Low-Levee Blues.”
It is believed that Patton was referring to Greenville, Mississippi in this song where African Americans were held after the flood and not allowed to leave by the landowners for fear that they wouldn’t not return to the Deep South and work the plantations. “High Water Everywhere” is debatably one of Patton’s best works and often hailed as his magnum opus.
While this song is obviously inspired by the flood of 1927 it was actually written circa 2006-2007 for film director Spike Lee’s four hour award winning HBO documentary “When the Levees Broke: A Requiem in Four Acts” about the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in 2005. What resulted was Blanchard’s album A Tale of God’s Will (A Requiem for Katrina) compromised of songs about the flooding of the Mississippi region throughout the years. This album won a Grammy in 2008 for “Best Large Jazz Ensemble Album” and the song “Levees” was nominated for “Best Jazz Instrument Solo.”
Newman wrote this lamenting song in the perspective of an anonymous resident of the Saint Bernard and Plaquemines parishes recounting the aftermath of the flood. He describes the callous response from the government, the sheer volume of water and the scope of disaster. After Katrina hit, Aaron Neville of The Neville Brothers performed his own version of the song and revived “Louisiana 1927” in way that it not only became the theme song after Katrina but is now considered a Louisiana folk song, staple and standard.
This song is off Richard’s 20th album Le Fou which was strongly influenced by his roots in Louisiana as is all of his music but more specifically, the BP Oil Spill. This album is hailed as his best and Richard splits his time between Scott, Louisiana and Canada where he is most well-known.
The Peshtigo fire was the most devastating fire in U.S. History to date killing more than 1,500 people and decimating 1.2 million acres in Wisconsin and upper Michigan. Little is known about the tragic fire of Peshtigo on October 8th of 1871 for two reasons: one; the Chicago fire eclipsed the Peshtigo in the news headlines and two; all of the town’s records were burned in the fire.
The direct cause of the fire is unknown but there is speculation that several contributing factors were at play. The slash and burn method was commonly used during this time period in the area to clear land for farming and railroads. The wood that was cut remained off to the side of the farmlands and railroads where it was left to dry up and created perfect kindling for the fire. It had been a hot, dry year and many of the water resources in the area had been dried up or were at dangerously low levels. No one knows for sure how the fire ignited but with the above mentioned factors combined, it is generally believe that strong winds blew and the smallest spark ignited the kindling all around the area. The intense wind and dry climate created a fire tornado which swept the affected area, even jumping across the Peshtigo River. The fire burned through 16 towns and the city of Peshtigo was gone in an hour.
There are theories that a comet or meteorite may have hit the Earth on October 8th, 1871 causing both the Peshtigo Fire and the Chicago fire but most scientific research says otherwise. One other far-fetched tale is that of a cow tipping over a lantern to start the fire. A more realistic assumption is that the railroad workers caused a spark which ignited the brush or a spark flew from a train passing through igniting the brush around the tracks. We may never know the true cause of this horrific fire. The only safe haven during the catastrophe was the Peshtigo River. Today there is a museum and research center in downtown Peshtigo to remember the fire, the damage it caused and those who lost their lives in it.
The History Behind the Make a Wish Golf Tournament
Owner of SERVPRO NE Onondaga and Oswego Counties John Halko, knew when he got into the business that he would always give back to the community, specifically children. Halko came from nothing and knew if given the opportunity, he wanted to give back to those in need. The idea of a golf tournament came about when other SERVPRO’s recommended it as a great way to bring people together in the business world. Chosen on a recommendation from Nationwide agent Vinny Hollopeter 14 years ago, The Pompey Club proved to be the perfect setting for the event. At first, each year money was raised for a different organization. One year it was the Canteen in the North Syracuse School District, the next Hospice to remember a friend and of course Make a Wish. One year, Halko hit a road block with an organization he was trying to work with so after feeling a bit discouraged, he decided that from then on they would donate to Make a Wish every year because “they appreciate what little we can give them.”
Make a Wish is a nonprofit organization that grants wishes to children with terminal diseases. Halko recalls when wishes were $5,000 and now one wish is approximately $10,000. The goal every year is to grant at least one wish. He plans to achieve his goal with participants in the tournament who donate $100.00 to play golf and receive a free lunch and steak dinner, sponsorships, 50/50 raffles, mulligans, skins and of course, donations. When asked what he considers his most successful year with the tournament he replied; “Every year we can give Make a Wish something. It doesn’t matter how much.”
SERVPRO is partnering up Uno's Pizzeria in Fayetteville! If you purchase a meal or drinks next Thursday May 5th (Cinco de Mayo) and either mention SERVPRO/Make a Wish or print the coupon in the photo, 20% of your bill will automatically go to Make a Wish foundation of Central New York!
Spread the word to your friends, family and co-workers! One wish is now up to $10,000 so we are trying to acheive at least that amount by our golf tournament in the beginning of June to make one child's wish come true.
For more information, call our office at 315-457-3432 or email holly@SERVPRO5941.com
The flooding of the Mississippi River in 1927 was the worst flood in American history. At the height of its power, the flood affected an area approximately 27,000 square miles affecting the states of Missouri, Illinois, Kansas, Tennessee, Kentucky, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma and Texas with Arkansas being hit the hardest. At one point the flooded area was 50 miles wide, a 100 miles long and 30 feet deep. 500 people were killed, 600,000 were left homeless and there were 350 million dollars in damages – approximately 5 billion dollars today.
How did it happen?
Heavy rains came down in late 1926 and kept falling from the sky well into 1927. The tributaries of the Mississippi started to become burdened and the levees overflowed. The single greatest weak point in the levee system was at Mounds, Mississippi but authorities assured residents that the levee would hold. Slaves were made to pile sandbags on top of the levee but once one leak started, the water flow continued to increase. The levee started to shake and eventually collapsed with water flowing more than double the volume of Niagara Falls. The Mounds Landing levee break was significant in that after its collapse, the entire levee system along the river broke. Mounds Landing is known as the most severe levee break in the history on the United States to this day.
Changes
The Mississippi Flood of 1927 brought about many changes to the region and the entire country. Racial tensions soared high and many African Americans migrated north resulting in what is now known as the Great Migration. Under the Flood Control Act of 1928 the world’s longest system of levees were built. In 1941 Congress authorized the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers Yazoo Backwater Project which utilizes levees, connecting channels, drainage structures and pumps to prevent flooding in the Mississippi Delta. The Great Flood of 1927 will always be remembered and continues to affect our country, its geography, its people, culture and our landscape to this very day.
It’s easy to remember to go through the house and vacuum, dust and polish but what about the deep dark corners of our lives that always seem to be forgotten? No excuses this year! Here is a list of the most forgotten places we all need to go through, organize and clean out.
1) Wallet and Purse. Go through and make sure there are no expired coupons you no longer need or that library card you never use and throw them out. Ladies, do you have a bunch of stuff in the bottom of your purse that isn’t necessary? Ease that weight on your shoulder and clean it out! If it’s not something you use every day or every week, chances are, you don’t need that item to be in there.
2) Car. Cleaning the inside of your car can be tedious but you’ll feel much better driving around in a clean car afterwards. Throw out any broken sunglasses, trash or things that just don’t belong in the car and put them in their proper place in the house. This means going through your console, glove compartment and the trunk. If you are going to keep spare change in the car, get a plastic bag to put it in and place it in an easy to reach place for tolls. Go through your trunk, retire your winter gear and prepare an emergency bag to keep in your trunk full of things like warm socks, water, granola bars, a blanket and a lighter just to be safe. Don’t forget the side pockets! After all this is done, go over the upholstery with a vacuum, armor all the dash and clean the windows. This is also a good time to schedule a day when you can switch your winter tires to summer.
3) Junk Drawer. We all have at least one junk drawer in the house. Clean it out and get rid of those odds and ends you always said you would fix but never do and things you just don’t need anymore. Use plastic trays and small bins to organize what’s left. It’s probably still a junk drawer but at least it’s an organized one now.
4) Medicine Cabinet. Go through and check the expiration dates. Throw anything out that can’t be used and write a list of things you need to replace to get at the store. Organize by bottle size or by use.
5) File cabinet. Shred anything that’s more than 6 years old and you don’t really need. Pay stubs, electric bills etc. Take this time to make sure everything is properly labeled and put it in its rightful place. This will make it easier to file things away right after you open them rather than stack a big pile somewhere to “someday” take care of.
6) Last but not least, the garage and the shed. Throw out any broken tools, duplicates and rusty equipment. Test the lawn mower out, gas and oil it up. Get rid of any pool toys with holes in them. Get a fresh propane tank for the grill and clean the inside of it out. Summer will be here before you know it and the more you prepare now, the more you can enjoy it when it gets here!
Levees are natural or artificial embankments made to regulate water flow, prevent flooding, overflowing or to keep certain areas of land dry. People have been attempting to control rivers, oceans and seas for thousands of years through the use of levees.
Natural levees are made of sediment pushed to the side of river banks causing the sides to be significantly higher than the river bed. Manmade embankments are often made of soil, sand and rocks but can also be made of wood, plastic and in some severe cases, concrete. On top, a flat surface is typically left on which sandbags may be piled even higher if needed.
Levees usually run parallel to the course of a river or flood plain to divert the water flow in as natural a manner as possible. If there are any spaces between levees on the same riverbank, the levee becomes useless. This may seem like common sense but it was an issue when the first levees were built by individuals who owned property along riverbanks and not government organizations.
It is important to maintain your septic system for the health of your family, your community and for monetary reasons as well. Your septic system is an integral part of your household and the importance of it may not be fully realized until there is a problem. To prevent problems and major life inconveniences involving your septic system, there are a few simple procedures and rules to follow for its maintenance.
1) Regularly inspect your septic system. Get in touch with an On-Site System Maintainer to regularly inspect your system routine maintenance can save you a lot money in the long run.
2) Locate your septic system, take a picture of where it is in your yard and put it in a file. This will save a lot of time and aggravation later when you have to get your system pumped. You can also have risers installed to make the pumping and monitoring of your system easier and less time consuming.
3) Pump your system. Different systems call for different lengths of time between pumping and cleaning out your system. Typically your system should be pumped every 3-5 years. If there are a lot of people in your home or you use a lot of water, you may want to consider pumping your soon. Household amenities like garbage disposals, hot tubs and whirlpools can wreak havoc on your system so if these are present, shoot for every 2-3 years. It’s best to consult our septic system handbook, look it up online, or get the opinion of a professional for a more exact length of time between pumps.
4) Be water conscience. Fixing leaky faucets and running toilets immediately can prevent strain on your system. If these are not taken care of in a timely manner, your septic tank could overflow contaminating your yard, groundwater and the community in which you live. It’s also important to think before you flush! Only toilet paper should be flushed down the toilet. To prolong the life of your septic system avoid flushing items such as tampons, disposable diapers, cat litter, q-tips, condoms and anything other than toilet paper down the toilet and drain.
5) Proper landscaping can play a large part in the longevity of your septic system as well. Do not plant and shrubs or trees on top of your septic system. Their roots can grow and cause cracks in the system which can cost a lot of money down the road to replace. Never build anything above your system or pour a slab of concrete. It’s safest to just plan grass above the system and the drainfield to let it breathe and work properly.
6) Direct water from roof and land drains away from drainfield.
7) Add some yeast to keep the bacteria alive that breaks down solid waste. Flush a ½ cup of dry baking yeast down the toilet the first time and ¼ cup every 4 month after that.
Your septic system is an integral part of your household so do you part to take care of it for the health of your family, your community and your wallet!
While mold and bacteria are often grouped together, they are actually two very different organisms. Both occur naturally in nature but certain types of molds and bacteria may be harmful to humans.
Size. Molds are typically a lot larger than bacteria and possess hyphae or long, multi-celled filaments. Bacteria are generally smaller and more numerous in size but less complex.
Cellular structure. Molds are fungi and bacteria are not. Fungi are considered eukaryotes which means their DNA is enclosed in a nucleus (often referred to as a proper or well-defined nucleus) which is separated from their cytoplasm. The nucleus of a bacteria cell is not separated from their cytoplasm making them prokaryotes. What makes fungi cells complex are all the structures within their cell that bacteria cells do no possess.
Growth. There are two types of fungi which are important to consider when talking about growth; filamentous and yeasts. Fungal yeast reproduce by budding and filamentous fungi reproduce by branching or elongation. Bacteria on the other hand, regenerate by binary fission which means each parent cell divides into two smaller cells, typically of similar sizes.
Food and nutrition. Bacteria are autotrophic in that they have the ability to produce their own food via light or chemical energy and they are heterotrophic as well meaning, they can take in energy from other organisms for food if need be. Fungi are a type of heterotroph called saprophytes which get their energy from dead organic matter. This is why fungi are often found in soil or on surfaces that are in the process of decay.
Fungi and bacteria often come with a negative stigma but don’t forget about all the good they do! They release and create nutrients to provide energy for our ecosystem, are used in the fermentation of chemicals, the production of food and even in our bodies to make certain vitamins. Remember, not all molds and bacteria are created equally. While different, they are necessary to our ecosystems and way of life.
It’s that time of the year again when we all decide to go crazy and deep clean our homes like our moms taught us to! Here is a list of things to clean so you don’t forget any nook or cranny in your spring cleaning adventure. Here’s to a happy, clean home!
General Cleaning for all rooms:
-Dust your light fixtures
-Blinds
-Baseboards
-Trim around doors and windows
-Wash the curtains
-Wash blankets and pillow covers
-Dust knick knacks
-Clean light switches and cover plates
-Clean doorknobs and cupboard handles
-Move things and dust/sweep/vacuum behind them
-Dust vents
-Dust banisters and wipe with damp cloth
-Dust picture frames and wall hangings
-Window sills
-Mirrors
-Wash/beat out rugs
-Wash the walls
-Clean and wash pet beds and toys
-Clean kids toys
Bathroom:
-Clean around and behind toilet
-Clean inside of toilet bowl
-Mirrors
-Around the sink
-Clean bathtub and shower walls
-Throw out anything that hasn’t been used in a year
-Replace shower liner
-Clean showerhead and fixtures
-Wash bathmats
-Wash brushes and makeup brushes
-Replace toothbrushes
-Go through first aid supplies; throw out expired prescriptions and medicine and make an inventory of items you need to restock up on
Kitchen:
-Clean inside and outside of all appliances such as microwave, toaster, coffee pot, Keurig, etc
-Clean stove, dishwasher and oven
-Wipe down walls
-Throw out expired food
-Wipe down all surfaces in refrigerator and freezer
-Wipe down outside of fridge and vacuum coils
-Clean grease from stove hood
-Wash cabinets inside and out, wipe down backsplash and walls
-Clean out and organize plastic wear and make sure there are lids to match appropriate containers
-Get rid of old, rusty pans you don’t use and any appliances you haven’t used in over a year
-Dust any décor on counters, window sills and walls
-Wipe down counters and in and around the sink
-Wash or vacuum floor depending on type of surface
Bedrooms:
-Wash all sheets, comforters, duvet covers, pillowcases, pillows and curtains
-Throw out any clothing that has a stain, a hole or that you haven’t worn in a year
-Dust ceiling fan and light fixtures
-Clean under and behind beds, dressers and furniture
-Clean winter wear and pack for storage
-Bring out summer clothes, wash if necessary and throw out or donate anything that you won’t wear
-Go through jewelry box and donate or throw out anything that is broken, mismatched and you don’t wear anymore
-Go through bedside table throwing out items you don’t need and reorganizing
Living Room:
-Vacuum in between couch and chair cushions, behind and underneath couch and chairs
-Wax, dust and polish all furniture and fixtures
-Clean out fireplace
-Dust electronics
Office:
-Dust all electronics and blow out the dust
-Reorganize drawers and throw out/donate anything you don’t need or use anymore
-Go through computer, ipods, etc and organize folders, documents and pictures. At the end of this, back everything up on an external hard drive
-Perform computer maintenance
-Shred old/unnecessary documents
Garage:
-Clean out all tools and donate/throw away anything that is broken or that you have a duplicate of
-Organize tools and outdoor equipment
-Bring out summer sport equipment and store winter equipment
-Wash bikes off, fill up tires and oil gears
-Wash cars and clean out interiors
-Sweep out floor and power wash
House Exterior:
-Power wash siding and decking
-Empty out gutters
-Dust light fixtures for cobwebs
-Sweep leaves off deck and porch areas, sidewalks and driveways
-Stain and seal deck/porch if necessary
-Re mulch garden and plant new flowers and plants if desired
-Inspect exterior for damage and cracks
-Spray pest control around house
-Have pool serviced
-Clean out and organize shed
-Inspect all pool toys. Throw out ones with holes and clean those you plan to keep
Outdoor Equipment:
-“Summerize” and put away all snowblowers, shovels, plows, snowmobiles, etc.
-Prep lawn mower for use
-Test hoses for leaks
-Inspect grill, clean out and check propane tank
-Wash, clean and wipe down outdoor furniture
-clean AC unit of leaves and debris
Utilities:
-Replace A/C filter
-Clean ducts
-Start dehumidifier
-Check basement and damp areas for mold and mildew
-Check and replace batteries in smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors
Bed bugs are a pretty popular news subject as of late. While these little creatures can be annoying to get rid of, the important thing to know is that they aren’t actually that harmful to your health. Bed bugs are not known to transmit diseases and their bites are itchy but not painful.
If you are worried about these pests invading your home or hitching a ride into your space, there are a few simple precautions you can take to prevent them from entering your home.
Bed bugs are most common in crowded sleeping quarters or places where there is high turnover such as hotels. Before unpacking when on a trip, inspect the hotel bed, especially the corners by the headboards and near the seams for the bugs themselves and little brown trails. If you see evidence of either the bugs or the trails they leave behind, notify the hotel staff immediately and ask for another room far from the infested one. Even if you don’t spot any signs of the critters, place your suitcase on a suitcase holder, on a hard surface such as a table or, hang your clothes in the closet. Bed bugs like warmth, such as upholstery so, it’s best to avoid putting your clothes on the bed, chair or carpeting.
After returning from a trip, if you suspect you may have been exposed to bed bugs, wash all of your clothes from the suitcase in warm water. If you have any delicates, bring them to the dry cleaners or toss them in the dryer under a light cycle. The heat will kill the bed bugs and their eggs. Vacuum your suitcase and store it in the garage or outside in a closed up plastic garbage bag with no-pest strips for two weeks. This will kill all the adults and their eggs.
Inspect places where pets sleep. Animals often carry parasites with them unknowingly.
Vacuum regularly and empty the canister into the garbage. Make sure you take the garbage out immediately if you do in fact suspect you have bed bugs.
Last but not least, keeping a clean, tidy and uncluttered house can save you a lot of time and money by drastically decreasing your chance of bed bugs in the first place. Vacuum, wash your sheets and avoid clutter, especially in the bedroom; and you should be fine.
If you are worried about bed bugs, you can buy encasements for your bed and box spring as well as climb-up monitors for your bed posts which prevent bed bugs from climbing up and trap them climbing down should you already have some. Pesticide use isn’t highly recommended on bed bugs for several reasons; 1) you would have spray around where you and your family sleep and 2) bed bugs are resilient and immune to many pesticides. If you do find yourself with a pest problem, keep in mind that more often than not, these critters are easily taken care of. It is very rare you would have to wash your entire closet or throw away your furniture.
Hopefully you never have to deal with bed bugs but if you do, these tips should help you clean up the problem quickly and allow you to be proactive.
Dust is made up of a lot of unsavory characters; dead skin cells, fabric fibers, dust mites, animal dander, dirt, hair, pollen, mold spores and a bunch of other unknown components depending on where you live, work and play. Dust is not only a visible nuisance but can also cause health problems such as allergies. Below are some of the top ways to keep dust down in your home and increase your quality of living.
Vacuum. The more you stay on top of vacuuming, the less dust you will have in your home! Vacuum at least once a week, if not more to cut down on the amount of dust floating around. Remember to vacuum upholstery such as couches and curtains that hold onto dust particles as well. Be sure to empty the canister, replace the bag or better yet, get a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter to trap tiny particles.
Dusting. A simple dusting can go a long way. Microfiber cloths work best but if you don’t have one handy, run any cloth under a bit of water to use. Microfiber and damp cloths capture and collect dust instead of just spreading it around your house like a dry cloth would.
Declutter. The more things you have to collect dust, the more dust you will have! We all have knick- knacks of some sort but try to minimize them or keep them covered in a glass case if possible. Books can be pushed to the front of the bookshelf to minimize dust collection there as well.
Air filters. Change your air filters in your heating and air-conditioning system once a month to cut down and catch dust particles before they spread throughout the home. Try a pleated or paper filter that carries an electrostatic charge which attracts dust.
Closets. One of the biggest components of dust is fabric fiber shed by your clothing. Keep your closets clean and organized by using clear plastic bins. This way, you can easily see what is in them and you’ll be able to move them around to dust. Store seasonal clothes in plastic bins and garbage bags to prevent their fibers from shedding when they aren’t in use. Another good rule to follow is keeping your closet floor clean. Too often we have items on the closet floor that never get moved and therefore, never get cleaned and hold dust. Would you vacuum the floor more if there was nothing in your way? Probably.
Bedding is another big culprit of dust and dust mites. Change and wash your bedding once a week and don’t forget about those pillows either! Pillows can be taken to the dry cleaners, hand washed or, if you have a new dryer, check for a setting meant for pillows and bedding specifically.
Cut back on carpeting. Hardwoods and tiles don’t collect dust like carpets do. Even if you vacuum regularly, dust can get deep down in the carpet fibers and stay suck there irritating you and your family. If you have rugs, make sure you take them outside and beat them. Beating rugs often loosens up trapped particles that a vacuum can’t get to.
Doormats help trap dirt before it gets throughout the house. Invest in a bristle top mat outside the door and another mat right inside the door as well. Don’t forget to vacuum and beat the dirt out of the mats once a week for best results.
Pet care. Grooming and washing pets regularly can cut back on dead skin cells, hair and dander throughout the house. Using a cover for your cat’s litter box can also help significantly.
Filter the air in the house while you clean by turning your thermostat to “fan on.” This filters the air even when the heating and air conditioning system aren’t on. Just make sure you turn the fan off after about 15 minutes as they are not meant to run all the time.
Using all of these tips combined or even a few at a time, the amount of dust in your house should decrease and provide you with cleaner, fresher air quality. Keep the dust down and breathe deeply!
Carpets can be one of the most difficult things to preserve and keep that clean, brand spanking new look because we walk and put weight on them every day. Regardless of how much we abuse them, there are some precautions you can take to keep your carpets in top shape.
Regular vacuuming is key to preserving your carpets. When dirt and dust get pushed into carpets, they bend, twist and sometimes break the fibers if they aren’t removed. This is what results in that dull dirty look you may see in some spots if you don’t regularly vacuum you carpets. Try to vacuum twice a week in heavy traffic areas and hit the baseboards and any crevices with a brush once a week.
Area rugs and runners can also help keep your carpets clean, especially in high traffic areas. This will minimize soiling and crushing plus cut down on the amount of time you spend vacuuming.
Professional carpet cleaning can breathe new life into old carpets. Routine maintenance is key. Carpets should be professionally steamed cleaned about every 6-12 months to up their life expectancy.
Cut snags. Snags should be cut immediately with scissors to prevent further damage. Do not vacuum over snags as they may get stuck in the clean and unravel more of the carpet.
Rake dents. Those dents under your couch or other furniture can easily be taken care of. Use a wet rag to saturate the spot where the dent it and gently rake your fingers back and forth. Make sure to do this gently to prevent breakage in the fibers.
Removing stains when they first happen can prevent a lot of frustration later on. Common liquid stains can generally be removed by blotting and dabbing the stain with water at first and then applying a type of carpet stain remover solution. You can always try white apple cider vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, shaving cream and grease cutting dish soap lying around the house if you don’t have any chemicals handy.
Last but not least, be more attentive to the types of carpets you are purchasing in the first place! They make carpets with stain repellant which make it had for dirt and stains to stick to the fibers. You can also buy darker carpets with patterns so when stains do show up, it’s much harder to pick them out.
Follow these tips and your carpets should remain brighter and cleaner for longer.
Not all fires are the same. They are caused by and thrive on different elements so, as a result, classes of fires came about. Classifications of fires are needed to determine how to extinguish them properly. You wouldn’t want to re-ignite or spread a fire by using the wrong type of extinguisher. Determining what class a fire is, is detrimental to using the proper equipment to extinguish it.
Class A involve ordinary combustibles such as paper, wood, plastics, cloth, trash and items that leave ash as a residue.
Class B fires are fueled by flammable or combustible liquids such as gasoline, propane, butane, paint and oil. Class B does not however include cooking oils or grease.
Class C are energized electrical fires which involve engines, transformers and appliances.
Class D fires are caused by combustible metals such as potassium, magnesium, titanium, sodium, and aluminum.
Class K fires are fueled by cooking oils, animal fat or grease. These normally occur in commercial kitchens.
In one of our previous blogs, you can read about the different types of extinguishers and which ones should be used for each specific class of fire.
In order to understand why different fire extinguishers exist, first one needs to understand how a fire exists in general. Using the wrong extinguisher can even cause fires to re-ignite or spread in some cases.
The fire triangle is a model used to illustrate how fires start. The triangle includes 3 elements: oxygen, heat and fuel. Without these three elements, a fire cannot exist. Fire extinguishers are made to take away one or more of the three elements to cease the fire. Since there are different types of fuel involved in different fires, there are a variety of fire extinguishers one can use based on the source of the fire.
Dry Chemical is the most common fire extinguisher used today as it is effective on all types of fires and is most likely the one you have in your home or at your place of business. This type of extinguisher interrupts the chemical reaction by creating a barrier between the fuel source and the oxygen. This can be used on Class A, B and C fires.
Dry Powder extinguishers are similar to dry chemical in that they separate the fuel from the oxygen or remove the heat element of the fire. They are only used for combustible metal fires (Class D) and are ineffective on all other types of fires.
Clean Agent or Halogenated extinguishers use halon agents and halocarbon agents to interrupt the chemical reaction of the fire. Clean agent is mainly used for Class B and C however, it can be used on Class A as well. There are concerns regarding contamination when these are used which brings us to the next type of extinguisher…
Water Mist extinguishers are a newer development and extinguish the fire by taking away the heat component. These are much safer than clean agent extinguishers as no halocarbon is involved and are primarily for Class C but may be used on Class A fires as well.
Cartridge Operated Dry Chemical interrupt the chemical reaction of the three components in the fire triangle and create a barrier between the fuel and the oxygen components when used on Class A fires. This extinguisher is also effective on Class B and C fires.
Wet Chemical extinguishers are unique in that they remove the heat component and prevent re-ignition by creating a barrier. These extinguishers are used for Class K fires which typically involve deep fryers and commercial cooking operations but may also be used for Class A fires in commercial kitchens as well.
Water and Foam extinguishers not only take away the heat element but the foam separates the oxygen from the other elements. These are used in Class A fires only and should never be used in Class B or C. If used in a B or C classified fire, there is a risk of spreading and not extinguishing the fire.
Carbon Dioxide fire extinguishers remove the oxygen first and secondly, remove the heat with cold discharge. They can be used on Class B and C fires but aren’t normally effective on Class A fires.
Fire extinguishers exist for your safety but if used improperly, may cause more damage. Make sure you know what kind of fire extinguisher you have and what types of emergencies it should and should not be used for.
Stress on pipes can result in leaks which can be expensive to fix, replace and, not to mention, could cause extensive water damage to your home, business and personal items if they burst. Here are some ways to decrease the amount of stress and pressure on your pipes.
High water pressure can feel nice in the shower and it may seem like the dishes are getting done faster but, this can put an unnecessary amount of strain on your plumbing. You can get a hose bib gauge at your local hardware store to test the pressure. Attach it to an outside spigot and open the valve. Normal pressure is between 40-85 PSI so if you pressure measures above this, you may want to consider hiring a plumber to install a pressure reducer. You can also install a low flow shower head in your bathroom to help reduce pressure there.
Hard water is another obstacle as far as pipes are concerned. Hard water is water with a higher than normal amount of mineral content such as calcium or magnesium present. These minerals can build up inside your pipes which restricts flow and in turn, increases the pressure. Deposits can also corrode joints and fittings over time. If you see a white substance on our faucet heads, you more than likely have hard water. If you are unsure or want more proof, ask your local municipality to view the water quality report they are required to have through the Environmental Protection Agency. The only way to effectively soften the water in your home or business is by having a plumber install a water softener.
Wrap your pipes. If you have exterior piping and plan on going out of town in the winter months, take precautions to prevent coming home to a disaster. Wrap your pipes in electrical heat tape or a pipe sleeve which you can purchase at your local hardware store to prevent them from freezing. Remember, if the water is not constantly moving and the cold water pipes touch the exterior of the building when the temperature gets below freezing, your pipes will most likely freeze!
Set the spigot valve. If you have a pipe running through cement to your outside spigot valve, it’s always a good idea to install a frost-free hose bib which allows you to shut off water to the inside of the home preventing freezing.
These are all relatively simple and in expensive ways to protect your pipes that in the end could save you thousands of dollars!
After extensive research on the subject of the different colors of mold, this topic appears to be enigmatic. Scientists have come up with several different reasons why mold comes in such an array colors but can’t seem to nail down one over the other. There is a good chance a number of things are influencing the color of any give mold.
Colors of mold for example, vary regionally. The colors in the Pacific Northwest tend to be more green and blue whereas oranges appear more often in the Amazon. Some molds secrete pigment known as melanin that can act as a barrier to protect them against other rival molds. Other studies indicate that the color of this particular fungi comes from its food source, genus, conditions under which it grows and it’s age. While all of these things do contribute in some way, shape or form, mycologists (scientists that study mold) still haven’t been able to pinpoint one single reason why this mysterious fungi comes in all colors of the rainbow to this day!
The IICRC stands for the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification. They are a non-profit organization that sets the standards for the cleaning, installation, inspection and restoration industry for more than 25 countries. They offer classes, training and certification.
The IICRC was formed in 1972 by Ed York and was originally intended to be the standard for carpet and upholstery cleaning. Quickly, the organization grew to include water, fire and smoke damage, cleanup and repair, as well as wood, stone and tile cleaning and repair.
How Are the Certifications and Classes Determined?
IICRC’s Shareholders vote to nominate candidates to sit on a Board of Directors which is comprised of 15 industry professionals. The Board only meets four times of year so within the Board, there is an Executive Committee. The Committee is selected once a year at the fall meeting. The Board, along with the Committee, determines the direction of the organization while still following the ethics and guidelines set in place by IICRC. The Board determines what classes and certifications are necessary throughout the industry. The IICRC does not own schools or hire instructors but rather approves them to teach classes according to the organizations standards.
For more information on the IICRC, you can visit the website here: http://www.IICRC.org/
Water Damage is split up into three different types of categories and four different types of classes according to the Institute of Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) which sets the industry standards for the water damage restoration and repair industry.
The following categories describe the type of water involved:
Category 1: This is water from a clean source such as faucets, toilets, tanks, drinking fountains, etc.
Category 2: Liquid in this category is sometimes called grey water. The level of contaminants in grey water may cause illness if ingested and comes from sources such as dishwasher or washing machines, sink drains and toilet overflows with some urine but no fecal matter.
Category 3: This is the most unsanitary classification as it could cause severe illness or even death if ingested. Liquid in this category is also known as black water and comes from sewer backup, flooding from rivers, streams, toilet overflow with fecal matter and stagnant liquid that has begun to grow bacteria.
The classes below describe the level of destruction.
Class 1: Only one area of the room was affected, little or no wet carpet, and water has only touched materials with a low permeance rate such as plywood or concrete. Evaporation rate is slow in this class and damage is the easiest to deal with.
Class 2: In this class, the evaporation rate is fast and water has affected the entire room, going up the wall at least a foot leaving a lot of moisture in materials.
Class 3: Liquid may have come from above and the ceilings, walls, insulation, carpet and sub-floors are all saturated and have the fastest evaporation rate.
Class 4: Specialty drying situations are placed in this class when there is enough water to completely saturate materials with very low permeance such as hardwood, brick or stone.
These categories and classes are used by the restoration industry to determine what type of plan and process should be used in each water damage situation. Ask your restoration company beforehand if their technicians are IICRC certified to ensure the highest quality and standards in the cleanup process of your home or business.
Ever thought of deep frying your turkey for Thanksgiving? Deep frying is quickly becoming to the go to method as far as turkey cooking goes. There are some right and wrong ways to deep fry a turkey so let’s go over the big mistake many amateur deep fryers will make this Thanksgiving.
Thaw out your turkey! And by this, we mean, all the way! As most of you know, water and oil don’t mix. If you place a frozen turkey in a pot of boiling oil, you will get an explosion. The water in and on the turkey will quickly evaporate and has no where to go but up and out. When the water from in the turkey which is in the hot oil goes up and out of the pot, so does the oil in the form of a BIG explosion. Not only could you ruin Thanksgiving dinner but you could injure yourself, others and your house.
How to Deep Fry a Turkey the Right Way:
1.When deep frying a turkey, take care to thaw the turkey out all the way through.
2.When you get ready to set up your deep frying station, do so outside. This way, in the event that something does happen, there are less materials around to get damaged.
3. Since you will be setting up the deep fryer outside, moving it away from the house or any structures is also a smart idea.
4.Make sure the oil isn’t hotter than necessary. Only fill the pot 3/4 of the way full and heat the oil to 350° F.
It’s a good idea to wear protective flame retardant gloves and make sure someone keeps an eye on the turkey at all times.
Now here’s a funny video of how NOT to deep fry a turkey. Happy Thanksgiving!
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), home fires are the leading cause of all fire deaths in the United States. For the most part, home fires are easily preventable.
Here are the top causes of home fires.
1.Cooking equipment. This may seem like a no brainer but believe it or not, cooking equipment is the leading cause of all home fires. Do not leave the stove or oven unattended while cooking. If you do need to leave the room, even for a second, make sure there are no flammable items such as dish rags,cookbooks, grease, curtains or paper products near your appliances. It’s always a good idea to keep a fire extinguisher in the kitchen as well, just in case.
2. Heating, the second most common cause of home fires. Most fires involving heaters are caused by portable space heaters. They may be nice and convenient but blankets, lint and other flammables can easily get caught in them. If you have to use a space heater, make sure there are no loose materials that could easily burn around it.
3. Smoking. Cigarette’s and their ashes can easily catch on curtains, bedding and clothing which can quickly result in an out of control fire. Many fires caused by smoking happen in the bedroom when someone falls asleep with a cigarette in their hand. If you must smoke, do so outside your home for the safety of everyone involved.
4. Electrical fires can happen for a variety of reasons. Here are the top four:
Never remove the grounding plug on an appliance. Three pronged plugs exists on appliances that need extra power to operate. Get an electrician to install the proper outlet if you find this a problem in your home.
Lamps and light fixtures. You should never install a bulb with wattage that is too high for a particular appliance. This will cause the bulb to overheat and in turn, catch the lampshade or other flammables nearby on fire. Another thing to avoid is covering your lamp shade or fixture with a cloth or paper. While it may look nice, it’s not worth the potential fire you may cause.
Faulty cords and outdated appliances. Never use a cord that is worn or frayed. For this reason, you should also avoid running cords under rugs where they could become worn and go unnoticed for a long amount of time.
Last but not least, outdated wiring. If your home is more than twenty years old, you may want to have a licensed electrician take a look at the wiring system. While replacing the system can get costly, it is nothing compared to a life or the belongings you could lose if the old wiring causes a fire.
Take the time to look around your house and ensure the safety of your friends and family by checking these common fire causes. Do you have a fire extinguisher? A working smoke alarm? How about a carbon monoxide detector? While it may seem tedious to check these items and think ahead, you will be able to sleep more soundly at night knowing you did.
Drafts not only cause chills but can put a dent in your bank account as well. Here are some simple quick and easy tips to seal up windows in your home to save you money and keep you warm on those brisk nights.
1) Caulk. You can find caulk and a caulking gun at any hardware store, in your dad’s garage, or the neighbor down the street. Look around the window for cracks and crevices and fill them in. Try not to use too much caulk to prevent clumps. You can also smooth it out by wetting your finger and slowly moving it on top of the caulk line.
2) Self stick weather sealing is another great way to start. Measure and cut the foam stripping to fit he top, bottom and sides of the window where it meets the stop (or the frame for those of us less construction term inclined). Peel off the backing and press the strip into place between the window and the molding. When the window is closed, everything should seal up nicely!
3) Window film. While this may be tedious, you have to admit, it works. Window film kits can be bought at hardware stores or your big box stores such as Walmart as well. The film comes on a big roll (think saran wrap), so you will need to stretch it out on the floor. Then measure your windows, including the casing (framing) and cut the film to size. I like to cut the film a little larger than my windows because, well, mistakes happen. Place the tape where you would like the outer edge of the film to sit. Then use a hair dryer on medium to high heat around the edges to seal everything tightly.
4) Curtains. Hang curtains to keep the heat in and the cold out. Insulated curtains work best but any curtains are better than none. Blankets, while not as pretty, can also be used for the same desired effect.
It’s starting to get chilly out there so take care of your home, your family, and your wallets! Happy sealing my friends.
The holidays are a cheerful and exciting time but if you don't take certain precautions, they can result in tragedies for you and your family. Follow these simple tips to keep everything joyful and bright!
Christmas Tree Hazards
Be sure when picking out a tree, you pick one that is full of lots of green needles. Brown needles indicate the tree is too dry and dry trees are more likely to catch on fire. Another good test is to see if the branches snap easily. A healthy tree's branches will bend and be tough to break.
When you put your tree up, be sure to water it every day to keep it from drying out. When the needles start falling off at a rapid rate or start to turn brown, it's probably time to get rid of the tree.
For all of you artificial tree people out there, check to make sure the tree you have or the one you are buying is labeled fire resistant or flame retardant.
Holiday Lights
Before using lights indoor or outdoors, check the label to make sure you are using them in the right location. There will be an indictor on the packing and the cord itself telling you if it is safe for indoor or outdoor use.
Whether the lights are brand new or old and faithful strands, check for frayed wires and shortages. If there are any, throw these strands out. For broken light bulbs, unplug the light strand and replace the bulb with one of the proper wattage for that strand.
When placing lights on the tree, as mentioned in the previous section, if the tree is watered enough there shouldn't be any problems.
Never overload your circuit! If you need to use more than two plugs in an outlet, use a surge protector instead of many different extension cords.
Candles
Many people use candles during the holidays to create ambience. Just make sure candles are several feet away from any flammables. Never leave a candle burning when you leave your home; you never know what could happen while you are gone.
Cooking
If you are like most people, you probably do a little more cooking than usual around the holidays. It never hurts to review simple cooking safety tips. Do not leave the oven or stove unattended. Make sure you clear any flammable materials away from heat sources such as pot holders and curtains. It's also not a bad idea to keep a fire extinguisher under the kitchen sink in case of an emergency. Last but not least, make sure you don't have any loose hanging clothing on while you are cooking.
We were featured on News Channel 9's Bridge Street with the Make-A-Wish of CNY for our efforts on the SERVPRO Annual Golf Tournament, which 100% of the proceeds go to support their great charity. This year with the help of all that ...participated, we raised close to $9,000 to grant Lillianna's wish to swim with dolphins. We would like to thank everyone who helped out for this amazing cause, Hope to see you next year for our 12th annual SERVPRO Golf Tournament!
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