SERVPRO's Storm Team is available to help before and after a major storm event.
2022 has been one of the hottest summers on record, but so far, there has not been much hurricane activity in the Atlantic Ocean. Scientist have predicted this hurricane season to be an active one, but after a few early tropical systems we have seen very little activity in the last few weeks. Of course, this is typical for July and it does not mean we are out of the woods yet.
It is important to pay attention to meteorologist and local officials when a tropical storm or hurricane warning is in effect. SERVPRO is available to help before and after a major storm event. We have helped manage properties in the northeast through all of the major storms to come through our area in the last two decades. In this capacity we have provided window/glass board up services, sandbag placement and flood preparation services, water removal and pump-out services, drying services, demolition, clean-up and construction. In other words, we are a one stop shop for storm restoration services.
We are prepared and ready for the next major storm that comes our way and will be there to help commercial and residential property owners if damage occurs.
If you live or own a commercial property in a flood prone area, call us today. We can review your property and prioritize our response if damage does occur.
Fire Damage Restoration Services Near Niagara County
SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County is available when fire damages your commercial property, call us 24/7.
When a fire damages a business property there are many factors that need to be considered in order to achieve a quick and successful recovery. First, it is essential to factor in the type of business location that has been affected. Retail locations such as supermarkets, restaurants, food storage, food supply, or food preparation facilities need to be treated differently than clothing retail stores or other facilities that produce non-perishable items. This is why contacting SERVPRO is the best call you can make when your commercial business property is damaged by fire.
We are the experts in fire restoration and clean-up services and provide 24/7 response to ensure we are able to be there when your property and business require our immediate attention. Your project manager will come prepared to scope your property and provide an immediate estimate for services. We will contact your insurance providers and provide them with all information needed to begin restoration immediately.
Once approved we will begin to block off damaged areas of your commercial property to avoid contamination/damage in areas where the property was not affected. If possible we will try to allow you to keep operations running partially. We will remove items that can be saved such as retail items, documents, electronics, and the like. We are able to restore most items that have not been directly affected by the fire.
Next, we will begin to clean up and restore the property. We will scale up production to match the size of the damage and to provide the correct amount of equipment to ensure all affected areas are being serviced simultaneously. Finally, we will provide construction services as needed to repair your property and get your business back up and running at 100%.
SERVPRO Disaster Restoration services are second to none. Call us 24/7, we are here to help.
You are likely to feel anxious if you find yourself in a difficult situation and need to call a disaster restoration company. It is important to find a company that can quickly respond to your needs. Anything less will not be acceptable. SERVPRO is the best choice for property damage due to fire, flood, mold, storm or other natural disasters. We are trained to respond to client needs and take immediate action if necessary. Our team is ready for any kind of disaster. We can help with flooding or storm damage, and we can also restore damaged buildings. When it comes to disaster cleanup, management, and restoration, we can do it all.
We are also available to start construction services immediately after a disaster. This will help you speed up the process of rebuilding your property. We simplify the process by assisting you in the transition from repair to restoration and providing all necessary services to fully restore your property.
We hope you will not need our services in the near future. If you find yourself in a difficult situation and need a disaster restoration company to help, we are the best choice. We respond quickly to your needs and will provide an upfront, transparent and cost-effective restoration process.
SERVPRO fire damage restoration services is available to help you 24 hours a day when fire damages your commercial or residential property.
SERVPRO is available to help you if your normal janitorial crew is unable to handle fire damage at commercial properties. We offer quick restoration and clean up services, so your commercial property can run as normal and get back at 100% as quickly and efficiently as possible. We understand that a commercial property fire can cause significant damage. Without the proper equipment and experience in cleaning up fire damage, it can be very difficult to restore your commercial property.
Our company is the most qualified in fire damage repair and cleanup. We also have many sister franchises that enable us to rapidly scale up production for commercial projects. This makes us the best option for commercial properties that are affected by fire, such as hotels, shopping centers and retail stores, museums, hospitals, government buildings, manufacturing units, and multi-family houses. We provide exceptional service and quick response to any property we visit. Our project managers are highly trained to thoroughly review your property, and then quickly give you an estimate to repair the damage. If you are approved, our project managers will meet with property owners and managers to discuss your restoration. We'll also provide daily updates and communications.
There are several things to remember when you have a fire damaged your property. First, the source must be identified and the structure must then be declared safe before restoration can be started. This area of damage is most likely to be the most critical when looking at the cause of the fire. It might not be the hardest area to clean. This is because the cleaning team will need to cover more territory and provide more manual labor since soot cleanup can be labor intensive. This scenario is not uncommon as we have the resources and expertise to increase our labor and production so that more technicians and equipment are available.
Please contact us immediately if any commercial property has been affected by fire. If you have any questions, our project managers will be available 24 hours a days.
Commercial Fire Damage Restoration Services Available 24 Hours
Call SERVPRO when fire damage repair is needed in your commercial property. Available 24 hours, everyday!
SERVPRO should be called when fire damage to commercial property is beyond what your regular janitorial crew can handle. SERVPRO can provide immediate restoration and cleaning services so your commercial property can be back in full operation as soon as possible. We are aware that a fire can cause serious damage to commercial properties.
Our team is the area's most experienced fire damage cleanup and restoration company. We have a large network of franchises that allows us to scale up production quickly for large commercial projects. This allows us to be the best choice for commercial properties like shopping centers, sports venues, restaurants, shops, hotels and multi-family buildings. Our team is quick to respond and provides outstanding service as soon as we arrive on your property. Our project managers are skilled in assessing your property thoroughly and providing you with a quick estimate to repair it. Once approved, we will work directly to property owners, managers & insurance providers, providing daily updates and communication as the restoration progresses.
There are many factors to consider when a property is damaged by fire. Before you can start restoration, it is necessary to first inspect the source of the damage. The structure also needs to be safe to enter. This is the area most likely to be affected by fire. This area isn't necessarily the easiest to clean. Cleaning the property will require more work and more time from our team. Soot cleanup is an extremely labor-intensive task. We have the ability to scale up labor and equipment to accommodate this scenario.
Call us immediately if you have suffered damage from fire to commercial property. We are available 24/7 to assist you.
Flooding & Storms This Summer, We Got Your Back Buffalo
SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County is Available When your Property Requires Immediate Attention, Call Us Now.
Next week will mark the official start of hurricane season. Experts predict that it will be an active hurricane season. This will be the 9th consecutive overactive season. SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County has been prepared for the 2022 summer storm season, if any severe weather is to hit. Our team has been a key part of storm restoration efforts in the area for several years. We have learned the best ways to prepare for major storms and the best techniques.
We offer storm damage assistance for commercial and residential properties. Also, we can quickly scale up operations when additional equipment or labor is required. We are the first call for large facilities, such as transportation hubs or arenas, and government buildings after a disaster.
We offer a variety of services to property managers that will help them before, during and after major storms. We offer temporary pumps, window and door board-up, tarping, sandbag installation and more.
We are here 24/7 to help you when disaster strikes!
SERVPRO of SW Onondaga can provide large scale disaster management and clean up services. Call us for more information.
Scalability is a huge factor in the disaster restoration world... especially when you own or manage commercial properties. This is why commercial property owners call Team Luzzi when their properties are damaged by water, fire, mold, storms, biohazards or other disasters. Our ability to quickly scale up our operations to meet the needs of the moment are second to none, we can and provided labor and equipment needed to manage and restore large commercial properties after major disasters.
Our network of franchises work together to provide a cohesive response when we are called up to stop property damage and begin the clean-up and restoration process. Our project managers are adept to accurately estimate all labor and equipment needs upon arrival. They will also provide quality, upfront and transparent estimates while working with your insurance provider every step of the way.
Our labor-ready workforce is available to work around the clock and we will provide multiple shifts of labor, working through the night, if it will prevent further damage to the property and reduce the overall time and costs to restore your property.
We will also provide the equipment needed for proper commercial property dehumidification, air moving and air purification, so your commercial property is ready for reconstruction. Our working knowledge of your property and the damage that has occurred will allow us to provide and accurate estimate to provide the reconstruction services you need quickly! Our reconstruction team is made up of veteran industry professionals ready to take on your project and provide top-quality, guaranteed craftsmanship in each and every project.
SERVPRO Storm restoration services are available 24/7/365. Call us when you need help!
The 2022 hurricane season will be here in a few short days. Colorado State University researchers predict an above-average Atlantic season that will see at least 19 named storms of which at least 9 will reach hurricane status. The forecasters also predict that as many as four hurricanes will be a category 3 or higher storm. Our SERVPRO Franchises can be found along the most vulnerable coastal areas in New York & New England. Our team has been involved in helping to restore property damaged by every major storm in our area over the last decade. After major storms, our services were even called in to help with restoration efforts beyond our own territories in Houston, Florida & Louisiana.
What are the best way to respond to storms?
We respond quickly to your damages and communicate with you daily to keep you informed.
We offer labor-ready workers, who are ready to move quickly and work in multiple shifts (if needed). This allows us to provide the best clean-up and restorations possible.
We provide dehumidification and air moving equipment.
We can quickly and accurately provide a quotation for your reconstruction work once the restoration is complete. SERVPRO's craftsmanship guarantee ensures that we provide a skilled, experienced team of construction workers.
Please contact us whenever you require our services. Although we are available before, following and during storms, it is best to call us BEFORE in order to create your free ERP (Emergency Readiness Profile) for your commercial property. This allows us to quickly access information about your property that we deem important in the event of a hurricane.
Commercial Fire Restoration Services You Can Count On
SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County is available 24/7/365 when fire damages your commercial or residential property. Call us when you need help!
A disaster restoration team with experience in commercial fire damage restoration is essential. They must be able to scale up operations quickly without compromising quality. Team Luzzi is one the most extensive and experienced SERVPRO Franchise Owner groups in the country. Our franchises span across 80,000 square miles including some of the most densely populated areas like New York City and around Boston, MA. We have restored commercial properties damaged by fire in Rhode Island, Connecticut and Massachusetts, New York & New Jersey.
We will quickly assess the damage to your commercial property and provide immediate board-up services or tarp coverage services if necessary. This will prevent further damage to your building and allow us to move the items inside the building to a safer location. The assigned commercial project manager will coordinate the appropriate workforce for your property. We will work multiple shifts if necessary to remove smoke and soot from the property. Because we want to be able to fully recover items in a building as soon as possible, we move fast. We are also prepared to deal with water damage, which is common after a fire has been extinguished. We can perform multiple services at once.
After restoration is completed, your project manager will give you a free estimate for reconstruction services. Our experienced team can offer full-scale construction services for commercial applications.
Call us immediately if you have suffered fire damage to your commercial property. Team Luzzi will ensure that you are back on track as quickly as possible by providing transparent oversight and top quality disaster restoration management.
Fire Damage Cleaning Services 24/7 Niagara County NY
SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County is available when fire damages your residential or commercial property. We can provide immediate services as needed.
Fires can cause havoc in residential and commercial properties. Even a small fire might cause damage that could require extensive cleanup. SERVPRO is here to help you with all aspects of restoration.
We are ready to bring our labor force whenever we need it. The quicker we can clean up after an incident, the easier it will be to reverse the effects of smoke odors, soot and general damage. We will clean every surface and use the latest air-moving and air purification equipment.
After we have removed evidence of fire, we can assess damage to offer repair or construction services. Our team is always prepared to go. Construction will start as soon as you and your insurer approve the estimates.
We provide upfront and transparent pricing for all services. Daily communications are provided to you and your provider to keep both you and the insurance company informed about progress, and any unforeseen events that may occur during construction. We offer a wide range of services in these cases, including plumbing and electric, as well insulation, painting, and finish carpentry.
If your property has suffered a fire, we are here to help!
Water Damage to A Historical Building, We Can Help
SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County provides construction and restoration services for historical buildings. Call us to learn more.
Rehabbing and reconstructing historic buildings is a delicate process that requires particular attention. After many years providing restoration services to New England and New York cities and towns, we have developed a reputation for restoring and renovating historic structures.
Common causes of water damage are weather-related wear and tear and storm damage. If you are dealing with this kind of water damage, it is important that you work with experienced contractor like our team. We can help you determine the most cost-effective and least intrusive ways to restore your property. We are equipped with the right equipment to test for moisture so we can accurately determine whether materials can be saved, restored, or need to be replaced. We can then offer a wide range of air moving and dehumidification options to remove mold from the air as well as the materials within the building. Once the property has been cleaned and prepared, reconstruction can begin.
We provide full construction services and will have a complete working knowledge of your property. We will provide you with estimates that can be completed without the interference of subcontractors and waiting for another team to come to your job.
We can help if your property has suffered from long term water damage. We have comprehensive plans that can be tailored to fit any budget. From simple rental equipment for dehumidification, to more complicated solutions such a reconstruction or modification of these types properties, we offer comprehensive solutions. Get in touch with us today to find out more.
Commercial Construction Services When You Need Them Most
SERVPRO of Easter Niagara County offers commercial construction services, call us today.
SERVPRO is the company that you call when your commercial or private property has been damaged by water damage, fire or mold. Because we are one the most respected disaster restoration companies in the country, our reputation for quality and reliability has been built. We are also a full-service construction company that can restore your property or rebuild it as required. We integrate disaster restoration, repair and completion seamlessly.
This applies to commercial and residential properties alike. We provide large scale construction and restoration services for commercial properties so you can quickly go from fixing your property to rebuilding it so you are back up in no time.
When disasters such as fire and water damage occur, we respond quickly. To contain the disaster, we provide all the labor and equipment needed, even in multiple 24-hour shifts. We will try to keep your commercial property as accessible and open as possible by containing and walling off any areas of danger or construction.
When the disaster has been cleared up and the property is ready for reconstruction, we will be ready to start construction. We will offer transparent pricing, upfront and honest information on all services. Our knowledge of your property will save you time and money.
SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County is available when your property requires emergency fire damage clean up and repair.
The situation can quickly get overwhelming when your property has a fire. It can be hard to assess the damage and you'll need to make quick decisions depending on the extent of the damage. Our team is here to guide you. A project manager will assess the property immediately upon arrival. If the fire has caused major damage, the manager will offer to protect it from outside elements.
Then, we can work closely with your insurance company and you to begin restoration immediately. We respond quickly to minimize damage and shorten the restoration time. Then, we can provide all information required by your insurance company so that you are fully covered throughout the process. We can also provide transparent and upfront pricing for any necessary reconstruction or repairs. This allows you to quickly submit reconstruction estimates to insurance providers and save on costly services that may not be covered. SERVPRO's Guarantee of Quality workmanship backs our construction work so that you can be sure the job is done correctly.
SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County is available to repair your property after storm damage.
When a storm damages your commercial or residential property we are available to help. These types of events require a company that is experienced in protecting and restoring property. This may seem obvious but it can save you from costly mistakes that only make the problem worse.
Window Boarding-up and Tarping Services
Property owners might have some time to prepare for a storm before it arrives. Weather forecasts are readily available. We can offer preventative services like window board-up services, sandbag installation and other protective services to try to stop damage from happening. We also offer services like window board up or tarping to protect your property from being further damaged by the elements after a storm. This can help keep damage to a minimum, and reduce the time it takes to repair and restore your property.
After we have secured the property, we can begin to restore the building. We will first clean up the property and remove any debris. Equipment such as generators and dehumidifiers will be brought in by us. To ensure that the project moves forward, we will offer labor in multiple shifts if needed.
Once the property damage has been cleared, we can provide complete construction services. We seamlessly integrate our crews from restoration to construction and finish restoring your property back to its pre-damage condition.
SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County is available 24/7 when water damages your property.
SERVPRO and Water Damage Restoration are one in the same. We are experts in water damage repair and restoration. Our water damage restoration and repair methods are well-thought out and calculated. This is a result of decades of experience. To avoid property and building material being damaged by water, we use the most recent technology.
Water damage can be caused by a variety of common disasters. Storms and flooding are two examples. If your home is damaged by a hurricane or flood, water from other sources can enter your property. Mold growth and other property damage will occur almost immediately. Our project managers will quickly respond and work hard to minimize any further damage.
Leakage or backups can also cause water damage inside buildings. The latter will cause your property to become contaminated with bacteria and waste water. We will pay special attention to cleaning saturated materials and building materials. If the water supply pipe bursts or leaks, the water is safe and clean and if you move quickly a lot of damage can be avoided. Our knowledge and equipment can help to prevent unnecessary construction and material removal.
We can offer a free estimate for water damage to your property and get you started on restoration immediately. We will work with your insurance company and keep you informed as we restore your property back to its preloss condition. We are located in your area and available 24 hours a day.
SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County offers turnkey solutions to disaster restoration and construction, call us today to learn more.
There are many things to think about when your property is damaged unexpectedly. However, one decision is simple: call your local SERVPRO.
A project manager will be available to you upon arrival to offer you service options that are suitable for your requirements. If the property damage has made the interior of the property vulnerable to outside doors (i.e. Broken windows and doors, roof damage, and structural damage due to a storm or fire, etc.) We can offer board up and tarping to protect your property from further damage and outside elements. We can also offer additional services such as cleaning up debris removal. We can offer water removal and dehumidification equipment if the interior has become saturated by moisture or water.
After we provide restoration services, we will have a working understanding of your property and the necessary construction services to complete the repairs. We will provide you with estimates and backed by SERVPRO’s Guarantee for high quality workmanship. All SERVPRO Franchises are locally owned and operated, so we're always available to help you, 24 hours a days, 365 days a year.
SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County is available to provide 24 hour support during major storms, call us today to learn more.
We all seek shelter when we are exposed to high winds and rains. This helps us avoid becoming soaked and puts us out of danger. Our homes, offices, schools, and retail locations all have shelter that is weather-resistant and prevents the elements from entering the interior. This is crucial for several reasons. The first is to provide immediate protection from the elements. Indoors are safer than outside. Second, indoor spaces can be used all year round because they are well-designed. It is only when structures fail that we must be prepared to repair them to preserve the safety we all have come to expect.
Storm damage to commercial or residential properties can be obvious and need immediate attention. Or it could be subtler and go unnoticed over a longer period of time. SERVPRO can reduce the costs of both types of damage. Our team of experts is skilled in both restoration and construction services. We reduce the amount of labor and material required to complete the job. This saves you money and helps to preserve valuable building materials that could otherwise be wasted.
We can help you with any type of damage, whether it's long-term leaks or rot that needs to be repaired and boarded up. Contact us today to speak to a project manager to learn more about the services we offer and how they can help.
SERVPRO provides emergency board up and cleaning services to help you contend with damage after a storm or vandalism damages your property.
It is important that you act quickly in order to avoid further destruction when high winds or rain bring down trees on your property during a storm. These situations can be handled by our emergency board up and tarping service. Our emergency response team is available 24 hours a day for this type of damage and can arrive at your property at any hour depending on how serious the issue is. This is because technicians understand how important it to keep moisture and humidity out of the structure. They can also prevent other elements from entering and causing further damage.
Once the storm has passed, our team can conduct a thorough assessment of the damage to the property and provide estimates for the start of the clean-up. We work directly alongside your insurance company to avoid delays that could result in further property damage. We offer a wide range of construction services that will speed up recovery. We don't wait on subcontractors to do their jobs.
This type damage repair also applies to vandalism cases. If your property has suffered damage from vandalism like broken windows or doors, our team is here to assist. We will help you to board up your property and remove any broken glass. For your convenience, we will also work with your insurance provider.
Contact us 24/7 if you are experiencing any type of property damage. We have the local team standing by to assist.
When Water Damages Your Lewiston, NY Property Who Do You Call?
SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County offers water damage restoration services 24/7. Call us today.
Water damage repair and restoration services are almost always essential after water damages your property. This can be especially true if you know of building materials such as drywall, flooring or carpets that have taken on water and are already damp with moisture. This is because extracting this water from these materials must be done quickly and throughly, if not, it is inevitable that mold growth will begin to occur shortly afterwards. The same can be said for furniture and cabinetry/particle board materials that easily absorb water. When you call our SERVPRO office our first goal is to help you save those wet materials and items. Our technicians will arrive quickly, usually within 2 hours of your initial call if they decide that doing so will potentially help you save money and avoid demolition/trashing of the wet materials. We will arrive with the equipment needed to immediately begin drying services and will work directly with your insurance provider so that all actions are transparent, documented and, most likely, covered by your property owners policy.
In these first few hours of arrival we will work diligently to remove all standing water and to extract moisture for the air and from expensive building materials such as hardwood and laminate flooring. For less expensive building materials such as drywall, insulation, and carpets, we may decide that removing the water-logged portions of the material will ultimately allow us to remove moisture from the property more quickly saving you the stress and headaches of mold growth that is unstoppable when so much moisture is present indoors.
Once the property is cleared of the excess water we then extract water from the air using a variety of equipment placed and designed to most efficiently get water out and to return the property to normal humidity levels so that reconstruction can begin.
If you experience water damage in your residential or commercial property do not wait until it is too late, call us immediately.
Water Damage Restoration Company Eastern Niagara County
SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County is available to help when your property is damaged by water and requires immediate attention. Call 24/7.
It is important to make the right decision as soon as water damages your property. We are capable of helping regardless of type of property: residential, commercial and office spaces, hotels and motels included. We offer the knowledge, equipment, and labor required to determine the best possible path for you after a disaster like water damage.
Your project manager will immediately remove all items from damaged areas and, if necessary, seal off the area to prevent future damage. The process of removing moisture and humidity will be immediately started using the proper equipment placement.
Mold growth is rapid in water damage situations. If this isn't done immediately, many materials can be damaged beyond repair. You can usually only save building materials like sheetrock, drywall, linoleum, hardwood floors and laminate floors if you start restoration services within 24 hours. You will also need to remove and clean other items like furniture, cabinets, clothing, linens, and clothes.
SERVPRO is a great way to save money and avoid replacing items in water damaged properties.
In some cases, it is impossible to restore building materials. When waste water causes property damage, many materials will have to be replaced. SERVPRO remains your best option in these situations. Additionally to our restoration services, we also offer construction services. This allows us to move quickly in the reconstruction or your home.
We can offer a variety of services such as sheetrock repair, floor replacement, cabinetry installation and more. We can help you save money and time if your property requires damage repair and reconstruction. Our restoration team will have all the materials and services required to complete the job properly.
If water has damaged your property, call us immediately. We provide free estimates and will begin restoration at your site as soon we arrive. We are trusted all over the country. We work with your insurer throughout the restoration process, so there are no surprises at the end.
Why Should You Call SERVPRO for Fire Damage Restoration in Lockport?
Fire damage can leave the homeowner or business owner quite stressed. Contact SERVPRO 24/7 for effective remediation services.
Providing Fire Damage Restoration in Lockport to SERVPRO Clients
Fires in Lockport homes and businesses can damage contents and structure during the initial event. Secondary damage is caused by the efforts of the fire department in controlling and quelling the fire. There is also potential for additional damage if restoration and remediation efforts do not begin once it is considered safe to enter the building after the fire department gives the green light that all is clear.
SERVPRO provides fire damage restoration services to homes and businesses in Lockport and surrounding areas. Whenever there is a fire, you can count on our team to respond quickly with our team of experts trained in fire and smoke restoration, odor control, and water damage restoration technicians.
The combination of water, fire retardant chemicals, ash residues, and smoke residues can form an acidic mixture that may damage your home, business, and contents further if action is not immediately undertaken to begin removal and cleanup. Delays can only add to the damage caused by the fire. At SERVPRO, we are prepared to respond and coordinate the resources needed to help you recover from a fire as quickly as possible.
We offer:
Response onsite within four hours of your call
Assessment, response plan, and communication with our clients and insurance adjusters
Trained IICRC-certified technicians to manage restoration, remediation, cleaning, and reconstruction
Fire damage restoration of the structure and contents
Staging of cleaned contents
Smoke remediation and negative pressure areas to control further distribution of smoke residue
Repair and restoration of your premises, “Like it never even happened.”
Call SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County for fire damage restoration in Lockport and surrounding areas. We can help 24/7. Call (716) 694-7776.
Need Emergency Water Damage Repairs in North Tonawanda – Call SERVPRO
Pipe leaks can be visible or hidden behind walls. Contact SERVPRO to investigate the extent and remediate the water damage.
SERVPRO Provides Water Damage Repairs and Reconstruction Services in North Tonawanda
A leaking pipe or overflowing sink can spread hundreds of gallons of water over a large area of your commercial building in North Tonawanda before it is discovered and the source removed. Wet floors, ceilings full of water, compromised electrical circuits and soaked contents are just a few of the many issues facing commercial business owners after a water leak. The cost of cleanup and drying may be high; however, the associated loss of business revenues can also be significant.
SERVPRO responds to emergency commercial water damage repair events in North Tonawanda in less than four hours from your initial call. We understand how important it is to contain the damage, clear the water, moisture, and humidity, make repairs and return your commercial business to normal operations. Whether it is an office building, retail shop, restaurant, or manufacturing building, we can help get you back in service.
Our onsite team assesses the situation, deploys the equipment, and technicians to immediately begin removing excess water, installing dehumidifiers and air movers to dry the building as well as drying your contents.
Repairs to flooring and wall materials may be required if water has been absorbed, causing swelling to drywall, hardwood floors to buckle, or carpets to delaminate. We can help with water damage repairs for these items and others as needed. Our SERVPRO building services division can coordinate a full range of building restoration and repairs and reduce your total downtime. A few of the services include:
Drywall removal and installation
Flooring repair and installation
Plumbing repairs
Temporary warehouse space
Call SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County for water damage repair in North Tonawanda and surrounding areas for a complete list of our services. We can help 24/7. Call (716) 694-7776.
Need Mold Damage Repair and Remediation in Lockport – Call SERVPRO
Mold spreads very fast. Once you see or smell an infestation, contact SERVPRO right away for best results. We are standing by 24/7 for you.
SERVPRO Provides Mold Damage Reconstruction Services in Lockport
Mold colonies can begin growing in Lockport homes in as little as 24 hours whenever the right conditions are present. When warmth, moisture, and food sources (our homes are full of food sources for mold) come together, mold can begin growing in places you may not be aware of. In the attic, behind cupboards, bathrooms, the basement, and anywhere there is moisture or high humidity caused by a slow leak or high humidity. You may not realize there is a mold issue until you notice a strong, musty odor emanating from an area in your home or business.
SERVPRO provides mold damage repairs and remediation to residents and business owners in Lockport. Our technical team is trained in all aspects of mold remediation and removal. We also can assist with reconstruction and mold damage repairs in situations where heavily contaminated structural items must be carefully removed and replaced.
SERVPRO works closely with the homeowner and 3rd party mold inspection companies hired by the homeowner, who must be separate from remediation companies, required by state law. Based on the inspection results, we prepare plans to repair, remediate, and remove the mold without jeopardizing the rest of the building. We do not want mold spores from the infestation spread throughout your premises. We follow approved protocols to manage and contain the spread of mold further.
We install plastic sheeting and wood framing to contain the spread of mold spores
Follow approved disposal methods of damage contents and structure
Reconstruction and repair of a mold-damaged structure
Mold spores are everywhere; however, they need the right conditions to become an infestation. Repair leaks immediately, keep humidity levels below 45%, and request help from SERVPRO anytime there is a mold infestation. We respond in less than four hours from your call to begin mold damage repairs.
Call SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County for mold damage repair in Lockport and surrounding areas. We can help 24/7. Call (716) 694-7776.
Where Can I Find Good Water Restoration Services in North Tonawanda?
Water damage can occur anywhere. SERVPRO is available to restore your home.
SERVPRO Can Help You with All of Your Water Restoration Needs in North Tonawanda!
Many accidents can cause water damage inside of your home. Something as minute as a pipe leak or as large as a burst pipe could leave your home in serious need of help. Fortunately, when accidents do occur, there is professional help nearby who can help you!
Imagine finding that your refrigerator had leaked from the water supply line and left your home in need of North Tonawanda water restoration services! Getting cold water or ice directly from your fridge is a fantastic convenience, but unfortunately, it can turn into the exact opposite should a leak spring. However, here at SERVPRO, we're dedicated to providing swift services to you, so you never have to wait excessively long for our technicians to get on the scene.
To clean up such a spill, the first thing our technicians can do is use extractors to remove the standing water. If your kitchen is made from hardwood, we can also lay floor drying mats, which work by utilizing powerful suction to remove excess moisture from the wood. Furthermore, we can use thermal imaging to check under your cabinets to see if water drained in a way that was not visible to the naked eye.
After removing the standing water, our technicians can focus on using advanced technology to help provide an optimal drying environment. Devices such as air movers, axial fans, heaters, and dehumidifiers help reduce airborne moisture and return your home's humidity levels to an acceptable percentage. Once finished, our technicians are proud to leave you with a home that feels like its old self!
Never wait to get water restoration services. Communicate with SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County by phoning (716) 694-7776. We care about you!
What Do I Do When an Ocean Storm Causes Flood Damage in My Lockport Home?
SERVPRO can tarp your storm damaged roof to help prevent further damage.
SERVPRO Can Help You Remediate Severe or Mild Flood Damage in Your Lockport Home!
Storms can bring heavy rain, wind, and even lightning to your home. Sometimes, these storms can bring flash flooding, which can leave your home heavily water damaged. However, accidents happen, and what matters is how you react when a disaster does occur.
For example, imagine your Lockport home suffering flood damage. A tree struck by lightning happened to fall over and break an upper floor window, allowing water to drain inside of a bedroom. In this circumstance, it is critical to get help to your home as quickly as possible. Fortunately, here at SERVPRO, we're experts when it comes to arriving as soon as we can.
When inside your home, our expert technicians can focus on three main goals: removing the water, drying the structure of your home, remediating any affected belongings. Within these three goals, our other focus is on swift action. We want to get you back in your home as quickly as possible because we understand that it is not practical to be locked out for multiple weeks on end.
The first thing we could do with this situation is taping over the broken window and then tarping it to help prevent even more moisture from getting inside. Secondly, we can begin to clean up any debris (twigs, leaves, branches) and then use a wet/dry vacuum to clean up standing water. While one team works upstairs, we could have another downstairs, using thermal imaging to look for hidden pockets of water which seeped below to the first floor.
Should we need to make any flood cuts or remove flooring, we can do that before laying down drying equipment, such as floor drying mats and heaters. Our objective is to remove as much moisture as we can from your home and prevent microbial growth. Once finished, we try to return your possessions to how we found them, so you can go on feeling like your home is in its pre-flooded condition.
When you need storm remediation, get help right away. Speak to SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County by dialing (716) 694-7776. We want to help you get your home back to normal!
Whom Can I Call for Help with Mold Remediation Services in Lockport?
Correctly trying to DIY mold remediation is difficult. You can trust the professionals at SERVPRO for fast, effective remediation.
Look No Further Than SERVPRO for Lockport Mold Remediation Services!
Finding microbial growth inside of your house is a troubling situation that could cause any homeowner anxiety. Mold can cause rot in organic materials, it has an off-putting malodor, and can cause health effects. Most people seek to address mold as soon as they find it.
Fortunately, in the cases when your home urgently needs Lockport mold remediation services, professional help is just a phone call away. Here at SERVPRO, we focus on arriving at your location as soon as possible, and we are proud to claim We're Faster To Any Size Disaster. Our technicians are expertly trained, and we are often the first to adopt new techniques and advanced equipment designed for remediation services.
For the sake of an example, picture discovering mold in the closet of your bedroom. This closet shares a wall with your ensuite, and it is not hard to find the culprit of the excess water which caused the mildew. A leaking water pipe going through the ceiling has been dribbling water down the shared wall, creating a constant drip of slight moisture. Never underestimate small leaks, as they can produce large messes.
Our highly skilled technicians could start emptying your closet of clothing, shoes, and boxed possessions when called to a site like this. Our techs can send your belongings to our facility, where they can be treated appropriately. Meanwhile, on the home front, our remediators can make flood cuts and remove the impacted drywall and any carpeting which has also become a home to mold.
When remediating the structure of your home, our technicians can use advanced equipment, such as:
Floor-drying mats
Dehumidifiers
Air-blasting tubes
When used together, these devices can help us get between wall cavities and spread dry air along the impacted area. Once your closet is repaired with fresh drywall, paint, and carpet, we can return your belongings and clothing. Our goal is always to work quickly and to leave you feeling "Like it never even happened."
When you need professional remediation services, get help immediately. Reach out to SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County by calling (716) 694-7776. We're available 24/7 to assist whenever you need us.
Storms in North Tonawanda Leave Flood Damage Behind
Storm and floods may cause havoc upon your home. SERVPRO techs are fast and experienced in all phases of storm damage restoration and removal.
SERVPRO Assists North Tonawanda Homeowners with Water Damage Emergency Services
North Tonawanda neighborhoods keep experiencing flood damage due to strong storms that overwhelm the town’s infrastructure. Those same storms can cause damage inside homes through ceiling leaks or basement flooding, all of which leave families vulnerable to the consequences of water damage. To thoroughly restore your home, it is best to reach a professional restoration team.
SERVPRO’s expertise in flood damage helps North Tonawanda residents in their time of need. Whether your home springs a minor leak or is partially underwater, our staff is certified to handle the toughest situations by using specialized equipment and state-of-the-art techniques. Water removal, drying, and performing repairs are all within our scope of work, and we work diligently to resolve the incident as soon as possible.
Having the proper tools for a successful water cleanup process is essential to its success. At SERVPRO, we count on an array of industry-graded equipment to help us remove floodwaters from your home. Among the gear available to us, you may find:
Pumps of varying capacity, including truck-mounted pumps, submersible, and handheld wand extractors. As needed, our staff can dispose of water by connecting with local sewage lines, expediting the process.
Industrial-sized air movers are carefully located to encourage air circulation and evaporation, thus speeding up the drying process.
Dehumidifiers and desiccants help absorb excess moisture and return humidity to normal readings, which we monitor with infra-red moisture meters and other measuring tools.
Regardless of the impact of storms on your home, SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County is available to help by calling (716) 694-7776. Act quickly and decisively and let our team of experts assist with water damage repairs until your home feels “Like it never even happened.”
What are the Right Steps for Fire Damage Restoration of a Lockport Home?
SERVPRO technicians are trained and IICRC certified for all matters of restoration. Call now for the fire damage remediation services that are needed.
Calling SERVPRO and its Team of Experts is the First Step to Restoring a Lockport Home After a Fire
When a fire happens in a Lockport home, it is hard to discern where to start addressing its consequences. The flames and smoke cause damage that can spread much further than one would expect, making it difficult for the average homeowner to organize the sequence of cleanup steps. Calling a professional fire restoration team can help mitigate losses and preserve some of your belongings.
SERVPRO is available for fire damage restoration for the Lockport community. Our fully trained staff arrives and safely considers the damage caused by the fire itself and by firefighters attempting to fight it. Fire damaged homes usually require water extraction and fire and smoke remediation services, both of which our team is ready to offer.
As our SERVPRO staff inspects your home, there may be areas unaffected by the incident, and we attempt to preserve those intact as much as possible. Some steps we might take to prevent the spread of fire damage throughout your home can include-
We can establish physical barriers between areas with plastic sheeting and set up clean zones where we can store undamaged goods.
Provide move-out services where we physically inventory and remove clean items from your home and keep them in an offsite location to avoid contamination. Once the cleanup is done, we return each item to its original spot.
Addressing your home ventilation system and cleaning it as needed. Controlling the paths through which soot and smell particles can travel helps us protect part of your home outside of the fire’s reach.
SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County is an expert in fire damage restoration, and we’re ready to help as soon as you contact us at (716) 694-7776. Place your trust in us, and let us work hard to bring your home back to pre-fire condition.
Can a Fixer Upper with Water Damage in Lockport be Repaired?
Water damage restoration is no easy task. Call SERVPRO for the help and service needed for your property.
Water Restoration Technicians in Lockport Provide Water Cleanup and Restoration Services
The real estate market is thriving, and the idea of buying a fixer-upper in Lockport is tempting. Aside from evaluating the location and bones of the home, prospective buyers must take into account whether and how water cleanup efforts may help restore the home. Calling a certified team to make an assessment and develop a plan for restoration is the first step in the process.
To look at water damage in a Lockport home, you don’t need to look any further. A call to SERVPRO opens the door to a trained and certified team capable of assessing the extent of water damage, whether it was caused by a ceiling leak or sewage backup. Whatever the origin, our staff has at its disposal industry-grade equipment to handle water damage remediation jobs of all sizes.
One of the most obvious and cumbersome consequences of flooding includes floor damage. Before deciding to replace all flooring in the home, consider the following-
SERVPRO staff uses specialized equipment to gauge humidity levels in your floors and determine how to restore optimal measurements. Accurate measurements are particularly important when dealing with hardwood floors that may have buckled thanks to the water.
Drying mats can remove excess water out of floors by using negative pressure and suctioning it thanks to the air-tight environment created.
Subfloors can be dried efficiently when using injecti-dry technology, which circulates air through subfloors.
Consulting with our professional staff at SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County can give you a clearer picture when looking at the work needed within your home. Call us at (716) 694-7776 and let us partner with you through the water damage restoration process.
Local Fire Restoration Services for Lockport Residents
Team SERVPRO has the equipment and tools to tackle the fire damage situation in your home. We are standing by 24/7 to handle your emergency.
SERVPRO is Available 24/7 for Emergency Fire Restoration – Call Us to Your Lockport Home After a Fire
A small fire in your finished basement, a medium blaze in your kitchen, or a substantial house fire that impacts several spaces – each one calls for skilled fire damage restoration. SERVPRO knows how to handle whatever fire and smoke damage that you may experience in your Lockport home. We also arrive fast so that you can get the remediation process going as quickly as possible. Before you know it, your home gets returned to pre-fire condition, “Like it never even happened.”
There are several challenges that fire and smoke restoration technicians (FSRT) experience when called for fire restoration in Lockport. Even the most minor fire event can bring a host of issues, such as:
Stubborn smoke residue left on a variety of surfaces
Charred building materials that call for complete removal and replacement
Water damage and moisture left from first responders extinguishing the flames
Hidden smoke damage that could lead to foul odors if not addressed fully
Unsafe structural elements
Smoke damage is a significant issue that our IICRC-certified technicians face when handling house fire clean up. The kind of residue present and the surfaces it touches will dictate which cleaning method is required. With loose dry particles, our technicians may use dry cleaning with brushes, sponges, or hand vacuums. Wet, heavier residue often calls for dissolving with the help of solvent-based cleaning agents. These products loosen the grip on surfaces so that the technician can start carefully wiping it away.
Once you get in touch with SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County for fire restoration, we will have a team at your door within hours to begin the assessment. Call us to have our Green Fleet dispatched by dialing (716) 694-7776.
Don’t Stress Over Flood Water Removal – Call the Pros to Your Lockport Property
When your home is flooded, quick action is required. Contact our experienced SERVPRO team for the certified technicians.
Lockport Storms and Flood Water Removal Can Cause Headaches, But SERVPRO is There to Provide Results!
Floodwater of any kind is something that you do not want flowing throughout your Lockport home. Whether you have water intrusion after a storm at ground level or you have a basement filling up after a failed sump pump, SERVPRO acts fast to help minimize damage. The longer a homeowner waits to remove standing water, the quicker the building materials and structural elements become compromised. We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster – giving you peace of mind that your home gets back to normal before you know it!
When calling us for flood water removal in Lockport, there are many phases to the project. After the assessment, we bring in equipment, hoses, and pumps to facilitate water removal services. From there, water clean up must include air movers and dehumidifiers to restore relative humidity and keep air circulation going.
How the assessment works:
The crew chief looks at areas free of damage and require protection
We look at structural elements and contents that require drying and restoration
Belongings and materials that cannot get salvaged are identified
Special attention is given to areas of the home and contents that call for detailed assessment and water damage restoration
One order of business is ensuring your floors and interior remain protected during water damage remediation. Our crew wears PPE, including foot coverings, to keep from tracking contaminants into unaffected zones of the home. We also carry rubber matting that protects interior floors throughout the work process.
Flood restoration and flood water removal is something that our crew at SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County does best! Call us 24/7 at (716) 694-7776, and we can be at your door within hours.
Commercial Clients - Contact SERVPRO for Mold Inspections, Remediations, and Removal in Tonawanda
Finding black mold at your business location can be frightening. Contact SERVPRO to assess the mold damage and put together a plan for remediation.
Calling SERVPRO for Mold Inspection Ensures Best Results for Tonawanda Businesses
Suspecting black mold anywhere within your Tonawanda commercial property can spell trouble. You know that you need to keep your employees safe and ensure you save time and money for the remediation process. SERVPRO wants you to know that detailed mold inspection is the best way to get to the heart of the issue while keeping safety and well-being in mind.
Are you having a hard time determining whether or not you have a problem at your place of business that calls for mold inspection in Tonawanda? Whether the building is a school, clinic, retail space, or production facility, having mold specialists take a look is the only way to get results.
What is Involved with Mold Inspection?
During an inspection, the following steps are generally covered:
Documentation regarding the building’s history and suspected mold issue
Visual inspection for any areas of concern
Survey of moisture in areas of concern
Sampling of surfaces, cavities, and air, issued to a third party
Compilation of a detailed report
Because mold infestation brings the potential for health effects, you need SERVPRO in your corner for rapid and detailed cleaning of your commercial space. HEPA filtration is critical to pull airborne spores from the air, and each surface must get carefully vacuumed to pull up dust and debris. SERVPRO technicians are highly trained and ready to facilitate safe mold removal. This often includes the application of antimicrobial cleaners or agents with wet-wiping methods.
Throughout the mold remediation process, negative air machines help to pull out airborne spores, trapping them inside the filter. Before the project wraps up, final testing gets done so that your commercial building gets the Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned seal of approval.
When it comes to mold inspection and black mold damage repairs, nothing beats our team at SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County. Call us whenever you need assistance at (716) 694-7776.
Does SERVPRO Provide Fire Restoration Services to Lockport Residential Customers?
Please do not hesitate to call SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County. We are always here to help.
How Long Does House Fire Clean Up Take in Lockport After a Fire?
After a fire in Lockport, even a small fire, there is usually damage caused during the fire, and there is damage from the smoke residues, the smoke odors, and the materials used by the fire department to quell the blaze. It may feel like there are burnt items everywhere, and the entire room or even house is covered with a smoky residue.
SERVPRO provides fire restoration to Lockport residential homeowners. We use various approaches to cleaning your home after a fire, including mechanical scrubbers, lubrication of difficult to remove soiling, chemical action, and suspension or dispersion to loosen soiling and extract the soil along with the cleaning product. The action taken may vary with each item that needs to be cleaned depending on porosity.
One of the factors that are also important during cleaning activities is dwelling time. Dwell time is the amount of time needed for the chemical action to work and dissolve the soils. During house fire clean-up activities, we ensure that sufficient time is allowed to thoroughly remove all of the smoke residues that may have been distributed throughout your home.
Our services also include:
Water & Fire Damage Restorations
Smoke Damage Restoration
House Fire Clean Up
Call SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County for fire restoration in Lockport and surrounding areas. We can help 24/7. Call (716) 694-7776.
Does SERVPRO Respond Fast to Water Restoration Emergencies in Lockport?
Don't take on the task alone. Let SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County help with your water damage.
Water Restoration Companies Like SERVPRO Provide Complete Service in Lockport.
Looking for water restoration companies in Lockport? SERVPRO provides complete service to our customers, including fast response to your emergency, water removal, drying, repair, and restoration. We aim to return your home to you after a water leak in its original condition, “Like it never even happened.”
SERVPRO water restoration companies in Lockport respond in less than 4 hours from your initial call to us. We are available 24/7 to meet every water emergency. Whether it is overflowing sinks or bathtubs, burst pipes, leaks in the ceiling, appliance failures, or flooded basements after a sump pump fails, we manage them all.
A fast response is part of our water mitigation strategy to reduce the overall damage. We save as many of your contents as possible and reduce the damage to structural elements of your home. We minimize the exposure time of your contents to water and moisture, reducing the absorption of moisture in porous materials. We can avoid delamination of carpeting, swelling of hardwood flooring, and swelling of drywall. We can also prevent mold infestations by initiating water clean up within 24 hours of the initial leak.
We can reduce the amount of damage from water leaks significantly. Don’t delay, call us for:
All Emergency Services Water Damage Events
Water Removal Services
Water Damage Restoration
Call SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County for water restoration companies in Lockport and surrounding areas. We can help 24/7. Call (716) 694-7776.
Does SERVPRO Provide Deep Cleaning and Fire Damage Restoration in Lockport?
No matter the size of the fire, SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County can help get your home back to normal.
SERVPRO Provides Deep Cleaning House Fire Cleanup Services in Lockport
A house fire in Lockport can be devastating for a homeowner. Even a small fire in the kitchen around the stove or the oven can cause substantial damage delivering smoke residues throughout the house. The immediate area of the fire may scorch kitchen cupboards and appliances and leave residues on all surfaces. Smoke odors from the fire may be carried throughout the home on natural air currents or even distributed by the heating system.
SERVPRO responds in less than four hours from your call to provide fire damage restoration services in Lockport homes. We immediately assess the situation to determine the optimum approach to cleaning up after a fire and removing all traces of the fire, including smoke residue damage.
Smoke remediation involves the removal of all damaged items that cannot be cleaned or repaired. We record everything that falls into this category for later claims to your home insurance company. The next step involves removing smoke residues and soot from all surfaces, including porous and nonporous items. We clean, sanitize, disinfect all items and then focus on eliminating lingering odors from the fire.
SERVPRO provides the following services to improve air quality and meet the needs of your fire-damaged home:
Fire and Smoke Damage Restoration and Cleanup
Water & Fire Damage Restorations
House Fire Clean Up
Call SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County for fire damage restoration in Lockport and surrounding areas. We can help 24/7. Call (716) 694-7776.
Burst Pipes Can Cause Serious Water Damage in Lockport
Water damage restoration in. your home is no easy task. SERVPRO has the manpower and equipment for any size disaster.
Lockport residents know they can call SERVPRO for water damage restoration.
Something as simple as burst pipes or basement flooding from a ruptured hot water tank can send homeowners calling for professional water removal services. When we receive an emergency call at 3:00 AM, several things happen to get the ball rolling.
Making You Feel at Ease
One of the main things we strive to do on an emergency service call is to relieve your stress and put you at ease. We provide professional water damage restoration in Lockport. Other purposes of the call include:
Educating homeowners about what we are doing.
Protecting the contents and structure from further damage.
Extract as much water as possible.
Begin the drying process.
Avoid disruption to the homeowner’s daily life as much as possible.
Professional Water Damage Remediation
Burst pipes, ceiling leaks, and basement flooding can all require the intervention of a professional water damage company. We scope out the scene when we arrive and then put together a plan of action. Immediate mitigation is required to prevent secondary damage such as mold from occurring. If the moisture is not removed, it causes damage to structural elements and content. SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County provides water removal services that restore your home to preloss condition. Contact us at (716) 694-7776 for more information.
Flash Flooding Can Close North Tonawanda Businesses in a Matter of Minutes
Commercial buildings with water damage restoration needs, need the help of SERVPRO. We will be onsite and ready for action 4 hours of the initial call
SERVPRO provides flood damage service that helps North Tonawanda shops open up as soon as possible
Storms can cause flash flooding that sends massive amounts of water raging through local businesses. Safety is the main priority when dealing with contaminated water, and SERVPRO takes that very seriously.
Contaminated Water Emergency Services
When SERVPRO arrives at your business in North Tonawanda, flood damage control begins with emergency services. Our technicians perform the following actions:
Address Safety Hazards – We post signs and wear the proper PPE. Tarp roofs, shut off utilities, and deal with any other immediate safety issues.
Disinfect Impacted Areas – we spray an EPA-registered disinfectant directly on affected areas.
Provide Containment – Not always needed, but we contain the contaminated water if there is a danger of it spreading.
Remove Standing Silt & Debris - If necessary, we use shovels and rakes.
Remove Excess Water – We remove it from carpeting and other flooring using the appropriate extractors.
Evaluate Content & Structure – This allows us to determine if they can be decontaminated and restored or if they must be disposed of and replaced. Porous material typically needs to be disposed of when in contact with contaminated water.
This is just the beginning of what we do when we provide emergency services for water damage. Sewage cleanup is a must after flooding. SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County provides flood restoration to help you get back in business quickly. Contact us at (716) 694-7776.
Fire Damaged Homes in Lockport Need Professional Restoration
Professional fire damage clean-up is very important to the homeowners. SERVPRO takes pride in the work we do for all of our customers.
SERVPRO Provides Fire Cleanup Do Lockport Residents
When a fire occurs, using professional cleaning and restoration services such as SERVPRO often reduces the fire damage claim costs. Many companies replace everything, which is one of the leading insurance costs. Fire damage restoration services usually are a fraction of the cost of replacement or resurfacing.
Lessen Expenses with the Principles of Cleaning
When we arrive and begin fire cleanup in your Lockport home, our goal is always to restore whenever possible. There may be things we have to dispose of, but if we can restore them, we will. We restoring materials to preloss condition we follow the basic principles of cleaning:
Locate smoke residue – we do this by carefully inspecting the affected area.
Identify the type of residues – this is done, so the proper cleaning agent is used.
Identify the surface type – which cleaning methods and agents get used are based on the type of smoke residue and the type of surface.
Capture and remove residues – we use wet and dry cleaning processes to release and remove residue particles away from the surface.
Dispose of residues – we properly dispose of all cleaning waste and debris.
Fire and smoke damage significantly impacts homes and can bring life to a halt. SERVPRO provides house fire clean-up that allows you to get back to normal as quickly as possible. For smoke remediation, contact SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County at (716) 694-7776.
What Equipment is Available for Mold Remediation in Lockport?
Mold will spread like wildfire within 24 to 48 hours. SERVPRO will be on-premise within 4 hours of the initial call.
SERVPRO Can Mobilize Leading Mold Remediation Equipment for Lockport Residents
The primary cause of black mold growth is moisture. It makes sense then that the type of equipment used to counteract a mold issue is drying equipment. Drying equipment comes in many shapes and sizes so that technicians can use them in any area of the home. It is crucial to have expertise in using drying equipment to remove mold.
We use drying equipment to cleanup:
Black mold
Black mold damage repairs
Mold removal
Crucial to mold removal in your Lockport home is understanding how and where mold is found. To do so, we use measuring equipment. Mold colonies can release mycotoxins into an indoor environment. These can be in the form of odors, spores, or gases. Understanding the condition of the environment can help us to provide tailored remediation.
Particle counters are tools that measure the condition of indoor air. High particle counts could necessitate air filtration and ventilation.
An anemometer measures air movement and can be essential to ensuring the drying procedure is as efficient as possible.
Hydroxyl generators help to clean contaminants from indoor air and are safe to use in an inhabited environment.
When a storm hits and floods the house SERVPRO is the team to call right away. We have IICRC certified techs for any size disaster to your property.
SERVPRO in Lockport Can Assess and Conduct Controlled Demolitions in Flood Damage Properties to Accelerate Drying and Restoration
A flooded property contains vast quantities of moisture. There may be situations where demolition of a building assembly is necessary to restore the home. Demolition is used for contamination control which is a common symptom of floodwaters entering a building. However, demolition can also accelerate drying times in a property.
SERVPRO are experts at:
Emergency services water damage
Leaking roof from storms
Basement flooding cleanup
Drying a property with flood damage in Lockport quickly can be valuable in terms of reducing loss. Secondary issues like microbe infestation or waterlogging can both occur if a property is incompletely dried. Since some materials can suffer permanent damage within a short space, speeding up the drying process through demolition can be essential.
Carpet pads are typically inexpensive to replace and can be cut up and placed in double-sealed bags for disposal.
Removing the baseboard of walls to ventilate wall cavities is essential once insulation gets wet.
Sometimes total demolition of walls is a necessity to accelerate drying times, as stated by S500 guidance.
Commercial fire damage is no easy task. Call SERVPRO and let their trained techs handle all the dirty work for you.
SERVPRO Technicians Have Extensive Training in Chemical Applications for Fire Damage Restoration in Lockport.
Lockport is a popular staycation destination north of New York City and part of the Buffalo-Niagara County metropolitan area. Named after a series of five locks built at the Erie Canal intersection, the city has become a popular destination for families on a day out with its plethora of canal tours, underground passages, and a vibrant promenade. The central attraction is the historic Canal Street which is lined with restaurants, cafes, and bars. Guests can take a trip on some of the city's guided punting tours up and down the canals. The canal was initially built in 1838, and guests can take an underground boat tour to see the Five Flight Locks' construction, artifacts, and history.
Like much of the northern section of New York State, Lockport is a city that is built on agriculture. The climate's unique properties lend itself to the production of wine grapes, and there are many tours available for visitors across several of the most famous wineries. These tasting sessions cover transport and visitation to the Honeymoon Winery, Freedom Run winery, Springlake, and many more. During a weekend away trip, it is well worth heading toward the Lowertown historic district. Many of the properties here are listed with the national register of historic places. They include important sites such as the Western Block Company and Washington Hunt House, which were all established during the industrial era.
Tourism is one of the primary industries in modern Lockport, which means there is no short supply of excellent places to eat. Lock 34 serves contemporary American cuisine and cocktails. The Hilltop Restaurant offers an elegant, refined dining experience, while Cammarata's is a 45-year running family-owned Italian restaurant.
The Art Deco-designed Palace Theater on East Avenue is a shining example of modernist architecture, which also provides drama classes and education to the local community. Catching a play after perusing the Erie Canal outlets is a perfect way to end an evening in Lockport.
The Kenan Center is a stunning arts, culture, and education center initially set up by philanthropist William Rand Kenan. The incredible property is stationed among 25 acres of landscaped gardens and hosts exhibitions, as well as shows, throughout the year.
SERVPRO Can Help to Remove Residue Staining through Expert Fire Damage Restoration
The central principle of removing stains is to understand that "like dissolves like." Greasy deposits, possibly caused by synthetic materials' burning, are best dealt with using a solvent cleaner. Dry deposits are usually water-based and can be cleaned with detergent.
We can assist with:
Smoke remediation
Fire and smoke damage restoration and cleanup
Water fire damage restorations
Agitation of surfaces can help dislodge soots and can be carried out using hand-held wire brushes or machinery. However, an oil-based deposit does not respond to a water-based cleaning solution, no matter how much agitation is involved. SERVPRO technicians test soot deposits to discover the appropriate cleaning action.
Hydrophilic and Lipophilic are terms used to describe the types of soiling caused by a fire.
Hydrophilic soiling responds well to the introduction of water and water-based cleaning solutions.
Hydrophobic soiling rejects water and must be cleaned using an oil-based cleaning solution.
For more advice on cleaning strategy for smoke residues, Contact SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County for fire damage restoration at (716) 694-7776.
Water restoration of any size is no DIY project. Hidden damages are found by the professionals at SERVPRO. Call now.
SERVPRO utilizes a plethora of water removal methods to achieve the best results in your North Tonawanda home
Whenever you have a water emergency in your North Tonawanda home, there are many steps to ensure everything gets cleaned up. Rather than taking the DIY route, our skilled water restoration technicians (WRT) at SERVPRO possess the training and experience to get it done for you in a fraction of the time.
Pack-out/Move-out Services: When extensive extraction and cleaning is required, we can organize efficient packing and moving out of your contents to keep them from further damage.
Emergency Water Removal: We remove excess water and utilize submersible pumps, industrial-grade wet/dry vacuums, and other tools to pull up standing water as quickly as possible.
Carpet Inspection: If you have carpeting, we look at the carpet and the pad below to see if we can clean it or if removal is necessary.
You can always count on our Green Fleet to be fully stocked with the right tools and equipment for the job. Just a sampling of devices we may use for water removal projects include:
Gas-powered and submersible pumps for handling high-level water and continuous pumping.
Portable and truck-mount extraction units for faster, more efficient removal
Hygrometers, moisture detectors, and other moisture-related tools to measure saturation levels.
Infrared camera technology helps us located hidden moisture in ceilings and behind walls.
When you need rapid, efficient water removal, we are here to help at SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County. By calling (716) 694-7776, you will have a crew at your door and ready to get started within hours.
Flood Damage Cannot Wait – Call for Assistance ASAP
Flood damage caused by a storm is a job for a professional outfit. SERVPRO has the manpower and equipment for any size flood damage restoration job.
Lockport residents can count on SERVPRO for skilled flood damage restoration post-storm
Restoration efforts begin the very moment that you contact us at SERVPRO. We are available 24 hours a day to ensure our Lockport customers are not left stressed after flooding sets in. Our crews understand that even the slightest delay can boost the severity of damage and costs for repair.
We do several things when you call us in for flood damage in Lockport after a storm. These steps will generally include:
Gathering all of your information, such as your contact details, address, insurance, details of the flooding, electricity, etc.
Inspection of your property upon arrival to determine the scope of the damage, any hazards, etc.
Identification of the source of incoming water so that we can stop it as soon as possible. We will also check for contamination levels.
We survey all of the damage, perform a full safety inspection, and plan on moving or blocking furniture so that water extraction, drying, and restoration may begin.
Water is removed using one or a combination of methods, including pumps, extraction tools, wet-dry vacuum, etc.
If necessary, we will perform pack-out services.
Carpeting, flooring, and other materials get inspected to determine salvageability.
We can perform controlled demolition to remove and replace unsalvageable materials.
Drying and dehumidification removes lingering moisture and restores relative humidity.
Sanitization and deodorization keep foul odors, bacteria, and mold growth from festering.
SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County performs detailed monitoring at the end of the project, including floors and walls, to ensure the complete drying process. You can count on us 24/7 for flood damage assistance after a storm comes through. Call us at (716) 694-7776!
When you need help with water restoration, SERVPRO is the team to call. Their IICRC certified technicians are ready 24/7 365 days a year.
Trust SERVPRO to handle all water cleanup within your Lockport residence.
Located in Niagara County in New York, the city of Lockport is named for the locks along the Erie Canal. With strong roots in the 1800s, Lockport is a modern-city that is ever-growing and changing with the times. Within the region, there are over 50 manufacturing entities along with over 800 commercial and retail establishments. As of the last decade, Lockport has become well-known for up-and-coming restaurants, pubs, wineries, and breweries.
The downtown area of Lockport, including Main Street, has been undergoing renovations as of late. The plans include building facelifts, new courtyards, and light fixtures with a historical feel. There are always new restaurants and businesses coming into town, all while keeping a lot of the beautiful green spaces throughout so that everyone can enjoy them.
When it comes to attractions, there is always a lot to see and do when visiting Lockport, including plenty of destinations for the entire family. Some of the more popular sites and activities in the area include:
The Erie Canal Discovery Center
Upside Down Railroad Bridge
Lockport Visitor Center
Rollin T Grant Gulf Wilderness Trail
Experiencing Local Flavors Throughout Lockport, NY
Whether you want to pick out a restaurant that features your favorite cuisine or you would like to hit a few local bars, Lockport is filled with a variety of establishments to suit a variety of tastes. You will never see a shortage of new experiences with various cafes, bars, pubs, and pizza joints. Some of the top eateries in the area include:
Shamus Restaurant – This Irish-inspired restaurant on West Avenue features a full bar and an excellent menu filled with everything from burgers and shepherd’s pie to a rack of lamb or strip steak.
One-Eyed Jacks – If you are looking for an excellent barbecue, then this restaurant located on S. Transit Road will fit the bill. The menu includes mouth-watering selections like buffalo chili fries, pulled pork, southern stew, beef brisket, ribs, and much more.
Lock 34 Bar & Grill – Whether you are in the mood for a hearty meal or a selection of quick pub bites, you will find plenty to enjoy at this restaurant on Main Street. Top favorites on the menu include Bavarian pretzel sticks, crab-stuffed cod, brick oven pizza, and panko parmesan-crusted chicken.
New York Beer Project – Come for the drinks but don’t forget to check out the menu at this bar and grill located on S. Transit Road. The menu includes options like New York chicken chowder, brisket melt, deconstructed chicken pot pie, and a full list of beers and craft cocktails.
SERVPRO Mitigates Damage to Your Lockport Residence with Proven Methods and Powerful Water Cleanup Equipment
With any water situation, it takes skilled technicians to ensure all moisture gets removed. Even if the cleanup seems simple, there can be hidden damage done to your Lockport home that could otherwise be avoided. SERVPRO features certified water restoration technicians (WRT) and industrial-grade equipment to get the job done right the first time.
To thoroughly handle water cleanup in Lockport and successful restoration, we usually employ the use of the following:
Various capacity pumps, including submersible, truck-mounted, and handheld models
squeegees and push brooms
Fans, air circulators, centrifugal air movers
Broad-spectrum antimicrobial cleaning products to help prevent mold infestation
SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County is well-versed in every aspect of water cleanup. When you need assistance at your property, call us 24/7 at (716) 694-7776 for rapid response.
Water removal is no easy task. SERVPRO has the man power and equipment for any size job.
SERVPRO uses the latest water removal techniques and tools when called to your North Tonawanda emergency
Depending on the type of water we need to clean up at your North Tonawanda home, SERVPRO technicians may need to take additional safety precautions to avoid a variety of unsanitary contaminants. We arrive to assess the emergency zone, take note of the type of water, and determine which tools and equipment are best suited for the job.
Basic tools to eliminate excess water – If the water level is low, we may use our industrial-strength wet/dry vacuums, mops, and squeegees.
Professional water removal tools – With submersible pumps and truck-mounted extractors, we can remove hundreds of gallons of water in a short period.
Moisture elimination equipment – It is imperative that moisture is found and eliminated. We use centrifugal air movers, axial fans, and dehumidifiers to restore relative humidity levels to normal.
Tools that allow us to find and measure moisture – We ensure no dampness gets left behind that could lead to mold growth or secondary damage with the help of various meters and sensors.
Before finishing your water removal project, we take steps to sanitize and deodorize your interior thoroughly. This eliminates microbial growth and the potential for musty odor development. When all get finished, your home will be Certified: SERVPRO Clean!
Call (716) 694-7776 to have SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County dispatched to your home. We bring all the water removal tools, technology, and experience to get the job done right the first time.
Flooding Can Impact Your Lockport Home Dramatically
Flood damage should be left to the professionals. Call SERVPRO and their technicians can be on site within hours.
SERVPRO is available 24/7 to help Lockport families with rapid flood damage response
The Lockport region has seen its fair share of storms that bring floodwaters. You should never feel like your home is immune to damage, so you should always be prepared. Having our number available ensures that SERVPRO technicians are onsite and ready to get to work right away.
When you contact us to help with flood damage in Lockport after a storm, be wary of these potential health and safety risks:
Sanitary hazards and contamination
Issues with sewage and drainage
Sharp metals or broken glass
Structural damage
Electrical Hazards
Slip and fall risks
Once we arrive to assess the damage, we put together a network of extraction tools and drying equipment to begin the cleanup. While our dehumidifiers and pumps work in unison, we take the time to inspect for structural issues and identify any materials that must be removed and replaced. With controlled demolition efforts, we ensure your home gets back to preloss condition “Like it never even happened.” Depending on the unique set of circumstances, this could include new drywall, flooring, electrical work, and more.
SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County is here for all emergency calls after a storm to address flood damage. Call us when you need us, 24 hours a day, at (716) 694-7776. We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster and will dispatch a crew to your property in as little as a couple of hours from your initial call.
Rapid water restoration services provided by SERVPRO are top rated. Call us anytime 24/7 365 days a year.
Lockport residents trust SERVPRO for rapid water damage response and proven techniques.
Located within Niagara County, New York, the city of Lockport got listed as having 21,165 people when the 2010 United States Census got taken. The city got its name from Erie Canal locks located in the area.
In 1816, the New York Legislature gave authorization for the building of the Erie Canal. The nearest settlers at that time were located in the Cold Springs area. Once the canal construction got proposed, many land speculators started purchasing large plots along the potential canal route.
Enjoying Time Experiencing Local Lockport Attractions
Not only will you find historical sites and museums in Lockport, but there are also several wineries and nature trails to explore. With all of the options in the area, there is something for everyone, including various family activities.
Honeymoon Trail Winery – Not only can you come in here to sample a variety of wines, but there is also a shop on-site that carries a variety of specialty goods. There is also the opportunity to mix wine blends to come up with your own concoction.
The Erie Canal Discovery Center – This destination offers guided tours as well as a small museum centered around the Erie Canal and all of the history of it. The staff on-site are friendly, ready to offer guidance and answers to questions about the canal and the region as it was getting constructed.
Lockport Cave & Underground Boat Ride – If you are interested in learning the history of the locks and exploring the cave, then this underground boat ride and tour is just right. This is the perfect opportunity to dive a bit further into the history of the region along with the economic growth Lockport experienced through the years.
Lockport Visitor Center – Not only can you learn about the area and find different must-see stops, but there is also a boat ride available that will take you up and down the locks. The visitor center is located in the local museum, making it a worthwhile trip where you can also learn more about the city.
Significant Flooding and Water Damage Events in Lockport History
The area of Lockport, NY, is no stranger to flooding and heavy storms. The earliest recorded event dates back to May of 1853, when heavy thunderstorms rolled through the region. The local historical society is also in possession of photos from the early 20th century showing flooding behind the F&M Bank building.
Water Damage Calls for Rapid Response and Attention to Detail – Trust SERVPRO with Restoring Your Lockport Home
There are several things that homeowners should know about the damage water can cause within your Lockport home. SERVPRO features skilled technicians with IICRC training to ensure your property gets the detailed attention it deserves.
The clock starts ticking once water damage hits your Lockport home. Secondary damage sets in if you wait too long, bringing the potential for mold colonization. Keep in mind:
Pollution levels: Category 2 or 3 water brings harmful bacteria – which calls for specialized cleaning methods.
Mold infestation: You have a 24 to 48-hr window from the saturation until mold begins growing. Once it starts, it multiplies rapidly.
Call SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County at (716) 694-7776 for help with rapid water damage mitigation and cleanup!
SERVPRO is looking forward to gathering clues to solve the crimes!
Solving Lockport Crime While Social Distancing
By January 31st, everyone is going to need to get out before fear of the virus or the actual cold weather drives them out of their minds. Fortunately, YouSleuth has something new ready.
Their mystery events are self-guided, so participants can begin whenever their group is ready. That means neighbors can solve a murder on their streets or a group of travel agents can chase down bank robbers just outside their office door. Each participant only needs their smartphone to engage the program and interact with the virtual characters.
Busting Lockport Crime Together or Separately
Crime-solvers can operate as individuals or work as a detective agency to solve the mystery as quickly as possible. Once participants are logged in with their group number, the in-game map leads them to both victims and suspects for interrogation and finding clues. Individual detectives can split off to save time.
SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County encourages everyone in Lockport to stay safe, but also to make the most of whatever activity where they can interact with others. If you have mold damage in your commercial facility, call us today at (716) 694-7776 to begin removal.
It will be exciting to see the community enjoying the Spring Lake Winery!
Experience the Spring Lake Winery Near Lockport Responsibly
On 24 January (and later in the month), Lockport residents can gather in small groups to experience the Spring Lake Winery in a unique, and socially responsible, way. The owners have renovated a rustic cabin to create an environment perfect for wine tasting and to get away from the events of this last year.
A per person fee of $25 includes comfortable seating for relaxed entertaining with complimentary transportation by golf cart and non-alcoholic beverages. The bar/kitchenette is stocked with Spring Lake’s newest releases chosen by the group in advance. Dining choices are available and full-wine service is also available at additional costs.
Walk Around Lockport Vineyards
Guests are encouraged to explore the nearby Spring Lake vineyards. As the sun begins to set, they can return to the cabin for more wine and snacks while gathering around a fire pit out front.
For information about fire damage cleanup operations in Lockport or to schedule a service visit, contact SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County. One call to (716) 694-7776 can quickly help return your home to a clean, safe condition.
Lockport’s History of Flooding and Efforts to Remove the Water
Water damage often is very unexpected. Contact team SERVPRO right away for water removal efforts.
SERVPRO Moves Rapidly to Support Lockport Businesses After Floods and Other Water Intrusions
Lockport enjoys moderate weather for the most part but has still had its share of incredible, and excessive, thunderstorms and floods. One of the first recorded in our area happened in 1853 on Sunday, May 22. Members and guests of the First Free Congregational Church were attending afternoon services in their sanctuary on the northwest corner of Niagara and Church when a violent thunderstorm swept through what was then the village of Lockport.
The church choir was singing in the loft immediately underneath the steeple with a large, metal lamp hanging above them. A bolt of lightning struck the steeple and traveled into the wire lamp hanger. It continued through the lamp, missing the choir completely, where it struck and killed Church Deacon Luther Crocker, who was accompanying his choir on the bass viola.
Other members of the congregation were injured in the rush to leave the building before the resulting fire from the lightning strike consumed it. A local physician, Dr. Lawrence Bristol, was close to the church when the lightning struck and rushed to assist. Most of the injuries were minor, but one young woman had severe burns on her neck from a gold necklace which partially melted from the sudden heat.
Fortunately, the majority of the congregation only suffered from shock and Dr. Bristol was able to revive them with the cold rainwater. Despite what was described as a torrential rainstorm and eventual flood, Dr. Bristol helped remove many more members of the congregation and is credited with saving the lives of those who might have walked back into the church or other danger due to shock.
Early Photographic Records of Lockport Flooding
A photo from about 55 years later shows the effects of another thunderstorm and flood in Lockport. In the background is the rear of the F & M Bank and was probably taken near the intersection of Elm and either Walnut or South streets. F & M was opened in 1906, so the photo had to have been taken after that, but before the Harrison Radiator plant was constructed which covers that area of Elm, Walnut, and South streets.
Everyone in the photo is standing in ankle-deep water near a horse-drawn wagon. The advertisement on the side of the wagon is for the Lockport Candy Company and Wrigley’s Spearmint Gum. There are more wagons and smaller carriages in the photo, but no automobiles; gas, steam, or electric, likely placing it before WWI.
By the 1930s, photography was more common, not to mention cheaper, for newspapers and individuals. There are many more photos tied to a flood that struck Lockport on July 28th, 1941. They reflect the changing times, with late-model cars from the 1930s and perhaps 1940 on the flooded streets, and no wagons, carriages, or horses anywhere to be seen. A billboard for the “Giant Super Market” is seen on the Masonic Building, which was listed in the Lockport City Directory only in 1941 and 1942. According to local newspapers, while the flood was especially harsh to area farmers who had been suffering through a minor drought before the thunderstorm. Unfortunately, what was eventually measured to be two inches of rain fell on Lockport starting at about 3:30 p.m. and ended just four hours later.
Storm Flooding Exceeded Lockport City Council Planning
The City Council was not concerned at first, since they had spent $1 Million in 1939 to enlarge and further upgrade the Lockport sewer system. The rain fell so hard and so fast, however, that the basements in area homes and businesses flooded in only 15 minutes, with the water reaching the first floors soon after that. Near the Big Bridge, at Main and Cottage, the flood formed what was described as a ‘miniature lake’ by the newspapers. One paper (The Lockport Union-Sun and Journal) described it like this: “Soon the water was flowing in the door of the Royal Confectionary store, 1 Buffalo Street, and into other Buffalo Street stores in that vicinity. At the height of the storm, it was several inches deep. The pressure of the water removed manhole covers on Market and Clintons Streets, on West Avenue and in other parts of the city.”
Rural areas flooded, causing problems for farmers as mentioned, but it was lightning, once again, that caused the damage. In Cambria, Middleport, and Newfane, barns were either set on fire, blown apart, or both. In the nearby town of Wheatfield, recently stacked straw caught fire, resulting in a total loss. Shattered and burned trees fell, bringing down both power and phone lines all over. Surprisingly, the flood did not wash away crops, so area farmers still counted it all as a blessing despite the difficulties of losing power and communications.
SERVPRO Supports Lockport Businesses with Professional Training and Equipment
To remove water from area businesses, SERVPRO personnel train to the industry standards set by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC). On-hand classes from the IICRC includes Water Damage Restoration and Applied Structural Drying.
Once certified, our specialists can return many businesses to their original, clean, dry condition. Team members use a combination of extraction devices to remove water while simultaneously drawing out moisture trapped in carpets, drywall, furniture, machinery, and personal property.
If the water intrusion was from stormwater, a backed-up sewer line, or a failing septic tank, it is polluted with soil, human waste, and other contaminants. This does not change how SERVPRO specialists remove the water, but before efforts begin, they spray anti-bacterial and anti-fungal agents over standing water and all affected property. We cannot guarantee carpets are safe after this type of flooding, so team members remove and dispose of them as soon as it is safe to do so.
If you need commercial water removal for your Lockport business, contact SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County today at (716) 694-7776. We are here to help you reopen to your customers as quickly as possible.
Fire Can Have a Devastating Impact on the Homes of South Lockport Residents.
Fire damage and lingering odors can greatly affect your home. Contact our expert team for effective remediation services.
SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County Can Assist South Lockport Residence with Essential Mitigation and Cleanup.
The town of Lockport is on the northern border of New York State and holds the election seat for Niagara County. The region has a history of Native American, Dutch, English, and American settlers. The county name derives from the Native American word for white waters referencing the nearby Niagara Falls, shared with Ontario Canada. Despite being part of an area with a long history of settlement, Lockport today is a relatively young hamlet in the Buffalo-Niagara Metropolitan Area. Its first official town status arrived as late as 1829. The town gets its name from the construction of Erie canal locks, which run along the Hudson River of New York and Lake Erie in Buffalo. The Eerie locks' construction was successful in bringing a large number of Irish and Scottish workers to the area. The growing industries transporting goods like salt helped to establish a thriving working community in the area, which, in turn, led to the formation of the town today. This rapid growth of industry around the locks has led to South Lockport becoming an area of significant historical worth.
Lockport has over twenty-five sites listed with the register of historic places. In the twenty-first century, the town has sought to replace the industrial economy of its formation with a thriving tourist economy. Many visitors come here due to its proximity to the Niagara Falls State Park; however, the local government regularly lobbies for increases in funding to reconstruct historical places such as the five-point locks that could bring increases in tourism to the local community. The current largest employer within the area is General Motors, which employs residents at the Harrison Radiator Corporation. Despite a chequered history with plants being closed, sold-off, and re-purchased by GM, the current incarnation has remained a part of the community since 2009. It is an essential employer for the local community.
The Lockport Visitors Center on Church Street provides tourists with a unique opportunity to explore the local history by boat. Tours run along the Erie Canal, passing by the areas of significance, and passengers are given an oral history of the surrounding area, the canal's importance to the early economy, and views of 5-point locks.
Hockey fans can visit the Cornerstone Ice Arena on Grigg Lewis Way. The rink holds junior hockey matches from the Lockport local teams with foods and refreshments served. This center also runs extensive training programs for people of all ages to get involved with the sport of Hockey.
The town of Lockport is full of hidden passages, underground tunnels, and caves built in the 19th-century. The Lockport Cave & Underground Boat Ride takes fascinated guests by boat through Lockport's subterranean history. The passageway is the longest underground boat ride in the United States and explores the Hydraulic Tunnel that powered the early industrial economy with hydroelectric power.
Places to Eat and Stay in South Lockport
There are many reasonably priced accommodations in the Buffalo Region that provide easy access to the attractions and state parks. In contrast, the plethora of independent eateries offers a unique dining experience. Stopovers along the canal can be an excellent break between tours while booking a few nights at the nearby hotel provides easy access to the Niagara State Park.
The Hampton Inn is a solid hotel chain that is well-suited to guests on a stopover and close enough to Niagara Falls Park to make it ideal for fishing trips or hikes. Membership holders can reduce the bills at hotels across the country while the rooms are clean with useful cooking amenities.
Lockport Inn and Suites is rated in the top five places to stay in South Lockport. The independent hotel offers spacious rooms and gazebos and a swimming pool for meeting guests in the evening. The location on Transit Street is a short distance from the Erie Canal and its attractions.
Just down the road from the Lockport Inn and Suites is One Eyed Jacks, a memorable barbecue joint that attracts both tourists and residents. The independent eatery offers a selection of traditional foods and slow-roasted meats, deli sandwiches, and an in-house smoker for that unmistakable flavor.
In the summer months, the Lake Effect Ice Cream Parlor that sits directly on the canal is a refreshing stopover. On Saturdays, the parlor joins the market that occurs directly outside. As an independent ice cream store, a wide range of flavors, like the aptly named London Fog, pay tribute to the canal's local history.
SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County Can Help South Lockport Residents Get Rid of Fire Odors and Debris after an Emergency.
Buildings and contents restoration services are an essential part of the South Lockport community. An emergency, such as property fire, can cause a massive amount of stress and frustration. SERVPRO works calmly and efficiently to remove the trace elements of fire damage. By cleaning away smoke residues, correcting indoor air-quality issues, and deodorizing your property thoroughly. We pride ourselves on maintaining communication lines throughout the restoration of your home to minimize surprises and stress. Under the direction of an experienced crew chief, our production technicians can reduce personal inconvenience and return your home to a preloss condition as quickly as possible. SERVPRO is a distinguished member of the Buffalo Claims Association and the Chamber of Commerce of the Tonawandas.
We are an award-winning restoration service with over fifteen years of experience working in the South Lockport Area.
Our ability to identify potential problems and rectify them quickly can reduce your home losses and speed up restoration times.
Using our tiered carpet cleaning training, we can restore fittings in the home using a graded cleaning method.
The impact of fire on your home is always emotionally stressful. Contact SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County at (716) 694-7776 to reduce and mitigate losses.
Explore the Harbor of North Tonawanda by Renting Water Bikes this December.
SERVPRO is looking forward to seeing the community enjoy Water Bike Adventures!
Water Bike Adventures is a North Tonawanda Company that Attracts Visitors All Year Round.
The Tonawanda harbor is a picturesque body of water that is best explored by taking to the water. From December 26th, Water Bike Adventures is opening bookings for paddle boats, Kayaks and Hydrobikes. This day out is suitable for all ages and is a relaxing way to experience the Gateway Harbour. Hydrobikes are stable ski-based bicycles that allow passengers to explore the waterways. Suppose you do not feel like expending energy. In that case, Water Bike Adventures offers a range of suitable electric boats for multiple passengers and allows guests to bring food, drinks, and music on board. Bookings should be made early to avoid disappointment.
Safety standard life jackets are provided for all users of Kayaks, Boats, and Hydrobikes.
Water Bike Adventures is situated on Young Street, just a short ride from the Gateway Harbor.
Rentals are booked hourly, although electric boat tours sell out quickly, so book early.
Wet weather can increase the chances of mold growth in your home. If you notice persistent, musty odors, contact SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County at (716) 694-7776.
Get a New Perspective on Lockport's Trade History this December.
It will be exciting to see the community visiting the discovery center in Lockport!
The Erie Canal Discovery Center Encourages Visitors to Interact with Lockport's Past.
The discovery center in Lockport is a fantastic way to stay in touch with local history. The multi-story museum is open through December and tells the story of the five-locks and the influential role in the formation of this town in Niagara county. The interactive exhibits allow visitors to work through the locks themselves while in-character actors tell the story of working on the canal's construction. Opening times run from November 1st through to April 30th. Early tours begin at 10 am, while afternoon tours commence at 2 pm. The Discovery Center is owned and maintained by the Niagara County Historical Society who focuses on bringing history to life for young children and adults.
The three stories of the museum are all wheelchair accessible.
Guided tours and interactive exhibits encourage visitors to live the history of Lockport.
The Lock, Stock & Barrel gift shop is a great way to support the center and pick up a souvenir of your visit.
Business premises could face temporary closure due to water intrusion this winter. Contact SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County at (716) 694-7776 for commercial water restoration services.
Children’s Etiquette Online Intro Course in Lockport
SERVPRO politely arrives at your water damaged Lockport home to begin the cleanup and restoration, "Like it never even happened."
Lockport Kids Ages 7 – 12 Can Learn About Proper Etiquette with this Free Course
Elaine Swann is the creator of The Swann School of Protocol and hosts this virtual class on manners. Etiquette is a character trait that is fast disappearing. If you want your children to learn politeness and manners, this introductory course will get them started. The course covers three core values. Kids learn when and how to use their manners:
At home
In school
When out and about
The class is prerecorded. After you are registered, you will be sent the link in an email. Younger children may need help with writing exercises. It is a free class, but you do need to pre-register. It takes place Friday, November 27, from 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM. For more information or to register, contact Mabelle Lim, 1-800-437-6125.
As families in the community, SERVPRO proudly supports art, culture, and etiquette for the children in the area. SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County provides water restoration services in Lockport. If you have water damage that requires mitigation, contact us at (716) 694-7776.
Lockport Residents Can Experience Storms that Cause Home Damage
Stormy weather in Lockport? No Problem, our SERVPRO green fleet can arrive swiftly for cleanup and restoration
SERVPRO Can Provide Storm Flooding Cleanup in Lockport When Bad Weather Strikes
Roughly 18 miles from Niagara Falls is one of the most rapidly expanding cities in upstate New York. The town of Lockport is rich in history with a promising future. Once a thriving center for commerce and industry, much of the business today comes from heavy industry and research-oriented manufacturing. It is a friendly town known as the Niagara Frontier and has much to offer those looking to relocate to the area.
Ancient History to Incorporation
The Neuter Indians once lived in the area that is now Lockport city. Ancient artifacts have been discovered dating back to 8,000 B.C. It was a fertile land where settlers could come and develop farms. They could grow a large variety of fruits and vegetables in the rich soil.
The town split from Cambria and Royalton and was incorporated on February 2, 1824. Settlers came from all over to explore the land. They came from:
Scotland
England
Germany
Ireland
Italy
They found themselves following Indian trails, many of which would become roads. Transit Road is still in existence and got its start in 1798. The road began at the Pennsylvania Line and ran to Lake Ontario and was 92 miles long and 800 feet wide. There were three toll roads in the town during this time, and Transit Road was the first. Many people, animals, and wagons moved along that roadway as the town began to grow.
Change Comes with the Erie Barge Canal
In 1825, Lockport began their portion of the Erie Barge Canal. The then western terminus of the canal was home to a tavern that was also a mail stop. This brought about a serious change to the location as it encouraged further growth.
While small in size, to begin with, the canal was enlarged twice. The first time was in 1860, then later in 1909. It is no longer used for industrial purposes but is a favorite area for recreational activities. Residents can enjoy concerts, cycling, fishing, jogging, and walking trails.
Modern Transportation
Lockport was quite modern with its trolley line from Buffalo to Lake Ontario with a stop at Olcott in between. Several railroads had paths through the town. Some of these are still in use today. With these modern conveniences came growth.
Education – The Road to a Successful Future
In 1956 many schools were consolidated, but at one time, there were 16 one-room schoolhouses. Students of all grades were taught in these schools, as learning was important to the community from the beginning. If you wish to step back in time, you can visit the District 5 “Pomeroy” school. The Town of Lockport Historical Society renovated the schoolhouse, and visitors can see the techniques that Dr. Ruth Muck used when teaching. It still has the original school bell. 4-H is a significant outreach in the area, which is another educational arm of the community. Kids can learn about so many things, including:
Gardening
Modeling
Animal science
Nutrition
Dinner theater
Ecology
Crafts
General Motors Brings Jobs
Today the biggest employer in the area is General Motors Components. The company began in 1912 as the Harrison Radiator Company, and in 1918 General Motors Corporation incorporated it as a division of the company.
Beautiful Place to Explore
Lockport is a lovely town with the Erie Canal running right through the town’s center. A set of two modern locks at the Niagara Escarpment is where the canal climbs. Visitors can enjoy boat rides at the Erie Canal Cruises and Lockport Locks. Other places of interest include:
Canal Discovery Center – Close to the locks, the center is in an old church.
Lockport Erie Canal Museum – Experience history through photos, antique machinery, and more. This is in an old lock control structure and is the only remaining “Flight of Five” Locks spillway of the original five.
Niagara County Historical Society – Learn the history of Niagara by exploring the Society’s rich archives and displays.
Lockhart Cave and Underground Boat Ride Tour – Located near the locks, it is a fun adventure for the entire family.
100 American Craftsman – Annual arts and crafts show.
Ida Fritz Park – Host to many local events, including the Taste of Lockport and summer Cruise Nights.
New Ice Rink for the Lockport Express and Clarence Mustangs.
Home to the widest bridge in North American. It spans the canal.
Not only is Lockport a great place to live but a fantastic place to visit. It has its own historical and enjoyable venues and is close to Niagara Falls. An excellent place for a base when exploring the Falls. Plenty of bed and breakfasts or hotels to make any stay pleasant.
Storms Can Hit Anywhere at Any Time
Storm damage occurs all across the county, but cities near water can be especially susceptible. In the last 100 years, sea levels have risen. The result is an increase in both the number of storms and the flooding they can cause. Coastal towns should always be prepared for unexpected flooding. SERVPRO encourages Lockport residents to have a plan in place in case of storm flooding. This includes things such as:
Have an evacuation plan in place.
Prepare emergency supplies such as water and batteries.
Make copies of important documents and have them ready to go.
Ensure you have an out-of-area contact as a communication center.
Talk to your homeowner’s insurance company and have the needed flood insurance coverage.
Professional Storm Damage Mitigation
If you need storm flooding cleanup in Lockport, SERVPRO has the experience, expertise, and equipment to tackle the job. Our technicians possess their Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC). We understand what is needed to keep our employees and you safe during the floodwater restoration process. You can expect our crew to:
Provide any emergency mitigation services needed
Remove structural components and content that cannot be salvaged
Contain the spread of contaminated water
Sanitize impacted surfaces
Water extraction and drying of premises
Perform controlled demolition as needed
Clean, repair, and restore your home to preloss condition whenever possible
SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County is available around the clock for storm flooding cleanup. Contact us at (716) 694-7776 if we can help you in any way.
Herschell Carousel Factory Museum Virtual Tours & Workshops in North Tonawanda
SERVPRO keeps the mold off of these beautiful horse that you can see on the North Tonawanda Virtual Tour.
Learn About Carousels and More – Visit in Person or Take a Virtual Tour on North Tonawanda
Who doesn’t love a carousel? It brings forth memories of times past and lazy summer fair days. Allan Herschell certainly enjoyed them and other amusement park rides. He was a partner in the Armitage Herschell company. This company was one of the area’s first carousel companies, and Allan starting working for them in 1873. He would go on to work for Herschell-Spillman Company.
The Allan Herschell Company shipped carousels all over the world. His company was known for its quality rides, and they were sent throughout:
United States
Canada
India
Tahiti
South Africa
Mexico
They did so well they produced more hand-carved wooden carousels than any other company. Each carousel had beautiful horses that were simple yet elegant. Over time they produced over 3,000 of these carousels.
Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum
Today this museum has programs that enhance fun and learning. Virtual tours and workshops are available during this time of distancing. You can see a recorded museum tour, check out the Simple Machines 2.0 workshop, or participate in Binary Bracelets.
SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County provides mold remediation and cleanup in North Tonawanda. If you need mold mitigation, contact is at (716) 694-7776.
Do Lockport Homeowners Need to Worry About Groundwater Flooding?
Do not let groundwater flooding permanently damage your home.
Lockport Homes Can Be Impacted By Groundwater Flooding and Require Professional Mitigation
Often flood damage is associated with storms and bad weather conditions that cause flash flooding. But that is not always the case. Lower levels in Lockport homes can experience flooding when groundwater penetrates the building. It puts your home at risk for structural and secondary damage.
What Happens When Groundwater Enters the Structure? Groundwater enters the home through the foundation because of hydrostatic pressure. It seeps in through various penetration points, such as weakened mortar joints. The result is exposed standing water that gets rapidly absorbed by porous materials such as drywall. Water is corrosive and can cause extensive damage. Anything stored on the lower levels of your home can become waterlogged, contaminated, and develop mold. If left untreated, it can quickly become a widespread emergency. Immediate flood damage services in Lockport can give you back your home.
What Mitigation Does SERVPRO Provide? Our emergency response team arrives on the scene and does a scope to determine the source of the flooding. Any emergency mitigation needed is done at this time. Our technician's efforts include: • Water extraction using pumps designed for dealing with flood water • Debris and mid removal • Inspecting for water entry points • Repairs and restoration • Sanitizing with antimicrobial and antifungal agents
We can provide the needed repairs and, in many cases, full-scale build-backs. Controlled demolition allows our technicians to remove heavily impacted structural elements. This allows complete drawing in hard to reach areas as well. Penetration points can be repaired and sealed against further flooding.
Do not let groundwater flooding permanently damage your home. Contact SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County at (716) 694-7776 for expert flood damage service. We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster!
Can Lockport Properties be Returned to Normal after a Fire Through Cleaning?
Restoring an HVAC system can be time-consuming, but it is also essential to return your home to a preloss condition.
Cleaning Smoke and Soot Residues is a Crucial Part of Fire Damage Restoration. SERVPRO Can Help Get your Lockport Residence Back to Normal.
How does smoke spread through a property? Smoke damages are among the chief causes of concern for your Lockport home. While firefighting efforts can often contain the fire source, smokes are much more difficult to trap in one area. These chemical-filled gases rise upwards with heat and pressure while always seeking cooler air. The result is a structure that shows signs of smoke residues both in the area of damages and on walls and ceilings throughout. Since the residues come from the gas, they can reach and enter almost any spaces in the home. It is common to find smoke residues in cabinets, drawers, electrical fittings, textiles, and mechanical systems in the house. In some cases, an odorous smoke can permeate the building assembly itself, affecting insulation and assembly frames. Our technicians can help you to locate and remove the residues through established cleaning methodology and training.
Do Heating, Ventilation, and Air-conditioning (HVAC) systems need replacing after a fire? Inspecting HVAC systems is an essential part of fire damage restoration in your Lockport home. The ductwork can transport hot smoke throughout the house and should be switched off, along with any electrics, immediately when a fire breaks out. Unfortunately, switching off the mains electrics is not always possible. That can lead to large amounts of smoke entering an HVAC system, overloading any inbuilt filters, and redistributing throughout the home. Cleaning a system like these is usually only necessary in situations where there is moderate to significant damages. Replacing an HVAC system is unnecessary unless there is material damage to the mechanics. If mechanical ducts are not cleaned during fire restoration, they can store smokes and redistribute them into the clean parts of the structure once power is restored.
What factors influence HVAC damage from the fire? • The location of the fire is compared to the HVAC system and whether smoke has entered the return or supply side of the ductwork. • The length of time that a housefire was burning before the flames where extinguished • Whether the blower for the HVAC was in operation during the fire, although air-pressure can force smoke into a switched off the system as well.
What qualifications do you need to inspect an HVAC system? Conducting repair of an air-conditioning system is a job for a specialist. However, fire restoration technicians can work with the non-moving parts of the system to clean and restore them. Some knowledge is required to understand what parts of a system could be damaged. Mechanical components like turning vanes, dampers, cooling coil, and mixing boxes should undergo tests to ensure there is no malfunction. Some of the parts can be replaced relatively cheaply. The ability to disassemble some or all of the HVAC system is also useful during the inspection to gain access to the interior ductwork and make an informed decision regarding the restoration requirements. If necessary, SERVPRO can arrange for a subcontractor to replace some or all of the HVAC systems, which can be included within your claim report allowing you to only deal with one point of contact during the service.
What approaches influence HVAC restoration? • The material construction of the system, whether sheet metal, duct board or flex duct. Whether there is insulation in the ductwork. • Are smoke residues severe enough to justify the system's disassembly and whether the mechanical components may need removing. HVAC disassembly is reserved for specifically qualified technicians • The condition of the filters on both the return and supply side of the system. These may need cleaning or replacing
How do technicians clean ductwork? Cleaning the ductwork of an HVAC system is an effective mitigation procedure against further damages and is often necessary for fire restoration. First, we remove air intakes and vent registers as well as air-handling filters. Negative air pressure or vacuuming can help to remove soots or dust from inlets and outlets in the system. Accessible areas can also be washed. Duct sealer can be applied to the HVAC using fogging equipment and the HVAC systems blower to distribute and is an efficient way of controlling malodors that may occur due to the fire.
What parts of HVAC fire damage affect a home? • The type of smoke residues that are present within the ductwork • The extent of residue, whether major, moderate or minor • The presence of malodor
Restoring an HVAC system can be time-consuming, but it is also essential to return your home to a preloss condition. Contact SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County at (716) 694-7776.
Why Choose Full-Service Water Restoration Over DIY?
Customers in Lockport rest easy when the SERVPRO VAN Pulls up to their property to begin water damage cleanup and restoration
SERVPRO Water Damage Restoration Saves You Time and Money When Bringing Your Lockport Home Back to Normal Again
Big or small, any water intrusion inside your home can bring headaches, stress, and costly repairs. Rather than waiting too long to call in the pros or trying your hand at cleaning up yourself, SERVPRO can be at your Lockport property within hours. Regardless of the water incident size, you can feel confident in our services and attention to detail. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.
Why Do I Need to Worry About Secondary Damage?
Any moisture left behind once you have a leak or interior flood can amplify your water damage in Lockport. Even if you think you used your wet vacuum to pull up all of the water, you may be missing areas where water traveled. These are things to keep in mind:
Water travels to dry spaces while following the path of least resistance.
Moisture often ends up under flooring, behind baseboards, and underneath cabinetry, which remains invisible to the naked eye.
Secondary water damage occurs when moisture lingers, including the destruction of building materials and the onset of mold and mildew.
Did you know that mold requires moisture to grow?
It takes hold in as little as 24 hours of your water incident, so rapid cleanup is crucial.
When you contact SERVPRO to help with water damage, we make our initial assessment and then commence with water removal, cleaning, and damage restoration. Whether you have saturated drywall that needs replacement or warped subflooring, we can ensure the right professionals are on the job to bring everything back to the preloss condition. When the entire project gets wrapped up, your interior will be “Like it never even happened.”
SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County is the team to call when you want professional water damage restoration results. We can be reached 24 hours a day for emergency service and cleanup by calling (716) 694-7776.
Can Soot Be Removed from Surfaces after Fire Damage?
Lockport Home Damaged by Smoke and Fire--Like this Wall? Call SERVPRO for Cleanup, and Restoration
SERVPRO Provides Fast Fire Mitigation to Remove Smoke Residue from Lockport Homes
Soot is a smoke residue that has settled and is a troublesome material that SERVPRO technicians deal with daily. There are different types of soot, and each one can require different cleaning techniques. If you are dealing with fire damage in Lockport, you want professionals who understand what needs to be done for proper mitigation.
How is Soot Removed from Surfaces?
When determining the methods for removing soot, the combusted materials, and the makeup of the surface need to be taken into consideration. Kitchen fires are the main reason for residential fires and often involve grease fires. This leaves protein residues on the surfaces. Wood burning and oil furnace puff backs produce a different type of smoke residue. Our technicians pre-test surfaces and use the best approach depending on the material getting treated. Our professional equipment and advanced technology allow us to provide quality fire restoration in Lockport and return your home to preloss condition. The processes used can include:
Dry Ice Blasting– Uses C02 pellets that sublimate (from solid bullet to gas) after contact. This method can be a robust or gentle abrasive cleaning process that can be used on things such as exposed beams.
Soda Blasting– Baking soda combines with pressurized air to remove lightly charred residue on surfaces. Like dry ice blasting, it cleans the surface without damaging the substrate while offering a degree of deodorization.
Chemical Cleaning Agents – Oil-based solvents get used on oil-based films. There are multiple chemical solvents our technicians can use.
Agitative Cleaning Methods– Vacuuming is often the first step in removing dry smoke residues. Feather dusting, scraping, and brushing agitate the soils allowing them to get vacuumed up.
Controlled Demolition – There are situations where the material, such as drywall, is badly affected, and restoration is not possible. When this happens, the removal of the impacted area is the process of choice. Replacement takes place during the restoration stage.
Our technicians also use various methods, such as air scrubbers, to remove soot from the air. We are a comprehensive fire restoration company that leaves your home, “Like it never even happened.”
Contact SERVPRO of East Niagara County at (716) 694 - 7776 for expert fire restoration service.
How Can a Pack-Out of Furnishings and Other Contents Help Homeowners Struggling with Storms and Flooding in Lockport?
Flooding can cause major damage to the exterior and interior of your home. Contact SERVPRO 24/7 for storm damage remediation and mitigation services.
SERVPRO Offers Residential Property Owners a Detailed Plan to Keep Household and Personal Possessions Secure During a Flood Damage Pack-Out in Lockport
When torrential rains and high winds cause damage to your home's exterior or overland flooding invades your lower levels, more than your Lockport home structure is at risk. Other items exposed to water and contaminant damage include:
Furniture
Mattresses, box springs, and other bedding
Removable rugs and carpets
Kitchenware plus other household goods, decor, and knick-knacks
Window coverings
Clothing, including footwear and outerwear
Documents, books, pictures, and other papers
Electronics
Why do Flood Damage Restoration Professionals Recommend Pack-Outs?
The last thing you might desire in the chaos of storm-related flood damage to your Lockport home is the huge task of gathering and boxing up your home's contents. Understanding three dimensions of a pack-out can make the necessity and details of the process straightforward. First, removing contents at risk or already suffering from flood damage permits SERVPRO's specially trained production technicians to evaluate, clean, dry, disinfect, deodorize, and restore the items. Second, clearing your home of some or all contents allows our onsite technicians to work swiftly and efficiently to contain and remove flood waters, followed by rapid drying. Third, our crews handle the packing and transporting of the articles removed.
How Are Packed-Out Contents Tracked and Kept Secure?
SERVPRO uses a multipoint Contents Claim Inventory Service (CCIS) to list and follow each item through the process. Employing the CCIS results in a concise paper and digital file of written lists, barcoded articles, and uploaded pictures. We use this data as your possessions move through the process, with restored property stored in our climate-controlled storage area until your home is ready for a "reunion." The records kept provide documentation for insurance claims, protecting you by minimizing out of pocket replacement and repair costs.
Practical and proven solutions for residential customers offered by SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County ensure that both your home's structure and contents come out of flood damage "Like it never even happened." Do not delay your call to (716) 694-7776 -- we answer 24/7 and are prepared to respond promptly.
SERVPRO Helps Business Owners Find Ways to Complete Various Restoration Processes Without Minimal Disruptions
The appearance of mold spots on surfaces like walls and ceilings at your Lockport coffee shop is a genuine cause for concern. Many people generally worry about the likelihood of packaged coffee containing traces of mold. Some go as far as looking for brands or coffee grown under unique conditions, such as highlands, to guarantee it does not contain mold. Therefore, resolving mold infestation at your shop is crucial for your needs and to reassure your customers.
What steps are crucial in remediating mold damage for our Lockport coffee shop to continue operating? Cleaning moldy residues on various items • Removal of heavily infested items • Drying wet materials • Deodorization
Resolving mold problems at your Lockport coffee shop is not very different from performing remediation at any other property. The process requires cleaning of all moldy residues on surfaces of the building or individual items. Our SERVPRO crews can help you identify all hotspots where such residues might remain hidden, including wall surfaces, and especially the sections concealed by wall menus or other hangings. Cabinets in storage areas and wall cavities also provide perfect locations for mold to proliferate unnoticed.
Once we identify the affected areas, we can remove the residues from surfaces if it is a light infestation or remove the affected materials when there is severe growth on porous materials. We also seek to establish what causes the mold attack so that we can find a way to stop it as part of the remediation guaranteeing long-term results.
What are the likely causes of mold development at a coffee shop? • Ceiling condensation • Leaking pipe in the walls or ceiling • Leaking hoses from appliances such as dishwashers
Temperature differences in the air can develop close to the ceiling surface leading to condensation, which deposits liquid water on the ceiling material. Such a phenomenon supplies the moisture necessary to spark mold growth. Various reasons can cause temperature differences, including poor insulation or improperly sealed recessed lighting fixtures leaking air. Our SERVPRO technicians inspect the ceiling at your shop to establish whether there is a condensation problem. We also look for ways to address such condensation since cleaning or removing the moldy materials without stopping condensation would only provide a reprieve temporarily.
Another common issue likely to drive mold development is leaky pipes in the ceiling, especially if the plumbing has been in place for a long time. Such leaks can develop at the joints or along the pipe because of corrosion, which leads to pinhole leaks. Leaks can also originate from dishwashers because of faulty inlet valves, hoses, or doors. Establishing the source of the leak is crucial to ensure the moisture problem is resolved during the restoration effort.
Is it possible to perform mold removal conveniently? Convenience when remediating mold damage in a coffee shop could mean: • Minimizing or eliminating the need to shut down the shop • Limit the spread of light mold debris • Minimizing teardown
Although removing combating mold is in the best interest of your customers, most of them might not be happy to find their favorite coffee shop closed for several days. Finding a way to deal with the problem without extended closure is desirable. Our SERVPRO technicians can help you achieve this in many ways. For instance, we can set up containment to seal off the affected areas allowing the rest of the facility to operate. Containing mold debris requires the right resources because some are very tiny. For instance, mold spores are only 4 microns in size – a human hair strand is 75 microns thick.
When creating the containment barriers, we use 6-mil plastic sheets propped up by spring-loaded poles. After sealing off an area, we run a negative pressure machine and use manometers to confirm that the seal is airtight, thus preventing cross-contamination. When cleaning mold debris, we choose methods such as vacuuming and damp wiping since they spread minimal debris into the air compared to wire brushing or other forms of mechanical agitation.
Apart from heavily infested porous materials which must be torn down and removed from the building, our technicians can find unique ways to clean other materials heavily infested materials without demolishing the area. For instance, we can use soda blasting, which removes mold residues without causing scratches or other damages to the surface. The sodium bicarbonate used also helps absorb odor and kill spores.
Mold issues should not force you to close down your business. Call SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County at (716) 694-7776 to help with cleanup and other restoration tasks. We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster!
You can trust that your home is in very capable hands with the skilled and highly trained experts at SERVPRO.
SERVPRO Assesses the Fire Damage and Formulates a Plan for Restoration of Your Lockport Home.
While there are several ways to handle the cleanup after a fire in your Lockport home, calling in the help of IICRC-certified technicians ensures you get the best results. At SERVPRO, we have highly-trained fire and smoke restoration technicians (FSRT), and We are Faster to Any Size Disaster. This ensures you get help quickly so that your routine may resume faster than any DIY methods could ever achieve.
Our Expert Restoration and Clean Up Process
Once you call us for help with cleaning up fire damage in Lockport, our team arrives to begin the assessment process. A few of the mitigation efforts that occur shortly after our initial scoping of the project will include:
Removal of charred debris and unsalvageable building materials and contents
Total surface cleaning
Dry vacuum methods
Water extraction to handle moisture left after extinguishing the flames
Soot and ash removal
What Can I Do About the Awful Odors?
With any house fire restoration project, deodorization is critical. Even with the smallest fire, odor molecules can leave a lingering reminder of the blaze. Burning odors and smoke residue can intensify without proper mitigation practices, such as surface cleaning and debris removal. Once we handle the initial cleanup, our SERVPRO crew utilizes a range of deodorization techniques while using equipment such as:
Thermal fogging technology
Hydroxyl generators
Odor neutralizing pellets
Ozone generators, and more
Should there be a great deal of smoke and soot throughout your HVAC system, our team utilizes sealants to limit the spread of odor-causing particles. We also use sealants on walls to keep lingering odors from becoming a reminder of the fire incident.
SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County is available 24 hours a day if you are faced with fire damage to your home. You can reach us by calling (716) 694-7776, and we send out a team as soon as possible.
No matter what disaster strikes your property, our SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County team is here to help.
Many disasters can leave your Lockport property in need of immediate attention, and our fast response can make these losses “Like it never even happened.”
There is versatility in the term restoration services. Whenever disasters like water and fire losses impact your Lockport home, you need assurance that competent and qualified professionals can help quickly. Our fast response during a crisis can ensure that the appropriate emergency services, mitigation steps, and restoration techniques are employed appropriately. By responding to many loss incidents within hours of the first phone call, we can significantly reduce the overall cost and time invested and restoration of the property. Has a locally owned and operated team of restoration technicians, our facility is close, and we can reach your emergency fast when you need us.
Fire
When fires impact your Lockport home or office, there are specific steps that can be taken immediately to help reduce the severity of the situation. While our technicians must wait for extinguishment to complete, emergency services can begin right after we are cleared to enter the property. This stage of recovery can embody many specific tasks designed to help eliminate the situation's possibility of getting worse through the structural breaches that exist both inside and outside your house. Some of these emergency services include:
Soot and smoke residues can stick to many surfaces and contents throughout your Lockport residence. Because of the microscopic particles that make up soot threats, these can be a health hazard to those exposed without the appropriate personal protective equipment. Addressing these residues in coatings on surfaces must happen as soon as possible to limit these particles' circulation throughout the property. We have multiple techniques to address these concerns, including soda blasting, abrasive cleaning techniques, and controlled demolition.
Is It Possible to Removal Foul Odors After a Fire?
Deodorization is one of the final steps that our technicians take when restoring a fire damaged property. One of the reasons we wait to address this concern in your Lockport home or business is how many restorative tasks can agitate these conditions. We focus on removing residues, debris, and other threats that can add to the severity and harshness of present odor concerns in the house.
Commercial
You care as much about your customers as you do about your Lockport business's appearance after a disaster. Water, fire, mold, flood, and storm losses all have unique destructive patterns that can impact your business and can force your doors closed under the right circumstances. It is our unique position to help you through this stressful time by offering effective containment strategies that allow you to continue operation in a limited capacity when possible.
How Can SERVPRO Improve the Look and Feel of My Facility?
You do not always need a disaster to take place to require cleaning services that our SERVPRO team provides. There are many steps in keeping your facility looking its best. With qualified cleaning technicians available whenever you need them, we have multiple approaches to improving the look of your Lockport property as an ongoing appointment or singular incident.
• Vandalism Removal • Wall Cleaning • Carpet Cleaning • Air Quality Control • Deodorization
What Is Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned?
Many Lockport businesses are looking to provide their customers and their employees' peace of mind about the steps taken to reduce viral pathogens and bacteria that could be transferred on shared surfaces and communal areas. Our program offers the top products and approaches that we can provide our customers to ensure that you can be confident in your facility's safety.
Storm
There is no mistaking the severe weather that can impact Lockport and its surrounding areas throughout the year. Our preparedness for these disasters is critical when structural breaches occur. While vulnerabilities like these often lead to flooding, emergency services like temporary construction solutions can reduce the severity of these secondary effects.
How Does Standing Water Get Removed from My Structure?
Standing water is a considerable concern for every Lockport home or business, primarily because of the damage this can do to exposed materials and contents. It is critical to utilize multiple extraction tools in these flooding scenarios, many of which arrive with our technicians when we first rollout from our facility. Flood extractors include:
• Trash Pumps • Truck-Mount Pumps • Wet Vacuums
Can SERVPRO Rebuild My Property After a Storm Loss?
Reconstruction is often a need after flooding impacts your Lockport property. Our in-house contractors can work alongside restoration technicians to provide the necessary repairs, remodeling, and complete build back as needed for the structure.
Water
After a water loss incident, the initial inspection of your property is valuable to determine the extent of the damage, the necessary equipment, and personnel required to return your Lockport home to its original condition. Often identifying the migration pattern of water loss effects is crucial in this regard, and involves multiple sophisticated tools and devices including:
Water removal and extraction do not always have to indicate that standing water exists in your Lockport residence. We have multiple tools and machines designed to pull water from porous materials that can quickly absorb moisture, such as carpeting and wood plank flooring. Standing water is a concern of its own, however. Removing pooling water from specific areas of your home requires efficient extraction devices such as submersible pumps, wet vacuums, and other specialty removal approaches.
What Efforts Are Necessary for Drying?
The best approaches to drying your Lockport home or business are not universal. While we do have fundamental tools and equipment such as air movers and dehumidifiers that can help with evaporative drying, the placement and frequency of these machines are unique to your structure. We continuously monitor the progress of drying through our exclusive monitoring and data collection software, SERVPRO DryBook.
No matter what disaster strikes your property, our SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County team is here to help. Give us a call 24/7 at (716) 694-7776.
Trust SERVPRO to Resolve Your Smoke and Soot Stained Lockport Home--"Like it never even happened."
Variants in the Smoke and Soot Characteristics Presenting During Lockport Residential Fire Damage Restoration Resolve Well When SERVPRO Professionals Are on the Job
One-size-fits-all cleanup approaches are popular for busy Lockport homeowners, limiting the products chosen in anticipation of routine housekeeping and occasional messes. A fire loss calls this attitude into question. If you decide to try to manage all the cleaning yourself or even pick out a few tasks to get out of the way before the professionals arrive, unfortunate circumstances are likely. If the professional evaluation and cleaning adaptations are not made, restoration fails.
Why Is Planning Fire Damage Restoration Such a Puzzle?
Lockport residents who feel the restoration of fire damage is merely another maintenance task are probably coping with their first smoke and soot cleanup emergency. The residues created when building materials and contents are unique and pose significant challenges to resolve. An all-purpose cleaner and a sponge can spread and smear the soot, failing to remove the residues adequately and exposing the structures and contents affected to the risk of corrosive damage.
The possibility of skin contact with or inhalation of potentially toxic substances also can pose health consequences. Different fuels in different parts of your home create smoke and soot residuals that vary widely and require individualized interventions even within the same room. Strategies to eliminate these residues must reflect this reality.
Who Can Assess Residues and Match Them with Effective Fire Restoration Methods?
SERVPRO ensures our work crews have the knowledge and skills offered by training through the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC). Standards developed by this international organization are research-based and evolve as innovations improve the options available. We use this knowledge base to craft a restoration plan that:
Links residues to cleanup methods and products proven scientifically to work
Enforces the use of safety controls including personal protective equipment (PPE) for our workers and containment of the workspaces to shield you and your family from hazards
SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County has a trained workforce, proprietary cleaning products, and specialized equipment needed to achieve successful fire damage restoration. Partner with our highly-qualified team by calling (716) 694-7776.
What Should I do About the Water Damage in My Lockport Basement?
Our technicians are always ready to help you when you need it.
SERVPRO of Lockport Can Remediate the Water Damage in Your Home Today!
What would you do if a pipe burst over your basement and caused water damage inside your Lockport home? Many people would hesitate to act due to the pure shock of the situation. It's not every day that catastrophe hits your home.
The best thing you could do if your Lockport home was suffering water damage is to immediately call for help. Minutes can make a difference in the remediation process. Here at SERVPRO, our technicians are expertly trained and have thousands of hours of combined experience on the job. We mean it when we say we're water damage experts.
How Can You Get the Water Out of My Basement Quickly?
Our SERVPRO technicians are trained to use advanced equipment designed to remove a significant volume of water swiftly. On your property, we can use: • Portable submersible pumps • Wet/dry vacuums • Extractors
While these are only a few of the devices we can use on the job, they get the work done swiftly. Removing the water as fast as possible can minimize water damage and help the remediation process go smoother.
Once the Water is Out, is the Job Done?
Removing the standing from your home is only the first step of our job. After the water is removed, we can: • Clean up any garbage from the area and pack up your belongings • Remove furniture and send it to our facility for treatment • Make flood cuts along the walls where necessary • Set up drying equipment, such as dehumidifiers and axial fans
Our job is to ensure that we remove as much excess moisture from your home as possible. Doing so helps us prevent further damages from occurring, such as mold blooms. We strive to leave your home feeling like it did before the water loss happened.
If your home needs water remediation, don't wait. Speak with SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County by calling (716) 694-7776. Our technicians are always ready to help you when you need it.
How Can I Avoid a Commercial Water Damage Situation in Lockport?
SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County at (716) 694-7776 for commercial water damage cleanup.
SERVPRO techs have the knowledge and training to clean up any type of water loss in your Lockport business
Commercial water loss situations happen in local Lockport business properties in various ways, but the one thing they all have in common is they need fast action to minimize the loss. While it is not possible to absolutely avoid a pipe break or flood damage, doing monthly inspections of your property and having environmental monitoring installed can assist in limiting damage.
What is the Best Way to Handle Commercial Water Damage from a Toilet Backup?
While a pipe burst or supply line issue can dump a large amount of water quickly within a business property. When the water contains solid waste and other sewage byproducts it requires professional cleanup as the water in Lockport is hazardous to come into contact with because it can include: • Pathogens such as Hepatitis B and C • MRSA • E. Coli bacteria
SERVPRO technicians have the safety equipment to remove and dispose of the wastewater, also known as "black water," within the guidelines of municipal regulations. They also put up containment to keep any airborne droplets from spreading and wear respirators to inhibit any chance of accidentally aspirating contaminants during the cleanup.
Additionally, the odor is an issue with most types of water loss, and a huge issue when it is a black water situation. The technicians have access to various types of odor control equipment. In many instances, a multi-layered approach gets used so that both airborne and embedded odors get neutralized.
Before reopening the business, the techs scope the property and verify all the water got extracted, the property has been dried and disinfected, and no residual odors are remaining.
SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County at (716) 694-7776 for commercial water damage cleanup. The certified technicians have the equipment and experience to handle water loss events, both small and large, to return your property to its preloss condition.
What Can I Expect from Professional Fire Damage Restoration in Lockport?
Fires happen and are one of the most stressful events for homeowners. Call SERVPRO for fast remediation.
Trust that Your Property is in Trained and Experienced Hands When the SERVPRO Team Arrives to Restore Fire Damage at Your Lockport Home
Fire damage restoration is uncharted territory for the typical Lockport homeowner. The fire and its aftermath are hard to respond to constructively if you have no previous context for what the process will be like or how long a restoration effort might last. It does not help you feel pressured to shorten the time taken to weigh the pros and cons of various approaches or choose among different disaster recovery companies. Finding a disaster recovery firm you can trust is the foundation for the best possible outcome.
Why Is a Professional Response to Fire Damage So Essential?
After being tasked with arranging for fire damage restoration in your Lockport home, the job feels overwhelming. One of the most constructive things available to bring your stress and anxiety under control is to partner with our Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC)-trained workforce. Once you hear and see the confidence our managers demonstrate during the evaluation of your fire scene, you realize we can deliver on the promise of making the damage, "Like it never even happened." Collaborating with our team lowers your stress and allows you to manage the rest of your and your family's disrupted lives.
Is It Typical for Restorers to Begin Implementing Water Mitigation Tasks Immediately?
Unlike many other home maintenance or improvement projects that go through a bidding, awarding, and waiting process, when the SERVPRO team arrives and is given the go-ahead after a safety review, some of the interventions begin within minutes to hours. The progressive nature of fire damage is well-documented, with permanent harm occurring right away and worsening. Successful restoration is most likely when trained technicians begin best practices as soon as practical. We know this might feel rushed, but we assure you we are following well-established and research-based protocols, the implementation of which we are familiar and experienced in doing even though it is all new to you. Examples of actions to halt the damage and begin remediation can include:
Removal of firefighting water and extinguishing chemicals
Disinfection and structural drying of wet areas
Containment of work areas with 1.6 mil polyethylene and sealing by negative pressure air scrubbing equipment to reduce airborne particulates lower the smoke odor load
Moving of contents to a non-affected space on your property, or a recommendation to pack-out furnishings, household items, and a range of other personal possessions to our production facility
Cleanup of charred and otherwise damaged debris
Inspection of HVAC systems
Walkthrough of every space in your home, as fire residues disperse and float on super-heated air currents to deposit on any available surface
Evaluation of the soot and surface characteristics of soiled surfaces, matching the residues and their resting places with the products and techniques science and experience suggest work most effectively to clean, sanitize, and restore
Implementation of the residue removal plans indicated by the evaluation
Why Do Restoration Technicians Wear Protective Equipment?
Some of the most disconcerting after-effects of a Lockport household fire are warnings that your comfortable home has transformed into a hazardous environment. A primary reason experts discourage DIY restoration of fire damage is the residues' toxic nature, both airborne and settled onto surfaces. Our technicians use various personal protective equipment (PPE) to avoid skin contact with dangerous residues and minimize the inhalation of potentially unhealthy airborne particles and aerosols. The procedure used to don and remove the PPE protects you and your family from the toxic residues as it prevents tracking the hazards into areas of your home you might still inhabit during the project.
Are There Ways Restoration Companies Help with Insurance Concerns?
Restoration of your home after a fire event involves expenses, most of which you hope to find coverage from your home insurance policy. Documentation must be complete and convincing for the damage done to your home's structure and contents. We pledge to work closely with each residential customer and insurance carrier to ensure the data needed to substantiate claims is in place. Transparent communication is crucial, and we keep you informed and welcome concerns and questions now and into the future.
You can rely confidently on the highly qualified and experienced managers and crews of SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County when they respond to your fire restoration request. Our lines answer 24/7 at (716) 694-7776. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.
What are Signs There is Still Water in My Home After I Cleaned It Up?
Take a peek inside our warehouse. This is just some of the equipment at our disposal to restore your home.
SERVPRO Knows Sometimes Water Loss can be Hidden Within a Lockport Structure and Needs Professional Help to Restore the Property
To save money, and not realizing how bad it can get, many homeowners choose to do water damage cleanup on their own. The problem with this type of loss is the water can migrate rapidly within a structure and wind up in areas where it can continue to do damage until it gets extracted and dried. Signs of remaining excessive moisture include:
Deteriorated sheetrock
Warped or bowed wood floorboards
Delaminated tiles
Musty odors
Visible mold
Is Water Damage Repair Possible on Wet Sheetrock?
When SERVPRO technicians assist local homeowners with water damage repair and restoration in their Lockport homes, it is a multi-layered process. Upon arrival, they scope the property and pay special attention to the walls and floors. Sheetrock gives away the hiding place of excessive moisture by buckling or warping. The techs can use their detection equipment to determine how far up the material the water wicked and cut above the damaged portion. These flood cuts help stop any further damage to the sheetrock and make the replacing sheetrock easy to fit in the space left open once the property gets dried.
Special Attention to Mold During the Mitigation Process
During training, SERVPRO techs learn extensively about mold as the naturally occurring airborne spores are always present indoors and outdoors. When conditions are right, they germinate and cause problems. The technicians have multiple treatments, both proactive and neutralizing if existing colonies are found, such as:
Antimicrobial cleaning agents
Antimicrobial sealants
Abatement tools for dried colonies
SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County at (716) 694-7776 has a vast array of extraction and drying equipment to handle water damage repair and return your home to its preloss condition.
Do you have a major flood issue in your Lockport home? Call the restoration professionals from SERVPRO to mitigate your problem.
When Flooding Occurs, it Is vital to Protect Your Home, Belongings, and the Occupants as Much as Possible.
Flooding in your Lockport home can be an overwhelming situation that quickly spreads from the point of entry to other areas of the property. Understanding what threats exist with natural flooding and storm loss water penetration can ensure that the right steps get taken early to protect the house and its contents.
Flood damage in Lockport homes can mean several potential problems, from standing water to contamination. Addressing each of these individual conditions is a focal point of responding technicians and can utilize the full measure of our cutting-edge equipment, products, and technology. With an area that has seen flooding many times, Niagara County residents should consider what to do when these emergencies occur, and their role in making it “Like it never even happened.”
What Should I Do as Soon as Flooding Begins?
How you initially respond to an emergency is a critical element to the effectiveness of our SERVPRO team during this crisis. There are initial steps that you can take when you first recognize that flooding has started, but ultimately, the safety of your family should be paramount. Here are some steps that you can take when you first acknowledge floodwater penetrating the property:
Protect What You Can – It is not improbable to take some keepsakes and personal treasures with you on your way out of the house. You cannot make multiple trips because it might be unsafe once flooding gets too bad. Relocate some items that could become ruined by migrating floodwater.
Get to Safety – Protecting yourself and your family during this disaster should stand out above all other mitigation tasks. There is little that you can safely do in your home with active flooding, so clearing the way for our responding technicians can be equally as vital.
Contact our Professionals – While you might get tempted to consider contacting your insurance provider to learn what coverage options exist and what can be done about the disaster to your house, contacting our restoration team might be the first call you should make. Mobilizing our professionals can get critical mitigation, and emergency services started that can be instrumental in protecting your home.
What Emergency Services Can SERVPRO Perform?
Emergency services come before even mitigation tasks and are designed to stop the spread of floodwater, protect your belongings, and remove overwhelming threats for responding technicians. While this often involves our extensive roster of water restoration and bio-recovery professionals, it also includes our division of licensed residential contractors we have in-house. Some of the emergency services that our team can offer after a flood disaster include:
Extraction
Controlled Demolition
Content Management
Environment Cleaning
What Are the Primary Threats of Flooding?
Understanding the risks and threats that flooding presents in your home is a motivator to secure the appropriate professional cleaning and restoration services. Our SERVPRO team can work through many phases of mitigation, restoration, and reconstruction to offer a comprehensive solution to hazardous flooding conditions. Counteracting each of the potential threats of natural flooding in your home can reduce tear-out and rebuilding as well as unnecessary out-of-pocket expenses. Some of the potential risks of flooding include:
Saturation – Standing water can absorb into materials and allow water to migrate to new areas of the property. While surface water alone can be threatening, oversaturation can compromise affected materials and contents, ultimately forcing them to be discarded.
Structural Damage – Saturation alone can cause some degree of structural damage. Also, the penetration point, such as missing shingles on a roof, missing mortar in basement blockwork, or other entry points, presents a persistent threat to your home until repaired.
Contamination – Natural flooding must often get considered a blackwater event because it cannot get ruled out that rising water encountered bacteria, sewage, viral pathogens, or other contaminants.
Can SERVPRO Offer Repairs and Build Back as Well?
With a full division of licensed residential contractors, we can offer temporary construction solutions like board up and tarping upon arrival to a flooded home. These same professionals can undertake the repairs and full reconstruction of damaged structures whenever necessary.
Flooding presents multiple potential problems for your home. With a fast response and effective emergency services and mitigation solutions, our SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County team can help. Contact us at (716) 694-7776.
How Can I Restore My Lockport Shop After a Plumbing Leak?
Lockport Small Businesses Rely on SERVPRO for Fast Water Damage Cleanup and Restoration
Breaks and leaks in your plumbing network can often damage ceiling systems and other exposed areas of your shop, but our SERVPRO team has the experience to help.
Broken seals and damaged washers/gaskets around fittings of the plumbing system in your Lockport shop are not uncommon occurrences. Because much of the plumbing network is stowed neatly away above the ceiling, a minor leak could go unnoticed for several days before saturating enough of the ceiling system to reach the visible surface layer.
Restoring water damage in your Lockport boutique involves multiple approaches and sophisticated tools. Repairs and recovery must get started right away, as the leak can continue to penetrate materials and spread until it gets substantially worse. Ceiling materials are often the most directly affected initially from a leak. Repairing these areas quickly can often reduce or prevent the migration of water to the trafficked regions for the rest of the store.
How Can Structural Cavities Get Dried?
Once leak detection measures like audio equipment and thermal imagery have directed our technicians to the appropriate location for a break or breach in the plumbing, controlled demolition efforts can begin to expose the damage to allow for repairs. Drying the involved materials and the structural cavities involves multiple advanced tools and approaches, including:
Positive Pressure Systems
Negative Pressure Systems
Centrifugal Air Movers
Desiccant Dehumidifiers
Controlled Demolition
Does SERVPRO Manage Reconstruction After Water Losses?
Because portions of the exposed areas require discarding, build back and reconstruction are often elements of water loss recovery that must also get addressed With a division of licensed residential and commercial contractors, we can protect fixtures like the shelving of your store, your wares, and your reputation by offering a fast and reliable turnaround on getting your doors back open. Our business is to keep you in business.
No matter how damaged your shop might be after a water loss, our SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County team can help. You can reach us anytime at (716) 694-7776.
Flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we. SERVPRO Of Eastern Niagara County provides emergency cleaning and restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—including all holidays.
Faster To Any Size Disaster
Flooding and water damage is very invasive. Water quickly spreads throughout your home and gets absorbed into floors, walls, furniture, and more. SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County arrives quickly and starts the water extraction process almost immediately. This immediate response helps to minimize the damage and the cleaning and restoration costs.
Need Emergency Service? Call Us 24/7 –716-694-7776
Water Damage Timeline
Within Minutes
Water quickly spreads throughout your property, saturating everything in its path.
Water is absorbed into walls, floors, upholstery, and belongings.
Furniture finishes may bleed, causing permanent staining on carpets.
Photographs, books, and other paper goods start to swell and warp.
Hours 1 - 24:
Drywall begins to swell and break down.
Metal surfaces begin to tarnish.
Furniture begins to swell and crack.
Dyes and inks from cloth and paper goods spread and stain.
A musty odor appears.
48 Hours to 1 Week:
Mold and mildew may grow and spread.
Doors, windows, and studs swell and warp.
Metal begins to rust and corrode.
Furniture warps and shows signs of mold.
Paint begins to blister.
Wood flooring swells and warps.
Serious biohazard contamination is possible.
More Than 1 Week:
Restoration time and cost increase dramatically; replacing contaminated materials and structural rebuilding may be extensive.
Structural safety, mold growth, and biohazard contaminants pose serious risks to occupants.
SERVPRO of ENC specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. 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.
We Specialize in Flooded Basement Cleanup and Restoration!
A basement can flood at any time, although flooding most often occurs during heavy rainfall. Basements are inherently prone to flooding because they are the lowest level of a building and are normally built partly or entirely below ground level. There are a number of reasons why your North Tonawanda basement could flood, including:
A blocked or failed sewer lateral pipe
Heavy rain causes surface water to pool around your home
If flood water is not handled quickly and properly, it can jeopardize your health and safety, and cause severe damage to your home’s structure. Remember, the longer you wait, the worse the problem will get.
The bottom line: a flooded basement can jeopardize your health, safety, and your home’s integrity. It’s worth making a call to SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County and let our trained, professional crews handle the situation safely and correctly. We have earned the trust of hundreds of homeowners, business owners, and property professionals.
We are Flooded Basement Specialists:
We are Available 24 hours/7 days per week
We’re a Preferred Vendor to many National Insurance Companies
We Bill The Insurance Directly – One Less Thing For You To Worry About
Our Technicians are Highly-Trained in Water Restoration Techniques
When you are faced with a water damage in result of sewage back-up, it is important to take special precautions. Sewage can carry bacteria and viruses, which can cause health problems. When cleaning up an area effected by sewage, proper PPE must be worn. This will protect the individual who is remediating the situation. It is a very dangerous situation.
SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara Professionals have the training, skill and knowledge to properly clean up and remediate after a sewage back-up. Our crews will properly clean and sanitize the area that was affected. The porous materials such as drywall, wood, carpet and pad will need to be disposed of properly. They are unable to be cleaned and properly decontaminated.
For more information or to schedule an appointment for our team to come out and take a look, please give us a call directly at 716-694-7776.
It is almost summer time here in Western New York. When you think of the term "water damage" one may think of an ice dam melting on the roof or excessive rain. With summer, rain can definitely be a factor of water damage.
Occasionally WNY can experience bad rain storms with heavy torrential downpours. This can cause the sump pump to overwork and can sometimes result in failure, which can cause flooding damage to one's home or commercial property or home. If the area is not properly extracted and dried out, mold can be a devastating result. Mold can also be damaging to one's health.
SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County is here to help you with your water damage clean up needs and restoration. Our crews are properly trained and professional. We are ready to provide services when needed. Count on us! We can be reached directly at 694-7776.
Spring is Storm Season in the Western New York Area
We are all very excited about the warmth and beautiful weather that spring brings . Spring can also bring storms. Rain, wind and flooding can occur. The following are the most common storms we see in our area. If you have damage to your home or business from these devastating storms, call SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County (716) 694-7776 and we will make it “Like it never even happened.”
Hail Storms
Hailstorm causes the greatest amount of damage to the exterior of your home or property. Common types of damage caused by hail are: roof damage, siding damage, shingle damage, window damage and automobile damage.
Thunderstorms
Thunderstorms can produce many types of damaging weather such as lightning, hail, tornadoes, winds, flooding and more. The biggest contributors to damaged property are likely hail and wind, which can cause many types of exterior property damage. Heavy rains from thunderstorms can cause flooding in homes an in the streets.
Tornadoes
Even tornadoes are uncommon, they can happen in the Western New York area.
Lightning
You may be surprised to learn that lightning is a major cause of storm damage in many areas around the country. Lightning that hits trees and the ground is a common cause of wildfires, structure fires, property damage and power outages. Lightning can also cause power outages.
Floods
Floods are typically the result of heavy rain and water that rises faster than storm drains can handle. Flash floods driven by quick,heavy bursts of rain can flood homes, basements and businesses. This can cause serious damage to both interiors and exteriors.
For more information on the services that SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County provides regarding storm damage cleanup for your commercial or residential structure, please visit or call:
SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County is available 24 hours a day for water emergencies, large or small. When you are dealing with water damage, immediate action is crucial. A delay of just a few hours can greatly increase the severity of the water damage.
We Answer the Phone Ready to Help Call Today - 716-694-7776
We understand that when you call us, you may be feeling confused, stressed, and vulnerable. You need an expert to guide you through this crisis. SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County has the specific water damage training and experience to help you through this tough time. We specialize in water damage restoration—in fact, it's the cornerstone of our business.
What to Expect
When you call, we will ask several questions regarding your water damage emergency. These questions will help us determine what equipment and resources to bring, including how many trained SERVPRO Professionals may be needed.
Our SERVPRO Representative will ask several questions:
Your name and contact information
Your insurance information (if applicable)
The street address of the water-damaged home or business
When did the flooding or water damage occur?
What caused the water damage (if known)?
Is there electricity available (on-site)?
About SERVPRO of ENC
SERVPRO of ENC specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. 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.
Following a Disaster is to Plan For it NOW. As many as 50% of businesses may never recover following a disaster, according to the latest industry research. Of the businesses that survive, the overwhelming majority of them had a preparedness plan in place. Pre-planning can serve as an insurance policy aimed at peace of mind. By developing a SERVPRO® Emergency READY Profile for your business, you minimize business interruption by having an immediate plan of action. Knowing what to do and what to expect in advance is the key to timely mitigation and can help minimize how water and fire damage can affect your business.
Advantage A no cost assessment of your facility.
– This means there is no need to allocate funds, giving you a great value at no cost. A concise Profile Document that contains only the critical information needed in the event of an emergency.
– It will only take a little time to complete and will not take you away from current projects. But it will save a lot of time if ever needed. A guide to help you get back into your building following a disaster.
– This can help minimize the amount of time your business is inactive by having an immediate plan of action. Establishes your local SERVPRO® Franchise Professional as your disaster mitigation and restoration provider.
– You have a provider that is recognized as an industry leader and close by. Identification of the line of command for authorizing work to begin. – This saves time so we can begin the work of mitigating the damage which can save you time and money. Provides facility details such as shut-off valve locations, priority areas and priority contact information.
– Having a quick reference of what to do, how to do it and who to call provides solutions in advance of an emergency so that during the emergency you are “Ready for whatever happens.”
For more information , please call us at 716-694-7776
Our Crews are considered an essential business and will remain open. We are here to provide top quality clean up services to Niagara County and the surrounding communities.
Many business, medical offices, town buildings, etc are closed due to the COVID 19. Only essential business such as grocery stores, pharmacies, doctors offices, hospitals and essential care workers are operated in norm. We need these essential services to live. For example, grocery stores, we need food to live. Churches are even closed.
The governments in many states are starting to think about reopening in the next few weeks, or even this month or next.
SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County is here to come in to your business and properly disinfect your business before reopening. This helps assure employees and customers that all precautions have been taken in keeping the area safe.
Give us a call. We are here to help! For more information, or to schedule an estimate, give us a call at 716-694-7776
This church in Buffalo, NY suffered damage from a fire . A group of vandals had set garbage cans on fire outside the church. There was extensive damage to the outside of the building .
When our crews arrived at the scene , we noticed the smoke damage. There was some smoke that came through a window that was cracked in the hallway, due to the vandalism. The smoke smell was smelt through out the church. The crews properly cleaned the kitchen, common hallways and entry areas.
The vapor shark was used to help alleviate the odor.
Whether your residential or commercial property has suffered a fire , please give us a call. We can provide you with an estimate, approximate price on what needs to be cleaned . Faster to any disaster ! 694-7776.
In this chaotic time, we want to let you know that SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County is here for you! We are considered an essential business in NY state and will remain open to provide assistance to you with your cleanup and restoration needs.
Services that we offer include:
*Fire & Water damage clean up and restoration
* Mold Remediation
* Carpet, Upholstery and Air Duct Cleaning
* BioHazard , Vandelism and Crime Scene Cleanup
* Deep Cleaning
* Disinfecting Services and Proactive Cleaning : in wake of the Covid 19. We are here to help make sure both residential and commercial properties are safe.
We have been serving Niagara County and its surrounding areas for the past 19 years. Please give us a call and see how we can help you! We provide estimates:
SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County has given back to their local community by providing disinfecting cleaning to our first responders. We appreciate all that they have done and are doing to keep our communities safe. Our crews have disinfected over 50 vehicles, including fire trucks, captain's SUVs, Patrol cars, Rescue trucks and Police vehicles. We have also properly disinfected the common areas/break rooms of each facility and hall. Our crews are properly trained and equipped to provide effective disinfecting services in both commercial and residential properties. We are equipped with proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). We use hospital grade products on all jobs that are performed. We following specific guidelines in accordance with the CDC.
If you are in need of disinfecting services in your residential or commercial property, please give us a call at 694-7776. We would be happy to answer any questions that you may have and provide an estimate.
During this unprecedented time caused by the global pandemic of coronavirus, this is a reminder to our customers that we are specialists in cleaning services, and we adhere to the highest cleaning and sanitation standards.
Specialized Training
We are prepared to clean and disinfect your home or business, according to protocols set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We have years of experience in dealing with biological contaminants, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform on a daily basis.
The CDC encourages cleaning of high-touch surfaces such as counters, tabletops, doorknobs, light switches, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets and tables. Other spaces mentioned in the CDC’s guidance for commercial spaces include:
Kitchen/Food Areas
Bathrooms
Schools/Classrooms
Offices
Retail Spaces
Water Fountains
Shelving/Racks
Sales Counters
Carpets and Rugs
Stair Handrails
Elevator Cars
Playground Equipment
Fitness Equipment
Specialized Products
The CDC recommends usage of a labeled hospital-grade disinfectant with claims against similar pathogens to the coronavirus. Multiple products in the SERVPRO product line carry the EPA-approved emerging pathogens claims. While there is currently no product tested against this particular strain of the coronavirus, we are following all guidelines as provided by the CDC and local authorities.
Call Today for a Proactive Cleaning
If your home or business needs deep cleaning services, call the experts today SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County : 716-694-7776
SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County is available 24 hours a day for water emergencies, large or small. When you are dealing with water damage, immediate action is crucial. A delay of just a few hours can greatly increase the severity of the water damage.
We Answer the Phone Ready to Help Call Today -716-694-7776
We understand that when you call us, you may be feeling confused, stressed, and vulnerable. You need an expert to guide you through this crisis. SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County has the specific water damage training and experience to help you through this tough time. We specialize in water damage restoration—in fact, it's the cornerstone of our business.
What to Expect
When you call, we will ask several questions regarding your water damage emergency. These questions will help us determine what equipment and resources to bring, including how many trained SERVPRO Professionals may be needed.
Our SERVPRO Representative will ask several questions:
Your name and contact information
Your insurance information (if applicable)
The street address of the water-damaged home or business
When did the flooding or water damage occur?
What caused the water damage (if known)?
Is there electricity available (on-site)?
About SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County
SERVPRO of ENC specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. 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.
During this chaotic time in the world, SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County is here to help you with your clean up needs. New York state has mandated that all non- essential businesses close due to the COVID 19 virus outbreak.
Rest assure, SERVPRO of ENC is considered an essential business and is still here to provide service to our local communities. In addition to our basic services that we offer, SERVPRO has developed a proactive cleaning and disinfection protocol for businesses and institutions based on specifications from the CDC ( US Centers For Disease Control ) Our team is highly trained and equipped to handle all your clean up needs .
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us at any time by phone at 716-694-7776 or by email : SERVPRO8794@aol.com.
As always, we are here to help you get through this time. Be safe and stay well.
It is very important to know how to operate and use your generator safely. During storms, we worry about losing power. Face it, basically everything is operated by electricity. But incorrect usage of this could be deadly. The following tips below will guide you on how to correctly operate your generator. (Tips provided by American Red Cross).
*Never use a generator, grill, camp stove, other gasoline, propane, natural gas or charcoal burning devices inside a home, garage, basement, crawl space or any partially enclosed area.
* To avoid an electrician, keep the generator dry and do not use it in wet conditions. Operate it on a dry surface under an open canopy-like structure, such as under a tarp held up on poles. Do not touch a generator with wet wands.
*Opening doors and windows or using fans will not prevent carbon monoxide (CO) build up in the home. Although CO can't be seen or smelled, it can rapidly lead to gull incantation and death. Even if you cannot smell exhaust fumes, you may still be exposed to CO2. If you start to feel sick or dizzy or weak, while using the generator, get fresh air immediately.
* Install CO alarms in central locations on every level of your home or property and outside sleeping areas to provide early warnings.
SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County is here to help with your storm damage clean up.
Our area has been faced with heavy rains this week. There has been standing water in the roadways and surrounding areas. When weather changes occur like this, homeowners must keep an eye on their home.
This home was effected by a sump pump failure. The sump pump could not keep up with the amount of rain that was falling. High winds and rain can cause many losses like this. It causes the sump pumps to over work.
The customer was awaken one morning to 4- 5 inches of standing water in his basement . He called his local plumber . The plumber came out and fixed the underlying issues. Our crews were then called in for clean up and remediation.
Our crews extracted the carpet, pad and uncarpeted area. We then removed carpet and pad from the basement. The carpet and pad had to be removed due to the smell from the water coming out of the sump pump. Our crews removed debris . They then set up dehumidifiers and fans to properly dry out the area.
We responded to a fire in a the customers home in North Tonawanda. The fire was the result of faulty wire connecting the TV to the power outlet. The customer had a lot of content in the room, in which was all affected by the smoke.
Our crews were called to the scene to assess the damage and plan for what needed to be done. When the scene was cleared , our crew began their clean up. We removed any non-salvageable debris from the scene. We HEPA vacuumed any webs created from the smoke. We then hand wiped all walls, ceiling, floors and content with SERVPRO cleaning and deodorization products. Through the whole process, we ran two Vapor Sharks to properly removed the odor form the air. Any carpets and upholstery were cleaned at the end of the process were professionally cleaned.
The customers pleased with the job that was done. SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County is here to help you with your fire and water damage clean up needs. Please give us a call at 694-7776.
source : www.wivb.com Niagara CountyMODERATE Winter Weather AdvisoryInvalid Date
...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 7 PM THIS EVENING TO
6 PM EST THURSDAY...
* WHAT...MIXED PRECIPITATION EXPECTED. TOTAL SNOW ACCUMULATIONS
OF 2 TO 4 INCHES AND ICE ACCUMULATIONS OF A FEW HUNDREDTHS OF
AN INCH.
* WHERE...NIAGARA COUNTY.
* WHEN...FROM 7 PM THIS EVENING TO 6 PM EST THURSDAY.
* IMPACTS...PLAN ON SLIPPERY ROAD CONDITIONS. THE HAZARDOUS
CONDITIONS COULD IMPACT THE THURSDAY MORNING AMD EVENING
COMMUTES.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
PERIODS OF SNOW, SLEET OR FREEZING RAIN WILL RESULT IN SLIPPERY
ROADS AND LIMITED VISIBILITIES. SLOW DOWN AND USE CAUTION WHILE
DRIVING.
SUBMIT SNOW AND ICE REPORTS THROUGH OUR WEBSITE OR SOCIAL MEDIA
Give yourself enough time to get from place to place . Beware of frozen pipes. If you have water damage from a frozen pipe, please give us a call 694-7776. We have been servicing Niagara County and its surrounding areas for 19 years.
Fire in ones home or business can be extremely stressful. SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County is here to help make your process smoother .
We will come to your home/ business and asses the damage . We will see what needs to be done . We will give the customer the approximate cost of the clean up and restoration . SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County believes in giving the customer the estimate before the job is started . Our crews are professional and properly trained . We are here for you! Give us a call at 694-7776. We have been serving Niagara County and it’s surrounding areas for the past 19 years .
Our crew member is carpet cleaning a rug at an apartment complex .
Carpet Cleaning
At SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County we offer other services besides water and fire damage clean up and restoration services. We offer carpet cleaning for both residential and commercial properties . Before we begin the services, we can provide the customer with a general estimate on what the cleaning will cost . Our crews are professional and highly trained . We have been proudly serving Niagara County and surrounding areas for the past 19 years . If you are looking to freshen your carpets and get them clean , give us a call . We can be reached directly at 716-694-7776. We look forward to hearing from you !
Strong winds came whistling through WNY late Halloween night. Winds were soaring 45-60mph, with gusts up to 70mph. Many homes in the WNY area were reported to be with out power. National Grid estimated approximately 5800 without power this morning. Many trees and power lines were down on the sidewalk and roads. In result, many schools were cancelled or delayed. Alongside with the wind, torrential rains had fallen for the past two days. This caused flooding issues also.
SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County is here to help! There is no job too BIG or small for us. Call us at 694-7776. We provide free estimates.
When it comes to mold growth in Western New York, even your business may be at risk. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to help mitigate the problem.
Mold spore growth most often occurs in areas of darkness and humidity. This means that areas affected by water damage are the most susceptible. It's best to repair any such places as quickly as possible.
2. Dry Damp Areas Thoroughly
If you have areas of dampness or flooding in your business, whether due to a storm or a broken pipe, then it's best to dry the area as thoroughly as possible. This can help prevent the creation of a spore growth habitat, as spores tend to dislike dry areas. You may also want to use a dehumidifier.
3. Use Proper Ventilation
One step you can take to help prevent mold growth, is having a ventilation system installed in your building. This can help prevent high humidity in the space, which in turn can help discourage the growth of mold spores.
4. Keep Things Clean
Another way you could help mitigate potential mold problems, is to keep your business clean. Doing so may allow you to spot potential problem areas, and take appropriate measures before a mold problem occurs.
5. Call an Expert
If you believe you may have mold on your business property, it's best to contact a professional remediation service. These professionals have the equipment necessary remove the mold before it spreads further. If you're hoping to prevent mold growth on your business property there are a few steps you may be able to take. Keep your business dry, fix any water problems you may have as quickly as you can, use a proper ventilation system in the building, and do your best to keep the area clean. If you do believe you may have found mold it's always best contact professional.
SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County specializes in mold cleanup and restoration. Our technicians are highly trained restoration professionals that use specialized equipment and techniques to properly remediate your mold problem quickly and safely. If you suspect that you have mold in your home or anywhere else , give us at call at 694-7776. We are to help you ! We can provide a free assessment.
Here are the 8 most common fire hazards in the home
Who doesn’t love the romantic glow of candlelight? But, even if you enjoy their fragrance and ambiance, you might want to think twice before lighting a candle and leaving the room. From 2007-2011, the NFPA says there were an average of 10,630 fires in the U.S. that were started by candles, causing 115 deaths, 903 injuries and approximately $418 million in property damage. That is an average of 29 candle fires per day.
About one-third of these fires started in bedrooms, causing 39% of the associated deaths and 45% of the associated injuries. More than half of all candle fires start because of candles that were left too close to flammable items. They should always be kept at least 12 inches away from anything that can burn.
2. Smoking
While the number of fires caused by smoking is trending downward, the NFPA found that there were still an average of 17,600 related fires per year resulting in 490 deaths and more than $516 million in property damage.
3. Electrical & Lighting
Electrical fires can have a number of different origins. They can be caused by an equipment malfunction, from an overloaded circuit or extension cord, or from an overheated light bulb, space heater, washer, dryer or other appliance.
According to the NFPA, in 2011 approximately 47,700 home structure fires were caused by some sort of electrical failure or malfunction. These resulted in 418 deaths, 1,570 injuries and $1.4 billion in property damage.
4. Dryers and washing machines
Clothes dryer fires happen more often than one might think, accounting for 16,800 home structure fires in 2010 and doing more than $236 million in property damage. The most frequent causes of fires in dryers are lint/dust (29%) and clothing (28%). In washers, they are wire or cable insulation (26%), the appliance housing (21%) or the drive belt (15%).
5. Lightning
Unlike other types of house fires, which occur more frequently in the winter months, those caused by lightning are more likely to happen in June, July and August in the late afternoon or early evening. From 2007-2011, NFPA says there were an average of 22,600 fires per year caused by lightning strikes.
6. Children playing with fire
The NFPA says that children start an average of 7,100 home fires per year, causing approximately $172 million in property damage. July is the most active month for these fires, and males start the majority (83%) of them. Younger children under the age of six are more likely to start fires inside, using matches or a lighter as the ignition source. The most frequent sites for fires are the bedroom (39%), kitchen (8%) and living room/family room/den (6%). Older children are more likely to start fires outside.
7. Christmas trees
Like candle fires, Christmas tree fires are more common during the holidays, with 43% occurring in December and 39% in January. The NFPA says an average of 230 fires are attributed to Christmas trees each year and they are more likely to be serious because of the factors that can contribute to the fire: a dry tree, electrical lights and a fuel supply (gifts) under the tree. Christmas tree fires cause an average of $18.3 million in property damage each year.
8. Cooking
The number one source of house fires is cooking – usually leaving pots or pans unattended on the stove while you run away to do something for “just a minute.” The NFPA says that 40% of all house fires, or an average of 156,600 per year, start this way, causing approximately $853 million in property damage. Two-thirds of the fires started because the food or other materials caught fire.
Fires are more likely to start on a range (57%) as compared to the oven (16%), mainly due to frying. Most injuries occur when the cook tried to put out the fire.
Several years ago in Florida, investigators saw a pattern of fraudulent house fires that started in the kitchen when the owners left food cooking on the stove while they ran to the store for a missing ingredient. Grease would catch on fire and the flames spread from there.
We are here to help with your fire damage clean up and restoration needs . We have been serving Niagara County and it’s surrounding areas for the past 19 years . Give us a call 716-694-7776 . We would be happy to be of assistance .
A commercial property is always at risk of being damaged by natural elements. If your business gets hit by a disaster, you’ll need a commercial restoration company with real-world experience and the resources to return your property to its normal state. SERVPRO Restoration has years of experience in residential and commercial restoration services. Our team of experts offers:
Our professionals have the training and equipment needed to restore your business after common issues with minimal interruption to your daily operations. SERVPRO also provides disaster planning to ensure that your property fortified in case future damage strikes.
At SERVPRO, we offer 24/7 commercial restoration and reconstruction services for damage caused by water, fire, smoke, mold, storms, and other disasters.
Why SERVPRO Commercial Restoration?
What makes SERVPRO Restoration different from other commercial restoration services? We offer multiple services through one point of contact. This means you only need one number to reach our reconstruction, emergency services mitigation, contents cleaning, training, insurance claims assistance, and disaster planning teams. You can depend on us for additional commercial damage services like cost savings, streamlined catastrophe planning, and minimized disruption.
SERVPRO has a longstanding heritage dedicated to innovation, resourcefulness, empathy, and outstanding customer service. Our franchise organization is proud to provide fast, high-quality cleanup and restoration services to both commercial and residential properties. We always put your property first at SERVPRO.
Call SERVPRO ! 757-431-1400
Commercial Water Loss
When it comes to water damage to a residential or commercial property, there is more than meets the eye.
Here are some water facts and figures as they pertain to the restoration industry:
1. Water is capable of dissolving a variety of different substances. In fact, water is known as the “universal solvent” because it dissolves more substances than any other liquid.
2. A sheet of drywall standing upright with its edge sitting in a ½” of water can wick water up to 6 inches in less than three hours.
3. Mold typically begins to grow in 24 to 48 hours in an untreated moist environment.
4. A good indication of a failing hot water heater is a puddle of water underneath it, indicating a slow leak, or rusted or corroded fittings on the top of the heater. If you don’t investigate the leak ASAP, you may quickly flood your home because water heaters are under a great deal of water pressure.
5. There are three categories of water contamination defined in the restoration industry:
Category One – Water from a clean water source with no substantial risk of causing sickness or discomfort. Examples include water from a broken water supply pipe or an overflowing bath tub.
Category Two – Water that has a significant degree of chemical, biological, and/or physical contamination. Examples include water from aquariums, dishwasher or clothes washer leaks, and water entering the structure from below grade. Discharged Category One water that sits untreated more for more than 24 hours becomes Category Two.
Category Three – Water emanating from a grossly unsanitary source or carrying disease causing agents. Examples include discharges from sewer or septic systems/pipes and flood waters. Discharged Category One water that sits more for more than 48 hours becomes Category Three. Discharged Category Two water that sits more for more than 24 hours becomes Category Three.
6. Controlling pathogenic microorganisms during a restoration project may require the use of chemical agents that act as biocides. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has defined three levels of biocidal activity:
Sanitizers – Designed to reduce the number of microorganisms.
Disinfectants – Designed to destroy or inhibit the growth of microorganisms but not necessarily their spores.
Sterilizer – Designed to destroy all microorganisms (fungi/molds, bacteria, viruses, etc.) and their spores
We are here to help with your clean up and restoration needs . We have been serving Niagara County and it’s surrounding areas for the past 19 years . Give us a call 716-694-7776 . We would be happy to be of assistance
House fires are caused by a number of things, such as lightening, brush fires, electrical shorts, candles, fireplaces, heaters and more. Fire damage is often doubled with water damage due to the fire fighters efforts to extinguish the flames.
Home fires are dangerous. The best precautions to take are having a plan in case of emergencies and having working smoke detectors in the home. A plan needs to be in place of how each person will get out of the house and where to meet in the event of a fire.
Fire is fast and deadly. The smoke is just as dangerous as the flames. Once you are outside of your home during a fire, NEVER re-enter the home. The smoke will make it hard to see and breathe. Wait for the fire department to do what they are there to do.
Should you experience a fire damage, give us a call. We are #HereToHelp.
We are here to help with your fire damage clean up and restoration needs . We have been serving Niagara County and it’s surrounding areas for the past 19 years . Give us a call 716-694-7776 . We would be happy to be of assistance
SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County offers specialty cleaning services ranging from cleaning office upholstery to making storefront windows crystal clear. We have the specialized training and products to get your commercial or residential property clean, safe, and healthy again.
A Clean Business Keeps Customers Coming Back Your business represents you. A clean and attractive business keeps customers coming and leaves a positive impression. SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County wants every inch of your facility to sparkle and shine.
Our commercial specialty cleaning services include: • Air Ducts and HVAC If your HVAC has been operating for some time without attention, it could be circulating dust, pollen, odors, dirt, debris, and other contaminants. • Biohazard and Sewage SERVPRO is trained to safely remove biohazards and dispose of them properly in accordance with OSHA and health regulations. • Trauma and Crime Scene Many times, crime and accident scenes have blood and other biohazard contaminants that pose a serious health risk. We will respond immediately and has the specialized training, protective equipment, and experience to safely clean trauma and crime scenes. • Carpet and Upholstery Even the highest-quality carpet and upholstery can show soiling over time. Protect your investment by calling us to clean and maintain your carpet and upholstery. • Ceilings, Walls, and Hard Floors Ceilings and walls are exposed to dirt and dust, pet dander, cooking oils and grease, cigarette smoke, and other contaminants. Your heating and air conditioning system can distribute these contaminants throughout your property. • Odor Removal and Deodorization SERVPRO teaches IICRC technical classes in the proper removal of odors. Masking and other short cuts don't work when your odor problem is serious or persistent. • Vandalism Often simple acts of vandalism, like breaking a window, can cause significant water and mold damage if not addressed in a timely manner.
We’re Here Whenever You Need Us The team at SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County also has specialized training and experience in water damage restoration services, fire damage restoration services, mold remediation, commercial services, and natural disaster cleanup.
Call SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara at 716-694-7776.
We are here to help with your clean up and restoration needs . We have been serving Niagara County and it’s surrounding areas for the past 19 years . Give us a call 716-694-7776 . We would be happy to be of assistance.
With the kids preparing to go back to school it's time for you to prepare for a quieter house.
It's the perfect time to deep clean your home and remove any stains from carpets, furniture or walls that might have occurred during summer break or from the cleaning you'd been planning since last summer.
From the carpets to the air ducts our skilled technicians here at SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County. Worth have the expertise to clean it all. Schedule an appointment today For a cleaning backed by state-of-the-art equipment, over 40 years of experience and Professionals trained to the highest standards, so that all the dirt you can see, and the dirt hiding under the surface can be swept away leaving a cleaner, healthier and fresh smelling home.
The holiday season is fast approaching. Don't wait till the last minute to schedule that cleaning before the in laws arrive.
Need Cleaning Services? Call Us Today – (716) 694-7776
Aside from calling 9-1-1, which should be one of your first moves, here are some quick tips for dealing with a fire emergency in your kitchen.
Always watch your cooking; don't leave anything unattended
Set a timer so that you don't accidentally burn something or forget that an appliance is being used
If something on the stove catches on fire and it is small, cover it with a lid and turn off the burner
Keep a fire extinguisher in the kitchen near your cooking area where it is easily accessible
Add baking soda to a grease fire, not water
Clean your appliances regularly so that grease does not accumulate and start a fire
Clean and dust around and behind appliances, as dust accumulation can cause fires if it is close to electrical wiring
Keep flammable objects away from cooking appliances, especially those things like tea towels and potholders
Install a smoke alarm in your kitchen
Test your smoke alarms and make sure they will work when you most need them!
Keep these quick tips in mind, and prevent a major fire damage emergency from taking place in your home this season!
We are here to help with your fire damage clean up and restoration needs . We have been serving Niagara County and it’s surrounding areas for the past 19 years . Give us a call 716-694-7776 . We would be happy to be of assistance
We understand you have the choice in deciding which restoration company you want when disaster strikes. When you are dealing with water damage, immediate action is crucial. SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County responds immediately and uses advanced equipment and techniques to remove the water quickly. We closely monitor and document the drying process to verify your property is dried properly and thoroughly.
We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster
SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County is dedicated to responding immediately to water emergencies. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces cost.
We're Highly Trained Water Damage Specialists
SERVPRO specializes in water damage restoration, the cornerstone of our business. We have extensive water damage restoration training with an emphasis on monitoring and documenting the drying process until completion.
Water Damage Restoration Technician
Applied Structural Drying Technicians
We Use Advanced Water Restoration Equipment and Techniques
Our advanced equipment helps to detect hidden moisture, extract the standing water quickly, and thoroughly clean and dry your home and belongings. We finish the job with professional deodorization and sanitizing agents for your comfort and safety.
When disaster strikes your home or business, get the professionals. Call SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County today. We are here to help with your water damage clean up and restoration needs . We have been serving Niagara County and it’s surrounding areas for the past 19 years . Give us a call 716-694-7776 . We would be happy to be of assistance
Molds are a type of fungus that naturally grow in many places, but inside your house they can pose a health risk and negatively impact air quality. Therefore, preventing mold in your house is important for the health and safety of your family and visitors who spend time in your home. The good news is that preventing mold is quite simple, and the key is controlling moisture and humidity in your house. So just why is your house so attractive to mold, and what can you do to stop it?
You Probably Have a Moisture Problem
Mold needs moisture to grow. Before it becomes the unpleasant, fuzzy patches of black mold, mold exists as invisible spores in the air. Those spores are essentially inactive until they come in contact with moisture, at which point they begin the next developmental stage and begin the dreaded black mold invasion. Common sources of moisture include:
Standing water High humidity Broken water mains Broken pipes Leaking roofs and windows Air conditioners
Any one of these problems can be enough to prompt an outbreak of black mold inside your home. Getting rid of the moisture can help to cease the spread of mold, but it’s not enough to get rid of the mold fully.
How Do You Handle Mold Cleanup?
The safest option is to contact a mold remediation specialist here at SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County. Our mold remediation specialists possess the tools and knowledge needed to not only carefully remove mold from your surroundings, but also help you prevent it from reappearing. Working with our mold specialists can help you understand the type of mold that has taken root in your home and can often lead to identifying water damage or other issues that had previously gone unnoticed before the mold problem began.
While waiting for help to arrive, you can get a head start on disposing of contaminated materials and drying out saturated items. Do everything you can to contain the mold infection and prevent it from spreading further until it can be destroyed. For more information on mold remediation check out our website at www.SERVPROeasternniagaracounty.com or give us a call at 716-694-7776. We can offer you a free assessment.
Our Team at SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County offers a variety clean up and restoration services.
Many times our clients think of us for Fire, Water or Mold Clean up. However we have offer specialty cleanup services as well. Our Team has been contacted by Universities and Hospitals to assist in minimizing rapid spread of infectious illnesses. We have assisted in the containment of diseases such as the Norovirus, Scabies, and aggressive cleaning of Operation and Medical rooms to limit infection spread.
We provide our client a plan of action based on their need, and worked in a professional and safe manner to successfully deliver the outcome needed. Every circumstance is different, please feel free to call our office for a Free Estimate or just to learn more about our services, capabilities and how we can help!
SERVPRO is READY 24 Hours a day, 7 Days a Week, 365 Days a year.
Summer is the time for picnics, barbeques and plenty of delicious food; however do you know all of the safety measures you should take with your grill? Three out of five households own a gas grill. Each year an average of 8,900 home fires are caused by grilling and about 16,000 patients went to the emergency room because of an injury involving a grill. Wow, that’s a lot.
Most of these injuries and fires could have easily been avoided. So just in case, here are some tips on how to avoid injuries and fires while also enjoying those yummy summer-time meals:
Keep your grill away from your home and deck railings.
In order to safely turn on your grill, follow these steps:
Open the lid before turning on the grill
Turn on the propane tank
Turn on the knobs of the grill burner
Push ignition button (if you have one)
If your grill doesn’t ignite, let gas dissipate for at least 5 minutes before igniting again.
To turn off your grill safely, turn the gas tank off first in order to keep excess gas from leaking out.
And in case of fire damage, you know who to call: SERVPRO! 694-7776
At SERVPRO, our number one priority is to make our customers satisfied . We understand that they are going through a stressful time and it is our mission to make the clean up as easy as possible.
A fire in their home, a busted pipe which has caused water damage in their kitchen, mold in their office building. These are difficult situations emotionally which is all the more reason for our employees to be sensitive to what our customers are dealing with. Many times, depending upon the damage we are mitigating, we could spend days, weeks, or even months in customer’s home or office. We get to know our clients one on one. We get to meet their children. We get to hear about their families. We meet their pets. . We get to know them by carefully handling all of their cherished possessions, sometimes cleaning them and packing them away until their homes are restored. At the end of the day, we are just people helping people. That’s what it’s all about. Sometimes that means stopping what we are doing and having a cup of coffee or dinner with our customers if they ask. We help the customer get through a difficult time.
Why SERVPRO?? Because we care about our customers...And they know it! Let us be the one you call when your life gets flipped upside down.
Here at SERVPRO we talk about protecting your home frequently. Our hope is that we can help you prevent most disasters and recover quickly from those that you can’t anticipate. We want where you live to be safe and healthy, but what about the home you can’t replace? Taking care of your body is even more important than homeowner tips, and that starts with your skin.
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the US. More than 3.5 million skin cancers in over 2 million people are diagnosed annually.
One in five Americans will develop skin cancer in the course of a lifetime.
Over the past 31 years, more people have had skin cancer than all other cancers combined.
Skin cancer isn’t reserved for the tanning bed regulars or the fair skinned. That being said, I just wanted to pass along some information from the Skin Cancer Foundation on how you can protect your skin in the midst of all these summer activities (and even in the off-season).
Use a sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher whenever you spend time outdoors.
This applies to all outdoor activities: athletics, shopping, picnicking, walking or jogging, gardening, even waiting for a bus.
Use a broad spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher every day. For extended outdoor activity, use a water-resistant broad spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.
Apply liberally and evenly to all exposed skin. The average adult in a bathing suit should use approximately one ounce of sunscreen per application. Not using enough will effectively reduce the product’s SPF and the protection you get.
Be sure to cover often-missed spots: lips, ears, around eyes, neck, scalp if hair is thinning, hands, and feet.
Reapply at least every 2 hours, more often if some of the product may have been removed while swimming, sweating, or towel-drying.
Choose a product that suits your skin and your activity. Sunscreens are available in lotion, gel, spray, cream, and stick forms. Some are labeled as water resistant, sweatproof, or especially for sports; as fragrance-free, hypoallergenic, or especially for sensitive skin or children.
Cover up.
Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants. Tightly woven fabrics and dark colors, such as deep blue and black, or bright colors, such as orange and red, offer more protection. If you can see light through a fabric, UV rays can get through too. Water makes fabrics more translucent, so do not rely on a wet T-shirt.
A broad-brimmed hat goes a long way toward preventing skin cancer in often-exposed areas like the neck, ears, scalp, and face. Opt for a 3-4 inch brim that extends all around the hat. Baseball caps and visors shade the face but leave neck, lower face, and ears exposed.
UV-blocking sunglasses with wraparound or large frames protect your eyelids and the sensitive skin around your eyes, common sites for skin cancer and sun-induced aging. Sunglasses also help reduce the risk of cataracts later in life.
Seek the shade.
Be aware, however, that sunlight bouncing off reflective surfaces can reach you even beneath an umbrella or a tree. Never seek a tan.
There is no such thing as a healthy tan. A tan is the skin’s response to the sun’s damaging rays.
Stay away from tanning parlors and artificial tanning devices.
The UV radiation emitted by indoor tanning lamps is many times more intense than natural sunlight. Dangers include burns, premature aging of the skin, and the increased risk of skin cancer.
Protect your children and teach them sun safety at an early age.
Healthy habits are best learned young. Because skin damage occurs with each unprotected exposure and accumulates over the course of a lifetime, sun safety for children should be a priority.
SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County cares about YOU!
When storms hit WNY, SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County can scale our resources to handle any size storm or flooding disaster. We can access equipment and personnel from a network of 1,700 Franchises across the country and elite Disaster Recovery Teams that are strategically located throughout the United States
Faster Response
Since we are locally owned and operated, we are able to respond quicker with the right resources, which is extremely important. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces the restoration cost.
SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County specializes in storm and flood damage restoration. Our crews are highly trained and we use specialized equipment to restore your property to its pre-storm condition.
Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County 716-694-7776
Not sure when the air ducts and dryer vents were last cleaned in your home?
Is your dryer taking longer than it usual to get the clothes dry? Give us call at SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County to take care of it for you. Our highly trained technicians will properly clean out the duct work in your home. Empty the clothes dryer both before and after each use. Also, if you notice a nest of any kind or any blockage including the vent flap, get rid of that as soon as possible.
Our techs will also look at the rest of the duct work in the home. Often enough, the HVAC system has been running for some time without being maintained as it needs to. Clogged and overloaded ventilation systems circulate odors, irritants like dust, and contaminants like mold throughout your home and is the culprit for poor indoor air quality.
A solid cleaning and maintenance plan for the HVAC system can help lengthen it’s working life and operate at a better condition. Simple maintenance procedures could help save money and problems down the line. In the case that you might’ve suffered a fire or have mold growth, then duct cleaning is positively essential.
SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County offers countless services valuable to any home or business owner regardless of what you might need. From water damage to fire damage, mold mitigation to deep clean. We’re your one-stop-shop! We’re here to help, 24/7, no matter the damage, 716-694-7776
After a fire at your business, there's liable to be a significant amount of water damage in addition to the fire damage. It's likely that automatic sprinklers have gone off, and that at least one fire hose was used to extinguish the flames. There may be wet drywall and carpeting, which can lead to a mold problem if not addressed properly and promptly.
This situation requires the skills of a professional restoration company. They can take care of the damage by:
Making a thorough inspection
Extracting the water
Drying and dehumidifying
Disinfecting and cleaning
Repairing damage and completing restoration
Damage Inspection and Assessment
Our crews will first makes a careful inspection, assessing the water and fire damage and looking for any possible other problems, such as water behind walls. From our assessment they can determine which specialized equipment and techniques are best suited to the task.
Water Removal
As quickly as possible, the technicians begin the process of water extraction. This minimizes the chance of more damage from secondary sources such as mold. Any excess water is removed, using heavy-duty pumps and vacuums.
Drying and Dehumidification
At this point, the restoration team focuses on removing any moisture or humidity that remains. This is done through the use of professional-strength dehumidifiers and air movers.
After everything is thoroughly dried, the remaining items and surfaces are treated to remove any threat from microbes or mold, using a variety of specialized methods. Any lingering odors are dealt with by using air scrubbers and foggers.
Damage Repair and Restoration
As soon as all moisture has been completely extracted and any threat from pathogens has been eliminated, the repair and restoration work can start. Depending on the extent of the damage, this might involve simple tasks like replacing carpets and painting, or more complex work like rebuilding entire rooms.
If you've had fire damage at your business or home, you're most likely going to have to deal with water damage as well. Hiring a restoration company can ensure that both problems are dealt with quickly, safely and efficiently. We are here to help. We will come out and provide an assessment and a complimentary estimate.
SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County is here to make sure your home is safe.
Microscopic mold spores naturally occur almost everywhere, both outdoors and indoors. This makes it impossible to remove all mold from a home or business. Therefore, mold remediation reduces the mold spore count back to its natural or baseline level. Some restoration businesses advertise “mold removal” and even guarantee to remove all mold, which is a fallacy. Consider the following mold facts:
Mold is present almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors.
Mold spores are microscopic and float along in the air and may enter your home through windows, doors, or AC/heating systems or even hitch a ride indoors on your clothing or a pet.
Mold spores thrive on moisture. Mold spores can quickly grow into colonies when exposed to water. These colonies may produce allergens and irritants.
Before mold remediation can begin, any sources of water or moisture must be addressed. Otherwise, the mold may return.
Mold often produces a strong, musty odor and can lead you to possible mold problem areas.
Even higher-than-normal indoor humidity can support mold growth. Keep indoor humidity below 45 percent.
If your home or business has a mold problem, we can inspect and assess your property and use our specialized training, equipment, and expertise to remediate your mold infestation.
SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County has been serving the Niagara County or 19 years. We would be more than happy to come out and do an assessment.
Water damage can have damaging effects on ones foundation of their home.
Water damage if not treated properly can cause more of a damage and cost more money. Damp wood invites termites and carpenter ants; plus, it causes mold and mildew.
Here are three easy things to do to that will give you piece of mind the next time heavy storms hit.
#1. Ensure Good Drainage
Why it matters: Poor drainage weakens your foundation, causing cracks, uneven settling, and pathways for water to enter your home.
How to do it:
Clean your gutters routinely. A clogged gutter will send cascades of water down the side of your house, damaging your siding and foundation.
Ensure your downspouts direct water 5 to 10 feet away from your house.
Make sure your yard is sloped at least 6 inches over a 10-foot span away from your foundation. That slope keeps water from getting down right next to your foundation, where it could cause walls to lean, crack the masonry, and create leaks. (For crawl spaces, keeping water away makes sure excess water doesn’t pool underneath your floor, making for damp conditions that encourage mold, rot, and insects.)
But don’t let the soil get too dry, either. Long dry spells let the soil around your house dry out and shrink. A big rain may make the soil expand, putting pressure on your foundation walls. In a drought, run a soaker hose at least 6 inches from the foundation and 3 inches under the soil to keep the soil from contracting and expanding.
Maintenance cost: Very little. Cleaning gutters can be a no-cost DIY job, or you can hire a pro for $50 to $250, depending on the size and height of your home. To get the soil slope you need, you might have to buy some additional topsoil.
Worst case if you put it off: Your foundation could settle, cracking your basement walls. The cost to stabilize, repair, and seal deteriorated foundation walls is a whopping $15,000 to $40,000.
#2. Test Your Sump Pump Regularly
Why it matters: Sump pumps come to life during storms. That’s not when you want to realize yours isn’t working properly. You should check it at least once a year, and ideally perform several checks during heavy storm seasons.
How to test your sump pump:
Slowly fill the sump pump pit with water. Watch for the “float” (similar to the float in your toilet) to rise, which should turn on the pump. Then watch to make sure the water level falls.
Test your backup pump the same way, but unplug the main pump first.
If you don’t have a backup pump — or a generator — and are on municipal water, get one that runs on water pressure. If you’re on well water, your only option is the battery kind.
Maintenance cost: Testing is free; a water-powered backup sump pump, including installation, costs $150 to $350; a new battery for a battery-operated sump starts around $200.
Worst case if you put it off: Your basement could flood, ruining everything in it, including drywall and carpeting. (Did you know your regular insurance doesn’t cover flooding?) Plus you run the risk of mold and mildew — which can also be a very expensive problem.
#3. Check for Water Leaks and Fix Them.
Why it matters: Persistent leaks lead to mold and mildew, rot, and even termites and carpenter ants (they like chewing soggy wood, since it’s soft). Yet if you fix a leak soon after it starts, there may be no long-term damage at all.
How to check for leaks:
Check for dark spots under pipes inside sink cabinets, stains on ceilings, toilets that rock, and of course drips.
At least once a year, inspect your roof. Repair missing, loose, and damaged shingles. Repair any cracked caulking and check for leaks around flashing.
Maintenance cost: Negligible for a simple fix, such as a new washer. A visit from a plumber might set you back $250; a roof repair, a few hundred dollars to $1,000.
Worst case if you put it off: Drips ruin the cabinet under the kitchen sink, and run down into the floor sheathing and joists underneath, so you need a structural repair, plus new cabinets and new kitchen flooring. Or the roof rots, so you need a new roof and repairs to rooms directly beneath.
If you do these three things and still have persistent water problems, such as water getting into your basement or an area of your yard keeps washing out, the solution is a bit more complicated in the form of a French drain.
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:
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.
Why should you have your air ducts clean? Are there health benefits? Getting the ventilation systems inspected should be a high priority on your to-do list. In most cases, the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system have been operating for some time without attention. Make sure your HVAC system is routinely maintained each year. Dirty ducts can circulate odors, contaminants such as mold and irritating dust throughout your business or home.
Clean air ducts benefits:
Eliminates offensive odors
Reduces potential mold growth
Remediates bacteria, fungi and mold
Restore peak energy efficiency
Lowers indoor air pollution
A routine part of the SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County service is keeping the airducts clean. It is suggested that your airducts should be cleaned every 3-4 years, especially if you have pets in the home. We can help. Give us a call at 694-7776, SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County
Spring is Storm Season in the Western New York Area
Spring is Storm Season in the Western New York Area
In the past few months the area has been hit with severe weather and storms. The following are the most common storms we see in our area. If you have damage to your home or business from these devastating storms, call SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County (716) 694-7776 and we will make it “Like it never even happened”.
Hail Storms
Many residents living in area have already experienced hailstorms and witnessed the damage hail can cause to homes, automobiles, businesses and other property. When a hailstorm hits, it does the greatest amount of damage to the exterior of your home or property. Common types of damage caused by hail are: roof damage, siding damage, shingle damage, window damage and automobile damage.
Thunderstorms
Thunderstorms can produce many types of damaging weather such as lightning, hail, tornadoes, straight-line winds, flooding and more. The biggest contributors to damaged property are likely hail and wind, which can cause many types of exterior property damage
Tornadoes
Isolated tornadoes can happen in the Western New York area
Lightning
You may be surprised to learn that lightning is a major cause of storm damage in many areas around the country. The National Lightning Safety Institute estimates the cost of lightning damage in the $5 to $6 billion dollar per year range. Lightning that hits trees and the ground is a common cause of wildfires, structure fires, property damage and power outages.
Floods
Floods are typically the result of heavy rain and water that rises faster than storm drains can handle. Flash floods driven by quick, violent bursts of rain can flood homes, basements and businesses, causing serious damage to both interiors and exteriors. Flooding is a very dangerous storm phenomenon that results in numerous deaths and extensive property damage each year.
For more information on the services that SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County provides regarding storm damage cleanup for your commercial or residential structure, please visit or call:
If you've had a burst pipe, toilets backing up, or other flooding problems in your business, a call to the plumber is only the beginning of clearing up the mess. Significant damage may occur due to the water and excess moisture. It's important for this to be cleaned up as soon as possible. Failure to do this can lead to secondary damage, which can include hidden structural problems and black mold. These can be extremely expensive to eliminate.
What is Secondary Damage?
In a nutshell, secondary water damage is any damage that's not caused directly by the flooding incident. This damage can manifest in a number of ways, including:
Vinyl and other types of flooring pulling up from the floor
Finish damage and buckling of wooden floors
Mold growth, such as trichoderma and stachybotrys chartarum (black mold)
Sagging and cracking sheetrock or drywall
This secondary damage occurs when the primary damage is not addressed properly, or the damage isn't found for a long while. Lingering high humidity may also be a culprit; if proper dehumidification techniques aren't used, moisture can remain to cause big problems.
How to Prevent Secondary Damage
If you are able to enter the building, you can take some immediate steps to help contain the damage. Ventilate the area as well as possible with AC in the summer, or by opening windows and turning on the heat during the winter. Remove as much water as possible by mopping and moving saturated rugs outside or to another dry area. Remove any items such as furniture, electronics, and documents as well.
The only way to be certain that you won't have to deal with secondary damage is to call a professional water damage restoration company right away. They will immediately do an inspection to assess the extent of the damage, then use specialized equipment to make sure everything is completely dried and disinfected to prevent any spread of harmful pathogens such as bacteria or black mold. They will also be able to make any necessary structural repairs and get your building back to its former condition. Armed with the information outlined above and the help of a professional restoration service, you can make sure that secondary damage is avoided.
When rain damages your home, the SERVPRO crew has the training and equipment to remediate the damage
When several inches of rain fall over a couple of days, the ground around your Western New York home becomes supersaturated. Water caught inches or even feet below the surface must find release, often into your lower levels, slab foundation, or crawl spaces beneath your home. A professional response to the water flooding into your home is essential.
The quantity of rainwater falling during recent storms overwhelming the ability of homeowners to remediate. During the flooding event, your home’s structural components and stored personal possessions are at risk for irreversible damage. Our water loss crews assess the scenario swiftly and put their IICRC training and experience on the line to remove the flood water and dry out both building materials and your home’s contents.
Our SERVPRO vehicles arrive with high-efficiency pumps and water extractors as well as the highly qualified technicians to operate them on board. If your home’s electricity is unavailable temporarily in the aftermath of the storm, our equipment uses truck-mounted power generators to remove the water. Any delay in response to the flooding poses a range of threats to your home and belongings, including microbial growth and progressive deterioration of building materials and the ruin of documents, pictures, books, household goods, furnishings, carpeting, clothing, and more.
Practical and best restoration industry practices often recommend the pack out of items at risk of further harm from the flooding. We train our SERVPRO employees to inventory, stow, and transport your precious possessions with care and respect. At our production center, our team evaluates the extent of damage done by the flood waters and employs proven restoration strategies to return saturated items to preloss condition.
As the packed-out articles receive needed attention, SERVPRO employees address the damage at your home. They complete the flood water removal by matching equipment and techniques to achieve applied structural drying. Our crews strike a balance among the elements of air movement, heat, and dehumidification. We work to release water from structural components into a vapor that we then condense, collect, and evacuate.
SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County has the skilled crews and state of the art equipment to turn around your flood damage problems wholly and efficiently. Give us a call at (716) 694-7776 as soon as possible after the flood waters invade. We stand ready 24 hours a day, every day of the year.
After restoring and rebuilding your property, there is still more work to be done. It is important to get your property clean and ready to use. Let SERVPRO of ENC get your property clean and ready to go!
Both interior and exterior cleaning is needed after rebuild and construction services. When cleaning, the following areas are usually dusted and cleaned:
Interior Cleanup
Walls (removing dust, dirt, scuff marks, and smudges)
Ceilings and light fixtures/fans
All trim (including baseboards and door and window frames)
Door faces, sides, and tops
Floors
Ducts, vents, and baseboard heaters
Windows (including tracks and frames)
Cabinetry, appliances, fixtures, and countertops
All trash and plastic coverings removed
Exterior Cleaning
Exterior windows and doors
Entry doorways
Driveway and paved surfaces swept and power washed
Exterior lights dusted
All trash on property (including lumber and debris) removed
If your property is in need of Post-Construction Cleaning, give SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County a call : 694-7776 . No matter the size, we are Here To Help.
Spring is right around the corner! Now is time to start preparing your spring cleaning “to do list”. Spring cleaning is a tradition that allows us to freshen up our homes after a long winter. So open up those windows, let the fresh air in, and call SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara Co. to help you with those deep cleaning tasks!
We offer a variety of services to get your home spring ready including:
Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning: The SERVPRO carpet and upholstery cleaning service will not only get out the dirt you see, but will also remove the unwanted dust you don’t. A professionally cleaned carpet and furniture may make all the difference in brightening up a room and freshening up your home.
Hard Floors: Months of salt and dirt tracked into your home and onto your tiled floors? Our technicians can clean the tile and grout and make it like winter never even happened.
Air Duct Cleaning: We all have tasks around the house that don’t make it to the top of our priority list. Properly maintaining your home’s air ducts should not be one of them. Regular duct cleaning can increase your home’s heating and cooling efficiency and improve the quality of the air you and your family breathe.
Odor Removal: Your basic cleaning service is not going to have the expertise to effectively deodorize your home. Take advantage of SERVPRO’s residential cleaning services to remove unwanted odors.
Remember, spring cleaning isn’t only for your home, but also for offices, daycares, businesses, and warehouses. Let us help you get ready for warm weather.
Call us today to schedule a cleaning service, 716-694-7776
Your commercial property’s appearance speaks volumes to your clients. So when the need arises for professional cleaning or emergency restoration services, SERVPRO Franchise Professionals have the training and expertise to help make it “Like it never even happened.”
Retail Facilities
Education Facilities
Property Management
Healthcare Facilities
Hospitality Facilities
Food Service Facilities
Commercial Building Restoration Services
We are available 24 hours a day to get your business back up and running. Our expertise includes restoration services for fire and water damage, including electronics restoration and document drying. We are also your business’s best resource for mold remediation. Learn more about our commercial restoration services:
Whether your need is removing an odor problem or deep cleaning flooring or carpets, you can depend on a SERVPRO Franchise Professional to get the job done right the first time. They’ll respond promptly and make your workspace look its very best. Learn more about our Commercial Cleaning Service.
SERVPRO professionals offer many tools to help their customers in the middle of disasters. However now SERVPRO professionals are offering a tool to their customers to help prepare them before disaster even strikes. This new tool is called an ERP (Emergency Ready Profile) which can be downloaded from the Apple or Android App store by searching SERVPRO. This app allows SERVPRO to set up a date and walk your property with you, to create a profile for what you would be during a fire or water damage. The app holds the information for where the water, electrical, gas, and computer server shut offs are located in your building along with contact and account numbers for those companies. The free SERVPRO app also details where the best location for SERVPRO vehicles to park during an emergency. Your contact person at SERVPRO also has their phone number listed so you just open the app and dial
While spring brings the promise of warm weather and longer days, it also brings a variety of conditions that can include heavy rains and severe weather, which can increase your flood risk. Take action to protect yourself, your family, and your business—before a weather event occurs and it’s too late.
April marks the start of the rainy season. Spring storms can bring several inches of rain in only a matter of hours or there can be consistent rainfall for days. These heavy rains can lead to severe flooding by over-saturating the ground, overfilling storm drains, or rivers spilling over their banks.
As one of the most common hazards in the United States, it’s important we prepare for the potential disaster that flooding can cause. Even if you feel you live in a community with a low risk of flooding, remember that anywhere it rains, it can flood. Just because you haven’t experienced a flood in the past, doesn’t mean you won’t in the future.
In order help prepare you for the possibility of a flood, we offer you these tips:
Build an emergency kit and make a family communications plan
Avoid building in a floodplain unless you elevate and reinforce your home
Elevate the furnace, water heater and electric panel in your home if you live in an area that has a high flood risk
Install check-valves to prevent flood water from backing up into the drains of your home
Seal basement walls and floor with waterproofing compounds to prevent seepage through cracks
Always keep your gutters and downspouts clean to allow water to flow freely
Prepare a flood evacuation plan
Know how to safely shut-off utilities
Keep insurance and vital records in a water-proof box
Have a portable radio to listen for important current information
When your home sustains water damage from flooding, you should call SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County immediately. Our professionals have the expertise to prevent or mitigate the devastating effects that water damage can have.
SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County has the equipment and experience necessary to handle the most challenging water damage and removal situations and we are available around-the-clock. Call us at (716) 694-7776, and we’ll return your home back to normal, "Like it never even happened."
As my kids well know, my favorite Mother’s Day Gift is a clean house. If you are trying to figure out what to get your Mom this year, Let the experts at SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County perform a Deep Cleaning or Carpet/Upholstery Cleaning for your Mom!
Deep Cleaning - to provide a deeper clean than your basic house cleaning service. Our residential cleaning services will ease the burden of the constant maintenance cleaning of your home, but will also create a safe, clean and comfortable living environment for your mom.
Carpet Cleaning - Even the highest-quality carpet and upholstery can show soiling over time. The SERVPRO carpet and upholstery cleaning service will not only get out the dirt you see but will also remove the unwanted dust you don’t. A professionally cleaned carpet and furniture may make all the difference in brightening up a room and freshening up your mom’s home.
SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County have the expertise to get the job done.
Fire damage is probably the last thing on your mind, but you may want to move it up on your list of priorities; preparation is the key. The first 48 hours after a fire often makes the difference between ‘restoring’ vs. ‘replacing’ your property and personal belongings. SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County provides a timely response with mitigation services ranging from fire, smoke and soot removal, to content claims inventory and document restoration. Here is a timeline to help ease your mind of what should be done before and after SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara arrives:
One Hour: Within one hour from notice of loss, a SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County professional will contact you to arrange for service.
Four Hours: Within four hours of loss notification, a SERVPRO Eastern Niagara County of technician will be onsite to start mitigation services.
Detailed Explanation: A trained and uniformed SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County employee will walk you through the job process step-by-step, explaining what to expect and the anticipated outcome.
Pretesting: A SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County employee will begin pretesting for restoration, working from the source of the damage outward.
Eight Hours: Within eight business hours of on-site arrival, a verbal briefing of the scope is communicated to the appropriate person.
Cleaning, Restoration, & Deodorization: SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County will work neatly and efficiently to help you regain control of your property. We then use state-of-the-art restoration techniques to make it “Like it never even happened.”
Final Walk-through: After the work has been completed, a final walk-through will be conducted with you to help ensure your satisfaction.
SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County responds quickly, offering a full line of fire cleanup and restoration services to help you return home as soon as possible. Before risking further damage by attempting to clean up the damage on your own, call the fire damage clean up and restoration professionals at (716) 694-7776.
Water damage comes in many forms. No matter how great or small, SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County is waiting for your call! Below is a list of common causes of water related loss:
Broken Pipe
Washer Overflows
Water Heater Overflow
Rising Water from Flooding
Roof Leaks
Leaks from a Broken Window
Toilet or Bathtub Overflow
Air Conditioner Drip Pan Overflow
Broken Appliance Hoses
Fire Related Water Damage
Until you experience a water related loss you may not realize how important it is to hire a water damage specialist. SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County is trusted by insurance agents and property owners across WNY and they are ready 24/7 to help you get back to life as you know it, "Like it never even happened.”
Residential Services
Whether your Houston and/or Spring home needs emergency flood damage or your upholstery cleaned, you can depend on us. Our technicians have extensive cleaning and restoration training and can make your property look its best. Learn more about our residential services:
There's never a convenient time for fire or Water damage to strike your home or commercial property. Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when the need arises for professional cleaning or emergency restoration services we have the training and expertise to respond promptly with highly trained technicians to get your property back to business. Learn more about our commercial services:
Summer is coming and that means that school is going to be out. We're sure that you're excited to be able to take the kids on vacation and for them to get a little break. We're excited because it means we can get your schools clean and get them in tip-top shape to be able to have them ready for August.
If it's just a carpet cleaning for those school rugs or maybe you've got some places where you're a bit concerned about potential mold, just give us a call at (716) 694-7776 so we can schedule a date to get the job done right.
We are locally owned and operated so we live right here in the community! We're nearby and ready to help.
Your dog has ruined your rug, your child your carpets and now your thinking about making that vaunted $150.00 carpet steamer purchase. Have you thought about how much that purchase may actually cost you? Below are 3 of the most common carpet cleaning mistakes that can happen to an untrained cleaner.
1) Over-Shampooing
2) Over-Wetting
3) Failing to protect furniture from wet carpet
lets break these down so that its easy to understand what each means.
Over-Shampooing- Occurs when to much chemical agent is added to the water mix used to clean the carpet. Many agents have oily residues that can build up and actually make carpets worse. They can cause carpets to become dirt magnets.
Over-Wetting- Occurs when too much water is use on the carpet. When too much water is used and soaks into the carpet backing as well as the padding. This can cause mold and mildew and lead to carpet replacement due to the smell that it causes. It literally sours your carpet.
Failing to protect furniture from wet carpet- Simply put, most furniture has dyes and stains that coupled with water bleeds. This bleeding on carpets leads to a stain that is almost impossible to get out of the carpet. Not to mention too much water and furniture can cause furniture to warp and loose its integrity too.
When deciding on whether to clean your carpets yourself or let a professional so it for you ask yourself is it worth it. Professional carpet cleaning companies like SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County are equipped with the equipment and training needed to get those carpets looking right the first time.
We have high powered truck mounts and industry leading cleaning methods that work. Plus we move your furniture for you too and save you time. Trust your carpet cleaning to the professionals.
SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County is here to help in any way.
Is it worth having your air ducts clean? Getting the ventilation systems inspected should be a high priority on your to-do list. In most cases, the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system have been operating for some time without attention. Dirty ducts can circulate odors, contaminants such as mold and irritating dust throughout your business or home.
Clean air ducts benefits:
Eliminates offensive odors
Reduces potential mold growth
Remediates bacteria, fungi and mold
Restore peak energy efficiency
Lowers indoor air pollution
Call us today for a free estimate : (716) 694-7776
It’s very important to keep up with your commercial maintenance needs because this can prevent damages to your property. Things like checking your hot water heater to see when the last time it was replaced or checking the condensation lines coming from your air conditioning unit are quick and easy preventative measures. These are just some of the things you can check to prevent damages to your home.
Most water damages come from a preventable source such as your hot water heater or air conditioning condensation line. With hot water heaters you should replace them every 8–12 years. Replacement will vary with the severity of your local weather, the design of the unit, quality of installation, and the maintenance your unit has received. With an air conditioner condensation line we would recommend cleaning it once a year to maintain a blockage free line.
There are plenty of websites that explain how to do these things yourself but we would recommend that if you are not a professional, you should hire a professional to perform maintenance on your home. Performing these two quick and easy checks can go a long way in preventing any potential issues.
Why choose SERVPRO of Portsmouth over the local competition? SERVPRO is the leading restoration company in the United States & Canada, specializing in water & fire mitigation and mold remediation. SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County offers biohazard & crime scene cleanup, along with cleaning services for air ducts & HVAC, vandalism, carpet, upholstery, & contents.
SERVPRO is nationally known for making both commercial and residential emergency losses “Like it never even happened.” Here at SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County, we have highly trained & certified project managers, technicians & office staff, who work together to make your remediation process flow as effortlessly as possible. Everyone in our office is personally involved in each job- from fielding calls & going out to job sites, to providing timely estimates, and answering customers questions & concerns.
Our number one priority at SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County is customer service & satisfaction. We take pride in our work and promise we will do the best job possible from start to completion to make your loss feel “Like it never even happened.”
Living in the WNY can be quite exasperating at times.We never know what to expect so we have to be prepared for the unexpected.
Here at SERVPRO, we are prepared to clean up your house fire on Monday - to your flooded basement on Wednesday. Here are some helpful tips to keep your house safe before and after experiencing inconvenient crisis.
Important Warnings about Water Damage:
Do not go into rooms with standing water if the electricity is still on!
Do not use electrical appliances while on wet surfaces.
Do not use any ordinary vacuum to remove any water.
Do not lift tacked down carpet without professional help.
After Experiencing Water Damage:
Use fans to circulate the air and assist with drying.
Use dehumidifiers if available.
Remove as much water as possible by mopping and blotting.
Wipe furniture dry.
Lift draperies off carpet, loop through a coat hanger, and place the hanger on the draper rod.
Prop up wet furniture cushions for even drying and place small wood blocks under furniture legs.
Remove wet area rugs or other floor coverings.
Open furniture drawers, closet doors and luggage to enhance drying.
Move photos, paintings, and art objects to a safe, dry location.
Remove wet fabrics and dry them as soon as possible. Hang furs and leather goods to dry separately at room temperature.
Do not remove damp books from shelves. Leave tight to prevent pages from rippling.
Control interior temperatures with heat or air conditioning. Keep interior temperatures between 70 and 80 degrees.
Fire Damage in Lockport NY Smoke Damage in Lewiston,NY , and Restoration, and the Process of Fire Restoration,
The process of fire restoration can be very involved. Private homeowners and companies can oftentimes be devastated by the damage caused by this kind of event. One aspect that gives peace of mind involves knowing when the right professional has been hired. That is one of the reasons why it is important to hire a firm that is associated with the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification.
Homeowners and business owners may be in shock from the initial devastation. It is important to try and follow the proper steps to achieve a complete fire restoration. Service providers that are associated with the Institute will have the following distinctions: current training, safety and health certifications, vast amounts of experience in restoration projects and the proper licenses and insurance information. Customers should also check all references and obtain price quotes prior to hiring anyone. Any contracts that are presented should be reviewed closely.
The first step in the process is to clean up as much of the existing area as possible. If the area is not immediately cleaned, soot residue and permanent damage can be left behind. If the homeowner or business owner does the initial cleaning, it is important to follow these steps. When cleaning, always use dust masks and open the area for proper ventilation. Clean from the ceilings to the floors and vacuum all floors and upholstery. Wash any items that are able to be laundered. Clean the outside with a pressure washer if available.
If immediate clean up is not done, it can lead to devastating effects. Within minutes of fire and smoke damage, appliances and many items will discolor to a yellow hue. After a few hours, acid will stain bathrooms and many other areas of the home or business. Within days, walls will discolor permanently and items will begin to rust due to the acid residue. Finally, after weeks the cost of clean-up will become substantially more expensive. The building and furnishings can be permanently damaged by the acid left behind. Soot residue will be layered throughout the home or business. For these reasons, it is vital to contact a professional associated with the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification to utilize fire restoration techniques in an effort to return the home or business to a preloss state. One company or service provider should be able to handle the damage. The seal of Certification by the Institute should be shown on any provider’s website. This shows the customer the reliability and the expertise of the service provider.
Residue and smoky odors need to be removed immediately. Professionals will use the process of fire restoration to achieve satisfactory results. These providers will remove the source of the odor, clean any items that can be salvaged, get rid of any lingering odor with an odor counteractant and deodorizing fog. Finally, the provider will seal salvageable items to encapsulate odor and prevent further recontamination.
Homeowners and businesses that are educated in the fire restoration process are able to minimize the cost of repair. Professionals can be contacted in a timely manner to return the area to a preloss state. By hiring the right professionals the victims can have some peace of mind during a very stressful time.
Floods are the most common natural disaster in the United States. Whether you live near a coastline, near a river or eve in the desert, there is a potential for suffering flood damage. Unlike any other natural disaster such as hurricanes that have typical peak season, floods can occur anywhere and anytime.
Therese are some of the flood terms used to identify a flood hazard.
A flood watch indicates that conditions are favorable for flooding to developed. Be prepared to move to higher ground.
A flood warning means that flooding is occurring or will occur soon. If advised to evacuate, do so immediately.
A flash flood warning means that flash flooding is occurring or imminent. Move to higher grounds immediately.
April Showers do bring May flowers but they also bring flooding. Taking precautions can help minimize the damage that occurs at your home. The first thing you need to do is check with your insurance to make sure that you are covered. Coverage options vary depending on the insurance company so it is always a good idea to check and see what is available to you. Second, have your sump pump and chimney checks yearly and make sure your gutters are clean and attached properly. If water does get into your home it needs to be removed quickly and dried out properly so you don’t have mold growth in the future. SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County will respond to the problem and extract the water and start the remediation process to prevent mold growth at all affected levels.
While spring brings the promise of warm weather and longer days, it also brings a variety of conditions that can include heavy rains and severe weather, which can increase your flood risk. Take action to protect yourself, your family, and your business—before a weather event occurs and it’s too late.
April marks the start of the rainy season. Spring storms can bring several inches of rain in only a matter of hours or there can be consistent rainfall for days. These heavy rains can lead to severe flooding by over-saturating the ground, overfilling storm drains, or rivers spilling over their banks.
As one of the most common hazards in the United States, it’s important we prepare for the potential disaster that flooding can cause. Even if you feel you live in a community with a low risk of flooding, remember that anywhere it rains, it can flood. Just because you haven’t experienced a flood in the past, doesn’t mean you won’t in the future.
In order help prepare you for the possibility of a flood, we offer you these tips:
Build an emergency kit and make a family communications plan
Avoid building in a floodplain unless you elevate and reinforce your home
Elevate the furnace, water heater and electric panel in your home if you live in an area that has a high flood risk
Install check-valves to prevent flood water from backing up into the drains of your home
Seal basement walls and floor with waterproofing compounds to prevent seepage through cracks
Always keep your gutters and downspouts clean to allow water to flow freely
Prepare a flood evacuation plan
Know how to safely shut-off utilities
Keep insurance and vital records in a water-proof box
Have a portable radio to listen for important current information
When your home sustains water damage from flooding, you should call SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County immediately. Our professionals have the expertise to prevent or mitigate the devastating effects that water damage can have.
SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County has the equipment and experience necessary to handle the most challenging water damage and removal situations and we are available around-the-clock. Call us at (716) 694-7776, and we’ll return your home back to normal, "Like it never even happened."
We Specialize in Flooded Basement Cleanup and Restoration!
A basement can flood at any time, although flooding most often occurs during heavy rainfall. Basements are inherently prone to flooding because they are the lowest level of a building and are normally built partly or entirely below ground level. There are a number of reasons why your Western NY basement could flood, including:
A blocked or failed sewer lateral pipe
Heavy rain causes surface water to pool around your home
If flood water is not handled quickly and properly, it can jeopardize your health and safety, and cause severe damage to your home’s structure. Remember, the longer you wait, the worse the problem will get.
The bottom line: a flooded basement can jeopardize your health, safety, and your home’s integrity. It’s worth making a call to SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County and let our trained, professional crews handle the situation safely and correctly. We have earned the trust of hundreds of homeowners, business owners, and property professionals.
We are Flooded Basement Specialists:
We are Available 24 hours/7 days per week
We’re a Preferred Vendor to many National Insurance Companies
We Bill The Insurance Directly – One Less Thing For You To Worry About
Our Technicians are Highly-Trained in Water Restoration Techniques
We use s500 IICRC Restoration Standards
Advanced Inspection and Extraction Equipment
Basement Flooded? Call Us Today – We’re Ready To Help 716-694-7776
No one in Western New York wants to find out they have mold growing somewhere at home. The very word alone can give one anxiety. If you discover black mold or any other type of mold in your house, you want to do all you can do eliminate it so you can once again have peace of mind. But what happens if you do nothing at all? Will mold simply go away on its own? Consider how this fungus develops and how to get rid of it.
Causes
You may find mold at home in your drywall, under the carpet, in cabinets or cupboards, or in just about any other place you can think of. Usually, it develops due to a moisture problem in some of the following ways:
Humidity
Leaky pipes
Roof leaf
Condensation (such as in showers and basements)
Flooding
Remediation
The best way to get rid of mold is to call a mold removal specialist. You can find a qualified, experienced team of professionals that have the right equipment and techniques to safely and thoroughly remove moldfrom your house. These experts can come to your place promptly, address the severity of the mold growth and formulate a plan to get rid of it with as few disruptions to your life as possible. The team will typically be especially mindful of black mold.
DYI
There are some home remedies you can explore to eliminate mold. You could try a mixture of bleach and water or of laundry detergent and water. You would then apply the solution to the affected area. However, your safest bet is to call a professional who is certified and experienced in mold cleanup.
Nothing
If you remove the factors that encourage mold growth, such as moisture and condensation, you should be able to slow the growth of mold. However, this won’t make the mold vanish. The spores will still be there.
Make sure you actively do your part to get rid of black mold and other mold growth. Enlist the help of an expert right away.
Across North America, SERVPRO franchises are gearing up for 2019 to serve you as a leader in the cleaning and restoration industry. Are you READY for what the year may bring your way? While we only hope to see good things come about in a new year, it is always a good idea to plan ahead for the not-so-good things—like fire or water damage— that is always an unexpected and unwelcome disaster.
Here at SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County, we are here to help make it “Like it never even happened.” if one of those disasters comes your way. With over 1,700 independently owned and operated franchises, you can trust the team in green to get your property— and life—back to normal. We’re only a call away!
Faster to any size disaster. This is not just another tag line for SERVPRO—it is a commitment to be there when you need us most.
Whether you are a small business or home owner facing minor fire or water damage, or a property manager dealing with a widespread disaster, SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County has the resources needed to respond quickly and efficiently. The sooner help arrives, the sooner restoration begins and the sooner you can resume business as usual.
SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County is just the tip of the iceberg. Should a major disaster such as a flood or wildfire occur, SERVPRO’s Disaster Recovery Team is always poised and ready to go where they are needed.
If a fire, water or mold damage strikes, no matter the size, call SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County at 716-694-7776. Backed by a system of more than 1,700 franchises strong, we’ll help make your property disaster “Like it never even happened.”
Types of Water Damages and How SERVPRO Restoration Professionals Can Help
Types of Water Damages and How SERVPRO Restoration Professionals Can Help
SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County has helped countless local business owners with emergency commercial water removal services following invasive, problematic water damage issues that have threatened to halt normal business operations. SERVPRO is a trusted leader in emergency property restoration and cleanup situations of any type or magnitude. Our water mitigation and restoration professionals care about your employees' health and business operations, they work efficiently and quickly to restore your property, “Like it never even happened.” We know how important your time is, our goal is to help you stay open, operational, and in business.
RECOGNIZED AND TRUSTED WATER DAMAGE EXPERTS
If you find that your office, warehouse, restaurant or other commercial property in Patchogue, Coram, Farmingville, Holbrook and Centereach has experienced water or sewage damage, from broken plumbing, flooding, roof leaks or other types of water damage the most effective solution is to hire a restoration company like SERVPRO to begin the cleanup, repair, and restoration process. When your WNY home or business suffers a water damage, understanding what type of water you are dealing with is critical to ensuring proper cleanup. We offer 24-hour services, excellent customer service, and expedient remediation work that return your home to a safe, sanitary condition.
THERE ARE 3 BASIC CATEGORIES OF WATER
Category 1: Clean water originates from a sanitary source such as a broken pipe, or other water source; rainwater is also considered clean and poses no substantial risk from dermal, ingestion, or inhalation exposure. However, it may not always remain clean after it meets other surfaces or materials.
Category 2: Gray water is used to classify slightly contaminated water and has the potential to cause discomfort or sickness if contacted or consumed by humans. It may contain potentially unsafe levels of microorganisms or nutrients for microorganisms, as well as other organic or inorganic matter (chemical or biological).
Category 3: Black water is highly contaminated and filled with pathogenic, toxigenic or other harmful agents. Such water sources may carry silt, organic matter, pesticides, heavy metals, regulated materials, or toxic organic substances. Black water is typically caused by sewage damage, flooding or any type of natural disaster; Black water should always be handled by trained professionals.
THE 4 PRIMARY CLASSIFICATIONS OF WATER DAMAGE
Class 1 is the least amount of water, absorption and evaporation. It affects only part of a room or area, or larger areas containing materials that have absorbed minimal moisture. Little or no wet carpet and/or cushion is present.
Class 2 involves a large amount of water, absorption and evaporation. It affects at least an entire room of carpet and cushion (pad). Water has wicked up walls less than 24 inches. There is moisture remaining in structural materials and substructure soil.
Class 3 involves the greatest amount of water, absorption and evaporation. Water may have come from overhead. Ceilings, walls, insulation, carpet, cushions and subfloor in virtually all the entire area is saturated.
Class 4 relates to specialty drying situations. Wet materials with very low permeance/porosity (eg. hardwood, plaster, brick, concrete, light-weight concrete and stone). Typically, there are deep pockets of saturation, which require very low specific humidity. These types of losses may require longer drying times and special methods.
We have the knowledge, experience and proper equipment to locate any hidden moisture lurking out of sight and clean up water damage of any size and get it done right the first time.
Moisture sensors, which are used to detect moisture in carpets, baseboards and walls. We have moisture meters that we use to test the actual moisture content of materials. The meters allow our technicians to accurately monitor the drying process. Our team also has thermohygrometers on hand to measure temperature and relative humidity, which ensures techs can calculate and create an environment that is most conducive to drying.
Locally Owned and Operated When you have a commercial or residential water damage, don’t leave your property to chance.
Call SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara (716) 694-7776
As a locally owned and operated business, Our SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County teams are close by and ready to respond to your water and flood damage emergency. As leaders in the water damage industry, we have advanced training and expertise, not to mention a tremendous amount of hands-on experience.
Getting your commercial property back in order doesn’t have to be a total loss. If you are experiencing a flooded commercial property in the WNY area, make sure to consult a local SERVPRO professional clean-up and restoration crew as soon as possible to help ensure proper and thorough cleanup
Water quickly spreads quickly throughout, being absorbed into walls your property, floors, upholstery, and belongings, saturating everything in its path.
Furniture finishes may bleed, causing permanent staining on carpets and floors.
Documents, photographs, books, and other paper goods start to swell and warp.
Electronics in contact with the water are damaged.
Hours 1 - 24:
Drywall begins to swell and break down.
Metal surfaces begin to tarnish.
Furniture begins to swell and crack.
Dyes and inks from cloth and paper goods spread and stain.
A musty odor appears.
48 Hours to 1 Week:
Mold and mildew may grow and spread.
Doors, windows, and studs swell and warp.
Metal begins to rust and corrode.
Furniture warps and shows signs of mold.
Paint begins to blister.
Wood flooring swells and warps.
Serious biohazard contamination is possible.
More Than 1 Week:
Restoration time and cost increase dramatically; replacing contaminated materials and structural rebuilding may be extensive.
Structural safety, mold growth, and biohazard contaminants pose serious risks to occupants
SERVPRO Timeline
ONE – Within one hour from the notice of loss, a SERVPRO Franchise Professional will contact you to arrange for service.
FOUR – Within four hours of loss notification, a SERVPRO Franchise Professional will be on-site to start mitigation services.
EIGHT – Within eight business hours of on-site arrival, a verbal briefing of the scope will be communicated to the appropriate person.
*Exceptions may apply under certain conditions, such as a local catastrophic event or storm situation.
At the first sight of water damage, call SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County. We will come out in a timely manner and assess the damage.
Imagine, you come home from work, running errands or even from vacation, only to find your basement is flooded! Your initial response may be to try and fix the issue yourself, but before you do, check our “Three types of contaminated water” article. If you have grey or black water, it is highly recommended you contact a professional ASAP, and remember, clean water can turn into grey water in less then 24 hours.
So, do you call your general contractor or a disaster restoration company? There are a few important differences between contractors and professional Water Restoration Companies. As a professional Restoration Company, we try to restore, rather than replace, whenever possible.
Most contractors are not certified in drying and cleaning water damage to industry standards, so they tend to replace everything that is affected. This will often will include all flooring, walls, cabinets and even furniture. SERVPRO technicians are certified in drying and cleaning water damage to industry standards. We will not remove materials unless it is necessary. The average time to dry is 3 days, this prevents further interruption to your daily life and saves you money. We try to mitigate the water damage and restore when possible. Restoring your home is more cost efficient than replacing materials in your home.
Call SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County! We are available 24/7 for emergency water losses!
Mold is a common household problem, developing in warm, damp environments. Mold can be colored green, purple, white, and orange. While mold plays an important role outside in the environment, breaking down dead plants, mold is unwelcome in homes.
Showers and bathrooms are a common location for mold to grow, but it is possible for mold to grow anywhere in a home. Mold can come inside a home from an outside growth through inadequately sealed windows or doors. Mold spores cannot be eliminated entirely, but they will not grow if the environment is dry and well ventilated. Mold growth can be prevented by ensuring if water damage occurs, clean up occurs quickly. Using air conditioners during humid seasons and exhaust fans in kitchen can help prevent mold from growing.
Other areas to monitor moisture to prevent mold growth: exterior walls and surfaces in need of insulation where condensation can build, air conditioner drip pans, check for leaks around refrigerator, ensure crawl spaces are well ventilated, and check for leaks around a tub.
These are a few simple tips for making sure mold is not growing in your home. If you do discover a mold growth, SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County provides mold remediation services for all types of residential and commercial properties
in Western NY is no easy task, and cleaning up after a basement flood can seem like a hassle. In actuality, with the right equipment and the proper know-how, it can really be quite simple. Plus, there are ample experienced specialists who are ready to help you repair damage and utilize any insurance coverage you may have. Here are a few suggestions to get you started.
Vacuum Up Small Amounts of Water
If you have a dry/wet vacuum at home, you may be able to deal with small problems quickly and easily. If the issue is just an inch or two of water in a manageable area, for example, then you can easily clean it up by using your trusty shop-vac.
Use a Pump for Bigger Issues
If a basement flood starts to rise even further, reaching your shins or even your knees, then you’ll need to bring in some more powerful options. A water pump is a surefire way to get rid of any flooded water and quickly get your basement on track towards what it was before.
You’ll need a submersible pump for jobs like this, something that is surrounded in a protective shell and is able to completely enter the water you’d like to remove. Tie down the pump to something sturdy, and move it once the water begins to shift. Depending on how much water you have to remove, this process likely won't take long at all.
Cleaning Up Once the Water’s Gone
Unfortunately, once you’ve gotten rid of the water, you’ll likely need to replace anything that absorbed it, such as carpets or drywall. A dehumidifier during this step of the process is helpful, but it’s likely you’ll need to remove the drywall entirely in order to combat the damage.
It may seem like the end of the world to find a basement flood in your home, but you won’t run into any trouble if you follow the simple steps above and begin to clean as soon as possible.
SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County is here to provide the BEST service to our customers. We are a fire & water damage clean up and restoration company. We offer many other services to help with your clean up needs. Contact us at (716) 694-7776 for more information. We service both commercial and residential properties.
Remember, SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County is here to help. We work on water damage, storm damage, fire damage and other severe weather damage. You can call SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County anytime, 24/7. At SERVPRO we’re trained in many restoration services. We know the safest, most advanced, and quickest ways to help you recover from water/fire and other damage to your home or business. We also provide carpet & upholstery cleaning , Air duct cleaning and bio hazard clean up.
Important Tips for Choosing a Biohazard Cleanup Service
Because it’s traumatic: No one should have to deal with the personal impact of cleaning up after the traumatic loss of a loved one. A professional SERVPRO can get a situation cleaned up quickly, compassionately and discreetly.
Because it’s safer: Federal regulations classify all human and animal remains, including blood, urine, feces, vomit and bodily fluids, as biohazards. This is because they have the potential of carrying life-threatening pathogens such as Hepatitis B and C, AIDS, HIV, MRSA, Tuberculosis and many more. The safe cleanup and removal of biohazardous materials involves extensive analysis and detailed work, and the use of state-of-the-art cleaning and odor removal technologies.
Licensed Bonded & Insured
It is important to use licensed professionals because they conduct safe cleanup, removal and disposal of biohazardous waste. Additional considerations include being registered and compliant with OSHA and FEMA, federal agencies that oversee disasters and workplace safety. Cleanup crews will be coming into your home or the home of your loved one, so be sure the professional you choose is bonded and insured.
Will Work with Insurance Companies
In most cases, insurance will cover much or all of the cost of traumatic even cleanup. You can minimize or eliminate your out-of-pocket expenses by working with licensed and bonded professionals such as SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County who will deal directly with insurance companies, saving you one more headache in this already difficult process.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q.Can I just use my regular cleaning or janitorial service for biohazard cleanup of blood or bodily fluids?
A: Not unless your regular cleaning or janitorial service has been properly trained and equipped to handle biohazard cleanup and waste such as blood or bodily fluids, and has a legal place to dispose of the recovered biohazardous waste.
Q: Who pays for bio-recovery services?
A: In many cases home, business or auto insurance will pay for bio-recovery services. Ultimately the property owner may be responsible for cost of the service.
Q: Can I have an employee of my business clean the scene?
A: Federal Regulation 29cfr1910.1030 states that no employee can be placed in a position to be exposed to biohazard cleanup of blood spills without first:
Receiving Blood Borne Pathogen (bbp) training.
Having a written BBP exposure control plan.
Having been provided personal protective equipment.
Having been offered Hepatitis B vaccine and exposure evaluation and follow-up.
Being provided with a method to remove and properly store the bio-hazardous waste in properly marked containers for disposal at an approved site.
For more information please visit:
Biohazard Cleanup & Restoration by SERVPRO
Biohazard Emergency Tips - Until Help Arrives
Centers for Disease Control & Prevention Biosafety
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Hazardous Waste Laws & Regulations Information
It is always good to prepare for a storm! SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County is here to help you. Weather It is your home or business you need to always be prepared for the unexpected. We are located in the Niagara County are. Here the storms could come at any given time, water, wind, snow, haul, even heat can cause any environmental destruction. SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County is prepared are you?
We cover and provide our services to all areas in and around the WNY area immediately which may be hit by storm so that you don’t have to face any danger.
For any residential or commercial establishment, our response and services are prompt and efficient. With 1,650 franchises operating in the U. S and Canada, we can pool in our personnel for building servicein case of large-scale storm damages. Our efficient technicians along with specialized equipment can help in all the building and restoration of storm-hit places. With advanced drying and cleaning methods, this building service SERVPRO Of Eastern Niagara County always ensures that the job is done till all the property is restored or everything is all clean and dry. Call (716) 694-7776 for emergency response
Around 3.1 million people donate blood through the American Red Cross.
The American Red Cross collects and processes about 40% of the nation's bloodsupply to approximately 2,600 hospitals and transfusion centers nationwide.
Volunteers constitute about 90% of the American Red Cross workforce, making it possible to respond to nearly 70,000 disasters every year, most of them home and apartment fires.
Every year, march is declared Red Cross Month by the president of the United States. The American Red Cross celebrates by honoring the "everyday heroes" who support and carry out the mission of the Red Cross by donating,giving blood, taking a class or volunteering. SERVPRO began a partnership with the American Red Cross in 2013, and became an official Disaster Responder partner in 2016. The Disaster Responder program provides families and individuals immediate support, comfort and assistance when a disaster, such as a house fire, happens to them. Disaster Responders also help communities prepare for disasters ahead of time by participating in preparedness activities such as the Smoke Alarm Installation Campaign.
To learn more about the American Red Cross, or about how you can get involved,visit redcross.org.
SERVPRO® of Eastern Niagara County handles not only residential damage and restoration, but commercial as well.
There are three levels of commercial damage that are considered:
Level 1
Level 1 is a small commercial loss typically involving 15,000 square feet or less of affected floor space. If the facility was entirely affected, examples of a small commercial loss may include, but are not limited to, a stand-alone retail establishment, a small church, a daycare facility, a small shopping center, a small warehouse or manufacturing facility, or a stand-alone administrative building. A Level 1 loss can also be a small portion of a much larger structure.
Level 2
Level 2 is a midsize commercial loss typically involving 15,000 to 60,000 square feet of affected floor space. The building or buildings involved are usually multi-level or greatly divided spaces. If the facility was entirely affected, examples of a Level 2 loss may include, but are not limited to, a small multi-family property, a midsize church or school, a small shopping center, a multi-tenant administration facility, or a midsize warehouse or manufacturing facility. A Level 2 loss can also be just a portion of a much larger structure.
Level 3
Level 3 is a large commercial loss typically involving more than 60,000 square feet of affected floor space. The building or buildings involved will likely be large multi-level structures. If the facility was entirely affected, examples of a Level 3 loss can include, but are not limited to, a large church, hospital, school, or university; a large multi-family property; a mid- to high-rise retail or administration facility; a large industrial, manufacturing, or warehouse facility; or a large strip-style shopping center or shopping mall. This is the level at which it would be appropriate to refer to the project as a “large loss.”
Once our team determines the level of loss, the property is further assessed, and a team of appropriate size is dispatched to get the job done quickly and efficiently, and return your business to operation “Like it never even happened.”®
Molds can be found almost anywhere; they can grow on virtually any organic substance, as long as moisture and oxygen are present. There are molds that can grow on wood, paper, carpet, foods, and insulation. When excessive moisture accumulates in buildings or on building materials, mold growth will often occur, particularly if the moisture problem remains undiscovered or unaddressed. It is impossible to eliminate all mold and mold spores in the indoor environment. However, mold growth can be controlled indoors by controlling moisture indoors.
Commercial property can quickly become infested with mold if a source of water is present. Mold can spread throughout a property in as little as 48 hours. Since mold can produce allergens and irritants, you should call us to inspect your building if you suspect you have a mold problem. If mold is found, we have the training, equipment, and expertise to remediate your mold infestation.
Mold can spread quickly through a property if left untreated. SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County can respond quickly, working to first contain the infestation to help prevent its spread to other parts of the building. Next, we will begin the remediation process, working safely and effectively to manage the situation. We have the training, experience, and equipment to contain the mold infestation and remediate it to preloss condition.
Every 90 seconds a residential or commercial fire occurs in the US. Fire and smoke damage in any sort of structure has hidden damage and odors. A fire loss is very complex because of the unique behavior of smoke.
Our Fire specialists here at SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County have the experience and expertise to take care of any fire damage you may have no matter how big or small it might be. Special losses require special care, and we understand that caring for them is your first priority. SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County is always available 24 hours a day 365 days a year for you Fire loss.
Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage? We would be happy to help !
Most home owners when preparing their homes for any storms, don’t think about wind as a threat, though it causes billions of dollars in property damage every year. With that being said, it’s a good idea to know some tips and tricks on how to prepare your household for a wind storm.
Pick up around your yard
- Most people don’t take into consideration that anything lying around in your backyard can become a flying weapon, which can do significant damage to your home in high winds, let alone is dangerous in it of itself. If you see a wind advisory for your area, it is best to pick up any loose outdoor belongings like lawn furniture, garden tools, grills, sports equipment, bicycles, fallen tree branches etc.
Check out the trees on your property
- The last thing you want is a branch crashing through your kitchen window or roof during a wind storm. That’s why it’s extremely important to inspect the trees on your property for loose or damaged branches. It’s also important to get rid of any dangerous or dead trees taken care of as soon as possible especially during a wind storm.
Inspect your roof for weaknesses
- High winds can completely tear up your roof and lead to bigger problems like water damage to your homes structural properties and belongings. It is imperative that you routinely inspect your roof for things like loose or damaged shingles, debris, bare spots etc.
Check weather stripping on doors and windows
- Weather stripping is designed to keep the elements from coming indoors, so make sure yours is in good condition on both your doors and windows. Weather stripping that is in good condition will help keep windy drafts from coming into your home and will also ensure cold/warm air doesn’t escape.
Reinforce windows, doors and garage door
- Home safety features such as storm shutters will not only keep your home and belongings safer, but will also help you earn homeowners insurance discounts.
Make sure your emergency supply kit is up to date
- You never know how damaging or drastic a wind storm can be, so it is always a good idea to prepare a supply kit just in case.
The following items are a great start to your kit:
o 3 days worth of water and non-perishables for each member of your family
o a manual can opener
o A hand-crank or battery-powered radio so you can stay up to date on advisories
o Cash, flashlights, and extra batteries
o Food, water, and toys for your pets
o Infant formula and diapers, if necessary
o Entertainment such as books, magazines, and battery-power electronics
o Medications, a first-aid kit, hand sanitizer, toilet paper, and trash bags
o Solar chargers for cell phones and other electronics
o Copies of important documents, like insurance policies, emergency contact info, and IDs
o A warm blanket or sleeping bag for everyone in the family
o At least one change of clothing
o A fire extinguisher
Double check your home inventory
- Maintaining a thorough, up-to-date home inventory can be a real lifesaver if high winds cause major damage to your home and its contents. Document and keep receipts for high-value items like furniture, electronics, appliances, and clothing, as well as any upgrades or renovations you've made to your house. Be sure to update your home inventory list with any new purchases, upgrades, or changes you make to your place. If you ever need to file a claim after high winds (or any other covered incident) damage your home or belongings, a well-maintained inventory can significantly speed along the claims process and help you get your house feeling like home again.
Turn down the temp on your fridge and freezer
- If your area is expecting high winds, there’s a chance your power may go out. Turning down the temperature of your fridge and freezer can save you time and help prevent food from spoiling as quickly.
Look at your homeowners’ insurance
- Before storm season hits, look at your homeowner’s coverages and limits to ensure they're enough to fully protect you in the event of catastrophe.
Fire damage can be very devastating for a business or commercial property. In addition to fire, smoke, and soot damage, water damage caused by firefighting efforts and fire suppression systems may occur. Every hour spent restoring your business back to pre-fire condition is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. If you have a fire emergency, call a SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County Professional.
24 Hour Emergency Service
Faster to Any Size Disaster
A Trusted Leader in the Fire and Water Restoration Industry with over 1,700 Franchises
Highly Trained Fire and Water Damage Restoration Specialists
Commercial Fire Damage? Call Us Today 716-694-7776
Commercial Restoration Presents Unique Challenges
SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County Professionals have the training, experience, and equipment to manage your commercial fire damage emergency. They will respond quickly and manage the fire restoration project through to its completion—getting your property business-ready.
Fire and Smoke Restoration Technician
Odor Control Technician
Upholstery & Fabric Cleaning Technician
Water Damage Restoration Technician
Have Questions About Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage? Call Today 716-694-7776
1. Test for radon. This colorless, odorless gas is the second leading cause of lung cancer. Test every three years. A tightly sealed home increases your risk.
2. Install carbon monoxide detectors on every floor. Many homes have CO alarms on the main floor and the floor where bedrooms are. But you should have carbon monoxide detectors on all other floors, including the basement.
3. Know about the surprising items that can go up in flames. Battery-charged appliances, paper and cloth towels, and dryer lint are three items people don’t think of when they think of the fundamentals of fire safety. Know they could start a fire. Take precautions.
4. Replace 10-year-old electric blankets. After 10 years, heating pads and electric blankets tend to cause problems. Replace them if they have charred spots, frayed or cracked electrical cords, or are old.
5. Toss out old space heaters. Space heaters are a prime cause of fires. Replace old space heaters with the newer models that turn off automatically if they tip over or get too hot.
6. Check for mold every 3-5 years. Mold damages our respiratory and immune systems. Buy a do-it-yourself kit or hire SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County to detect mold every 3-5 years.
7. If you must smoke, do so only outside the house. More fire deaths are caused by smoking inside the home than are caused by any other factor. Always dampen butts and ashes before throwing them away.
8. Be aware of and check potentially dangerous products like toasters. Every year common toasters start thousands of fires. Clean out the crumbs and unplug your toaster when it’s not in use. Another common household product that can cause fires is your dryer.
For Cleanup Or Restoration Needs Call SERVPRO Of Eastern Niagara County At (716) 694-7776
9. Place critical papers in a fireproof box. You may want to include your identification papers (like your Social Security card, passport, and birth certificate). Consider adding financial records, family photographs, and emergency cash in small bills.
10. Trim trees and shrubs around your home or business. Dead branches hanging over your roof can fall and cause damage. Shrubs that brush against your house can bring an outdoor fire right into your home.
11. Keep your gutters clean. If a gutter, drain, or downspout is clogged, water may build up and find its way into your house.
12. Have your chimney and fireplace inspected. Use binoculars to examine the outside of your chimney for any cracks or signs of damage. Have your flue cleaned and inspected by a certified chimney sweep.
13. Consider how vulnerable your home is to wind damage. Is your home protected from tornadoes, hurricanes, and other damaging winds? Consider how sturdy your doors and windows are. Do you need to fortify them? Research protective products like concrete canvas or cloth.
14. Know your area’s evacuation routes and shelters. If you should have to vacate your home or business quickly you’ll be better off if you’ve already planned your route and destination. And consider having an emergency evacuation kit stored in your car.
15. Keep in mind people and pets who may have special needs. How will you get them to safety if a natural disaster causes you to evacuate?
16. Read up on how to best prepare for a disaster.
Help Is Here The team at SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County has specialized training and experience in fire restoration services, natural disaster prevention, and natural disaster cleanup. Call us at 694-7776.
Mold is a fact of life, it can be found everywhere. Mold requires several conditions before it can grow. According to Ecolife, “Molds reproduce by means of tiny spores: the spores are invisible to the naked eye and are able to float through outdoor and indoor air. Mold may begin growing indoors when spores land on moist surfaces and find food. “Food” means virtually any organic substance, such as wood, paper, carpet, human food, and insulation.” If you discover a mold issue in your home, you have a moisture problem.
Check your home for the following possible issues:
Roof leaks – Keep your roof in good repair and check your attic several times a year for moisture.
Humidity – Hot humid summer day and rainy weather both can cause mold issues.
Poor ventilation – Enclosed spaces in your home can be areas of poor ventilation. Make sure these areas have proper ventilation.
Plumbing problems – Common plumbing problems that go unnoticed can also cause mold. Pipe leaks, toilet seals, ice maker hoses, etc. Check these areas often and correct any problems immediately.
Flooding - If your home is affected by heavy rains, call a professional to properly dry the affected area.
Foundation Problem – The soil around your home should always be sloped away from your home to prevent water from entering your basement.
If you have a mold issue or have questions regarding mold in your home call SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County and we can send a professional estimator to assist.
When it comes to mold, there are many misconceptions that leave homeowners confused and misinformed. Just by mentioning the word “mold” causes people to panic. Although mold can be a very serious problem and should always be taken seriously, it is critical to have all the correct facts, so you can make knowledgeable decisions when necessary.
“Bleach kills mold” Bleach is able to kill certain types of mold on nonporous surfaces, but it is uncertain on whether or not it can kill all types of mold on every surface. Most of the retail products out there only discolor the mold and are not suggested for porous surfaces for example, drywall, carpet, ceiling tiles and wood.
“Mold is only found in homes with water damage” It is true that mold generally forms in any areas that have problems of water seepage or flooding but unfortunately all homes could potentially wind up with having a mold problem. Molds and mildews are present both indoors and outdoors, and when mold spores land on a surface that contains moisture, that mold can begin to grow.
“You don’t have to remove mold if you kill it” Even if you are able to kill the mold, there are allergens that live in mold that are still active. These allergens can even become airborne even if the mold is dead. Mold can also go dormant until conditions in the environment are optimal for regrowth. To protect yourself and your home, it is necessary to remove the affected area and remove the items that contain mold. You need to be cautious not to spread the mold spores to unaffected areas. Professionals, like us, are properly trained to handle mold allergens without further contaminating your home.
“A small amount of mold is nothing to worry about” A small amount of visible mold in your home may just be the tip of the iceberg. Chances are it has been growing for some time now and requires a certified mold inspector to further inspect the situation.
“Mold Remediation is easy to do on your own” That is not always the case. When it comes to small areas of mold, it can be handled easily. But when the problem becomes pervasive, it is best to call the professionals. SERVPRO is always “Here To Help!”
With temperatures in the single digit this week in WNY, home owners should be alert to the dangers of freezing pipes. As most people know, when water freezes, it expands. This expansion can cause pipes in your home or business to crack and burst. According to State Farm insurance, A 1/8-inch crack in a pipe can spew up to 250 gallons of water a day, causing flooding, serious structural damage, and the immediate potential for mold. The pipes most at risk in your home are located in unheated areas, such as garages, attics, and basements. Pipes running through cabinets and exterior walls are at risk as well. You can prevent your pipes from freezing by following some simple tips.
Tips to Prevent Your Pipes From Freezing
For outside areas, remove hoses from outdoor water faucets, and cover exterior faucets. If your home has a water shut-off valve, turn off the water supply to outside faucets. Keep garage doors closed if there are water supply lines in your garage. For the interior of your home, be sure that your home has proper insulation- especially in basements, attics and crawl spaces. Keep your home warm and open kitchen & bathroom cabinets. This will allow warm air to circulate around the pipes. Turn faucets on and let your water run in extremely cold temperatures. Even a slow trickle can help prevent pipes from freezing.
...WINTER STORM WATCH all of Erie County (including metro Buffalo), Wyoming, Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, 1:00 am Friday until 7:00 am Saturday...
...Buffalo area creeks will run high this afternoon. We continue to monitor Cayuga, and Buffalo creeks where some ice jams have been observed, but so far the jams have been breaking and or water if flowing underneath...
Expect just some scattered snow showers this afternoon, and as the breeze picks up, be prepared for a brisk wind chill by late.
The temperature continues to dip tonight which will trigger some lake effect snow. An increasing wind will result in some blowing, drifting snow, and a bitterly cold wind chill. Tonight's lake snow will impact downtown, the eastern, immediate southern suburbs of Buffalo, and possibly the northtowns for a period. Accumulations should be in the 2-4" range.
Friday, the lake snow band will start out from downtown south and eastward, then shift south through the immediate southern suburbs further southward across southern Erie, Wyoming, and northern
sections of the Southern Tier. These areas will be the focus for much of the snow Friday, with 4-7" of snow possible. A few scattered snow showers are expected elsewhere. As colder air deepens Friday night, the lake snow may intensify for a period across ski country.
A weakening single band as it drifts northward toward the metro Saturday morning. When all is said and done, most areas will receive some fresh snowfall over the next several days. More widespread light to moderate snow Sunday will be accompanied by a brisk wind.
Aside from a quiet Monday, next week will be very wintry. Another more widespread system will spread snow into the area via a more potent storm Tuesday. Extreme cold is likely beginning toward 1/30. This outbreak may rival the polar vortex blast during February 2014.
THURSDAY AFTERNOON: Turning Cooler, Spotty Snow Showers for the afternoon, Lots of Clouds, Temperatures falling, Brisk Wind Chill later, High: 25-29, Wind: W 10-18
THURSDAY NIGHT: Colder, Localized Lake Effect Snow band develops near the metro overnight, 2-4" possible, Bitter Wind Chill, some Blowing, Drifting Snow, Low: 14-20, Wind: W/SW 10-20 G30
FRIDAY: Very Cold, Localized Lake Effect Snow south of Buffalo. 4-7" across the Ski Country, a few Scattered Snow Showers elsewhere, High: 21, Wind: W 15-30 G40, Low: 7.
SATURDAY: Very Cold, Weakening Lake Snow Showers drift northward toward the metro before ending for the afternoon, High: 20, Low: 15.
SUNDAY: Widespread Light to Moderate Snowfall, High: 22, Low: 12
MONDAY: Mostly Cloudy, Widespread Snow Develops by later at Night, High: 25 Low: 24
We are experiencing frigid temperatures and subzero windchill's in WNY.
Cold temperatures can cause pipes to freeze. Frozen Pipes can result in costly repairs to you as a home or business owner. The good news is there are ways to prevent pipes from freezing. Here are some tips for this winter.
Frozen Pipes Can Burst
Frozen pipes are a problem by themselves, because they prevent water flow, but even worse, frozen pipes can eventually burst, causing damage and potential flooding. There are ways to protect your pipes from freezing. These include:
Keep your house warm
If you are leaving for a period of time, make sure that the heat is kept on at your property. You should inform them that the heat can help prevent pipes from freezing, and if pipes freeze and burst, it can cause a lot of water damage to the property and to their possessions. The heat doesn’t have to be kept as high as you normally would keep it if you were home but keeping it set above 50 degrees Fahrenheit at all times is a good idea. This should provide enough heat to keep the pipes warm and to prevent any water inside from freezing.
Open Faucets
When temps hit the freezing level it is a good idea to allow faucets to drip. Allowing the faucet to be open like this will relieve pressure in the pipe. If a pipe freezes, it is actually the pressure that is created between the blockage and the faucet that will cause the pipe to burst. With the faucet open you avoid blockage in the pipes.
Insulation in key
Pipes can be fitted with foam rubber or fiberglass sleeves to help decrease the chances of freezing. This can be an easy solution for pipes that are exposed, but can get expensive if walls, floors or ceilings have to be opened in order to properly insulate the pipe. Additional insulation can also be added to walls and ceilings to keep the pipes warm.
SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County is here for you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call us at 716-694-7776
SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County now specializes in post construction cleanup and restoration. Structural integrity, materials, labor, safety, customer satisfaction and deadlines - the list goes on and on when building a commercial facility. The bottom line, however, is you are responsible for getting the doors doors open on time.
SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County can help you meet your deadlines by providing thorough post-construction services in a timely manner. These services include:
Post-Construction Cleaning
Dehumidification and Drying
Final Cleaning
Fast-Track Drying
Emergency Response Restoration and Cleanup Services
Post-construction cleaning takes place once the floors are down and the dry wall is up. The debris and dirt needs to be removed in order to lay down carpet, paint, and decorate. SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County can provide the debris removal services to prepare the building for interior design.
During the construction phase, a building can trap moisture. Excessive moisture could result in mold growth. If you think one of your projects may have a moisture issue, rely on SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County to provide the help you need eliminating moisture and preventing the potential for mold growth.
If you want the facility to look its best when the doors open, SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County provides cleaning services to give the building that extra shine. Services include:
Carpet, resilient, and non-resilient floor prep and finish
Bath time should be fun, don't let water damage ruin your day!
January is National Bath Safety Month, and though safe bathing practices are of the utmost importance for you and your family, what about your homes safety against water damage caused by your bath? The very nature of your shower or bathtub makes them at risk for leaks, causing damage over days, months, and sometimes years. Less visible leaks which leak over longer periods of time are the number one cause of mold in a bathroom, with improper ventilation being the second. The following are some tips to keep your home safe against bath and shower leaks:
Replace showers or tubs with cracks or other damage; even hairline cracks can allow water to seep in and cause damage.
Grout and caulk help prevent water from seeping into walls and floors, so repair them if they are chipped, cracked, or deteriorating.
Replace torn shower curtains or shower doors with seals that no longer work.
Dry the floor and drain water from the tub immediately after use to prevent damage from sitting water.
Be sure to turn on your exhaust fan every time you shower or use the tub, as the fan helps pull excess moisture out of the air (and out of your walls!). It will help keep your bathroom dry, preventing bubbly drywall and mold growth.
You can’t always keep disaster from occurring, but prevention and being pro-active are a step in the right direction of protecting your home. In the case of emergency or if you suspect water damage from your tub, call SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County we’ll make it “Like it never even happened.”
Frozen water exerts thousands of pounds of pressure per square inch on a pipe and can burst it, causing flooding and major damage to your business. Extensive water damage can also occur as a result of frozen pipes in sprinkler systems during extended power outages in freezing weather.
Preventing Frozen Pipes
Guidance for reducing the risk of pipes freezing:
Provide a reliable back-up power source, such as a stand by generator, to ensure continuous power to the building.
Install a monitoring system with notifications if the building’s temperature dips below a pre-determined number.
Insulate recessed light fixtures in the ceiling to reduce heat entering the attic. Look for visible light inside the attic. If present, insulate or seal. If the space above a suspended ceiling is conditioned, there is no need for added insulation or sealing.
Insulate and properly seal attic penetrations such as partition walls, vents, plumbing stacks, electric and mechanical chases, and access doors, and all doors and windows.
Seal all wall cracks and penetrations including domestic and fire protection lines, electrical conduit and other utility service lines.
Sprinkler systems should be consistently monitored by a central station to provide early detection of a pipe failure.
Install insulation and/or heat trace tape connected to a reliable power source on parts of wet sprinkler system piping. This includes main lines coming up from underground passing through a wall as well as sprinkler branch lines.
UL-approved gas or electric unit heaters can be installed in unheated sprinkler control valve/fire pump rooms. If back up power is provided, the heaters should also be connected to this power source.
A monitored automatic excess flow switch can be placed on the main incoming domestic water line to provide early detection of a broken pipe or valve when the business is closed.
Peace of Mind
Although it seems as if our winters are longer and colder, the winter weather business protection tips described above can help give you piece of mind during the winter months. We believe that implementing these tips can greatly reduce a building’s potential structural loss and loss of business operations due to large snow falls, freezing temperatures and power outages during these times.
8 Ways to Prevent Frozen Pipe Damage for a Business
Seal Exterior: Seal all cracks, holes, windows, doors and other openings on exterior walls with caulk or insulation to prevent cold air from penetrating wall cavities.
Seal Interior: Insulate and seal attic penetrations such as partition walls, vents, plumbing stacks, and electrical and mechanical chases.
Relieve Pipe Pressure: Let all faucets drip during extreme cold weather to prevent freezing of the water inside the pipe, and if freezing does occur, to relieve pressure buildup in the pipes between the ice blockage and the faucet.
Keep the Building Warm: Install a monitoring system that provides notifications if the building's temperature dips below a pre-determined number.
Insulate Vulnerable Pipes: Insulate pipes most vulnerable to freezing by using pipe insulation.
Install Early Detection System: Install an automatic excess flow switch on the main incoming water line to monitor and provide early detection of a broken pipe or valve. Use wireless sensors near water sources.
Monitor Fire Protection Sprinkler Systems: Monitor sprinkler systems using a central station to provide early detection of a pipe failure and heat unheated sprinkler control rooms.
Install Backup Power: Provide a reliable backup power source to ensure heat to the building.
Contact us at 716-694-7776 if you have a service need or click hereto visit our website to learn more about SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County's System Services.
1. Understand the fire triangle A simplified cousin to the fire tetrahedron, the triangle represents the three components that fires need to exist: heat, oxygen and fuel. If one of these components is missing, a fire can’t ignite.
Heat can be generated by a cigarette, an electrical current or a home heater. Fuel can be anything combustible, such as wood, paper, clothing, furniture, gases or chemicals.
Once a fire starts, if any of the three components is removed, the fire is extinguished. Water is used to cool a fire and take away the heat source. Oxygen can be removed by smothering a fire with dirt, sand, a chemical agent or a blanket.
Fuel can be removed by moving combustible materials away from the fire or by simply waiting until the fire consumes the material and goes out of its own accord.
2. Fire kills Every year more than 3,800 people die fire related deaths in the U.S. Approximately 18,300 people are injured every year in fires. Most of these fires could have been prevented by practicing proper fire safety and having fire alarms. On average more than 60 firefighters die every year in the line of duty.
3. It's in the kitchen Most house fires start in the kitchen. Cooking is the leading cause of home fire injuries. Cooking fires often start from overheated grease and unattended cooking. Electric stoves are involved in more fires than gas stoves.
4. Leading causes of death Another fact about fire is that smoking is the primary cause of death by fire in the U.S. The second cause of fire deaths is heating equipment.
5. Arson Arson is the third most common cause of home fires. Arson in commercially operated buildings is the major reason for fire deaths and injuries in those types of properties.
6. Smoke inhalation More people die from smoke inhalation than flames. Fire can suck all of the oxygen from a room and replace it with poisonous smoke and gases before flames even reach a room. Many times people die from lack of oxygen before the fire reaches their room.
7. Run report According to NFPA, firefighters in the U.S. were called out on 501,500 structure fires in 2015. Between 2007 and 2011, there was an average of 2,570 civilian deaths and 13,210 civilian injuries per year, and a total estimated cost of $329 billion in 2011.
8. Candles Candles caused approximately 9,300 home fires and 86 home fire deaths between 2009 and 2013.They were also responsible for 827 injuries and $374 million in property damage.
9. Smoke alarms Approximately two-thirds of all fire deaths happen in homes where there’s no working fire alarm. Your chance of dying in a home fire is cut in half if you have a working smoke alarm.
The October 2017 California Fires in Northern California were devastating. Northern California will be dealing with the death and destruction of recent wildfires for years. The immediate life-safety concerns about fire are obvious and frightening, but what many don’t realize is that returning to fire damaged buildings is also hazardous. Cleaning after fire is part of recovery, but done wrong this activity may do more harm. If you’re returning to a fire damaged community follow these fire restoration tips to reduce your health risks.
After you have dealt with the initial raw emotions of fire loss, after you have contacted your insurance company and relatives and emergency personnel that are worried about you, it is time to cleanup and rebuild. FEMA has a checklist for “returning to normal” after a fire. If hiring professionals is not in the budget or you want to get back home before the pros show up, read these tips for cleaning after a fire.
Immediate Threats When Cleaning After Fire
These basic measures may save your life when you return to cleanup after a fire.
Do not reenter a fire stricken area or building unless a professional has verified it is safe to enter. Fires may reappear and you don’t want to be stuck in the danger zone. Do not go around police/fire barricades or ignore evacuation orders.
Do not approach downed power lines or attempt to work around electrical wires.
If the structure has been significantly impact and there are any concerns about the structural integrity of the building, do not enter until an expert or structural engineer okays the building.
Do not enter areas with standing water. There may be hidden dangers in the water.
SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County provides 24-hour emergency service and is dedicated to being faster to any-sized disaster in WNY . We can respond immediately to your emergency and have the expertise to handle your restoration or cleaning needs.
24-Hour Emergency Service
Faster to Any-Sized Disaster
Highly Trained Restoration Technicians
A Trusted Leader in the Restoration Industry
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Residential Services
Whether your Arlington home needs emergency flood damage or your upholstery cleaned, you can depend on us. Our technicians have extensive cleaning and restoration training and can make your property look its best. Learn more about our residential services:
There's never a convenient time for fire or Water damage to strike your WNY commercial property. Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when the need arises for professional cleaning or emergency restoration services we have the training and expertise to respond promptly with highly trained technicians to get your property back to business.
A sewage backup can cause extensive storm and water damage at a residence in WNY. There are several ways to prevent backups, whether the situation originates in the municipal sewer system or from a lateral line or septic tank on your property. Consider these five preventative methods to find the best solution for your home.
1. Prevent Lateral Blockages
Blockages that originate on your property are your responsibility. Tree roots can penetrate old sewer lines and cause rain water to enter and cause backups. Use foaming tree root filler twice a year to keep root blockages at bay. Avoid putting grease or unsuitable paper products down drains or toilets and use a snake to keep lines clear.
2. Use a Floor Drain Plug
Install a one-way drain plug below the grates of a floor drain. These plugs have a float mechanism and function only when sewers are overfilled. This may be the easiest and most cost-effective solution for a municipal sewer backup.
3. Use a Standpipe
Insert a standpipe surrounded by a watertight seal into a floor drain to prevent backups. Most standpipes are about three feet tall and may be removed when sewer water levels return to normal.
4. Consider an Overhead Sewer
An overhead sewer collects overflow in a sump tank and pumps it into overhead pipes that drain into the main sewage line. This method is an effective investment in preventing floods due to sewer backups.
5. Install a Backflow Valve
A backflow prevention valve can prevent sewer water from entering your home. A hand-operated gate valve can provide a stronger seal than a check or flap valve.
These five methods can help you prevent sewer backups at your home.. If a backup occurs and results in flooding, rely on the expertise and equipment of a sewer cleaning and storm damage restoration service.
Many homeowners light candles to freshen up a room or to have lighting during a power outage. However, candles still have the potential to create a fire that spreads throughout the building. Avoid a candle fire at all costs, and follow these helpful tips to stay safe.
1. Do Not Leave Candles Unattended
If you are leaving a room with a candle in it, first extinguish the flame. After all, you can always relight a candle if you desire.
2. Keep the Area Around Candles Clean
The shelf or stand where you place the candle should not have anything flammable on it. Additionally, you should avoid placing a candle on a nightstand near your bed. The bedding may catch fire if you are not careful.
3. Toss It Once It Is Less Than Two Inches Tall
You do not want to risk a candle fire by allowing the flame to get too close to the base of the candle. It is better to simply throw away a candle once it is less than two inches high. They are relatively inexpensive to replace.
4. Keep Candles Away From Pets and Children
Candles should be placed high enough that kids and animals cannot get them. It is dangerous for children to play with anything lit. If the candle is left on a coffee table, then a dog’s tail may accidentally hit it and cause it to fall onto the floor.
5. Do Not Put Out a Candle With Water
It is preferable to put out a flame by blowing on it rather than pouring water. The reason is that water can cause the wax to spill all over the place. The hot wax may still catch fire, causing flames to spread throughout a home in Brooklyn NY. Candles are meant to be enjoyed, so always follow the manufacturer’s safety instructions to avoid a nasty candle fire and the impending smoke cleanup.
Water damage can be incredibly damaging to properties of all kinds and sizes. As a property manager, you want to try your best to ensure that any properties you are in charge of managing are kept as pristine as possible. You cannot do this when dealing with water problems and water-related damage. The fact of the matter is that commercial damages can be a lot more disastrous than you might think. For one, it can promote the growth of mold that you may not even be able to see. It can also damage things on the property to the roof, foundation and general building materials like beams and sheet rock on the walls.
As a property manager, it is essential that you establish a preparedness plan that will help to prevent commercial damage . This might include regular inspections of the property you're managing as well as routine repairs to anything that might be working in a less desirable manner. Such as downspouts on gutters or roofing that tends to at times. One thing to keep in mind is that your tenants may not always alert you that there is a problem for a variety of reasons. One reason may be because they don't think the issue is a problem, or they may not even notice that there is a problem altogether. Because of this, it might be beneficial for you to conduct routine maintenance inspections to make sure that everything is in working order.
Because water damage can be incredibly problematic for property managers, it is especially important to prevent and fix issues as soon as you notice them. This can help to prevent problems from getting much worse, such as mold growth that has been caused by a flood or leak in some area of the property. Having a good maintenance team who can conduct routine inspections is also a vital part of any property manager's job.
If you are already experiencing commercial water damage or any of the issues that come from water damage, it is a good idea to contact SERVPRO so that they can come in and provide the clean up that you need. From water damage restoration to mold remediation, SERVPRO is there to assist any property manager or company when it comes to their property running to its full efficiency. Water damage can be a problem, but this doesn't mean that the problem cannot be fixed.
Locally Owned Company with National Resources
SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County is locally owned and operated. We are also part of a national network of over 1,650 SERVPRO Franchises and special Disaster Recovery Teams strategically located throughout the country to respond to large scale disasters.
Make sure lights are not broken or have frayed cords
Turn off holiday lights before bed or when leaving the home
Most importantly is to get rid of the Christmas tree once it is dried out. Removing the dead tree from the home and garage is the best prevention for accidental holiday fires.
SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County will be available all holiday season to assist with any smoke, fire or water damage needs. Call 716-694-7776
The Christmas season is in full swing. During this time each year, the traditional Christmas tree fills the family room surrounded by presents. BE CAREFUL - Christmas tree fires are infrequent, but they can happen. Listed below are a few good measures that will help ensure your home’s safety: • Make sure you pick a healthy tree; trees with brown needles indicate dryness. • Make sure your tree is placed in a sturdy stand to prevent it from falling over. • Make sure your stand has an adequate basin for water. • Make sure to check and water your tree daily. • Check your lights to make sure they are fire resistant and supported by a national testing organization. • Keep your trees a safe distance from any heat source. • Make sure that the lights and any extension cords used are in good working condition; look for and replace damaged wires. • Check all the bulbs to make sure they are working properly. • Make sure you have adequate smoke alarms in the area and they are working properly. The SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County team wants to ensure that everyone has a safe and joyous season. In the unlikely event that a fire were to occur, know that the SERVPRO team is ready to assist 24/7 by calling 716-694-7776
Routine Maintenance and Inspection of Fire Sprinklers
Routine Maintenance and Inspection of Fire Sprinklers
A misfiring fire sprinkler can lead to the need for timely mitigation. While there are fire remediation specialists in the WNY , area that are equipped to handle a fire sprinkler cleanup, routine maintenance may be all that is required to avoid these mechanical mishaps. As regular maintenance and inspection are often needed, it is a good idea to familiarize yourself with some of the essential components of your system.
1. Control Valves
In a fire suppression system, control valves guide the water through the system to the affected area, allowing for quick suppression response. These valves should be checked weekly to ensure they are in the open position, are appropriately sealed and free of leaks.
2. Gauges
Fire sprinkler system gauges offer accurate readouts of the pressurized system, making it easy to understand if the system can extinguish an active fire. In pre-action, deluge and dry fire suppressant systems, these gauges should be checked weekly. In a water-based system, you should check the gauges monthly.
3. Sprinkler Heads
As the main component of your fire prevention system, the sprinkler heads allow for the free flow of the fire suppressant. Sprinklers should be checked monthly to ensure that they are free of leaks and debris.
4. Professional Inspection
While it is all right to perform routine inspections on your system on your own, it is advisable and possibly required to have at least annual checks performed by professionals. The same services that can clean up after sprinkler mishaps are typically equipped with the equipment and expertise to perform fire system inspections.
A fire sprinkler system is an incredible and life-saving preventative measure, but if that system is not maintained correctly, then it can become finicky. Controls and specific gauges will need to be checked weekly, while other gauges and sprinkler heads can be checked monthly. Beyond the basic DIY inspections, it is a wise and sometimes mandated choice to have a professional inspect the system for any potential damage.
Homeowners' insurance policies cover most accidental damage, even if the cause is not a covered peril. You may increase the chances that your insurance company will cover damage by taking preventative measures and performing regular maintenance. Here are three considerations to help you determine whether you can count on insurance coverage in the event of a basement flood.
What Caused the Basement to Flood?
There are several reasons a basement can flood. Water may originate from
Unless you have proof of recent inspections and regular maintenance, most of these causes are not covered perils. The water damage that results is likely to be covered, unless the cause is flooding, which is only covered by a separate flood insurance policy.
Which Maintenance or Preventative Measures Have You Taken?
In addition to inspections and repairs, you may need to prove you have done everything you can to prevent a basement flood and mitigate the damage in a timely manner. Make sure your sump pump is operational and has a backup power source. Heat your home in freezing weather and allow a faucet to drip to prevent pipes from bursting. Flush and inspect your water heater several times a year. Regardless of the cause, contact your insurance company as soon as water floods your basement.
Have You Done All You Can To Mitigate the Problem?
As long as you take extensive photographic and video evidence of a flooded basement, you can start to mitigate damage before an adjuster arrives. Turn off the water supply if it will slow or stop the flow of water.
Contact your insurance company to schedule a basement flood appointment with a claims adjuster. You can also obtain estimates from a plumber or appliance repair specialist and a home restoration service in WNY
After a Catastrophic Fire, Identify All of the Damage
If your business has been affected by a fire, it is important that you identify both fire damage and water damage when getting back on your feet. Determining the losses from both the flames and the fire hose water can save your business time and money when returning to business.
What Did the Fire Affect?
Visible signs of damage can range from soot and charring to smoke stains and discoloration. Make sure to go office by office, room by room and location by location to determine what has been burned as well as what has been otherwise impacted by the blaze. A variety of specific areas will likely require attention:
Floors, walls and ceilings that have been burned, charred and stained
Areas that have residual smoke odors, such as carpeting, cubicle walls and office furnishings
Electrical wires, cables, conduits and plumbing fixtures that could have been destroyed, weakened, melted or suffered other heat-related fire damage
Office equipment, computers, telephone systems, server rooms and manufacturing equipment that was directly in the line of fire or affected by smoke, ash and soot
Sensors, tools and small appliances that can require recalibration or cleaning
What Did the Fire Hose Affect?
When extinguishing a fire, first responders use a lot of water to put out the flames and embers. When water is introduced to parts of your business that have never been wet, the effects can slow your recovery if you don't analyze everything promptly.
After the firefighters leave, ponding water and puddles are obvious. However, moisture in cabinets, closets and files can be easily missed. If it is left standing or stagnating in a warm area, water damage and subsequent mold and mildew growth can spread quickly. Additionally, wet ceiling tiles that sag are a danger for employees if they become too heavy and start crashing down. Make sure to also check storage tanks to ensure condensation has not contaminated the contents.
When addressing water and fire damage , be sure to find the right commercial building restoration service that can correct all of the damage and get you back in business as quickly as possible.
When You Want A Professional & Speedy Water Restoration Company, Call SERVPRO!
What Water Does to Structural Elements of WNY Homes
With loss incidents that occur within your home, you have a finite timeline to correct the situation before irreparable damages occur. With water loss especially, these damages can begin almost instantaneously from the moment of exposure. Finding the right team with the tools to help is not as complicated as it might appear to be.
A primary focus for homeowners contending with substantial water loss incidents in their home is a fast response for water removal services. Our SERVPRO team of professionals have the tools and expertise to make a difference in preserving elements of your home by removing the water from the premises fast. Our 24-hour response team ensures that our highly-trained technicians remain available to any customer that could require our services any time of the day.
Within a few moments from exposure to water, elements like drywall begin to saturate and absorb the liquid. From the baseboards, this moisture wicks up the wall. This continued saturation can bloat and degrade this material after only twenty-four hours. Within a few days, microbial growth and potential biohazardous conditions could result. Taking care of the solution is finding the team, like our SERVPRO professionals, that respond immediately to the emergency.
Part of our effective mitigation approach to preserving the structural elements and the contents of your home is our determination to have advanced technology and equipment to remove water quickly from affected areas. Extraction plays a significant role in our mitigation practices, and tools like our gas-powered pumps and handheld extraction wands can make short work of this excess. We utilize thermal imagery to check the effectiveness of drying the area and to show our SERVPRO technicians where further attention is necessary to remove threatening moisture pockets.
Locally Owned Company with National Resources
Restoring your home after a substantial water loss incident requires the right team with the right tools. While there might be many choices you can make when it comes to restoring your property, you can trust that SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County is a wise one. Give us a call anytime that you need us at (716) 694-7776
No one wants to spoil the holiday season, but Christmas trees in the home can present a fire safety issue. A primary concern with a Christmas tree is fire danger, often brought on by the combination of electrical malfunctions and, in the case of a real tree, a drying tree.
In the United States, Christmas trees start approximately 210 house fires per year.
According to a National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) report issued in 2015, U.S. fire departments responded to more than 200 home structure fires annually between 2009 and 2013 in which Christmas trees were the first item to catch on fire. Each year, fires occurring during the holiday season injure 2,600 individuals and cause over $930 million in damage, according to the United States Fire Administration. Sadly, Christmas tree-related fires have a higher incident of fatalities than typical house fires, according to the NFPA report.
Electrical malfunctions are often to blame for Christmas tree fires.
Electrical failures or malfunctions were involved in nearly half of the fires, igniting the tree with sparks or small electrical fires. Decorative lights with live voltage were involved in more than 20 percent of the instances. However, putting trees too close to open fires or heaters caused a significant number of fires as well: nearly a quarter occurred because a heat source was located too close to the tree.
It isn’t just real trees that are a problem. Electrical malfunctions can also ignite plastic artificial trees, and homeowners should take the same precautions in terms of tree placement and decorations as they would with a real tree.
Be careful with how you discard your tree.
You should take care with trees that are left outside as well. The NFPA report revealed that an annual average of 90 outside and other non-structure fires on residential properties occurred because of Christmas trees stored on the property, the report indicates. Two-thirds of these fires occurred in January, with 64 percent of them being set intentionally. This suggests that discarded Christmas trees may be an attractive target for arsonists.
But, arson concerns are not an excuse to leave your tree up after the holidays. According to the NFPA, even a well-watered tree should be taken down within four weeks of being brought into the home. If you decorated your real tree right after Thanksgiving, it should be discarded the week after Christmas, not New Year’s Day. This is because by the end of the holiday season, Christmas trees are extremely dry, and present a heightened fire hazard.
BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) - Winter Storm Watch for Southern Erie, Wyoming, Chautauqua and Cattaraugus counties from late Monday evening through Wednesday evening. Heavy snow at times combined with gusty winds will make for low visibility and difficult travel at times. Over a foot of snow is expected between Monday night and Wednesday evening in most persistent bands.
Rain today with temperatures in the mid-40s. Scattered showers this afternoon and less into the evening before the transition to snow overnight. Wintry conditions will begin Monday night. Colder air and a cold mainly westerly flow will set up widespread snow showers on the Niagara Frontier and more organized snow and lake snow over the hilly terrain south of the metro area. Although the heaviest amounts will fall on the hills, it does appear there will be periods of slippery travel to the north as well, especially Tuesday night into Wednesday AM.
A trough of low pressure over the northern Great Lakes may increase snow coverage for a while toward Wednesday, and there may be some slick roads for the AM commute. Seasonably chilly temperatures will remain on Thursday as drier air moves in. A disturbance will bring some rain and wet snow showers across the region on Friday.
We should be dry on Saturday, with a chance of rain and snow showers arriving at night. Current indications point to rain next Sunday, rather than a mix.
MONDAY:
HIGH: 45
LOW: 35
Rain becoming more intermittent and showery in the afternoon. SE: 15 becoming SW late in the day. Scattered rain and wet snow showers developing overnight, turning to snow by AM. Little/no accum north. As much as 2-4" hills by dawn.
TUESDAY:
HIGH: 35
LOW: 33
Snow showers with more organized elevation-driven snow setting up mainly on the hilly terrain below the Buffalo Southtowns. Significant accumulation is likely in this heavier band with additional totals possibly reaching 4-8" by late Tuesday night. West winds: 15-30 will cause Blowing Snow and Reduced Visibility, especially in the heavier snow showers. At least a few Slick Roads will develop on the Niagara Frontier as well, even with less accumulation. Accumulation will increase overnight, with a few inches on the Niagara Frontier as well, and additional heavier amounts on hills.
WEDNESDAY:
HIGH: 35
LOW: 30
Breezy and Cold with Snow Showers, heavier on hills. However, enough will fall on the Niagara Frontier at times to produce slick roads to the north, too.
Millions of people are starting to get ready for the Thanksgiving holiday. It's a great time to spend with family and friends, and is also a time when cooks spend a lot of time in the kitchen. Below are a few tips from our partners at the American Red Cross so you can use to avoid a cooking fire while whipping up Thanksgiving dinner.
Thanksgiving by the numbers
Thanksgiving is the peak day for home cooking fires, followed by Christmas Day and Christmas Eve.
In 2015, U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated 1,760 home cooking fires on Thanksgiving, the peak day for such fires.
Unattended cooking was by far the leading contributing factor in cooking fires and fire deaths.
Cooking equipment was involved in almost half (48%) of all reported home fires and civilian and tied with heating equipment for the second leading cause of home fire deaths.
COOKING SAFETY Cooks should avoid wearing loose clothing or dangling sleeves while preparing the holiday meal. Never leave the stove unattended – if the cook has to leave the kitchen even for a short time, they should turn off the stove. More cooking safety steps are:
• Check food regularly. • Use a timer as a reminder that the stove or oven is on. • Keep children and pets away from the cooking area. • Keep anything that can catch fire - pot holders, oven mitts, wooden utensils, paper or plastic bags, food packaging, and towels or curtains—away from the stove, oven or any other appliance in the kitchen that generates heat. • Clean cooking surfaces on a regular basis to prevent grease buildup. • Consider purchasing a fire extinguisher to keep in the kitchen. • Always check the kitchen before going to bed or leaving the home to make sure all stoves, ovens, and small appliances are turned off.
From all of us at SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County, we wish you a very Happy and Healthy Thanksgiving!
Finding flood damage in your home can create quite a bit of stress; after all, no one likes discovering that their living room has been turned into a water recreation facility. As a result, many homeowners are likely to panic and make poor choices in the hours that follow. You can avoid these mistakes by following the flood damage checklist below:
Ensure your safety
Once you see a flood of water in your basement, it may be tempting to go charging right in, but this is generally a bad idea. First, you need to ensure that you're safe. If the power is still on, you could be electrocuted. Additionally, sewage will make you ill, and the water from flood damage can conceal sharp objects to cut yourself on.
Shut off the water source
Now that you know you’re safe, next you need to ensure that the source of the water has been taken care of. Sometimes, this is as simple as turning off a water supply valve. However, more complex problems, like a flooded sewer line, could actually take a few hours. It's a good idea to call the appropriate professional, like a plumber, right away to give them time to start driving out to your flood damaged property.
Call your insurance
Sure, it's tempting to have your first call be to a flood damage clean-up professional, but there's a chance that your insurance doesn't contract out with them. Instead, it's better to have your insurance's claim number programmed into your phone. Call them, report the flood damage, and then call a professional they contract out with.
Call a clean-up crew
Most flood damage clean-up projects are just too large for you to tackle by yourself. Besides, depending on where you live, you'll likely have mold to clean up afterwards as well. Any money spent on a flood damage clean-up crew will likely be well worth it.
Take pictures and document damage
Your insurance policy will need proof of flood damage if they are going to write you a check. When you're on the phone with your insurance company and the clean-up crew, take photos of the flood damage. Make sure to get detailed photos of valuable items.
If you've planned well, you'll also have pictures of your home in an undamaged state. This lets you prove the state that your house and items were in before the disaster.
Remove what can be saved
Once you've ensured that the area is safe, you have help on the way, and you've thoroughly documented the flood damage, you can begin to remove items out of the area. A word of caution: water is extremely heavy. Any water soaked items will weigh a lot more than you expect. Please, be careful not to injure yourself.
Begin the remediation process
This is where professionals will come in handy. During the remediation process, all excess water will need to be removed, the humidity will need to be brought down to an appropriate level, mold prevention steps will need to be taken, and damaged drywall or flooring will need to be replaced. All of this is a lot of work for one person, so please get professional help.
SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County is locally owned and operated and serves
We are fully certified water removal staff can perform a complete flood damage assessment to your home of office, and then recommend and follow the industries standards to get your water removal restoration repaired properly available 24 hours a day.
SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County is a 24/7 emergency water removal & flood damage clean up repair service company, Our technicians are highly trained and experienced with every flood damage situation from sewage damage clean up, mold removal, smoke damage repair, fire damage repair, flooded basement, wet carpet, wet walls, carpet water damage, basement water damage, flooded crawl space, sewer backup, sewage removal, mud removal, commercial water damage, restoration, house water damage, building water damage, hotel water damage, flooded building, crawl space water damage, crawl space sewage damage, pump out, dry out, flood water removal, commercial building water removal, building flood damage, hardwood floor water damage, wet hardwood floors, wet carpet drying, sewage restoration, flood cleanup, busted pipe water damage, broken pipe water damage, busted sprinkler water damage, frozen pipe water damage, flood pump out, basement pump out, restoration equipment rental, dehumidifier rental, fan rental, demolition, painting & construction.
Halloween is almost here. It is a time of fun and festivities for children and adults alike, including decorating the house, dressing up in costumes, going out trick-or-treating, and attending spook-filled parties. But don’t forget about Halloween fire prevention!
Unfortunately, many of the favorite activities associated with Halloween can also be serious fire hazards, especially if precautions aren’t taken. According to the National Fire Protection Association, Halloween fires are responsible for $13 million in property damage every year, in addition to risks of injury and death.
In order to make sure you and your family stay safe, make sure to follow these Halloween fire prevention tips:
Consider Costume Length and Materials.
Dressing up can be one of the most fun activities associated with Halloween. Unfortunately, some costume can be fire hazards.
Look for costumes that are made of flame-retardant materials.
Avoid long-trailing costumes or outfits that are oversized and bulky.
Pay Attention to Decoration Locations.
Jack-o-lanterns and other candlelit decorations are always popular on Halloween. However, if you use real candles for these decorations, it is important to keep them in a safe location. Make sure they remain at least three feet away from people and things that could accidentally ignite.
Similarly, corn stalks, hay bales, and paper decorations need to remain at least three feet away from any heat source or flame. Flammable decorations that are too close to a light bulb or heater may start a fire.
Make sure no Halloween decorations are blocking your exits. If you need to escape quickly, you will want all paths out the house to be clear and easily accessible.
Choose an Alternative Light Source.
One of the best ways to keep safe on Halloween is to use battery operated lights or glow sticks instead of open flames.
If you and your family are going out trick-or-treating, be sure to carry a flashlight. Make sure it is bright enough so that you can see any potential fire hazards and so that others can see you and the full extent of your costumes.
Practice “Stop, Drop, and Roll”.
Advise young children to keep far enough away from any decorations that may have candles. And make sure they know to “stop, drop, and roll” if their costumes should catch on fire.
Check Your Fire Alarms.
October is Fire Prevention Month, so make sure to double check that your fire alarms are working properly, just in case.
Most commercial owners have a fire extinguisher around.
In fact, most will have more than one in several areas to be safe. The garage, fireplace and kitchen are the most common areas to keep an extinguisher in case of a fire emergency. Even if you own one, you may not know how to use one. Here are the dos and don’ts that fire restoration services want you to know.
1. Do Not Keep a Broken Extinguisher
Always make sure that your extinguisher is up to date. Check for any cracks to the base or hose. You can also lift it up to see if it’s heavy. It should be full of the extinguishing agent and, hence, heavy to the touch. Lastly, a pressure gauge should tell you if the extinguisher is at an operable range.
2. Do Read the Instructions
Keep in mind that every fire extinguisher should have directions printed on it. It should explain the proper way to pull the safety pin, aim at the base of the fire, squeeze the trigger and sweep from side to side to put out the blaze. In a hurry, remember those steps. However, if you have time, you should always read the instructions.
3. Do Not Continue if Fire Grows
In the chance that the fire continues to spread, it’s vital that you know when to stop. The longer you wait as the flames spread through your business, the less chance you have of being able to escape unscathed. You don’t want your route to be cut off by a kitchen fire.
When it comes to using your fire extinguisher, you have to know what you’re doing. Having an extinguisher handy can help you avoid severe fire damage in your home. As long as you use it properly, you can feel a little safer.
Tips to prevent pipes from freezing at your home or business:
Keep a slow trickle of water flowing through faucets connected to pipes that run through an unheated or unprotected space. The cost of the extra water is low compared to the cost to repair a broken pipe.
Seal cracks and holes in outside walls and foundations near water pipes with caulking.
Keep cabinet doors open to allow warm air to circulate around pipes.
Insulate pipes that pass through unheated spaces (crawlspaces, basements, garages).
Eliminate sources of cold air near water lines by repairing broken windows, insulating walls, closing off crawl spaces and eliminating drafts near doors.
Know where your main water shut-off valve is. If a pipe freezes or bursts, shut the water off immediately.
When away from the house for an extended period, be careful how much you lower the heat. A lower temperature may save on the heating bill, but there could be a disaster if a cold spell strikes and pipes that normally would be safe, freeze and burst.
Weatherproofing your home against the cold will help protect your indoor plumbing against the threat of breaks.
Water damage comes in many forms. No matter how great or small, SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County is waiting for your call! Below is a list of common causes of water related loss:
Until you experience a water related loss you may not realize how important it is to hire a water damage specialist. SERVPRO of ENC is trusted by insurance agents and property owners across WNY and they are ready 24/7 to help you get back to life as you know it, "Like it never even happened.”
Residential Services
Whether your home needs emergency flood damage or your upholstery cleaned, you can depend on us. Our technicians have extensive cleaning and restoration training and can make your property look its best. Learn more about our residential services:
There's never a convenient time for fire or Water damage to strike your commercial property. Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when the need arises for professional cleaning or emergency restoration services we have the training and expertise to respond promptly with highly trained technicians to get your property back to business. Learn more about our commercial services:
General Extending The Life Of A Candle Tips to extend the life of your candle for smell or survival. We burn candles for a variety of reasons, whether for the aroma or to light the home due to a power outage. Did you know that you could actually assist them in burning longer?
Tip 1: Freeze your candle. Yes, put it in the freezer! By doing so, you are hardening the wax, which makes it melt more slowly and therefore last longer. It may not be feasible to store all of your candles in your freezer, so simply slip your next-up-to-burn candle into the freezer on the morning or night before you’re planning to light it.
Tip 2: After letting the candle burn long enough for a pool of wax to collect around the wick, blow out the flame. Then, quickly sprinkle table salt into the liquid wax. If necessary, use a toothpick to ensure that the salt actually mixes into the wax and doesn’t just sit on the surface. Then re-light the candle. Adding salt serves the same purpose as putting the candle in the freezer—it slows down the rate at which the wax melts, giving you a longer, more economical burn. What matters most is how long you let the candle burn the first time you light it. Try not to extinguish it until the pool of wax has extended across the diameter of the candle. Blow it out too soon, and you may cause the candle to leave excess wax; if it doesn’t melt on the first lighting, the dry, hard wax around the outside edge will almost never burn.
Tip 3: It can also be helpful to keep the candle wick trimmed to about a quarter inch in length, because longer wicks tend to burn faster. Leftover wax is a sign that the candle didn’t burn to its full potential. To get the most bang for your buck, make sure that the candle burns both evenly and completely. Finally, remember not to leave the candle near a door or window or in any similarly drafty spot; not only is such a location unsafe, but it can also result in uneven burning.
We’re not going to kid you. Fire damage restoration is tough work. People call SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County frequently to ask for advice on how to clean up after a fire. Here are seven of the best tips we give people who ask about fire damage restoration.
Most people can put these tips into practice. But remember that fire damage restoration takes time, work, and skill. Realistically consider whether you want to try these ideas on your own or whether you’d be better off hiring highly trained restoration specialists who will guarantee their work.
Remove Smoke Damage
With any fire you’ll have a degree of smoke damage to your walls, wall paper, and paint. If the smoke damage is not too serious, you should be able to scrub it clean with detergents and bleach. Soot from smoke damage is greasy stuff, so always try to dust as much of it off from a surface before trying to scrub the surface clean. Often, you’ll want to repaint, but make sure all surfaces are clean and dry before you paint.
Limit Activity & Other Simple Fire Damage Restoration Steps
Until your house is restored, limit your activity and movement in the house. This helps prevent soot particles from being embedded into upholstery and carpets. Keep people’s hands clean so you don’t further soil upholstery, walls, and woodwork. Protect your things by placing clean towels or old linens on rugs, upholstery, and carpet traffic areas. Before you clean know the best cleaning method for that particular cleaning job (one example: Clean and protect chrome with a light coating of petroleum jelly or oil.) Wash both sides of the leaves on your houseplants. Change your HVAC filter and tape double layers of cheesecloth over air registers.
Get Rid of Mold & Mildew
Firefighters are great. They save many a live and many a home. But they do introduce mold and mildew into houses when they must use water to extinguish the fire. SERVPRO of ENC highly recommends you hire fire damage restoration professionals to deal with mold and mildew. Mold and mildew can cause serious health problems. It’s difficult for a nonprofessional to know for certain if he’s clean up all the areas affected by the mold and mildew. And mold and mildew can contaminate your furniture, carpets, clothing, mattresses, walls, and vents. The best thing you can do immediately is to air out every room and clean out all vents and filters.
Replace Carpets. Clean And Dry Your Floors
Your floors and carpets end up absorbing the worst of the damage from all the water used to put out a fire. In almost every case, SERVPRO of ENC recommends that you pull up any carpets that have water damage and replace them. Water can also seep underneath vinyl flooring and into the cracks in hardwood. You must address this. If you have experience with flooring, you can lift it up and clean under it. But you may want to call a professional fire damage restoration company to assist you.
Avoid Smearing Soot Into Clothing
Cleaning smoke damage from clothing is one of the biggest jobs you’ll have after a fire. Make sure you don’t smear the greasy soot into the clothing or just throw the smoky clothes into the wash. Often times dry cleaning is the best bet, and you should ask around local dry cleaners to see if any have experience with post-fire laundry. Removing smoke odor is another issue and we’ve covered it in another blog post.
Scrub, Soak, And Cleaning Dishes
Dishes are also important items to clean thoroughly after a fire because they will be in contact with your food. Scrub all dishes well, let them soak in a solution of bleach and water (2 tablespoons of bleach per gallon) for at least 20 minutes and scrub some more for safety. When in doubt, if a dish, pot, or pan won’t come clean, cut your losses and throw it out – especially rubber or wooden dishes that absorb smoke.
Help Is Here
The team at SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County also has specialized training and experience in fire restoration services, natural disaster prevention, water damage, chemical cleanup, and natural disaster cleanup. Call SERVPRO of ENC 716-694-7776 anytime.
Many people don’t realize how common biohazards are. It sounds like something that may only happen at old industrial sites or where people are not sensitive to the environment. But this is a misperception. Biohazards include fairly frequent occurrences like sewer backups and flood water damage. Biohazards affect tens of thousands of homes and businesses every year.
For your health and safety, consider biohazard contaminants very dangerous. SERVPRO ENC has the training, protective gear, and specialized equipment necessary to safely clean and restore your home or business from nearly all biohazard contamination.
Be Safe After A Biohazard Contamination After a sewer backup, flood water damage, or other biohazard contamination, think about whether it’s safe to return to your house or business. Being exposed to biological or chemical contaminants can pose serious health risks. Flood waters usually contain biohazards like pesticides, sewage, and other contaminants. If you’re not certain your activity is safe to perform do not take the risk.
What To Do After A Biohazard Contamination • Stay out of affected areas. • Call emergency service personnel if the situation may be life-threatening. • Treat all bodily fluids as if they are contaminated. • Turn off the HVAC system if there is sewage damage.
What Not to Do After a Biohazard Contamination • Don’t leave wet fabrics in place. Hang furs and leather goods. • Don’t leave books, magazines, or other colored items on wet carpets or floors. • Don’t use your household vacuum to remove water. • Don’t use your television or other household appliances. • Don’t turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet. • Stay out of rooms where ceilings are sagging.
Call SERVPRO Eastern Niagara County anytime, 24/7 at 716 694 7776. SERVPRO’s carpet cleaners service is among the best cleaning services. We’re trained in the most advanced, thorough, and effective ways to perform biohazard cleanups.
For many people, indoor air pollution is a growing concern. The air in a home generally circulates five to seven times a day through the HVAC air ducts. During these circulations, it carries the dust and debris of everyday life. For this reason, it’s important to get an air duct cleaning.>
While your furnace filter will catch most of the dust and debris, neglect, remodeling projects, or shoddy duct installation can lead to a buildup of undesirable debris inside your air ducts which will threaten the efficiency of the system. You’ll know you’re in need of an air duct cleaning because clogs of dust, cobwebs, debris, or noticeable particles will blow out of the supply registers. Other possible signs will be visible mold inside the furnaces of ducts or rodent droppings and deceased insects inside the ducts.
Having the professionals at SERVPRO clean your HVAC air ducts will ensure the removal of the dust that’s accumulated so it won’t spread into the household. It will also ease the airflow and increase your system’s efficiency by as much as 40 percent.
Duct Cleaning
Air duct cleaning is the process of cleaning the various heating and cooling system components of a forced air system that includes supply and return air ducts and registers, grilles and diffusers, heat exchangers heating and cooling coils, condensate drain pans or drip pans, fan motor and fan housing, and air handling unit housing. If the system is not properly installed, maintained, and operated, these components can potentially become contaminated with particles of dust, pollen, and other debris. The existence of moisture can cause the growth of mold which can cause health problem to the building’s occupants. These mold spores have the potential to be released into the living space. Other contaminants can cause building occupants to have an allergic reaction or other symptoms.
If you’re having your air ducts cleaned, it’s important to have all of the components cleaned. Failure to do so could result in one contaminated component re-contaminating the entire system which would negate all potential benefits of the cleaning. Professionals that are hired to handle the job will bring specialized tools that helps them to dislodge dirt and other debris in the air ducts. Then they’ll vacuum the dirt and debris out of the ducts with a high-powered vacuum cleaner. They may also propose the application of chemical biocides to the inside of the ducts and other system components.
Do You Need Your Ducts Cleaned?
There are several reasons why you may need the air ducts cleaned in you home. If the occupants of the building are experiencing unusual or unexplained symptoms or illnesses and you think it might be related to your home environment, you should have your air ducts cleaned. You should also make sure to consult a doctor about the symptoms.
Over time, air ducts will collect dust and debris so it’s a good idea to have them cleaned occasionally. It’s also important that you use the professionals at SERVPRO to avoid other potential problems. If the cleaning is not done properly, the cleaning could cause even more indoor air problems. An example of this includes using an inadequate vacuum collection system which could end up releasing more of the dust, dirt, and other contaminants than if it had just been left alone. If the service provider hired to clean the air ducts is careless or has been inadequately trained, he or she could cause damage to the ducts or the heating and cooling system. This could force costly repairs or replacements.
There has been some research to suggests that having your heating and cooling system components cleaned can improve the efficiency of the system which could result in it having a longer operating life. This research has also suggested that due to operating a higher efficiency, cleaning may result in energy and maintenance cost savings.
If your heating and cooling system hasn’t been cleaned in a while, it may be time to have it done. Ridding your HVAC air ducts of dust and debris can prevent potentially harmful growth like mold from accumulating in the ducts. If your air ducts and heating and cooling system hasn’t been attended to in a while, call the certified professionals at SERVPRO to handle the job.
As leaves start to fly, revisit your spring cleaning list and add a few seasonal extras to prepare your house for the winter.
The new season should always begin with a fresh start, especially in your home. Is your home ready for the beautiful autumn weather in Upstate NY? We've done our research and with a bit of help from Real Simple, we can help you get through your fall cleaning checklist!
Check out your wooden floors are they scuffed up? See if they need to be sanded or refurbished.
Test all of your home smoke and carbon monoxide detectors; especially as you go through the months with more active fireplaces and with your heat turned up.
Replace Furnace Filters. If you changed your furnace filter in the last three months, now is a good time to do it!
Don't forget the outside of your home too!
Check and clean the gutters before the red and orange leaves fall!
Time to drain and store your garden hoses, don't let them freeze when the first snow falls.
And if you need an expert to come but to make sure you have your full checklist covered, give SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County a call. We'll give you and your family a free estimate! (716) 694-7776
It’s back to school time, which means the kids are finally out of the house! With your nest empty, it’s a perfect time to have restoration services done on your home.
SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County offers several services to get your home back into pre-summer conditions, before it was torn up by your children.
Have your kids spent the summer tracking in dirt, mud and other unknown substances into the house? Then it might be time to get your carpets cleaned. SERVPRO offers a three-room special for $125, and just $25 for each additional room.
If you are noticing the air quality of your home is less than stellar – whether the air circulated is full of dust, dander or other chemicals -- an air duct cleaning may be in order.
According to the National Air Duct Cleaners Association, it is recommended to have air ducts cleaned every three to five years.
Getting your air ducts cleaned will not only improve the quality of air in your home, but it can also help decrease the cost of energy bills.
According to the U.S Department of Energy, 25 to 40 percent of the energy used for heating or cooling a home is wasted. When an HVAC system is clean, it doesn’t have to work as hard to maintain the temperature you desire. As a result, less energy is used, leading to improved cost-effectiveness.
Another service you might need is mold mitigation. If you have noticed mold in your home, it’s important to stop the spreading immediately.
Containing mold spores is vital to preventing mold growth, as well as getting wet surfaces dry. Mold begins to set in after two days, so there’s no time to wait.
With the kids out of the house, it’s the perfect time to get your home back in order.
Give SERVPRO a call, and we’ll make your house look like summer never even happened!
Flooding and water damage is very invasive. Water quickly spreads throughout your home and gets absorbed into floors, walls, furniture, and more. SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County arrives quickly and starts the water extraction process almost immediately. This immediate response helps to minimize the damage and the cleaning and restoration costs.
Need Emergency Service? Call Us 24/7 – (716)694-7776
Water Damage Timeline
Within Minutes
Water quickly spreads throughout your property, saturating everything in its path.
Water is absorbed into walls, floors, upholstery, and belongings.
Furniture finishes may bleed, causing permanent staining on carpets.
Photographs, books, and other paper goods start to swell and warp.
Hours 1 - 24:
Drywall begins to swell and break down.
Metal surfaces begin to tarnish.
Furniture begins to swell and crack.
Dyes and inks from cloth and paper goods spread and stain.
Restoration time and cost increase dramatically; replacing contaminated materials and structural rebuilding may be extensive.
Structural safety, mold growth, and biohazard contaminants pose serious risks to occupants.
About SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County
SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. 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.
If you find animal droppings or feces somewhere in or around your home, chances are you've got a nuisance animal problem and need a professional to remove animal droppings. Most commonly people find rodent droppings in kitchens, animal droppings in basement, garages, animal droppings in attics and rodent droppings in home. Animal droppings in basement areas can also be problematic. If you have found animal droppings in any of these areas of your home, it is best to contact a SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County professional to help inspect the situation and safely remove animal droppings to get rid of animal dropping hazards.
Animal Droppings Cleanup
Water Damage Recovery’s team of well-trained technicians can take care of any kind of animal feces clean up. Our protocol is the same as for mold removal. We take animal droppings clean up very seriously and treat animal feces as a biohazard.
We only use top-quality products and equipment to take care of the odor and pathogen removal. Eco-friendly, plant-based, anti-microbials are used by our technicians to clean every inch of the contaminated area. Our skilled technicians are highly trained to deal with any animal waste clean-up situation.
Even small water damages have the potential to cause serious structural and indoor air quality issues over time.
The key to avoiding costly future restoration is to handle every water problem as a serious problem that will affect your property. Our service technicians have the training and equipment to find and dry unseen water before secondary damage occurs. The proper equipment makes a measurable difference in reducing the damage and expense during a fire or water damage event.
When time matters, technology and equipment must be counted on to work, here are just a few of the tools our technicians use to do their job and restore your property.
Moisture sensors are used to detect moisture in carpets, baseboards and walls.
Moisture Meters are used to determine the actual moisture content of various materials. The moisture tester provides accurate reading, allowing technicians to monitor the drying process.
Thermohygrometers measure temperature and relative humidity. When armed with this information, technicians can calculate and create an environment most conducive to drying. When facing a contaminated water loss, it is not only important to dry the structure, but also to disinfect and deodorize.
Ultra Low-Volume Foggers will atomize liquid deodorizing agents, producing a fine mist that can easily penetrate the site where odor-causing residues may accumulate. This device can also be used to inject fungicides and disinfectants into wall cavities and other hard to reach areas.
Thermal Foggers dispense solvent-based products by creating a dense fog. The fog consists of tiny particles of deodorant solution that attach to and neutralize odor causing particles.
These are just a few pieces of the professional grade equipment that each SERVPRO technician is trained to use to help ensure your property is completely restored
Every home should have a fire escape plan. According to the American Red Cross, homeowners shouldn’t just have a plan of escape for a fire but have a plan and practice it twice a year. Home fires cannot be predicted and can happen to anyone. If you’re making preparations to prevent home fire, you should also prepare for what you and your family would do if you have one. Here are some tips from the American Red Cross in making a plan for your home.
All members of the household should know two ways to get out of every room.
Consider escape ladders for sleeping areas or homes on the second floor or above. Learn how to use them and store them near the window.
Pick a place outside for everyone to meet and make sure everyone knows where it is.
Practice your home fire drill until everyone in the household can do it in less than two minutes.
Practice waking up to smoke alarms, low crawling and meeting outside. Make sure everyone knows how to call 9-1-1.
Teach household members to STOP, DROP and ROLL if their clothes should catch on fire.
Once the safety for your family is established, the next steps to come will be home recovery. SERVPRO® will work with you from widow and roof board up to assisting with the final stages of move back & rebuild.
If you have a fire : SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County is here to help with fire damage clean up
When discovering a hoarding situation at a home of a family member or friend, it is necessary to find the right professional help to assist with the dilemma. You need a company that specializes in cleaning services from packing to biohazard cleaning. SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County is first call you should make. Here are the top reasons why you should hire SERVPRO.
Ensure Safe Removal of Items
Hoarders typically collect excessive amount of items, including newspapers to trash. As these items pile up in a home. This can create a serious safety hazard, plus offer an environment for unwanted pests. It is best to hire a company with knowledge to remove the debris in a safe manner.
Avoid Contact with Hazardous Materials
Hoarder homes become a breeding ground not only for pests, but for possible unsafe pathogens. During a cleanup, proper protective equipment should be worn to protect the body. SERVPRO has the necessary tools to safely complete the job.
Perform Complete and Thorough Cleaning
SERVPRO has the knowledge and resources to restore the home to a nearly pristine condition. By doing so, the company will provide a safe living environment for all that reside in the home.
The Best Ways to Control Mold Growth is to Control Moisture
Mold is part of the natural environment and can be found everywhere, indoors and outdoors. It is not usually a problem unless it begins growing indoors. The best way to control mold growth is to control moisture.
Here are a few tips regarding mold and moisture in homes, schools, multi-family and commercial buildings. Mold can have a big impact on indoor air quality.
Always seek advice from a professional if you have more than ten square feet of mold, and always use the proper personal protective equipment (PPE) to ensure your safety.
There is no practical way to eliminate all mold and mold spores in an indoor environment. The way to control indoor mold growth is to control moisture.
If mold is a problem in your home or school, one must clean up the mold and eliminate sources of moisture.
Fix the source of the water problem or leak to prevent mold growth.
Reduce indoor humidity (to 30-60%) to decrease mold growth by:
Venting bathrooms, dryers and other moisture-generating sources to the outside.
Using air conditioners and/or dehumidifiers.
Increasing ventilation.
Using exhaust fans whenever cooking, dishwashing and cleaning.
Clean and dry damp or wet building materials and furnishings within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth.
Reduce the potential for condensation on cold surfaces by adding insulation (i.e. windows, piping, exterior walls, roof, or floors).
In areas of perpetual moisture, do not install carpeting (i.e. near drinking fountains, classroom sinks, or on concrete floors with leaks or frequent condensation).
Mold can be found almost anywhere. It can grow on virtually any substance, providing that moisture is present (i.e. wood, paper, carpet, food).
If you see signs of mold, call SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County (716) 694-7776
When a home or business suffers a water damage event, a mold infestation can quickly arise and spread throughout a home in as little as 48-72 hours. Since mold can produce allergens and irritants, you will want a trained, experienced professional to properly resolve the mold infestation. If you suspect that your Bear, DE home or business has a mold problem, SERVPRO Of Eastern Niagara County can inspect for any visible mold, and remediate it from your property.
Learn more about mold and what to do until help arrives by reviewing these mold damage tips.
Finding flood damage in your home can create quite a bit of stress; after all, no one likes discovering that their living room has been turned into a water recreation facility. As a result, many homeowners are likely to panic and make poor choices in the hours that follow. You can avoid these mistakes by following the flood damage checklist below:
Ensure your safety
Once you see a flood of water in your basement, it may be tempting to go charging right in, but this is generally a bad idea. First, you need to ensure that you're safe. If the power is still on, you could be electrocuted. Additionally, sewage will make you ill, and the water from flood damage can conceal sharp objects to cut yourself on.
Shut off the water source
Now that you know you’re safe, next you need to ensure that the source of the water has been taken care of. Sometimes, this is as simple as turning off a water supply valve. However, more complex problems, like a flooded sewer line, could actually take a few hours. It's a good idea to call the appropriate professional, like a plumber, right away to give them time to start driving out to your flood damaged property.
Call your insurance
Sure, it's tempting to have your first call be to a flood damage clean-up professional, but there's a chance that your insurance doesn't contract out with them. Instead, it's better to have your insurance's claim number programmed into your phone. Call them, report the flood damage, and then call a professional they contract out with.
Call a clean-up crew
Most flood damage clean-up projects are just too large for you to tackle by yourself. Besides, depending on where you live, you'll likely have mold to clean up afterwards as well. Any money spent on a flood damage clean-up crew will likely be well worth it.
Take pictures and document damage
Your insurance policy will need proof of flood damage if they are going to write you a check. When you're on the phone with your insurance company and the clean-up crew, take photos of the flood damage. Make sure to get detailed photos of valuable items.
If you've planned well, you'll also have pictures of your home in an undamaged state. This lets you prove the state that your house and items were in before the disaster.
Remove what can be saved
Once you've ensured that the area is safe, you have help on the way, and you've thoroughly documented the flood damage, you can begin to remove items out of the area. A word of caution: water is extremely heavy. Any water soaked items will weigh a lot more than you expect. Please, be careful not to injure yourself.
Begin the remediation process
This is where professionals will come in handy. During the remediation process, all excess water will need to be removed, the humidity will need to be brought down to an appropriate level, mold prevention steps will need to be taken, and damaged drywall or flooring will need to be replaced. All of this is a lot of work for one person, so please get professional help.
SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County is locally owned and operated and serves WNY
SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County fully certified water removal staff can perform a complete flood damage assessment to your home of office, and then recommend and follow the industries standards to get your water removal restoration repaired properly available 24 hours a day.
Bathroom flooding can be very destructive and damaging to your home.Flooding can lead to potential health and safety risks if not handled properly. Bathroom flooding is especially problematic because it can happen at any time of the day or night. You should know several things about bathroom flooding situations.
Causes of Bathroom Flooding Bathroom flooding can be caused by several things. Clogs are very common. Clogs deep in your plumbing can force water back up and out of your sink, tub or toilet. Drain problems can result in flooding. This includes a jammed drain or a drain that is filled with hair or toilet paper. The drain will stop the water from reaching the pipes. A pipe connected to a fixture could actually burst because of corrosion, age or water pressure problems. A final cause could be frozen pipes that block the drains.
How Bathroom Flooding Can Harm Your Home Bathroom flooding can do a large amount of damage to your home and possibly your health. The water can start to rot away the beams that make up the structure of the floor, walls and ceiling beneath. Severe flooding can reach your basement and damage the foundation or appliances like water heaters. Flooding can actually start to corrode other pipes in the bathroom. The water can cause toxic mold to start growing. You might catch a disease or infection if you come into contact with wastewater. Even sewer gases that come up can lead to respiratory problems and eye or nose irritation.
Bathroom flooding can be very destructive and damaging to your home.
How to React When Bathroom Flood Starts You need to act fast when bathroom flooding starts. Attempt to shut off the water from a safe location. Avoid touching or standing in wastewater from toilets or backed up drains. Attempt to contain the flooding if possible so that less of your home is damaged. Do not flush toilets. If you have towels and mops, then try to minimize the amount of standing water on the ground. You must also contact a professional water damage restoration company immediately to deal with the problem.
The Importance of Contacting Professionals You always want to contact restoration professionals when you have a bathroom flooding situation. Professionals will know how to prevent mold growth and how to remove all the water from your bathroom safely. They will attempt to salvage as much as possible. You want to rely on a restoration company to repair water-damaged areas for maximum safety. You should always call a restoration company when you encounter flooding in your bathroom.
Preventing Bathroom Flooding You can prevent some bathroom flooding situations by watching what goes into the drains. Do not put large amounts of toilet paper, food or other objects in toilets and sinks. Keep solid items out of drains. Have your pipes and plumbing inspected regularly to avoid corrosion and burst pipes. Have your sewer lines and drains professionally cleaned once every one to two years. Call plumbers as soon as you see slow drains or frequent clogs. Just a few simple actions can prevent many bathroom flooding situations.
When home or commercial disasters occur, SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County is here : 694-7776
Need Trauma or Crime Scene Cleanup? Call SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County at 716-694-7776
After the police have finished processing a crime or accident scene, the cleaning and restoration process can begin. Many times, crime and accident scenes have blood and other biohazard contaminants that pose a serious health risk. SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara Count will respond immediately and has the specialized training, protective equipment, and experience to safely clean trauma and crime scenes.
Need Trauma or Crime Scene Cleanup? Call Today –716-694-7776
Our technicians follow OSHA and EPA protocols to help transform an unsafe environment back into a clean, safe home or business. Our first focus is always safety, since crime or accident scenes may involve bloodborne pathogens, harmful chemicals, and other dangers. We will always treat your property and the people involved with the greatest empathy and respect in the face of trying circumstances.
Crime Scene and Trauma Cleaning Services
Fingerprint powder and evidence-gathering chemicals
SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County is here to help both commercial and residential properties.
In some areas of the country, rain is almost a daily occurrence during summertime, and summer storm damages are something to be prepared for. Flooding can be a summer storm hazard, and that can be inconvenient and even dangerous. Possessions can be ruined, and the structures of homes and businesses can be negatively affected. A professional water damage restoration company can be a vital resource during such times; such companies are able to complete all necessary repairs in a timely and efficient manner.
While storms can’t be predicted much of the time, education yourself in the most common areas vulnerable to storm damages will help you be prepared to handle such an event. Some areas of your home or business are going to be more apt to experience damage than others during storms, such as low-lying areas like basements and cellars which can be flooded.
Here is a list of the three most common areas that suffer from summer storm damages:
LOW LYING AREAS
Basements and cellars, the lowest parts of a house or building, need to be watched during wet weather since they have a number of easy entry points for water. If there is heavy rainfall during inclement weather, or if the building is near a body of water such as a lake or river, they are going to be in danger. Keep an eye open for cracks in the foundation, ceiling, and walls of these areas!
ATTICS, ROOFS, AND GUTTERS
A damaged roof, either from weather or fire, is susceptible to water damage, and the areas underneath it will suffer. A small leak can turn into a big problem before you know it. If rain gutters have not been properly maintained, you may experience some problems stemming from standing water - even indoors.
WINDOWS, DOORS, AND ENTRYWAYS
Keep an eye on your doors and windows. If they are not properly sealed against wet conditions, you will know it right away. Entryways are also a potential problem area; make sure they are free of standing water and debris so that people don’t get hurt.
Our team of professionals here at SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County are experienced in repairs and cleanup from damages caused by water and fire. You can call us at 716-694-7776 24/7! We are always here to help!
When business owners visualize water damage, they often picture a massive storm wiping out power lines, flooding offices, and shutting down businesses for days at a time. It is true that commercial water damage is often the result of floods and water that stems from weather events and storms.
However, many entrepreneurs and business space renters forget that storms and severe weather aren't the only causes of floods and water damage. Here are some of the typical causes of water damage to commercial buildings.
1. Malfunctioning sprinkler systems Some older office and retail buildings still have outdated sprinkler systems that work in conjunction with fire protection systems. While such sprinklers can come in handy during a fire emergency, they can also cause commercial flood damage if they are faulty or in need of replacement. This could easily damage inventory and business assets.
2. Damaged appliances and equipment This cause of commercial flood damage is more common in restaurants and catering facilities, as well as any business that has appliances and equipment that make use of water. If the appliance fails and sends water across your building, especially during late hours when no one is around, you may come back to work and face a water emergency.
3. Broken pipes and plumbing Just like in a residence, if the plumbing system in your workplace fails water damage could be the result.
4. Backed up sewer lines This is another cause of commercial water damage that often catches business owners by surprise. Should the sewer line to your building back up or become damaged, realize the potential dangers of contaminated Black Water which can cause health effects and ruin products and office furnishings.
If your business has suffered commercial water damage, SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County will get you back up and running again. Call us anytime 24/7 at (716)694-7776 for fast help.
Keep Your Business Going When Disasters Interrupts
Keep Your Business Going When Disasters Interrupts
When you’re trying to run a successful business Western New York, you can’t always afford the downtime brought by unexpected emergency situations such as flooding, storm damage and fire.That’s why having a continuity plan is extremely important for developing businesses of all shapes and sizes. A good plan should include a few key points:
• A thorough analysis on how downtime and damages will impact your business • A number of strategies concerning recovery and restoration • Concrete development of the chosen recovery plans • Testing and exercises that keep the plan effective
Analyzing Your Business
During your initial analysis, there are a few key points you should zero in on to get the most out of this first step. Your critical business functions are what you should focus on the most closely. Is there anything within the scope of your business that the whole company simply can’t operate without? Consider elements such as vital data, employees, furniture, or office space. Regardless of what, exactly, your most crucial assets are, finding ways to save these parts of your business should be the primary goal of your entire continuity plan. Looking up resources for analyzing and creating a plan of this nature can be extremely useful if you’ve never made one before.
Testing Your Strategy
No strategy should be considered final until it’s tested and those involved have undergone training to prepare them to implement the plan when necessary. This period of time should be used to identify any pitfalls with your plan, so you can remedy them and proceed with confidence that you’ll be able to rely on your strategy while you’re dealing with building damages and obstacles.
Whether you’re doing something as simple as backing up data to the cloud or as complex as completely shifting production to another facility, you need to know that your continuity plan will actually be there and be functional in the event that disaster strikes in Ebensburg, PA. In the end, forming a plan may not be easy, but it’s the key to keeping your business’s doors open while dealing with unexpected emergencies in your normal routine.
How To Undertake The Residential Water Damage Restoration
Since the prospect of water damage in a building can be extremely stressful, it is vital to have as much information as possible. A faulty plumbing system can cause leakages that might result in extensive damages. The following tips will enable you to deal with such a problem in a better way:
Address the problem immediately
Remember that as the water seeps into the wooden furniture and floors, it can lead to huge losses. Before you contact your insurance company, it's important to turn off the water to stop the leak. An emergency plumber can repair the leak. Once the leak has stopped it is important to remove the water as fast as possible. SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County has the necessary extraction equipment to remove most of the excess water. We also have the drying equipment that will remove the rest of water from wet surfaces. Water damage can be extremely costly to repair, but if you tackle the problem quickly, you can prevent the loss from becoming more costly.
Water cleanup is the best way to reduce the impact of the mold growth in business floors and furniture. The sure way to prevent mold growth is to dry the building completely. By eliminating the water, you will keep the mold spores from having the moisture they need to grow. Acting promptly after a water loss is the best way to prevent mold growth. In addition, failure to remove the water in home floors and other wooden surfaces can lead to significant destruction and possible mold growth.
Contact your insurance company
If you do not have a policy for water damage, you might have to handle the repair costs alone. Insuring your home against water damage will help you to cut the cost of restoration significantly. While the insurance company will help you with the restoration, you must also take the mitigation seriously. If your home insurance policy does not cover the cost of flood damage, you will struggle to undertake the restoration and repair jobs.
Water cleanup and drying
Water cleanup in the quest to avert the flood damage can save you a huge amount of money. If you experience the damage of water in home or office surfaces, ensure that you engage a specialist to tackle the problem. The pollution levels of the water in home storage tanks will also have an impact on the damage. If the water in business reservoirs and tanks has some impurities, they can affect the wooden surfaces in a negative way.
Whenever you want to mitigate the negative effects flood damage, water cleanup is the priority. Whether you are experiencing the leakages of water in business premises or at home, you require the help of a competent contractor. The contractor will remove the damaged elements and salvage some materials to save money. Drying the wet wood can help to reduce the overall cost of restoration compared to undertaking an overhaul.
The best way to protect you home from such problems is to come up with the right mitigation measures. While you may not have the special drying equipment, you can avoid the problems by repairing your plumbing system. Replacing a faulty faucet is one of the best mitigation measures if you are looking to save on home restoration significantly. Reduce the damage by water in business furniture by taking the right measures to mitigate the problem.
Avoiding the future leakages
Stopping a leakage before it occurs is your best defense against the problem. A competent contractor will take the necessary precautions while repairing your home to prevent such damage in the future. Applying varnish and sealants in the wooden surfaces can help to reduce the seepage. Some of the most prevalent causes of water damage are:
• Leaking roofs • Burst pipes • Flawed door and window installations • Leaking and broken water lines • Leaking toilets • Leaking faucets • Faulty water reservoirs Visit
With Memorial Day coming up, we know many of your are going to be grilling or sitting by a fire. It is very important to use all safety precautions to prevent your home catching on fire. SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County has trained crews to clean and restore fire damaged homes and contents. Our crew will work around the clock to restore your home and belongings back to original condition. We are available 24/7 for calls and services. SERVPRO understands how important and stressful it is to go through any sort of disaster. We assure you our crew will work hard to make it look "Like it never even happened.
SERVPRO Eastern Niagara County wants to wish everyone a happy and safe Memorial Day Weekend: 716-694-7776
SERVPRO professionals offer many tools to help their customers in the middle of disasters. However now SERVPRO professionals are offering a tool to their customers to help prepare them before disaster even strikes. This new tool is called an ERP (Emergency Ready Profile) which can be downloaded from the Apple or Android App store by searching SERVPRO. This app allows SERVPRO to set up a date and walk your property with you, to create a profile for what you would be during a fire or water damage. The app holds the information for where the water, electrical, gas, and computer server shut offs are located in your building along with contact and account numbers for those companies. The free SERVPRO app also details where the best location for SERVPRO vehicles to park during an emergency. Your contact person at SERVPRO also has their phone number listed so you just open the app and dial
Storms can happen anytime, anywhere. Each year, Americas cope with an average of the following intense storms:
10,000 severe thunderstorms
5,000 floods or flash floods
1,000 tornadoes
2 land falling deadly hurricanes
Approximately 98% of all presidentially declared disaster are weather-related, leading to around 500 deaths per year and nearly $15 billion in damage. Knowing your risk of severe weather, taking action and being an example are just a few steps you can take to be better prepared save your life and assist in saving the lives of others.
Know Your Risk.
The first step to becoming weather-ready is to understand the type of hazardous weather that can affect where you live and work, and how the weather could impact you, your business and your family. Check the weather forecast regularly, obtain a NOAA Weather Radio, and learn about Wireless Emergency Alerts. Severe weather comes in many forms and your shelter plan should include all types of local hazards.
Take Action.
Take the next step in severe weather preparedness by creating a communications plan for your home and business. Put together or purchase an emergency kit. Keep important papers and valuables in a safe place.
Be an Example.
Once you have taken action to prepare for severe weather, share your story with co-workers and family and friends on Facebook or Twitter. Your preparedness story will inspire other to do the same.
Along with our restoration , SERVPRO of ENC provides a variety of cleaning services. One of the cleaning services we provide is Post-Construction Cleanup.
After restoring and rebuilding your property, there is still more work to be done. It is important to get your property clean and ready to use. Let SERVPRO of ENC get your property clean and ready to go!
Both interior and exterior cleaning is needed after rebuild and construction services. When cleaning, the following areas are usually dusted and cleaned:
Interior Cleanup
Walls (removing dust, dirt, scuff marks, and smudges)
Ceilings and light fixtures/fans
All trim (including baseboards and door and window frames)
Door faces, sides, and tops
Floors
Ducts, vents, and baseboard heaters
Windows (including tracks and frames)
Cabinetry, appliances, fixtures, and countertops
All trash and plastic coverings removed
Exterior Cleaning
Exterior windows and doors
Entry doorways
Driveway and paved surfaces swept and power washed
Exterior lights dusted
All trash on property (including lumber and debris) removed
If your property is in need of Post-Construction Cleaning, give SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County a call : 694-7776 . No matter the size, we are Here To Help.
Spring is right around the corner! Now is time to start preparing your spring cleaning “to do list”. Spring cleaning is a tradition that allows us to freshen up our homes after a long winter. So open up those windows, let the fresh air in, and call SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara Co. to help you with those deep cleaning tasks!
We offer a variety of services to get your home spring ready including:
Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning: The SERVPRO carpet and upholstery cleaning service will not only get out the dirt you see, but will also remove the unwanted dust you don’t. A professionally cleaned carpet and furniture may make all the difference in brightening up a room and freshening up your home.
Hard Floors: Months of salt and dirt tracked into your home and onto your tiled floors? Our technicians can clean the tile and grout and make it like winter never even happened.
Air Duct Cleaning: We all have tasks around the house that don’t make it to the top of our priority list. Properly maintaining your home’s air ducts should not be one of them. Regular duct cleaning can increase your home’s heating and cooling efficiency and improve the quality of the air you and your family breathe.
Odor Removal: Your basic cleaning service is not going to have the expertise to effectively deodorize your home. Take advantage of SERVPRO’s residential cleaning services to remove unwanted odors.
Remember, spring cleaning isn’t only for your home, but also for offices, daycares, businesses, and warehouses. Let us help you get ready for warm weather.
Call us today to schedule a cleaning service, 716-694-7776
Your commercial property’s appearance speaks volumes to your clients. So when the need arises for professional cleaning or emergency restoration services, SERVPROFranchise Professionals have the training and expertise to help make it “Like it never even happened.”
Retail Facilities
Education Facilities
Property Management
Healthcare Facilities
Hospitality Facilities
Food Service Facilities
Commercial Building Restoration Services
We are available 24 hours a day to get your business back up and running. Our expertise includes restoration services for fire and water damage, including electronics restoration and document drying. We are also your business’s best resource for mold remediation. Learn more about our commercial restoration services:
Whether your need is removing an odor problem or deep cleaning flooring or carpets, you can depend on a SERVPRO Franchise Professional to get the job done right the first time. They’ll respond promptly and make your workspace look its very best. Learn more about our Commercial Cleaning Service.
Mold allergy problems increase in the spring. This can be confused with a pollen allergy, but they are quite different.
You may be suffering from both, to make matters worse.
What can you do about it?
Mold is around all year because it grows indoors as well as outside. If you live far enough north to experience winter temperatures below freezing, mold allergies are usually less of a problem during those months.
Mold does not grow outside when it is frozen, and the drier air inside from heating reduced mold growth in your house as well.
Outside is a a different matter.
As temperatures increase, the mold begins to wake up. I’ve seen mold growing on top of snow as it melts, and under the snow, so that its already growing on the grass even before you can see the grass.
All of this aggravates your mold allergy
Last year’s leaf litter is this spring’s mold bed. There is no getting away from it.
Allergy shots may help with your mold allergy. See your allergist about this in the winter so that you’re already taking the shots before the spring mold season.
Open the windows for fresh air in the evening when temperatures are lower and the mold less active, then close them during the day. This is the opposite of what you should do in the summer in some cases.
Make sure the fresh air intake damper for forced air heating is turned off during the spring. Do open it during the summer and winter.
Reduce your humidifier setting to maintain a drier atmosphere inside. This discourages mold growth in your home.
Keeping your house a bit warmer in the spring may also help.
Spring can be a bad time for mold allergies, so do your best to avoid mold problems.
Spring is in the air all around and if you live there you know that with it comes all the allergens and irritants that cause sneezing, sniffling, dripping noses and stuffy heads. Keep your nose cleaner and your head cleaner by having the allergens removed from your home or office.
What Areas Are Most Important to Clean?
In your home or office, the carpet, ducts and upholstery are the largest collectors of allergy producers. Just by making sure that they are consistently and professionally cleaned you can reduce a lot of the major contributors to your allergies.
Carpet Cleaning - Even with regular vacuuming your carpet and padding can collect allergens. Having a professional carpet cleaning company clean your carpets can help drastically.
Duct Cleaning - Even with frequently changing your air duct filters dust and other allergens can get caught between your air conditioning unit and your air vents. While you can make sure to change your filters on a regular basis, it is suggested to have your ducts cleaned once a year at a minimum.
Upholstery Cleaning- Think about how long you keep your couch and how often you get it cleaned. Even vacuuming your couch only removes so much. We suggest having your upholstered furniture cleaned at least a couple of times a year to remove excess dirt.
You know SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County as a leader in Fire and Water Cleanup and Restoration, but our professional residential cleaning services can also make a dirty carpet "Like it never even happened."
Puff Back occurs when your ignition fails to light properly, oil fumes accumulate in the chamber of your furnace. When the pilot light ignites again it causes a small explosion shooting the dust and soot in your ducts or baseboard all over the room. Drapes, blinds, furniture, bedding, clothing, floors, carpets, dishes, appliances, you name it, the soot will manage to find its way in causing major headaches for homeowners.
Soot not only gets anywhere it is so very difficult to clean. It can’t be wiped off with a regular sponge, towel, paper towel, etc. in fact that just makes the problem worse! The cleaning of soot requires special sponges and cleaning products that are used by professionals. Almost worse than the mess is the smell that seems to permeate into everything. This odor is difficult to remove and requires the services of a professional to remove as well. A professional certified home restoration company such as SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County is experienced with handling puff back situations. A puff back can occur in large proportion such as the situation just mentioned or in small proportion, over a period of time. If you notice black soot accumulating on carpet around heating vents or baseboard, or on surfaces inside your home, chances are you are experiencing a small scale puff back.
Hiring a professional like SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County right after a puff back can save you time and money.
Call SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County 716-694-7776
When it comes to fire & water damage, or specialty cleanup needs, it’s the SERVPRO brand that comes to mind. Our TEAMS work endlessly to make sure our customers are happy, and have one objective in the aftermath of disaster, to make their loss "Like it never even happened."
No matter the job or the size, our SERVPRO teams are ready to handle any size loss. With 1,700+ franchises nationwide, we have access to numerous highly trained personnel and thousands of pieces of equipment. Our SERVPRO Disaster Recovery teams are strategically placed throughout the country to respond when needed. Our Teams have a proven track record for success, assisting with cleanup of floods, tornadoes, wildfires, and damage caused from frigid temperatures.
Whether it’s a major storm event, or faulty appliance, we will be there with one call. 716-694-7776
Winter Storm Preparedness: Building an Emergency Kit
Winter Storm Preparedness WNY is necessary.
Nevertheless, one important thing we’ve learned in our business is: never say never.
Our office and employees must be prepared for any sized disaster, no matter what. After all, we can’t respond to calls if we’re in the middle of an emergency ourselves.
To be prepared for a possible winter storm, consider items we have in our own preparedness kit.
Vehicle Preparedness Kit
This kit supposes that an emergency may include being stranded for any reason and needing to wait to be helped.
First Aid Kit
Blanket, wrapped in a plastic bag to keep clean
Mittens, Hats, Jackets, also wrapped in plastic bags
Cell Phone Charger
Flashlight
Extra Batteries for flashlight
Ice Scraper
Flares
Tow Rope
Kitty Litter
Full Tank of Gas (or Full Electric Charge)
Spare Tire
Jumper Cables, 8ft 10 gauge
Pet Food, if traveling with pets
Pet Leash
Spare Water
Home Preparedness Kit
This kit is helpful if the power goes out of your neighborhood and you have to wait for it, and your heater, to come back on. This is not a kit for homes that live where there is consistent, heavy snowfall.
First Aid Kit
Blankets
Mittens, Hats, Jackets
Cell Phone Charger (battery packs, pre-charged)
Flashlight
Extra Batteries for Flashlight
Food that does not require cooking (for humans and pets)
Spare Water (in case pipes are frozen)
Radio, battery operated
Other important home preparedness aspects to consider:
Know where your water shut off valve is.
Know which circuit breakers control parts of your home.
Know where the gas shut off valve is.
Get your fireplace checked once a season.
Have phone numbers of emergency response companies.
If you experience a water or fire damage in your home this season, please give us a call. We’re ready to help.
SERVPRO has released a report on the six steps to help prevent the growth of mold after water damage has occurred after serving local clients daily are affected by water damage. It is important to know how to eliminate conditions in which mold may grow and infest the home to help prevent the growth of molds.
All homeowners who have recently experienced water damage should be concerned about mold, as it can grow rapidly. Worse yet, it doesn’t take much water for it grow and it can be much deadlier than expected. The sooner an infestation is taken care of, the better.
Here are six tips to help reduce the likelihood of mold growth:
Remove the water as quickly as possible.
Use a wet or dry vacuum to soak up as much water as possible. This limits the possibility for the mold to grow.
Use fans to dry the floors and carpets faster.
It may take several days for fans to completely dry water damage. Leave them on constantly for at least a few weeks to help circulate cool and fresh air as well as speed up the drying process.
Dehumidify the affected room.
Mold grows in moist, warm and dark areas. Dehumidifying the room helps cool the air and limit mold and mildew growth. Any equipment you can use to dry the air and ground will be useful in mold prevention.
Steam-clean your carpet.
Steam-clean any and all carpets to properly sanitize and wipe out any spores which may have started growing. Any water-damaged carpet padding may need to be replaced, but is still much cheaper than having to entirely re-carpet the house.
Sanitize walls and baseboards.
Anything that has been touched by storm water should immediately be sanitized. Clean any hardwood floors, walls, or other surfaces with soap, water, chlorine, and bleach to minimize mold growth.
Lastly, check affected furniture for any signs of mold growth that may have begun
Check all furniture for water damage, and remove the furniture from wet flooring. Water damage may hide itself under carpets or rugs, so be sure to thoroughly inspect the home.
Even following the above steps, it is likely that a mold infestation may still be present in the home. If any visible signs of mold are noticed, then an infestation/colonization has occurred. For any extensive mold damage situations, it is best to call in the professionals, such as SERVPRO, a company that has, in the past, provided Paso Robles water damage restoration.
Water damage and mold remediation solutions
SERVPRO is the leading company in fire damage, and mold remediation areas. They are constantly investing in the latest training for mold remediation so that they can meet any customer service needs to quickly and professionally make it “Like it never even happened.” When disaster strikes, call SERVPRO at (716) 694-7776
The weather has been very unpredictable the past few weeks in our area. We have experience heavy rains and snow causing the sewer systems to back up and streets to flood.
If you see there is a flash flood watch, this means that a flash flood is possible. A flash flood warning means that a flood is about to happen or already taking place. If a flash flood occurs, you should make sure everyone gets to higher ground as quickly as possible.
Your business can prepare for any potential disaster, including flash floods. Keep all essential equipment and documents elevated from the floor. Ideally, they should be stored on the second floor of the building or higher. Back-up electronic data daily to cloud storage or to an external drive so the files can still be accessed in the event of a disaster.
It is a good idea to have a battery-powered radio available on-site. In case of a power outage, you and your staff can keep updated on the current conditions. (FEMA) The Federal Emergency Management Agency provides a list of recommended supplies in the event of a disaster, such as a flashlight and first aid kit.
SERVPRO Of Eastern Niagara County can help your business get back on track after flooding or other disasters. Call us today for more information or a free inspection (716)694-7776
The very idea of mold can make any home or business owner cringe. Yes, mold can be beneficial, used in making brie or penicillin, but it can also be a really big problem when it is growing undetected somewhere on your property or belongings.
It can grow just about anywhere: on clothing, food, paper, carpet and the backside of drywall, just to name a few spots. It can produce allergens and irritants and, in some cases, toxins that are dangerous to your health.
Here are four steps you can take to protect your business and employees from a mold issue:
Do an audit of your property. Are there any areas that are full of moisture much of the time? Seepage into storage areas or accumulation from leaky pipes should be dried within 48 hours to avoid mold damage. Encourage workers to keep wet items picked up, hanging wet coats up and keeping rain boots and wet shoes in an area that won’t soak up moisture. Take steps to keep floors and windows dry at all times, but especially during wet weather.
Proper ventilation is a good way to keep mold at bay. Keeping bathroom and kitchen doors open can help, increasing air circulation and aiding in the drying process. Using dehumidifiers keeps areas dry and pleasant, and always keep an eye on them to make sure they are in good repair and not contributing any moisture themselves; the manufacturer’s information provided will give directions on cleaning and care of your unit.
Many products today contain mold-resistant materials, such as sheetrock or paint. Shop around for helpful products when doing any renovation or repair to your Belle Meade business, especially in areas that will experience moisture, such as kitchens, break rooms, and bathrooms.
Monitoring the humidity indoors in your Belle Meade business can go a long way to mold prevention. The EPA recommends keeping indoor humidity between 30 and 60 percent; you can measure this with a moisture meter easily found at your local hardware store.
Contact the SERVPRO team of Eastern Niagara County for all your water or fire damage needs, or if you need assistance with mold prevention or remediation! We’re here for you! 716-694-7776
Mold remediation is a keystone service of SERVPRO for Niagara area homes
Mold is a serious problem. For some Niagara homeowners, it can cause problems for the foundation of their home and even trigger health effects. At SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County, we know how dangerous it is. Many of our clients want to know how to prevent mold from coming into their home and prevent it from coming back. Many homeowners are delighted to learn there are easy steps they can take that will help with mold remediation. Such steps can help make sure the mold stays away from all areas of your home.
Moisture and Humidity
This problem is frequently caused by too much moisture and humidity in the home. Water encourages the growth of spores. If the initial treatment did not stop the problem, it's a good idea to think about where water in the home originates. We do our best to examine each area to make sure there is no problem with water. However, sometimes things can be missed. Water may be coming from other areas of the home as a result of a new problem. In that case, steps need to be taken to remove the moisture again.
Ventilation
Clean, fresh air can help get rid of mold. New mold remediation efforts may focus on bringing cleaner air into the home. It's a good idea to think about air circulation. If the air is stagnant, the problem can recur. Items like a ventilation system in each bathroom can help. Ventilation systems help remove water vapor and improve air circulation in your home. They're easy to install and can be turned on after a quick shower to remove the moisture in the air.
Periodic Cleaning
In addition to a ventilation system and a complete inspection of the property, it also helps to clean as often as possible. Cleaning helps with mold remediation efforts by keeping humidity and moisture at bay. Spills should be mopped up quickly. Vinegar is an effective cleaning agent that kills most mold species instantly. Distilled vinegar can be poured into a spray bottle and used to clean the walls each month. This will help kill any new spore growths. Wipe it down after cleaning to keep moisture out of your home.
Fire Extinguisher Importance For Your Home or Business
Office buildings need specific fire safety equipment to keep both employees and clients safe. This includes smoke detectors, sprinklers, fire alarms, and extinguishers.
The first step in fire damage restoration is to put out the fire using the proper tools. A first responder may use an approved portable fire extinguisher to prevent a small fire from growing and causing further damage.
The National Fire Protection Agency publishes a series of standards and requirements for portable fire extinguishers called NFPA 10, available here.
No matter what the size of the fire, your first priority should be to get everyone out safely and call 911. Once the fire has been put out, you can call SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County to assist with the fire damage restoration.
Although there are a variety of challenges that residential and commercial property owners can experience, the presence of mold is particularly problematic. This is the case for many reasons, including the fact that mold can cause health problems and decrease the structural integrity of one’s property. There are ways to prevent the growth of mold, but your best course of action is hiring a professional mold remediation company. Try implementing some or all of the following six mold prevention tips:
Invest In A Dehumidification System.
One of the best ways to prevent the growth and proliferation of mold is to invest in an air conditioner that features a dehumidification system. These systems are effective in removing moisture from your property. Once the moisture is removed, the mold is deprived of one of the vital nutrients that help it grow.
Be Cautious When Turning The AC Off.
Make sure that you are cautious when you turn off your air conditioner. In climates that are humid, a long-standing period of inactivity can enable humidity levels to become dangerously high. If the humidity level becomes extremely high, it creates the moist environment necessary for mold to grow and thrive.
Use Insulation.
Another strategy you can use to prevent mold is the use of insulation. By installing insulation as well as vapor barriers, you can prevent condensation from accumulating on objects like plumbing fixtures, beams, and water pipes.
Avoid Standing Water.
Stagnant water can become a breeding area for mold. Since this is the case, make sure that you keep your tubs, showers, sinks and all other wet regions of your property free of standing water.
Review Your Applications.
Another strategy for mold prevention is application review. Make sure that all of your construction, design, and architectural applications are effective in preventing water from coming in contact with the interior of your property and goods. Specific regions of concern include poorly designed balconies, pitched roofs, improperly installed flashing, doors, windows, thin stucco, and vapor barriers.
Maintain Structure Regularly.
One final way to help prevent mold growth is to ensure that the integrity of your building envelope is maintained. You can achieve this objective by investing in regular roof flashing, caulking, sealing, and inspections of the exterior.
Conclusion
Mold can be a severe problem for residential and commercial property owners to handle. However, using the prevention tips and tricks outlined above can help you keep your property mold-free. In the event that mold growth does transpire, call a professional restoration company. They have extensive experience in the mold remediation field and can assist with your mold restoration needs.
A lot of home or business owners will encounter mold growth in their property at some point. Mold is in our natural environment. The problem lies when the mold growth reaches an unsafe level. There are some things a home or business owner can do to prevent mold growth.
One way to prevent growth would be dehumidification. Removing moisture from the structure is key to preventing mold growth. There are different options available for dehumidifier systems. There is a system that can be hooked into a central climate control system. There are also dehumidifiers that can be bought and placed in areas where humidity and moisture is an issue. Dehumidifiers come with 2 options. One dehumidifier has a holding tank that needs to be emptied when it becomes full. The second kind has a drain hose that can be placed directly into an available drain. It is important to know the square footage of the space you are using the dehumidifier in and be sure the dehumidifier you are using is large enough to successfully remove moisture from that area.
A second way is controlling the climate in the home or business. Turning off an air conditioning unit can cause a spike in humidity levels in the structure. If the levels reach a high enough level they can assist in the growth of mold.
A third way in preventing mold growth is to ensure proper insulation is used in the structure. A simple vapor barrier can assist in stopping a condensation problem from becoming a mold growth issue.
Four, ensure there is no standing water within the property. Standing water is a breeding ground for mold to grow. Standing water can be present from things like a foundation leak or a empty property that has sustained a water intrusion.
A fifth way to prevent mold from developing is to be aware of the design of your property. It is important to be sure roofs are sealed, windows do not have any leaks, proper insulation is used, etc…
Lastly, it is very important to maintain your property. Check each area of the property on a regular basis, especially areas that are not seen daily, weekly, etc… Some examples of areas not seen often are empty properties, basements, crawl spaces, attics, closets, etc…
Mold can continue to grow in the right circumstances and can cause major damage to a structure. If mold growth gets severe enough it can affect the structural integrity of the home or business. Mold has also been linked with certain health issues. Therefore it is important to do what is possible to prevent its growth.
Next to Thanksgiving and Christmas, this upcoming [unofficial] holiday is one of the most anticipated events of the year! We at SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County are huge Super Bowl fans and although any of our technicians would throw down a dozen or so Buffalo wings like it’s nobody’s business, we have crews standing by in case your Super Bowl party gets a little too carried away. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Super Bowl Sunday is the second largest day for food consumption in the U.S. after Thanksgiving. Enjoy the big game and stay fire safe with these tips from the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA):
Keep an eye on what you fry.
Stand by your pan.
Turn pot handles toward the back of the stove.
Wear short sleeves or rolled up sleeves.
Keep a pan lid or cookie sheet nearby to cover the pan if it catches fire.
SERVPRO Of Eastern Niagara County is here to help clean up after fire : -716-694-7776
Before the end of this year, we want you to know that we are very pleased and satisfied with all of our employees for their excellent performance through the year. Also, we want to extend the greetings to our dear clients, the other important part of the engine of our company. Happy New Year to all the people that help us make it "Like it never even happened."
We wish the best to our customers and employees, because you are the most important part of the company. Also to our team work, as a reward for their dedication and effort to deliver a first class service, SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County wishes you a fabulous New Year to all our customers and employees.
Cold temperatures can cause pipes to freeze.Frozen pipes can result in costly repairs to you as a home or business owner. The good news is there are ways to prevent pipes from freezing. Here are some tips for this winter.
Frozen Pipes Can Burst
Frozen pipes are a problem by themselves, because they prevent water flow, but even worse, frozen pipes can eventually burst, causing damage and potential flooding. There are ways to protect your pipes from freezing. These include:
Keep your house warm
If you are leaving for a period of time, make sure that the heat is kept on at your property. You should inform them that the heat can help prevent pipes from freezing, and if pipes freeze and burst, it can cause a lot of water damage to the property and to their possessions. The heat doesn’t have to be kept as high as you normally would keep it if you were home but keeping it set above 50 degrees Fahrenheit at all times is a good idea. This should provide enough heat to keep the pipes warm and to prevent any water inside from freezing.
Open Faucets
When temps hit the freezing level it is a good idea to allow faucets to drip. Allowing the faucet to be open like this will relieve pressure in the pipe. If a pipe freezes, it is actually the pressure that is created between the blockage and the faucet that will cause the pipe to burst. With the faucet open you avoid blockage in the pipes.
Insulation in key
Pipes can be fitted with foam rubber or fiberglass sleeves to help decrease the chances of freezing. This can be an easy solution for pipes that are exposed, but can get expensive if walls, floors or ceilings have to be opened in order to properly insulate the pipe. Additional insulation can also be added to walls and ceilings to keep the pipes warm.
SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County is here to help : 24 hours/7 days a week : 716-694-7776
Kitchen fires are the #1 cause of house fires and injuries to homeowners, so avoiding them is a worthy goal for every household. Taking common-sense precautions can greatly reduce the chance of igniting a cooking fire during meal preparation, and understanding how to avoid these fires is simple and smart. Listed here are several recommendations from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).
Cooking oil, a key ingredient for frying and sautéing, is also a prime cause of sudden stove-top fires. Smart cooks heat oils slowly to the desired temperature, then add food gently to reduce the chance of splatter and flare-up. Keeping an appropriately sized lid next to your pan gives you a means to quickly cover the pan and snuff out sudden flames.
Good chefs always stay in the kitchen; unattended cooking is a dangerous gamble. Staying in the kitchen, especially when frying, grilling, broiling or boiling, is a smart and obvious way to avoid an out-of-control fire.
Roasting, simmering and baking foods takes more time. While the likelihood of a fire may seem less, the main culprit is forgetting to check on your meal. Set a timer to remind you to check back every so often, and be sure that any wooden utensils, oven mitts, paper products, dish towels and curtains are moved far away from heat sources.
Early morning and late evening cooking coincides with the time you may be more tired. Staying alert is staying safe, so be sure you’re not too sleepy or distracted by other tasks. Consuming alcohol can be enjoyable when preparing meals, but it is also a risk that should be minimized if not completely avoided.
Fight or flight. There is no concrete answer concerning whether it is better to fight a kitchen fire or immediately leave the room, close the door behind you and call for help. If you’re really unsure, take the safest route and call 911 as soon as you and all others can leave the kitchen.
NFPA studies report that 55 percent of the people who were injured in reported nonfatal home cooking fires during 2005-2009 were injured when they tried to fight the fire themselves. One of every four house fires reported in 2007-2011 started with fat or grease, and one of every three fire injuries resulted from these fires.
If you havent noticed, water damage and water emergencies happen any time, even the holidays. Just take a look at how the film industry incorporates water emergencies into key plot points of holiday movies:
Trading Places: Dresses as Santa and sopped to the core from pouring rain, Dan Akroyd visits his old families Christmas party with an angry and beaten look. Team Randolph cleans garments, even after people stuff poached salmon under them.
Home Alone: Drawing on peoples deepest fears, hapless burglar Harry (Joe Pesci) brags that he leaves all the water running when leaving a burgled home in order to flood it. Water damage is a metaphor for evil to the core. Tough luck Harry, there is nothing you can do with water in a home we haven't seen and fixed, like it never even happened.
Christmas Vacation: Cousin Eddie pumps raw sewage and chemicals into the public storm drains outside of the Griswold household, ultimately causing an explosion when accumulated gasses meet the flame of a discarded cigar. From Day One on the job, our crews are trained to protect our customers and themselves from hazards caused by sewage spills and backups. Sanitization of the affected area and proper disposal are major concerns. Don't let a sewage issue stink up your holidays, call us. We would love to help.
Here are a few more examples of Hollywood celebrating the evil of unwanted water: In 101 Dalmations a thug flies out a window and into a pool. He emerges as a human frozen pop. The final fight scene in Lethal Weapon takes place in a dense shower caused by a broken fire hydrant. Emerging from the water represents the beginning of new life. There would be no Gremlins or Gremlins 2 if a glass of water was no spilled on a cute Mogwai causing five to spawn from one. Water gives life even when not convenient and later in the movie when the Mogwai become gremlins and jump in the pool, Water gives life to evil, as with black mold.
The point of all this is water, the cold and holidays don't really mix. But just like in the movies, even the most extreme damage from water is only a passing scene when you call SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County at 716-694-7776
Here's Why Professional Water Removal Is More Effective Than DIY Methods
Save Money and Aggravation, Call SERVPRO for Water Damage Problems
After a water emergency that floods a home or business, the last thing that most people want to deal with is a bill for cleaning up the damage. This is what leads many homeowners to attempt water extraction on their own instead of calling a professional.
If you're in need of water removal in Western New York you may be tempted to save money by trying to get rid of the excess water on your own. However, going this route typically has more consequences than benefits and will result in greater losses of time, money, and your possessions in the long run. Here's why calling SERVPRO for professional water removal is a smart move.
Professional water extraction works extremely well. While some homeowners resort to opening windows and doors, turning on ceiling fans, and blotting towels around the house, SERVPRO has powerful equipment that ensures efficient and thorough water removal. We're also often able to restore documents, books, furnishings, and electronic devices affected by water damage, plus we'll get your home's humidity back to an appropriate level.
Many water emergencies are hazardous. If your house has been flooded with gray or black water, such as that from a natural disaster, backed up sewer line, or a leaky toilet, expert attention to the problem is best. These types of water are risky for untrained persons to handle because it involves disease causing waste and debris. This is the type of material that can't simply be put out with the week's garbage and needs proper and safe disposal. We're knowledgeable about how to get rid of contaminated waste during water extraction, so there are no lingering health risks to your family or pets.
It's important to consider mold and mildew. One reason that so many homeowners who attempt DIY water removal eventually end up calling a pro is unseen damage caused by mold and mildew. While your flooring and possessions may look and feel dry, without proper water extraction and controlling humidity mold and mildew will thrive, cause off odors, and ruin your home's structure along with your possessions and furniture. SERVPRO technicians are skilled at protecting against the growth of mold and mildew and have effective strategies to combat it.
At SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County , we know how important it is to get your home back in order as quickly as possible. We'll help you mitigate the costs of any water emergency by restoring your possessions and preventing future damage to your home. For more information about our water removal services or to receive a quote, call us 24/7 at (716)694-7776
Western New York is experiencing some rainy days - which could cause major problems if rain water seeps into your home. One of the most common sources of water damage in a home is from rain water. It can enter through leaks in your roof, seeping in from the foundation, or even flooding into your basement. It is important to take the necessary steps to prevent water damage in your home such as:
Checking for proper drainage:
inspect your roof thoroughly for structural damage or holes
clear your gutters from leaves and other debris that could block the flow of water from draining into the yard
sump pump are very effective for keeping rainwater out of your house
have a professional check your sump pump to insure it is working properly once a year
Check sealant inside and outside foundation
make sure the tar sealant covering the inner and outer sides of the foundation are intact
Inspect the slope of your lawn
grading is the slope of your lawn and it should always slope away from your home to redirect the rainwater from flooding around the foundations
When you are dealing with storm, flood, and water damage, immediate action is crucial. You should choose the company with storm damage experience and expertise that has the resources and equipment to handle the job. SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County can respond immediately to storm and flooding conditions.
Water will not damage my home I am careful, I do not live in a cold climate my pipes will not burst. Let us examine that claim. Do you have kids, Washing machines, dish washers, Ice makers in your refrigerator, air conditioners, tress on your property, an older home or gutters then you are at risk.
Kids love things they do not understand and they love to try and figure it out with their hands if possible. Water is exceptionally fascinating especially since a great deal of time is spent trying to teach them how to use a toilet and have a sense of personal hygiene. That being said the drains in the sink, bathtub and toilet are an immediate fascination. Watching what happens as water swirls around and slips down into the abyss of the drain. What is even more fascinating is watching what happens as it bubbles up over the rim and begins to flow all over the bathroom. Kids will put many things into a toilet to force it to overflow. Drains will be clogged with all sorts of toys backing up the pipes forcing flooding the bathroom.
New technologies such as ice makers, dish washers and air conditioners have made our lives very convenient. Constant temperatures to keep us comfortable and ice when we want it for our favorite beverages and a hands free time free way to clean it all up allows us the finer things. There is a price to be paid for these luxuries.
Sometimes they fail resulting in flooded homes, flooded basements or water damage in the kitchen. Maintaining these appliances is crucial in making sure you check for ever small leaks as they can seep under the floor, water damage in between walls to porous materials can quickly becomes costly. New technological advances in types of hoses and piping techniques can reduce this problem inspect your home regularly and update any older hoses and piping areas to avoid massive water damage to your home.
Air Conditioning units are designed to collect water in a drain and transport it outside. If a blockage occurs your living room can soon become a serious source of water damage. These units are usually put on some sort of wooden structure which can and should be inspected frequently. Should you see your wood floors with water running over them or your carpet is saturated please call a professional as it is already too late to clean up this water damage yourself.
Trees and nature, while many of us like the convenience of the modern world we still want the beauty of the natural one. So you surrounded your property with trees, bushes, shrubs and flowers. Trees are tall, strong, and very resilient many surviving 100’s of years. This is in part to their ability to seek out food and water. The pipes are full of food and water and due to the strength we admire in the branches so to rings true for their roots. Many times trees will break through weak spots in a pipe and drink from the water and soak up the nutrients from the sewage contained within them. The roots will continue through it growing within the pipe itself thus supplying it with a constant food and water source. Roots in a pipe can be a very big problem and a great source of trouble for sewage damage and water damage in and around your home.
Gutters can also cause serious water damage to your roof and attic areas. Many times these are unchecked due to lack of consistent access to these areas of your home. When gutters get clogged with leaves, and branches the water will no longer be able to flow down and seeks an alternative path, this is usually onto and through your roof. Once it gets through your roof the water damage will invade your attic and left unnoticed or unchecked can result in mold growth.
So if you think that you would never have water damage in your home think again. Pipes bursting from the cold is not the only water damages your home. Be on the lookout and if you find something call a professional because you never know how long it has been going on.
Remember: With any kind of water damage in the home, time is of the essence! Drying the home in three days or less prevents the growth mold.
SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County is here to help :716-694-7776
Biohazard cleanup is also known as crime scene cleanup or trauma scene cleanup. SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County's biohazard professionals provide this supportive service for victim’s families. During an emotional period for the customer, SERVPRO biohazard professionals have developed a keen sense of how to interact with the customer by providing a level of service victim's families need in a difficult situation. While the police and other responders may spend limited time with the family members, SERVPRO cleaning professionals work around the family longer, by performing the cleaning and restoration of the scene. By performing the cleaning and restoration, SERVPRO helps the family make a step beyond the tragedy, to hopefully carry on with their lives. Our staff is trained in all facets of property damage restoration, from training at SERVPRO’s Corporate Training Facility to regular IICRC industry certifications, our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.
Here are some major or minor fire recovery tips for houses and apartments.
A special thank you to the firemen, policemen, industry professionals, lawyers, insurance agents and people who gave us their time, insight and real-life advice.
Be safe, be smart.
Depending on the damage, the fire department may allow you to take your personal belongings (clothing, - jewelry, important documents). If you remove anything, you may have to fill out a form with the fire department listing each item. You will not be allowed to take certain items (i.e. couches, TVs, computers, appliances) as they may have caused the fire.
If your car is burned or very damaged by debris, do not start it or move it. Fire officials will tell you when you can move your car.
Ask an on-site fire official for a fire department contact in case of questions after the fire.
Ask for the approximate date and time for the initial walk-through of your property. For safety purposes, you MUST- be escorted; this is especially true if there is structural damage.
If you are insured, you should call your agent about this walk-through. Have them contact SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County at 716-694-7776
About Fire Safety & PreventionDid you know that if a fire starts in your home, you may have just two minutes to escape?The most effective way to protect yourself and your home from fire is to identify and remove fire hazards. 60 percent of house fire deaths occur in homes with no working smoke alarms. During a home fire, working smoke alarms and a fire escape plan that has been practiced regularly can save lives. Fire Safety Tips -Talk with all household members about a fire escape plan and practice the plan twice a year.-Test smoke alarms once a month, if they're not working, change the batteries.-If a fire occurs in your home, GET OUT, STAY OUT and CALL for help.-Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, inside bedrooms and outside sleeping areas.
Preparing and Preventing a Home Fire - Steps You Can Take Now
-Keep items that can catch on fire at least three feet away from anything that gets hot, such as space heaters.
-Never smoke in bed.
-Talk to your children regularly about the dangers of fire, matches and lighters and keep them out of reach.
-Download the Monster Guard: Prepare for Emergencies mobile game to teach kids about fire safety and other disasters.
-Turn portable heaters off when you leave the room
Smoke Alarms
-Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, inside bedrooms and outside sleeping areas.
-Teach your children what smoke alarms sound like and what to do when they hear one.
-Test smoke alarms once a month, if they're not working, change the batteries.
-Smoke alarms should be replaced every 10 years. Never disable smoke or carbon monoxide alarms.
-Carbon monoxide alarms are not substitutes for smoke alarms. Know the difference between the sound of smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms.
Fire Escape Planning
-Ensure that all household members know two ways to escape from every room of your home.
-Make sure everyone knows where to meet outside in case of fire.
-Practice escaping from your home at least twice a year and at different times of the day. Practice waking up to smoke alarms, low crawling and meeting outside. Make sure everyone knows how to call 9-1-1.
-Teach household members to STOP, DROP and ROLL if their clothes should catch on fire.
Cooking Safely
-Stay in the kitchen when frying, grilling or broiling food. If you leave the kitchen, even for a short period of time, turn off the stove.
-Stay in the home while simmering, baking, roasting or boiling food. Check it regularly and use a timer to remind you that food is cooking.
-Keep anything that can catch fire-like pot holders, towels, plastic and clothing- away from the stove.
-Keep pets off cooking surfaces and counter tops to prevent them from knocking things onto the burner.
Caution: Carbon Monoxide Kills -Install carbon monoxide alarms in central locations on every level of your home and outside sleeping areas.-If the carbon monoxide alarm sounds, move quickly to a fresh air location outdoors or by an open window or door. -Never use a generator, grill, camp stove or other gasoline, propane, natural gas or charcoal-burning devices inside a home, garage, basement, crawlspace or any partially enclosed area. Fire Damage Repair and RestorationFires can be especially devastating to your home or business. After the fire trucks leave, your property will likely suffer from not only fire and smoke damage, but also widespread water damage and flooding from firefighting efforts. SERVPRO Franchise Professionals have specialized fire and water damage restoration training and experience to quickly clean up and restore your home to pre-fire condition. They also can remove the pervasive smoke odor and deep-clean soot from upholstery and carpet. Please refer to our Fire Damage Tips - Until Help Arrives Guide and follow these tips to protect yourself and your property.
SERVPRO Franchise Professionals
Provide 24/7 Emergency Service
Highly Trained Fire and Water Restoration Specialists
Faster to Any Size Disaster
A Trusted Leader in the Restoration Industry with over 1,650 Franchises
Preferred Vendor for Many National and Local Insurance Companies
The Fire Damage Restoration Process
SERVPRO Franchise Professionals know just how devastating a fire can be. Fire and water damage can leave your house unsafe and unlivable. They're trained to clean and restore your home with as little disruption as possible. Learn more about the fire damage restoration process.Step1: Emergency ContactStep 2: Inspection and Fire Damage AssessmentStep 3: Immediate Board-Up and Roof Tarp Service (if needed)Step 4: Water Removal and Drying (if water damage is present)Step 5: Removal of Smoke and Soot from All SurfacesStep 6: Cleaning and RepairStep 7: Restoration SERVPRO of Easter Niagara County 716-694-7776
If we’re keeping our HVAC system at home clean to keep our family happy and healthy, why no extend the same service to our customers? Businesses sometimes tend to overlook or simply forget about certain aspects of their maintenance checklist and one that is often forgotten about is air duct cleaning. Dirty ducts can create all sorts of problems from odor to circulating mold or other contaminants throughout your business. SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County is Here to Help! Below are some benefits to cleaning your air ducts:
Western New York is preparing for a very HOT beginning of the week. For it being fall time , the weather is very unseasonable .
Temperatures have already reached the 80’s and we know extreme heat is on its way. Extreme heat affects us all, but especially the elderly as well a small children. If possible those people would want to stay out of the sunlight, and in a perfect world indoors where it is air conditioning. But let’s be real… That is not real life!
In the area we live we have little choice but to work and play in extreme heat. But there are some precautions we can make to stay safer and healthier. You always want to wear loose-fitting and light colored clothing if possible. To protect from burns generously use sun screen. Watch for signs of heat exhaustion. Signs of heat exhaustion according to the Center for Disease Control include heavy sweating, clammy skin, weakness, nausea or vomiting, and even fainting. These symptomsshould be taken seriously as heat exhaustion can lead to heat stroke, which can be life threatening. If you suspect someone is suffering a heat stroke call 911 immediately, get them somewhere cool and try to reduce their temperature with wet towels or a cool bath.
Our part of the county is also known for humidity. Humidity can make the temperature feel up to 15 degrees hotter. This measured in the heat index. Always be aware of the heat index when you are working or playing outdoors this summer.
Please don’t forget about the four-legged family members this summer either. Make sure they have plenty of water. Refresh the water daily as water will get very warm in the elements. Consider bring them indoors if possible on extremely hot days. Never leave an animal in a vehicle for any length of time.
Different types of disasters and emergencies happen in communities across the country, but there are key steps that every household can take to be better prepared for them. If you do nothing else this month, take time to create a disaster plan including an emergency escape plan.
Make a clear plan of what to do in an emergency and in case of an evacuation.
Identify clear roles for everyone in the house.
Discuss how to prepare and respond to emergencies that can happen at home, work, and school.
Make a list of all the important things you may forget when in an emergency.
Have a disaster kit assembled for everyone in the house.
Have an out of the area emergency contact person saved on a smartphone.
Practice evacuating your home twice a year, especially if you have kids or pets. This makes it a routine and can make a real emergency situation less stressful.
According to the Red Cross there are many disaster apps now available for smartphones and tablets that can be downloaded to help with emergencies. Some of these apps include a full emergency app, tornado, hurricane, earthquake, wildfire and flood apps. If any of these disasters are common in your areas I would recommend downloading the corresponding app. With these apps you can know when to evacuate, where a shelter may be located, and exactly where the disaster occurred.
Did you know?The air in your home is 10 times more dirty than the air outside.
During the Spring and Summer months, allergens accumulate and fill areas of your home or office with dust, dust mites, animal dander, mold and other unhealthy elements. Unless you address the situation now, the air quality will continue to deteriorate.
Your friends at SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County want to ensure that you and your property are properly prepared for the upcoming season. Therefore, we would like to offer you some helpful tips that will adequately prepare your property for the Fall:
Eliminate mold and mildew indoors by cleaning under the refrigerator, washing and disinfecting garbage cans, scrubbing bathrooms, and cleaning or changing shower curtains
Remove any wet debris from around the home or office, as mold spores are airborne particles that can easily float indoors
Schedule to have your chimney cleaned within the next month. Excessive buildup of creosote and debris, as well as miscellaneous branches, leaves and animal nests can create a dangerous situation as it increases the potential to spark a chimney fire.
Remember not to ignore your ductwork, vents and HVAC systems. Unnecessary dirt and debris can pose a serious threat to the health of your family or employees if they are not properly maintained.
SERVPRO’s licensed technicians can provide all of the remediation and cleaning services necessary for the upcoming season. A proper cleaning will combat all particles that infiltrate your property and provide for a safe and worry-free environment by:
Enhancing your indoor air quality
Improving overall air circulation
Eliminating built-up dirt and contaminants
Extending the life of your heating and cooling systems
Call the professionals at SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County at (716) 694-7776 and rest easier this Fall knowing your property is clean and out of harm’s way.
How many homeowners have descended their basement steps to find a pool of murky water? Water follows the path of least resistance, finding cracks and holes through basement walls. Flooding can often be attributed to insufficient drainage around basement walls, heavy rains, a faulty sump pump, or a combination of these factors.
SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County is highly trained in water damage restoration including basement and crawlspace flooding. We have the experience, expertise, and equipment to remove the water and dry your basement properly. Our water removal and drying process emphasizes monitoring and documentation to validate your property is dry.
24 Hour Emergency Service
Faster to Any Size Disaster
Highly Trained Water Damage Restoration Specialists
Locally Owned and Operated
Basement Flooding? Call SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County
Basements can flood day or night, on weekends and even holidays, and that’s why SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County offers 24 emergency service, 365 days a year. You can expect an immediate response time, day or night.
Stay cool and hydrated. Drink water, at least two to four cups (16-32 ounces) upon rising, and similar amounts if you are going out for activities and exercise. Carry water with you in a hard plastic container (more stable poly carbonate rather than polyethylene that leaches plastic into the water). You may also use a traveling water filter. Check your local water stores or www.realgoods.com. Most people need two to three quarts of liquid per day, and more in hot weather or with sweating and exercise. Review Chapter 1 of Staying Healthy with Nutrition or Chapter 7 of The Staying Healthy Shopper's Guide for further information on Water.
While enjoying the sun and outdoors, protect yourself from overexposure to sunlight by wearing a hat and using natural sunscreens without excessive chemicals. Carry Aloe Vera gel for overexposure and have an aloe plant growing in your home for any kind of burn. The cooling and healing gel inside the leaves will soothe any sunburn. It works great.
Keep up or begin an exercise program. Aerobic activity is important for keeping the heart strong and healthy. If you only work out in a health club, take some time to do outdoor refreshing activities -- hiking, biking, swimming, or tennis. Reconnecting with these activities will help keep your body and mind aligned.
Enjoy Nature's bounty – fresh seasonal fruits and vegetables at their organic best. Consuming foods that are cooling and light -- fresh fruits, vegetable juices, raw vital salads, and lots of water -- will nourish your body for summertime activities. Include some protein with one or two meals. There are a number of light, nourishing proteins that don't require cooking. Most of these complement fruits and vegetables nicely-- nuts, seeds, sprouted beans, soy products, yogurt, kefir, and cottage cheese. Fish and poultry can also be eaten.
Take some special summer time with your family, kids, and friends who share the enjoyment of outdoors. Plan a fun trip if you're able and motivated for a day or longer -- hiking in the wild, camping, playing at the river, or a few days resting at the ocean. Rekindling our Earth connection has benefits that last beyond this season, continuing to enrich the whole of your life.
Relax and breathe. You've been working hard. This is the season to slow the pace a bit and absorb the light that stimulates your hormonal message center. Leave your cell phone at home or take a week off from TV. In many European countries, most of the population has a month off during the summer.
Sun teas are wonderful. Use flowers and leaves (or tea bags) in a clear half- or one-gallon glass jar filled with spring water. Hibiscus or red clover flowers, peppermint, chamomile, or lemon grass are all good choices, or use your local herbs and flowers that you learn are safe, flavorful, and even medicinal. Leave in the sun for two hours or up to a whole day. Moon teas can also be made to enhance your lunar, dreamy side by letting your herbs steep in the cooling, mystical moonlight. Add a little orange or lemon peel, or a sprig of rosemary and a few jasmine flowers.
Nutritional supplements can support you with a greater amount of physical energy, enhancing your summer activities. The B-complex vitamins are calming to the nervous system and helpful for cellular energy production, while vitamin C and the other antioxidants protect your body from stress, chemical pollutants, and the biochemical by-products of exercise. Helpful summer herbs are Siberian ginseng as an energy tonic and stress protector, dong quai is a tonic for women, hawthorn berry is good for the heart, and licorice root will help energy balance and digestion.
Use the summer months to deepen the spiritual awakening begun in the spring. Begin by checking your local bookstore or the web for ideas that interest you. Plan a vacation that incorporates these new interests and provides you time to read, relax, contemplate, and breathe.
Above all, give yourself the time to truly experience Nature. This can happen, even in a city park, if you relax and let in your surroundings. When traveling, take activities for the family and your first aid kit for bites, bee stings, and injuries. Check for ticks after your hikes. Watch for overexposure, take time in the shade, and drink your water.
SERVPRO is “Ready for whatever happens.” YOU CAN BE TOO THIS SUMMER
Each year, families and friends across the country enjoy the summer months with barbecues, camping trips, or by cooking off in a pool or lake. To enjoy these occasions, it is important to keep safety top of mind to ensure you have fun in the sun.
According to recent study by the U.S Consumer Product Safety Commission, nearly 11,900 Americans were injured by fireworks in 2015, with the majority happening in the month surrounding the Fourth of July. Another 8,700 are injured by charcoal/wood-burning and propane grill fires. A grill should always be supervised when in use. Keep children and pets a safe distance from the grilling area to prevent accidental burns or tipping the grill.
Grills also cause an average of 8,900 home structure or outdoor fires. :These fires caused an annual average of 50 civilian injuries and $2 million in direct property damage,” according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).
If you enjoy lounging by the pool or going for a boat ride to cool off from the summer sun, make sure you exercise caution, especially when children are present. Only swim in approved areas and supervise children at all times when near the water.
The summer season should be a time to make memories and enjoy the great outdoors. Don’t become a statistic. Take precautions to prevent these events from putting a damper on your summer months!
Life happens. Kids spill drinks, pets have accidents, and homes get dirty. SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County has the expertise to provide a deeper clean than your basic house cleaning service. Our residential cleaning services will ease the burden of the constant maintenance cleaning of your home, but will also create a safe, clean and comfortable living environment for you and your family.
You know SERVPRO as a leader in Fire and Water Cleanup and Restoration, but our professional residential cleaning services can also make a dirty carpet "Like it never even happened."
Trying to get your home "spring" clean? How about SERVPRO clean? You can see what services we provide at our website, or call us 24/7 at 716-694-7776. Our team will gladly work with you to get your home fresh and clean for spring!
This Federal holiday honoring men and women who died while serving the U.S. military takes place the last Monday of May and has created many springtime traditions and tributes around various towns in America. By the late 1960s, Americans all over bugun this tradition in order to honor the fallen soldiers by decorating their graves with flowers and reciting prayers.
Originally, Memorial Day was known as Decoration Day and was chosen to be held on the 30th of May because it wasn’t the anniversary of any particular battle. It was to honor only the fallen soldiers of the Civil War but over time, it evolved to commemorate American military personnel who died in all wars. By 1968, Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, which established Memorial Day as the last Monday of May and created a three-day weekend for federal employees.
Today, many cities and towns across America hold Memorial Day parades, incorporating military personnel and members of the veterans’ organization. Many people are often found visiting cemeteries and memorials to honor the countless fallen soldiers. Others throw parties and barbecues to enjoy the beginning of summer.
A basement can flood at any time, although flooding most often occurs during heavy rainfall. Basements are inherently prone to flooding because they are the lowest level of a building and are normally built partly or entirely below ground level. There are a number of reasons why your Western New York basement could flood, including:
A blocked or failed sewer lateral pipe
Heavy rain causes surface water to pool around your home
Storm sewer backup
Sanitary sewer backup
Foundation drainage failure
Water supply-line break or hot-water tank failure
And many more
A flood could be caused by heavy rain runoff. In the past few weeks, we have had more rain in Western NY than we could remember! Calls about this issue have been swinging in!
If water damage is not handled quickly and properly, it can cause severe damage to your home’s structure not to mention the potential harmful health effects of mold. Remember, the longer you wait, the worse the problem will get.
We are Flooded Basement Specialists:
We are Available 24 hours/7 days per week
We’re a Preferred Vendor to many National Insurance Companies
We Bill The Insurance Directly – One Less Thing For You To Worry About
Our Technicians are Highly-Trained in Water Restoration Techniques
We use s500 IICRC Restoration Standards
We have advanced inspection and extraction equipment
Confronted by raw sewage cleanup, you’d probably rather not do it yourself in the first place. Still, some homeowners may attempt the job on their own to economize, or because they’re simply unaware of the hazards. Also known in the industry as “black water,” raw sewage is classified as Category 3 on the toxic water hazard scale (there’s no Category 4.) Environmental experts warn all persons exposed to raw sewage to assume that potentially dangerous pathogens are present. Cleanup is a job for trained professionals, properly equipped with safety equipment and disinfectants specifically designed for the job.
Raw sewage can contaminate your home in more than one way:
A clogged sewer line between your house and the municipal sewer main at the street or septic tank can reflux sewage back into your premises.
Sewage may reflux into residences if the local municipal sewer system or treatment facility is inundated with water, such as in general flooding.
Floodwater originating from an overflowing river or lake, or an ocean storm surge, may pick up raw sewage as it spreads through populated areas, swamping septic tanks and sewer pipes. By the time that floodwater reaches your house, it may be dangerously contaminated.
Here are some reasons why experts advise contacting a qualified water damage recovery expert if raw sewage cleanup is required:
Untreated sewage is commonly grossly contaminated by bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites and other disease-causing microorganisms.
Hazardous sewage-borne pathogens may infect an inexperienced and inadequately protected person by simple contact with bare skin, inhalation, and accidental transfer from hands to mouth or eyes.
Shoes or clothes may transfer toxic sewage residue from the affected areas to silently contaminate “safe” parts of the house.
DIY clean-up methods with consumer-grade disinfectants may be inadequate to thoroughly decontaminate the premises. Contaminated residue from sewage that soaked into building materials and infiltrated the structure of the house may form an ongoing source of potential infection and disease.
For your own safety and the health of your family, leave raw sewage cleanup to the professionals at SERVPRO
Your commercial property’s appearance speaks volumes to your clients. So when the need arises for professional cleaning or emergency restoration services, SERVPRO Franchise Professionals have the training and expertise to help make it “Like it never even happened.”
Retail Facilities
Education Facilities
Property Management
Healthcare Facilities
Hospitality Facilities
Food Service Facilities
Commercial Building Restoration Services
We are available 24 hours a day to get your business back up and running. Our expertise includes restoration services for fire and water damage, including electronics restoration and document drying. We are also your business’s best resource for mold remediation. Learn more about our commercial restoration services:
Whether your need is removing an odor problem or deep cleaning flooring or carpets, you can depend on a SERVPRO Franchise Professional to get the job done right the first time. They’ll respond promptly and make your workspace look its very best. Learn more about our Commercial Cleaning Service.
SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County has released these tips on how to protect homes from heavy rain and flooding:
Inspect sump pumps – a sump pump removes water that accumulates underneath a home and is one of the best defenses against flooded basements and subsequent costly repairs. All too often, though, homeowners don’t find out their sump pump is not working properly until it’s too late and spring showers are already wreaking havoc on your home. It is recommended that you inspect your sump pump each spring to ensure it’s working properly.
Clean gutters and downspouts – leaves and debris from spring storms can lead to clogged gutters and downspouts, and the number one cause of basement flooding is roofs not draining properly. Cleaning your gutters each spring is an inexpensive way to make sure your home is ready for the rain to come. Also, check that downspouts extend away from the home’s foundation by at least three feet, this will help effectively move rain water away from the home.
Consider back-flow valves – sewer back-flow valves are small, inexpensive parts that are installed in sewer drainage lines to help regulate water flow. These small valves can save big headaches by preventing sewer water from entering a basement during heavy rain and go a long way to making your basement flood proof.
Check for basement leaks– take a few minutes this weekend to inspect both the interior and exterior of your home’s foundation, walls, floors and windows for any cracks that may have developed during the winter months. Even a minor crack can lead to major water damage during a heavy spring shower. You can use a basic waterproof epoxy and a paintbrush or putty knife to patch any small cracks you find.
SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County is here to help, call us directly at : 694-7776
Here at SERVPRO we talk about protecting your home frequently. Our hope is that we can help you prevent most disasters and recover quickly from those that you can’t anticipate. We want where you live to be safe and healthy, but what about the home you can’t replace? Taking care of your body is even more important than homeowner tips, and that starts with your skin.
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the US. More than 3.5 million skin cancers in over 2 million people are diagnosed annually.
One in five Americans will develop skin cancer in the course of a lifetime.
Over the past 31 years, more people have had skin cancer than all other cancers combined.
Skin cancer isn’t reserved for the tanning bed regulars or the fair skinned. That being said, I just wanted to pass along some information from the Skin Cancer Foundation on how you can protect your skin in the midst of all these summer activities (and even in the off-season).
Use a sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher whenever you spend time outdoors.
This applies to all outdoor activities: athletics, shopping, picnicking, walking or jogging, gardening, even waiting for a bus.
Use a broad spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher every day. For extended outdoor activity, use a water-resistant broad spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.
Apply liberally and evenly to all exposed skin. The average adult in a bathing suit should use approximately one ounce of sunscreen per application. Not using enough will effectively reduce the product’s SPF and the protection you get.
Be sure to cover often-missed spots: lips, ears, around eyes, neck, scalp if hair is thinning, hands, and feet.
Reapply at least every 2 hours, more often if some of the product may have been removed while swimming, sweating, or towel-drying.
Choose a product that suits your skin and your activity. Sunscreens are available in lotion, gel, spray, cream, and stick forms. Some are labeled as water resistant, sweatproof, or especially for sports; as fragrance-free, hypoallergenic, or especially for sensitive skin or children.
Cover up.
Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants. Tightly woven fabrics and dark colors, such as deep blue and black, or bright colors, such as orange and red, offer more protection. If you can see light through a fabric, UV rays can get through too. Water makes fabrics more translucent, so do not rely on a wet T-shirt.
A broad-brimmed hat goes a long way toward preventing skin cancer in often-exposed areas like the neck, ears, scalp, and face. Opt for a 3-4 inch brim that extends all around the hat. Baseball caps and visors shade the face but leave neck, lower face, and ears exposed.
UV-blocking sunglasses with wraparound or large frames protect your eyelids and the sensitive skin around your eyes, common sites for skin cancer and sun-induced aging. Sunglasses also help reduce the risk of cataracts later in life.
Seek the shade.
Be aware, however, that sunlight bouncing off reflective surfaces can reach you even beneath an umbrella or a tree. Never seek a tan.
There is no such thing as a healthy tan. A tan is the skin’s response to the sun’s damaging rays.
Stay away from tanning parlors and artificial tanning devices.
The UV radiation emitted by indoor tanning lamps is many times more intense than natural sunlight. Dangers include burns, premature aging of the skin, and the increased risk of skin cancer.
Protect your children and teach them sun safety at an early age.
Healthy habits are best learned young. Because skin damage occurs with each unprotected exposure and accumulates over the course of a lifetime, sun safety for children should be a priority.
SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County cares about YOU!
We Answer the Phone Ready to Help Call Today - 716-694-7776
We understand that when you call us, you may be feeling confused, stressed, and vulnerable. You need an expert to guide you through this crisis. SERVPRO of EASTERN NIAGARA COUNTY has the specific water damage training and experience to help you through this tough time. We specialize in water damage restoration—in fact, it's the cornerstone of our business.
What to Expect
When you call, we will ask several questions regarding your water damage emergency. These questions will help us determine what equipment and resources to bring, including how many trained SERVPRO Professionals may be needed.
Our SERVPRO Representative will ask several questions:
Your name and contact information
Your insurance information (if applicable)
The street address of the water-damaged home or business
When did the flooding or water damage occur?
What caused the water damage (if known)?
Is there electricity available (on-site)?
About SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County
SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. 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.
A commercial warehouse/ office that suffered a burst pipe
What exactly causes a burst pipe?
The cold weather season may be great for those who love to ski or snowboard but those who own/rent a house, may feel less enticed by the decreasing temperatures.
Polar vortexes, frosts and reoccurring cold fronts can cause severe damages to the pipes in and outside your home. While several factors can result in a burst pipe, the main reason is freezing temperatures. When the water inside a pipe freezes, the freezing process causes the water to expand thus creating pressure on the pipe from within. Additionally, trickles of water may still be flowing through and in between the frozen walls of the pipes.
All combined, the pressure becomes too great and the pipe ruptures at a weaker joint or even in the middle at times. As pipes can run from underground, outside and up through your home, the amount of water damage can be extensive and costly.
Tips:
Install a regular seasonal maintenance plan-i.e. disconnect and drain any outdoor hoses before the cold weather; as one of these bursting can cause extensive damage to your entire plumbing system
For plumbing pipes located in an unheated area of your home or business, consider foam pipe insulation ($50-$200 depending on length)
If you migrate to a warmer climate throughout any extended time during the winter months; make sure your furnace is set no lower than 55 degrees and the main water supply is shut-off during the time you are away
Check out our water damage section to see how we can make it, "Like it never even happened.", if you find yourself dealing with a burst pipe!
There are many different aspects of preparation for a winter storm. There is preparing your home, preparing for the things that you will need if the roads are not passable and thinking outside of the box about the things that we take for granted in our everyday lives.
SERVPRO® of Eastern Niagara County has put together this list to help you get started in preparing for a winter storm. Everyone should always personalize and add to the list to accommodate their needs.
~Water – At least a 3-day supply; one gallon per person per day
~Food – At least a 3-day supply of non-perishable, easy to prepare food
~Baby food and supplies- If needed
~Pet food and supplies - If needed
~Medications – 7 Day supply along with batteries needed for any medical devices, including hearing aids.
~Sanitation and personal hygiene supplies
~Battery powered and hand cranked radio, extra batteries
~Flashlight and batteries
~Heat source
~Remember *Carbon monoxide is a silent killer* Do NOT ever use a generator, grill, gasoline, propane or charcoal burning device inside your home, garage, basement or any closed in area. These should only be used outside.
~Cell Phones – Fully Charged and portable chargers
~Check on the elderly and handicapped if you can, help them prepare for the storm and then keep in contact with them if possible. A simple phone call could make their day or save their life.
~Put your snow shovel and ice melting products inside so you do not have to go out in the elements to get them.
~If you must leave home due to the conditions make sure you know where the nearest shelter to you is located.
~Prepare your vehicle before the storm arrives. Have enough gas, windshield washer fluid and good wiper blades. Always have an emergency kit in your vehicle that contains an emergency blanket that will keep you warm if your vehicle becomes stranded.
We know that a major flood damage can be one of the most destructive events your home can experience. We also it can be one of the most emotionally draining and physically exhausting events you will endure as a homeowner.
No matter what caused the flooding the water damage can significantly and negatively affect your walls, ceilings, the roof, your furniture and belongings and the overall foundation and structure of your home. If you and your home are subjected to flooding and water damage your first thought may be to pump the water out as quickly as possible and begin the cleanup process.
Before you rush into trying to do it yourself, do your research or call a professional for assistance. It’s important to take the proper steps towards water removal and clean up in order to truly fix the problem.
Locate the Problem
There are many points of entry for water, but the main ones are your windows, the walls and the seams between the wall and the floor.
Once you have found out where it came from you must find a way to stop it. If it is a sump pump buy another and then buy a back-up. Another way to prevent flooding from sump pump failure is by buying a water detector and putting it a foot above your water line in the sump pump well.
Some of the main reasons behind basement leaks and floods are credited to extremely heavy storms and rain, rapid snow melts and believe it or not – dirty rain gutters. There are various preventive measures you can take to help you keep your home safe from these kinds of issues.
Get Ready for the Cleanup
Make sure to turn off all electricity that runs through the basement so you don’t hurt yourself while trying in your flooded basement. Also make sure to wear protective clothing such as gloves, waterproof boots, goggles and any other protective gear you may need to guard yourself from hot water, bacteria and dirty water.
Cleaning Up the Mess
A flooded basement means more than just a wet room in your home, which is bad enough as it is.
Most people use the basement for storage or as a bonus guest room, office or entertainment space. Once SERVPRO has safely cleaned up the basement it is time to suck out the remaining water and completely sanitize the entire area to prevent hazardous mold growth.
Preventive Measures
Surviving a flooded basement once is one time too many, but having to do it again after you spent money to fix it and replaced your belongings is even worse.
Make sure that this never happens to you or your home ever again. Hiring a professional inspector to examine the space and to let you know what needs fixing is an option people use often. Hope fully a flooded basement never happens to you but if it does......
SERVPRO will make it "Like it never even happened."
SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County serves you and specializes in fire, smoke, mold, water and biohazard damage to both commercial and residential properties. Capable of handling any size loss and working with all types of insurance providers, SERVPRO is available 24 hours a day, 365 days per year. (716) 694-7776
Winter storm in headed our way . Be prepared and know that SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County is here to help : (716) 694-7776
Source: http://www.accuweather.com
Niagara-Orleans-Northern Erie-Genesee-Wyoming-Chautauqua- Cattaraugus-Allegany-Southern Erie- Including the cities of Niagara Falls, Medina, Buffalo, Batavia, Warsaw, Jamestown, Olean, Wellsville, Orchard Park, and Springville 748 AM EDT Sun Mar 12 2017
...WINTER STORM WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM MONDAY EVENING THROUGH WEDNESDAY EVENING...
* LOCATIONS...Niagara Frontier and the western Southern Tier.
* TIMING...From early Monday evening through early Wednesday evening.
* HAZARDS...Heavy snow and blowing snow.
* ACCUMULATIONS...8 to 15 inches are possible.
* WINDS...North 15 to 25 mph.
* VISIBILITIES...As low as a quarter mile at times.
* IMPACTS...Heavy snow and blowing snow could produce very difficult driving conditions with very poor visibility and deep snow cover on roads.
* FORECASTER CONFIDENCE...Medium due to the uncertainty in the exact track of the storm system.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
A Winter Storm Watch means that heavy snow and/or ice accumulations are possible. If you are within the watch area... remain alert to rapidly changing weather conditions.
While some people know their home has mold simply because they can see it along the walls or behind sinks, others aren't so sure because there's no visible sight of an infestation. Whether you're suspicious of your home's condition, or you're buying a new home and want to cover all of your bases, mold testing may be a smart move.
Mold testing in Western NY is necessary if you even suspect that your house has mold problems. Not only is it a potential threat to the health of your family members and pets, but mold can also destroy your home's structure and its contents. Here are some ways to know that your home should be mold tested.
1. You're suddenly experiencing congestion or allergy symptoms. Allergies often correlate with the season, but if you find that you or your family members get headaches, a scratchy throat, or runny nose inside of your home more than you do outside of it, mold may be the culprit.
2. You can smell a definite musty or moldy odor. These smells are indicative of mold presence, even if you don't see any mold around your home. If this is the case, it's best to call SERVPRO for mold testing.
3. The humidity inside of your home has increased in the past few weeks or months. Indoor humidity can increase for some reasons, and the combination of humidity and dark areas helps mold thrive. Excess moisture during the warmer months of the year is a particular concern and calls for professional mold testing.
4. You see something in a small spot that may be mold, but you're unsure. If you think you've caught sight of mold in your home, but you aren't 100 percent certain because of its location or the amount present, call the experts at SERVPRO to conduct a test.
Locally Owned Company with National Resources
SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County will complete your home's mold testing quickly and deliver accurate results so you can have peace of mind. To get a quote or for more information about our mold testing and remediation services, call us at (716) 694-7776.
I just bought my first home. Unlike most home buyers who are looking for an open floor plan or a gourmet kitchen, my first stop was always the basement! My favorite time to look at houses was in the rain, when I could determine if the basement was prone to flooding. Several times, I walked into a house's basement and watched as water ran down the walls.
Obviously, frequent water intrusion in your basement can cause issues with your foundation, and mold. But most people don't know what to look for or how to protect their basement until after they've experienced a water damage. What's obvious to me as someone who has worked in the restoration industry for 4 years may not be obvious to every homeowner, so here are some tips to help you stay dry!
Get a sump pump. Get the sump pump rider on your insurance policy while you are at it. If you have a sump pump and it fails, your homeowners insurance will not cover the damage. Even if your home or business has never taken on water, it doesn't mean you are immune to it. Get the sump pump and check that it's functioning properly regularly.
Consider a French drain or some other form of waterproofing. Have a professional do the work. Google the benefits. You may be surprised!
Keep your gutters free of debris and position downspouts away from the foundation. The goal is to drain water at least three feet away, so if necessary, consider running extensions or troughs.
If you haven't had your sewer inspected or your septic tank cleaned, now is a good time to do that. During periods of prolonged, heavy rainfall (think Hurricane season!), clogged sewers and over-taxed septics are disasters waiting to happen.
If you have below-grade basement windows, install window covers that fasten securely to your foundation. Clear acrylic covers allow light to enter while keeping out water.
Check the age on your hot water heater. They generally last about 10 years. If yours has made it longer, that's not necessarily a good thing! Don't wait for it to fail before you replace it.
If you use your basement for storage, build shelves at least 6 inches from the ground. Store items in plastic bins. Photograph everything you store down there in case you need to replace it later.
If you have a finished basement, get a good-quality dehumidifier. Consider tile floors or polished concrete over carpets.
SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County is here to help you with water damage & clean - up needs: Call us: We are here for you 24 hours , 7 days a week : 716-694-7776
If you are having trouble breathing in your home, think about having SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County professionally clean your air-duct system! Not only are ventilation systems often the biggest culprit for poor indoor air quality, but a dirty one can end up costing you money.
A dirty air-duct system that has been operating for quite some time without any proper care or attention, could be circulating dust, pollen, dirt, debris, odors, and several other contaminants. Although it may not seem like a problem immediately, the culmination of different contaminants have the ability to cause any occupants headaches, nasal congestion, or sinus problems.
Some tell-tale signs that your home requires professional air-duct cleaning include:
A sudden increase in sweeping and dusting of furniture
After cleaning, left over dust is visibly seen circulating around the area
When heating or cooling systems are running, one room differs in its temperature from the rest of the house
Allergy symptoms seem to be stronger than usual
Musty odors circulate around the home
Here at SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County , we routinely inspect heating, ventilation, and air conditioning units. Properly maintaining and having your air-duct regularly serviced can be the difference maker in making your home more comfortable to live in.
What separates us from our competitors? We understand that a thorough air-duct cleaning service may be costly, which is why we make recommendations about the best way to address any indoor air quality concerns. Sometimes, the best option may be to do-it-yourself, if the situation is deemed to be of minor importance.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding your air-duct, please do not hesitate to give us a call at (716)694-7776 or visit our website. We have the training and equipment to make any situation look, “Like it never even happened.”
Lake-effect snow will start falling Wednesday afternoon in varying amounts across Western New York but should subside by late Thursday afternoon, according to the National Weather Service.
A lake-effect snow advisory goes into effect at 1 p.m. Wednesday for southern Erie County and could bring between 5 and 10 inches of snow, the weather service said.
A lake-effect advisory also goes into effect at 4 p.m. Wednesday for Niagara, Orleans and Monroe counties. Forecasters predict from 4 to 8 inches in the most persistent snow bands.
Meanwhile, a lake-effect snow warning in Cattaraugus and Chautauqua counties that goes into effect at 1 p.m. Wednesday may bring 8 to 14 inches in the heaviest spots, according to the weather service.
An "upstream connection" of northwest air will help to collect moisture off Lake Huron, boosting snowfall totals in affected areas of the Buffalo Niagara region, the weather service stated.
The advisory for southern Erie and the warning in the Southern Tier both expire at 4 p.m. Thursday. The advisory for counties along Lake Ontario expires at 7 p.m. Thursday
The Best Way to Reduce Business Interruption Following a Disaster is to Plan For it NOW.
As many as 50% of businesses may never recover following a disaster, according to the latest industry research. Of the businesses that survive, the overwhelming majority of them had a preparedness plan in place. Pre-planning can serve as an insurance policy aimed at peace of mind. By developing a SERVPRO® Emergency READY Profile for your business, you minimize business interruption by having an immediate plan of action. Knowing what to do and what to expect in advance is the key to timely mitigation and can help minimize how water and fire damage can affect your business.
Are You Ready? Preparation is a key component for making it through any size disaster, whether it’s a small water leak, a large fire or an area flood. The best time for planning for such events is not when the event happens, but well before it happens. No one ever plans on a disaster, but you can plan for it. Now is the time to ask yourself, “Are you ready for whatever could happen?” The SERVPRO® Emergency READY Profile is a start up approach that provides the critical information needed to begin mitigation and recovery services. It is designed to serve as a quick reference of important building and contact information. By working with SERVPRO’s Emergency READY Profile, your business will receive the benefit of over 40 years of experience in reducing the impact of any natural or man-made disaster. SERVPRO® is a leader in water and fire damage response and can help you quickly get your property back in working order.
A no cost assessment of your facility. This means there is no need to allocate funds, giving you a great value at no cost.
A concise Profile Document that contains only the critical information needed in the event of an emergency. It will only take a little time to complete and will not take you away from current projects. But it will save a lot of time if ever needed.
A guide to help you get back into your building following a disaster. This can help minimize the amount of time your business is inactive by having an immediate plan of action.
Establishes your local SERVPRO Franchise Professional as your disaster mitigation and restoration provider. You have a provider that is recognized as an industry leader and close by.
Identification of the line of command for authorizing work to begin. This saves time so we can begin the work of mitigating the damage which can save you time and money.
Provides facility details such as shut-off valve locations, priority areas and priority contact information. Having a quick reference of what to do, how to do it and who to call provides solutions in advance of an emergency so that during the emergency you are "Ready for whatever happens.
Do you know how to shut off the water at your work?
Many workplaces always call's on the boss or the maintenance man when something goes wrong. What if they were home sick, or in a meeting and you need to locate the water shut off, where do you start?
SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County can help commercial property in planning for a water, fire, storm damage. How, with a free Emergency Response Profile created by the SERVPRO Marketing Department.
By having a plan of action and including it into your regular training at your office you can minimize the cost if an unplanned event happens like a frozen pipe, fire, or anything.
Some property manager use this as a tool to keep everything organized in one central location.
Is your business ready for a disaster? Even a simple pipe burst can cause a lot of damage and headache. With a SERVPRO® Emergency READY Profile it can have the critical information to minimize damages, provide the resources for the employee's of the company, and provide property details and information. This is a FREE services that we provide to commercial properties.
Make an appointment today to get started!
If the unthinkable happens, call your local SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County Professionals at (716) 694-7776 seven days a week , 24/7 , to help you avoid the cost and hassle of secondary damages. We will help make it "Like it never even happened."
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), their are 10 things we should all know about mold.
Potential health effects and symptoms associated with mold exposures include allergic reactions, asthma and other respiratory complaints.
There is no practical way to eliminate all mold and mold spores in the indoor environment; the way to control indoor mold growth is to control moisture.
If mold is a problem in your home or school, you must clean up the mold and eliminate sources of moisture.
Fix the source of the water problem or leak to prevent mold growth.
Reduce indoor humidity (to 30-60%) to decrease mold growth by:
Venting bathrooms, dryers and other moisture-generating sources to the outside
Using air conditioners and de-humidifiers
Increasing ventilation
Using exhaust fans whenever cooking, dish-washing and cleaning
Clean and dry any damp or wet building materials and furnishings within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth.
Clean mold off hard surfaces with water and detergent, and dry completely. Absorbent materials such as ceiling tiles, that are moldy, may need to be replaced.
Prevent condensation: Reduce the potential for condensation on cold surfaces (i.e., windows, piping, exterior walls, roof, or floors) by adding insulation.
In areas where there is a perpetual moisture problem, do not install carpeting (i.e., by drinking fountains, by classroom sinks, or on concrete floors with leaks or frequent condensation).
Molds can be found almost anywhere; they can grow on virtually any substance, providing moisture is present. There are molds that can grow on wood, paper, carpet, and foods.
SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County is here to help with your mold mitigation:
Hoarding is a condition when a person has persistent difficulty discarding personal possessions. A significant amount of possessions overwhelm the home preventing normal use of the space or even making it unusable. Hoarding brings distress and emotional health concerns.
Hoarding can increase fire risk in many ways:
Electrical wiring may be old, worn, or exposed from the weight of piles. Rodents could chew on wiring. Damage wires poses a fire threat.
Cooking is unsafe if flammable items are close to the stove or oven.
Heating units may be too close to items or on unstable surfaces that could cause the unit to tip onto a pile which could cause a fire.
Open flames from smoking or candles with excess clutter are very dangerous.
Obstructed pathways and exits may prevent escape from a fire.
Also, hoarding could not only impact the homeowner, but, also the first responders to a house fire.
A cluttered home would obstruct firefighters movement throughout the home.
Firefighters could injure themselves from falling piles or even be trapped by blocked exits.
The weight of the stored items, especially if water is added to extinguish the fire, could cause collapse.
Clutter could impede the search and rescue of people and pets and make it difficult to provide medical care.
When talking to a person who hoards, focus on safety not the clutter. Be empathetic, stress the importance of clear pathways and exits for a safer home.
SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County has experience with cleaning hoarding homes. Hoarding is a specialty situation and in some cases involves some sort of biohazard situation. Personal protection equipment is a must in these situations and should not be completed by a family member or friend. If a family member is struggling and you need assistance, please call our office at (716) 694-7776. We will be happy to assist you in making your home a safe place.
If your pipes run through a cabinet or vanity open the doors to give your pipes some warmth from the warm temperature of the room. If there is no doors to open, just leave the water trickle from the faucet. The cost of the water running is a lot lower then the cost of a frozen pipe being repaired.
If you would forget to leave the water trickle or a door open, here is what you can do to thaw the pipe.
Turn off the main shut-off valve. Use warm air from a hair dryer or space heater to melt the water frozen inside the pipe. NEVER leave the space heater unattended. After the pipe is thawed slowly turn the main shut-off back on. When the water is running throw the pipe check for any cracks or leaks which could of been caused by the freezing.
If you have a burst pipe, shut off your water and give us a call! We are here to help! (716) 694-7776
If you have recently become a victim of commercial water , you may be wondering what you can do to mitigate your damages. There is a critical period in which certain actions must be taken to preserve as much of your property as possible and to decrease any health risks when water damage has occurred in a commercial space.
Preparing a Space for Water Damage Restoration Before you enter your commercial space or any flooded building, you will need to make sure the electrical power to the structure is shut off. You should also be aware that during a flooding event, small animals or reptiles tend to seek shelter inside of buildings. Be prepared to deal with the discovery of wild animals in your space.
Protect yourself from entering any flooded building by wearing an organic vapor respirator. You can purchase these at any local paint and building supply stores. You also want to have rubber gloves, protective clothing, and eye protection. The first thing you should do is ventilate the affected areas by opening the windows and placing fans where possible.
Unfortunately, there likely will be items that you need to throw away. Any items that are porous and have absorbed contaminated floodwater cannot be restored. If your commercial space has drywall, mattresses, pillows, box springs, particle board, carpets or carpet pads, these will need to be discarded if they have become saturated. However, there is good news: If you have clothing or household fabrics that can be machine-washed, you may be able to salvage them. Use your washing machine to clean these items with a 10-minute soak at the minimum in hot water with detergent. The soap and normal wash should remove most of the contamination and any staining that is present.
Be aware that your commercial space will need a thorough professional inspection, cleaning and possibly restructuring. Water damaged walls and installations must be removed and repaired, and pockets of saturation should be exposed for drying and sanitizing. Always remember that mold growth could take a few days to appear as it thrives in a moist environment with organic-type materials such as paper or particle board and in temperatures that range between 60 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit. Keep good airflow throughout the interior environment, and maintain moderate temperatures to decrease the risk of any mold growth. It is also important that you let your space dry out before any rebuilding occurs.
Services You Can Count On You can depend on SERVPRO to provide reasonable prices for other services in the Western York New area. Our restoration services include cleanup after water damage, fire damage, and storm damage. We also assist with mold remediation, and we're qualified to provide cleaning and building services. Our trained and certified IICRC technicians are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to begin your restoration. Whether you require cleanup after WNY commercial water damage or simply need a carpet cleaning, call us at 694-7776
Commercial Water Restoration Presents Unique Challenges
SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County has the experience, training, and equipment to deal with a big box water emergency in both commercial and residential . Fore immediate 24/7 service call us: 694-7776
Damage Needs Quick Action to Ensure the Best Outcome
Fires are devastating, and the immediate concern when one happens is to keep everyone safe and combat the flames. However, after the flames are gone, most homeowners quickly realize that the trouble has only begun. It is not just the devastating fire itself that can ruin a house's structure and contents, but the problems that a fire event leaves behind.
If you are a homeowner dealing with fire damage in Western New York , you may have noticed that more issues have cropped up well after emergency ended. Here are some of the lasting effects of fire damage and how SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County can help.
Lingering Smoke
Smoke will not only impart an unpleasant smell in your home that sticks and is difficult to eliminate, but it can also permeate just about any porous surface in your home, from walls and furniture to clothing and documents. Off the shelf cleaners will not get rid of smoke from fire damage, but our technicians have the tools and knowledge to deeply and thoroughly clean to get rid of smoke smells for good.
Mold and Mildew
Water is typically used to fight a fire, but the problem is that the water is then left to sit and soaks into the floors, walls, and surfaces of your house. This leads to the development of mold and mildew, which are quite destructive on their own. SERVPRO is careful to extract moisture left from fire emergencies as well as control humidity to prevent the formation of mold and mildew. Destructive Soot
Soot is particles that result from fire damage, and they are notorious for wearing through everything from paint to electronics and even furniture. When soot collects in large masses it is visible as a dark, almost chalky looking substance -- you may have seen it on your walls, mantle, or on high surfaces. We use industry leading techniques and equipment to ensure soot does not continue to pose a threat to your home and possessions.
The team at SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County has the knowledge and skill to get your house back in excellent shape after any fire event. For more information about our fire damage restoration services or to obtain a quote, call us 24/7 at (716) 694-7776.
Did you know that there are two different types of smoke? Wet and dry.
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 - SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County (716) 694-7776
We Specialize in Flooded Basement Cleanup and Restoration!
A basement can flood at any time, although flooding most often occurs during heavy rainfall. Basements are inherently prone to flooding because they are the lowest level of a building and are normally built partly or entirely below ground level. There are a number of reasons why your basement could flood, including:
A blocked or failed sewer lateral pipe
Heavy rain causes surface water to pool around your home
Storm sewer backup
Sanitary sewer backup
Foundation drainage failure
Water supply-line break or hot-water tank failure
And many more
Have Questions about Basement Flooding?
Call Today - 716-694-7776
If flood water is not handled quickly and properly, it can jeopardize your health and safety, and cause severe damage to your home’s structure. Remember, the longer you wait, the worse the problem will get.
The bottom line: a flooded basement can jeopardize your health, safety, and your home’s integrity. It’s worth making a call to SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County and let our trained, professional crews handle the situation safely and correctly. We have earned the trust of hundreds of homeowners, business owners, and property professionals.
We are Flooded Basement Specialists:
We are Available 24 hours/7 days per week
We’re a Preferred Vendor to many National Insurance Companies
We Bill The Insurance Directly – One Less Thing For You To Worry About
Our Technicians are Highly-Trained in Water Restoration Techniques
We use s500 IICRC Restoration Standards
Advanced Inspection and Extraction Equipment
Basement Flooded? Call Us Today – We’re Ready To Help 716-694-7776!
Microscopic mold spores naturally occur almost everywhere, both outdoors and indoors. This makes it impossible to remove all mold from a home or business. Mold remediation reduces the mold spores count back to its natural or baseline level. Some restoration businesses advertise "mold removal" and even guarantee to remove all mold, which is not true. Consider the mold facts:
Mold is present almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors.
Mold spores are microscopic and float along in the air and may enter your home or business through windows, doors, or AC/heating systems or even hitch a ride indoors on your clothing or a pet.
Mold spores thrive on moisture. Mold spores can quickly grow into colonies when exposed to water. These colonies may produce allergens and irritants.
Before mold remediation can begin, any sources of water or moisture must be addressed. Otherwise, the mold may return.
Mold often produces a strong, musty odor and can lead you to possible mold problem areas.
Even higher than normal indoor humidity can support mold growth. Keep indoor humidity below 45 percent.
If your home or business has a mold problem, we can inspect and assess your property and use our specialized training, equipment, and expertise to remediate your mold infestation.
If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today-716-694-7776
Simple Steps to Prevent Commercial Electrical Fires
As industry experts know, commercial electrical fires can be very dangerous and costly. In fact, when a commercial fire occurs, it can lean to the injury or death of the employees or customers present. Additionally, electrical fires can result in property loss. the shut-down of a business can cause undue hardship to the property owner or renter. SERVPRO, a premier fire damage restoration company, will respond immediately to get you back in business. Luckily, most of these fires are preventable and can also be contained through maintenance of fixtures, employee training, and the facilitation of greater awareness regarding work hazards. Learn more about how to identify electrical hazards and reduce the incidence of a commercial fire, which may lead to smoke and fire damage, by reading the following information:
Recognizing the Warning Signs
Electrical distribution systems contain several complex elements. These elements are capable of exposing commercial buildings to fire risks. Some of the areas of concern are:
Corroded Wiring : Wiring that is old or defective can cause electrical fires. Although all wiring can start to break down at some point, the wiring exposed to corrosive substances or the outdoor environment is subject to faster degradation. Industrial facilities, multi-tenant warehouses, and farms should be attentive to their wiring given that it can be subject to extreme exposure to the elements.
Circuits and Fuses : Tripped circuits and blown fuses are signs of overloaded outlets or circuits. These circuits and outlets can generate overheating and result in combustion leading to commercial electrical fires.
Hot Spots : Overloaded circuits, corroded wires or connections, loose connection, faulty fuses, imbalanced electrical loading, short circuits, switches, and breakers can generate "hot spots." This is the result of the excessive heat that builds up within the electrical panels. If there is any sense that these "hot spots" could cause a commercial flare-up, here is an option. Infrared thermal imaging can be operated to locate these hot spots, repairs can then be done preventing electrical shortages or breakdowns that lead to fires. Small business owners can hire licensed electricians to complete this inspection.
Electrical Distribution Equipment
Periodically, electrical distribution equipment needs to be physically inspected and tested. The equipment should also periodically undergo thermal imaging. This would should be completed by a licensed professional. Some of the equipment requiring inspection includes:
Electrical panels, switchboards, and switchgear
Fuses
Circuit breakers
Relays and contactors
Disconnect switches
Motors
Motor controls
Transformers
The Fire Marshall periodically visits commercial buildings checking the fire extinguisher's expiration dates. The overhead sprinkler system, fire exit lighted signs and safe egress from the commercial building are all inspected. Prevention is the key.
Conclusion
Fire damage can be especially devastating for a business or commercial property. Significant water damage can be an unintended result of extinguishing a commercial fire. The fire suppression system of a commercial building (overhead fire sprinkler system) can also cause a large amount of water damage. Commercial business owners know that electrical fires negatively affect their property, the operation of the business, and the loss of revenue. However, the information about can help you take strides towards preventing these fires from happening. In the event that you find your commercial space affected by fire, electrical or otherwise, you should know who to call to help facilitate the remediation process. As a company with extensive experience in restoring property affected by electrical fires, the professionals at SERVPRO can provide you with the detailed assistance necessary to get your business space in working order. Contact us today for professional, personalized service.
Commercial Building Restoration Services
SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County responds quickly to your water, fire or mold damage emergency, 24 hours a day. Whether the damage occurs in a small business building or a big box store, we have the training, experience, and equipment to handle the situation. Our national network of 1,650 Franchises gives us access to personnel and resources to respond to any size restoration emergency.
The flu is at an all time high. Every year hundreds of productivity hours are lost due to the flu. In extreme cases hospitalization and fatalities occur. Below are a few tips from your local SERVPRO on staying healthy during the winter season.
KEEP THE FLU AWAY
Get an annual flu vaccine
Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
Disinfect door knobs/ handles, light switches, keyboards.
If you are sick- Stay home and rest -Limit your contact with others
Homes and businesses can depend on SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County to clean and sanitize building materials, surfaces and contents following restoration industry standards, using professional cleaning products and EPA registered cleaners and disinfectants. Our professionals are also trained and equipped to clean your HVAC and duct systems to help provide better air quality and help reduce the risk of circulating harmful contaminants. If you have any concerns about the cleanliness and sanitation of your home or place of business, call us today at 716-694-7776
Compulsive hoarding is the excessive acquisition of possessions, even if the items are worthless, hazardous or unsanitary. 2-5% of Americans may meet the criteria of being a hoarder.
The Crew at SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County always wear personal protective equipment (PPE) and are trained to assist in removing and disposing of unsalvageable materials. We understand this is a sensitive concern for many and will work with the friends/family to make the cleanup process as smooth as possible. We remove and dispose of items followed by sanitizing, cleaning and deodorizing the entire area. Our job is clean and sanitize in the most efficient and effective way possible make the living conditions safe and sanitary.
Call us at SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County : 716-694-7776
Winter is here and there are a number of different ways a winter storm can impact. From the wind to snow drifts, there are many ways your home can be damaged by winter storms. Let’s look at some of these storms and how SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County can get your home back on its feet.
The Wind and Cold
While winter storms are known only for snow but they are also accompanied by winds and blistering cold. Winter storms have extremely strong winds that create blizzard conditions like wind driven snow, snow drifts, and dangerous wind chills. These intense winds can bring down trees, poles, and can cause damage to homes and commercial buildings. Another problem with these storms is the cold air it brings. Freezing temperatures can accompany winter storms and be left behind the storm systems. The cold can cause potentially life-threatening conditions like hypothermia and frostbite for the elderly and the young. These freezing temperatures can cause your pipes to freeze.
Snow and Ice
Heavy snow and ice can immobilize a city and cause countless damage to your home. If these elements become extremely heavy or are weighing trees down, they can cause power outages, roof damage, damage to communication towers, and vehicle damage. Even a small amount of ice and snow could fall and become a hazard to those around it.
SERVPRO’s Storm Damage Tips
Melting snow and ice can not only damage your home, but it can cause flooding as well. As soon as damage has occurred, it is important to call SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County for emergency assistance. Our emergency service is operated 24 hours per day to better serve the community. Do not leave wet fabrics, books, magazines, or colored items in place as it could cause damage to the material further and cause colors to run. Don’t use electronics that could be wet from the storm and refrain from using the vacuum cleaner on wet surfaces. By calling SERVPRO of ENC , you will get the best restoration possible. Our certified technicians will come to your home and help restore it to normal. For more information or for help, call us at 716-694-7776.
Contact SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County
Contact SERVPRO of ENC . We will come in and identify the problem. When we leave, your home and your life will be back to normal. For more information on SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County Services, call 716-694-7776 or visit http://www.SERVPROeasternniagaracounty.com/
It going to be a cold winter... Pipes may burst that can lead to Flooding in Your Home
Busted water pipes make up nearly half of all in-home flood damage. This type of flooding is sudden and often due to hidden leaks, corrosion, or freezing. The cost and inconvenience of a busted pipe make it essential to start prevention while you still can. Flood damage in Lincoln can happen during any season. While most homeowners associate flooding with warmer weather, many of you know that the winter is a dangerous time for in-home floods as well. SERVPRO of ENC is well prepared to help you with your emergency during winter months as well as all other seasons.
Busted Pipes: Winter Prevention The freezing of a water pipe makes it burst due to the stress it puts on the metal or plastic. To reduce the chance of suffering a busted pipe, you can take a few simple steps.
First, it is crucial to know where to shut off the water. Now. If a pipe bursts in your home, the most immediate course of action is to turn off that main water supply. Most can be found inside, usually in the basement.
Second, make sure that your heating system is checked regularly. Also, inspect the insulation on all of your plumbing as well as your cold water tank. Units located in the attic and other vulnerable locations should be protected with insulated sleeves.
During severe cold snaps, open cabinets where pipes are located so warm air can circulate.
Third, keep your heat on throughout the winter months. We know that winter can make heating your home costly, but during harsh, cold months, the chances of your pipes freezing get greater as the temperature plummets.
Finally, make sure you shut off any external taps and disconnect water hoses outside.
What to Do if You Find a Frozen Pipe If you see that one of your pipes are frozen, don’t wait around for it to burst or “thaw.” It won’t. What you need to do is immediately turn your water supply off to your home and slowly thaw the frozen pipe by applying a gentle, low heat to the area. You can use a hairdryer, hot water bottle, or even a space heater to accomplish this (never leave a space heater unattended). Never attempt to thaw a frozen pipe by using an open flame or other dangerous methods.
Contact Us If you have run into an unfortunate flooding event due to frozen water pipes, we will take your call and help to minimize your anxiety. Our Emergency Services line means you can call us 24/7 when disaster strikes.
Contact SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County : 716-694-7776
Mold Remediation Should Be Left to the Professionals from SERVPRO
Mold damage in homes is never and can never be a good thing. Mold, while in most cases harmless to humans, has the potential to cause health effects for some individuals. Keeping safe after you've discovered mold in your home is important, so follow these steps to make sure you sustain no harm until SERVPRO can arrive to clean it up.
Turn off Fans and HVAC Patches of mp;d damage in homes will typically be regularly releasing airborne spores, microscopic organisms that operate similar to seeds, laying dormant until they find a suitable surface to grow on. These are naturally occurring in the air around the world, but in high quantities, can cause health effects and mold patches to grow in other parts of the home. Turn off all fans and HVAC systems in the area affected by mold, to help prevent the circulation of mold spores.
Never Dry It Yourself SERVPRO carries out an extensive and thorough drying process in any mold remediation and uses industrial machines to do it. You should never attempt to dry out mold yourself, through fans, hair dryers, or any other means, as this can lead to a variety of potentially dangerous situations. Upon finding a mold colony, simply leave it be and call us to respond as quickly as possible.
Do Not Clean Mold Some homeowners will try to scrub off mold damage on their own or sanitize with household cleaning products. This is never recommended, as not only can you put yourself at risk, but you may simply make a bigger mess and more difficult job for our technicians. Our crews are well trained in this part of any mold remediation job, and you should allow us or our contractors to handle this work.
SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County has the equipment and personnel to respond fast to any mold damage you may encounter in your home. Within hours of your call, our technicians will be on-site ready to begin work on your mold damage. Just call us 24/7 at (716) 694-7776
One of every three home Christmas Tree fires are caused by electrical problems
Although Christmas tree fires are not common, when they do occur, they are likely to be more serious . On average, one of every 31 reported home Christmas tree fires results in death compared to an average of one death per 144 total reported home fires
A heat source too close to the tree causes on in every four of Christmas tree fires
Two out of five home decoration fires are started by candles
One- third of all candle fires start in the bedroom
Facts provided by the U.S. Fire Administration
When you are putting up decorations in your home this holiday season, please be sure to take all safety precautions. Keep you and your family safe.
SERVPRO of ENC helped our local elementary school with collecting for the North Tonawanda food pantry. As combined effort, we collected 1,800 items. Our crews transported the donations to the food pantry with our vehicles. It was a great event !
Did you know? Most home fires occur on Thanksgiving.
Frying a turkey is fast, easy, and most importantly--delicious. The oil creates a crispy exterior while keeping the meat moist. For even more flavor, the SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County family likes to inject the turkey with a combination of melted butter and our favorite spices. Whichever way you like your turkey cooked, please keep safety as your top priority.
Every year, SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County responds to calls from customers whose homes have suffered smoke damage, many related to Thanksgiving-related fire incidents. This holiday season, keep the following safety tips in mind to keep your family and home safe from fire:
Turkey fryers can easily tip over. Use them on a flat surface.
An overfilled cooking pot will cause cooking oil to spill when the turkey is put in.
A partially frozen turkey will cause cooking oil to splatter when put in the pot. Make sure your turkey is completely thawed before inserting it into the oil.
Even a small amount of cooking oil spilling on a hot burner can cause a large fire.
Use a fryer with temperature controls to prevent overheating the oil.
Turkey fryers should always be used outdoors a safe distance away from buildings or other flammable materials.
Breast cancer is the second most common kind of cancer in women. About 1 in 8 women born today in the United States will get breast cancer at some point.
The good news is that many women can survive breast cancer if it’s found and treated early. A mammogram – the screening test for breast cancer – can help find breast cancer early when it’s easier to treat.
National Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a chance to raise awareness about the importance of early detection of breast cancer. Make a difference! Spread the word about mammograms and encourage communities, organizations, families, and individuals to get involved.
How can National Breast Cancer Awareness Month make a difference?
We can use this opportunity to spread the word about steps women can take to detect breast cancer early.
Here are just a few ideas:
Ask doctors and nurses to speak to women about the importance of getting screened for breast cancer.
Encourage women ages 40 to 49 to talk with their doctors about when to start getting mammograms.
Organize an event to talk with women ages 50 to 74 in your community about getting mammograms every 2 years.
It was a beautiful warm fall morning when this little dog walked right through our marketing managers front door. She was loading her car for her day at work at SERVPRO . She took him to SERVPRO ENC with her. They then took him to a neighborhood animal hospital to scan him to see if he had an identification chip. He did not have a chip. We then got him some food/ water and kept him comfortable. Our Office manager used social media and Facebook to help located his owner. He was then delivered to his owners. They were very happy and appreciative to our SERVPRO of ENC Staff. A job well done ! We are always here to help you and your family !
*Please make sure your animals are properly tagged with identification*
Have a fun and safe Halloween! If you are still unsure as to what your plans are, some local events going on include:
Friday, October 28:
St Marks , North Tonawanda Trunk or Treat 6:00-7:30
St Francis Church- Tonawanda Halloween carnival 6:00-8:00 P.M.
Saturday, October 29:
IDA Fritz Park , Lockport 3:00 P.M.-6:00 P.M
Safe Tips For Trick or Treating:
For young children, Halloween night is one of the best of the year. But trick-or-treating can be dangerous if kids and parents aren't careful.
Plan a route in advance
Wear comfortable footwear
Stay well-lit
Decorate costumes and bags with reflective tape or stickers and, if possible, choose light colors.
Have kids carry glow sticks or flashlights to help them see and be seen by drivers.
Make sure all costumes are short
When selecting a costume, make sure it is the right size to prevent trips and falls.
Avoid masks
Check your child's candy
Children under the age of 12 should not be alone at night without adult supervision. If kids are mature enough to be out without supervision, they should stick to familiar areas that are well lit and trick-or-treat in groups.
No one knows when a fire or water emergency will happen. But one thing's for certain: SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County is ready to serve 24/7/365. The staff and crew of one of the nation's leading SERVPRO franchises brings quality production and outstanding customer service that sets it apart from other restoration companies in the city. These are the folks ready to meet your restoration and mitigation needs.
Pictured from left to right :
Administrative Assistant : Cheryl
Sales Marketing Manager: Reanna
Crew Member: Jake (Back Left)
Front : Len Amato (owner)
Crew Member : Adam (Back Center)
Crew Chief : Robin ( Front Right)
Crew Member: Steve (Front Right)
If you have a water or fire emergency, pipe bust, toilet overflow, mold, or even a general cleaning need, SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara Cleaning is here to help. Helping to make it " Like it never even happened"
We all love to see furry creatures in nature, however, when these adorable creatures invade our homes they are not so cute. Not only can they cause large amounts of damage to the structure of our home and belongings, their excrement can be toxic and the parasites they carry can be harmful to humans. The best way to reduce the cost of clean-up is early detection, look for possible entry points around the home and listen for noises. If you suspect there may be an infestation, contact a professional animal removal company and then SERVPRO Eastern Niagara County for proper clean-up. If the area is left untreated and not properly cleaned , you may risk the health of yourself and those around you. We are always here to help!
As many of our folks in the the south east prepare for Hurricane Mathhew, many residents and business owners are facing wind damage and water-damaged structures caused by massive flooding. SERVPRO is here for you in your time of need.
"The first 24 hours after a storm causing widespread flooding and water damage are the most important in preventing secondary or permanent damage," said Don Turner, SERVPRO Disaster Recovery Team director. "A lot of flood situations require professional equipment and knowledge of the science of drying to mitigate, however, there are steps residents and business owners can take to help minimize damage until professional help arrives."
First and foremost, do not operate any equipment that requires electrical power in areas that have standing water or moisture.
If the water has entered the structure through the flooding of a creek, stream, or river, if it is seawater, or if it has filtered through insulation during its intrusion, it is considered to be black water and could be hazardous to your health. For this type of damage, avoid contact with contaminated items as much as possible.
Take the greatest caution while entering your home, and wear sturdy shoes and protective clothing when dealing with flooded areas.
Throw away all foods - even canned goods - that have come into contact with flood waters.
Remove and prop wet upholstery and pillow cushions for drying. Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removal of lamps and tabletop items.
Only open windows to promote drying if the air outside is less humid than the air inside.
If your home has a crawlspace, be aware excess moisture in this area can often foster mold growth.
SERVPRO will respond as quickly as possible as areas become accessible, however residents are encouraged to remain patient due to the extreme volume of claims anticipated throughout the region.
SERVPRO’s Disaster Recovery Team has responded to large loss and storm events across the country, including: 2012 Hurricane Isaac, 2011 Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee, 2011 North Dakota Floods, 2010 Tennessee Floods, the 2010 New England Floods, the 2009 California Wildfires and 2008 Hurricane Ike.
About SERVPRO Founded in 1967, the SERVPRO Franchise System is a national leader and provider of fire and water cleanup and restoration services and mold mitigation and remediation. SERVPRO's professional services network of more than 1,600 individually owned and operated Franchises responds to property damage emergencies ranging from small individual disasters to multi-million dollar large-loss events. Providing coverage in the United States and Canada, the SERVPRO System has established relationships with major insurance companies and commercial clients, as well as individual homeowners.
SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County can help sellers resolve trouble spots you may have before listing your property up for sell or schedule for inspection. Homeowners can choose to handle these issues themselves to avoid filing an insurance claim for the damage because it may not be covered under the home's policy.
Whether the problem is a water stain on a hardwood floor or a mildew smell in a room, reassure your clients that your SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County Franchise Professional can get their home in top show condition and ready to sell.
It's a fact: A clean, fresh smelling home sells faster. Unfortunately, not all homes are maintained in the same way. Nearly all realtors are faced, at some point, with a difficult listing to sell.
Veteran realtors encourage clients to keep their homes in top condition for very important reasons:
•Increased market value
•Reduced list to sale conversion times
•Enhanced reputation for quality listings and quick sales
Vandalism and graffiti can be very upsetting. It can range from minor pranks to malicious destruction of property. Often simple acts of vandalism, like breaking a window, can cause significant water and mold damage if not addressed in a timely manner.
Need Vandalism and Graffiti Cleanup Services? Call SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County :
716-694-7776
SERVPRO of ENC will act quickly to remove vandalism and graffiti from home and commercial spaces. In addition to removing spray-painted graffiti from exterior walls, they can also clean driveways, walkways, asphalt, metals, wood, glass, plastic, and masonry
SERVPRO of ENC professionals are trained to safely and effectively clean bio-hazardous substances and prepare waste for proper disposal according to OSHA, EPA, and state and local health regulations.
If you are a victim of vandalism, here are a few tips for you:
DO:
1. Hose or wash egg or other residue damage from building exterior as soon as possible.
2. Carefully vacuum glass particles from carpets and upholstery.
3. Save containers revealing the ingredients of products used in vandalism damage.
4. Record all damage and photograph when possible.
DON'T:
1. Attempt to remove ink, paint, or cosmetic stains.
2. Operate damaged lamps or appliances.
3. Discard broken or damaged pieces from porcelain furniture or other contents that may be used for repair.
SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County specializes in storm and flood damage restoration. Our crews are highly trained and we use specialized equipment to restore your property to its pre-storm condition.
Faster Response
Since we are locally owned and operated, we are able to respond quicker with the right resources, which is extremely important. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces the restoration cost.
Resources to Handle Floods and Storms
When storms hits, we can scale our resources to handle a large storm or flooding disaster. We can access equipment and personnel from a network of 1,650 Franchises across the country and elite Disaster Recovery Teams at SERVPRO are strategically located throughout the United States.
If disaster does strike, leaving fire, water or mold damage in its wake, area SERVPRO emergency restoration specialists offer an assortment of services to help local residents quickly restore damaged property.
This fall, in recognition of the annual National Preparedness Month (NPM), activities and events took place across the country to highlight the importance of emergency preparedness and to promote individual involvement in preparation for emergency response. Area franchises of the restoration company SERVPRO continue to offer free preparedness materials for NPM.
The focus of this year’s campaign: “Be Disaster Aware – Take Action to Prepare” is to encourage Americans to work together to take concrete actions toward emergency preparedness. SERVPRO often sees the benefits of emergency preparedness.
SERVPRO suggests residents throughout the country begin to prepare for a natural or man-made disaster by taking the following steps to lessen the impact on their families and their communities if disaster strikes.
Prepare an Emergency Supply Kit – Families should plan for 3 days of supplies, including water (a gallon per person per day is recommended) and non-perishable foods. Basic tools (wrench, pliers, can opener, matches), fire extinguisher, flashlight and radio with extra batteries, a first aid kit, extra clothing and hygiene items, garbage bags and duct tape, copies of important documents (insurance policies, ID, bank accounts), cash and local maps should also be included.
Establish a Family Emergency Plan – An out-of-town contact should be noted as a centralized, emergency communications facilitator in case a disaster strikes. That person’s number should be included in emergency contacts on each family members cell phone. If that person cannot be reached with a call, texting should be tried.
Stay Informed – Most communities have established emergency procedures and participate in activities planned to communicate those procedures. Checklists and other disaster preparedness tools are available from SERVPRO or at ready.gov.
While it’s common for individuals to insure their homes, cars and possessions, and even to prepare living wills to protect their families in the event of some unthinkable accident, only 36 percent believed there was a high likelihood of a natural disaster ever happening in their community, according to a Citizen Corps National Survey. And yet disasters can and do happen every day. In fact, FEMA has recorded more declared disasters to date this year alone, up from last year.
If disaster does strike, leaving fire, water or mold damage in its wake, area SERVPRO emergency restoration specialists offer an assortment of services to help local residents quickly restore damaged property.
At SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County, we have cleaned up fire damage caused by lightning strikes.
Lightning strikes the earth's surface about 100 times every second and it can reach temperatures 5 times hotter than the surface of the sun. About 10-20% of those strikes have the potential to cause a fire.
Thunderstorms and lightning strikes can cause quite a bit of damage. We are experts in fire damage cleanup, and we believe in safety first. Below we've provided 3 tips to help prevent fire damage caused by lighting.
1. Avoid using water during a thunderstorm. Taking showers, washing dishes, even washing your hands could put you and the structure you are occupying at danger. Water, especially water that contains minerals can be great for conducting electricity. Lightning regularly strikes water. Going swimming during a thunderstorm is one of the most dangerous things you can do.
2. In recent years the cost fire damage cleanup caused by lightning has gone up. This is mainly because the average household owns more electronic equipment. During a thunderstorm be sure to unplug things like computers and televisions. Also, do not use landline phones during a storm. A surge protector is a good idea. They do not always protect against large direct lightning currents. But, the device does attempt to limit the voltage supplied to an electrical device by either blocking or by shorting to ground any unwanted voltages above a safe threshold.
TIP: Check your homeowner's insurance policy. Not all policies cover electronic items lost or damaged during lightning and thunderstorms.
3. Invest in a professionally installed lightning protection system. Lightning rods create a network of low resistance paths for lightning currents to travel. Using them can help you direct the lightning towards the ground and cause less damage to the building structure.
FUN FACT: The Empire State Building is a lightning rod for its surrounding area. It is struck by lightning an average of 23 times per year.
As a trusted leader in the restoration industry, SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County has highly trained technicians that are dedicated to responding faster to any size disaster. We provide 24-hour emergency service and have trained crews to handle your restoration and cleaning needs. "Like It Never Even Happened"
Exposure to biological and chemical contaminants can pose serious health consequences. A failure to properly remove such substances can contribute to unhealthy and dangerous environments. SERVPRO Franchise Professionals are trained to safely clean and remove biohazardous substances and dispose of them properly in accordance with OSHA and health regulations.
Equipped with the necessary safety apparatus and cleaning products, SERVPRO Franchise Professionals are here to help transform any unsafe environments back into clean, safe homes and offices.
Please refer to our Biohazard Emergency Tips - Until Help Arrives Guide and follow these tips to protect yourself and your property.
Need Biohazard Cleanup?
Call Us Today 716-694-7776
The decontamination of a home or business due to trauma, sewage backups, chemical spills, hoarding, or other biohazards can be both dangerous and emotional. Specialized training and experience is key when choosing a cleanup company to resolve these circumstances.
The SERVPRO Franchise Professionals provide cleanup and recovery services for many biohazard situations. These include the following:
· Sewage backups
· Crime scene residues
· Suicide/death accidents
· Homicide cleanups
· Blood cleanup
· Accident cleanup
· Hoarding scenes
· Animal waste/remains
· Chemical spills
· Tear gas cleanup
· Meth lab cleanup
· Common Biohazard Scenarios
· Sewage Backups
Sewage backups and dark water intrusions are more than nasty, smelly deposits – these damages also introduce harmful microorganisms into a structure. SERVPRO Franchise Professionals remove the sewage, contaminants, and moisture, and help ensure the structure is properly cleaned, disinfected, and deodorized.
Blood borne Pathogens
SERVPRO Franchise Professionals remove and dispose of bodily fluids, tissue and other potentially pathogenic substances resulting from accident, trauma, crime or death. Trained SERVPRO Franchise Professionals clean, disinfect and deodorize the structure.
Methamphetamine Labs
SERVPRO realizes many of the chemicals used in the production of illegal drugs such as methamphetamine are volatile and can leave harmful residues throughout a structure. SERVPRO Franchise Professionals follow federal and state guidelines to properly clean all surfaces.
24 Hour Emergency Service
Biohazard emergencies don’t always happen during regular business hours, and that’s why SERVPRO Franchise Professionals are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. You can expect an immediate response time, day or night.
On Sunday, July 3rd, the town of Niagara Veterans Park held its annual Patriotic Pride in the Park Event. Our Sales Marketing Manager Reanna and her son attended the event representing SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County. The event had many vendors, which were mostly from the Western New York Area. There were live bands and food trucks at the event. Reanna enjoyed speaking to many people about how SERVPRO can help them in their daily lives. She also spoke on fire safety to many children who came by the exhibit. SERVPRO of ENC also had a raffle and gave away a small thermal cooler with picnic wear. The weather was beautiful and the crowd was exceptional. It was a great time had by all. Thank you for having us
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!
1. 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.
2. Place the grill on a flat surface away from anything that may catch fire such as trees, shrubs, fences and hedges.
3. Do not grill with loose clothing or dangling bits that can catch fire or are flammable.
4. 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.
5. Keep children and pets away from the grilling area
6. 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!
At SERVPRO of ENC , we have first-hand experience dealing with the devastating results of fire damage. Fires are physically and emotionally devastating to the victims. We embrace fire-prevention efforts and we encourage everyone to follow common-sense advice to prevent fires.
The American Petroleum Institute offers the following guidelines for handling gasoline.
Gasoline is an important part of our everyday lives. It lets us run our cars and trucks, getting the kids to school and the groceries home. It helps us keep our grass and gardens looking good, powering mowers and lawn care equipment. It lets us get away on vacation, running boats, off-road vehicles, and motorcycles.
But gasoline can be dangerous if not handled or stored properly. Gasoline should only be used for its intended purpose – as a motor fuel – and stored only when absolutely necessary. It should not be used as a solvent, cleaner, barbecue starter or for any other non-engine use.
Take The Following Precautions
Your local and state governments are the first places you should check for standards and regulations on gasoline storage. For example, fire codes and regulations restrict the amount of gasoline an individual homeowner can store (usually no more than 25 gallons), in approved containers of less than five gallons capacity each.
Gasoline must be stored in an approved container or tank. Keep gasoline containers tightly closed and handle them gently to avoid spills.
Gasoline is a flammable liquid and should be stored at room temperature, away from potential heat sources such as the sun, a hot water heater, space heater or a furnace, and a least 50 feet away from ignition sources, such as pilot lights.
Gasoline vapors are heavier than air and can travel along the floor to ignition sources. Do not smoke where gasoline is handled or stored.
Put gasoline in a small engine (like a lawnmower) only when the engine and attachments are cool.
Store gasoline in a building separate from the house or place of occupancy, such as a shed or garage. Always keep gasoline out of reach from children.
For better ventilation, it is best to handle gasoline outdoors.
Do not mix even a small amount of gasoline with kerosene or diesel. Do not use gasoline in kerosene heaters or lamps.
Minor spills should be absorbed with sawdust, paper or rags. Larger spills may be contained and collected. Check with your local government or hazardous waste disposal center to determine the proper avenues for disposing of spilled gasoline.
Place recovered gasoline and cleanup materials in approved, labeled containers for proper disposal. Never dispose of spilled gasoline or cleaning materials on the ground or into your garbage, drains, toilets or sewers. If you do, it might cause a fire, or seep into streams, bays, lakes or your groundwater.
For more information about fire safety, please call SERVPRO of ENC at 716-694-7776
? Home Safety
“Damage from Water Should Be Cleaned by Certified Professionals”
The amount of damage water can cause is amazing, and often underestimated by homeowners. Excess moisture is bad enough, but when a home is flooded or hit with a plumbing disaster (like a burst pipe), the situation can quickly get out of hand. There’s a reason why these incidents are among the most expensive problems a homeowner can face. Contaminated water not only creates immediate structural problems; it can leave serious biological threats behind after it has been removed.
Floods, sewage backflows, and other sources of contaminated fluid usually cause the worst damage. Dirty water is filled with all kinds of deadly substances, ranging from chemical residues to animal feces to parasites. Bacteria, viruses and fungi grow explosively in contaminated fluid, and severe health risks, like salmonella and hepatitis, are common in flood waters.
This problem is compounded by the composition of most homes, which are filled with organic materials. Drywall, wood and the matter that is trapped in carpet fibers are just a few examples, and they can give pathogens room to grow. Within 48 hours, mold may begin creeping behind the walls and releasing spores, and any organic materials that have been soaked through by contaminated fluid will usually have to be destroyed.
That’s why restoration firms, in addition to surveying the home for structural problems, will dry the home quickly and apply antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal agents to all surfaces that had contact with the water. This ensures the family can return to a safe home, and not one harboring a collection of deadly pathogens.
By the time water damage is noticed, it is usually too late and the damage has already been done. We may not have a scent or special power to always know where that one hidden leak or spoiled foundation is, but there are some areas that are important to be aware of. According to the writer of coolray.com, there are 5 different areas of your home to keep a regular inspection on. “ Coolray” explains why each area is an important part of the home to pay attention to throughout the year. Although, some incidents cannot be prevented, being able to recognize the damage ahead of time can save a lot of money, resources and further damage done to your belongings.
Appliances
Some appliances such as water heaters, washing machines and refrigerators have a tendency to leak over time. These leaks can start off small, but if not taken care of, can turn into a big mess.
Basements
Basements collect moisture from drips through the foundation that tend to cover the walls. As the moisture evaporates, it creates more humidity, which in turn can cause condensation throughout the cold basement.
Plumbing
Even the smallest of leaks inside a wall can become a bigger issue over time. Make sure to check your plumbing periodically to make sure that there aren’t any loose attachments that could cause a leak down the road.
Pipes
A backed up pipe can lead to much more than just that pipe being clogged. As the pipe backs up, it can cause them to back up into other drains causing a massage leak or flood under floor boards or even behind walls. If there are signs of a clogged pipe, make sure to have it looked at immediately to stop further damage.
Air conditioner
Many people have seen the moisture that collects on air conditioners on a hot, sunny day. This moisture gets worse throughout the life of the air conditioner due to regular maintenance going unseen. Make sure to watch regularly for any signs of leaking or damage to the unit.
Sewer backups should be considered an emergency since the water may contain viruses, bacteria, and other microbes that cause serious illnesses. SERVPRO Franchise Professionals have specialized training and equipment to quickly and safely clean contaminants like sewage.
Water damage can be classified by the three types of contaminated water. SERVPRO Franchise Professionals will inspect your home or business to determine the appropriate plan of action for the type of water encountered.
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
24 Hour Emergency Service
Water contaminated with sewage backup should be considered an emergency situation and dealt with as quickly as possible. SERVPRO Franchise Professionals are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. They are water damage restoration specialists with specialized training, equipment and protective gear to safely restore your home or business.
It is April and the warm weather is coming! Does your home need a fresh spring cleaning?
Let our SERVPRO of ENC Franchise professionals help by providing your home with a deeper clean than your usual home maintenance.
Some cleaning services we provided are:
Deep Clean:
Upholstery and Carpet Cleanings: The SERVPRO carpet and upholstery cleaning service will not only get out the dirt you see, but will also remove the unwanted dust you don’t. A professionally cleaned carpet and furniture may make all the difference in brightening up a room and freshening up your home
Odor Removal: Your basic cleaning service is not going to have the expertise to effectively deodorize your home. Take advantage of SERVPRO’s residential cleaning services to remove unwanted odors.
Air Duct Cleaning: We all have tasks around the house that don’t make it to the top of our priority list. Properly maintaining your home’s air ducts should not be one of them. Regular duct cleaning can increase your home’s heating and cooling efficiency and improve the quality of the air you and your family breathe.
New York State law requires smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in all types of housing. Detectors are the best way keep family members safe in the event of a fire or a release of highly poisonous carbon monoxide gas.
Smoke Detector Information
Smoke detectors should be installed in every room of your home except the kitchen.
Test your batteries once every six months, and replace your detector every ten years, or immediately if it becomes defective.
Carbon Monoxide Detector Information
Carbon monoxide detectors should be installed on every level of a home that has a sleeping area, and on the level that contains a carbon monoxide/heating source.
Battery-powered detectors should be tested very six months. The device itself should be replaced every 10 years or as soon as it becomes defective.
Take all alarms and alerts seriously and call 911 immediately. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas.
Carbon Monoxide dectors should be placed on each floor
Please take this seriously to prevent tradgedies and keep your family safe
... WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 PM EST THIS EVENING...
* LOCATIONS... NIAGARA... ERIE... ORLEANS... GENESEE... WYOMING AND CHAUTAUQUA COUNTIES.
* TIMING... THROUGH EARLY THIS EVENING.
* HAZARDS... HEAVY SNOW.
* ACCUMULATIONS... ADDITIONAL 4 TO 6 INCHES TODAY WILL BRING STORM TOTALS TO 8 TO 15 INCHES... WITH THE GREATEST AMOUNTS IN EASTERN PORTIONS OF THE AREA.
* WINDS... NORTHWEST 5 TO 15 MPH.
* VISIBILITIES... LESS THAN A QUARTER MILE.
* IMPACTS... HEAVY SNOW WILL RESULT IN VERY DIFFICULT TRAVEL CONDITIONS. THE WORST TRAVEL CONDITIONS WILL BE THROUGH EARLY AFTERNOON.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
A WINTER STORM WARNING IS ISSUED WHEN SEVERE WINTER WEATHER IS EXPECTED. HEAVY SNOW AND/OR ICE WILL CAUSE HAZARDOUS DRIVING CONDITIONS. IF YOU WILL BE TRAVELING IN THE WARNING AREA YOU SHOULD CHOOSE AN ALTERNATE ROUTE IF POSSIBLE... OR YOU SHOULD USE EXTREME CAUTION IF TRAVEL IS UNAVOIDABLE.
IF YOU LOSE POWER AND PLAN ON RUNNING A GENERATOR... MAKE SURE THAT THE GENERATOR IS LOCATED OUTDOORS AND IS PROPERLY VENTILATED. SPACE HEATERS SHOULD ALSO BE PROPERLY VENTILATED AND USED ONLY IF THEY ARE OPERATING PROPERLY. MAKE SURE SNOW DOES NOT BLOCK EXHAUSTS AND FRESH AIR INTAKES FOR HIGH EFFICIENCY FURNACES AND WATER HEATERS.
Frigid temperatures can cause your water and heating system piping to burst. If you have a boiler and radiator system, call a plumber and make sure you have the correct mixture of antifreeze and water in your system.
(1) Check to make sure all valves to your garden hose faucets are turned off inside the house. They sometimes freeze from the outside and if water is in the line, the piping can burst.
(2)Do NOT turn down when you leave home. Exterior walls are especially subject to pipes freezing when it is below zero outside.
(3) If you do have a burst pipe, know where your water shut off is, so you can limit damages. Turn the water main supply OFF if you see water anywhere it should not be.
(4) If you have a water damage issue,act fast to help save your home ~Call SERVPRO of EASTERN NIAGARA COUNTY for help: 716-694-7776
Our team has joined up as "SERVPRO Superheroes" to help in raising money for cancer by collecting coins at our office. Our SMM, Reanna, her son is a student at Ohio School Elementary and is collecting coins in his jar for cancer patients. We put out a large jar in the office and our staff donated their loose change and people who came into the office also graciously gave. On Friday, January 15 th, our crews dressed up in our best superheroes costume to show our support for cancer patients. The real superheroes are those who battle cancer and disease day in and out.
Mold on a basement wall . Our SERVPRO team came in and properly took care of it.
A home or business can quickly become infested with mold due to a water source, like a roof or plumbing leak. Mold can spread throughout a property in as little as 48-72 hours, and can produce allergens and irritants that have the potential to cause other health effects.
If you suspect that your home or business has a mold problem, Our SERVPRO team can inspect and assess your property. If mold is found, we have the training, equipment, and expertise to handle the situation.
Facts about Mold:
Mold can grow both indoors and outdoors
Mold spores are microscopic and float along in the air, and can enter your home through windows, doors, or AC/heating systems or even hitch a ride indoors on your clothing or on a pet.
Mold spores thrive on moisture. Mold spores can quickly grow into colonies when exposed to water.
Before mold remediation can begin, any sources of water or moisture must be addressed. Otherwise, the mold may return.
Mold can often produces a strong, musty odor and can lead you to possible mold problem areas
Even higher-than-normal indoor humidity can support mold growth. Keep indoor humidity below 45 percent
Call us at SERVPRO ENC at (716)694-7776 if you suspect mold. Our SERVPRO professionals are highly trained in mold mitagation and use advance mold remediation techinques and equipment.
Be Prepared with the SERVPRO Emergency Readiness Program
The SERVPRO Emergency Ready Profile (ERP) will help ensure you are “Ready for whatever happens”
In the event of an emergency, the SERVPRO Emergency Readiness Profile, can help minimize business interruption by having an immediate plan of action in place for your facility.
What is an ERP?
The ERP is a comprehensive document containing critical information about your business, including: Emergency Contact Information, Shut-Off Value Locations and Priorities Areas
Why should you have an ERP?
By having a plan in place, the amount of time that your business is in active will be less. You will be back in the building and back to business sooner.
Preparation is the key to making it through any disaster, whether it is a small leak, a large fire or an area flood.
Now is the best time to plan for these events, not when it happens
Ask yourself “Are you READY for whatever happens"?
Is there a cost for an ERP?
The ERP is a no cost assessment, all it requires is a little time, making it a great value that could save a lot of time in the future. Call your local SERVPRO
Sweeping Away Years of Dust and Dirt- Reducing Potential for damage and health Risks".
Why should you have your air ducts cleaned out?
Dirty ducts can circulate odors, contaminants such as mold, and irritating dust throughout your building or home.
How does SERVPRO clean your ducts?
SERVPRO professionals use a portable ventilation & air duct cleaning system to examine ductwork and make a clean sweep, removing years of dust and grime.
1. We begin the process by using patented equipment including a roto-scraper, which automatically adapts to the ducts shape and diameter while traveling through the duct, removing debris and filth before we begin vacuuming.
2. Next we use a powerful push-pull air delivery and collection system which transfers the debris from the ducting to a 16-gallon container.
3.Air is filtered through a HEPA filtration system, removing 99.97 % of particles in the air stream. HEPA filters capture debris and keep the environment clean.
4. As an optional process, a sealant or coating product may be sprayed to address odor or microbial concerns.
5. Filters will either be cleaned or replaced to remove odor or dirt
The coldest temperatures are here in Niagara County, NY. When factoring in the windchill , temperatures are below zero.
The American Red Cross offers ten steps people can take to stay safe during the cold weather.
1. Layer up! Wear layers of lightweight clothing to stay warm. Gloves and a hat will help prevent losing your body heat.
2. Don’t forget your furry friends. Bring pets indoors. If they can’t come inside, make sure they have enough shelter to keep them warm and that they can get to unfrozen water.
3. Remember the three feet rule. If you are using a space heater, place it on a level, hard surface and keep anything flammable at least three feet away – things such as paper, clothing, bedding, curtains or rugs.
4. Requires supervision – Turn off space heaters and make sure fireplace embers are out before leaving the room or going to bed.
5. Don’t catch fire! If you are using a fireplace, use a glass or metal fire screen large enough to catch sparks and rolling logs.
6. Protect your pipes. Run water, even at a trickle, to help prevent your pipes from freezing. Open the kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing. Be sure to move any harmful cleaners and household chemicals out of the reach of children. Keep the garage doors closed if there are water lines in the garage.
7. Better safe than sorry. Keep the thermostat at the same temperature day and night. Your heating bill may be a little higher, but you could avoid a more costly repair job if your pipes freeze and burst.
8. The kitchen is for cooking. Never use a stove or oven to heat your home.
9. Use generators outside. Never operate a generator inside the home, including in the basement or garage.
10. Knowledge is power. Don’t hook a generator up to the home’s wiring. The safest thing to do is to connect the equipment you want to power directly to the outlets on the generator.
24/7 Emergency Service
