Can I Clean Smoke Stained Walls after Fire Damage in my Town of Oyster Bay Home?

3/30/2023 (Permalink)

After fire damage in your Nassau County home, our experts are able to help. Call SERVPRO; we are always available.

Professional Help is Preferable for the Town of Oyster Bay Fire Restoration

One of the most distressing parts about fire damage in your home is how unsightly your house might look after the blaze. It is hard to settle back into your home if you have soot-blackened walls and ceilings.

As well as blackening walls, fire damage in Nassau County homes also affects the air. The Environmental Protection Agency points out that burning materials release microscopic particles into the air. It is easy to see why it is better to clean up the sooty residue as soon as possible. But is it a wise idea to do the cleaning yourself? No. It is better to call SERVPRO first.

Why it is a Wise Idea to Call in the Professionals 

We understand that you want your home back to normal as quickly as possible. It is tempting to grab a bucket and sponge or some cleaning spray and start wiping down your walls immediately.

However, there are many benefits to calling our professional fire restoration technicians.

• We train our technicians to Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification (IICRC) standards.
• Our team can assess the marks on your walls and decide the best way to clean them.
• We have access to industry-standard tools and products designed to deal with fire restoration.

If you use the wrong fire damage cleaning method, such as wet cleaning a wallpaper that is not suitable for this method, you could worsen the problem. There is a risk of stubborn stains that won’t come off or unsightly streaks.

SERVPRO teams know how to tackle soot-stained walls during fire restoration. We are available 24/7, and we aim to leave your home “Like it never even happened.” When you call, we will take details of your situation and call you back within the hour to let you know when to expect our team.

Why Does the Type of Wall Cover Matter?

Walls can have many types of covering: 

• Wallpaper, both smooth and textured.
• Wood paneling can be either finished or unfinished.
• Metal or ceramic tiles.
• Stippling or textured plaster or drywall. 

Some walls even have fabric, flocking, or carpet on them. 

The wall covering makes a difference in how easy it is to clean the surface and which cleaning method is most suitable. For example, it would not be good to use wet cleaning on a paper or fabric covering that would soak up the moisture. Abrasive techniques are fine for walls that are going to be repainted. However, because scrubbing can damage the surface, abrasive cleaning is not suitable for walls that will not be repainted.

SERVPRO technicians assess the cleanability of the wall and choose the most appropriate cleaning method. Dry sponge cleaning is often enough for light soiling on painted surfaces. More heavily soiled wood paneling might require wet cleaning. We can also use scrubbing and powerful HEPA vacuums to remove dry soot residue. Vacuum cleaning is usually the first choice to remove surface soot.

Whatever method we choose, we always test an inconspicuous corner to ensure the results are of the high standard you expect.

We also pay attention to the most effective order of cleaning. When dry cleaning, it is better to clean the ceiling first, if necessary, to avoid soot from the ceiling falling on freshly cleaned walls. However, when wet cleaning, it is better to clean the walls first. If we cleaned the ceiling first, cleaning fluid could drip onto the blackened walls and cause streaks. 

If your walls have smoke damage from a fire, trying to clean them yourself might make them look worse. It is better to call for help. Call SERVPRO of Hicksville / Plainview at (516) 733-1800, and we can assist you.

Can SERVPRO Save My Water Damaged Wooden Floors in Nassau County?

3/30/2023 (Permalink)

No matter the size of water damage restoration needed in your Nassau County home, SERVPRO IICRC-certified techs are ready at a moment's notice.

SERVPRO Technicians Tackle Water Restoration on Nassau County Floors

Wooden floors lend a touch of elegance to homes. However, water from a leaking pipe, a broken appliance, or bad weather can damage floors. Thankfully, SERVPRO technicians know how to tackle moisture damage on floors.

If your wooden floors in Hicksville have water damage, call SERVPRO as quickly as possible. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster, and we can dry out your floorboards and help prevent further damage.

How Does Water Affect Wooden Floors?

When boards get wet, they absorb moisture, which can cause:

• Cupping: when the edges rise and form a cup.
• Crowning: when the middle of the board rises to form a bump.
• Buckling: when warped boards push against each other and buckle at the joints.

What is a Drying Goal, and Why Does it Matter?

If your floor gets wet, of course, you want it to be dry. But what exactly is dry? It might surprise you to know that dry is not a straightforward concept. What we consider dry here in the Town of Oyster Bay might be different than if we were in a more humid state.

Our technicians set a drying goal to know when the floor is as dry as it should be. We start by establishing a drying standard. The drying standard is the moisture reading we expect from a floor without moisture damage. We aim to dry the wet floor to that standard, typically about 8-11% of total moisture content.

Establishing a goal first makes for more effective water damage restoration because:

• We are working with exact figures, and there is no guesswork.
• We can see how well we are progressing toward our goal.
• We know when we reach our goal and complete the job.

We measure dryness by the amount of moisture in a material. For wood, we measure dryness as a percentage.  

Why Do We Measure Humidity? 

We train our technicians to Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification (IICRC) standards. That includes the S500 Standard for Professional Water Damage Restoration. The S500 covers many aspects of restoration, including psychrometry and drying technology. Psychrometry sounds complicated, but it is just the science of how air, humidity, and temperature affect materials. A critical measurement for any drying process is humidity. 

Humidity means the amount of water vapor in the air. When drying water-damaged floors, humidity is a key indicator of how close we are to our drying goal. Our teams measure two kinds of humidity: Relative and specific. 

Relative humidity (RH) means the amount of moisture in the air at a given temperature. We are looking for a relative humidity of less than 50% for drying purposes. Our technicians use thermo-hygrometers to measure relative humidity. 

However, temperature significantly affects relative humidity. Warm air can hold more moisture than cold before it becomes saturated. Our team also measures specific humidity (SH), which tells us the amount of water vapor in the air as a ratio to total air, regardless of temperature. We plot the relative humidity readings and plot them on a psychrometric chart to determine the specific moisture levels. This process enables us to strategically position air movers and dehumidifiers to optimize water evaporation from wet surfaces.

How Can SERVPRO Dry my Floors?

We start by removing carpets or rugs on top of the floor. We also use extractors to remove surface water.

Our team uses their calculations to set up air movers, fans, and dehumidifiers. These tools help reduce the amount of humidity and encourage water evaporation from the surface of boards. We aim to restore your floors “Like it never even happened.”

As well as drying the floor, we can also sand it after it is dry to remove minor irregularities and refinish it if necessary.

If you have water damaged wooden floors, assemblies, or contents, do not delay. Call SERVPRO of Hicksville / Plainview at (516) 733-1800 for assistance.

Is There a Risk of Mold Damage after Rain in a Nassau County Home?

3/30/2023 (Permalink)

Why SERVPRO for mold damage mitigation in Nassau County? We have a dynamic team, equipment, and products to clean it all, "Like it never even happened

SERVPRO Stays on Top of Mold During Nassau County Remediation

Residents of Nassau County know that New York is a rainy place all year round. Even in summer, it can be a wet place to live. Unfortunately, rain can seep into your home through leaky windows, doors, or roofs and cause damage to your house. 

There are many considerations after water damage in the Town of Oyster Bay, including mold. You might also worry about the wooden door or window frames soaking up moisture and becoming warped. There is also the risk of water soaking into carpets or wallpaper.

How Does SERVPRO Restore your Home After Bad Weather?

Our team arrives ready to assess the damage to your home and advise you about the best course for restoration. Our approach includes:

• Deciding which water damaged articles are salvageable and which are not.
• Setting up safe and sanitary working areas for our technicians.
• Measuring moisture levels in wet materials and humidity in the air.
• Setting up air movers and dehumidifiers.
• Cleaning furniture, linen, drapery, and carpets.

After our SERVPRO applied microbial remediation technicians (AMRT) have completed scoping, they follow professional protocols for restoring your property to its preloss state. 

What Does SERVPRO Do to Tackle Mold?

Part of offering a comprehensive service is being aware of the risks of a mold infestation. We take steps to remediate the fungi when we find them. Dormant spores grow whenever there is moisture and an organic food source such as cotton, cellulose, or even wood. 

Because fungus occurs naturally everywhere, it is not possible to completely eradicate it. However, we can take steps to contain these microorganisms where we find them. We can: 

• Remove mold-infested materials that are not salvageable.
• Use plastic sheeting and tape to set up containment.
• Cover vents and seal doors and windows to prevent spores from circulating in the treatment area.
• Set up negative air pressure and port to the exterior using air scrubbers.
• Reduce humidity, so the environment is not as welcoming to fungus. 

We can also remove visible growth. We train our technicians in the best ways to use antimicrobial and antifungal treatments to remove mold. In some cases, the best option is to use soda blasting or dry ice pellet pressurized force to remove the colonies from the surfaces. HEPA filtered vacuums can help prevent the spreading of dust, debris, and spores to unaffected areas of the structure. 

Why is Air Filtration Important?

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) states that air quality can be a concern when a home gets flooded or water damaged. The damp environment can encourage fungal growth, which quickly proliferates as time passes. Because spores are so tiny, they can easily escape into the air. Air filtration helps capture these loose spores. 

SERVPRO uses air scrubbers to help remove microbes from the air. Air scrubbers draw in air and use true HEPA filters capable of catching particles as small as 0.3 microns to trap mold. The machine then pumps pure, clean air back into the room.

Air filtration also helps remove musty and moldy odors from your home, thereby improving indoor air quality. We can improve IAQ through filtration and mechanical devices like air scrubbers and foggers. The placement of counteractant gels and beads can also help achieve a more rapid pleasant scent.  

If you are concerned about water or mold damage in your home, SERVPRO of Hicksville / Plainville is here to help. Call us today at (516) 733-1800 to learn more.

What to Do When Mold Damage Affects Your Hicksville Property

3/29/2023 (Permalink)

Our techs are ready 24/7, 365 days a year.

Explore Appropriate Mold Restoration in Hicksville with SERVPRO

You may realize there is mold in your Hicksville residence when you notice physical changes such as dark spots and discoloration or if people exhibit signs of reacting to underlying mold growth. Whatever alerts you of the problem, you need to take action to contain mold damage and save your property.

One thing that can make mold damage in your Hicksville property challenging to address is the high likelihood of a recurrence. Therefore, your actions must address the existing problems and prevent future issues. Since your skills and resources may be limited, seeking help from a professional team like SERVPRO helps improve the outcomes.

General tips for better mold control:

• Do not delay or postpone your response
• Manage and prevent mold simultaneously
• Use physical and chemical means to fight mold

Most early signs of a mold infestation are mild, so you might not give it much thought. For example, a few dark spots and surface discoloration may not prompt you to respond. SERVPRO crew chiefs investigate whether the problem is limited at the surface or extends deeper. We do so non-invasively using thermal cameras that identify pockets of hidden moisture and bore scopes that allow wall or ceiling cavity exploration from a small drill hole.

Mold Management vs. Prevention

Mold can thrive anywhere, provided the conditions are favorable. Moisture and organic food sources are the main factors driving such contamination. Therefore, management refers to steps, such as cleaning and physical material removal in contaminated areas, while prevention denotes actions, such as drying wet areas and applying chemical agents that inhibit microbial growth. 

Chemical and physical mold control methods:

• Vacuuming surfaces to remove colony fragments and spores
• Dry ice or soda blasting surfaces to dislodge colonies
• Damp wiping surfaces with antimicrobial detergents

SERVPRO of Hicksville / Plainview can help you determine the appropriate response to any mold contamination. We also have essential remediation resources. Call us at (516) 733-1800.

Carpet Patching and Stretching as Part of Commercial Water Restoration in Hicksville

2/27/2023 (Permalink)

A water damaged carpet is a big deal that requires professional attention. Contact SERVPRO for certified technicians and professional equipment.

SERVPRO can Restore Water Damaged Carpets in Your Hicksville Business

Carpet stretching and patching are part of the services offered during commercial water restoration. If the carpet of a local gym or any business suffers water damage during its hours of closure and gets soaked for a long period, it may deteriorate due to mold growth. When that happens, removal and replacement may be the only option.

Our SERVPRO technicians assess the water damage extent in your Hicksville business and develop a restoration plan. If the carpet is salvageable, we use specialized tools and techniques to dry it. In some of the projects we have handled, we have offered patching and stretching services as a cost-effective solution to return your business to normalcy.

We cut a piece from the carpet's hidden area or spare during carpet patching and affix it over the damaged region. The following are the IICRC-certified techniques that we commonly use during carpet patching:

• Identifying the damaged section.
• Cutting the patch: We use a carpet knife to cut the piece.
• Seaming the patch: We position the patch and ensure it matches the carpet. We then heat the seam tape using a carpet seam iron to activate the glue to fix the piece and the damaged section.
• Trimming the patch: We trim the patch's edges using a carpet trimmer to make it blend with the surrounding areas.

Our SERVPRO team next does carpet stretching – we ensure the carpet is pulled tightly and secured to the tack strip to fit across the room. During this process, we correct the carpet's ripples, wrinkles, and other flaws. Carpet stretching can also tighten stretched-out carpets due to furniture movement or heavy traffic.

Contact SERVPRO of Hicksville / Plainview when your business experiences a water damage incident. Our experienced technicians are IICRC certified and use the latest technology and equipment to offer water mitigation services. Call (516) 733-1800 to get your business back on track.

Water Restoration Erases Water-Based Disasters in Hicksville

1/24/2023 (Permalink)

Call the professionals at SERVPRO of Hicksville / Plainview to help with water restoration to your property.

Families Rely on Our Water Damage Restoration Experts

Winter can be a time of fun winter activities for people bundled up against the cold air. When the fun ends in Hicksville, your family wants to return to a warm, cozy house. A broken water line or slipped fitting on an appliance can ruin your return home. Our water restoration services can make everything habitable once more.

Because nobody ever knows when such emergencies will happen, SERVPRO's experts in water restoration remain near Hicksville. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster. Crises like this are more likely to occur during the worst of winter because of ice dams and frozen pipes that can wreak havoc on area homes.

We use specialized equipment to address the issues that make a water-related disaster inside your home so monumental. We've invested in the following types of machinery, among others:

• Heaters
• Extraction devices
• Drying equipment

We use heaters to resolve broken pipes after we've shut off the nearest valves and then sealed off the line with the proper repairs. These repairs can include something as minor as a new elbow joint or a replacement pipe extension. Heaters also help accelerate evaporation, a vital part of the drying process. We also use air movers and box fans for accelerated drying.

Extracting the water covering your floors before it can seep into any more carpet or more profound into your subfloor saves you money in the long run. If the emergency takes place on an upper floor, this can help protect lower levels from any water damage.

Drying the house afterward can make all the difference in developing secondary water damage. Keeping this dry means a reduced risk of corrosion to your electrical system, as well as less microbial activity, less uncomfortable high humidity, and less odor from moisture.

Call SERVPRO of Hicksville / Plainview at (516) 733-1800 for your restoration needs after your home experience a disaster.

Common Water Damage Repair in Hicksville After Flooding

12/27/2022 (Permalink)

Our SERVPRO rapid response team is available 24/7!

Post-Storm Water Damage Repair Focuses

The house's exterior is often one of the first places heavily damaged by storms and flooding. Several of your home's outermost features can be caught in a damage path when robust weather systems pass through the area. Common repairs to a home after snow, ice, and wind storms include:

• Roof
• Walls
• Dormers
• Soffit
• Windows

Collapsed and Sagging Materials

One of the immediate needs for water damage repair in Hicksville homes is the sagging or collapsed materials weighted down by migrating flood water. Clearing out this debris falls along with the needed muck-out cleaning after natural flooding invades a residence. The moist materials installed on the ceiling or walls can be removed and discarded along with the material remnant heaps on the flooring. Access to these structural cavities permits thorough drying before SERVPRO professionals reinstall new materials to return the property to pre-flood condition.

Flood-Damaged Wall Systems 

Walls are constructed of multiple materials susceptible to flood damage. Drywall, insulation, framing, and even certain utilities can get ruined by intruding water. SERVPRO professionals must remove exterior materials of wall assemblies to assess the exposure of inside elements. As surface flooding moves through a building, several wall systems could be damaged simultaneously. A careful evaluation of the home's condition can determine how controlled demolition and subsequent reconstruction services can help a flooded home.

Water-Damaged Basement Materials

A basement is a common place for flooding to occur, and with the severity of this situation, finished lower levels can often require substantial tear-out and reconstruction. Any exposed porous materials must get removed down to the studs and sub-flooring to eliminate bacterial and viral pathogenic threats or moisture that could lead to mold development.

Water damage repairs following storms can be crucial to recovery and restoration. Flooding can be challenging to resolve, but SERVPRO of Hicksville / Plainview professionals work through needed demolition and build-back services to help. Call us at (516) 733-1800.

Mitigation Before Hicksville Fire Restoration Services

11/22/2022 (Permalink)

With advanced equipment, SERVPRO restores property to pre-damaged conditions, "Like it never even happened."

Improving Fire Restoration with Emergency Services

When disasters strike, there is no mistaking the need for fast action and mitigation for your home. Our FSRT-Certified technicians are ready 24/7 to mobilize and offer effective emergency services that can shorten restoration times. 

Improving Indoor Air Quality

Fire restoration for Hicksville homes hinges on the indoor air quality our SERVPRO team first encounters. Removing airborne contaminants and carcinogenic particles is one of the first steps of successful recovery, using equipment from our inventory like HEPA 500 air scrubbers. 

Removing Fire Debris

It is essential to consider what is needed to remove debris and material buildup on the house's floors. This debris can help create a volatile environment that our professionals enter into, making the cleanup and safe removal of these remnants critical to mitigating fire loss effects. Removing debris helps to:

• Identify structural issues
• Reduce odors
• Lessen soot concentration

Clearing Water from Suppression

Putting out the fire is vital to protecting your home and its contents from irreparable harm, but this adds another layer of restoration work for our professionals. Standing water from the extinguishment process can pool in several areas of the property, requiring extraction and drying measures to coincide with other emergency services. Cleanup after a fire cannot be successful with pooling water in areas of the house.

Overcoming Structural Concerns

Another one of the focuses of our responding professionals is assessing the structural integrity of the building materials affected. A destroyed structure can be a hazard during restoration, providing false floor security or the potential for collapse. We assess the condition of these elements to determine if controlled demolition is necessary or if temporary repairs should happen not to slow down the recovery progress.

Fire restoration for Hicksville homes requires a focus on several emergency services when our team arrives. When disasters strike, you can count on the experience of SERVPRO of Hicksville / Plainview. Call us at (516) 733-1800. 

Mold Damage in Hicksville Needs Fast Attention

9/27/2022 (Permalink)

Mold remediation is one of SERVPROs specialities. Their technicians are IICRC certified for any size mold remediation service needed.

Local Hicksville Property Owners Count on SERVPRO for Mold Damage Remediation

There are many reasons that a mold infestation situation may be set up in a home; stopping it usually requires addressing both the actual mold and the reason conditions sustain the colonies. 

There are numerous steps in remediating mold damage in Hicksville properties. SERVPRO technicians rarely recommend mold testing kits. Store-bought kits are generally unreliable and offer little in the way of prevention or remediation. Typically, a homeowner senses a mold problem without unprofessional efforts. This type of testing may indicate the following:

• If there is a mold issue in the home--which is probably already apparent
• Call attention to the presence of hidden mold--SERVPRO can visually inspect
• Present a measurement of the air quality--IAQ can be remedied during the cleanup
• Identify the species of mold within the structure--not of value, mold is mold, even black mold

SERVPRO has always offered professional and honest assessments of potential mold infestations within a Hicksville home. Scare tactics are unfortunately prevalent on the internet. We are available to inspect your home at no charge.

When local Hicksville residents need mold damage remediation, they rely on SERVPRO of Hicksville / Plainview at (516) 733-1800.

SERVPRO Experts Can Restore Your Hicksville Home After a Fire

8/20/2022 (Permalink)

Fire damage requires professional cleanup and restoration. Hicksville homeowners always count on SERVPRO.

Reducing Loss In Your Fire-Damaged Hicksville Home

We are mitigation specialists that train excessively in the latest techniques and practices that can save Hicksville homeowners time and money when they face fire losses. No matter the damage or severity of the effects in your house, we have a qualified roster of professionals capable of responding quickly to help. When combined with our extensive inventory of recovery tools and products, we can make fire loss incidents "Like it never even happened" for our customers.

Reducing your loss is the priority of our technicians from the time you first call us to address fire damage in your Hicksville home. Our readiness for these emergencies exemplifies how quickly we can have field technician boots on the ground, leaving our facility with our production trailers, service vehicles, and trailered equipment in tow. From air purification and deodorization to soot removal products and equipment, we can help you through every phase of recovery.

Trusting our SERVPRO professionals to handle the fire loss incidents in your home is putting your trust in our years of experience and continued training in each facet and niche of fire recovery. Our team obtains Fire & Smoke Restoration Technician certification through the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC.) However, our company encourages in-house training and online coursework to ensure that our professionals are among the most well-qualified in the area to handle your crisis.

A substantial factor in our team's success in the fire recovery niche over the years can be attributed to our commitment to having top-tier equipment available in the industry. From thermal and UV foggers for deodorization to ultrasonic tanks and potent cleaning agents for soot and smoke residues, we know how to help your home return to preloss condition.

No matter the size or severity of a fire loss incident, you never have much time to get the right personnel working in the house. We're Faster to Any Size Disaster, and we can start mitigation that protects your home and its contents from worsening conditions. Count on our SERVPRO of Hicksville / Plainview professionals to be ready 24/7 to help at (516) 733-1800.

Water Damage and Hardwood Floors in Hicksville

8/20/2022 (Permalink)

Water damage mitigation done by SERVPRO ensures your Hicksville home appears "Like it never even happened."

When Is Hardwood Flooring Beyond Salvaging?

With any water intrusion affecting a Hicksville home, many materials can become saturated immediately upon exposure to water. Flooring is among the most commonly affected, as this is where the highest concentration of pooling and standing water typically exists. The longer elements like wood flooring are exposed to the standing water, the more saturated and damaged they can become. We work to provide our customers with an immediate response to these situations to protect these flooring materials, however possible.

Wood flooring, a common element of Hicksville homes, is particularly susceptible to water damage and saturation concerns when loss incidents occur. Our SERVPRO team has multiple options for addressing these conditions, beginning with our advanced equipment and extensive training in structural drying from the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC).

As with any damaging water situation, arriving at the property as promptly as possible is critical. With the array of extraction tools that our team has at their disposal, we can quickly remove standing water continually affecting wood flooring. Once the excess has been removed, our technicians can set up rapid drying solutions like:

• high-velocity air movers
• desiccant dehumidifiers
• Injecti-Dry system that can slowly draw moisture from saturated wood flooring

While getting professionals like our SERVPRO technicians on site and working towards immediate mitigation and recovery is critical, wood flooring typically takes a few days before saturation becomes so bad that the material warps and distorts. However, the faster that professionals can address the problem, the more likely that these materials do not require removal and reinstallation.

Fast response to any water spillage or leaking incident is vital to protecting your home and its contents, but the timetable becomes more defined when wood flooring gets involved. Our SERVPRO of Hicksville / Plainview restoration specialists has the equipment and the expertise to make water loss incidents “Like it never even happened.” Give us a call anytime at (516) 733-1800.

We’re Available 24/7 To Restore Your Home in Hicksville After a Flood

8/20/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO can assist with flood damage cleanup and restoration to your Hicksville home. Just a phone call away.

A Fast Response Can Save Hicksville Owners Money After Flooding

Many Hicksville homeowners quickly decide once flooding begins on their property that they will shop around for the best rates or to consider the company with the best online reviews before choosing professional restoration. It is easy to be misled by offers that seem too good to be true from unknown companies without the appropriate credentials or insurance for the work they tell you they can do. Even with saying that, there are many reasons to act fast when flooding has occurred in your home.

Flood damage in your Hicksville residence will not take a hiatus simply because you want to find the best restoration company. In fact, with every passing hour, once materials become exposed to standing water, they become less and less likely to be able to get preserved and saved. Construction materials like drywall can become ruined entirely within 24 hours. Our SERVPRO professionals have a disaster relief team that can arrive at flood-damaged homes with the full measure of our recovery and restoration equipment to make a difference quickly.

 With our advanced extraction tools, we can remove the standing water from the main floors of the property, as well as in wall cavities with little incident. Our SERVPRO team can also set our sights on rapid drying solutions, even utilizing specialized equipment for pulling moisture from hardwood flooring, ceiling materials, and inside wall cavities.

Fast response to your home amid a flooding situation can help these damaging effects from reaching other areas of your property. With effective containment and drying solutions, we can protect many areas of your home that have not yet become damaged by spreading floodwater.

There are many reasons that a fast response to flooding is vital to saving our customers time and money, but it is essential to exercise caution. Our SERVPRO of Hicksville / Plainview rapid response team can arrive anytime you need us, 24/7, because We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster. Give us a call anytime at (516) 733-1800.

Controlling Water Damage in Hicksville

7/27/2022 (Permalink)

We aim to restore your property as quickly as possible, “Like It Never Even Happened.”

SERVPRO Can Perform Water Mitigation Services

Commercial properties can suffer from water intrusion issues from time to time. Usually, these issues directly result from overstressed plumbing and water drainage systems on the site. Unlike residential properties, commercial water intrusion can go unnoticed if it occurs out of hours, leading to stagnation, mold, or humidity problems. SERVPRO is here to help.

Performing water mitigation in Hicksville businesses requires expertise and training. All water sources contain microbes. These microbes -bacteria, viruses, and fungi- can proliferate in the right conditions, causing a contaminated water issue. In commercial restoration, there is a tiered system to categorize different levels of contamination: Clean, Gray, and Black Water. Clean water emergencies are generally the least damaging, while black water emergencies often contain biohazardous substances and require extensive restoration work. It is essential to understand that these categories are fluid, meaning there is a possibility of a clean water issue degrading into a black water issue over time. Our technicians are adept at dealing with:

• Water contamination
• Water restoration
• Water mitigation

We understand how temporary closures can affect businesses which is why our technicians have extensive experience restoring water intrusion issues. We begin with an inspection of the damages and considerations of the category of water contamination. Drying the property is the surest way of preventing water degradation. To achieve this, our team uses truck-mounted water extraction equipment to remove hundreds of gallons of moisture from carpeted and hard flooring. We may also deploy dehumidification equipment to prevent humidity issues leading to mold. Microbes thrive in 60 GPP humidity. Our refrigerant dehumidifiers can control the indoor humidity levels below 60 GPP to reduce the likelihood of secondary damages. 

• Anti-microbial chemicals and biocides like bleach are commonly used in mitigation procedures to stop microbes from growing or destroying them altogether. 
• Fast-drying solutions often require powerful equipment such as box venting fans, truck-mounted extractors, and rapid air moving equipment. 
• In large commercial spaces, we can daisy chain equipment to run most from a single power source. 

To protect your business, contact SERVPRO of Hicksville / Plainview for water mitigation at (516) 733-1800.

Our Specialists Can Restore Your Flood Damaged Hicksville Property

7/27/2022 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of Hicksville / Plainview at (516) 733-1800 for 24/7 service.

Damage Containment In Your Flood Damaged Hicksville Home

Flash flooding can be devastating for many homeowners. The damage occurs in minutes, damaging your home, the contents, and sometimes the structure. Secondary damage from contaminated areas spreading to uncontaminated areas can cause much more damage if biohazards and chemicals are involved.

SERVPRO provides flood damage cleanup to homes and businesses in Hicksville and surrounding areas. We understand how easy it is to spread contamination through airflow and foot traffic when proper procedures are not followed. We always assess the conditions and prepare a containment plan for our employees and the client to follow. We aim to minimize the amount of secondary damage by avoiding the spread of contaminated materials.

Containment Plans

The objective of a containment plan is to prevent the spread of contaminants to other areas of the building. This process also protects our SERVPRO team members as well as our clients. A containment plan may fall into one of three areas: Source Containment, mini-containment, and full-scale containment.

Source Containment

All contaminated materials are wrapped in plastic or sealed in plastic bags and removed from the building for disposal.

Mini-Containment

For small areas, a containment area is built and wrapped in 6-mil plastic. The area is large enough for a SERVPRO technician to work, clean, wrap, or remove contaminated materials. Every item is bagged and passed out of the enclosure for disposal or moved to a designated clean holding area.

Full-Scale Containment

We set up work areas to contain contaminants from spreading to other areas. We may create a decontamination area to decontaminate materials, workers, and equipment. An equipment room may also be needed to store items waiting for cleaning, decontamination, and processing. We store clean and uncontaminated items in a clean, uncontaminated room. There may also be rooms set up for cleaning & disinfecting contents and an area to load bagged contaminated materials on trucks for disposal.

While managing containment of contaminated materials may seem complicated, SERVPRO has a great deal of experience handling these flood situations. Protecting our clients and employees is a high priority while we clean your home after a significant flood.

Call SERVPRO of Hicksville / Plainview at (516) 733-1800 for 24/7 service. We proudly serve Syosset, Lake Grove, and surrounding areas. We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster.

What Does It Take To Defeat Mold Spreading Through A Hotel?

7/27/2022 (Permalink)

If mold is left unchecked, it can spread very quickly. Contact our IICRC certified mold damage remediation team for an assessment today.

SERVPRO Helps Perform Mold Remediation in Hicksville Hotels with the Seriousness it Deserves.

You may be concerned, and with good reason, that guests would shun your hotel or cut short visits when they discover there is mold. Once you notice mold in a few sections of your facility, it is likely to spread fast to other areas if you do not take remedial action. SERVPRO helps hotel proprietors in Hicksville get ahead of the situation before it worsens.

What Aspect Is Most Helpful For Mold Remediation In Hicksville?

An abundance of skills is perhaps the most helpful thing because mold remediation in Hicksville requires a multipronged approach to ensure lasting results. When you engage SERVPRO, you have immediate access to certified technicians in several fields, including:

• Applied Microbial Remediation Specialists
• Upholstery and Fabric Cleaning Technicians
• Water Damage Restoration Technicians
• Odor Control Technicians
• Applied Structural Drying Technicians

How Widespread Does Mold Remediation Have To Be?

You may notice mold only in a few sections of your hotel, such as areas close to the showers. However, the infestation is likely to affect more areas. Therefore, the removal process involves more than just cleaning the few areas where you notice mold spots. Our SERVPRO technicians take different actions, including: 

• Tracing the mold growth all over your property
• Checking humidity levels within the hotel
• Removing mold residues and affected materials
• Drying wet areas

Mold can thrive in concealed spaces such as wall or ceiling cavities before it exhibits signs on the surfaces. When our technicians take moisture and humidity readings, we can tell the areas are likely to be infested. Then we open small, 4-inch holes for further inspection or use borescopes to confirm the presence of mold. In carpeted areas, we lift the carpet to inspect the underside and tack strip.  

After identifying all the moldy areas, we perform controlled demolition to remove heavily infested porous materials and use various cleaning approaches to remove moldy residues from surfaces. 

A seemingly minor mold issue may be the tip of the iceberg. Call SERVPRO of Hicksville / Plainview at (516) 733-1800 to help deal with any level of damage "Like it never even happened."

What is the Best Way to Dry Your Hicksville Hospital?

6/27/2022 (Permalink)

Water damage in your hosiptal? Call SERVPRO for fast remediation.

Assessing Drying Needs for a Hicksville Hospital 

Every water loss incident in Hicksville is not the same. However, they all share one similar characteristic – the first two days are the most critical for recovery and property protection. This fact is especially true when speaking of your area hospital. With hundreds of employees and patients at any given time in the facility, even minor water damage incidents can have a dramatic ripple effect that impacts the entire structure. Our professionals have premier equipment and products to quickly address your hospital's drying needs. 

Water damage in Hicksville medical centers must get addressed immediately for multiple reasons. You cannot predict how even elevated humidity levels can affect unwell patients in the building. Prolonged exposure degrades and deteriorates construction materials and leaves your facility and property management corporation open to lawsuits from affected individuals. 

Your hospital strives to stay as technologically advanced as possible and replace many of the traditional tools and devices of the medical professional with electronic and digital versions. Unfortunately, these new tools are more susceptible to standing water or spiked relative humidity levels – which can negate your investment as these units become unusable or damaged. This threat makes slowing the migration of water effects a priority for our SERVPRO team arriving at your facility. 

Because water loss incidents vary in size and severity, the best approach to dry these effects varies too. In some situations, air movers and dehumidifiers can address mild moisture concerns. In contrast, other conditions require light wand extraction and rapid drying techniques after establishing drying zones with plastic sheeting barriers. Whether it is a situation that we can address by extensive cleanup or a problem that requires monitoring over several days as our drying tools continually work, we can make these water losses "Like it never even happened." 

When you are contending with a water loss incident, you might not always have the time or luxury to depend on your custodial staff to take care of the situation. Our SERVPRO of Hicksville / Plainview team can respond quickly, helping to clear up most water loss scenarios in as little as 72 hours. Give us a call today at (516) 733-1800. 

Helpful Tips During Fire Restoration at a Hicksville Home

6/27/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO offers fast and efficient removal of smoke residue, ash, soot, and other unwanted debris after a fire.

Handling Fire Damage after Incidents in Hicksville

Fires can happen anywhere and anytime, impacting a variety of items and surfaces. The cause of these fires varies from electrical overload on dated wiring to grease fires while cooking. The damage could be extensive as smoke and soot travel further than flames reaching every corner of your Hicksville house. The damages need to be repaired, and the smoke odor eliminated.

Fire restoration professionals in Hicksville should offer fast and efficient removal of smoke residue, ash, soot, and other unwanted debris after a fire. At SERVPRO, we can quickly and accurately identify the areas of your home that have been damaged. Our teams give you an idea of items and building materials to be restored and which ones need replacement. We also commuicate with your insurance company to develop a friendly solution.

Restoration Services May Include:

• Removing smoke and soot residues from the floors, walls, and furniture
• Removing smoke and soot odors from furniture, clothing, and draperies
• Using professional products to eliminate odors

Cleaning Soot Off Wood Surfaces

Even a small blaze produces a significant amount of smoke and soot. Soot clings to surfaces and items and is acidic. So it leaves thick black stains on almost anything. In certain cases, it is possible to salvage items that have been affected by fire, including kitchen cabinets that are still intact but covered in soot and charred a little. Before cleaning, SERVPRO crews remove contents from affected areas to avert additional damage. Also, our teams determine whether the soot stain is powdery or oily. This helps us choose the right cleaner for the situation.

Cleaning Resources

• Vacuum
• A dry, soft-bristled brush
• Chemical Sponges
• Wood oil soaps

SERVPRO of Hicksville / Plainview understands what you are going through and approaches your situation with compassion while performing the task at hand. For help with fire restoration, call us at (516) 733-1800. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Our Team Is Prepared to Handle Quick Removal of Flood Damage In Hicksville

6/27/2022 (Permalink)

When you are faced with storm damage do no hesitate to call our experts. We are here for you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Extreme Weather Increases the Risk of Contaminated Water Flood Damage in Hicksville

Heavy precipitation and high winds expose residential properties in Hicksville to catastrophic water loss. Some of the risks come from overland “flash floods,” but additional concerns arise from the wind ripping off roofs or uprooting trees and blowing debris that breaks windows and shred siding, allowing water inside. Regardless of how it happens, storms can result in significant quantities of water spreading through your home.

We can help with flood damage in Hicksville. Our team of hard-working employees can manage everything from tarping and board-ups to water removal and structural drying to cleanup and disinfection. Experienced project managers assess the situation, developing a comprehensive plan to remove the water, dry the structure, and clean and disinfect the soiled surfaces.

Our SERVPRO crews are familiar with restoration best practices, including containing Category 2 and 3 water filling your home during flooding. Overland flood waters are contaminated, filled with debris and residues from roads, fields, backed-up sewers, and other potentially hazardous items, making cleanup a job for professionals. Technicians don personal protective equipment (PPE) during flood remediation and rely on intensive training to collect and contain the tainted water, disposing of it according to local regulations.

Water that comes into your home because of exterior storm damage starts out relatively clean but picks up debris as it drains from top to bottom. Quick removal helps limit the contamination, but even a one or two-day wait to extract the water permits mold spores, household dirt, and pathogens to spread. SERVPRO workers also are on the lookout for signs of contamination. The excess water can mix with household chemicals. It can also cause a backup of your sewer pipes because of the stress on the local system.

If we determine the floodwater we manage after the storm is contaminated, we ensure a thorough cleanup and disinfection of the spaces affected. SERVPRO uses EPA-registered disinfectants to reduce the prevalence of bacteria, fungi, viruses, and other pathogens. Comprehensive structural drying also must be completed before we consider the project finished.

Rely on SERVPRO of Hicksville / Plainview for help with the challenges of flood damage after storms strike. Our phone at (516) 733-1800 is answered 24/7.

Our Water Loss Experts Can Save Your Department Store In Hicksville

5/24/2022 (Permalink)

Give our SERVPRO of Hicksville / Plainview team a call anytime at (516) 733-1800.

Restoring Water Loss in a Hicksville Department Store

It has been said that you cannot plan for accidents, but that does not mean that you cannot have a plan in place to know what to do when disasters strike your Hicksville department store. Even without putting the stock and inventory at risk, a water loss incident coming from the employee restroom can become a situation that must get quickly contained. Aging fixtures can break or get mishandled, causing a scenario where substantial water loss occurs until the maintenance team can shut down the supply valve to the bathroom.

Though you do not have the bulk of available merchandise in this back area where employees take breaks and convene, water removal in your Hicksville department store must begin immediately to reduce costly and irreparable damages. Our professionals have a fast response to these emergencies, which can work to allow your employees to get back to using this private bathroom and break area as promptly as possible.

One of the advantages of the traditional building materials of the warehouse portion of your department store is that the floors are typically finished concrete. As this material has a severely low porosity, clearing up even standing water on this surface should not be challenging with the appropriate extraction tools like wet-vacs.

Directly exposed materials like the furniture in the breakroom, the vanity in the employee restroom, drywall, and wood trim all can become too saturated to save. Depending on the length of time submerged in water or directly exposed, drying out specific elements can become impossible once warping and distortion have started. We have a crew of licensed general contractors that can work alongside our water restoration professionals to repair the plumbing but also oversee and perform controlled demolition of overly damaged structural elements.

It is our business to keep you in business. Though this loss incident might only affect your employee area in the back of the store, it is essential to address it quickly and thoroughly. Give our SERVPRO of Hicksville / Plainview team a call at (516) 733-1800.

You Can Count On Our Experts To Restore Your Syosset Home After A Fire

5/24/2022 (Permalink)

One step at a time we keep our customers informed to lighten the stressful burden they already bear after a fire disaster.

Fire Damage in Syosset? We Understand Your Emotions, and We are Here to Help

Customers often share their thoughts about the fire that engulfed their house or apartment as our SERVPRO technicians begin to move furniture back in and help families unpack boxes. Most everyone remarks about the shock from any level of destruction and that their family is blessed because no one was injured. As they go through the cleanup process, they share their experience of coming to grips with knowing their lives can go on, no matter how bad the losses.

In the hamlet of Syosset, we specialize in fire damage and water restoration. SERVPRO has trained professionals to work neatly and efficiently to help you begin regaining control of your property almost immediately after the firefighters leave. As you recover emotionally after a residential fire, our advanced training in the cleanup process, experience in eliminating smoke and fire damage, and the use of specialized equipment help us restore your property quickly.

We are available to respond to you any time —24/7/365 —including all holidays. When you call, our representative asks you a series of questions regarding the fire damage event that helps us dispatch our technicians to your home with the appropriate equipment and resources to handle:

• Fire & Smoke Restoration
• Odor Control
• Upholstery & Fabric Cleaning
• Water Damage Restoration

Within four hours of your call, a trained, uniformed and equipped SERVPRO professional meets with you at your fire-damaged home. We walk you through the fire damage restoration process and stay in touch with you throughout the project. You can count on us to preserve and protect, stop further damage from occurring, and restore damaged items to their initial condition when possible.

Customers often mention that before they hired us, they could not imagine their home ever looking the same after the fire. We respond that we love what we do because we help you at what can be one of the worst times in your life.

You can count on SERVPRO of Hicksville / Plainview to be there for you if you ever have fire damage. We take our promise seriously to return your home to its pre-damaged condition and make things "Like it never even happened." To learn more, contact us at (516) 733-1800.

Water Damage Repair in Hicksville

5/24/2022 (Permalink)

All you need is SERVPRO for all your water damage needs.

Call SERVPRO For Your Hicksville Area Water Recovery

Water damage to your home is not only an inconvenience, but it can also be a scary experience. In addition to the hassle of cleaning up, you never know if you’ll be able to restore your home to its previous state.

Call SERVPRO to help with your Hicksville residence water mitigation and restoration. We shall get your home back to normal as quickly as possible and make it look “Like it never even happened.” We specialize in restoring your home. We have highly trained technicians who use advanced water removal techniques and drying equipment standing by to take your call.

How Does SERVPRO Do It?

Our top priority is to remove water as quickly as possible. We have technicians available to begin the mitigation without hours. By removing the water before it has a chance to cause severe damage, we can focus on restoring your water-damaged structural components instead of replacing them. Even when water is not removed immediately, our proven process can mitigate the damage.

Some of Our Equipment

• Portable wet vacs – These are used to suck up all standing water
• Wands engineered for carpet and hardwood water extraction.
• Air movers – These enhance evaporation, reducing the overall dry time.
• Dehumidification equipment – This is used to remove excess moisture from the air.
• Moisture sensors and meters are used to determine the moisture content in various materials. We compare these readings to unaffected materials within the environment--the baseline level.

All this equipment allows technicians to ensure your home is dry and back to normal as soon as possible. Repair work can only begin once the restoration completes.

Call SERVPRO of Hicksville / Plainview at (516) 733-1800 for your water damage emergency.

A Leaky Industrial Dishwasher Can Leave Your Cafe in Need of Local Hicksville Water Removal Services

4/25/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Hicksville / Plainview is ready to roll to your business for water damage restoration.

SERVPRO is Ready to Remove Water from Your Business

As a business owner of any kind, needing to close your doors and call for professional water removal services is never desirable for your shop. Running a cafe without a dishwasher is practically impossible. The entire purpose of your business is to provide a place for people to eat light foods and drink coffee, tea, and smoothies. It can be hard to give people food and beverages without dishes, so you need to reach out for help as soon as possible. 

When you closed up your cafe during the night, with the last load of dishes running, you did not expect to need to call for local Hicksville water removal services. Upon arriving in the morning and setting out to do your usual prep for the day, you found a puddle of water on your kitchen floor near your dishwasher. Unsure of how long the water was sitting, you knowingly got on the phone and called for help. Calling for professional assistance is the best thing you can do to help reverse any water damage that may have happened. Remember, whenever you find water damage on your property, never hesitate to get help. 

Here at SERVPRO, we know how valuable your time is as a business owner. Every moment that the water is inside your kitchen is another moment you're losing business. For this reason, we build our schedule around yours. Whenever you need us, our Water Damage Restoration Technicians (WRT) are ready to travel to your location as soon as possible. At SERVPRO, our technicians are excellently trained, we use advanced technology to fight water damage, and We're Faster To Any Size Disaster. 

When our WRT arrive at your cafe, they can get to work immediately, bringing in wet/dry vacuums to remove the standing water. While they work, some of our other technicians can check the dishwasher for any signs of rusting. Furthermore, they can check to ensure that the water did not short the dishwasher out. Should it no longer work, SERVPRO can help you file a claim with your insurance adjuster. Finally, our technicians can check for water damage and apply the proper remedy, using devices like dehumidifiers, heaters, and axial fans. 

If something goes wrong on your property and causes water damage, never wait. Get in touch with SERVPRO of Hicksville / Plainview by calling (516) 733-1800. No matter the time, we're always ready to help. 

Smoke Residue Removal Strategies for Fire Damaged Syosset Homes

4/25/2022 (Permalink)

Smoke residue is hard to remove. Call SERVPRO for fast, effective fire damage restoration.

How to Eliminate Smoke Residues After Fire Damage in Your Syosset Home

Any size fire can produce significant smoke, leaving soot and unpleasant smells that can penetrate carpets, clothing, upholstery, and other materials. After a fire loss, you can hire fire restoration experts from SERVPRO to help you deal with the problem. Our technicians can use different techniques to restore your home to normal, depending on the extent of the damage.

The fire damage in your Syosset home may include soot, smoke, and ash residues even in the rooms that the flames did not ruin. If you let the residues remain in the house for a long time, removing them can be more difficult. Soot can cause discoloration of clothing, draperies, walls, and ceilings the longer it stays without being removed. It can also discolor plastics and appliance finishes. Windows and glass surfaces may etch, and you may have to replace them.

Restoring your home after a fire requires special tools, enough workforce, and proper cleaning techniques. SERVPRO has the resources and skills needed to deal with soot damage. Our Fire & Smoke Damage Restoration Technicians (FSRTs) can assess the extent of smoke damage and inform you what we can do to bring your home back to its original condition.

Our technicians can use several strategies to clean up your home. We can pre-clean the affected areas through vacuuming or dry brushing to eliminate lingering dirt and ash. Our crew can then use general surface cleaners to wet-clean various surfaces such as appliances, painted walls, ceilings, hard surface furniture, countertops, plastics, and paneling. The alkalinity of general surface cleaners is low enough, and these products do not ruin semi-gloss interior paint.

We can effectively eliminate smoke residues from your home's interior and exterior surfaces. The fire may have severely ruined some structures in your home, such that it is impossible to restore them to the preloss state. Our restorers can dispose of the items that the flames have charred or heat has blistered. To eliminate odors, our technicians can use thermal foggers and air scrubbers.

We provide off-site restoration services for severely ruined contents. We offer move-out services, which involve removing affected items from the home and taking them to our facilities for complete smoke damage restoration. We return the items to a home after the restoration process. Regardless of the smoke damage cleanup services you need, we can coordinate with your insurer to minimize stress and provide you with peace of mind.

If you need to remove smoke residues after a fire loss in your Hicksville, Plainview, or Woodbury home, call SERVPRO of Hicksville / Plainview at (516) 733-1800 for prompt restoration. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.

How to Deal with Mold Damage in Your Hicksville Home

4/25/2022 (Permalink)

Did you locate mold in your home? Our SERVPRO techs are trained and equipped to remediate the damage.

Trust SERVPRO to Handle the Mold Damage in Your Hicksville Home

Mold can cause health effects, and if left unchecked, it spreads to the entire house in no time, risking the structural integrity and tampering with the aesthetic appeal of a home.

These reasons are why you should contact SERVPRO to perform mold damage remediation in your Hicksville residence. It is advisable to contact us as soon as you detect it so that we can carry out a proper diagnosis of the situation and perform swift and effective remediation. Our process follows these steps:

• Assessment
• Isolation
• Removing contaminated materials
• Cleaning

Assessment

Our IICRC trained SERVPRO team can thoroughly inspect the mold and use moisture meters to perform a moisture survey. Moisture meters have a significant sensory pad, and they emit electromagnetic signals to measure how much moisture is present in the material that restorers are testing, such as wood. Locating hidden moisture sources ensures that mold does not return once we clean the area.

Isolation

After taking care of the source of moisture, we can use plastic sheeting to isolate the area affected by mold to prevent the spores from quickly spreading. We can also use a HEPA-filtered air scrubber to remove all the mold spores suspended in the air.

Removing Contaminated Materials

Our SERVPRO technicians can remove the materials that mold has affected, such as insulation and drywall, double-bag them, and dispose of them carefully. We also remove materials like fabrics and carpets that have had mold exposure and then conduct micro-cleaning on home contents to clean up mold spores that have settled on them.

Cleaning

Our SERVPRO restorers can spray a biocide, a mold killer, on the mold colony to sterilize it before commencing the clean-up of mold spores using HEPA vacuums and damp-wiping of surfaces.

SERVPRO of Hicksville / Plainview can restore your residence after a mold infestation to make it seem "Like it never even happened." Contact us at (516) 733-1800.

We Have The Proper Techniques To Restore Your Hicksville Home After A Fire Disaster

3/21/2022 (Permalink)

A fire can destroy your home quickly, and our experts are here to pick up the pieces.

Types of Fire Damage Cleaning Methods Used in Hicksville Homes

When we mitigate fire damage in a home, the training our technicians undergo teaches them the best practices for restoring home structures and contents through different cleaning methods. Our goal is to always assist homeowners in saving as much as possible to help them avoid costly replacements for possessions. 

After arriving on-site to a Hicksville living room with fire damage, our technicians immediately set up containment using heavy plastic over doorways and vents to limit the spread of soot in the rest of the property. We then pre-tested belongings in the room to determine which had the potential for restoration to a pre-fire condition through cleaning. 

Our certified Fire and Smoke Damage Restoration Technicians use several different types of cleaning methods depending on the surface or object, such as: 

• Dry Cleaning-our technicians use this type of sponge to pick up light residues or pretreatment before wet cleaning.
• Wet Cleaning-used when we need to lift heavy residues off surfaces. 
• Foam Cleaning-normally used by our technicians to clean upholstered items that have the potential to shrink or bleed if we apply wet cleaning methods.
• Abrasive Cleaning-used for stubborn or stuck on residues and removal via light scrubbing or, in some cases, an agent such as soda blasting.
• Immersion Cleaning-used for deep cleaning non-porous items by dipping them entirely into a cleansing agent.

The homeowner had a concern regarding his large television and was pleased to find out electronics in the room may not be a fire loss. We did not test it and advised him not to turn on the television as consumer electronics damaged in a fire can be a shock hazard. Smoke residues contain acids that corrode metal surfaces, and exposure can damage devices beyond repair. During fire damage mitigation, our SERVPRO team coordinated with a qualified electronics technician regarding the restoration potential of his television and a laptop computer to determine the restorability of the devices for the homeowner.

SERVPRO of Hicksville / Plainview has the training and expertise to mitigate any fire damage in your home. Call us 24/7 at (516) 733-1800. Our emergency response team will arrive on-site soon after your call because We're Faster to Any Size Disaster.

The Areas Most Damaged by Flooding in Hicksville Homes

3/21/2022 (Permalink)

We aim to restore your _property_ as quickly as possible, “Like it never even happened.”

Professionals Work Fast to Restore Hicksville Properties After Flood Damage 

It is important to realize how catastrophic flood damage can be to a home, in certain areas are more susceptible to wear and degradation than others. When floodwater enters your property, certain spaces could be at risk.

Flooring Materials

One of the areas most directly impacted by the flood damage in Hicksville homes or businesses is the flooring materials. When intruding flood water enters the property, it comes to rest on the flooring that ultimately absorbs it if the floor is porous enough. Some of the susceptible types include:

• Hardwood
• Engineered Wood
• Carpets
• Vinyl Plank

Wall and Ceiling Systems 

Migrating moisture within the house can impact wall assemblies and structural cavities. When standing water persists in openings between walls or the house's exterior, this prolonged saturation and absorption into porous materials results in the degradation of building elements.

Attics

Storm damages are often an attributing factor to flood effects entering the home. When flooding occurs in the attic space, this is a direct result of damage to the roof by storm or ice event. When the water reaches the inside of your home, it can spread quickly to the lower levels without prompt action.

Basements

The basement is one of the most regularly damaged areas of homes on account of flooding. Gravity plays a significant part in helping water find its way to the property's lowest level, and structural openings like port windows become entry points for intruding floodwater during events like flash flooding. We utilize several extraction and drying tools to help recover damaged basements.

While flooding can impact multiple areas of your home, certain spots are more susceptible to penetration and standing water than others. Our professionals are aware of the most sensitive zones of your property and work to address flood damage in these areas as quickly as possible. Our SERVPRO of Hicksville / Plainview roster is ready to help anytime when you call (516) 733-1800.

Why Fast Remediation is Necessary After Hicksville Flood Damage

3/21/2022 (Permalink)

The clock is ticking after water damage occurs

What Professional Water Damage Remediation Delivers in Hicksville

When your Hicksville home suffers from water damage, you might consider trying to manage the aftermath on your own. Whether your motivation is to avoid disruption or save money, it is likely that skipping an expert assessment and refusing a skilled response increases the time and money required to recover from the water loss. Our highly-qualified technicians and experienced managers have the skills to return your home to pre-damaged condition fast.

Once water damage is evident in your Hicksville abode, the clock is ticking. Water is corrosive, damaging structural components and contents immediately and progressively. Moisture that remains can accelerate mold and mildew growth. A solo householder's effort to remove the water and dry out the house and possessions cannot complete the tasks needed quickly enough to avoid expensive repairs in the long term. 

SERVPRO scales our response to your water emergency after we complete a thorough assessment. We understand that mold growth takes hold after just 24 to 48 hours, so we make sure to plan a water removal and structural drying schedule within that time frame. Our service vehicles arrive stocked with water extractors and pumps, as well as the air movers, heaters, and dehumidifiers needed for drying out your home. 

Our technicians complete IICRC training in water removal, structural drying, and moisture measurement and monitoring. SERVPRO uses sensitive moisture meters and thermal scanners to isolate hidden caches of water and heavily saturated building materials. We master techniques to move water from porous items like walls and wood trim into the air, where we capture the vapor for disposal.

Since floors often take the brunt of water damage, SERVPRO provides comprehensive hardwood and other flooring moisture mitigation training to our crews. Innovative equipment like floor drying mats uses negative air pressure technology to suction water from several layers of flooring in one treatment. Just mopping or using a consumer shop vac leaves significant amounts of moisture under and between the planks of hardwood floors.

SERVPRO of Hicksville / Plainview offers homeowners the speed and full-spectrum services needed to remediate water damage rapidly. Halt the progressive damage fast by calling (516) 733-1800 to schedule a consultation.

Fire Restoration in Hicksville Restaurants Is Quick with SERVPRO

2/11/2022 (Permalink)

Make sure that your patrons don’t find a new place for their celebrations by calling SERVPRO should your restaurant suffer from a fire. Call 24/7.

How can a SERVPRO help Hicksville restaurateurs with fire damage restoration?

A fire incident in a restaurant can have a huge impact on the business in terms of time lost and repair costs. If the fire damage restoration of your Hicksville restaurant is not undertaken promptly, the effects of smoke and soot can cause significant losses.  

Cleaning the various kitchen appliances to preloss condition is one of the biggest challenges for SERVPRO techs during fire damage restoration of your Hicksville eatery. Kitchen appliances in a restaurant are usually made from various materials, including metal, stainless steel, paint, plastic, and Formica. Fortunately, most of these materials are resistant to water, and SERVPRO techs can use wet cleaning methods to remove smoke and soot particles. 

How do SERVPRO techs clean kitchen appliances after smoke damage in Hicksville properties? 

The difficulty of cleaning smoke residues increases if heavy and greasy soils are present. SERVPRO techs use two approaches to clean appliance surfaces after heavy smoke damage-   

• Aggressive cleaning with an alkaline cleaner: Alkaline cleaners are one of the best ways to remove oily and sticky soils from metallic surfaces. The alkalinity loses the bonds between the soil and metal surfaces, making it easy for SERVPRO techs to remove the residue. 
• Aggressive cleaning with an abrasive cleaner: SERVPRO techs use abrasive cleaners when heat from the fire has caused yellowing of the surface of an appliance. After applying the cleaner, the techs use a "0000" steel wool pad to scrub the surface in a circular motion lightly. 

Caring for electrical components

As most appliances in a commercial kitchen are powered by electricity, the SERVPRO techs need to exercise caution while cleaning them. Appliances contaminated by soot or smoke are first cleaned and then checked or serviced by an authorized electronic service technician.

Call SERVPRO of Hicksville / Plainview at (516) 733-1800 to talk to our representatives for further assistance.

SERVPRO is Among Premier Water Restoration Companies in Plainview

2/4/2022 (Permalink)

Ceiling leaks quickly become visible as they continue to damage your home. Call our certified SERVPRO water restoration technicians for services.

How can water restoration companies like SERVPRO protect Plainview homes?

Water issues like burst pipes and ceiling leaks can have a lasting impact on your property if not handled promptly. After such incidents, water restoration companies like SERVPRO can prevent long-term damage to your Plainview home. Our IICRC certified technicians have years of experience, and We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster, making SERVPRO one of the most trusted names in water damage remediation.  

With state-of-the-art equipment and tools in its arsenal, SERVPRO is one of the few water restoration companies in Plainview to handle any size disaster. Once the techs assess the situation, they design a tailor-made restoration plan for the situation at hand. SERVPRO techs use moisture detection devices, extraction equipment, air movers, and dehumidifiers. 

Why are air movers so effective during water damage restoration in Plainview? 

SERVPRO techs use air movers at your Plainview property to enhance evaporation at the surface level and reduce the drying time. Air movers are strategically positioned to create airflow across all wet surfaces.  

• If the lower portions of the walls are wet, SERVPRO techs position air movers to create a vortex of circular airflow. 
• Several air movers are positioned close to each other at an angle between 15-450 to maintain the airflow in a circular vortex pattern. 
• Technicians place one air mover for every 10-16 linear feet along the walls for effective drying. 

What safety precautions do SERVPRO techs take while using air movers?

The two most important safety precautions that SERVPRO techs take while using air movers include –

• Make sure that the air inlets are not blocked 
• Make sure that all air movers have their safety screens in place 

Call SERVPRO of Hicksville / Plainview at (516) 733-1800 for water damage repairs.  

Need Help with Water Damage in Your Hicksville Home? Call SERVPRO

1/30/2022 (Permalink)

Quick action is required to tackle the water cleanup needs in your home. Contact our certified technicians for a custom water damage remediation plan.

Hicksville homeowners trust SERVPRO for water damage restoration

Ignoring water damage to your Hicksville home can prove costly. Not only can water create a breeding ground for microbial contamination, but it can also slowly cause structural damage to your home. 

SERVPRO's IICRC certified techs have the experience, training, and equipment to help you control the extent of water damage to your Hicksville property. Once our techs are at your property, they use special equipment to scan for the damage and prepare an action plan. The restoration involves creating conditions that speed up the drying process. SERVPRO techs accomplish this task by using dehumidifiers and air movers. 

What is the role of air movers in water cleanup from Hicksville homes? 

Controlling the airflow is one of the most important tools during water damage repair of your Hicksville home. In most drying situations, the faster the airflow across a wet surface, the quicker is the drying rate. SERVPRO techs use air movers to increase the airflow by placing them strategically throughout the affected area. Air movers increase the rate of drying in two ways-

• Help remove the boundary layer: Boundary layer is a thin layer of cold air saturated with water vapor close to the drying surface, slowing down further evaporation. Strategically placed air movers can remove this layer and replace it with warmer, drier air. 
• Circulating dehumidified air: For drying to be fast and effective, the dry and warm air from dehumidifiers must be distributed throughout the structure. Air movers can precisely do this by creating a circular vortex, thereby reducing the humidity ratio of the air. 

Call SERVPRO of Hicksville / Plainview at (516) 733-1800; we are available round-the-clock to assist you.

Reasons to Hire Mold Removal Companies in Hicksville

1/14/2022 (Permalink)

Mold damage remediation services by SERVPRO are second to none. We will be on-site within 4 hours of the initial call.

Reputable Mold Removal Companies in Hicksville Like SERVPRO Can Restore Your Property Efficiently

When a water intrusion incident occurs in a house due to roof leaks, construction defects, plumbing leaks, substandard materials, and appliance malfunctions, mold can grow. Mold can cause health issues for anyone living in your home. You, therefore, need to remediate it as soon as you spot it. Our SERVPRO technicians can assess the mold damage and take steps to remediate it.

As one of the reputed mold removal companies in Hicksville, we understand the nature of mold spores, the suitable conditions for mold infestation, and how to remediate it. A successful remediation process typically prevents mold from returning.

Our Mold Remediation Process

Despite what caused the mold infestation in your residence, our SERVPRO mold remediation experts have a solution to take care of the problem. This process may include:

• Using antimicrobial and antifungal treatments to remediate mold.
• Removing mold spores from the air through filtering, capturing, and scrubbing.
• Cleaning and deodorizing affected structures and contents.
• Repairing the damaged areas of your home.

Our restorers usually perform a visual examination to determine the extent of the damage that mold growth has caused. Mold feeds off moisture, and therefore, our technicians repair any leaks during the first phases of the mold remediation process.

Our SERVPRO mold cleanup specialists use various devices to ensure proper testing of the levels of moisture in the home. We can use penetrating moisture meters to detect the moisture content of building materials like wood, brick, carpet, and concrete. These moisture meters operate on the principle of electrical conductivity by penetrating the materials we are testing. The presence of moisture influences the electrical conductivity of the material between the probes. The electrical conductivity is measured and displayed on a digital or analog readout.

Our SERVPRO restorers also clean the damaged materials to deal with mold. We can remove and replace extensively damaged materials.

If you need mold cleanup services, call SERVPRO of Hicksville / Plainview at (516) 733-1800. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.

How to Perform Fire Damage Restoration in Plainview

1/6/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO fire damage restoration specialists use the latest technology and equipment for every size of disaster.

Homeowners Should Hire SERVPRO to Conduct Fire Damage Restoration in their Plainview Homes

A fire's damage on a property is often severe, and dealing with it can be daunting. You do not need to face this significant task alone. The right way to handle it is to contact a reliable restoration firm like SERVPRO. Since we understand how traumatic a fire event in your residence can be, we work hard to deliver high-quality services and make the fire repair process efficient and quick.

We have the expertise and equipment required to perform fire damage restoration in your Plainview residence. After a fire, air quality diminishes. Therefore, some of the equipment that our SERVPRO team uses during the fire restoration process is designed to clean the air. For example, we can use air scrubbers to achieve this. They are portable filtration systems that seize airborne particles. They have upright-type cabinet designs, high-efficiency backward-curved blowers, and high rpm motors. Air scrubbers also have HEPA filters that help remove 99.97 percent of airborne particles.

SERVPRO uses various methods to remove smoke residues from affected surfaces. For instance, we can use agitation to dislodge or free soils. This means moving the surfaces we are cleaning, moving the cleaning solutions of moving both. After the bond between a surface and soil is broken, the soils are washed away. The methods we can use to agitate during cleaning include:

• Air pressure
• Water pressure
• Scrubbing
• Rotating brushes
• Sandblasting
• Wiping

Burnt items also usually leave foul odors in a home. Our SERVPRO technicians can use ultra-low volume (ULV) foggers to deodorize your residence. These devices work by vaporizing solvent-based deodorizers. They use large volumes of air at lower pressure to convert liquids into droplets, which may be dispersed into the atmosphere.

If you need fire restoration services, call SERVPRO of Hicksville / Plainview at (516) 733-1800. We can make the fire damage seem, "Like it never even happened."

Causes of Water Damage for Hicksville Properties this Winter

12/29/2021 (Permalink)

When the elements cause damage to your home, SERVPRO storm damage restoration techs are the team for you. Call now for fast and immediate service.

Hicksville homeowners should prepare for possible winter water damage with direct preventative measures.

As the winter settles in, homeowners can begin to see where some of their property's defenses against environmental conditions fall short. For example, when insulation is insufficient, several possible water damage situations can result.

What Are the Main Concerns of Winter Property Damage?

There are many unique circumstances like frozen pipes and ice damming Hicksville homes can experience during the winter months. Knowing what to expect can help you take more preventative measures to protect your property.

• Burst Pipes – Direct cold exposure to vulnerable pipes can freeze standing water inside. As it expands, becoming a solid, the possibilities of a line rupture increase rapidly. 
• Ice Damming – When ice forms along the edges of a roof, snowmelt can be forced back underneath roofing materials to flood an attic space. 
• Roof Damage – Heavy snow and even the weight of snow and ice on trees and limbs can prove destructive to an aging roof suffering the elements. 
• Flooding - Flooding threatens area homes when ice jams up a flowing river and forces water over the banks. 

How Is SERVPRO Here to Help?

People in the area have grown to trust in the reliable name of SERVPRO when disasters strike. Water damage during the winter months can worsen, especially with direct exposure to freezing conditions. From our fast water removal services to clear standing water from the house to thorough evaporative drying, we can make water damage "Like it never even happened."

The possibilities of winter water damage cannot be undersold for area homes and businesses. Extreme conditions like cold snaps find vulnerabilities in the property like under-insulated pipes and plumbing. Our experienced SERVPRO of Hicksville / Plainview team can work fast to limit the damage these events can cause while restoring the house. Call us today at (516) 733-1800. 

How Quickly Can Storm Water Threaten Plainview Basements?

12/13/2021 (Permalink)

Mitigating storm damage is no easy task. Leave the hard work for SERVPRO and their techs. Storm damage mitigatio0n is a job for us. Call now!

 The pace of water damage requires fast mitigation services for Plainview properties.

Mitigating the loss to your home after a severe weather event and subsequent stormwater infiltration requires the fast response of our experienced restoration team. With pre-stocked trailers and production vehicles, we can quickly implement emergency services where disasters occur.

Structural Damage from Infiltration

Stormwater mitigation in Plainview homes begins with determining how moisture enters the basement in the first place. Severe weather conditions can leave flooding in the region, and lower-lying homes become susceptible to water pressure against potentially vulnerable foundation materials. The structure can quickly become impacted by prolonged moisture damage, leading to a need for repair in specific areas like:

• Flooring supports
• Foundation walls
• Finished wall assemblies

Standing Water Threats for the Basement

Fast mitigation services often hinge on water removal. Stormwater infiltration into the basement can quickly allow for water pooling on the floors, making extraction one of the vital services we must implement as soon as possible. Any standing water presents threads to exposed building materials and contents.

Mold Damage Threats

Mold is one of the underlying threats with persistent moisture in the basement level of your damaged home. Without quickly clearing surface water concerns and drying this lower space of your property, the moist conditions present the ideal environment for mold organism development.

Storm damage and flooding can be a rapidly worsening situation in areas like the basement. To counteract these effects and to protect the property from more substantial harm, our SERVPRO of Hicksville / Plainview team responds fast with mitigation solutions to help. We are ready to mobilize after storm losses 24/7 at (516) 733-1800.

Direct Water Removal Solutions for Carpeted Hicksville Offices

12/9/2021 (Permalink)

Commercial damage restoration is a service for SERVPRO. We have the manpower and equipment for every size disaster.

Specific tools can provide prompt extraction and efficient drying for Hicksville businesses.

A simple water damage incident can have far-reaching effects on your facility and its employees. All of these scenarios are met with the same urgency, as our SERVPRO team responds fast to disasters of all sizes. Drying is often the most needed, which involves:

• Air movers
• Desiccant dehumidifiers
• Portable heaters
• Positive pressure systems

However, before much of this drying can occur, our SERVPRO team must eliminate surface water threats to materials like carpeted floors. Hicksville retail water-damaged properties benefit from rapid water removal and restoration. Let’s keep the doors open for business.

Carpet Wands on Extraction Units

Deep extraction tools like high-powered carpet wands are highly efficient in removing considerable trapped water from carpeting throughout the office building. Because they attach to portable extractors like wet vacuums, wands can move quickly from one affected space to the next. Once much of the saturation threat has been alleviated, focused drying can begin.

Weighted Extractors

Another one of the common tools used in removing water from carpeted floors in water-damaged buildings is weighted extractors. These units use the mass of operating technicians and their own weight to compress carpeting and additional padding layers against the concrete subflooring material. This motion displaces trapped moisture and forces it to the surface for collection by vacuums.

Floating Glue-Down Carpeting

Another action that our professionals can take with damaged carpeting is to pull up the edges to allow for centrifugal air movers to be placed between the subflooring material and the upper layer of carpeting. Infusing this area with warm air will enable the carpet layer to dry more efficiently and possibly prevent uninstallation and replacement.

Office buildings can be entirely overwhelmed with substantial water disasters, but even smaller loss incidents can have lingering and destructive effects on materials like carpeted floors. Our SERVPRO of Hicksville / Plainview team can help with fast extraction and drying where needed to make it “Like it never even happened.” Give us a call today at (516) 733-1800.

Basic Cleaning Principles for Removing Soot Soils from Hicksville Homes

11/26/2021 (Permalink)

Fire damage restoration is no DIY project. SERVPRO IICRC certified techs are ready at a moment's notice for every size fire damage disaster.

We must utilize a wealth of information to overcome soot damage in Hicksville properties.

Our experience and knowledge of cleaning practices ensure that we choose the right soot removal techniques no matter the affected material or the severity of this damage. Based on the composition of the soot deposits, we have several cleaning and restoration techniques that can help.

Removing Loose Debris and Soils

Among the first steps of soot removal during fire restoration of Hicksville, homes are to rid bulk soils heaped on impacted surfaces. Cleaning up after smoke solids and debris is more effective and efficient when mechanical actions eliminate loose deposits from structural elements and contents. Some of these options include:

• Brushing
• Steel wool scrubbing
• Media blasting
• Compressed air

When Is Dry Cleaning Possible?

Dry cleaning practices are needed when chalky residues exist. High heat fires burn materials more completely, leaving a thinner soil deposit on vertical surfaces and horizontal planes. Chemical sponges and mechanical actions like HEPA vacuuming can remove these threats.

Dissolving vs. Emulsification

When wet cleaning products are used, they typically create a chemical reaction of some type with the residue or soil on the affected surface. In some cases, products like solvents are used for dissolving, a process designed to eliminate oily residues chemically. Emulsification can also be possible, which pulls substances from the surface to wipe them away.

Cleaning up soot and smoke damage in the house after a fire loss can be critical in getting families back home after these disasters. Our SERVPRO of Hicksville / Plainview team has multiple strategies specifically designed to overcome various types of soil deposits and protect underlying materials. Give our professionals a call today at (516) 733-1800.

Are Pumps or Vacuums Better for Water Removal in Hicksville Homes?

11/10/2021 (Permalink)

Our SERVPRO van carries a gas-powered pump for water extraction from Hicksville homes

We have multiple extraction tools to help a range of damages in Hicksville properties.

Extraction tools are a staple of our mitigation response to water damages. While the impact of situations like burst pipes, appliance failures, or ceiling leaks all leave varying degrees of cleanup, we quickly assess the needs of the house and our appropriate response.

Determining the Standing Water Threat

When water removal in Hicksville homes is necessary, several considerations must be made to determine the standing water threat. Some of these include:

• Depth – The severity of the standing water situation begins with an assessment of depth. Several inches or feet of standing water is often too much for portable extraction units and requires a more powerful approach like truck-mount pumps. 
• Contamination – Natural flooding can welcome contaminants, pathogenic threats, and even sewage into the house with the water. 
• Debris and Solids – Natural flooding also often demands an extraction device capable of clearing surface water and floating particles/debris in the pool. 
• Damage Area – The size of the work area is also a consideration. A small vacuum is unsuitable for a vast open space with standing water concerns, but instead, this relies on units like trash pumps and engine-driven extractors. 

The Applications for Wet-Vacuums

Wet vacuums are more ideal when a shallower damage level exists or when the workspace necessary is in a confined or challenging area to reach. The lightweight build of our wet vacuums allows them to be portable solutions that could also be suitable for apartment and office buildings with multiple levels.

Using Submersible Pumps

Our SERVPRO team has multiple submersible pump options beginning with electric submersibles that run on portable power like the trailered generators we supply to job sites. Water removal needs often come after disasters that can sever the electricity, so we also have gas-powered trash pumps and engine-drive truck-mount pumps to help in this process as well.

Our technicians at SERVPRO of Hicksville / Plainview have effective mitigation services to help 24/7 when you call (516) 733-1800.

What Demolition Steps Are Likely After Flooding in Plainview Homes?

11/3/2021 (Permalink)

When storm damage happens in Plainview--the right call is to SERVPRO for cleanup and restoration

Natural flooding can impact specific materials installed in your Plainview residence.

The onset of flooding happens with little warning, and this intrusion of water can destroy certain contents and structural elements exposed. Understanding how certain materials can be impacted by flooding can prepare you for the professional restoration required to make these disasters "Like it never even happened."

Assessing the Scope of the Damage

Our technicians must first assess the flood damage in Plainview homes before work begins. Not only can we determine the need for water removal and extraction in flooded rooms, but also note and catalog the impact of exposure on the staples of modern residential construction like:

• Carpeting
• Drywall
• Hardwood flooring

The Effect on Carpeting

Carpeting is a highly permeable and porous material capable of absorbing high volumes of floodwater. The effects to the upper layer of carpeting can happen shortly after exposure, as the composition weakens and delamination begins. Extraction and drying protect this upper layer, but also the padding and subflooring underneath.

Demolition of Drywall

Sheetrock/gypsum board is another material that is often quickly and thoroughly impacted by intruding water. Often, our technicians can prevent total demolition of drywall paneling with flood cut services. This approach removes several inches or even feet of installed drywall from the base of the wall up to eliminate moist materials and provide access for low-profile drying tools.

How Can SERVPRO Help?

Emergency services and mitigation are necessary elements of flood restoration for your home. Our experienced professionals accredited through the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) provide effective mitigation and cleaning solutions for damaged properties after a flood, including:

• Water removal
• Drying
• Surface cleaning
• Mold prevention

Flooding can be a considerably damaging event for area properties, and as a leading storm damage response team, many look to SERVPRO of Hicksville / Plainview to help when disasters strike. Our team is available 24/7 with powerful mitigation solutions when you call (516) 733-1800.

How Dry Cleaning Is Used to Remove Soot Damage in Hicksville Homes

10/25/2021 (Permalink)

Why SERVPRO for fire damage mitigation in Hicksville? We've the dynamic team, equipment, and products to clean it all, "Like it never even happened."

Dry cleaning methods are popular for removing specific types of smoke damage in Hicksville properties.

Removing soot and smoke residues involves many considerations, such as the composition of these soils and the affected surface materials. As widespread and threatening as such conditions could be, we have several practices to handle soot removal both in dry and wet cleaning varieties.

Pre-Cleaning Actions

Pre-cleaning is one of the favored methods of reducing restoration time for fire damage in Hicksville properties. Pre-cleaning aims to eliminate heaped soils and thick residues before the chosen restoration process gets underway. Some of these options include:

• Vacuuming– This process removes light debris and particles. It is a common method for preparing a surface for more complex and direct cleaning.
• Brushing– This process is ideal for the mechanical needs of cleaning to abrasively dislodge and loosen soils from building materials.
• Airblasting – As a mildly aggressive approach, pressurized air blows away debris and soils on surfaces to leave a material ready for dry cleaning.

Sponge Cleaning of Dry Smoke Damage

Rubber chemical sponges are a common staple for dry-cleaning approaches after a fire. Chalky residues produced by high-heat and rapidly spreading events can leave a thin film of residue on vertical surfaces and ceilings. Chem sponges can remove the soot particles without damaging the underlying surface with harsh chemicals or wet cleaning approaches.

Washable Surfaces and Contents

Depending on the composition of the soot damage, wet cleaning might also be required at the same restoration project. Washable surfaces and contents benefit from these cleaning strategies and powerful products that can balance pH and dissolve stubborn soot.

No matter how fire damage impacts your home, our SERVPRO of Hicksville / Plainview team can help. We are ready 24/7 with effective cleaning strategies and mitigation equipment. Call us today at (516) 733-1800.

Where Can Homeowners Get Prompt Water Restoration Services in Hicksville?

10/17/2021 (Permalink)

No matter the size of water damage restoration is needed for your home. SERVPRO IICRC certified techs are ready at a moment's notice.

Take Immediate Action and Involve SERVPRO for Professional Water Restoration in Hicksville 

When water damage occurs, it can cause havoc on your property and possessions. Leaving the excess water in your property for an extended period can lead to irreversible structural damage. To save money and reduce your worries, immediate action is required. Whether the culprit is a small leak from a broken pipe or an overloaded washing machine, you can involve certified restorers like SERVPRO for remediation services. We are always available to respond to our customer's emergency calls. 

We understand how stressful water damage can be, especially when you have a lot on your mind. If you are looking for a company that can perform water restoration in your Hicksville home or business, we have decades of experience behind us. SERVPRO's water remediation services include:

• Assessing the damage
• Thorough cleanup 
• Devising long-lasting solutions 

You can trust our SERVPRO team to listen to your concerns and address them properly. We aim to provide customers with the best possible experience at SERVPRO. Our team strives to provide lasting results while exceeding expectations. We use advanced technology to speed up the restoration process and get your life back to normal. 

We can use stationary tools to remove water from carpeting and padding using only the weight of the technicians standing on the device. The stationery tools have a vacuum system that pulls water through several tiny holes at the unit's base. We can use centrifugal air movers to hasten the evaporation process to eliminate the moisture that remains after using a stationary tool. Since odors may persist, our SERVPRO restorers can use duct cleaning systems to clean your HVAC system and injection devices to apply effective deodorants in confined areas. 

Water damage can be expensive to handle if not taken care of on time. Contact SERVPRO of Hicksville / Plainview at (516) 733-1800 for professional services. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster. 

Where Can Homeowners Get Prompt Water Restoration Services in Hicksville?

10/16/2021 (Permalink)

When appliances go awry and cause water damage to your home. Call SERVPRO for fast and immediate water damage restoration services needed for you.

Take Immediate Action and Involve SERVPRO for Professional Water Restoration in Hicksville 

When water damage occurs, it can cause havoc on your property and possessions. Leaving the excess water in your property for an extended period can lead to irreversible structural damage. To save money and reduce your worries, immediate action is required. Whether the culprit is a small leak from a broken pipe or an overloaded washing machine, you can involve certified restorers like SERVPRO for remediation services. We are always available to respond to our customer's emergency calls. 

We understand how stressful water damage can be, especially when you have a lot on your mind. If you are looking for a company that can perform water restoration in your Hicksville home or business, we have decades of experience behind us. SERVPRO's water remediation services include:

• Assessing the damage 
• Thorough cleanup 
• Devising long-lasting solutions 

You can trust our team to listen to your concerns and address them properly. We aim to provide customers with the best possible experience at SERVPRO. Our team strives to provide lasting results while exceeding expectations. We use advanced technology to speed up the restoration process and get your life back to normal. 

We can use stationary tools to remove water from carpeting and padding using only the weight of the technicians standing on the device. The stationery tools have a vacuum system that pulls water through several tiny holes at the unit's base. We can use centrifugal air movers to hasten the evaporation process to eliminate the moisture that remains after using a stationary tool. Since odors may persist, our SERVPRO restorers can use duct cleaning systems to clean your HVAC system and injection devices to apply effective deodorants in confined areas. 

Water damage can be expensive to handle if not taken care of on time. Contact SERVPRO of Hicksville / Plainview at (516) 733-1800 for professional services. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster. 

Should Homeowners Try Handling Mold Remediation in Plainview Properties?

10/8/2021 (Permalink)

Mold remediation is no DIY project. SERVPRO techs are trained and experienced in all phases of mold removal. Call now!

Involve Certified Restorers Like SERVPRO to help with mold remediation in Plainview

Mold damage follows water damage as a secondary factor. When water is left standing, or high moisture levels persist, mold may begin to grow within 48 hours if the original cause of damage is not resolved effectively. For effective mold remediation, it is essential to involve certified professionals with decades of experience and expertise like SERVPRO. 

At SERVPRO, we have specialized skills, equipment, and experience to analyze the presence of mold on various surfaces. Measuring microbial volatile organic compounds and spores is essential to identify mold-infested areas and estimate the infestation extent. We can use a luminometer to test various surfaces for mold contamination. The advanced equipment and tools help us handle the mold remediation process within one to five days. However, mold remediation in Plainview is a complex process that depends on many variables. Some of them include:

• The amount of mold present 
• The size of the area where mold is growing 
• Type of material with mold-contamination 

Our SERVPRO experts can physically remove mold-damaged materials before we begin handling the mold-affected area. Our technicians can use a HEPA vacuum and damp-wipe on soiled surfaces to remove mold spores in the air. Since mold is a result of moisture, we identify the problem and correct it by stopping the source of moisture. 

We use advanced products to clean mold-affected surfaces. Our SERVPRO restorers can use fungicides to prevent the development of microorganisms. When cleaning the affected areas or handling mold in general, we equip ourselves with protective gear for better remediation. We dry the property effectively to prevent future mold damage. 

Mold can cause health effects if not handled professionally. Contact SERVPRO of Hicksville / Plainview for professional remediation at (516) 733-1800. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster. 

Where Can Property Owners Get Professional Flood Damage Restoration Services in Hicksville?

10/1/2021 (Permalink)

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

They Can Contact a Reliable Restorer Like SERVPRO for Fast Flood Damage Restoration in Hicksville

A flood can cause severe, long-term damage. Structural damage can undermine the property's foundations and structural integrity. Therefore, it is vital to have professional restorers like SERVPRO to help handle the situation as soon as possible since the damage that is not visible is usually more severe than what is seen.

Most property owners are tempted to repair flood damage in Hicksville homes without proper tools and equipment, which leads to inefficient drying. The cosmetic fix can look reasonable for a while, but the damp trapped in the framing and framing materials reappears eventually after a few months. Throughout the day, seven days a week, SERVPRO experts are available to respond quickly to flooding emergencies and begin repairing the damage whenever possible. We offer specific restoration services for flood damage, including: 

• Thorough inspections
• Extraction of water
• Cleaning structural elements and furnishings
• Removal of odors
• Dehumidification or air movement to dry materials

Unlike some flood damage repair companies, SERVPRO experts have the training and equipment to extract sewage and flood water quickly and efficiently. We can use self-priming trash pumps to remove floodwater. The diesel-powered equipment can pass solids less than 3" and leave the surface with only moisture. 

Our team of highly trained technicians works fast to minimize damage and get your property to its preloss state. During water removal, we check all areas, including behind drywall. Our SERVPRO restorers can use a hand drill to make a small hole where we can use inspection cameras to determine the presence of moisture. We can use structural cavity drying equipment to direct air behind the drywall and under stationary to ensure effective drying. 

When the unfortunate happens, contact SERVPRO of Hicksville / Plainview at (516) 733-1800. We can do our best to make the flood damage seem "Like it never even happened." 

Where Can Property Owners Get Professional Flood Damage Restoration Services in Hicksville?

9/28/2021 (Permalink)

When a storm strikes and causing damage don't worry. SERVPRO uses the latest technology and equipment for every size storm damage restoration job.

They Can Contact a Reliable Restorer Like SERVPRO for Fast Flood Damage Restoration in Hicksville

A flood can cause severe, long-term damage. Structural damage can undermine the property's foundations and structural integrity. Therefore, it is vital to have professional restorers like SERVPRO to help handle the situation as soon as possible since the damage that is not visible is usually more severe than what is seen.

Most property owners are tempted to repair flood damage in Hicksville homes without proper tools and equipment, which leads to inefficient drying. The cosmetic fix can look reasonable for a while, but the damp trapped in the framing and framing materials reappears eventually after a few months. Throughout the day, seven days a week, SERVPRO experts are available to respond quickly to flooding emergencies and begin repairing the damage whenever possible. We offer specific restoration services for flood damage, including: 

• Thorough inspections
• Extraction of water
• Cleaning structural elements and furnishings
• Removal of odors
• Dehumidification or air movement to dry materials

Unlike some flood damage repair companies, SERVPRO experts have the training and equipment to extract sewage and flood water quickly and efficiently. We can use self-priming trash pumps to remove floodwater. The diesel-powered equipment can pass solids less than 3" and leave the surface with only moisture. 

Our team of highly trained technicians works fast to minimize damage and get your property to its preloss state. During water removal, we check all areas, including behind drywall. Our SERVPRO restorers can use a hand drill to make a small hole where we can use inspection cameras to determine the presence of moisture. We can use structural cavity drying equipment to direct air behind the drywall and under stationary to ensure effective drying. 

When the unfortunate happens, contact SERVPRO of Hicksville / Plainview at (516) 733-1800. We can do our best to make the flood damage seem "Like it never even happened." 

Which Water Damage Repair Solutions Help When Hicksville Properties are Extremely Soiled?

9/16/2021 (Permalink)

Call our skilled technicians at SERVPRO for swift water removal and remediation efforts in your home.

SERVPRO Can Enhance Water Damage Repairs through Salvage Cleaning Saving High-Value Items

Sometimes water intrusion and other moisture-related problems can cause severe soiling, staining, or dye transfer, ruining the visual appeal of valuable furniture items, draperies, or other fabric contents. Before you opt to dispose of such items, you should ask professionals whether there is a way to restore them.

Any water damage repair process applied in Hicksville properties can add to the cost of restoration. In the attempt to repair damages, it is also possible to cause additional problems. Therefore evaluating the value of the items before opting for advanced restoration processes is advisable. SERVPRO works closely with insurance adjusters, thus making it easier to address any pertinent issues before starting the advanced restoration work.

Advanced Fabric Restoration Processes Are Useful When Dealing With

• Sewage cleanup
• Crime scene cleanup
• Rodent clean up services

SERVPRO technicians, after determining the need to save a soiled item, yet other cleaning techniques prove ineffective. Chlorine bleach is the main chemical agent used for salvage cleaning. The method mostly helps fix stubborn soiling in materials like Olefin, solution-dyed nylon, polyester, and colorfast cotton prints. Our technicians can also restore mildew-damaged furniture using this method.

Various Processes Are Also Necessary Apart From Using Chemicals Agents Like Chlorine:

• Pre-vacuuming the material
• Soil suspension by preconditioning with an alkaline agent
• Extracting and rinsing the fabric with rinse agent and color set before applying chlorine
• Neutralize the bleach with a reducing bleach

SERVPRO of Hicksville / Plainview uses routine, and advanced water damage repair approaches to address any issue affecting contents in your home, “Like it never even happened.” Call us at (516) 733-1800.

Flood Damaged Kitchen Restoration For Plainview Properties

9/10/2021 (Permalink)

When storm damage impacts your property, call on our skilled experts at SERVPRO for assistance.

SERVPRO Can Disassemble Counters, Floors, and Other Assemblies to Ease Water Damage Repairs

Storms and other extreme weather can breach property, sending flood water into unwanted areas such as the kitchen in your Plainview home. Restoring the property to its preloss state can be a challenge. Professional assistance can simplify the process for you by tackling difficult tasks.

The room layout can affect the level of flood damage in your Plainview kitchen. Installations such as countertops, shelves, and cabinets limit access to the floors, walls, or other spaces affected by the intruding water. The materials, especially on the floor where most water collects, can complicate the renovation process. For instance, hardwood floor planks swell when wet unless moisture management is prioritized. The different steps SERVPRO takes help manage moisture at a flooded property.

A Typical Flood Restoration Task Involves Handling:

• Leaking roof from storms
• Ceiling repairs from water damages
• Water clean up

The kitchen is one of the sensitive sections of your home, so it takes more than the removal of floodwater to accomplish full restoration. 

Other Important Restoration Processes Include:

• Decontamination
• Deodorization
• Removal of deteriorated materials

Our SERVPRO technicians use powerful water extractors to remove any water pooling on surfaces within the kitchen. We also have specialized equipment such as drying mats to remove any water trapped beneath or between floorboards. Spraying EPA-registered disinfectants into the water pooling in the house helps control contaminants. 

Removing or stripping down some of the assemblies in the kitchen helps simplify the restoration. Our SERVPRO technicians disassemble cabinets and countertops and remove some floorboards to ensure swelling does not lead to permanent changes such as buckling.

SERVPRO of Hicksville / Plainview helps take all the necessary steps to manage the effects of flood damage, “Like it never even happened.” Call us at (516) 733-1800.

How different is Fire Damage Restoration of Contents in Hicksville Conference Facilities?

8/25/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO professionals are trained to handle every level of fire damage, Including the odors that follow. Call us today, we are always available.

SERVPRO Readily Handles Repetitive Work Such as Cleaning Draperies and Upholstery during Fire Restoration 

After a fire affects your Hicksville business premises, one task you might mistake as light, yet, it is not is the cleanup of draperies and upholstery affected directly or indirectly during the blaze. Seeking professional assistance is one way to simplify the restoration.

The challenge that fire damage restoration at your Hicksville conference facility poses may arise because of the size of the cleaning job, the layout of the facility, and the variation of materials being cleaned. For example, several pieces of upholstery items or large pieces of drapery might be left with soot residues after the fire. SERVPRO’s help in such cases comes in different ways, including providing appropriate cleaning resources and organizing the processes for more efficiency.

Restorative Cleaning May Help Address Issues Like:

• Water & Fire Damage Restorations
• Smoke Damage
• Fire and smoke damage

One unique approach SERVPRO teams use is setting up a production line arrangement whereby different technicians perform separate restorative tasks. For example, when cleaning chairs, the task can be broken down into three steps whereby the first person vacuums them to remove loose fire residues, the second person pre-sprays and agitates the soils, while the third person extracts. 

Fabric Room Dividers Also Present Some Challenges Like:

• Sensitive backing materials that can be damaged during cleaning
• Water-soluble glues that might not withstand cleaning processes
• Difficult-to-clean fibers and fabrics 

SERVPRO of Hicksville / Plainview has significant experience handling fire damage restoration in commercial establishments. Call us at (516) 733-1800.

Floods Can Wreak Havoc in Hicksville After a Storm

8/14/2021 (Permalink)

Flood and storm damage is a project for SERVPRO. Call now for the storm damage restoration needed for your home.

SERVPRO Provides Fast Water Removal in Hicksville When Storms Strike

Storms can strike at any time and bring floodwaters surging through the town. That is when you need emergency services water damage aid from the pros at SERVPRO. We arrive fast on the scene and safely mitigate the flood damage.

Water Extraction Tools That Get the Job Done

Flood removal services in Hicksville depend on the depth of the water and the contaminants and solids within. We have a variety of pumps that perform specific jobs. Our professional water removal equipment includes:

• Self-Priming Trash Pumps – Perfect for floodwater with debris. It does have limited lift capacity but is used often for storm flooding.

• High-Pressure Pumps – When high-lift is called for, these are the pumps we pull into action. They do not get used for debris-filled water.

• Submersible Pumps – These pumps get used more often than any of the others. They are excellent for use in homes.

•    Moisture Meters & Probes – Detects hidden moisture and pinpoints the location of water.

Disinfecting & Sanitizing

Sanitizing is one of the main aspects of water removal services. The contaminants in floodwater are a biohazard. Everything it touches needs to be cleaned and disinfected. We use proprietary sanitizing agents to clean your home. We repeat this process throughout the cleaning and restoration process.

Salvage Whenever Possible

SERVPRO’s goal is to salvage everything possible. It is often more cost-effective than replacement, but some things cannot get salvaged after a flood—things like carpeting, upholstery, and permeable material such as gypsum. 

For flood removal services that give you back your home, contact SERVPRO at Hicksville / Plainview at (516) 733-1800.

What Items in a Plainview Business Are More Prone to Water Damage?

8/5/2021 (Permalink)

Commercial water damage resotration for your building is a job for SERVPRO. We have the manpower and equipment for any size disaster.

Water Extraction is Vital in Plainview to Restore Hygroscopic Material

Understanding which material absorbs water at an increased rate is crucial. It allows you to understand how we clean and restore your business after a water intrusion.

Hygroscopic Materials & Moisture 

Water restoration companies in Plainview like SERVPRO are experts in dealing with water intrusion and water-damaged content. Material that quickly absorbs water is known as hygroscopic materials. Not only do they absorb water readily, but they also hold onto water vapor present in the air. Permeance is how water vapor flows through material. One of the benefits of a material that rapidly absorbs moisture is that it also dries quickly. Hygroscopic material that can be impacted in your business includes:

• Carpet Padding
• Carpeting
• Unfaced insulation
• Upholstery
• Gypsum wallboard
• Particle Board

Immediate Water Mitigation is Needed

Because these materials suck up water easily, immediate water damage intervention is needed to limit primary damage and prohibit secondary damage. SERVPRO uses moisture meters, moisture probes, and professional water extraction tools to remove excess water. We use dehumidifiers and air movers in the correct ratio for optimum drying. Our crew has the experience needed to know what equipment is required for your company’s situation.

Water Restoration Companies Services

When it comes to water damage restoration, SERVPRO offers a variety of services. These services include:

• Water Clean Up
• Ceiling Repairs from Water Damages
• Flood Restoration
• Water Removal Services
• Basement Flooding Cleanup

If your company has had a water intrusion and needs water removal, contact SERVPRO of Hicksville / Plainview at (516) 733-1800.

Trusted Fire Cleaning & Repair Services in Hicksville

7/27/2021 (Permalink)

Fire damage restoration for your home is a job for SERVPRO. Our techs are ready at a moment's notice for the help you need.

SERVPRO's Fire Restoration Teams Are Experts at Restoring Hicksville Homes

When a fire breaks out, homeowners end up trying to cope with a catastrophe. Getting professional help to deal with the situation is vital. SERVPRO provides that help.

Can SERVPRO Handle the Multiple Needs of a Fire Damaged Home?

Any size fire can cause problems. A severe fire that spreads throughout the home can leave a family in shock. What happens next? What needs to be done first? Calling SERVPRO for fire restoration in Hicksville should happen as soon as possible. We work with your insurance company, offer move-out services, and mitigate fire damage. Here are some things we typically handle:

•    Safety First – Creating a safe workplace is crucial. Boarding up the home may be necessary.

•    Water Extraction – Firefighting efforts and burst pipes can cause water damage. It is important to remove any water.

•    Debris Removal – We remove all charred and unsalvageable debris.

•    Structural Damage – We inspect for weakened floors, woodwork, stairs, and framing. 

• Build Back – We rebuild areas that collapsed.

•    Smoke Removal – We use the correct chemicals for the type of soot present.

•    Move Out Services – Your home's content may need to be taken to our warehouse for cleaning.

•    Restoration & Cleaning – We decontaminate, clean, and restore furniture, personal items, and other materials if possible.

Fire and Smoke Damage Restoration and Cleanup

SERVPRO of Hicksville / Plainview provides house fire cleanup, fire restoration, and smoke remediation. You can reach us at (516) 733-1800. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.

How Can We Reduce Downtime When Addressing Mold Damage At Our Hicksville Hotel?

7/15/2021 (Permalink)

Mold in your commercial building is no DIY project. Call the IICRC certified technicians at SERVPRO for the mold remediation services needed

SERVPRO Focuses on Mold Removal Processes That Save Time and Meet Health Standards

Mold development in a hotel can present many challenges, especially if it affects sensitive areas such as the kitchen. One way to resolve mold damage conclusively is to involve mold specialists immediately when you notice the problem. 

By the time you notice mold damage in your Hicksville hotel, the colonies are likely to be deeply embedded in hidden sections such as walls or floor cavities. Removal can take time since all hidden areas must be demolished and cleaned to remove the mold colonies and deteriorated materials. The cleaning processes must also be good enough to pass tests by industrial hygienists. Otherwise, time might be lost later seeking approval to resume operations. Our SERVPRO technicians consider these factors and use our knowledge in the industry to guarantee a positive outcome.

An experienced restoration team readily handles:

• Attic mold removal
• Mold inspection
• Black mold damage repairs

Some mold remediation processes can take unnecessary time if improperly handled. For instance, cleaning up moldy materials and residues can take longer if there is no containment to halt debris spread. Our SERVPRO technicians set up physical barriers with plastic sheets to contain materials near the damaged areas. We also use negative air pressure machines. 

Since mold is a microbe, growth can resume soon after finishing the restoration processes. Our SERVPRO technicians use antimicrobial cleaning products and EPA-registered disinfectants during the cleaning process to kill spores and inhibit further growth. 

With assistance from SERVPRO of Hicksville / Plainview, it is possible to counter mold damage and resume normal operations fast. Call us at (516) 733-1800. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.

What Is The Best Action If Immediate Fire Damage Restoration Is Not Possible at My Plainview Home?

7/9/2021 (Permalink)

Fire damage restoration by SERVPRO is second to none. Our technicians are trained and experienced in all phases of fire restoration.

SERVPRO Helps Secure Plainview Homes Before Fire Restoration Processes Can Start

Fire incidents are not only destructive but can also lead to emotional strife, especially when you have to vacate the damaged property. Whether cost or personal reasons delay fire restoration, it is essential to protect the property to prevent secondary damages.

One way to protect a house before fire damage restoration starts in Plainview is to board up any openings on its exterior. If only a section of the property is affected, boarding up hallways or interior openings like doors can help contain soils such as soot and ash from spreading to the rest of the house. As part of our fire response services, SERVPRO offers board-up services that help secure the property and retain its aesthetic appeal despite the damage from the fire. 

Common services needed after a fire include:

• Smoke remediation
• Water & fire damage restorations
• House fire clean up

Boarding up a fire-damaged property can be done differently depending on factors such as the skills of those doing the board up and how long the protection is expected to last.  Our SERVPRO IICRC certified technicians are fully trained on the different approaches they can use for the best outcome. 

Typical board up methods include:

• Inserts
• Cover over
• Bolt with tension 

When boarding up, our SERVPRO technicians pay close attention to how secure a setup is and whether it is possible to destroy other structural materials when setting it up. For instance, the cover-over approach in which boards are nailed to surfaces can destroy other structure parts. Such coverings are also readily removable by pulling the nails out so they cannot prevent vandalism.

SERVPRO of Hicksville / Plainview takes care of any issue related to fire damage restoration. Call us at (516) 733-1800 when you need assistance. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Can Water Damage Restoration Help Hicksville Homeowners Limit The Areas Affected By Moisture?

6/27/2021 (Permalink)

When a burst pipe or leaking ceiling cause damage. SERVPRO is the team to call for all water damage restoration services.

SERVPRO Does Not Start Water Damage Repairs before Taking Steps to Contain Moisture 

After a water intrusion from burst pipes or ceiling leaks, the damage is not contained even after stopping the source. The water already released can wick through materials or evaporate and then condense, spreading damage beyond the initially affected areas. Involving a professional like SERVPRO in water damage restoration helps.

Although water damage restoration in Hicksville homes is meant to fix areas already affected by moisture, soiling, or other issues, it can also play a preventive role when done correctly. Reducing the areas affected can minimize costs and the time taken to finish the restoration process. Our SERVPRO teams can help take the necessary steps to stop further deterioration before taking the other restorative actions.

The primary restoration processes may involve:

• Water clean up
• Ceiling repairs from water damages
• Water damage remediation

A typical restorative step taken by our SERVPRO crews is making flood cuts along the walls in waterlogged rooms. We cut the wall panels a few inches above the waterline, removing the deteriorated drywall and insulation. The move also severs the connection between the standing water on the floor and the rest of the structure, thus halting moisture from spreading through wicking.

On arrival at the loss site, our SERVPRO technicians use thermo-hygrometers to check the humidity and temperature levels in different rooms. We then set up dehumidifiers to help keep relative humidity levels at optimum levels below 60%, thus preventing damage from condensation. 

SERVPRO of Hicksville / Plainview has extensive experience handling water damage restoration processes, thus acquiring the skills to handle any loss, “Like it never even happened.” You can reach us at (516) 733-1800 when you need assistance.

Our Professional Fire Damage Experts Can Restore Your Hicksville Home

6/10/2021 (Permalink)

After a fire in your home, our experts are able to help. Call SERVPRO, we are always available.

What To Expect From Professional Fire Damage Remediation In Hicksville

After you and your family endure the chaos and fear of a fire in your Hicksville dwelling, it is natural to feel overwhelmed and perhaps a bit hopeless. The emotions are real and the concerns understandable, but lining up a reliable fire mitigation business can significantly ease stress. Innovative equipment and well-trained and prepared technicians can transform a badly damaged building to “Like it never even happened.”

Our team of experts prepares for effective fire damage restoration in your Hicksville home through training offered through the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) and on-the-job experience with our seasoned managers.  We are ready to take on all aspects of your remediation project with skill and compassion.

Water & Fire Damage Restorations

The first task in a fire damage recovery job is often water and chemical extinguisher residue removal. Firefighting uses large quantities of water, and for safety from slip and fall and electrical shock risks, the water must go. Then a SERVPRO IICRC-certified Fire and Smoke Restoration Technician (FSRT) evaluates the sooty residue coating surfaces, matching characteristics with appropriate cleaning techniques, products, and tools.

Light and ashy debris from wood or paper fires respond well to dry sponging and HEPA-filtered vacuuming. Thicker coatings from fires started from overheated electrical cords and connections, or smoldering burns-consuming fabrics need loosening with wetting agents and surfactants in some cleaners. Agitation also helps dislodge the soot. SERVPRO frequently sees protein-based residues as well, deposited after kitchen and grease fires. Difficult to remove and highly odiferous, this type of soot needs abrasives and even solvent to dissolve and wipe away.

SERVPRO team members attempt to retain as many original structural materials as possible. If deeply charred and weakened, some structural components and fixtures need demolition and replacement. We can brush and sand down the charred wood in less severe instances and ready it for restoration.

Smoke Damage

The lingering smell of a fire needs SERVPRO’s professional expertise. Once cleanup completes, we use various strategies to eliminate the remaining odors, not just cover them with perfumes. Thermal foggers, ozone machines, and hydroxyl generators change the odor-bearing particle’s chemical composition to rid your home permanently of the stench.

Rely on SERVPRO of Hicksville / Plainview when you need fast, professional fire damage mitigation. Contact us at (516) 733-1800 for a quick assessment and development of a remediation plan.

If Your Hicksville Laundromat Suffers Water Damage, Our Crew Is Here To Help!

6/4/2021 (Permalink)

If your laundromat suffers water damage, call on SERVPRO for water clean up right away.

Cleaning Water Damage In Your Hicksville Laundromat

Being the only laundromat available for many blocks can ensure that your Hicksville business receives a high volume of foot traffic throughout the day. Even when appliances break down like one of the washers or dryers, patrons are quick to move to another available machine to continue their progress in cleaning their clothes. When washers malfunction and allow water loss incidents to occur within the laundromat, you need to act quickly to protect both the other machines and the construction materials of your businesses’ building.

Water Damage Remediation

Water damage from appliances that malfunction in your laundromat can spread quickly and begin to pool on the flooring fast as well. Addressing these concerns requires the expertise and experience of trained water restoration specialists in Hicksville like our SERVPRO professionals. Our technicians can respond right away to water loss emergencies because our service vehicles and production trailers remain stocked with the necessary equipment and cleaning agents to overcome water damages in your business efficiently and safely.

From the time our professionals arrive, we often must begin with extraction to get rid of standing water that can pool around other machines and units throughout the room. Moisture and dampness, not to mention several inches of standing water, can compromise and destroy the electronic components of modern washing machines and dryers. Without the proper extraction and immediate drying efforts from our SERVPRO team, this incident can soon develop into a costly situation.

Water Removal Services

Often our air movers and dehumidification equipment can address lingering moisture and dampness. Still, to be sure that all of it has gotten removed through these efforts, our team can double-check progress with thermal imagery and infrared cameras.

We strive to get your doors back open as quickly as possible, and that begins with a thorough extraction and drying process for your business. With a fast response from competent professionals of our SERVPRO of Hicksville / Plainview team, we aim to allow you to reopen to your customers sooner than you might have expected. You can count on our advanced equipment and expertise in this stressful situation, so give us a call anytime at (516) 733-1800.

Why Trust Your Hicksville Property to SERVPRO When You Have Flood Damage?

5/25/2021 (Permalink)

If your property is under water, call the professionals at SERVPRO for swift and efficient mitigation services.

SERVPRO is a National Brand with a Local Hicksville Touch – We Handle Flood Damage with Care and Precision!

DIY projects are nice, but when dealing with flood damage within your Hicksville home, you need skilled, experienced technicians. SERVPRO works under a 'restore versus replace' mentality – this means that we do our best to restore your interior and belongings to save you money while also preserving your cherished possessions. 

Why SERVPRO for flood damage in Hicksville? We not only have an entire team of IICRC-certified technicians, but we also use specialized cleaning techniques and the best equipment for each job. After any disaster at your home, you can initiate our Green Fleet with a single phone call. We arrive within hours to formulate a solution tailored to your unique situation. 

Our restoration process generally includes the following steps:

• Contact – When we have you on the phone, we cover a series of questions about your flood restoration needs. 
• Inspection/Assessment – We arrive on the scene to inspect the flood zones and all adjoining rooms to determine the path of water migration.
• Roof Tarping/Board Up – If your water cleanup needs stem from a leaking roof from storms that could lead to ceiling leaks, we ensure everything gets protected with our boarding and tarping services.
• Water Extraction and Drying – With high-powered pumps and industrial drying equipment, we get to work restoring relative humidity levels and lessening the onset of secondary damage.
• Sanitization/Cleaning – Using EPA-registered antimicrobials and deodorizers, we eliminate musty odors to make it "Like it never even happened."
• Restoration – If necessary, we handle controlled demolition to remove and replace any unsalvageable materials. 

Call (516) 733-1800 to initiate flood damage restoration at your home. SERVPRO of Hicksville/Plainview is available 24/7 for emergency services water damage assistance!

Can Residents Eat and Use Food and Personal Care Products from Plainview Fire Damaged Homes Safely?

5/10/2021 (Permalink)

Fire damage restoration service done by SERVPRO is top-notch. We are second to none. Call now!

SERVPRO advises fire, and smoke damage to stored food and health and beauty aids Plainview residences can pose health effects 

Most Plainview fire damage restoration seekers have probably not considered the safety of food and products like shampoos, lotions, medications, and other personal care goods impacted by the smoke, soot, and heat of a fire. Common sense and caution during a house fire cleanup guide Plainview homeowners that when the safety of food or other products is in doubt, the smartest option is to throw it out.

• Soot and its toxins can enter even tightly wrapped items and closed refrigerators and freezers. 
• Heat can cause chemical changes that compromise the safety of fire and smoke-damaged products.

Can SERVPRO Safely Perform Fire and Smoke Damage Restoration and Cleanup for Furnishings and Household Goods?

Fire-damaged home contents in Plainview can emerge safely for use after SERVPRO’s specially trained water, and fire damage restoration production facility technicians evaluate, clean, disinfect, and dry items. Count on your possessions arising after best practices centered on the targets below employed to combat harm and return items to preloss condition:

• Smoke Damage
• Smoke Remediation
• Fire Restoration

SERVPRO of Hicksville / Plainview evaluates all aspects of heat, fire, and smoke damage when making decisions regarding restoring contents after a household blaze. Constant us at (516) 733-1800 to explore your options. 

Finding Evidence of Attic Mold While Evaluating Ceiling Leaks in Hicksville?

5/3/2021 (Permalink)

Frozen weather will cause major damage to your home. SERVPRO has trained techs for any size water restoration service needed for your home.

Hicksville Spring Water Damage Restoration Could Need SERVPRO’s Mold Remediation Expertise

Winter is over, but the after-effects can linger in Hicksville homes. Ceiling repairs from water damage traced to ice dams or heavy snow and ice build-up can lead to the discovery of black mold where structural supports became and remained damp during thawing cycles. Damp and crumbling ceilings or walls indicate the need to evaluate for necessary water removal in Hicksville residences. Secondary damage from black mold signals its presence through musty smells and dark staining. 

What Safety Concerns Arise the SERVPRO Addresses When Preparing for Hicksville Water Removal Services?

Snug in your living areas on lower levels during the winter, you might be oblivious to the destruction overhead frozen burst pipes and openings in your roof inflict upon your Hicksville attic. Cleaning up water can involve finding trapped reservoirs of melting ice and snow that threaten to collapse structural components when you hope the problem instead is a minor leak. Ceiling repairs from water damage must wait until SERVPRO trained project managers assess the cause and the extent of the damage. Informed decisions might include controlled demolition to release water and to check for hidden attic mold removal. Once SERVPRO lists all the issues and matches the problems with the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) best-practice strategies, we provide some or all of the following for your home in Hicksville: 

• Water Removal Services
• Water Damage Repairs
• Ceiling Repairs from Water Damages
• Mold Inspections, Remediations, and Removal

The transition from one season to the next often reveals the need for SERVPRO of Hicksville / Plainview’s water damage remediation and attic mold removal expertise. Call (516) 733-1800 24/7 for a consultation.

When Do Storm Weary Hicksville Residents Call on the Professionals for Flood Damage Restoration?

4/27/2021 (Permalink)

Storm damage done to your home is not a total loss. SERVPRO has IICRC certified technicians and the experience for any size storm damage relief.

Whether Basement Flooding or Ceiling Leaks Challenge Hicksville Homeowners SERVPRO Has the Solution

Nestled about 17 miles away from Long Island Sound to the north and nearly equidistant from the Atlantic, behind barrier islands, to the south, basement flooding and water cleanup is a Hicksville storm season risk. The potential for significant harm is not remote, with memories of disasters like 2012’s Hurricane Sandy bringing extreme destruction and even loss of life to mind. 

Have Tropical Storms Damaged Hicksville Properties?

Every hurricane season, Hicksville residents watch the path of the giant storms. The intense weather systems create enough sustained energy to track the Atlantic coast, exposing Long Island and other New York communities to severe stormwater damage. Nearly every year, the tail end of these storms sweep through, usually dropping moderate to heavy rain that can lead to the need for Hicksville water clean up. Sometimes the system retains more force, with fierce winds accompanying the rain. For example, on August 4, 2020, substantial wind and water damage to Hicksville struck from Tropical Storm Isaias:

• Wind gusts approaching 80 miles per hour
• Uprooted and toppled trees
• Scattered branches and other debris
• Utility wires downed -- 4,400 residents lost power 

How Did the Hicksville Community Respond to Tropical Storm Isaias?

Firefighters and governmental workers answered more than 150 calls for assistance after the storm passed through Hicksville. One family needed the fire department to assist with evacuation, including saving their dog. Tree stabilization and removal and utility repairs helped residents grasp the extent of the damage. Roofs and exteriors sustained damage and let the rain in, causing waters to rise from both overland flooding and leaking roofs from storm rainfall. 

Who Can Help with Hicksville Water Emergency Services?

Water damage inside Hicksville homes concerns the hamlet’s officials, but ultimately mitigation and remediation are the responsibility of the property owners and their insurance companies. Damage remediation efforts are necessary to ensure properties avoid the ravages of persistent water damage, including the potential for black mold if moisture remains for more than 24 to 48 hours. Where can Hicksville families find flood and water damage restoration for their homes? SERVPRO is the basement flooding and water cleanup expert.

What Can Hicksville Flood Victims Expect from the SERVPRO Team?

If you are struggling with the consequences of high winds and torrential rains after a storm in Hicksville, basement flooding cleanup and water damage repairs throughout your home are on your agenda. The SERVPRO team comes to the rescue with highly-trained crews and state-of-the-art equipment, following a research-based protocol that gets your home back to "Like it never even happened,” fast. SERVPRO Storm damage remediation begins with a thorough assessment:

• Safety Hazard Evaluation
• Hazard Control
• Containment
• Use of Personal Protective Equipment
• Water and Moisture Detection and Metering
• Water Quality Determination
• Sewer Backup
• Overland Flooding into Basement

What Are the Post-Assessment Steps SERVPRO Takes for Hicksville Flood Damage Abatement?

Once SERVPRO determines the extent and location of the storm-related flood damage in your Hicksville home, strict adherence to best practices promulgated by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) inform the response. Everything from ceiling repairs from water damage to basement flooding cleanup could be on the list, including secondary damage if recovery faced delays because of safety issues outside or inside your Hicksville home.

• Water Removal Services
• Sewage Cleanup
• Water Damage Restoration
• Water Damage Repairs
• Mold Inspections, Remediations, and Removal

Although your home withstands many weather events, if severe storms cause basement flooding damage, SERVPRO of Hicksville / Plainview is on alert, waiting with prepared crews and fully stocked service vehicles. Call us at (516) 733-1800 for your flood damage needs.

SERVPRO can help with commercial fire damage restoration in the Hicksville area

4/12/2021 (Permalink)

A fire in your restaurant will shut down business. Call SERVPRO and within four hours our technicians will be on the scene.

Fire Damage Restoration For Your Business in Hicksville.

Restaurants are common places where a fire can ignite. One night your staff can be working through a rush, and the next thing you know, a mishap occurs. Kitchen blazes can grow quickly if they are fueled by hot grease.

During commercial fire damage restoration in Hicksville, we can start inspecting the fire and smoke damage immediately after the fire gets extinguished. SERVPRO can provide the following services in the case of a fire:

• Smoke Remediation
• Fire and Smoke Damage Restoration and Cleanup
• Water & Fire Damage Restorations
• Fire Restoration

Once we arrive at your restaurant, we can take the following steps to restore your structure:

• We can inspect your entire building to determine what items got burnt and how far the smoke traveled from the source.
• Then, we can remove any burnt debris or damaged equipment.
• Next, we can use various methods to remove soot residues depending on the type of surfaces affected.
• Once all affected surfaces have been cleaned, we can then complete further deodorization procedures if needed.
• After any unpleasant aromas get removed, we can then conduct a final cleanup of the work area.

Accidents can happen in commercial kitchens, and when they do, it is wise to call SERVPRO of Hicksville / Plainview at (516) 733-1800. 

SERVPRO can help you with ceiling repairs from water damages in Plainview

4/1/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO uses the latest in technology and equipment when it comes to water damage restoration.

Water Removal in Your Plainview home.

Two-story homes can offer more living space on a smaller lot, but they do have some setbacks. In many cases, plumbing for upper-level bathrooms can run directly over the living room or other areas in the house's downstairs section. If a pipe from a bathroom sink upstairs breaks, it can cause ceiling leaks downstairs.

During water removal in Plainview, our technicians can inspect your entire house to see where the water travels and what building materials it affected. If needed, our SERVPRO team can provide the following:

• Water Damage Restoration
• Water Clean Up
• Ceiling Repairs from Water Damages
• Water Removal Services

During the inspection phase, we can utilize the following equipment to find moisture and determine how wet items got:

• Moisture Sensors: These can help us figure out if your carpets got wet.
• Penetrating Moisture Meters: We can hammer the prongs of this instrument into your wall studs and drywall to calculate moisture content.
• Infrared Cameras: Thermal imaging can help us find moisture through surface temperature changes.

Water leaks on the second floor of your home can become devastating in a short period. If you ever notice a leak coming from your house upstairs, call SERVPRO of Hicksville / Plainview at (516) 733-1800. 

SERVPRO can conduct water remediation in Hicksville

3/22/2021 (Permalink)

Water damage restoration is a specialty of SERVPRO. Our technicians are IICRC certified and experienced in any size disaster.

Moisture Damage in Your Hicksville Home.

Hicksville, New York, is a gem located in Nassau County on Long Island. The town is only about 20 miles away from Times Square, making it a favorite place to visit for those coming from the big city.

The city has a rich history and is filled with famous attractions. Many like to enjoy all that the town has to offer, including enjoying its natural beauty. While visiting Nassau County, people can enjoy several acres of white sand beaches on the Atlantic Ocean shoreline and miles of the rugged coastline on the Long Island Sound.

There are plenty of things to do in Nassau County.

If having the Long Island Sound sights on one side and the ocean on the other isn't enough, visitors can enjoy plenty of other attractions as well. The following popular attractions make Hicksville and surrounding areas a fun place to visit for a day or stay the weekend:

• American Manhasset: Some people over the years have called this strip the "Rodeo Drive of the East Coast." This shopping hub boasts over 60 international boutique stores, including Gucci, Tiffany & Co, Louis Vuitton, Cartier, and Christian Dior.
• Sands Point Park and Preserve: This preserve is home to three historic buildings that look like castles. The Hempstead House, Castle Gould, and Falaise all reside on the grounds. The park also consists of wooded hiking trails that end up at a beach on the Long Island Sound.
• Old Westbury Gardens: This property was once the residence of John and Margarita Phipps. The Phipps family's estate for over 50 years is now a venue for concerts and other special events. The 160-acre venue also contains ponds, lawns, and woods with over 100 different species of trees.
• Museum Row: This region in Garden City houses some of the best museums on Long Island. Visitors can enjoy several museums all in one spot including, the Nassau County Firefighters' Museum, the Long Island Children's Museum, the Cradle of Aviation Museum, and the Nassau County Veteran's Coliseum. 
• Old Bethpage Village Restoration: At this famous local attraction, visitors can take a step back into history and experience what American towns looked like in the mid-1800s. The village spans over 200 acres, and it has over 50 restored buildings. The buildings were brought to the town from other parts of Long Island as a way to restore pre-Civil War America.

SERVPRO can assist you with restoring water damage in Hicksville

When it gets cold outside, it is always a possibility that your house can flood due to burst pipes. Once your building materials like your flooring, walls, or ceilings get wet, water damage repairs may be required.

After you suffer from a leak, SERVPRO can provide the following services:

• Water Damage Restoration
• Water Clean Up
• Leaking Roof from Storms
• Ceiling Repairs from Water Damages

To start, we can provide initial inspection services to see what items got affected by moisture. Then, we can utilize our heavy-duty extractors to remove moisture while it is still a liquid. We can then set up air movers and dehumidifiers to complete the applied structural drying (ASD) phase.

After you notice moisture inside your house, do not wait; call SERVPRO of Hicksville / Plainsview at (516) 733-1800. 

Professional Fire Restoration Can Save More in Plainview Homes

3/1/2021 (Permalink)

Fire restoration should be left to the professionals. SERVPRO technicians are IICRC certified for any size fire damaged property.

Local Plainview Residents Rely on SERVPRO for Fire Restoration

When a fire occurs in a home, even a small fire can leave behind numerous issues. When homeowners attempt to clean up the damage independently, it can create more significant challenges or render portions of the structure or articles without the potential for reuse. 

When Plainview properties need fire restoration, it is best to bring professional help. SERVPRO technicians have the training to deal with:

• Burned articles and building materials
• Perform controlled demo as needed
• Removal of soot and smoke residues
• Eradication of fire odors

SERVPRO techs have access to some of the most advanced equipment and cleaning agents available in the restoration services industry to remove smoke damage and eliminate odors within the structure. 

Devices such as air scrubbers and movers for ventilation improvement and photocatalytic oxidizers to neutralize airborne soot particulate using ultraviolet rays. In the event of deeply embedded smoke odors, the techs can use thermal foggers or the Vaportek system, which delivers vaporized oils through a membrane that attach themselves to odorous molecules rendering them inert.

SERVPRO of Hicksville / Plainview at (516) 733-1800 serves the local Plainview community for any size fire restoration services needed in their properties. 

SERVPRO Handles Water Removal for Hicksville

2/24/2021 (Permalink)

Water damaged property should be left to the pros. SERVPRO has the team of experts ready for the water restoration service you need.

Hicksville Residents Rely on SERVPRO for Water Removal

Hicksville is known to most New Yorkers as a place for transportation or stock up on IKEA at the only outlet east of the city. The hamlet's humble beginnings as a farming settlement are largely forgotten. 

Building after World War II was one of the biggest catalysts for taking Hicksville from a farming community to a more industrial existence. The number of people who moved to the area after the war highlighted the local infrastructure issues for getting around. One improvement was to elevate the railroad tracks and widen the roads to accommodate the growing population. Unfortunately, to accomplish this, a portion of the existing business district got leveled and turned into a road. Before these improvements occurring, traffic would back up for over half a mile around the Hicksville depot on the Long Island Railroad's (LIRR) mainline. 

The arrival of the railroad to the Hicksville area was a large part of the hamlet's growth. It originated as part of a 5,000-acre land purchase by Robert Williams from the local Matinecock Indian tribe. Initially, the land was miles upon miles of prairie grass and little else. The area did not get developed for nearly two hundred years when Valentine Hicks formed a land association and laid the foundation for a community in 1834.

The newly founded Hicksville was still far away from other townships and considered "in the middle of nowhere." Hicks was instrumental in negotiating the LIRR to travel through the hamlet as he was a member of the board of directors and the second acting president. The Hicksville Station began operation in 1837.

With a regular stop on the LIRR mainline, Hicksville industries arose that could ship goods to other Burroughs and beyond. By this point, farming had become a minor business for residents. German immigrants came into the area and created a majority for a period. The first newspaper established, the Long Island Central Zeitung, which began publishing in 1873, was printed in German. More businesses started in the township, and by the end of the 1800s, Hicksville had

• Central bank
• Library
• Numerous industrial plants
• Even a pickle works. 

Hicksville Gardens is still a draw for tourists that are also architectural enthusiasts as it was zoned for the building of large estate homes. As wealthy families moved in, there was twice an attempt to change the hamlet's name to either Waldorf or Quentin as it was felt that "Hicksville" made a poor impression.

What Causes Toilet Backups That Need Water Removal in Hicksville Properties?

Toilet backups are one of the most severe issues that require water removal in Hicksville homes. The water contaminates everything it touches, and it is not uncommon for the use of controlled demolition to be a part of the restoration services.

When SERVPRO technicians tackle this type of cleanup, they also diagnose the reason that the backup occurred. Some of the most frequently seen reasons for this type of water damage in a structure include:

• Blocked drains causing the toilet to back up
• Obstructed vents that block airflow into the sewer and cause a vacuum stopping all water flow
• Tree roots
• Overloaded storm drains
• Septic system in need of servicing

While SERVPRO techs diagnose the issue by inspecting the property, they also treat the water with biocides to make it safer to handle and begin the extraction process. During this phase, the techs perform any needed controlled demo and set up the drying equipment.

SERVPRO of Hicksville / Plainview at (516) 733-1800 supports the local Hicksville community with all types of water removal needed. 

Extraction Solutions After Hicksville Residential Flooding

2/8/2021 (Permalink)

Storms cause major damage to homes in Hicksville. Call the pros at SERVPRO for their flood damage restoration services.

Flood mitigation is vital for area homes to prevent unnecessary damage and developing conditions.

As one of the cities on Long Island, Hicksville is continually contending with moisture conditions and groundwater that makes absorption of rain and other fast-falling precipitation challenging. When severe weather strikes, threats like flooding could develop rapidly, impacting hundreds of homes simultaneously. Because we are prepared for these emergencies, our SERVPRO team can mobilize quickly to begin vital mitigation efforts in flooded homes and prevent unnecessary damage or loss when possible.

Mitigation Solutions for Flooded Hicksville Homes 

Mitigation hinges most specifically on water removal of flood damage in Hicksville homes. Standing water can be a destructive force for the property, allowing the migration of loss effects throughout sensitive materials and porous surfaces. Once the water has penetrated structural cavities and subflooring, more widespread tear-out and demolition are required to resolve the threat and restore the property. Water removal tools include:

• Trash pumps
• Truck extractors
• Wet vacuums

Flooding can be devastating for your home, but our SERVPRO of Hicksville / Plainview team can help when you call (516) 733-1800.

Cleaning Up After Water Disasters in Hicksville Businesses

2/1/2021 (Permalink)

Water disaster is no easy task. Leave it to the professionals at SERVPRO for the water restoration services needed to get your business back going.

A loss incident in area businesses could impact hundreds, so mitigation and restoration are critical.

The city of Hicksville exists precisely because of the Long Island Rail Road, as this area was developed initially to be a stop along this track. The eventual president of the railroad, Valentine Hicks, would purchase land to begin setting up his depot along the line between 1834 and 1837. From being a critical point of transportation for cucumbers from the Heinz Company and potatoes grown by local farmers, the boom after World War II would see the size of this developing community grow exponentially.

Many saw the promise and allure of the landscape and climate of Hicksville, not to mention the proximity to New York City, which allowed it to be a point where growing families could commute to the city without compromising their vision of life with a white picket fence. To this day, Hicksville continues to be a hub of activity for many businesses and grows in its population. 

A Place to Make Your Base 

Despite its origins as a prominent hub on the Long Island Rail Road line, the modern city also appeals to businesses looking to establish stable headquarters. While there are no shortages of franchises and commercial properties to be found within the city limits, individual companies have constructed their primary base of operations within Hicksville. Some of these include:

• National Grid USA (KeySpan Energy)

• Sam Ash Music
• ScholarChip

• Sleepy’s

Retail Experiences for Any Shopper 

There are multiple retail locations throughout Nassau County worth visiting. One of the most prominent shopping locations to appeal to a wide variety of buyers is The Broadway Mall on North Broadway. This area is more than 1,200,000 square feet and features close to 100 stores and services. This plaza and shopping center has been around since 1956 when it first opened up as the Mid Island Shopping Plaza. Today, the modest original plaza has brought in significant anchor stores like IKEA, Target, H&M, and more.

Water Cleanup for Hicksville Businesses

Water disasters pose significant threats to area homes and businesses right away, making tasks like water cleanup in Hicksville commercial properties so challenging. Getting mitigation started as soon as possible can reduce the spread and severity of loss effects. However, our SERVPRO team must also implement specific services like content relocation to protect your wares and inventory from irreparable damage.

Cleanup often hinges most on efficient and thorough drying solutions. The heart of this process is a combination of air movers and dehumidifiers placed strategically through the property. For areas like warehouses, air movers can get daisy-chained together to maximize evaporative drying.

Protecting your business after a water disaster often means trusting in our fast-responding restoration professionals. Our SERVPRO of Hicksville / Plainview team has efficient solutions to make water disasters “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at (516) 733-1800.

Removing Harsh Smoke Odors from Plainview Properties

2/1/2021 (Permalink)

Fire damage restoration is no DIY project. Call SERVPRO their technicians are IICRC certified for the job.

Lingering burning smells can be a damaging presence for the property. 

Fires can develop quickly in Plainview homes and present multiple layers of loss effects to contend with when our technicians arrive. Mitigation is one of the most critical stages of recovery. This allows our team to address the most pressing concerns and protect the property as much as possible in multiple ways. Restoration seeks to finish what mitigation starts by taking necessary steps to make losses “Like it never even happened.”

Deodorization of Plainview Homes After a Fire 

Combustion can leave behind many noxious odors in the property, making the odorization a vital part of fire damage restoration for Plainview homes. Depending on where these smells might exist, different strategies exist to remove harsh odors after a fire gets extinguished. Some of the most common of these include:

• Thermal / ULV Foggers
• Ozone Machines
• Hydroxyl Generators

Despite how rapidly loss effects can spread, you can count on an efficient and thorough cleaning and restoration from our SERVPRO of Hicksville / Plainview team. Give us a call today at (516) 733-1800.

Make Blankets that Earn the Envy of your Plainview Neighbors

1/11/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is looking forward to seeing the "chunky" blankets the Plainview community will craft!

Creating Awesome “Chunky” Blankets in a Workshop Near Plainview

Crafters of Plainview, get your hands ready for a unique opportunity. One of the most popular crafts circulating on social media is the “chunky” blanket – a heavy, comfortable blanket made with huge stitches of thick threads. For those unfamiliar with the style, think of a knitted blanket that got supersized. These blankets can be tricky to make, which is why local Northport shop Nest on Main will be offering a small-group instructional workshop on Tuesday the 26th of January.

For a fee of $85, the shop will set you up with high-quality special yarn in colors of your choosing, as well as an experienced instructor. No experience or needles are required since the threads are so large that your fingers end up being the perfect size to work them. As a bonus, your admission gets you a coupon to use at the shop for a nice discount on some excellent handcrafted items.

Mitigate Water Damage in your Plainview Home

Calling SERVPRO of Hicksville / Plainview ensures that water damage in your Plainview home receives the best mitigation possible. We can even dry out your “Chunky” blankets. Call us at the first sign of trouble at (516) 733-1800.

Take Your Syosset Film and Photography to the Next Level

1/4/2021 (Permalink)

It will be exciting to see the community's new knowledge on photography!

Make Sure You Take Good Photographs of that Flooded Syosset Home!

Whether you want to someday work on a blockbuster set or make standard internet videos and social media pictures in your Syosset home, an understanding of professional techniques can make or break your success. One of the most vital elements in any film or photograph scene is the lighting. High-quality lighting can redefine a subject and make the viewer understand an entirely different aspect of it. However, there is much to learn about lighting, and few people willing to teach it.

Berger Bros is a local Syosset studio that occasionally shares its wisdom with the public. On the evening of February 9, the studio will offer a $60 class that goes over lighting fixtures, scene setup, and basic posing considerations. Such an opportunity can be hard to find, so if this sounds like something you might be interested in, we recommend calling in your RSVP before spots fill up.

Getting Help with Flood Damage in Syosset

After any major storm, SERVPRO of Hicksville / Plainview stands ready to help homeowners in Syosset and other local areas recover from flood damage. Call our 24/7 emergency line at (516) 733-1800.

Premium Fire Restoration Service in Vibrant Hicksville

12/27/2020 (Permalink)

Fire damage remediation needs to happen right away for best results. Contact our certified SERVPRO team 24/7 for effective services.

The Greatest Name to Come Out of Hicksville – Billy Joel

Late one night at a piano bar in Hicksville, a teenage prodigy played an excellent show for the adoring patrons. That fateful night, over forty years ago, would lead to Billy Joel’s rise to stardom. However, it was not his performance that evening that launched his career, but rather its consequences.      

William “Billy” Joel had grown up like most other children in Hicksville – playful, outgoing, and full of life. His mother, ever worried about her son’s future, had pushed him to master the piano since he was very young, but he never truly held a passion for it. Instead, he had begun to make a name for himself in the boxing ring and was a strong student at his high school.

However, the year 1967, when he was slated to graduate from Hicksville High School, proved to be disastrous for Joel. First, he broke his nose in the boxing ring, ending his career before it had much of a chance to start. Then, with his single mother struggling to support the family on her own, he began to play at the local piano bar for some extra income. That fatal performance changed everything when an exhausted Billy Joel returned home and passed out on his bed, forgetting entirely about the exam he had to take in the morning. He missed the exam, failed the class, and was left without enough credits to graduate high school.

Up to this point, Joel had been involved in several Rock bands as a pianist but had never intended to make a career for himself on the stage. Now, with no diploma and few other options available to him, he began playing full-time. His early days playing in and around Hicksville proved influential, and after a few years of disappointment, his career took off. Particularly in his early years, Joel’s Long Island heritage influenced his work. His first solo album was Cold Spring Harbor. Joel’s most successful song, Piano Man, took partial inspiration from the Hicksville piano bar he played at in his younger days.

Today, few Long Island natives can compare to the global fame that Billy Joel accrued throughout his career. After years of moving in and out of Hollywood, Joel now spends most of his time in New York, close to the same crowds that launched his career so many years ago.

How the Marvelous Little India of Hicksville Got Started

Hicksville is the proud home of one of the most extensive and well-developed South Asian communities in New York, but the town did not always look like this. In the 1980s, Hicksville was indistinguishable from other outlying communities of New York City. The town lacked a distinct identity and character, with few attractions to draw in new development. Then, in the 90s, a fantastic new community started to call Hicksville its home.

One of the first Indian business owners in Hicksville was Raj Kumar, owner of the Bengali Sweet Shop. In 1987, he moved to Hicksville and opened a small South Asian store called the Modern Bazaar. With a bit of traditional comfort to supplement their new suburban lifestyle, the Bazaar attracted other Indian Americans from New York City. After a few years, other South Asian businesses began opening, and the community has flourished since then. At first, the shops and restaurants were small, catering to an ethnic community numbering in the hundreds. Today, the South Asian part of town features many more prominent businesses, including (among many others):

• Maharaja Farmers’ Market
• Patel Brothers Grocery
• House of Dosas
• Hamza & Madina

Without Modern Bazaar, this community may never have grown into today’s desirable and vibrant town. Once, every Long Island resident had to travel into the city to find South Asian restaurants and markets. Today, in a twist of fate, many city residents travel here to find the very best in Indian goods. Make sure to stop by the Bengali Sweet Shop to show some support to the pioneer family who helped make it all happen.

Damages that can Occur by Putting Off Fire Restoration in your Hicksville Home            

One of the worst mistakes that we see local Hicksville residents make is putting off fire restorations after a disaster. Many different influences can lead to this decision, but the result is always the same. By leaving the professional restoration work for later, the consequences worsen and cost much more to repair. Here are some of the most severe damages that can happen when restoration professionals do not arrive on time.

Set-In Odors         

Smoke odors result from most house fires, including smaller ones that are extinguished quickly. These odors can persist for years and are not easily masked by common air fresheners. Smoke smells can be removed via industrial tools such as:

• HEPA and charcoal filtered air scrubbers
• hydroxyl generators
• thermal foggers

SERVPRO professionals are trained to use these machines and can eliminate even the most long-standing odors, but no amount of expertise can overcome simple chemistry. The longer the smoke particles have had to embed themselves in your home, the longer it will take to remove them.

Material Degradation            

Some house fires produce smoke that can break down common materials in your home. Sometimes, the items can be salvaged, but in many cases, they can be degraded enough that repairs and refinishing are no longer an option. Depending on where the fire happened and what it burned, ash and smoke can break down many materials, including the following.

• Paint
• Upholstery
• Metallic finishes
• Electronic components

These damages occur over time, and by calling SERVPRO immediately after a fire happens, you allow no time for them to cause extensive damage.

Spreading Damages      

After a fire, we always recommend that you shut down your HVAC system or at least replace the filters. Without these precautions, the vents in your home may spread ash, soot, and smoke throughout the house. Compared to a single room, the costs to eliminate odors in an entire house can be enormous. Talking to our experts after a disaster helps you to avoid this pitfall and many others like it. In the event of a furnace Puff Back, always call us for cleanup.        

SERVPRO of Hicksville / Plainview is a professional and certified fire restoration company in Hicksville. Call our 24/7 emergency phone line at (516) 733-1800.

Learning to Skate in Hicksville

12/27/2020 (Permalink)

It will be exciting to see the community trying out the new beginner skating classes.

Try Out Skaterobics in a Fun Beginner-Friendly Class Near Hicksville

Are you one of the countless people in Hicksville who grew up hearing and seeing other people roller skate, but never learned how to do it yourself? Some of us have skated on ice plenty, but as soon as wheels get thrown underneath the shoes, all bets are off. Mastering new skills or translating others can be tough work, especially as an adult. Layla’s Dance studio, just a short drive away from downtown Hicksville, aims to solve that. 

Layla’s offers adult-oriented instruction in both beginner and advanced skating techniques, helping you to master balance, pivoting, control, and other vital skills while getting in a great workout all the while. These classes run every Friday evening from 8:30 to 10:00. Reservations are $20 per person, and the studio does not currently accept walk-ins.

Call at the First Sign of Water Damage in Hicksville

SERVPRO of Hicksville / Plainview stays ready 24/7 to respond fast to water damage emergencies in Hicksville homes. Call us at (516) 733-1800 for our emergency services.

Hicksville Virtual Wine and Chocolate Tasting

12/11/2020 (Permalink)

If your home needs water removal, call the experts at SERVPRO, sit back, relax and enjoy some wine while you wait.

Indulge Your Taste Buds During the Holidays in Hicksville

Get in the mood to celebrate the holidays in Hicksville at the Taste of Christmas, a wine and chocolate virtual tasting put on by The Dessert Plate and hosted by Kylie Suich, a chocolate lover, and Jenny Polack, a wine enthusiast. The two hosts will introduce participants to a selection of wines and three chocolate choices. 

The wines and chocolates slated for the tasting are:

• Zlatan Otok 2015 Organic Zinfandel from Croatia
• Kaesler Cottage Block, a white wine from Barossa Valley 
• The chocolate showcased is from Australia and is: Birdsnake, Cocoa Rhapsody, the Meltdown Artisan, and Monsieur Truffe. Which is a selection of dark, milk, white, and vegan chocolate made with fruit. 

The tasting event takes participants through the history and the production process for the wines and chocolates. Once you purchase your ticket for the Zoom event, attendees get a sample box of the wine and chocolates to have during the tasting. 

When flood damage from storms is the problem, call SERVPRO of Hicksville / Plainview at (516) 733-1800, The trained, experienced technicians arrive quickly and turn around the water damage in the home to make it "Like it never even happened."

Plainview Residents - Come Listen to the Lights!

12/6/2020 (Permalink)

We are looking forward to seeing the community come together at Spanky's Family Light Show for the Make-a-Wish Foundation.

Spanky's Family Light Show Invites Local Plainview Residents To Participate In This Fundraising Event

Spanky's Family Light Show is revved up and ready to enchant Plainview and all of Metro New York with a combination of synchronized lights and fun Christmas music! Visitors to the venue can listen to the music that accompanies the lights by tuning in to FM 89.7 on the radio dial or their phones with an FM radio app. This impressive display was built by an 18-year old using a Renard and a Raspberry Pi to create the season's custom light and sounds. This charity event occurs each evening through January 31st to benefit the Make-a-Wish Foundation providing wishes for critically ill children between ages 2 and 18. 

• Time : 4:30 PM - 10:00 PM
• Date: December 8th through January 2021
• Cost: Free event, donations accepted with 100% of the proceeds going to the Make-a-Wish Foundation

SERVPRO of Hicksville / Plainview at (516) 733-1800 helps local properties with mold removal needs. The certified techs are fast to arrive and bring everything they need in their green vehicles. 

SERVPRO Helps Local Hicksville Properties Win Against Storm and Flood Damage

12/1/2020 (Permalink)

Our crew at SERVPRO can restore your damaged property after any catastrophe!

The Trained, Certified SERVPRO Techs Are Available 24/7 for Any Size Disaster in Hicksville Homes

Most residents of the area might consider Hicksville a significant transportation center and, of course, home to the only IKEA on the East side of New York City. It is hard to envision the humble beginnings as a farming community looking around at the developed region when Robert Williams purchased 5,000 acres of land from Pugmpan, chief of the Matinecock tribe, in 1648. At the time, this part of the future state of NY was miles of prairie grass and little else. Williams did not develop the land he purchased. The area remained roughly the same for nearly 200 years until a businessman from Jericho, Valentine Hicks, decided to improve the property and created a land association in 1834. 

In the present, The Old Bethpage Village Restoration opened and currently occupies 209-acres that recreates what the original farming community looked like. This village has been open since 1970 and features dozens of historic structures that got saved from demolition by Nassau County. Within the town, actors in period costumes provide visitors a look at how local residents lived in the 19th-century and let visitors experience daily life for a blacksmith and a farmer as well as a hatter among other community members.

Hicksville Was Difficult To Get To

This new community that Hicks envisioned was in the middle of nowhere, and people had trouble getting there due to the lack of roads, and the railroad was not widespread. Hicks knew that people needed an easy way to travel and got appointed to the board of directions for the Long Island Railroad in 1837. A stop on the railway opened in the township that same year, particularly for cucumbers destined for the Heinz company.

Hicksville Gets a Fire Department

As Hicksville grew in terms of both population and businesses, the need for a fire department, the community could rely upon arose. The first fire department established in 1868 consisted of volunteers from the local area. At the end of the 1800s, three companies united to form the Hicksville Volunteer Fire Department, and ten years later, the first firehouse opened. The firemen depended on horse-drawn wagons to fight fires until 1925, when the first combustible engine truck was purchased for use by the volunteers. The two-story building still stands but serves as a restaurant after the fire department moved to a new building. In the present, the hamlet has 31 firefighters that serve and protect life and property. 

Hicksville Growth Boom

After World War II, Hicksville began to grow into the charming hamlet that many people would recognize today. By 1959, several changes had occurred, including: 

• A population increase from 8,000 to near 50,000
• Farmers switched from pickles to potatoes as the main cash crop due to cucumber blight
• Many potato farms failed and became housing developments

Take In The Broadway Mall And More In Hicksville

Many visitors from the Long Island area flock to the Broadway Mall in Hicksville. Along with department stores, with IKEA being one of the largest. The Mall features specialty shops and many choices for where to grab a bite to eat.  Overall, there are over 100 stores to explore at the Mall. Other points of interest include the Hicksville Library, which features internet access, private reading areas, and entertainment such as puppet shows or tours featuring prominent writers. Cantiague Golf Course is a well-kept course that features nine holes instead of eighteen. Children will get a kick out of attending the Long Island Puppet Theater, where they can enjoy a fun, interactive venue where it is okay to get up and dance to the music. 

Hicksville Climate 

The hamlet of Hicksville has a reputation as a comfortable place to reside. This area of the state averages 44-inches of rain yearly, which is above the average for the rest of the United States. It tends to get less snow than other parts of the state and many days are cloudy and calm rather than sunny with around 173 days of sunshine yearly, compared to the rest of the U.S. with 205 days. Although not typical, this part of the state experiences the effects of both tropical storms and hurricanes from time to time resulting in flooding and damage to properties. 

• Summers are comfortable with July high temps around 83 degrees Fahrenheit 
• Winter low temps in January tend to hit around 25 degrees Fahrenheit 
• Humidity levels tend to rise in the summer, especially in July and August

What Is The Best Method to Get Flood Damage Out of a Hicksville Home? 

There is no single best way to mitigate flood damage in a home. SERVPRO techs handle every flood water restoration service in Hicksville properties in a unique fashion. Using investigation techniques to determine the severity of the situation, including: 

• Moisture detection equipment and probes
• Visual inspections
• Tracing migration paths of the water
• Looking for signs of wicking outside the worksite

Fast action to get the moisture out of the home can work in the property owner's favor to limit the home's damage. The techs have a large selection of extraction equipment to use depending on the surface that needs their attention. Carpet, in particular, presents a problem; when contaminated by groundwater, it requires removal but is a hazard when full of water due to the sheer weight. The techs remove the water using weighted extractor heads on their pumps to pull the maximum amount of moisture out of the floorcovering to make it safe to handle. 

Opening the wall cavities is another common tactic seen during post-storm damage cleanup in a home. The techs need to expose the interior wall cavity for complete drying using their advanced drying equipment, followed up by the application of antimicrobial cleaners and sealants to inhibit mold growth. Suppose mold damage contributes to the home's problems. In that case, the techs can bring an industrial hygienist if requested to measure the particulate in the air and confirm the air quality once the remediation efforts are complete.

SERVPRO of Hicksville / Plainview at (516) 733-1800 stands ready to help local Hicksville property owners with any size flood damage cleanup and restoration needed. 

Join the Long Island Cares Food Drive at Sunrise of Plainview

11/9/2020 (Permalink)

We love our community. Join SERVPRO of Hicksville / Plainview in donating to the community food bank.

Plainview Residents can Contribute Food Items

Residents can drop off food donations at Sunrise of Plainview on Nov 20 between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. to help those in need. Sunrise of Plainview is joining Long Island Cares to support the vision of a Hunger-Free Long Island. This food drive is an excellent opportunity to support our local community. 

Residents can also make cash donations online to help residents ensure that a family does not go hungry during the season. Typical food items most needed by many foodbanks include: 

• Pasta – canned or dry
• Pasta sauces
• Peanut butter, soy, assorted nuts
• Canned goods of all kinds, including soups and stews
• Dairy products – canned or powdered milk
• Canned vegetables and fruit 

All food donations should be non-perishable to enable prompt storage and distribution to families in need. 

SERVPRO of Hicksville / Plainview provides flood damage and restoration services to Plainview residential, business customers, and the surrounding area. Call (516) 733-1800. We are available 24/7to help with all flood damage needs.

Should You Worry about Water Damage from A Store’s Sprinkler System?

10/30/2020 (Permalink)

Yes SERVPRO can help you when it comes to your Plainview commercial water damage, especially when fire sprinklers are involved.

Plainview Store Owners do not Want to Deal with More Water Damage than Necessary

Running a store in Plainview feels like a balancing act sometimes. You are in charge of everything, from employee training to health and safety, stock, and a hundred more little things. The security of your building is a primary concern. You need to make sure you meet fire regulations and that you have adequate warning systems, such as alarms in place.

Water sprinklers are an excellent way to protect your store and your staff. However, shop owners might worry about the potential for water damage to their Plainview premises if the water sprinklers go off. Can sprinklers leak? And what should you do in the event of a problem?

Why are water sprinklers a good idea?

Water sprinklers activate in the fire and can be instrumental in dousing the flames and preventing the spread. However, some entrepreneurs worry about whether they will cause water damage to their store and stock. Some store owners have asked SERVPRO of Hicksville / Plainview if it is true that sprinklers cause even more harm than fire hoses.

Thankfully, this is not true. Fire Hoses use water at a higher pressure and with more chemicals. Sprinklers are less damaging, and if they can prevent the need to call out the fire service, that is even better. Sprinklers are activated by high temperatures, which means they switch on automatically.

Another thing to consider is the risk of soot damage. Soot is a sticky, grimy substance that:

• Coats fabrics and textiles
• Bonds to heat-damaged metal and plastic
• Creates lingering smoke odors that are hard to get rid of

Soot damage combined with firefighting damage is a lot bigger risk to your store than water from the sprinklers. Installing them means less chance of a blaze getting out of control and a costly restoration bill.

Can water sprinklers leak?

Yes. Water sprinklers can leak due to:

• Freezing of water pipes
• Overheating from extreme heat near the sprinkler head
• Mechanical faults or faulty installation
• Corrosion of sprinkler head and fittings
• Stress cracking of sprinkler pipe
  
  

You can help prevent leaks by ensuring the pipes do not freeze or get overheated and ask the manufacturer about how to maintain your system.

Should you attempt to dry the water damage yourself?

If your sprinklers have gone off, do not attempt to remediate the damage by yourself. SERVPRO does not recommend DIY remediation because:

• Wet fabrics can quickly sprout mold if you do not dry them correctly
• There might be hidden water damage such as under the carpet or behind the baseboard
• Sprinkler leaks can deposit rust or buildup, which can stain fabrics and furniture

It is better to call in a professional company with the correct equipment to handle every aspect of water restoration. We will leave your store, “Like it never even happened.”

How can SERVPRO help?

We can help you with every aspect of water damage, from initial cleanup to deodorizing your property before we leave.

We begin by assessing the damage to let you know what we need to do and the projected results. We can help you assess what items you can salvage and which ones you must toss out.

Before we dry your store, we remove excess water with pumps and carpet wands. We can also use free-standing extractors to press out water if your store has carpets. The more water we can remove now, the quicker and easier it will be to dry your store.

We use fans and air movers to create evaporation and dry out the floor, walls, and wet furniture or possessions. We also monitor moisture and humidity levels as we go, to ensure everything is completely dry. We can also use air scrubbers and foggers to deodorize your premises afterward.

Why do you need a SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile?

SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile (ERP) helps your staff prepare for any disaster, including water damage. It is easy to set up – you download the free app, and then use a PC or laptop to set up an account. The app guides you through your premises and prompts you about which information to capture. It will also tell you when you need to take pictures.

Your ERP profile includes all the vital information about your business, including electric and water shutoff points, which are useful to know in the event of sprinklers activating. You can also input critical phone numbers such as your local water damage restoration service (us!), the sprinkler manufacturer, and your insurance company. Finally, you can put together a plan for getting your business back on its feet after a disaster and include the chain of command, so staff knows who to call.

Do not try to handle water damage yourself. Call SERVPRO of Hicksville / Plainview at (516) 733-1800.

What Should Syosset Property Owners Do After a Heavy Storm that Causes Flood Damage in their Homes?

10/25/2020 (Permalink)

Removing water from your home is something for Team SERVPRO to handle. Contact SERVPRO for remediation services.

They Can Hire SERVPRO Restorers in Syosset to Handle the Storm Flood Damage in their Properties.

Dealing with flood damage after a storm can be traumatic to any property owner in Syosset. If the flooding takes place during the night, you might not know where to begin. Thankfully, SERVPRO technicians are always available to respond to your emergency call, including in the middle of the night.

What happens after flooding occurs in a home?

Flood damage in your Syosset residence can start soon after floodwaters find their way into the property. If left unattended for more than 24 hours, it may cause damages such as:

• Sagging and disintegrating of drywall.
• Swelling and wrapping of wooden surfaces such as shelves and hardwood floors
• Shorting out of your electrical systems causing shock and fire hazards.

Why should I handle flood damage immediately?

Standing flood water in or outside your home creates a suitable environment for pests such as mosquitoes and flies. The water can also promote mold growth, which can cause health effects for your family. The longer the water sits in your home, the more expensive and difficult it is to clean up the damage.

What do you do to avoid mold growth?

At SERVPRO, we have state-of-the-art equipment and tools that help us speed up the drying process. We begin by removing the standing water as part of the water extraction service. We can use several self-priming trash pumps to remove the floodwater depending on the intensity of the damage. The diesel-powered machine can pass solids that flood water collects and 10,000 to 60,000 gallons of water per hour.

How can you dry my home?

We can use drying equipment such as air movers, dehumidifiers, and ventilating box fans to dry your property faster. Our team can also activate site assets such as whole-house fans, ceiling fans, and exhaust vents to allow for faster drying. We monitor the drying process closely to meet the drying goals.

How can you remove the odor in my home?

Odors can affect the comfort levels in your home. Even after cleaning and drying the affected surfaces thoroughly, the odor can persist. We can use air filtration devices to extract airborne particles in your residence. The (HEPA) High-efficiency particulate air filters also capture large contaminants and debris and exhaust clean, fresh air back into the affected property.

Flood damage does not have to interrupt your way of life for long. Contact SERVPRO of Hicksville / Plainview at (516) 733-1800 for fast and effective restoration. “Like it never even happened.”  

Click here for more information about Syosset.

What are the Three Primary Remediation Strategies for Offices in Hicksville?

10/11/2020 (Permalink)

Mold in your office complex can be tricky to deal with. Contact SERVPRO for remediation and mitigation services to get your business up and running.

A Guide to Water Damage Remediation Services in Hicksville

Removing mold colonies from Hicksville office buildings is not always a straightforward process. There are often multiple impacted areas, and the threat has spread throughout the building before becoming visible on the surface materials. As threatening as these conditions might be, various steps can help manage these emergencies to better protect your staff, equipment, facilities, and records.

The removal of microbial colonies is the heart of mold remediation for Hicksville office complexes and must begin as soon as possible. Mold does not stop moving throughout the available matter in a damaged area when colonies develop. Removing active colonization requires several potential strategies based on the severity of the situation, the materials affected, and the timeline to complete the work. These include:

• Surface Cleaning  

Cleaning surfaces with potent products like antimicrobials can remove light mold growth where the colony has not yet fully developed and inhibit further hosting of the organism while remediation continues.

• Soda Blasting/Sanding/Abrasive Cleaning

Agitation can often have the most direct effect on active colonization when cleaning is still feasible. This process can usually remove the entire organism without damaging the underlying substrate. These approaches only work for certain materials, so they are not a universal solution for the whole office building.

• Controlled Demolition 
  

Removing damaged portions of drywall, carpeting, and discarding compromised furniture is beneficial in multiple ways to remediation. The removal of these damaged materials limits higher concentrations of active spores. It provides a clean, stable foundation for build back and repairs to follow up as soon as the rest of the cleaning completes.

Can Business Still Continue During Remediation?

Our SERVPRO professionals focus on establishing containment as soon as possible. Limiting foot traffic stops cross-contamination and can allow your business to continue functioning in a limited capacity when possible.

When mold is a threat to your office complex, our SERVPRO of Hicksville / Plainview team can help. We are available 24/7 at (516) 733-1800.

Click here for more information about Hicksville.

How Does SERVPRO Prepare to Handle Fire Damage in My Home?

9/21/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO uses advanced equipment like this air scrubber with negative air pressure to improve IAQ indoor air quality after a fire in a Syosset home

Syosset Homeowners Need a Fire Damage Crew They Can Rely On

Staying organized is key to getting everything done. Whether you're trying to keep up with projects at work or finish planning Aunt Muriel's birthday meal, staying organized is a must. The same is true for any Syosset home projects. And although you might not have thought about it before, the same is true of restoration crews.

If you need help with fire damage to your Syosset home, you want to know the attending crew is well organized. It is not enough to understand how to remediate smoke and soot damage. Preparation and organization are essential for an effective service.

Who is involved in fire damage restoration?

Fire damage restoration is a complex project with many moving parts. There may be multiple areas of your home that need attention. For example, the walls might need soot removal, while the site closest to the blaze requires the ceiling repaired. There will be several team members on-site, too, including:

• A project manager who is responsible for devising the best plan of action for your home
• A crew chief who is responsible for executing that plan as safely, quickly, and effectively as possible
• The restoration team who carries out remediation tasks and puts your home back "Like it never even happened."

What kind of preparation do remediation specialists need?

You would not go on a road trip without ensuring you had enough fuel for your vehicle and snacks for the journey. SERVPRO of Hicksville / Plainview does not leave for your home without making thorough preparations, including:

• A plan of which rooms need cleaning if any places are off-limits, and how we are going to handle the contents of each room (cleaning in situ, or removal)
• A briefing to make sure each team member knows what is expected of them that day
• A list of any equipment required beyond the standard fire restoration equipment, such as extra high ladders or additional personal protective equipment

These things are just as important as our restoration equipment. We also assess each SERVPRO crew member's strengths to pair technicians in the most efficient way.

What happens when the technicians arrive?

We start with a walk-through of your property. Doing this allows us to spot any additional issues that have arisen since we last spoke with you.

The next step is to set up a staging area before beginning restoration activities. A staging area keeps everything we need in one place and stops our workspace from becoming cluttered. It also minimizes how often our technicians have to walk through other parts of your home than the one they are working on.

What happens after you set up the staging area?

The next step is contents management. We can clear a space where we do our work – sometimes this is by moving your belongings around, sometimes it is by performing a pack-out and removing your items to our warehouse.

If we are doing a pack-out, we will carefully inventory your contents before moving them. Our CCIS Contents Claim Inventory System program simplifies and documents our coordination with you and your insurance company. We work on one small area at a time, moving contents in preparation for cleaning.

If any part requires controlled demolition (such as a sagging ceiling or burnt-out wall), we do that before cleaning. When everything is prepared, we can begin cleaning.

What can SERVPRO clean?

We train our team to the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) standards. They will assess the damage and decide on the best cleaning method. For example, we can use:

• Dry scrubbing and HEPA vacuuming to get rid of dry soot particles
• Wet cleaning and foam cleaners to handle more stubborn stains
• Baking soda blasting for crawl spaces, attics, and basements
• Spot cleaning for delicate upholstery
• Dry cleaning and ultrasonic cleaning for items that cannot withstand wet cleaning

We generally clean rooms top to bottom, starting at the ceiling. Preparation and organization are essential during cleaning too. We make sure our technicians have a clear plan of what to clean, which method to use, and in which order to carry out cleaning tasks.

What happens after cleaning?

When your home is clean, we deodorize it. We know lingering smoke odors are very unpleasant. We have a range of deodorization options, including air scrubbers, wet fogging, and ozone generators. Our teams emphasize thorough cleaning to remove the odor's source, but extra deodorization is sometimes needed.

If we removed your contents, we will bring them back and set them up in their respective places.

For help from a well-prepared fire damage restoration team, call SERVPRO of Hicksville / Plainview at (516) 733-1800.

Who Should Business Owners Call For Quick Drying Efforts In Stores After a Flood?

9/16/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO can help you with many aspects of flood damage. Call today for assistance.

SERVPRO Has the Tools, Equipment, and Expertise to Help Restore Plainview Stores After it Floods.

Flooding in your Plainview commercial establishment is both disruptive and detrimental to your bottom line. As much as you put protection in place to preserve inventory and minimize the risk of damage, Mother Nature can wreak havoc on your business with virtually no warning. The steps to take following the incident can make the difference between a complete loss and continuing business as usual.

Business owners in Plainview who face flood damage should call our SERVPRO staff to help them chart an efficient path to restoration. When water is seeping into your walls, floors, fixtures, and equipment, time is of the essence. When you call our 24/7 hotline, you access a team of water restoration technicians (WRT) certified by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification (IICRC), the certifying body in our industry. Our goal, like yours, is to restore and repair while mitigating your loss.

What are the steps to proper restoration?

Safety is the priority for our SERVPRO team, and for you, which is why we make sure entering the property is safe before beginning the process. Your local power company can help you assess whether there are any concerns about water compromising the electrical system. If it's safe to enter, you might consider retrieving any documents pertinent to insurance or irreplaceable value. Once our crew arrives, we help you remove any items beyond being salvaged and take precautions to preserve those we can restore. We document our process, which can help you file an insurance claim and communicate with other pertinent authorities. The main steps to bringing your business to its prior condition include-

Water extraction with pumps, air circulators, and dehumidifiers

Sanitizing with antimicrobial solutions

Deodorizing with foggers, odor counteracting pellets, and air scrubbers

A systematic approach to restoration can decrease the time in which your business is not fully operational, thus preserving your revenue. Our team at SERVPRO of Hicksville/Plainview is your business partner when disaster strikes. Call us at (516) 733-1800 and let us leave your place "Like it never even happened." 

Is Controlled Demolition Common After Fire Loses in Syosset?

9/9/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO makes the build back process easier on you by assisting you with every level of fire damage restoration. Call us for expert service.

When structure fires occur, significant damage can result, that requires our contractors to repair and rebuild. 

Structure fires in Syosset homes and businesses can have an undeniable damaging result. The more materials and surfaces in the path of the blaze, before it gets extinguished by first responders, the more of your home that requires cleaning and recovery. While it is always a priority of our technicians to restore before replacing, the severity of the property's loss effects and the condition of building materials can be indicators for when controlled demolition might be necessary. This practice reduces the later time and material costs for reconstruction by only removing compromised structural elements. 

There are multiple layers of fire damage restoration for Syosset homes. Before we can get involved with common mitigation tasks like soot and smoke residue removal from building materials, fixtures, and contents, a thorough inspection of the property can determine when demolition might be necessary first. Demolition can happen for several different reasons evaluated in the job scoping phase, including:

• Material is Partially Combusted 
• Excessive Soot/Smoke Damage 
• Require Access to Fire/Water Damaged Structural Cavities 
• Structural Deterioration

When Does Build Back Begin for Damaged Homes? 

Often there are several types of mitigation and restoration steps that must occur before your property is ready for the build back and reconstruction. With a team of in-house contractors that can oversee the controlled demolition in the pre-mitigation phases, these same professionals can begin the necessary repairs and material replacement when restoration completes. The seamless transition between recovery and reconstruction can often get you back into your home more quickly than third-party subcontractors. 

After a fire, it is not uncommon for your home to need repairs and reconstruction, especially after controlled demolition designed to mitigate overall losses. Our SERVPRO of Hicksville / Plainview team can help with restoration and rebuilding - give us a call today at (516) 733-1800.

Find out more about Syosset.

Do All Wet Materials Need Tear-Out and Replacement from My Hicksville House As Part of Water Damage Repair?

8/25/2020 (Permalink)

Let SERVPRO save your home from water damage. We can make it "Like it never even happened."

Hiring an Experienced Disaster Recovery Company Like SERVPRO Focuses Efforts on Restoration During Hicksville Water Damage Repair.

Although some building materials cannot withstand a thorough soaking, many more structural items in your Hicksville home than you might have hoped are durable enough to survive a water loss. Working with a reputable water damage contractor lets you learn about the options available to repair water incursion, short of a complete removal and rebuilding of affected surfaces, and replacement of supportive structures.

What Are Common Causes of Residential Water Damage?

The media broadcasts loads of information about natural disasters, including severe weather resulting in the need for water damage repair in Hicksville and environs. Although the harm done to your home, if it is unlucky enough to be in the path of a storm, can be substantial, significant water damage can also occur without torrential rains, winds, or other storm activity. Common causes of non-natural disaster-related water damage include, but are not limited to:

• Broken or burst plumbing supply lines
• Malfunctioning appliances
• Waste pipe and drain backups
• Broken or missing caulking around tubs, sinks, and toilets
• Cracked or unsealed grout in a ceramic floor
• Clogged air conditioner or refrigerator or freezer drains
• Poorly installed or maintained gutter and downspout systems
• Landscaping erosion near your foundation
• Ice dams
• Missing or torn vapor barriers in crawl spaces
• Failure to install, maintain, or use exhaust fans in high humidity spaces

What Types of Building Materials Resist Water Damage or Rebound Successfully?

SERVPRO strives to maintain a restoration focus during water damage recovery projects. If surfaces and structures can return to their previous functionality and appearance with professional mitigation and remediation, we embrace and deliver on that opportunity. Structural components and fixtures that respond well to restoration efforts include:

• Hardwood flooring and trim when trained technicians pursue efforts to remove water and dry out subfloors, walls, and ceilings.
• Concrete and resilient flooring, particularly if asphalt and vinyl tiles weather the water without damage
• Ceramic tile flooring, especially if the subfloor receives water removal and drying and cracked or missing grout is replaced and sealed
• Carpeting, especially if we replace the padding and concentrate on swift, skillful but aggressive extraction and appropriate drying
• Built-in cabinets, bookcases, and buffets when creative ways to open up the spaces under and behind the structures permit water release and facilitate the flow of warm, moving air  
• Cinder block or concrete construction when we find any recesses filled with water and implement strategies to release the fluids and dry out the spaces

What Types of Building Materials Struggle with Water Damage and Might Need Repairs?

Water damage survivability depends primarily upon the length of time objects are in contact with the fluids. The permeability of the structural components and the likelihood that the compromised building materials would warp, distort, weaken, or disintegrate because of the prolonged contact with moisture are also critical factors. Fortunately, most of the building materials requiring removal, replacement, and repair after water damage can be rehabilitated or swapped out in a straightforward manner, including:

• Drywall and lath and plaster
• Insulation -- loose and backed
• Plywood and particleboard
• Loosened vinyl tiles
• Ceiling tiles
• Laminate flooring

Why Do Professionals Choose Planned Partial Demolition of Intact Building Materials During Water Damage Repair?

Some of the structural “damage” occurring during a water damage repair project instead is deliberate, chosen as a strategy by water removal and drying professionals. We use devices to detect water pooled in building cavities, filling cinder block cells, and suspended over ceilings. Planned or controlled demolition permits the release of trapped water and an enhanced airflow for more efficient drying. Once we achieve the goals of water extraction and structural drying, we arrange for the build back of the intentional tear out and hole drilling or cutting. Controlled demolition during water damage repair includes:

• Punching of weep holes from the edge to the center of ceilings
• Drilling of water release holes in mortar joints of blocks and bricks
• Cutting of water release holes under baseboards and beadboard pried off drywall or lath and plaster
• Sawing of flood cuts between studs through drywall several inches above the waterline

Water damage repair is a core service offered by SERVPRO of Hicksville / Plainview, provided by highly-trained and experienced managers and technician work crews. Call us at (516) 733-1800 to explore your options for a fast and successful outcome.

Is It Safe To Clean My Walls After Fire Damage In Hicksville?

8/10/2020 (Permalink)

Whatever the situation, we are on hand to help.

Hicksville Residents Worry About Homes After Fire Damage

People living in Hicksville know that a clean, welcoming home is one of the best things. A lovely home is a place to come back to after a hard day at work or to look after your kids or relax with family and friends.

The psychological effects of fire damage in Hicksville cannot be understated. It is distressing to see your home grimy and black with soot stains. It is natural to want to fix the damage as soon as possible.

Can I clean my walls after fire damage?

SERVPRO strongly recommends that you do not attempt to clean your walls after fire damage. We understand the urge to scrub your home and make it look, “Like it never even happened.” However, it is much safer to wait for the professional cleanup crew to arrive.

We train our technicians in structural cleaning of walls and ceilings. Our teams know which cleaning methods are best, and which ones to use for your home. A professional team will get a much more satisfactory result than cleaning by yourself. Not to mention, we are equipped with the proper safety equipment.

Is there anything I can do while waiting for SERVPRO?

There are some things you can do while waiting if it is safe to do so:

    •    Cover carpets and upholstery with old linen or colorfast towels to protect them from further damage
    •    Gently wash plan leaves on both sides with plain water
    •    Cover chrome faucets and trim with a lubricant such as petroleum jelly

Please do not attempt these actions if it is not safe. Also, we suggest asking family members to keep moving in the affected areas to a minimum, to prevent further damage and spreading of soot.

How will SERVPRO clean my walls?

The cleaning method we choose depends on how heavily soiled the wall is, the material it is made from, and whether it is painted or wallpapered. Some options include:

    •    Dry sponge cleaning for surfaces that cannot get wet
    •    Wire brushes for robust surfaces and softer brushes for delicate surfaces
    •    General surface cleaners for paint and washable surfaces
    •    Heavy-duty cleaners for more stubborn stains

Whatever the situation, we are on hand to help. Call SERVPRO of Hicksville / Plainview at (516) 733-1800.

Why Does SERVPRO’s 24/7 Service Matter When Water Damage Occurs In Hicksville?

7/28/2020 (Permalink)

If you need speedy help with water damage, call SERVPRO of Hicksville / Plainview at (516) 733-1800.

A Speedy Response Means Better Results For Hicksville Homes With Water Damage

Hicksville residents want to know that should a disaster occur in their home, and there is someone they can rely on for a speedy response. SERVPRO understands the need for speed when remedying a water problem, which is why we emphasize quick service as part of our response.

No one wants to deal with water damage in their Hicksville home. However, in the unfortunate event of water seeping into your carpets or drywall, you want to know help is at hand when you need it. Water damage does not wait for a convenient time – you can suffer from a leak or flood at any moment. Thankfully, SERVPRO of Hicksville / Plainview is here for you any time, day or night. Our teams work 24 hours a day, seven days a week, all year long. We do not shut up shop at 5:00 PM or close our offices for the holidays. When disaster strikes – we are there.

Why is speed so important when water damage occurs?

Time is of the essence in cases of water damage. A day or even an hour can make a massive difference to how much harm the moisture can do. For example:

    •    Water saturates everything in its path within minutes, including furniture, carpets, upholstery, and the structure of your home
    •    In the first 24 hours after water damage, drywall and furniture begin to swell, and metal services begin to tarnish.
    •    In the first 48 hours after water damage, doors and floors start to warp, paint begins to blister, and mold starts to grow
    •    If more than a week goes by, restoration becomes much more complicated and costly, and the risk of permanent damage to the home, or health hazards to the occupants, increases sharply

Fast action is key to preventing mold, long-term damage, and warping of your home’s structure. That is why SERVPRO is Faster to Any Size Disaster.

What does SERVPRO do to hasten the drying process?

Our technicians understand that the faster we can dry your property, the better for everyone. We start by removing as much water from your house as possible. The more moisture we extract at the start of the process, the faster and more effective drying will be. Our extraction process is thorough, and we use a range of standing pumps, truck-mounted pumps, and wand extractors to draw out as much water as possible.

We are thorough in our work – we do not stop at removing water! We use a range of air movers, dehumidifiers, and fans to dry out your carpets, drapes, furniture, and floors. We train our technicians in the best placement of equipment for each situation.

If some of your belongings need more in-depth cleaning, we take care of that too. Our teams have access to a wide range of cleaning chemicals and solutions, and we can carry out everything from spot cleaning to full immersion cleaning as needed.

What can I expect when SERVPRO arrives?

When our team arrives at your home, they will:

    •    Start with a walk-through to assess the situation and talk with you about your concerns and priorities
    •    Check-in with their managers about any specific hazards (such as the need to board up windows) and make a plan to handle those hazards
    •    Consult with you about the steps needed to restore your home, to make sure you are happy with their activities going forward
    •    Use a range of moisture meters to take initial moisture readings and ascertain the extent of the water damage
    •    Draw up a full plan that includes demolition plans for any parts of your home that cannot be saved (such as saturated drywall) and drying methods for everything salvageable.

Our visit begins with a thorough assessment, so you know we have considered all the options, and have all the relevant information to hand. Putting a well-researched plan in place at the start gives you peace of mind because you know what is going to happen next.

A property assessment also hastens the drying process because all technicians know what steps to take and in what order.

What happens after drying is complete?

After our team has finished drying your home and belongings, we work on deodorizing your home using a range of foggers and deodorizing chemicals. Deodorizing is a vital final step because it eradicates the leftover musty smell that accompanies water damage, and leaves your home feeling clean and fresh once more.

We conduct a walk-through with you after remediation is complete. This gives you the chance to see the results of our work while we are still on hand to answer any questions or concerns. The manager in charge of your project will call you a week after project close-out to discuss any lingering questions you may have.

If you need speedy help with water damage, call SERVPRO of Hicksville / Plainview at (516) 733-1800.

What Are The Biggest Fire Damage Risks In My Hicksville Home?

7/15/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Hicksville / Plainview technicians is waiting to help you.

SERVPRO Helps Hicksville Residents Deal With Fire Damage

Fire damage is a frightening thought, and as a result, many Hicksville residents are eager to do all they can to prevent a home fire.

It is essential to know the most significant fire damage risks so you can keep your Hicksville home safe. There are several steps you can take to help prevent a fire in your house.

What are the biggest fire damage risks to look out for?

SERVPRO recommends all homeowners stay aware of the following potential risks:

    •    Cooking. A home-cooked meal is delightful, but if you are not careful, it can also be a fire hazard. Always stay aware in the kitchen.
    •    Candles. Candles are a leading cause of fires. Be careful when burning candles, and do not ever leave them unattended.
    •    Appliances. An old or damaged appliance can spark a fire. Maintain your devices properly and be alert for worn cords or damaged casing.
    •    Dryers. Make sure you unclog your dryer's pipes regularly and clean the lint filter regularly.
    •    Smoking. We all know that smoking is not beneficial for our health, but it is also a terrible fire risk. If you or anyone in your home is not ready to quit, be mindful not to leave cigarettes burning, or even better, smoke outside.

How can SERVPRO help me is there is a fire?

In the unfortunate event of a fire, SERVPRO technicians are on hand to mitigate the damage. We know the steps to take to restore your home:

    •    A thorough assessment of the situation
    •    Boarding up windows and placing a tarp on the roof if the fire has caused structural damage
    •    Removing excess water from the initial efforts to quench the fire
    •    Remove smoke and soot from your home using a range of specialized equipment
    •    Clean and sanitize damaged items
    •    Restore your home and deal with physical damage such as replacing drywall.

SERVPRO of Hicksville / Plainview technicians is waiting to help you. If your home has suffered fire damage, give us a call today on (516) 733-1800.

How Many Dehumidifiers Do I Need to Use?

7/8/2020 (Permalink)

Is your personal dehumidifier enough for your water damage? Call the pros of SERVPRO to mitigate all your damage needs.

The SERVPRO Team Calculates the Number of Dehumidifiers for Drying Your Water Damaged Hicksville Property

Our SERVPRO team in Hicksville calculates the appropriate amount of dehumidification required for your specific water damage situation. We take into account the type of dehumidifier, desiccant, conventional refrigerant, or low grain refrigerant (LGR) since each machine has a different capacity. They also take into consideration the amount of damage and the total impacted area. Our technicians create specific drying goals based on their calculations but also understand that each loss situation is distinct and can change throughout the drying process.

Do More Dehumidifiers Mean a Quicker Drying Process?

No, More Machines Do Not Always Mean a Faster Process

For water mitigation projects, more does not always mean faster and faster does not always mean better. Too hasty of a drying project in your Hicksville home may cause further water damage in the long run. Materials can become too dry, making it essential to monitor the process carefully. Dehumidifiers work in conjunction with air movers to facilitate evaporation through airflow, so it is vital to keep the equipment balanced.

How Do SERVPRO Technicians Determine the Appropriate Number of Dehumidifiers?

• They determine the class of water damage. Class 1 being the least amount of damage and Class 4 requiring specialized drying. 
• Technicians measure dehumidifier capacity based on the size in cubic feet of the impacted area. 

I have Class 3 Water Damage in My Home, What Does That Mean?

• A large number of porous materials sustained water damage.
• The impacted area is large, requiring a lot of dehumidification.
• Technicians may create smaller drying chambers using 6-mil polyethylene to foster targeted drying. 

For 24/7 assistance with water damage or any other home disaster, contact SERVPRO of Hicksville / Plainview at (516) 733-1800. We make it, "Like it never even happened."

How Can I Ensure That My Hicksville Home is Safe to Live in Following a Flood?

6/28/2020 (Permalink)

If you ever need help cleaning and remediating your flood-damaged home, contact SERVPRO.

Floodwaters Carry Harmful Microbes, So Only a Professional Flood Damage Remediator Can Make Your Hicksville Home Safe to Live in After Flooding

Flooding is a fairly common occurrence on Long Island, and Hicksville is no exception to this. Yearly storms, ranging from strong coastal thunderstorms to Nor’easters and hurricanes, bring with them flooding torrential rains. As heavy rains overwhelm the area’s water drainage system, floodwaters pour onto local streets and into homes. These dirty waters commonly contain trash, human and animal waste, toxic chemicals, and other harmful substances. Lurking within all these are dangerous microbes that could cause health effects and degrade the structural integrity of your home.  The only real way to eliminate these microscopic threats following a flood is to enlist the aid of a quality flood damage cleaning and restoration company.

How Do Flood-borne Microbes Make My Home Unsafe?

SERVPRO, a local Hicksville flood damage restoration service, often deals with the adverse effects of the following flood-borne microbes:

    •    Bacteria
    •    Viruses
    •    Fungi
    •    Other parasites

All of these microorganisms cause a wide variety of issues. If they are breathed in, swallowed, or absorbed through the skin, they may promote health effects in humans and pets. Also, they could eventually undermine the structural integrity of your home, making it dangerous to live in. Dry rot, caused by certain fungi, might decay wooden flooring, walls, and ceilings over time. It may also wear away various support beams that keep your house from collapsing. Excess moisture in the air resulting from flooding could also affect attic rafters and your roof.

What Does SERVPRO Do to Help Eliminate These Microscopic Threats?

SERVPRO technicians are trained and experienced in effectively dealing with microbial threats. In their efforts to eradicate harmful microbes, they employ a wide range of high-tech gear and innovative methods. Some tools our experts use are:

    •    Heated water extractors that remove microbe-supporting standing waters and kill certain microorganisms
    •    Desiccant dehumidifiers to remove the moisture that microbes like mold need to thrive
    •    Low-grain refrigerant (LGR) dehumidifiers that: supercool interior air to remove moisture via condensation to levels well below forty grains/pound, and can kill microbes adverse to low temperatures
    •    Injectidry systems to dry subflooring, as well as areas behind walls and ceilings
    •    High-tech foggers to inject disinfectants and antifungals into materials and difficult-to-access areas
    •    A wide variety of EPA-approved disinfecting and fungus-eliminating chemical agents

SERVPRO professionals, armed with this state-of-the-art equipment, can sanitize your home, making it safe to live in and less likely to suffer future structural damage.

When remediating flood damage, our experienced workers use a variety of methods to neutralize microbial threats. They understand that microscopic pests require three things, namely a food source, the right temperature, and enough moisture to survive and proliferate. Therefore, when combating these microorganisms, SERVPRO technicians act to alter these three life-sustaining factors. In doing this, they:

    •    Immediately remove dirty floodwaters and non-restorable water-damaged items that could become microbial food sources  
    •    Inject disinfectants and antifungals into affected restorable surfaces with ultra-low volume foggers to kill bacteria and fungi feeding on them
    •    Use thermal foggers, which emit counteracting vaporized solutions, to neutralize airborne microbes
    •    Employ heated extractors, refrigerant dehumidifiers, and high-velocity box fans to alter interior temperatures so that they are less favorable for bacteria, viruses, and fungi
    •    Reduce the humidity of interior air to below 60% with desiccant and refrigerant dehumidifiers to hinder the growth of certain microorganisms.
    •    Further, dry all areas with air movers and Injectidry systems

Ultimately, all of these measures strike at the root causes of harmful microbial growth. By eliminating the food and moisture sources they depend on, as well as altering interior temperatures, SERVPRO is often successful in eradicating microscopic threats.

Everyday life in a peaceful suburb like Hicksville can be quite uneventful. However, that peace is broken a few times a year by troublesome storms. High winds and heavy rains can quickly cause expensive damage to your home. They can make tree limbs fall on your roof, causing roof leaks, flying debris to break windows, and floodwaters to rapidly inundate your property. Many times, these disasters cannot be predicted or prevented. Even the best preparations can be overcome by a powerful coastal storm. The best thing you can do before you have an issue is to know what local services are able to do if your home is affected by storm damage.

Also, it is important to take the proper precautions before the arrival of major storms. Repair roof leaks, routinely clean your gutters, fix foundation issues, board up windows, and strategically sandbag your property if necessary. All of these actions should help protect your home from the effects of many anticipated storms. However, when disaster does strike and flooding impacts your home, rest assured that nearby help is available.

If you ever need help cleaning and remediating your flood-damaged home, contact SERVPRO of Hicksville / Plainview at (516) 733-1800.

How Can I Guarantee my Business Premises is Safe After a Fire?

6/19/2020 (Permalink)

Let us help you get your Hicksville Business back in order after a devastation.

SERVPRO Commercial Fire Damage Services can Inspect and Restore your Premises to a Pre-loss condition.

What type of damages occurs from a fire?

The main issues in your Hicksville business are likely to focus on indoor air quality, structural security, and sanitation. Most property fires do not cause irreversible harm to the structure but can blacken walls and ceilings and reduce indoor air quality. Whenever our technicians work on a commercial building, we wear respirators as part of our protective equipment (PPE) to avoid inhaling or ingesting microscopic dust and ash particles. The demolition of non-salvageable material can further harm your indoor air quality. When the indoor air quality is weak, it can be unsafe to re-introduce staff or customers to the premises. Our technicians apply negative air pressure to the fire zone to ensure that any residual, air-borne dust or debris does not spread to an unaffected area. When fires are contained in a specific area, we can use plastic sheeting to prevent the spread of dust.

Is the smell of burning harmful to your health?

Unless members of your staff or customers have pre-existing respiratory issues, it is unlikely that burnt odors are lethal. However, they can create an unpleasant atmosphere in your business, which is why you may need professional fire damage restoration services in Hicksville. Our technicians undergo extensive odor control training to ensure that your property returns to its preloss condition. After fumigating or misting the premises, we can place venting box fans in the area to exchange indoor air with outdoor up to sixty times. This process ensures that any residual odors are dealt with, leaving you to re-open your business "Like it never even happened."

How can my business work around a fire issue?

- Contain the affected area and post clear signage to avoid entry or foot traffic

- Speak directly with a SERVPRO crew chief to understand which areas of your property are safe to re-open

- Contact your business insurance provider to cover any revenue losses during the restoration period

If your business suffers from smoke and fire issues, contact SERVPRO of Hicksville / Plainview at (516) 733-1800 for commercial restoration.

Learn more about Hicksville.

A Leaking Pipe Has Caused Water Damage in My Hicksville Property, What Should I Do?

6/11/2020 (Permalink)

When your home has water damage, hiring professionals is vital.

Hire SERVPRO’s Team of Experts to Perform Water Cleanup in Your Hicksville Home

Water from a leaking pipe in your Hicksville property can cause costly damage to your carpets, drywall, electronics, appliances, and other valuable items. By seeking professional help from SERVPRO, you can save most of the structures and contents of your home.

Why should I act quickly?

The longer water stays in a property, the more damage it causes on various surfaces. Therefore, it is crucial to act immediately by calling us to perform water cleanup in your Hicksville property. Some of your valuables can withstand several minutes of exposure to the water, but electronics can be challenging to save. If you ignore the water for an extended period, mold can grow. Our response team is available 24-hours a day. Immediately we receive an emergency call, we act fast since we understand the destruction water and moisture can cause.

My carpet is soaked with water, do I have to replace it?

Carpet manufacturers use synthetic fibers to make the carpets fluffy and warm. When the fibers absorb water, it is not easy to dry the surface manually or naturally. Our team of experts has access to state-of-the-art equipment and tools that can minimize the drying time and save your carpet.

Depending on the level of water damage, we may remove your carpet and pad to dry the area effectively. Removing the carpet and padding gives us an excellent opportunity to check the floor below it for potential water damage. Also, the carpet can dry fast since we expose both sides to dry air. Our technicians can use Knee kicker, seaming tape, and power stretcher to repair your dry carpet and pad.

What about my wet drywall?

Drywall may seem hard, but the material used to construct it is porous. When the drywall is wet, it can:

    •    Swell
    •    Bow
    •    Sag
    •    Discolor

In severe cases, drywall can become a breeding ground for mold and bacteria. Thankfully, we can restore your drywall by drying it effectively in a brief period using an indirect fired furnace. This is a heat and air-exchange drying system that heats the airspace of the affected building to increase evaporation. It takes dry air from outside and warms it before introducing it in the drying zone. The machine can dry even the hard to reach areas, including wall cavities and crawl spaces.

When your home has water damage, hiring professionals is vital. Call SERVPRO of Hicksville / Plainview at (516) 733-1800 for effective restoration. We can mitigate the water damage and rebuild the affected areas.

What Equipment is Most Effective in Water Cleanup Projects in Hicksville?

5/30/2020 (Permalink)

If you need a professional inspection or help with something you cannot handle on your own, call SERVPRO of Hicksville / Plainview.

In Hicksville, the Most Competent Services Have a Wide Range of High-Tech Gear to Efficiently Remove Water from Your Home

Homeownership can be a wonderful thing, but it also comes with its occasional difficulties.  It is, therefore, crucial to plan for these potential difficulties before they impact you. Some common issues Hicksville residents have been keeping up with routine home maintenance and protecting their property from weather-related damage. Over time, when homeowners fail to perform these essential tasks, they eventually have to deal with the problems resulting from their inattention. However, sometimes, even unavoidable accidents or unpredictable weather can lead to negative repercussions like standing water inside your home. Local water cleanup services, including SERVPRO, routinely encounter and effectively handle these unforeseen situations.

What Can Cause Standing Water in Your Hicksville Home?

Hicksville water cleanup services have dealt with standing water from a myriad of sources. These sources range from the readily apparent to the more inconspicuous. Water leaks can arise from structural issues, defective pipe networks, deteriorating containers, and malfunctioning appliances.  Some examples of water leak sources are:

    •    Ruptured water pipes, resulting from natural freeze-thaw cycles or long-term deterioration
    •    Rusted-out or otherwise deteriorated water containers
    •    Malfunctioning appliances like washing machines or dishwashers
    •    Clogged gutters or roof leaks, which allow rainwater to enter your home

While you cannot reasonably prevent all of these potential problems, you can avoid many of them with regular attention and maintenance.

Is There Any Way to Lower My Risks of a Water Leak?

There are several ways you can substantially reduce your chances of developing a water leak. Many of these suggestions involve limited effort on your part, while others require more. Some of the measures SERVPRO recommends for preventing water leaks are:

    •    Allowing your faucets to drip during periods of freezing weather
    •    Periodically examining exposed pipes for signs of deterioration and having those with issues repaired as needed
    •    Routinely monitoring the condition of containers and appliances and having deteriorated ones repaired
    •    Regularly examining your roof for leaks and repairing those found
    •    Cleaning your gutters periodically
    •    Cutting tree limbs that could potentially damage your roof during a severe storm


Often, by taking these relatively simple steps, you can prevent most potential leaks. Dripping faucets during freezing weather helps prevent water from freezing in pipes and rupturing them. Noticing container and appliance deterioration early enables you to fix or replace them before leaks occur.  Regular roof inspections and gutter cleanings often prevent leaks or allow you to discover them early enough so that they can be repaired before they do much damage. Ultimately, these suggestions should save you a lot of future trouble.

What Tools Does SERVPRO Usually Use to Clean Up Standing Water?

The water cleanup industry has advanced rapidly in recent years, and SERVPRO is no exception to this tremendous progress. Water removals in Hicksville that were more difficult twenty or more years ago have been made much easier now with our state-of-the-art water removal equipment. This gear more rapidly removes water and dries moisture-affected structural elements and contents. Our advanced tools include:

    •    Moisture sensors/meters that can identify precisely what is affected by moisture and how much it is affected
    •    Infrared cameras that can see through baseboards, walls, and ceilings to identify the source of leaks
    •    Industrial-strength truck-mounted and portable water extractors that can quickly remove inches to feet of standing water
    •    Submersible pumps that further facilitate fast water removal
    •    Large desiccant and refrigerant dehumidifiers that rapidly dry your home’s interior and air
    •    Powerful fans and air movers that circulate air, pulling dry air in as they blow moist air out of your home
    •    Advanced Injectidry systems that can be attached to air mover-dehumidifier networks to dry hard-to-access areas behind walls and ceilings

Using an arsenal of high-tech tools, SERVPRO’s technicians can often solve your standing water problems effectively, efficiently, and quickly. We do the job right the first time so that you can save time and money in the long-run.

Owning a home in Hicksville is a dream, but it comes with a great deal of responsibility. You need to remain vigilant against the harmful effects of wear and tear, as well as those caused by the powerful storms that routinely batter Long Island. Hicksville homeowners must properly perform maintenance on their property when needed. They need to periodically inspect their residence for potential issues or have trained professionals like SERVPRO do it for them. When you find problems, act fast, and properly address them. Never procrastinate in doing what needs to be done.

Always do your best to maintain your home. Prepare for things that can be expected and repair what you are able to fix. If you need a professional inspection or help with something you cannot handle on your own, call SERVPRO of Hicksville / Plainview at (516) 733-1800.

A Fire Has Damaged My Hicksville Home, What Steps Should I Take?

5/21/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Hicksville / Plainview can help you restore your home quickly.

Call a Company that Performs Fire Damage Restoration in Hicksville

Watching your property and valuable items engulfed by fire is among the most heartbreaking things a property owner can experience. After such a devastating incident, reassurance comes from having clear guidance in restoring your property from fire and smoke damage. Seek help immediately from a reliable restoration company like SERVPRO.

Why hire professional restorers?

The professionals at SERVPRO have years of experience. We are certified by the (IICRC) Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification to restore Hicksville homes with fire damage. Our response team is always available and responds fast to our customers’ emergency calls.

We use advanced equipment and tools as well as edge cutting techniques to restore homes in a brief period. With our expertise and experience, we can prevent further smoke and soot damage. Our team of technicians can repair most items and dispose of extremely damaged items.

How do you clean up the smoke residues?

As we restore smoke damaged materials, we seek to restore them to their preloss condition. We apply some basic principles of cleaning to accomplish the task. They include:

    •    Carefully inspecting the affected areas in locating smoke residues.
    •    Identifying the type of residues present.
    •    Identifying the type of surface that is affected.
    •    Capturing and removing residues
    •    Disposing of the debris and cleaning waste

How do professionals deodorize the affected property?

Whether small or significant fire damage, the odor can be present in your property. Depending on the intensity of the damage, the odor can persist even after a thorough cleaning. We can use a ventilation box fan to deodorize your property. The equipment generates a high velocity of airflow, which replaces the odor with fresh air from outside. The machine also helps in speeding up the drying process since the dry clean air from outside increases evaporation even in hard to reach areas.

Fire damage is devastating for homes, and you need technicians who can respond fast to it. SERVPRO of Hicksville / Plainview can help you restore your home quickly. Call us 24/7 at (516) 733-1800.

For more about Hicksville click here.

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned – a defensive cleaning program

5/20/2020 (Permalink)

Our defensive cleaning program gives your business a way forward by providing your employees and customers ongoing safety and assuredness.

Let us help you get back to business

As our communities re-open in Hicksville, we’re all moving back toward a new kind of normal. The expectations of visitors, customers, and employees who come into our establishments have evolved, and staying safe and well is a top concern. The global COVID-19 pandemic has changed what it means to be clean, and we’ve developed a program to help your business meet the new higher standard of clean that is now expected.

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned is a defensive cleaning program we’re offering to businesses and commercial locations to address the current COVID-19 pandemic. This proactive viral pathogen cleaning program goes well beyond janitorial or carpet cleaning. By choosing Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, you, your employees, your customers, and your community can rest assured that you’ve selected a higher cleaning standard – you are Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned.

Extensive training and specialized products

As the #1 choice in cleanup and restoration*, we stand on more than 50 years of experience and expertise to help your business become Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned.  Beyond fire & water, SERVPRO professionals are trained and experienced in biohazard decontamination and chemical spills – always adhering to the cleaning and decontamination standards set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local authorities. 

From formulating and creating our proprietary cleaning products, like SERVPROXIDE, at our headquarters in Gallatin, TN, to taking the utmost care while disinfecting, we will ensure you and your business are set up to inspire consumer confidence as the economy continues to reopen.

3 C’s – Consult, Clean, and Certify

When the stakes are this high, you want a partner who has developed an industry leading, proprietary training program, cleaning solutions, and remediation processes over decades. We’ve cleaned up some of the most challenging biohazards imaginable. Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned reflects our unique experiences and capabilities. The program is grounded with our unique 3 C’s: Consult, Clean, and Certify.

• Consult – Every business is different, which is why you’ll be assigned a Cleaning Protocol Consultant who understands your business and will create a cleaning program to meet your specific needs. This program will be developed based on your business type, size of space, amount of high frequency touchpoints, foot traffic and congestion points.
• Clean – Based on your specific business needs, your location will undergo a thorough, deep clean, using exclusive cleaning products, according to protocols set forth by the CDC. Our employees have years of experience, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform. Cleanup procedures generally include cleaning of porous and non-porous surfaces, disinfecting of non-porous surfaces, cleaning and disinfecting of equipment, tools, and/or supplies used for cleanup process, and disposal of hazardous materials.  In the event of a suspected or confirmed COVID-19 event, we will be there cleaning within 24 hours to ensure you get back to business as quickly as possible. 
• Certify - Once your business location has been Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, you will gain access to proprietary signage, digital emblems, and other collateral that communicates that you’ve selected a higher standard of clean available to help protect your employees and customers. And because we add the day, month, and year to that proprietary stamp of clean, your guests will know that not only did you choose Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, but that your location is being cleaned regularly at this standard.

Call today for a Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned consultation

We’re Here to Help – 24 hours a day, seven days a week – until life is back to normal in the communities we all call home.

Call SERVPRO of Hicksville / Plainview today at (516) 733-1800 for your Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned consultation.

* #1 Choice in cleanup & restoration based Commercial Attitude & Usage Tracking study. Polling 816 commercial business decision makers on first choice for future needs related to cleanup & restoration work. Study conducted by C&R Research: October 2019

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned means professionally trained SERVPRO franchises perform the requested cleaning, sanitizing and disinfection services according to proprietary SERVPRO protocols and recognized industry and CDC standards with EPA approved cleaning products to deliver a SERVPRO certified cleaning experience.  Each SERVPRO franchise is independently owned and operated.

What Can I Do After A Bathtub Overflow in My Hicksville Home?

5/12/2020 (Permalink)

Becoming distracted while running baths can quickly cause water damage.

Restoration Technicians at SERVPRO Can Remove Water Damage from Your Hicksville Home’s Structure and Belongings 

Accidents can happen anywhere and at any time. A busy parent can draw a bath for their little ones, get distracted, find water all over the bathroom floor, and soak the hallway. While you can clean part of it up yourself, mold and microbes can still develop, and flooring can delaminate with enough moisture exposure. 

If an accidental overflow requires professional water cleanup for your Hicksville property, SERVPRO technicians are ready to restore your home to its prior condition. Technicians focus on both removing damages and salvaging your property whenever possible so that you can enjoy a damage-free living space once more. 

SERVPRO’s Cleanup Technologies 

This Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC)-certified crew relies on a variety of sophisticated cleanup and sanitation tools to restore your home, including: 

• Extraction tools to address water removal for both structures and contents.
• EPA-registered antimicrobial solutions that remove bacteria, mold, and other potential sanitation risks from water damage.
• Moisture sensors and meters, as well as thermal imaging, to measure moisture levels and accurately calculate drying goals.
• High-powered centrifugal air movers and dehumidification equipment to isolate and remove moisture from surfaces and the air.
• Deodorization equipment, such as thermal foggers, that penetrate surfaces to remove water damage odors at the particle level. 

How SERVPRO Saves Your Home from Water Damage 

SERVPRO’s extraction tools, including mops, squeegees, rovers, and extractor wands, can remove moisture from various surfaces, including carpet and pad, drapes, upholstery, and drywall. 

Water extraction is up to 500 times more effective than relying on drying solely with air movers and dehumidifiers. It also minimizes the risk of secondary damages created by overworked or underutilized drying equipment. 

SERVPRO of Hicksville / Plainview can leave your home looking, “Like it never even happened.” Call (516) 733-1800 to begin the mitigation process as quickly as possible. 

More about Hicksville.

How Long Will It Take to Clean the Floodwater in My Home?

4/28/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO knows how hazardous flood damage can be to you and your Hicksville home.

SERVPRO Works Fast in Your Hicksville Home to Get the Flood Damage Taken Care Of

Flooding, no matter the extent, is the type of situation that Hicksville homeowners never want to experience, but it is often unavoidable, depending on the cause. Many floods bring standing water into your basement that could lead to immense damage if not addressed promptly. Calling in the help of IICRC-certified professionals ensures your home gets the prompt water restoration necessary to get it back to the pre-loss condition.

How Do You Begin Flood Damage Restoration?

When you call SERVPRO for help with flood damage in Hicksville, we arrive at your home in as little as four hours or less. We start right away on the assessment of the loss, always preparing for it to be worse than described. Any steady moisture penetrating the materials in your basement can become a catalyst for mold development as well as structural damage. This is why we have specialized plans in place that allow us to execute water restoration efforts quickly and efficiently.

How Do You Begin Water Removal?

Taking away any of the water that has pooled over the concrete flooring in your basement calls for careful selection of the best extraction devices. Our Green Fleet comes fully equipped with tools such as:

•   Truck-mounted extractors that allow us to remove hundreds to thousands of gallons of water from the flood loss zone
•   Submersible pumps that work best for removing standing water that is higher than two-inches deep
•   Wet vacuums with wands that allow our team to address any remaining surface water

What Happens During the Drying Process?

We utilize a specialized formula for drying after a flood within your home. Our team formulates the best course of action that tells us exactly what and how many fans and air movers must be placed within the loss zone. Evaporative processes such as these usually include a combination of several types of drying machines:

•   Air movers are critical throughout the drying process for any water loss
•   Dehumidifiers are essential to help with basement drying, which are spaces in the home prone to elevated humidity levels
•   Industrial-strength fans also help to keep the air circulating

Regardless of the number or type of drying tools used, our skilled technicians know how and when to move them around to get the best results.

Will I Need Any Repairs After the Flood?

With any ground infiltration during a flood loss situation, there can be immense damage to the blockwork that makes up the foundation of your home. This sometimes requires patches using hydraulic cement or full replacement of concrete masonry units (CMU). With strategic repair to areas of the walls that are most vulnerable, it is possible to help dry up the damp basement over the long term.

What If I Have Damage to Exterior Walls?

There are some cases after floodwaters recede that the high humidity levels within a basement can start to damage the walls. Even with the use of water extractors, dehumidifiers, and air movers, our technicians may need to move forward with further restoration efforts. 

•   Flood cuts just above the waterline helps to expose water pockets within the walls while removing all damaged drywall. 
•   Cinder Block construction homes could also hold water inside the walls. We use detection equipment to determine if there is hidden moisture that must be removed.

All of your exterior walls are checked using specialized moisture sensor technology. If high moisture levels are present, we drill holes along the bottom of the walls to bring out water from the cinderblock. Holes may also be necessary at the top of the wall to force air inside to remove moisture and expedite drying.

It may also be necessary to inspect the exterior of your home to determine if there is enough drainage going away from your building. What this does is help you to avoid high moisture conditions in the future so that water does not migrate back into the cinder block walls. Of course, our IICRC-certified technicians take note of all of these factors to share with you and your insurance company. 

Will There Be Lingering Odors?

Something many homeowners worry about is lingering foul odors after a water loss event. Our technicians understand that odors and mold are essential to address as part of the cleaning and restoration process. We take all the necessary precautions so that no issues are left unaddressed. Using sophisticated equipment, we trace all of the patterns of water intrusion, leaving no cavities unturned. Deodorization and sanitization using EPA-registered cleaning agents also help us to ensure that your basement is free of harmful microbial and bacterial growth.

Some of the tools that we use to look for hidden moisture include:

•   Moisture sensors to help detect moisture that may be left behind in any soft materials, including carpets and any furniture located in your basement.
•   Moisture meters that feature probes allowing us to check moisture content within wall cavities and other structural materials.
•   Thermo-hygrometers that help to determine the relative humidity and temperature throughout your basement.

You need flood damage help fast, and you can count on our team at SERVPRO of Hicksville/Plainview to be available 24/7 for emergency service. Call us today at (516) 773-1800, and a team will be dispatched to make it just “Like it never even happened.”

Fire Damage Incidents in Hicksville

4/16/2020 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of Hicksville / Plainview at (516) 733-1800 to help manage the process.

Addressing Time Issues when Handling Fire Damage Incidents in Hicksville

Fire damage incidents present diverse challenges. However, the issue of time can be complex to address. For instance, there is a need to establish how long the repair of resulting damages is likely to take. It is not very easy to determine the restoration time by merely checking the loss site. Assistance from a professional restorer like SERVPRO helps with estimates and other time-related issues.

Determining the Period of Restoration
Many factors affect the time it takes to restore fire damage in affected Hicksville properties. The total surface area affected by the fire matters because restoration requires removal, cleanup, and replacement of materials, among other actions. The kind of damage left matters. Even cases, where smoke residue deposits are the main issue, can take longer to resolve if they involve wet smoke or other hard-to-clean residues. Our SERVPRO crews include qualified FSRT, Fire and Smoke Restoration technicians who rely on their training or past experiences to come up with estimates of how long the process might take.

Addressing Time-based Secondary
The damage from a fire doesn't stop when the fire is contained. Some secondary damages develop if no action is taken or the actions taken are not adequate. From experience, our SERVPRO technicians understand which issues can lead to secondary damages. For instance, the water released into the property when fighting the fire can lead to water damage. Soot can also stain or corrode surfaces. We can prevent adverse outcomes by prioritizing water extraction and protection of surfaces from the effects of soot. Simple actions such as setting up a dehumidifier in the property immediately after arrival and pre-cleaning surfaces help.

Limiting Exposure for Health Reasons
Fires leave some particulate matter and aerosols suspended in the air. Breathing in such air over extended periods can lead to irritation or respiratory issues. Our crews help limit exposure in different ways, including ventilating the property with axial air movers to push out the particulate-filled air or using protective gear when venturing into the property, thus limiting exposure.

Restoration of fire damage involves several time-related aspects. Call SERVPRO of Hicksville / Plainview at (516) 733-1800 to help manage the process. We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster.

For more about Hicksville click here.

How Can I Get Fast Help with Water Damage to My Hicksville Business?

4/7/2020 (Permalink)

“Like it never even happened.”

SERVPRO proudly serves the local Hicksville community with a full scope of water-related restoration services

There are numerous ways that a business property can wind up with water damage. Pipes break due to cold snaps and inadequate insulation, hot water tank or HVAC issues, supply line failures, and sometimes vandalism. One thing all of these situations have in common is the mitigation process needs to start as soon as possible to avoid issues such as:

    •    Dangerous slip and fall accidents from wet floors
    •    Musty odors
    •    Loss to essential documents or equipment

Is Mopping Enough for Cleaning up Water on the Floor of My Business?
The short answer is, probably not. You may have a regular janitorial crew, but the most powerful piece of equipment they most likely have on hand is a wet/dry vac, and that is not enough for commercial water cleanup in most Hicksville businesses. SERVPRO technicians bring professional-grade water extraction units on-site with the power to pull up deeply embedded moisture. Additionally, because of the way water migrates throughout a property, the use of moisture detection equipment is crucial to ensuring a complete job gets done.

Waiting to Start Commercial Water Damage Mitigation Can Cost You, Literally
The longer the water remains behind walls and under flooring, the more loss that occurs to the structure.

    •    Sheetrock, in particular, wicks water rapidly and begins to buckle and warp. At that point, it requires cutting away, which means time for repairs before reopening.
    •    Tile and glue-down commercial carpeting can lose their adhesion and come loose, creating a safety issue and the need for replacement.
    •    Boxes and items stored on a wet floor can absorb the moisture and deteriorate, causing loss of stock and storage items.

SERVPRO of Hicksville / Plainview at (516) 733-1800 has decades of experience assisting local properties with commercial water cleanup. The certified techs are ready to help you, 24/7, call us today.

For more about Hicksville click here.

Fast Water Removal Essential to Recovering from Hicksville Plumbing Disasters

3/16/2020 (Permalink)

Hicksville water damage? No worries our SERVPRO team is standing by ready for your call.

It is essential to tackle your Hicksville water damage as soon as possible.

Everyday life in Hicksville can be difficult as it is without the addition of more stress from an unexpected plumbing catastrophe.  Unfortunately, trouble arising from old pipe networks and appliances is not that uncommon.          

Area residents and business owners face such water-related headaches several times a year.  When they do, finding a good water removal service in Hicksville is essential.  Once an internal water disaster strikes, it is a race against time to limit structural damage, save belongings, and limit further damage.  Standing water can quickly undermine the structural integrity of buildings and destroy precious personal property and significant business items.  Water-saturated floors can weaken and give way, increased moisture could soon lead to mold and fungal growth, fungi might cause wooden flooring, walls and furniture to dry rot, and airborne moisture can irreparably harm electronics and important business equipment.  Irreplaceable family photos and documents, as well as crucial business files, can also be affected by the moisture-rich environment. All this is why quickly finding an expert water removal service like SERVPRO is necessary.    

When searching for the right service in Hicksville, find one that is appropriately trained, fully experienced and has a proven track record of quality customer service.  Choose a service like SERVPRO that has certifications in Applied Structural Drying (ASD), Applied Microbial Remediation (AMRT), and Water Damage Restoration (WRT).  Our technicians have expertly handled the water removal needs of area residential and commercial owners for nearly twenty years.  We have successfully resolved standing water and water damage issues of every magnitude. Professional and friendly SERVPRO staff members are available 24/7 to answer all concerns, and our technicians arrive on-site within four hours of your call.  Our experts make sure you are fully informed of progress throughout the water removal process and are fully satisfied.

Unforeseen difficulties, by their very nature, cannot be avoided.  The best you can do is to realize there is a potential threat and then find the right people to help when the unavoidable happens.  Call SERVPRO of Hicksville / Plainview at (516) 733 – 1800 if you need assistance.

To learn more about Hicksville, click here.

We Have The Proper Techniques To Restore Your Hicksville Property After A Flood

3/3/2020 (Permalink)

Our trucks are loaded with flood damage restoration equipment and ready to roll 24/7. Call us right away to prevent further damage.

Ensuring Structures are Safe after Flood Damage Incidents in Hicksville

Moving water is one of the most powerful forces, which can cause severe physical damages to property. Apart from causing damages through force, floods cause massive water intrusion leaving many items submerged in water, damaging them through wetness and contamination. When your Hicksville property floods, there is a need to confirm that it is safe before reentering.

Checking the foundation

Foundation problems can be one of the severe outcomes of flood damage incidents in Hicksville. However, in many cases, the signs that there is a problem with the foundation may not be obvious. The problems may also take years to materialize, and when they do, it might be too late to take remedial action. Depending on the intensity of a flooding incident, our SERVPRO technicians can help determine whether foundation problems are likely. Extreme flooding that leaves properties submerged for days is likely to result in foundation weakness. We also check for subtle signs such as bulging or dislodged sections, buckling walls, or new cracks near windows or doors.

Removing all traces of contamination

A flood damage incident is classified as a black water loss involving high levels of contamination ranging from chemicals to biological agents. Our SERVPRO technicians help deal with contamination in different ways, including removing all porous materials like carpet, pad, drywall, and insulation, which cannot be cleaned to sanitary levels. We also clean all hard surfaces with disinfectants and professional cleaning agents. Once we finish cleaning, we use specialized equipment such as luminometers to confirm the removal of all traces of contamination

Structural Integrity

Apart from the force of water pushing against the structure, wetness can affect the structural integrity of a building. Wood swells when it absorbs, and in some cases, alterations to physical form such as warping can occur. Wood can also rot from extended moisture exposure. All these aspects affect the structural integrity of a building. Our SERVPRO technicians use specialized equipment to monitor moisture levels and also dry any excess moisture. We can use borescopes or thermal cameras to check for wetness in hidden areas. We also have penetrative and non-penetrative moisture meters.

It is crucial to check the safety of property after flooding. Call SERVPRO of Hicksville / Plainview at (516) 733-1800 to help. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.

See more about Hicksville.

Water Removal In Hicksville

2/29/2020 (Permalink)

We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster!

Water Removal Experts In Hicksville Describe The Value Of Quality Customer Service

One of the most common unexpected disasters that can occur inside your Hicksville home is a plumbing failure. Once one of your water pipes leak, several gallons of H2O can spill into your dwelling over a short period and cause you to have to conduct water removal. The quicker you can remove the moisture from the interior of your house is less likely mishaps like mold growth can occur.

When conducting water removal inside your Hicksville residence, it is wise to consult a professional restoration company such as SERVPRO. Sometimes moisture can get where it is not easily noticed and cause damage to your structural components. Our crew has the necessary tools of the trade and access to advanced technology to help us find and mitigate any problems you suffer after a plumbing failure. If you choose us to help you restore your home, we can work closely with you from start to finish.

One aspect that sets our SERVPRO team apart from other companies is our focus on customer service from your initial emergency call to the final walkthrough. We are available 24 hours a day and seven days a week, and once we receive your call, we begin helping you restore your home to the way it was before the leak, “Like it never even happened.”

During the first phone call, we start by getting as much information from you about what had happened. We can ask questions over the phone that will help our SERVPRO technicians better serve you when they arrive at your residence. We can also give you tips on steps you can take to assist with the process before our team comes.

Once we arrive at your home, we let you walk us through your house and show us what happened. After we listen to you and understand better what had happened, we start the initial inspection phase. During this step, we work closely with you, the homeowner, and describe to you what we are testing and why we are using our specialized instruments in the specific regions of your structure. Before we begin any work, we describe to you our estimate and what we think we can do to restore your home.

If you ever need professional assistance after a pipe leak, call SERVPRO of Hicksville / Plainview at (516) 733-1800 24/7. We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster.

For more about Hicksville click here.

Ultimate Solution for Water Damage in Your Hicksville Home

2/24/2020 (Permalink)

Whether the plumbing leak is in your kitchen or bathroom, team SERVPRO will quickly arrive to start water removal efforts. Call right away.

Water Damage Restoration In Hicksville Requires Monitoring The Drying Progress

If the plumbing system inside your house in Hicksville ever fails, many of your building materials and contents could get wet. Once items inside your house soak up moisture, it is wise to call in a professional restoration company such as SERVPRO. We can start the restoration process by extracting all of the liquid H2O with a heavy-duty extractor. Then, we can set up a combination of air movers and dehumidifiers to dry your structure.

When our SERVPRO technicians first arrive at your water damage project in Hicksville, we start by taking several measurements of the moisture in your contents and building materials as well as the atmosphere. These initial readings help us set a drying goal, so we know when we can pull out the drying equipment. After the equipment gets set up, and before it gets removed, we monitor the progress of the drying process. Monitoring a project always requires the following six steps.

1. Observe

We start by observing the conditions in the house and figuring out the temperature and humidity levels.

2. Inspect

We then further inspect your affected building materials and contents by testing their moisture content.

3. Document

Next, we document all of our observations in your project's drying log so that we can keep track of all of the reading during the whole time equipment is set up to help us monitor the progress.

4. Consider

After we have all of the readings documented, we then consider the data and see if everything is working the way it should. We can compare data to unaffected areas to rule out any natural changes in the environment that could make it look like the drying procedures were not working.

5. Apply

Next, we apply our knowledge of how moisture dries and evaporates to make sure that we are still conducting the most effective drying procedures possible.

6. Adjust

After we apply our knowledge to the data and figure out if there is something that we can do to speed up the drying process, we then adjust the equipment as necessary.

If you ever have a plumbing failure occur inside your house, call SERVPRO of Hicksville / Plainview at (516) 733-1800 24 hours a day and seven days a week. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Click here for more information about Hicksville.

Why Call SERVPRO to Come to Your Hicksville Home After Water Damage?

2/14/2020 (Permalink)

We have the experience your home needs after a water incident takes place. Give us a call anytime at (516) 733-1800.

How Our SERVPRO Team Handles Water Disasters in Hicksville Homes

The last thing you want is added stress that water damage can put on your family. It is important to you that your household is a safe, clean environment that you can enjoy with your loved ones. Because of this, you should never take water infiltration lightly. Calling in our skilled technicians at SERVPRO gets you the results you need so that you can enjoy your daily activities.

Water damage in Hicksville can harm your flooring, carpets, and the subfloor that lies beneath. Rapid response is critical, so you need professionals on your side with tried and true methods for water removal and restoration.

SERVPRO provides a wide range of services to address water cleanup within your home. We have trained water damage restoration technicians (WRT) who have been certified by standards set forth with the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC.) We can get in quickly to assess the level of water damage and get to work to dry out your carpeting and the subfloor below. 

During a water loss incident, your carpets can lose adhesive strength once moisture penetrates the vapor barrier — the longer that you wait, the worse that the damage gets. Any long-term water contact facilitates permanent delamination of the fibers from the backing. The pad, if present, may or may not be salvageable. Often, it is more economical to remove the padding and replace it once the subfloor and carpet have been dried. SERVPRO technicians use the “float a carpet” method to dry it in place, without full removal. This entails freeing the edges from the tack strips and placing air movers, gently forcing warm air to increase the evaporation rate. The carpet appears to “float.”

Why Call SERVPRO?

We send in a crew to start the drying process by putting measures in place to remove all of the standing water from your floor. We bring in pumps and wet vacuums, then start setting up dehumidifiers and air movers to create the optimum environment for faster drying. 

Before wrapping up the restoration project, we use moisture sensor technology to locate any hidden moisture that could be lurking in your subfloors. The result is clean and dry flooring that is safe for you and your family to enjoy once again. 

Never let water damage in your home turn into a stressful and potentially hazardous situation. SERVPRO of Hicksville/Plainview is here to help! Give us a call at (516) 733-1800, and we will make it “Like it never even happened.”

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We Arrive As Quick As Possible To Begin Your Hicksville Water Damage Restoration

1/28/2020 (Permalink)

We are available 24/7to offer you emergency service and dispatch a well-equipped team of industry certified technicians to your home as quick we can.

Removing Refrigerator Water Damage from a Hicksville Kitchen

While New York homeowners know to be prepared for water damage, one appliance they may overlook as the culprit is the refrigerator. Whether a cracked gasket, faulty hoses, or an old ice maker allows for leakage, water damage can occur for quite a while before homeowners are aware of the issue. Consumer-grade cleaning products cannot fully address long-term damages that may have occurred to floors, walls, or nearby fixtures.

If your Hicksville home needs reliable water damage mitigation from experienced technicians, the IICRC-certified technicians at SERVPRO are ready to assist you. This team strives to restore your home quickly so you can enjoy a damage-free kitchen once more. No matter how big or the disaster may be, technicians can respond within hours of your call, even during evenings, weekends, and holidays. 

SERVPRO's Availability

SERVPRO operates 24/7 because disasters do not wait to occur during regular business hours. Whether you are in the US or Canada, there are over 1,700 locally owned and operated franchises waiting to serve you with professional mitigation services. Your local SERVPRO works with a variety of local organizations, including the following: 

• The Hicksville, Plainview/Old Bethpage, and Syosset Chambers of Commerce
• The Long Island Chapter of the US Green Building Council (USGBC-LI)
• The Indoor Air Quality Association (IAQA)
• And many more

SERVPRO knows that serving the community does not stop at cleaning homes, and is a multi-pronged effort that requires cooperation, compassion, and dedication to excellent service.

SERVPRO Saves the Day

When SERVPRO technicians reach your home, the extraction process can begin almost immediately after evaluating the situation with the help of advanced moisture measurement technologies. If your flooring has been affected by a kitchen water leak, technicians can quickly remove delaminated or damaged tiles with the consent of homeowners and insurance adjusters. 

If the water has saturated your subfloor, technicians can position air movers and dehumidifiers so that the structure can be dried from underneath and prevent further warping or cupping. If your home requires further repairs after a disaster, SERVPRO works with licensed contractors to perform structural fixes quickly. 

SERVPRO of Hicksville / Plainview serves the community by being Faster To Any Size Disaster. Call (516) 733-1800 today for disaster cleanup service that you can count on every time.

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We Act Fast In Hicksville After A Flood

1/7/2020 (Permalink)

Seen in this photo is the method of using "flood cuts" to remove ruined drywall material after a storm soaked this home.

Flood Damage Hicksville –Protecting Your Family and Employees

Floodwaters pick up bacteria, viruses, and a variety of contaminants, including chemicals, as the floodwaters rage through your neighborhood and your home or commercial building. These organisms are health threats to your family and anyone exposed to these contaminants. Young people, older adults, folks with respiratory issues, immune deficiencies, and those who are sensitive to chemicals are at risk. It is essential to take precautions when dealing with contaminated buildings.

SERVPRO are experts in dealing with flood damage in Hicksville. Our team members have been trained to keep everyone safe, to practice safe procedures, and to remove all of the debris and contaminants from your home. We take this challenge seriously. We use the latest equipment as needed, including respirators, chemical resistant gloves, rubber boots, splash goggles, and full-body suits.

Floods and Sewer Back Flows

Neighborhoods that are prone to flooding often experience sewer backflows. While the flood damage may not touch your home, the pressure on the sewer system sometimes causes backflows into homes through drains in the basement or even from toilets. Sewage can contain highly infectious waste material.

Sewage may contain blood, body fluids, and tissue in addition to diseases such as cholera, tetanus, typhoid, polio, hepatitis, and other potential maladies that could affect your family and employees. There may also be sewer gas or methane gas, which can be difficult to breathe for many people. Many consumers begin cleanup of their homes after a sewer backup on their own. Please leave it to the experts. They are trained and have the equipment to remove and dispose of all materials that are contaminated.

Safety and the health of our clients is SERVPRO's primary concern in addition to restoring your home or commercial building to its original condition, "Like it never even happened."

Call SERVPRO of Hicksville / Plainview at (516) 733-1800 for 24/7 service. We proudly serve Woodbury, Lake Grove, and surrounding areas. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.

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Quality Commercial Water Damage Restoration in Hicksville Maintains the Reputation of a Self-storage

12/30/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO knows first hand what your Hicksville reputation means. We are ready for your call, let us be there to help.

Let SERVPRO help keep your Hicksville business reputation at the highest, after a water damage.

When dealing with a self-storage facility, most people expect a hassle-free experience and a guarantee that whatever is stored does not end up damaged. One facility in Hicksville almost paid the ultimate price of losing customer valuables to the adverse conditions in a water loss like excessive humidity.

It was easier to manage the water damage in the Hicksville self-storage facility since the spilled water mostly affected the open sections, such as the hallways rather than individual storage units. The janitorial crews at the facility had also managed to contain the source of the leak. Our SERVPRO technicians, therefore, focused on removal procedures such as wet vacuuming the standing water and drying surfaces.

Although there was no water intrusion into storage units, the readings we took with thermo-hygrometers showed high levels of humidity in the air. The problem with elevated humidity levels is the likelihood of starting mold growth on materials stored in the units. Alternatively, changes in temperature levels could lead to condensation transferring water damage inside the storage units. Various actions from our SERVPRO technicians, including setting up dehumidifier units immediately after arriving, were crucial in humidity control.

Apart from the humidity, water intrusion into the subfloors of the facility posed another risk. Sometimes, water finds a way through tile groves to reach the subfloor, so we had to perform checks with thermal cameras and other moisture detection tools to establish whether such intrusion had occurred. Fortunately, no such intrusion had occurred.

The vast size of the facility might have complicated drying as we finalized the restoration. However, the trailered desiccant dehumidifier we brought to the site and the direct expansion units, which pre-heated the air entering the dehumidifier, handled the challenge, removing all excess moisture left by the incident, "Like it never even happened."

Restoration effort that saves valuables is crucial, especially for commercial establishments whose reputation is at stake. Call SERVPRO of Hicksville / Plainview at (516) 733-1800 to help. We are available 24/7.

If you would like to know more about Hicksville, click here.

Groundwater Carries BioHazardous Elements--Let SERVPRO Remove Stormy Water from Your Syosset Property

12/18/2019 (Permalink)

Storms Can Bring Biohazardous Elements into Your Syosset Home--Be Cautious and Call SERVPRO for Cleanup and Sanitizing

Flood Damage Syosset – Managing Infectious Waste

Many consumers assume that cleaning up after a small flood is entirely safe and can be completed by family and friends who volunteer to help out. Unfortunately, floodwaters in Syosset can absorb many different infectious waste materials dangerous to their health, including but not limited to cholera, tetanus, typhoid, polio, and hepatitis. These diseases are possible anytime floodwaters pass over open ground or mix with sewer backups.

SERVPRO has the experience and equipment to deal with flood damage situations in Syosset and surrounding areas. We adhere to industry guidelines when dealing with potentially infectious diseases and biohazard situations. Our technicians are equipped with personal protective equipment PPE to protect themselves from potential danger.

Protect Your Family and Employees

Floodwaters can be contaminated. Avoid exposing your family members, friends, or employees to these potentially dangerous hazards. Also, silt and debris deposited inside the building present potential slip and fall conditions along with degrading structure and content materials.

Anyone entering the area with exposed skin, especially those with existing open cuts or abrasions carry a higher risk of infection. Also, a slip or fall can cause cuts or abrasions on the skin, exposing the individual to infection.

Containment Procedures

Hazardous material can be spread if procedures are not followed to manage moving equipment, materials, and waste in and out of the building. We remove contaminated water and trash bags containing waste following city and industry guidelines from the EPA and OSHA.

These guidelines are part of the standard process SERVPRO technicians follow to protect the occupants and themselves when dealing with potential bio-hazard conditions. Containment areas may be required to prevent spreading contaminants to other areas of the building. SERVPRO removes all contaminated materials and disinfects the premises.

Avoid placing your family, friends, or employees at risk. SERVPRO can clean up flood damage safely and securely, meeting all local and industry guidelines associated with biohazard cleanup.

Call SERVPRO of Hicksville / Plainview at (516) 733-1800 for 24/7 service. We proudly serve Woodbury, Lake Glove, and surrounding areas. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Give Us A Call Day Or Night In Hicksville When You Are Facing Water Damage

12/13/2019 (Permalink)

We have the staff and equipment to remediate your water damage 24/7. Call us right away to prevent further damage.

Drying Lingering Water Damages When Your Hicksville Café Closes

Not every damage situation is one that requires an immediate vacating of your Hicksville café until the effects get cleaned and dried. Water loss incidents, which can often originate in the bathroom fixtures of your business, are an excellent example of this. Our SERVPRO professionals can help with some initial containment practices and mitigation efforts, but the bulk of this work can happen after hours to reduce the strain on your business.

When you recognize a leak or breach in a plumbing fixture in one of the bathrooms, you must act quickly to secure professional assistance for this water damage to your Hicksville café. Our team can assess the situation and establish preventative measures to keep the situation from getting worse while you work through the remainder of the standard operating hours. We shut off the water supply to these fixtures and can seal off the area so that foot traffic is not a concern.

Because we get so quickly informed of this loss situation, we can often dry and clean these areas over the single after-hours time slot before you reopen in the morning. Because it can take a full 24 hours for drywall to begin changing its composition from water exposure, these wall surfaces can often get dried and restored rather than requiring removal and replacement. We can place axial air movers in the drying zones to help with the evaporation process while any extraction work continues.

To ensure that no contamination or microbial threat could exist or result, we can focus on cleaning surfaces throughout this formerly water-damaged bathroom. Our SERVPRO team has a large assortment of potent cleaning products, disinfectants, and antimicrobial solutions to accomplish this task. Because we anticipate the area getting used in the immediate future, we can focus on the use of botanical cleansers and sporicides to leave a pleasant odor in the room rather than the typical pungent odor of cleaning agents.

It is our mission to work around your schedule to provide our services when it benefits you the most. Water loss incidents can be a threat to your building, but our SERVPRO of Hicksville / Plainview team can help. Give us a call anytime at (516) 733-1800.

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We Put The Flames Of Worry Out In Syosset

12/2/2019 (Permalink)

We discard non-salvageable material eliminating some odor-causing sources and we board up to secure the property from the elements.

My House Smells Like Fire

As winter descends upon us, we start lighting fires, using space heaters, and generally warming things up.   With the drop in temperatures, we also see an increase in fire incidents in the Syosset and the greater Long Island area, many of which are preventable.  Just a pinch of caution can help prevent disaster, but sometimes it is inevitable. Whether flames engulf a large portion of your home, or you quell it quickly, a reliable restoration company is your best resource to wipe away any traces of soot and smoke and return your house to mint condition.  However, many homeowners do not know whom to call in case of an emergency.

If you are a homeowner in Syosset looking for a reputable fire damage restoration team, SERVPRO is your answer.  Our technicians hold certifications by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification (IICRC) and habitually handle jobs of varying sizes.  As simple as fire damage cleanup can appear, it is not easy and can pose a risk to your health and the structural integrity of your home. By calling our Green Fleet, you save time in anticipating any future issues as well as addressing your current needs.

When you see our SERVPRO crew in action, you appreciate the extent of our expertise.  For example, removing the odors left behind by the fire can be an exercise in futility if you do not apply specialized techniques with the proper tools.  A professional technician knows that containment of the odor is the first crucial step in eliminating it from your home. We achieve this goal by preventing odor molecules from moving and vaporizing into the air and moving freely throughout your home. Chemical deodorizers are usually the first line of defense, and we apply them while keeping in mind any potential damage to the surfaces we spray.  As the deodorization process continues, we control the vapor in your home and ultimately strive to scrub your air free of odor molecules, making the fire a thing of the past.

Warm-up this winter knowing that SERVPRO of Hicksville/Plainview has your back.  A call to (516) 733-1800 connects you to your team of experts to help you restore your home as soon as possible. Together, we can leave your house, “Like it never even happened.” 

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Our Experts Have The Training And Equipment In Hicksville To Handle Water Damage

10/31/2019 (Permalink)

We provide 24/7 emergency service and could dispatch a well-equipped team of industry certified technicians immediately.

How SERVPRO Saves Carpet from Water Damage in Hicksville Homes

Most homeowners consider their carpeting in the homes a real investment. When water damage occurs, if certain factors are present such as fast action on the cleanup and drying, it may not be a loss. 

When SERVPRO technicians scope water damage to carpet in Hicksville homes, they take several factors into account:

• The length of time the carpet received exposure to water
• The period before cleanup actions occurred
• Type of water in the home: clean, gray or black
• Presence of chemicals or sewage
• If cleanup actions happened before the arrival of the technicians

Extraction is Key to Limiting Water Loss

SERVPRO technicians have more potential to salvage both carpet and padding when the loss in the home comes from clean water, and cleanup actions began less than 24-hours after the event. Once 48-hours pass, the water degrades into black water as the presence of harmful bacteria is likely. When this occurs, the carpet and padding require removal and disposal as a biohazard.

Pack Out as Needed

To extract the water damage using their weighted extractor heads, the technicians remove furnishings sitting on and around the carpet. Each item receives an inspection for any necessary restoration needs and gets removed to a secure location for safekeeping until the completion of mitigation. Although the technicians avoid disrupting the home as much as possible during restoration services, in some cases, the carpet may require removal for in-house drying.

Specialized Drying Methods

Drying a carpet in place presents challenges. The carpet may appear dry, but the padding underneath remains damp and soon invites the development of musty odors and sometimes mold. To avoid this outcome, SERVPRO technicians use techniques such as floating the carpet where they lift one side and air movers force warm, dry underneath. Another common way of drying a carpet is where the top of the carpet gets encased in a plastic covering, and air movers blow into it while dehumidifiers port away moisture. 

At the first sign of water damage to carpet, contact SERVPRO of Hicksville / Plainview at 516) 733-1800, and with their specialized training and equipment, they make the water loss "Like it never even happened."

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Hickville Homes Having Mold Infestations Are Best Served with SERVPRO's Remediation Service

9/26/2019 (Permalink)

You came to the right place for Mold Damage Remediation in the Hicksville Area

Why You Should Not DIY Cleanup Mold Damage in Your Hicksville Home

The first emotion most homeowners have when they hear they have a mold damage issue in their home is either shock or overwhelmed at the thought of what to do about it. Mold has a scary reputation, and many people fear it.

When SERVPRO technicians tackle mold damage in a Hicksville property, they know mold is a symptom of an equally significant issue. It takes very little for naturally occurring airborne spores to germinate, but the conditions must be right.

Why SERVPRO?
The technicians undergo extensive training in the restoration services industry as taught through The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC). Once certified, they continue their education as advancements happen to stay on top of the latest technological breakthroughs.

Locating the Reason for Mold
When the SERVPRO technicians arrive on-site, they scope the property to discover the reason for the mold. Sometimes it is obvious, such as post-flood damage or not-so-obvious in the case of an inadequate ventilation system in the bathroom causing the steam from showers to collect in the attic. If there are issues that require repair setting the home up for mold infestations, the homeowner receives the cause plus solutions in a report compiled by SERVPRO.

Cleaning and Removal of Mold Damaged Items
Technicians examine both the structure and contents for signs of mold infestation. Non-porous items fare the best as they generally hold up to the cleaning methods required to eradicate mold from surfaces. Sheetrock and porous materials with mold growth are, unfortunately, often a loss. We try to preserve the drywall material rather than tear out and replace it whenever possible.

Careful Remediation Tactics
While each job for mold remediation has unique qualities, the technicians perform the safety precautions and processes in the same order. The prevention of cross-contamination, particularly of the ductwork is crucial. Containment is a standard procedure, as airborne mold spores have the potential to spread and germinate elsewhere in the home where conditions are ideal, meaning sufficient moisture or humidity. Technicians use air scrubbers to capture airborne spores and often used in tandem with negative air chambers to assist in stopping any further spore spreading during drying and the precise, manual removal of dried colonies.

SERVPRO of Hicksville / Plainview at (516) 733-1800 is available 24/7 to diagnose and remediate mold damage in local properties. They have specialized tools and knowledge to restore homes to their pre-mold condition and make it "Like it never even happened."

What is a Puff Back and How does it Cause Fire Damage to Syosset Homes?

9/17/2019 (Permalink)

This client didn't have to wait long for SERVPRO to arrive! We restored his home and he was completely satisfied with the restoration.

Puff Back is a Form of Fire Damage and can Affect Your Syosset Home's Interior 

Every season, homeowners across Syosset check different appliances to ensure they remain in proper working order. In the fall, furnaces come into use, and some residents find themselves looking for a new unit to heat their homes. Others slip through and seem fine for a month or two.

When loud bangs or small explosions start coming from your home's furnace in Syosset, soot and fire damage might not come to mind right away. Puff backs not only makes your furnace a source of strange noises, but it also dumps soot from partially combusted fuel into your home's living space.

Visual evidence of puff back appears around the walls next to vents and on the ceilings directly above them. Inside the ducts, a coating of soot gradually grows thicker every time your furnace heats your house. Because puff back is a sign of a failing furnace and repairs typically cannot sufficiently remedy the problem, a new furnace becomes the only way to fix puff back.

After the installation of a new furnace, SERVPRO's team of specialists can clean your home's interior of the darkened areas near vents. These surfaces might require more than cleaning if the deposits hardened. Slight abrasive action with a stiff brush might suffice. However, some cases require sanding and then repainting.

The items you have on display within your residence also become covered in a thin, slightly sticky layer of soot from a furnace with puff back. We use special cleaners that cause the soiling to disintegrate quickly and then rinse these items. Several items also become soot-free during a water bath in our ultrasonic machine. We have a method for practically every item in your home affected by soot, smoke, or fire damage.

Our building services team also assists us in restoring homes and businesses by cleaning the HVAC systems, including the ducts. These can continually release into the air loosened pieces of soot you and your family breathe. This contaminated air can also smell stale or heavy. A thorough cleaning of the vents and ducts eliminates this from continuing.

SERVPRO of Hicksville / Plainview can rid your home in Woodbury and Lake Grove of the residue left on your walls, ceilings, and other interior surfaces by a failing furnace. Call us at (516) 733-1800 for technicians who can arrive at your earliest convenience.

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We Have The Best Techniques To Restore Your Hicksville Home

8/29/2019 (Permalink)

If your home is affected by water damage, you will want to select a restoration company that can respond quickly and has equipment available 24/7.

Can You Protect Water Damaged Drywall in Hicksville Homes?

Not all water loss incidents affect Hicksville homes in the same way. With circumstances that present a larger volume of water damage, including standing water, a swift and confident reaction can help to limit the overall effects experienced. With how quickly elements like drywall, wallboard, or plasterboard can absorb moisture and standing water nearby, you have a limited amount of time to protect these elements if you can at all. Many turn to the experience and fast response of our SERVPRO professionals to help assess the damage and determine the best approach to protect exposed elements like sheetrock.

Protecting drywall installed in your home begins with mitigation tactics like water removal for Hicksville homes. We have a broad array of powerful extraction tools that can remove standing water quickly from damaged areas of your property. With multiple units ranging in size and power, we have machines suited to fit every level of severity our Water Restoration Technicians (WRT) accredited through the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) might experience.

One of the best things that you can do, whether you intend on pursuing the experienced restoration professionals of our SERVPRO team or not, is to determine where damaged drywall exists. Part of the mitigation process for our team is preparing the property for the reconstruction efforts it could need based on the severity of the internal flooding. Ideally, the best approach here is to use a probing moisture detector. This equipment is not always something easy to find or even rent. An alternate approach involves removing baseboards and poking holes with a screwdriver. If the drywall is soft, it has become exposed to moisture.

With substantial water loss incidents, our SERVPRO team often employs a flood cut approach. Not only does this allow direct access to wall cavities for thorough drying, but it also removes all exposed portions of drywall. By not removing the entire panel of sheetrock, we can more efficiently replace the affected areas of construction materials.

We strive to provide our customers with the confident and knowledgeable response that they need in a crisis, and with a proactive approach by our clients, it is much more likely that more significant portions of drywall can get recovered and preserved. No matter how we can help, give our SERVPRO of Hicksville / Plainview rapid response team a call at (516) 733-1800.

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Storm Damaged Windows Allow Flooding in Hicksville

8/22/2019 (Permalink)

Storm damage includes broken windows. Did you know that we provide emergency board up services? Call us today!

Broken Windows Can Allow Flooding in Hicksville Homes

Severe weather events threaten Hicksville homes in many ways. With a storm that can carry debris and gale-force winds, exposed windows are susceptible to getting destroyed, leaving the property vulnerable to flooding and other potential threats. As one of the leading storm response teams in the area, we strive to help our customers before they need us with helpful strategies to protect their investments.  We also have sound equipment and products once a disaster has already struck. 

Understanding the steps that you can take to avoid storm flood damage for Hicksville homes is critical. Restoration and recovery solutions can become very costly and time-consuming, leaving homeowners stressed that their properties might never look the same again. While our SERVPRO team has the training and expertise to overcome all levels of storm damage and widespread flooding, every homeowner should strive to avoid these circumstances when possible. 

Preparing for a storm can help you to ward off much of the damage that can result. If warnings suggest that a moving system can bring high winds, hail, and other threats, you can work to protect vulnerable areas of the house before the storm arrives. Because windows are such a commonly threatened construction element of your home, boarding up these areas can decrease the likelihood of shattering and exposure to the elements. 

Our SERVPRO team understands how quickly torrential rainfall can result in flooding of the exposed area. Even more detrimental is the spread of these effects to endanger the contents of your home and structural elements throughout the entire property. We arrive with rapid drying tools that can work to quickly drop relative humidity and moisture content beneath the established baseline to prevent unnecessary tear-out and reconstruction of saturated materials and belongings. 

Storm damages can become a quickly compromising circumstance that threatens not only your house but those that occupy it. Our SERVPRO of Hicksville / Plainview response team is We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster, whenever strong weather systems threaten your property. Give us a call anytime you face an emergency at (516) 733-1800.

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We Have The Proper Techniques To Restore Your Hicksville Home After A Water Damage Disaster

7/26/2019 (Permalink)

Water damage in Hicksville can be brought on very quickly and sometimes in large quantities. We have the equipment ready to restore your home.

Water Removal Tactics You Can Start Now in Hicksville Homes

Fast response to emergencies like water loss incidents can reduce the detrimental damages that these situations can have on your Hicksville home. With more widespread and substantial loss scenarios, pooling water can also become a threat to the house as well. Understanding what you can do immediately to reduce the severity of these water effects and to better protect your home is vital in helping restoration complete more quickly and for a less total out-of-pocket expense.

Effective water removal for Hicksville homes begins with an awareness of the damage and how best to approach drying and extraction. While our SERVPRO professionals can help our customers to overcome these effects in their houses, there are also strategies that you can employ as well to complete this essential stage of recovery without professional restoration services like our team can provide.

Before you become overwhelmed by pooling water in your property, here are a few tips from our SERVPRO team to you:

Find the Source – No matter how severe standing water becomes in your house, this water damage is only going to continually worsen until you locate the source of the loss incident and address it directly. With situations like plumbing or fixture breaks, you can often find helpful online content for DIY replacement.

Use the Right Tool for the Job – Our professionals do not approach any water loss incident without the full measure of our recovery and mitigation equipment. Not all extraction tools are ideal for each scenario, and you might find it is much wiser to rent a larger unit for more efficient water removal than to rely on the slower pace of tools like wet-vacs.

Know Your Limitations – As much as there are many situations where you can save your household money with a DIY approach, water loss can be a substantial challenge for even experienced hands. Know your limits and reach out to our professionals if you must.

Water loss incidents present a continual risk to area homes and businesses because of their plentiful sources and how quickly the emergency can get out of control. Give our SERVPRO of Hicksville / Plainview team a call at (516) 733-1800 anytime you need to make these water effects “Like it never even happened.”

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Water Can Destroy Your Hicksville Home Within Minutes!

7/25/2019 (Permalink)

Give us a call anytime at (516) 733-1800.

DIY Restoration For Your Water-Damaged Hicksville Home

Knowing what to do when disasters strike is something that can set many Hicksville homeowners apart. The push for DIY approaches for both repairs and restorations can save you time and money on getting your property back to pre-damage condition, provided that you are thorough and knowledgeable about how to accomplish the work. The earliest choices that you make when water damage begins in your house are among the most critical, and determine how challenging full restoration later becomes.

Water damage to Hicksville properties can occur in many stages and present unique risks, especially when you cannot immediately determine where the problem originates. Once you get the damaged element in your home shut off to the water supply, you can begin to set your sights on drying out the affected areas. Our SERVPRO team encourages customers to focus on keeping relative humidity levels low to protect construction materials, structural elements, and prevent microbial growth.

As much as many homeowners might be under the impression that cleanup of water loss incidents is sopping up standing water and drying areas naturally, there are many specialized tools that you might find are necessary. These reduce the time invested in restoring the property and reduce moisture and dampness before harmful secondary effects such as mold growth can take hold. Here are some tools, devices, and equipment our SERVPRO team uses that you might want to look to rent or purchase from local home improvement locations:

    •    Moisture Content Reader
    •    Infrared Camera
    •    High-Velocity Air Mover
    •    Desiccant and Low Grain Refrigerant (LGR) Dehumidifiers
    •    Wet-Vacs with Extraction Attachments
    •    Engine-Driven Trash Pumps with Discharge Hoses
    •    Professional-Grade Carpet and Floor Cleaning Machines
    •    Deodorization Equipment

Not all of the equipment is going to be necessary to recover your property, as every situation is unique in the damages present and tools needed to overcome it. Our SERVPRO of Hicksville / Plainview team is always available 24/7 if you find that the situation has gotten out of your control or you need a second opinion. Give us a call anytime at (516) 733-1800.

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SERVPRO, Professional and Prompt Restoration Services for All of Hicksville

6/26/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Provides Premier Equipment, Backed by Skilled Technicians for Comprehensive Restoration Services in Hicksville and the Nearby Areas

Why Outsourcing Restoration Services in Hicksville Residences Is a Smart Move  

There are so many things Hicksville homeowners do to avoid damage to their homes such as routine maintenance on plumbing, checking the gutters and roof regularly to ensure the winter storms have not left loose shingles or gutters behind. However, you cannot plan for the unexpected, and fires, water damage, and mold are reasons property owners seek out the help of a restoration services company.  

The most likely top two rooms in Hicksville homes with water damage are the kitchen and bathroom. Appliance failures such as hot water tanks and dishwashers are frequent sources of water spills in the house. It is vital to begin restoration efforts as quickly as possible to avoid secondary damages to the property and possessions.  

Whenever you have a water cleanup situation, if there is any indication migration of the water to hard-to-reach areas such as subflooring or within wall cavities, it is vital to outsource the task. SERVPRO technicians have both certifications and specialized water extraction equipment to remove any amount of excess moisture quickly.  

SERVPRO employees limit the loss through our use of the latest technology to detect all areas of heightened moisture in walls, ceilings, and floors, so we mitigate all water loss areas. Then we use our specialized extraction equipment and drying configurations such as floating carpeting that allows us to dry it in place, saving homeowners the cost of purchasing new carpeting.  

When Hicksville homeowners have fire damage and contact us for restoration services, we approach the situation with the highest degree of both professionalism and compassion. We know that the aftermath of a fire feels overwhelming and seeing fire debris can give the appearance that nothing is restorable.  

Our employees hold certifications as Fire and Smoke Damage Restoration Technicians (FSRT), and we follow the best practices for safe mitigation of both property and possessions after a fire loss. During the fire debris removal stage of cleanup, our technicians perform controlled demolitions as necessary to remove both charred building materials and contents. We also look for items in the home that have restoration potential through our proprietary cleaning techniques.  

Our fire cleanup methods include:

• Our fire cleanup methods include:
• Dry cleaning sponges to pick up smoke residue  and soot, so odors do not continue to spread
• Wet sponges for wiping away smoke and soot stains
• Containment to halt the spread of soot throughout the property
• Careful cleanout and debris removal
• Pack-out, when needed of home contents to our facility or on-site secure storage pod.

The final stage of fire damage mitigation involves smoke odor control. Our certified Odor Control Technicians (OCT) possess intense training for methods of removal of even deeply embedded smoke odors using equipment such as thermal foggers or hydroxyl generators that safely create UV rays to eliminate odor-causing particles at the molecular level.  

No one wants to hear they need mold remediation in their Hicksville property. Once found, the situation needs handling as quickly as possible. Mold colonies tend to spread rapidly once they set up home in areas that maintain excessive moisture and temperatures over 70 degrees. Common places in the home SERVPRO performs mold damage cleanup most often include basements, attics with poor ventilation or leaks and within walls around slow leaks.  

Our Applied Microbial Remediation Technicians (AMRT) specialize in the identification and remediation of mold damage. Containment is vital during this process to stop any further spread of spores in the home. When needed, we use industrial hygienists to test the air and identify areas where air quality is not optimum in the house.  Mold removal is not possible within a home as it occurs naturally both indoors and outside. The key is not to let conditions develop within the home that allows the spores to germinate and grow. Our goal is to identify the cause of the colony growth and inhibit those conditions in the future after our SERVPRO techs complete mold abatement efforts.

While the US average is 38 inches, this area of New York averages 44-inches of rain yearly, and flood damage in a Hicksville home is a threat in Nassau county year round. Many types of storm damage can happen such as hail damaged roofing, wind damage, and the weight of ice and snow can push gutters away, allowing rainwater and snowmelt into the home.  

The clock starts ticking when groundwater enters a home. The best course of action a homeowner can take is to remove items they can safely do so out of the way of the initial water intrusion and call for flood water cleanup assistance from SERVPRO.  

Groundwater is a category three biohazard, and for health and safety reasons, homeowners should avoid coming into contact with it. The general term used for this contaminated liquid is Black Water. SERVPRO technicians wear complete personal protection gear when mitigation this type of damage due to the potential for toxins, contaminants, and sewage. We have the equipment to extract both standing and embedded water quickly using our portable pumps and weighted extraction wands to push deep-seated water out of carpet and padding so we can dispose of it safely without the weight of saturation.

Our drying equipment is much more than fans blowing on wet surfaces to dry them. We use the science of psychrometrics in the set up of our powerful air movers. The high-velocity air driving over a surface lifts out moisture which dehumidification equipment removes from the area. Then after drying the room, we treat all surfaces with our professional anti-microbial formulas to inhibit the potential mold growth and pathogens from the Black Water.

Why SERVPRO? The majority of home disasters require professional restoration services, so secondary issues such as foul odors, mold, or structural damages do not occur. Our technicians undergo extensive training and follow the best practices guides of the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration (IICRC.) We follow these best practices to give property owners the outcomes they deserve from their loss through our exclusive cleaning and restoration methods.  

SERVPRO of Hicksville / Plainview is available 24/7 at (516) 733-1800 to assist homeowners with any restoration services needed. Our team proudly serves the local area and can handle damage from fire, water, mold or other home disaster and make it "Like it never even happened."

City-Data and more

Our Water Damage Experts Will Identify And Repair Plumbing Issues In Your Hicksville Home

5/8/2019 (Permalink)

Our SERVPRO of Hicksville / Plainview team has the experience and equipment to help.

Identifying And Repairing Plumbing Damage In Your Hicksville Home

Indoor plumbing has been a staple for Hicksville homes for over half a century, and with its presence in every home throughout our region, the likelihood for breaks and leaks is a constant threat. Our professionals must remain vigilantly prepared for the possibility of water loss incidents from plumbing concerns 24/7, so we keep production trailers and service vehicles stocked with recovery and mitigation equipment to get helpful steps started immediately upon our arrival.

We understand the importance of identifying plumbing breaks that allow for water damage in your Hicksville home, and so our rapid response team consists of individuals that can both begin mitigation steps and work to identify what must get done to stop the flow of water through your home. Our SERVPRO professionals have sophisticated equipment to help identify the source of these breaks and leaks, and these tools can pinpoint precise locations to minimize unnecessary tear out and reconstruction of materials like drywall.

While there are multiple devices and attachments that our SERVPRO professionals rely on to recover the effects of water loss incidents in area homes, identifying the presence of this moisture out of sight is critical to ensuring the work gets done thoroughly. We have probing and electromagnetic moisture detection devices that can identify the presence of moisture and saturation in specific tested materials throughout the property. Thermal imagery and infrared tools can also help to note dampness and moisture in cavities beyond materials, which can double check the progress of our drying efforts.

We also rely on tools like leak detection equipment. This is a device that utilizes audio cues against materials to identify leaks and breaks in the plumbing. Once the tool narrows the location of this compromise, our professionals can remove a small portion of the drywall to access this portion of plumbing and repair the damage.

Water loss incidents can quickly spread to affect many areas of your home, especially with breaches in the plumbing network. Our SERVPRO of Hicksville / Plainview team has the experience and equipment to help. Give us a call anytime at (516) 733-1800.

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Does your home or work place have a mold problem?

3/15/2019 (Permalink)

Does your home or work place have a mold problem?

Mold loves moisture and has a musty odor. When exposed to water, a little mold can grow into a large colony.

Mold spores can travel via air, entering your home or business through windows, doors, or HVAC piping.

Mold can be, and is, almost everywhere.

What should you do if you suspect there is mold in your property, or if you have an incident such as a leaking pipe or other flooding issue that may cause mold in carpet or drywall? First, don’t panic. Almost all in-home mold issues can be removed safely. SERVPRO has extensive experience in the identification, and removal of in-home mold issues and can not only clean and remove any mold you may have in your home, but can also restore, and reconstruct any areas that may have extensive mold infestation.

Certified and licensed mold remediation specialists like the ones at SERVPRO have the tools and training to get rid of mold in your home or business!

It’s Daylight Saving Time: Make Some Changes, for Safety’s Sake!

3/7/2019 (Permalink)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – This weekend marks Daylight Saving Time. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) wants to remind everyone of the simple life-saving habit of changing the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. Change the batteries when you change your clock! Daylight saving time starts at 2 a.m. Sunday March 11 when clocks are set ahead one hour.

It’s also the perfect opportunity for everyone to try to make a difference in reducing the more than 360,000 fires in homes each year. Did you know that there are roughly 2,200 deaths and 11,000 ER related injuries each year? Proper installation, operation, and maintenance of smoke alarms reduce the risk of property damage, injuries, and death. You can also install a smoke alarm that has a sealed-in battery that will last 10 years.

In addition to smoke alarms, CO alarms should also be checked this weekend. Carbon monoxide is the invisible killer—it’s a colorless, odorless gas and it can kill within minutes. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, just 42 percent of households report having a working carbon monoxide alarm. Changing the batteries in your smoke and CO alarms is the easiest way to ensure protection of your loved ones and your home in the event of a fire.

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Spring into action with these safety tips:

• CPSC recommends that smoke alarms be placed on every level of your home, outside sleeping areas and inside bedrooms.
• Install both photoelectric and ionization smoke alarms. Check out CPSC’s Good, Better, Best approach (pdf) to fire safety in your home.
• Carbon monoxide alarms should be installed on every level of the home and outside each sleeping area.
• Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms once a month to make sure they are working.
• Have a fire escape plan and practice it with your family.
• A smoke alarm can’t save lives if everyone doesn’t know what to do when it sounds. Have two ways to get out of each room and set a pre-arranged meeting place outside.
• Children and the elderly can sleep through the sound of a smoke alarm and not hear it go off, so a caregiver needs to be prepared to help others get out of the house.
•  And remember, once you are out of the house, stay out.

Do it for safety’s sake!

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of injury or death associated with the use of thousands of types of consumer products under the agency’s jurisdiction. Deaths, injuries, and property damage from consumer product incidents cost the nation more than $1 trillion annually. CPSC is committed to protecting consumers and families from products that pose a fire, electrical, chemical or mechanical hazard. CPSC's work to help ensure the safety of consumer products - such as toys, cribs, power tools, cigarette lighters and household chemicals -– contributed to a decline in the rate of deaths and injuries associated with consumer products over the past 40 years.

The SERVPRO Difference

3/5/2019 (Permalink)

Only The Best!

The People, Experience, Training and Equipment all come together to make it "Like it never even happened".

With over 10,000 quality teammates nationwide, SERVPRO professionals help to get your business back up and operating quickly.

SERVPRO brings over 40 years of experience in fire and water cleanup and restoration, more than anyone in the business.

SERVPRO Industries is an IICRC-approved school to ensure our training meets and exceeds accepted industry standards.

With 5,000,000 square feet of building space housing over 140,000 pieces of equipment, SERVPRO professionals have the resources to help you!

With each saved home, with each reopened business and with each satisfied client, SERVPRO's track record of excellence continues to grow.

When disaster strikes, let SERVPRO put it back together and make it "Like it never even happened."

Shelter From The Storm

1/22/2019 (Permalink)

A heavy rainstorm has finally stopped. Or maybe a long winter has finally ended, and the deep snows have begun to melt.

While good weather may seem like a relief, the potential for water damage may just be beginning. Storm water runoff can quickly overwhelm natural and manmade systems, leading to flooding and property damage.

The steps you take today to prepare your home and yard for proper drainage can help avoid time-consuming and costly repairs when the bad weather does blow through.

In a natural environment, storm water runoff is absorbed by soil, evaporates into the atmosphere or flows into bodies of water, such as streams, lakes or rivers. Homeowners may need to recreate the natural environment on their property to address storm water runoff. This includes planting trees and other vegetation, building rain gardens and installing rain barrels or cisterns to collect roof water.

How Can You Protect Your Home from Storm Water?

“The key to developing a yard drainage plan is to understand the specific characteristics of your property and implement the system that works best for you,” says Mike Koppang, a Travelers Risk Control professional. During a storm, you can go outside and observe how the water flows. Take note of the different grades and slopes and whether they divert the flowing water away from your home. Look for any low spots that collect or pool water and for any steep slopes that have indications of surface erosion.

Consider the steps needed to protect your property from water runoff. Rain that falls on roofs, driveways, patios, roads and other impervious areas moves across the ground surface at greater speeds. The property adjacent to these areas could be more susceptible to damage. Frozen soil can also increase risk of damage by preventing water from being absorbed by the soil. Replacing impervious areas with pervious surfaces, such as permeable paving stones or pavers, can also help.

Other questions you might consider:

Is storm water that falls on impervious surfaces diverted away from your house? This is the work of things like roof gutter downspouts, driveways, walkways and patios. Runoff from these surfaces should be directed to an area that has the ability to absorb or slow the surface flow, such as landscaped areas, and away from your house.

Does your house have a stream, pond or lake close by? Consider the flood potential and how it may impact your property. You can research local flood maps that will detail flood water levels for various storm events and their flood potential.

Does your driveway or other impervious surface have a negative pitch back toward the house? Consider installing trench drains or area drains to help prevent pooling and divert water away from the house.

Do you have retaining walls on your property? If so, it is important that the walls have a drainage system in place to alleviate pressure behind the wall. Periodically clean weep holes to ensure they are not clogged. Surface water should not be allowed to cascade over the top of the wall and instead should be diverted to the end of the wall or around it.

Is a portion of your house below ground level, such as a basement? Make sure any sewer and water lines, or any other pipes or lines that penetrate subsurface walls, and foundation cracks are properly sealed. Basements that are prone to water intrusion should have a water collection system in place, such as a sump pump system. This system should be maintained with a battery backup for continued operation in the event of a power failure. Consider elevating mechanical systems or installing curbs around areas that need protecting but cannot be elevated, such as finished areas and storage areas. Exterior basement window wells should have covers and the ground surface of the well should be below the well rim.

Do you have a sewer or septic system and property with known high water tables? Have the system checked by a professional. If the groundwater rises too high, it can affect the efficiency and operation of the system. In some cases, this may lead to sewer back up or waste leaching above the ground or back into the house.

Surface storm water is not the only consideration for protecting your home. It is also important to assess the functionality of your whole home envelope system. Make sure that your house exterior is maintained, including roofing, flashings, weather barriers, windows, doors and sealants.

While you cannot prevent against all damage from storm water runoff during large acts of nature, these steps can help protect your home when storms do hit.

Content Provided by Travelers Insurance

Winter Storms Headed Our Way!

1/17/2019 (Permalink)

This weekend will bring our first significant winter storms. PREPARE ahead of it. Along with the milk and bread be sure you have flashlight batteries, a radio, 2-3 days of food supplies, a tank full of gas and a properly working generator.

From News12 Long Island:

WOODBURY -

News 12 meteorologists are keeping an eye on two storms that are set to deliver a one-two punch to Long Island.

For tonight, expect light snow developing towards midnight. The snow will mix with sleet and freezing rain and will change to all rain towards Friday morning.

A coating to one inch is expected in most areas with a chance of up to two inches along the North Shore.

Weather Center I Radar I Traffic & Weather LIVE

Lows tonight will be near 29 degrees with temperatures rising above freezing after 3 a.m.

Friday morning’s commute will bring wet and slick roads. The early morning wintry mix will end as rain showers around noon. Breaks of sunshine is expected with highs near 42 degrees.

Temperatures will dip Friday night to 25-to-30 degrees. Some black ice is possible.

On Saturday, some light snow and wintry mix developing after 9 p.m. The wintry mix will change to all rain towards Sunday morning.

Snow accumulations, as of now, is 1-to-3 inches before a changeover to rain.

On Sunday, heavy rain is expected before noon. A total of 1-to-2 inches of rain is possible.

The rain will change to a wintry mix and snow during the afternoon and evening. There could be a brief period of moderate snow with some ice and snow accumulation.

Temperatures are expected to be in the 40s, but a flash freeze is possible as temperatures will drop to near 20 degrees by evening.

Dangerous travel conditions are possible during the afternoon and evening hours.

SERVPRO of Hicksville/Plainview will be available 24/7 should you experience an emergency. Keep our number handy-516-733-1800.

How To Prepare For A Winter Storm

12/27/2018 (Permalink)

Tips from the American Red Cross on how to protect your home:

• Learn how to protect pipes from freezing

• Make sure your home heating sources are installed according to local codes and permit requirements and are clean and in working order.

• Make sure your home is properly insulated. Caulk and weather-strip doors and windowsills to keep cold air out.

• Install storm windows or cover windows with plastic from the inside to provide an extra layer of insulation to keep cold air out.

• Consider buying emergency heating equipment, such as a wood- or coal-burning stove or an electric or kerosene heater.  - Stoves must be properly vented and in good working order. Dispose of ashes safely. Keep a supply of wood or coal on hand. - Electric space heaters, either portable or fixed, must be certified by an independent testing laboratory. Plug a heater directly into the wall socket rather than using an extension cord and unplug it when it is not in use. - Use a kerosene heater only if permitted by law in your area; check with your local fire department. Use only the correct fuel for your unit. Properly ventilate the area. Refuel the unit outdoors only, and only when the unit is cool. Follow all of the manufacturer's instructions.

• Consider storing sufficient heating fuel. Regular fuel sources may be cut off. Be cautious of fire hazards when storing any type of fuel.

• If you have a fireplace, consider keeping a supply of firewood or coal. Be sure the fireplace is properly vented and in good working order and that you dispose of ashes safely.

• Consider installing a portable generator, following our safety tips to avoid home fires and carbon monoxide poisoning

• Consider purchasing flood insurance, if you live in a flood-prone area, to cover possible flood damage that may occur during the spring thaw. Homeowners' policies do not cover damage from floods. Ask your insurance agent about the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) if you are at risk. More information on NFIP is available at www.fema.gov/nfip.

Are you READY?

12/26/2018 (Permalink)

When disaster strikes - Fire, Water, Smoke, etc., are you ready to immediately handle the situation?

The SERVPRO of Hicksville/Plainview Emergency Ready Profile provides the critical information necessary so mitigation and recovery services can begin immediately. The "ERP" is a free tool that we offer to help you get your property back in working order quickly. The ERP works as a quick reference guide of important building and contact info. By working with SERVPRO's Emergency Ready Profile, your business can benefit from our experience in reducing the impact of any natural or man-made disaster.

The SERVPRO emergency Ready Profile Advantages include:

*A no cost assessment of your facility.

*A concise Profile Document containing the critical information needed in the event of an emergency.

*A guide to help you get back into your building following a disaster.

*Information of the chain of command for work authorization.

*Provides facility details such as shut-off valve locations, priority areas and priority contact information.

Call SERVPRO of Hicksville/Plainview to make an appointment to have your Emergency Ready Profile put together.

Fire Safety Tips for the Workplace

12/14/2018 (Permalink)

GENERAL PRECAUTIONS IN THE WORKPLACE

Eliminate workplace fire hazards:

• Damaged electrical outlets, cords, cables, etc.
• Overloaded outlets and circuits
• Combustible objects in unsecured locations (included excessive trash and recycling)—keep these far from electrical equipment!
• Fire exit obstacles

Keep workspace and equipment clean, dry, and well-ventilated, and especially clean of oil and dust.

Prepare for emergencies:

• Follow workspace protocol and guidelines to ensure safety and health; know and understand rules and procedures concerning fire emergencies.
• Ensure that smoke alarms and sprinkler systems are installed, working properly, and are not blocked.
• Conduct regular fire drills.

Employers should follow these workplace fire safety tips:

• Post clear fire escape plans on every level.
• Educate all employees on emergency procedures, exit locations, escape routes, fire alarms and drills, and the use of fire extinguishers.
• Conduct regular drills.
• Install and properly maintain all fire safety equipment.
• Provide for disabled employees.

HAZARDOUS ELECTRICS AND EQUIPMENT

Use only electrical products evaluated by a nationally recognized laboratory (i.e. UL).

Immediately replace damaged, hazardous equipment:

• Look out for anything that appears overheated, smells strange, or delivers electrical shock.
• Replace all damaged, worn, frayed, or old wires.

Only use three-prong plugs in three-slot outlets (and, similarly: two-slot plug into two-slot outlets).

Equipment that emanates substantial heat should be at least several feet away from combustible surfaces and objects.

• Heaters must include a thermostat control mechanism.

• Know and follow an established emergency and evacuation plan.
• Eliminate potential fire hazards.
• Keep the workspace clean, dry, and free of unnecessary clutter and combustible materials and liquids.
• Maintain clear and easy access to all exits.
• Install and maintain all essential fire safety equipment.
• Follow a no-smoking policy within the workplace.

SMOKE ALARMS: A NECESSITY, NOT AN OPTION

Invest smoke detectors for every room or office.

• Install dual sensor smoke alarms; make sure they contain both ionization and photoelectric smoke sensors.

Test your smoke detectors(and sprinkling system) once a month.

Replace the batteries at least once a year (possible exception: non-replaceable 10-year lithium batteries; still, be sure to test them); many manufacturers also encourage a replacement of the smoke detectors after a decade.

Never disable a smoke alarm.

Consider smoke alarms for the disabled.

• Audible alarms (pauses between the siren wail allow for auditory communication) are available for the visually impaired; visual alarms (with a flashing light or vibrating pad) are available for the hearing impaired.

A NO-SMOKING ZONE IS LESS OF A DANGER ZONE

Keep the workspace a no-smoking zone. If you must smoke, smoke outdoors, and always ensure that you properly extinguish the cigarette in a sand-filled can, or drown cigarette butts and ashes in water.

• Never throw away hot cigarette butts or ashes without attending to them properly.

Be alert and then alert others. If you smell or spot fire or smoke, bring it immediately to attention.

Never smoke where oxygen is being used; for instance, in a hospital room or hallway, or at a nursing home. Even if the oxygen is turned off, the building is much more vulnerable—oxygen can be explosive and will only serve to fan the flames.

IN CASE OF FIRE: FOLLOW THE EVACUATION PLAN

Immediately call 911 in case of a fire.

Know and understand the fire emergency and evacuation plan with these workplace fire safety tips:

• Plan at multiple escape routes from as many locations as possible.
• Check the condition of fire ladders and fire escapes; ladders should be collapsible and have been evaluated by a nationally recognized laboratory (i.e. UL);
  fire escapes need to be stable, secure, and easily accessible.
• Ensure that windows don’t become obstacles; glass should be openedeasily and screens should be swiftly removed.

Never use the elevator. Walk—don’t run—down the stairs.

If you cannot evacuate,

• Remain calm and put as much distance as possible between yourself and the fire.
• Seal all cracks with wet materials (towels, jackets) to prevent smoke from seeping into the room.
• Wait at the window; shout for help and signal your location by waving the most visible object
  1. Open the window for air, but try not to break it; you may need to close it if smoke begins to seep in.

Practice; can you feel your way out of the office and building with your eyes closed, or in the dark? Do you know multiple escape routes? Do you know the low windows from which you could jump? Do you instinctively use the back of your hand to feel a door’s heat, and do you remain crouched down as close to the floor as possible?

---- Workplace Fire Safety Tips: Sources ----

• (1) Smoke Detectors Provide Early Warning of Danger, page 2 by compliance.gov
• (2) Burden of Tobacco in your Workplace, page 1 by tobaccofreetippecanoe.org
• (3) NATIONAL CENSUS OF FATAL OCCUPATIONAL INJURIES IN 2011, page 3 by bls.gov
• (4) Workplace Fire Safety, page 5 by seattle.gov
• (5) Workplace Injury Stats by legendsafety.com
• (6) Facts On Fire by gohsep.la.gov

Why SERVPRO of Hicksville/Plainview is a Better Restoration System

12/14/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Hicksville/Plainview is a trusted vendor for the insurance industry. We understand your responsibility to provide results to your shareholders, managers and customers.

SERVPRO of Hicksville/Plainview blends customer service and accountability with proven methods of mitigating damage after water and fire losses. The result is 24-hour emergency mitigation, damage restoration, and a quality job file you can use to download and finalize your claim.

Please take a moment to browse our website to learn details of our services and to hear what our many clients have to say about us. You can be certain we will do our very best to help you and your customer make it "Like it never even happened." Our goal is to serve you, and your clients, with top professional restoration services.

What To Do Until Help Arrives After a Fire in Your Hicksville Home

12/14/2018 (Permalink)

Care Must Be Exercised in the Removal of Ash and Smoke Deposits After a Fire to Prevent Further Damage

Seek Assistance from a Restoration Professional Immediately After a Fire

Fear, uncertainty, stress, and doubt about your Hicksville home after a fire is immense. SERVPRO of Hicksville/Plainview understands these emotions. Before you risk doing further damage by trying to clean up the damage yourself, give us a call at (516) 733-1800

There are potential dangers in a house that has sustained fire damage. Safety is of primary concern. If the blaze damaged the structure of you building, floors and ceilings could collapse or fall-through without warning.  Wait until the fire department has cleared the structure before re-entry, and exercise caution.  

In addition to the health and safety hazards after a fire, some measures should be taken to protect the materials and contents of your home or business until a professional restoration company can assess the damage and begin the restoration process.  The chemical composition of the soot and ash deposits on your materials can corrode, etch, or dissolve finishes and fabrics.  Professional restoration companies like SERVPRO of Hicksville/Plainview are certified and equipped with the proper cleaning products to safely remove soot and ash deposits to preserve and restore the contents and finishes in your home. 

Here are a few things you can do until we arrive on the scene to help reduce the likelihood of further damage:

• Put down clean towels or old linens on rugs and high traffic areas.
• Coat chrome faucets, trim and appliances with oil or petroleum jelly.
• Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpet.
• DO NOT wash any walls or painted surfaces.
• DO NOT shampoo carpet or upholstery.
• DO NOT clean any electrical equipment.
• DO NOT send clothes to a dry cleaner.

Look here for more information on the fire restoration process.

SERVPRO of Hicksville/Plainview is available 24-hours a day, 365 days a year to help you regain control quickly.

Home (Safety) For The Holidays!

12/13/2018 (Permalink)

The holiday season is here! No matter if you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa or all three, we’re excited to share in the holiday spirit. It’s easy to get caught up in the festivities, and while you’re busy decorating the house, safety may be one of the last things on your mind.

According to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), there were 15,000 injuries related to holiday decorations in 2012. Mishaps send about 250 people to the ER daily, with falls, cuts and back strains topping the list of injuries. To ensure you have a safe, healthy, and happy holiday season with your friends and family, here are 12 tips to keep in mind as you deck out your home:

1. Keep live trees away from heat sources.

Place your tree away from fireplaces and heaters, and keep a fire extinguisher near your tree. Live trees are highly flammable, due to needles and sap.

2. Hydrate your tree.

A dried-out tree can catch fire faster than one that has been properly watered. Check the water level every other day to ensure proper hydration. Starting with a green tree is one way to keep it from drying out so quickly.

3. Fake it!

If you buy an artificial tree, make sure it’s labeled “fire resistant.” Fire-resistant trees are less susceptible to catching fire.

4. Don’t burn wrapping paper in the fireplace.

Paper can catch fire very quickly and can cause flash fires. Instead, recycle (or better yet, reuse!) your wrapping paper.

5. Work as a team.

When stringing lights and decorations above your normal reach, make sure you use a proper ladder with someone supporting the base.

6. Double-check your lights for safety.

Replace any lights with frayed wires, broken sockets, and loose connections. The CPSC issued new guidelines for seasonal light safety in 2015, setting a minimum wire size, and standards for strain relief and over-current protection.

7. Power down before you turn in.

Turn off all lights when you go to bed and before leaving the house to avoid a short that could start an electrical fire.

8. Prevent electrical cord damage.

Don’t mount lights in a way that might damage the cords, and avoid using nails or tacks. Use hooks or insulated staples instead.

9. Secure candles.

Keep candles on a sturdy base to prevent tipping. Never leave a lit candle unattended.

10. Use unbreakable ornaments.

If you have fragile ornament, place them out of reach from pets and kids.

11. Skip the fake food.

Avoid decorations that look like candy or food if you have young children — or pets — in the house.

12. Beware of poisonous plants.

While festive, poinsettias are poisonous when eaten, so keep them out of reach of kids and pets.

Happy holidays!

The One Medical blog is published by One Medical, an innovative primary care practice with offices in Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, Phoenix, the San Francisco Bay Area, Seattle, and Washington, DC.

Any general advice posted on our blog, website, or app is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace or substitute for any medical or other advice. The One Medical Group entities and 1Life Healthcare, Inc. make no representations or warranties and expressly disclaim any and all liability concerning any treatment, action by, or effect on any person following the general information offered or provided within or through the blog, website, or app. If you have specific concerns or a situation arises in which you require medical advice, you should consult with an appropriately trained and qualified medical services provider.

Making the correct decision when you encounter a water damage

12/11/2018 (Permalink)

A flooded basement is no fun. You have a big mess and you need help now. Any type of devastation in your home or office can be disastrous. It is important to do your homework when hiring a contractor. Some companies dabble in restoration work, but, in fact, they just specialize in carpet cleaning or reconstruction.  Here are some things to consider when you are looking for a reliable water restoration company in an event of an emergency.

Construction companies may offer restoration services, but they don’t have the proper training and expertise to be a restoration company. To restore something means to bring it back to what it looked like before. A restoration company should be certified in water and fire damage.

When an emergency happens, it usually isn’t going to happen during business hours. You want a company that can start to work right away. You want a company with 24-hour representatives that can get to your home quickly. You want to talk to a live representative day or night. You don’t want to wait till business hours to call. The longer that water and fire damage is left sitting, the worse the situation will become.

Any company who is reputable should stand behind their work.

You also want a company that can start to work right away. The longer you delay and allow the damage to sit, the more problems it is going to cause.

You have the power to hire any water restoration company that you think is best and SERVPRO is here to help you with all your restoration needs.

Holiday Cooking Safety Tip

11/15/2018 (Permalink)

Thanksgiving is a time for family and holiday traditions including taste tested, Thanksgiving recipes. It's also a time where family members may want to join in the food preparation so fire safety is important. With the speed of deep-frying a turkey, the irresistible flavor, and juiciness that results, turkey frying has become a Thanksgiving tradition for some. But turkey fryers have the potential to cause fire and serious injury, which is why organizations like Underwriters Laboratories and the National Fire Protection Association advises against using them. If you plan to deep-fry your holiday bird, be sure you know how to safely use the fryer, and take these precautions to protect yourself, your guests and your home.

Many first-timers fill the fryer with too much oil or attempt to fry a turkey that isn't entirely thawed. Both mistakes can cause serious fires. U.S. fire departments respond to more than 1,000 fires each year in which a deep-fryer is involved.

Tips to help prevent deep fried turkey accidents

• Keep outdoor fryers off decks, out of garages and a safe distance away from trees and other structures.
• Make sure the turkey is thawed and dry before cooking. Ice or water that mixes into the hot oil can cause flare-ups.
• Watch the weather. Never operate a fryer outdoors in the rain or snow.
• Place the fryer on a level surface and avoid moving it once it's in use.
• Leave 2 feet between the tank and the burner when using a propane-powered fryer.
• Follow the manufacturer's instructions to avoid overfilling. Oil can ignite when it makes contact with the burner.
• Choose a smaller turkey for frying. A bird that's 8 to 10 pounds is best; pass on turkeys over 12 pounds.
• Never leave fryers unattended.
• Purchase a fryer with temperature controls and watch the oil temperature carefully. Cooking oil that is heated beyond its smoke point can catch fire. If you notice the oil is smoking, turn the fryer off.
• Turn off the burner before lowering the turkey into the oil. Once the turkey is submerged, turn the burner on.
• Wear goggles to shield your eyes, use oven mitts to protect your hands and arms and keep an "ABC" or grease-rated fire extinguisher close by. Do not to use water or a garden hose on a fire related to Turkey Fryers.
• Skip the stuffing when frying turkey and avoid water-based marinades.
• Keep children and pets away from the fryer at all times.
• Once finished, carefully remove the pot from the burner, place it on a level surface and cover to let the oil cool overnight before disposing.
• Opt for an oil-less fryer. This uses infrared heat, rather than oil, to cook the turkey.

The information in this article was obtained from various sources not associated with State Farm^® or SERVPRO. While we believe it to be reliable and accurate, we do not warrant the accuracy or reliability of the information. These suggestions are not a complete list of every loss control measure. The information is not intended to replace manuals or instructions provided by the manufacturer or the advice of a qualified professional. Nor is it intended to effect coverage under our policy. Neither SERVPRO or State Farm makes any guarantees of results from use of this information.

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Back in Business!

11/13/2018 (Permalink)

When the unimaginable disaster happens at your business - Office, Restaurant, Medical Facility, Salon, etc. it affects not only you, but your employees and clients as well. For every day you're closed you are not making money.

SERVPRO Hicksville/Plainview provides 24 Hour Emergency Respons Services.

Whether it be Water Damage, Fire, Biohazard and Crime Scene services SERVPRO Hicksville/Plainview provides total project management, Facilities Cleaning and Restoration and Contents Cleaning and Restoration.

We have the expertise and experience to get you back in business quickly! We stand Ready for Whatever Happens.

Recovering From Fire Damage

11/13/2018 (Permalink)

The first 48 hours after a fire damage can make all the difference between restoring versus replacing your property and personal belongings. SERVPRO Hicksville/Plainview can help prevent fire damage from creating long-term problems. SERVPRO Hicksville/Plainview provides timely response with mitigation services ranging from fire, smoke and soot removal to contents claims inventory and document restoration. These services can help ensure your property, belongings and memories are restored to preloss condition when possible. SERVPRO Hicksville/Plainview is available 24-hours a day, 365 days a year to help you regain control quickly.

Dealing with Fire Loss

11/9/2018 (Permalink)

When disaster strikes, severe fire damage can be the most devastating thing to happen to any property. As fire becomes an increasingly prevalent threat, insurance companies are constantly trying to cut corners on fire insurance claims in an attempt to save money. After a fire, you've most likely lost some personal belongings and areas of your home are completely destroyed. The last thing you need is a homeowners' insurance company giving you a hard time regarding your claim.

It is difficult enough to deal with replacing all your belongings that have been destroyed in the fire, then having to talk with an adjuster when you are not thinking clearly.

SERVPRO will work with your Insurance Company and coordinate our worked performed on the job site to make the payment process run moved smoothly.

Mold Strategy

11/7/2018 (Permalink)

Mold spores, invisible to the naked eye, can be found everywhere, both indoors and outdoors. Spores make their way into the home either through the air or after attaching to objects or people. Open windows, doorways and ventilation systems are all gateways through which spores can enter.

Mold will only grow if spores land somewhere that has the ideal conditions for growing - places with excessive moisture and a supply of suitable nutrients. If this does not happen, molds do not normally cause any problem at all.

Mold can often be found in areas where leakages and flooding have occurred and near windows where condensation builds up. Mold  it is usually visible and often produces a musty odor.

If you do not see visible mold. Then it is recommended to hire an Air quality Environmental to come to your home and do a concluded test.  Once the Environmentalist does his report and verifies that there is mold, that is when SERVPRO would come aboard to do the remediation. SERVPRO is Certified, Licensed & Insured  Mold Remediation Company.

Baby, It's Cold Outside

11/5/2018 (Permalink)

BABY, IT’S COLD OUTSIDE

As the calendar turns to Fall, and temperatures begin to drop, it’s time to prepare your water pipes to prevent them from freezing and bursting. Most of these problems happen in basements that are poorly insulated and unfinished. The good news is there’s a simple tip to prevent pipes from freezing – space heaters.

By placing one or more space heaters you’ll help to prevent the pipes from freezing and bursting. The heat generated acts as an insulation barrier.  You’ll also save money in the long term. As for attics, wrap the pipes with heat trace tape.

Don’t be a penny wise and a pound foolish when it comes to your thermostat temperature setting. Keep it set at a minimum of 65 degrees throughout the day.

It’s also a very good idea to have your HVAC system checked and inspected by a professional before it gets too late. By practicing common sense maintenance you may prevent a disaster.

Make sure to know where the main water valve is located in case your pipes do freeze so you can turn it off. Turn on all faucets to drain the pipes.

Be proactive. Take preventative steps. By acting now you can save money and lots of headaches.

Hurricane Florence: Class Four to Class Three

9/12/2018 (Permalink)

In recent news, hurricane Florence has led a path of destruction. However, the once, category four hurricane has weakened to a category three hurricane. However, this does not mean that hurricane Florence will not wreak havoc on the Carolina's later this week. With winds up to 125 miles per hour maximum, Florence is forecasted to hit South Carolina by Thursday or Friday where the coast is anticipated to take the most substantial damage. But what is the difference between a category three hurricane and a category four hurricane?
Luckily, but unluckily for South Carolina, a category three hurricane has winds that reach up to 111 to 130 miles per hour. This can cause significant damage to people, property, and animals. With a category three hurricane, damage to poorly framed homes is common, and even damage to buildings framed with wood or steal is not unlikely. During the time after the hurricane lands, electricity and water will not be available for a few days.
Category four hurricanes, formerly hurricane Florence, winds range from 131 to 155 miles per hour. This kind of wind force causes catastrophic damage to all properties, peoples, and animals. If you think you are safe by having enough water and food for four days after a category four hurricane, you are wrong. Power outages and water shortages can last up to a month when a town becomes a victim of a category four hurricane.
Understanding the severity of hurricanes is the first step in preparing you, your family, and your home for any oncoming hurricane damage.
IF YOUR FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY ISSUES AN EVACUATION WARNING, PLEASE EVACUATE YOUR HOME AND FIND A SAFE PLACE.
For any other hurricane damage related issues, please call SERVPRO of Hicksville/Plainview so we can help stop the mitigation of the damage.

How to beat the Long Island Summer Heat

8/30/2018 (Permalink)

Extreme heat is defined as a long period typically 2 to 3 days of high heat and humidity with temperatures above 90 degrees. In extreme heat , evaporation is slowed and the body must work extra hard to maintain a normal temperature.  

Extreme heat can occur quickly and without warning. Older adults, children are at greater risk from extreme heat. 

Tips to Beat the Heat wave:

• Find Air Conditioning: Stay Cool Indoors
• Avoid strenuous activities
• Watch for heat illness
  • Example: Nausea and vomiting, Headache, Dizziness or Vertigo, Fatigue, Hot flushed dry skin, Rapid heart rate, Profound sweating.
• Wear light clothing
• Drink plenty of fluids
• NEVER leave people or pets in a closed car. 
• Wear Sunscreen 

Staying Informed for up to date alerts and safety tips with your local news station.

If you or someone you know are in need of a cooling station please click  here to find the closest spot to you. 

Good News looks like there is a cold front in the horizon to break these rising temps. 

What Causes Flooding?

7/27/2018 (Permalink)

Besides the unfortunate pipe burst, what normally causes floods? Floods can happen anywhere and can be caused by human-made structures or nature.
The most common cause of a flood is heavy rains. Cities have drainage systems for the sole reason of heavy rains. However, if the system becomes overwhelmed an overflow can occur.
Overflowing rivers are another cause of flooding. Even if you do not experience heavy rains in your area, flooding can occur from rivers if you live upstream of a location that did have heavy rains.
Many urban cities use concrete to build their water basins in case of heavy rains. Even though concrete is durable, it is not permeable so when these basins fill up the water has nowhere else to go and can cause flooding in low-lying areas.
Winter months can also cause flooding. Melting snow and ice, in large quantities, can cause low-lying areas to flood. This only occurs when there is a winter of heavy snowfall.
Flooding can be a severe problem depending on where you live. Check your residential flood maps to see if your home falls in an at-risk area so you can prepare yourself for possible floods. If you home does flood, call SERVPRO of Hicksville and Plainview so we can help you start the restoration process.

Why You Should Never Install Your Carpet Yourself

7/26/2018 (Permalink)

We all have those moments when we think, "I don't need to call a professional. I can do this myself". Where in some cases this may be true, do not try to install your carpet yourself after you have experienced a flood. Flood-damaged carpet and carpet padding need to be dealt with by professionals. Here are some common mistakes people make when they try to DIY their carpet installation.
1. Having a patterned carpet means matching up the pattern as you install. This can be tricky, and some people don't realize that the design doesn't match up until after they completed their installation.
2. People make the mistake of thinking that they don't need proper tools and equipment. When water has damaged your carpet, there is an intensive drying process to make sure mold won't grow under the carpet after installation. This process requires tools not many people have at home.
3. Often when people install their carpet, they come across the dilemma of the floor layout. "Many non-professional flooring installers may not realize that the floor layout has a big impact on how the carpet should be cut. All floors have different shapes and sizes, and usually don't have perfect, clean squares and rectangles. Disregarding this important fact can lead to lumps and mismatched look to the carpet flooring" (SelfGrowth.com, 2018).
4. If you are trying to get the job done as quickly as possible, you might lay the glue down too quickly. Professional carpet installers check to see if the carpet lays right on the floor without puckering before they put the glue down. However, most people overlook this step and go straight to putting the glue down. Once the glue is on, there is no going back so if the carpet was not cut right you might end up with lumps.
Always have professionals install your carpet after a flood. If water has damaged your carpet, call SERVPRO of Hicksville and Plainview so we can start the carpet removal and cleaning process.

What Kind of Fire Extinguisher You Should Have in Your Home

7/24/2018 (Permalink)

State laws do not require you to have a fire extinguisher at your residence. However, knowing what kind of fire extinguisher to buy in case of a fire is imperative. Not all extinguishers can be used across the different classes of fire. So what type of fire extinguisher should you install into your home or apartment? The two most common areas a fire starts are the kitchen and the garage.
The most common type of fire to start in a kitchen is a class F fire that is fueled by cooking oils and grease. Ordinary water will not extinguish these fires due to oil's hydrophobic tendencies. In fact, using water on a class F fire will cause the fire to spread. Having a CO2 extinguisher in the kitchen can help to protect yourself from this common type of fire.
There are a few potential fire hazards that can be present in your garage. The most common are electrical fires and propane fires. These fires can be efficiently and safely put out with ABC powder extinguishers. However, if you are to use this extinguisher, make sure the area is well ventilated because inhaling the powder can cause harm to you or others.
Always know how to safely operate a fire extinguisher before using and check the expiration date every month. If you or someone you know is having a fire emergency, do not attempt to put out the fire yourself. Call SERVPRO® of Port Jefferson for immediate emergency services.

Spring Home Tips & Checklists

3/19/2018 (Permalink)

INTERIOR MAINTENANCE

General Cleaning. Spring is a good time to clean areas of the house that often go neglected. Dust or vacuum chair rails, window casings, tops of wall-mounted cabinets and ceiling fans. Launder or dry-clean fabric draperies and use a damp cloth to clean wood and vinyl blinds. 

If you detect grease residue in the kitchen, consider washing cabinets, backsplashes and walls with warm water and mild detergent. The same is true in the bathroom, where soap residue and fluctuations in heat and humidity combine to create the perfect breeding ground for mold and mildew. While you’re cleaning tile, look for areas of worn or missing grout, as these may lead to more serious water damage if not repaired.

Air Conditioning. Just as you readied your furnace for fall, now is the time to make sure that air conditioning units are in good working order for the warmer months ahead. Change the filter, check hose connections for leaks, and make sure the drain pans are draining freely. In addition, vacuum any dust that has settled on the unit and connections; over time it can impact the air conditioner’s effectiveness.

Attics. Search for signs that indicate insects and critters have colonized. Also, search aggressively for mold, which often takes the form of “gray or black blotches that look like staining,” according to Tim Gentry, vice president of technical services, DaVinci Roofscapes, Kansas City, KS. Proper insulation and good ventilation will deter mold growth in the attic, so take action now to prevent the problem from developing in the warmer months ahead.

Basements. The basement—prone to dampness and insects—must be part of any thorough seasonal maintenance effort. Dampness suggests higher than normal relative humidity, inadequate ventilation and the need for a dehumidifier. Check the base of poured-concrete walls. 

Leaks. Spring is a good time to check for leaky faucets, clogged drains and sweaty pipes. Check under the kitchen and bathroom sink to make sure connections on pipes and hoses are properly sealed, and look for any wetness around the dishwasher that could signal an existing or potential problem. The same is true of your laundry room; check washer machine hoses for cracks, bulges or dampness. The same is true for hot water heaters, which may show sign of corrosion and leaks.

For more information take a look: https://www.bobvila.com/articles/2355-spring-home-maintenance-checklist/

How to get rid of Holiday stains

12/26/2017 (Permalink)

The holidays are many things: Festive, indulgent, an utter mess. And that indulging, as we all have learned one way or another, can wreak havoc on our clothes and table linens.

More than almost any other time of the year, the holidays are packed with special occasion foods and drinks we consume that create particularly egregious stains.

If your holiday festivities result in all new stains, spills and messes you’d rather not bring into 2018, here’s how to clean them all up.

Gravy and Other Greases

The holidays invite a lot of extra grease stains — delicious, buttery, oily grease stains.

When a grease stain happens, such as when pan drippings splatter on your clothes as you transfer the turkey from the roasting pan to its serving tray, massage a small amount of dish soap into the fabric and flush it with cold running water. Dish soap is designed to cut grease and has the built-in benefit of already being in your kitchen with you and your oily stains, making it convenient for spot-treating.

Of course, if a blob of gravy lands on the tablecloth as you’re ladling it all over your mashed potatoes, you shouldn’t be expected to dash to the kitchen. (The potatoes will get cold!) To treat older or more serious grease stains, dab a small amount of Lestoil or Pine Sol on the stain before laundering the item in cold water.

Because a grease stain can be obscured when fabric is wet, it’s best to air dry, rather than machine dry, because the heat can set stains. If the stain lingers after laundering, retreat it the same way and wash again; sometimes a second treatment is all a stubborn stain needs to be coaxed out.

For older, more set-in grease stains or spots on items that can’t be laundered, cornstarch or talcum will pull up the oil. Simply pile it onto the stain and leave it undisturbed for 12 to 24 hours, then brush away the powder and wipe any residue away with a damp rag or sponge.

Potatoes and Other Starches (Including Sweet Potato and Pumpkin)

Starches present a problem because of their tendency to become so glue-like.

Before laundering, scrape as much of the starchy food off the fabric using a butter knife or the edge of a spoon then flush with cool water to reconstitute the dried-on starch. Then, treat with a small amount of dish soap, liquid laundry detergent or a stain pretreatment product and launder.

Whipped Cream and Other Dairy

Dairy should be flushed with cold water then treated with an enzyme-based stain remover (like Zout) and laundered. It’s important to stick with cold water when treating dairy, whether on your clothes or on the dishes, because hot water will cause dairy to become gummy, making it more difficult to wash away.

Coffee and Tea

When a coffee or tea spill happens, start by flushing the area with running water to push as much of the stain out as possible. Then use dish soap and a light-colored rag or sponge to scrub at the stain, which should come out without too much trouble.

Lipstick

If a guest gets lipstick on your good napkins, don’t panic: Good old rubbing alcohol will take it right out. Apply the rubbing alcohol to cotton ball, rag or light-colored sponge and dab at the lipstick stains. Several passes might be required, so be patient.

If the stain has lightened but a bit of pigment remains, apply a small amount of liquid laundry detergent and wash the item in cold water, checking that the stain is completely gone before drying.

For more useful tips on how to get rid of "Holiday stains" refer to the article from The New York Times

Holiday Cooking Safety

12/22/2017 (Permalink)

The kitchen is the heart of the home. It’s where families gather to cook favorite recipes, share warm meals, and reconnect with each other, especially during the holidays.  Unfortunately, it’s also where two of every five reported home fires start.

• Take steps to protect your home and family from cooking hazards:
• Never leave cooking equipment unattended.  Turn off burners if you have to leave the room.
• Supervise children closely in the kitchen.
• Prevent fires by making sure your stovetop and oven are clean and free of grease and dust.  Clean the exhaust hood and duct over the stove regularly.
• Keep the cooking area around the stove/oven clear of combustibles, such as towels, napkins, and pot holders.
• Wear short or close-fitting sleeves. Loose clothing can catch fire.
• To protect from spills and burns, use the back burners and turn the pot handles in, away from reaching hands.
• Locate all appliances away from the sink.
• Plug countertop appliances into Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI)-protected outlets.
• Keep appliance cords away from hot surfaces like the range or toaster.
• Unplug the toaster and other countertop appliances when not in use.
• Be sure to turn off all appliances when cooking is completed.

Fast Facts: 

• Cooking equipment is the leading cause of reported home fires and injuries.  It is also the leading cause of unreported home fires.
• During 2004-2008, U.S. fire departments responded to an average of 154,700 home cooking fires each year.
• Unattended cooking equipment is the leading cause of home cooking fires.

Mold during cold weather months

12/13/2017 (Permalink)

The wet season in the winter months is one of the best times of year for molds to grow and expand. Often mold is contained near sources of water where it can easily grow and reproduce. As it grows, mold can breakdown and compromise the integrity and strength of the source in which it lives.

Mold spores are microscopic and are naturally found in the air we breathe indoors and outdoors. Mold can be killed, but if it is not removed properly, it can remain in the area just cleaned and the dry spores can be released into the air. Mold remediation services can help eliminate the mold in your home and personal items affected by water damage.

Prevention, however, is what will help keep your lungs healthy and homes and buildings strong.

General Home and Building Maintenance:

• Keep all areas clean.
• Make sure there is good air circulation. Use an exhaust fan or open a window when showering, cooking, and washing the dishes.
• Prevent mold and water damage by turning off the water flow to broken appliances and pipes.
• Replace cracked or defective mortar in basements. If you find your basement is wet or has water leaking into it, inspect the outside drainage systems.
• Spread moisture-barrier materials in crawl spaces over the soil. Heavy roofing paper or plastic film made of polyethylene can be used for this. Make sure there is good ventilation in the crawl space and, if possible, do not enclose it. One may need to use a fan to blow out humid air from under the building.
• One can get rid of humidity or dampness within a building by heating it for a short time. After heating, open up the doors and windows, or use an exhaust fan, to let out the air that is moist.
• Hire a professional roofing contractor to cover a damaged roof with a tarp or tent. This will help protect the building from the elements.
• If there are freezing temperatures, take measures to insulate pipes inside and out to ensure they will not crack and/or burst.
• Make sure all the seals on the windows and doors are not compromised and in good-working condition.
• Clean and repair roof gutters regularly.
• Make sure the ground around your building slopes away from the foundation so water does not collect around or enter in to it.
• Act quickly if you see condensation on windows, pipes, or walls inside a building. Dry out the area and determine if the source of the condensation is from a leak or the result of high humidity.

After a Flood or Heavy Rains:

• Work fast. Call in a mold remediation service, which will help in the cleaning and disinfecting of your home from toxins and spores mold can release.
• Lower the humidity and temperature in the building: molds do not like these conditions. Open up windows if the air outside is less humid than the air inside. Otherwise, turn on an air conditioner and a dehumidifier.
• Dispose of moldy items in a sealed bag. Objects that can be saved should be frozen (which deactivates mold) or dried out. Mold remediation services can assist with restoring many of your items, including documents, pictures, and books.
• Make sure there is good ventilation within the building affected. Use a fan, if necessary, to promote good air circulation.
• Remove as much standing water in a building as quickly and safely as possible after disconnecting all electronic equipment inside the building.
• The two key things to remember in mold prevention are: 1. Keep everything clean, and 2. Keep everything dry. Many simple steps can be taken to prevent mold damage as well as water damage during the winter months. However, keep the number for a mold remediation service handy should you require their services. These professionals can efficiently and quickly ensure your home is safe, dry, and mold-free.

Ways You May Be Ruining Your Wood Floors

12/1/2017 (Permalink)

Forgetting to Sweep

Sweeping and vacuuming hardwood floors isn't only a good cleaning tip, but it can also lengthen the life of your floors. Dust, dirt, and other abrasive particles can scratch and dull the finish of wood floors once they’re underfoot. Tidying up often, though, will keep them from causing lasting damage.

Using the Wrong Vacuum Attachments

Vacuuming is an important chore for keeping dust and dirt off of your wood floors and out of tiny cracks and crevices—but use the right attachments. The beater bar on your vacuum can gouge wood floors; instead use the hardwood brush attachment.

Mopping

Water is a wood floor’s worst enemy. Moisture can penetrate the wood’s fibers causing boards to swell, cup, warp, and separate. If your hardwood floors need a deep clean, use a barely damp mop or cloth and then dry the floor immediately and completely with a towel.

Letting Spills Wait

Dried and caked on spills can take a lot of force to remove, if left to sit. Avoid that trouble (and possible damage) by wiping spills up immediately with a soft, clean cloth. If you need to use a spot of water to lift the spill, be sure to dry the floor thoroughly with a clean towel.

Wearing High Heels

No one would ever take a tiny hammer to their floors, but walking on wood with high heels can do similar damage. The force of walking in these sharp shoes can easily ding and scratch wood floors, so check them at the door. You can minimize the risk of scratches from other damaging items by placing floor protectors under table and chair legs, and keeping the dog's claws clipped and trimmed.

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Cold Weather Safety Tips for pets

11/20/2017 (Permalink)

Exposure to winter’s dry, cold air and chilly rain, sleet and snow can cause chapped paws and itchy, flaking skin, but these aren’t the only discomforts pets can suffer. Winter walks can become downright dangerous if chemicals from ice-melting agents are licked off of bare paws. To help prevent cold weather dangers from affecting your pet’s health, please heed the following advice from our experts:

• Repeatedly coming out of the cold into the dry heat of your home can cause itchy, flaking skin. Keep your home humidified and towel dry your pet as soon as he comes inside, paying special attention to his feet and in-between the toes. Remove any snow balls from between his foot pads.
• Never shave your dog down to the skin in winter, as a longer coat will provide more warmth. If your dog is long-haired, simply trim him to minimize the clinging ice balls, salt crystals and de-icing chemicals that can dry his skin, and don’t neglect the hair between his toes. If your dog is short-haired, consider getting him a coat or sweater with a high collar or turtleneck with coverage from the base of the tail to the belly. For many dogs, this is regulation winter wear.
• Bring a towel on long walks to clean off stinging, irritated paws. After each walk, wash and dry your pet’s feet and stomach to remove ice, salt and chemicals—and check for cracks in paw pads or redness between the toes.
• Bathe your pets as little as possible during cold spells. Washing too often can remove essential oils and increase the chance of developing dry, flaky skin. If your pooch must be bathed, ask your vet to recommend a moisturizing shampoo and/or rinse.
• Massaging petroleum jelly or other paw protectants into paw pads before going outside can help protect from salt and chemical agents. Booties provide even more coverage and can also prevent sand and salt from getting lodged between bare toes and causing irritation. Use pet-friendly ice melts whenever possible.
• Like coolant, antifreeze is a lethal poison for dogs and cats. Be sure to thoroughly clean up any spills from your vehicle, and consider using products that contain propylene glycol rather than ethylene glycol.
• Pets burn extra energy by trying to stay warm in wintertime. Feeding your pet a little bit more during the cold weather months can provide much-needed calories, and making sure she has plenty of water to drink will help keep her well-hydrated and her skin less dry.
• Make sure your companion animal has a warm place to sleep, off the floor and away from all drafts. A cozy dog or cat bed with a warm blanket or pillow is perfect.
• Remember, if it’s too cold for you, it’s probably too cold for your pet, so keep your animals inside. If left outdoors, pets can freeze, become disoriented, lost, stolen, injured or killed. In addition, don’t leave pets alone in a car during cold weather, as cars can act as refrigerators that hold in the cold and cause animals to freeze to death.

Flood Safety Tips

11/14/2017 (Permalink)

Flooding can occur anywhere, but water and electricity don’t mix. Because electrical hazards may linger after flood waters recede, it’s important to take precautions before, during, and after flooding takes place.

Know the Danger

• On average, more deaths occur due to flooding each year than from any other severe weather related hazard.
• In the past 5 years all 50 states have experienced floods or flash floods
• A car can easily be carried away by just two feet of floodwater
• Nearly half of all flood fatalities occur in vehicles
• Those living outside of mapped “high-risk” flood areas file nearly 25% of all flood insurance claims and receive 1/3^rd of Federal Disaster Assistance aid
• From 2003 to 2012, total flood insurance claims averaged nearly $4 billion per year
• An area’s risk of flood can change over time due to new construction, changes in levee classification, or other environmental factors

Reduce the Risk

• Follow any directives to turn off utilities. If you’re advised to switch off the main power source to your home, flip each breaker and THEN turn off the main breaker. You may also need to shut off the main valve for your home’s gas and water
• DO NOT go near any downed power lines especially if there is standing water nearby
• If your home experienced flooding, keep the power off until an electrician has inspected your system for safety
• Have an electrician inspect electrical appliances that have been wet, and do not turn on or plug in appliances unless an electrician tells you it is safe
• A trained professional may be able to recondition some devices while others will require replacement
• Do not touch a circuit breaker or replace a fuse with wet hands or while standing on a wet surface

Types of Mold

11/13/2017 (Permalink)

There are many different mold types that can be found in homes and different health problems can occur depending on the type of mold to which you are exposed. While there are more than one hundred different kinds of mold sometimes found in homes, here we’ll discuss a few of the most common.

Common Types of Mold Found in Homes

Alternaria is often found outdoors, but it also grows in damp places indoors, like in showers or under sinks with leaky pipes. It can also be found in buildings that have been flooded or suffered other water damage. It spreads easily from one area of the home to another. Exposure to alternaria can cause allergic reactions and asthma attacks.

Aspergillus is a type of mold frequently found indoors. It can causes allergic reactions, respiratory infections, and a condition called hypersensitivity pneumonitis, which causes inflammation of the lungs. More about aspergillus mold.

Aureobasidium is a mold often found outdoors, but it can also be found in homes growing on wooden surfaces, wallpaper, and painted surfaces. It’s also often found on damp window frames and caulking. It is pink and black in color. Many people are allergic to aureobasidium. Follow the link for more information on pink mold in the bathroom.

Botrytis grows in areas with high levels of humidity, like bathrooms with poor ventilation. It can cause allergic reactions and asthma.

Chaetomium often grows on drywall, carpets and window frames that have sustained water damage. It produces a characteristic musty odor.

Cladosporium is a type of mold often found growing inside homes. While most types of mold prefer warm climates, cladosporium can grow in cool areas, too. It often grows on fabrics, like carpets, and on wood surfaces, like cabinets and floorboards. It can cause a variety of respiratory problems.

Fusarium is another of the mold types that, like cladosporium, can grow and spread at lower temperatures. It’s often found growing on water-damaged carpeting and other fabrics. It causes allergic reactions, asthma, and respiratory infections. People with compromised immune systems are particularly vulnerable to infections due to fusarium exposure.

Penicillium is often found growing on materials that have been damaged by water, including carpeting, wallpaper, insulation, and furnishings like mattresses. It’s one of the mold types that spread quickly and easily from one part of the home to another. Exposure to penicillium can cause allergic reactions, chronic sinus infections, and inflammation of the lungs. Usually appears as a blue mold and/or a green mold.

Stachybotrys chartarum is often referred to as “black mold” due to its slimy black appearance. It’s sometimes referred to as “toxic mold,” although the mold itself is not toxic; it produces toxic compounds called mycotoxins, which cause health problems when people come in contact with them. It can cause allergic reactions, breathing problems, chronic sinus infections, asthma attacks, fatigue, and depression. Stachybotrys chartarum has a characteristic musty odor and usually grows in places that stay damp all the time, like in air conditioning ducts where there is a lot of condensation or around leaky pipes. Learn more about black mold in homes.

Serpula lacrymans is a yellow mold that causes "dry rot" because it feeds on wood.

Trichoderma is often found growing on damp carpet, wallpaper, and other wet surfaces. It produces mycotoxins similar to those produced by stachybotrys chatarum, and it can cause similar health problems. Many people are also allergic to trichoderma.

Ulocladium requires a lot of water, so it frequently grows in areas with extensive water damage, including homes that have been flooded. It’s often found growing on wet walls. Many people are allergic to ulocladium.

Efflorescence are salt deposits that are often confused with white mold in basement.

Cold Weather Tips

11/13/2017 (Permalink)

When the temperature takes a nose dive, water in your pipes can freeze, causing them to burst. Water floods your home and ruins your furnishings, and you have to pay to have it all repaired and replaced. It’s costly and inconvenient. But it doesn’t have to happen if you follow these simple precautions.

Wrap Up for Winter
Wrap exposed pipes with insulating material.  Pipes under kitchen sinks, in crawl spaces, near windows or in unheated basements are areas susceptible to freezing. #WrapIt

Find Your Shut-off Valve 
Locate your inside water shut-off valve now!  The shut-off valve controls all of the water into your home.  If a pipe bursts, knowing the location of your shut-off valve and how to turn it off, can save valuable time and prevent water damage. Our video can help you find the water shuf-off valve.

The shut-off valve may be located in the basement, under the kitchen sink, in a utility closet, near the hot water heater, or even under the house in a crawl space.  If you cannot locate or do not have a shut-off valve, call your plumber. #TagIt

Try turning off your shut-off valve. Then turn on each of the faucets in your house, if no water comes out you found the main shut-off valve.  Once you locate the main shut-off valve tag it so everyone in your family can find it should an emergency occur.

Make Sure You Have it Covered

If your house has a crawl space, cover the outside vents to prevent winter winds from entering and freezing pipes.  Keep the garage door closed if you have a slab foundation.  Some water pipes are located under concrete floors in the garage .#CoverIt

Run a Small, Steady Stream of Cold Water
Keep the water running, especially if you’ve had problems with frozen pipes in the past. Try running a small steady stream of water from a cold water faucet in extremely cold weather. The cost of the water is small compared to dealing with the cost and inconvenience of frozen or burst pipes. Make sure you run the water from a faucet children don’t use, because they may inadvertently shut off the faucet after using it. #DripIt

Fall Safety Tips

11/9/2017 (Permalink)

When the weather turns cold most people spend more time inside their homes using fireplaces, furnaces, and heaters to keep warm. There's nothing quite as cozy as a fire, but it presents some safety hazards. Keep these tips in mind.

Service Your Furnace

Before the cold autumn and winter weather sets in, be sure to call your heating and cooling company to service your furnace. A specialist should inspect the furnace to make sure everything is in working order and that there are no leaks.

Use Fireplaces Safely

Use Caution with Space Heaters

A space heater can be an effective way to warm up a chilly room, but it's essential that you read the instructions on the unit before you use it. If your space heater requires venting, make sure you have vented it to the outdoors. Never use your stove or oven to heat your home; only use space heaters that are approved for this purpose. Always allow at least three feet of empty area around space heaters.

Reconsider Leaf Burning

The Air Defenders reports that burning leaves produces dangerous and cancer-causing chemicals and urges homeowners to avoid disposing of leaves this way. If you decide to burn leaves, wear a protective mask. Burning leaves should only be attempted far away from a house or other structures on a homeowner's property. Always check the weather forecast before starting to burn leaves. This activity should not be attempted in windy conditions.

Exercise Candle Caution

Candles are a great way to give a room that warm glow, but they can also cause fires. According to the National Candle Association, almost 10,000 home fires start with improper candle use. Never leave candles burning if you go out or go to sleep, and keep your candles away from pets and kids.

Change Smoke Alarm Batteries

Change the batteries in your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors when you turn back your clocks for Daylight Saving Time. Make sure to check the alarms with the new batteries installed. Check and replace any home fire extinguishers that have expired.

Tips for Fall Home Maintenance

11/9/2017 (Permalink)

From cluttered gutters to fire hazards, protect your home this fall by making sure your it’s ready to combat the changing weather and potential dangers.

Check All Safety Devices

In order to ensure safety inside your home, take a moment and check all of your safety devices, making sure the batteries are charged and that they work properly. For example, test all your smoke alarms inside your home. Make sure the batteries are working properly and are fully charged. In addition, make sure to replace used and expired fire extinguishers.

Fire Up the Furnace

Turn your heater on before the temperatures really plummet so you can ensure it works. Contact a technician to inspect that it’s operating properly if you suspect it needs servicing. Keep all flammable materials away from your furnace. This includes clothing, paint products, toxic materials, cardboard and more.

Inspect the Insulation

When your home allows in cold drafts, it forces your furnace to work harder in order to heat your house, resulting in higher energy bills. Keep the cold air out by improving the insulation in your attic and walls.

Give the Heater Some Space

Make sure you read the instructions to see if your space heater requires venting, and if it does, make sure it’s vented to the outdoors. A good rule of thumb is to keep your space heater away from clothing, bedding, drapery and furniture. Remember to shut them off if you leave the house and don’t leave them unattended if you have children or pets. More importantly, don’t use your space heater as a dryer for hats, gloves and other articles of clothing, as they can catch fire.

Fire Safety

Before you relight your fireplace, check your chimney to confirm it’s free of debris and has proper ventilation. Make sure the bricks, mortar and liner are in good condition. Lastly, use a fireplace screen to keep the sparks from flying all over the place.

Doing laundry? Prevent dryer fires by cleaning filters after each load of wash and removing lint that collects in dryer vents. Like burning candles, never leave a load of laundry in the dryer unattended.

De-clutter the Gutters

Clean your gutters by removing all debris and leaves. Before burning leaves, check your city’s regulations, as it may be illegal where you live.  If you burn them, do so away from the house and use proper containers.

Trim the Trees

As plants begin to die in the cold weather, make sure you call a landscaping service to remove any dead branches or decaying limbs on the trees of your property. When weighed down by ice and snow, or blowing in the wind, they can become hazardous and fall on your house or vehicle.

source

FIRE PREVENTION FOR BIG KIDS

11/6/2017 (Permalink)

FIRE PREVENTION FOR BIG KIDS

Big kids are curious about fire. Teaching your children about the hazards of playing with matches and other flammable materials, as well as practicing a fire escape plan with your family, can help prevent accidents and injuries.

Top Safety Tips

1. Working smoke alarms reduce the chances of dying in a fire by nearly 50 percent. They are a critical first step for staying safe, but in order to be effective, they have to be working properly. For the best protection, install smoke alarms on every level of your home and in every sleeping area.
2. Consider installing a smoke alarm that has a 10-year battery.
3. Teach kids never to play with matches, lighters or fireworks.
4. Keep candles at least 12 inches away from anything that can burn, and always blow them out when you leave the room or before you go to sleep. Teach older kids not to use candles in their bedrooms, unless supervised by an adult.
5. Use common sense in the kitchen. Limit distractions when cooking and don't leave a hot oven or stovetop unattended.
6. Have a fire extinguisher in the kitchen in case of emergency, and make sure you know how it works. You might be surprised that most people don't know how to use one.
7. Children should know how to respond to the sound of a smoke alarm. Teach them to get low and get out when they hear it. A child who is coached properly ahead of time will have a better chance to be safe. Watch our video to learn more.
8. Practice feeling the door, doorknob and cracks around the door with the back of your hand to see if they are too hot. Help your children practice this step.
9. Together, have your family plan and practice a home fire escape plan with two ways out of your house in case of a fire. It is important to have an alternate exit in case one is blocked by fire.
10. Choose a place to meet outside that is a safe distance away from your home.
11. If you cannot safely escape your home or apartment, keep smoke out of the room by covering vents and cracks around the door and call 911 or your fire department as quickly as possible. Then signal for help at the window with a light-colored cloth or a flashlight.
12. To prevent possible fires, avoid plugging several appliance cords into the same electrical socket.
13. If using gasoline-powered devices, store gasoline in a locked location where children cannot access it. Keep only small quantities in an approved container that has child safety features. 

CARBON MONOXIDE SAFETY TIPS

11/6/2017 (Permalink)

Install Carbon Monoxide Alarms

1. Make sure your home has a carbon monoxide alarm. If you don’t have one, please go out and get one.
2. As with smoke alarms, make sure you have a carbon monoxide alarm on every level of your home, especially near sleeping areas, and keep them at least 15 feet away from fuel-burning appliances.
3. You won’t know that you have a carbon monoxide leak without a working alarm. So test alarms regularly and replace them every five to seven years depending on the manufacturer’s label.
4. For the best protection, have carbon monoxide alarms that are interconnected throughout the home. When one sounds, they all sound.
5. Carbon monoxide alarms are not substitutes for smoke alarms, and vice versa. Combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are available.

Understand How Carbon Monoxide Can Be Harmful

1. Don’t use a grill, generator or camping stove inside your home, garage or near a window.
2. If you need to warm a vehicle, remove it from the garage immediately after starting it. Don’t leave a car, SUV or motorcycle engine running inside a garage, even if the doors are open.
3. Never use your oven or stovetop to heat your home.
4. On the outside of your home, make sure vents for the dryer, furnace, stove and fireplace are clear of snow and other debris.
5. Carbon monoxide can accumulate in or around your motorboat, so install an alarm on your boat.

Leave the House If the Alarm Sounds

1. If the alarm goes off, immediately go outdoors or to an open window or door for some fresh air. Make sure that everyone inside your home is safe.
2. Call 911 or the fire department. Stay outside or by an open window until emergency personnel arrive to assist you.

Store Gasoline Properly

1. If using gasoline-powered devices, store gasoline in a locked location where children cannot access it. Keep only small quantities in an approved container that has child safety features.
2. Keep gasoline away from any source of heat, spark or flame. Even common household appliances such as water heaters and clothes dryers can start a gasoline fire. Be sure to store your gasoline away from anything that could ignite it.
3. Store gasoline in a well-ventilated area outside your vehicle and living space. The safest place to store the container is in a detached garage or shed.
4. Never mix gasoline with fire. There is no safe way to start a fire with gasoline.

What Causes a Furnace Puff Back?

11/3/2017 (Permalink)

Furnace puff back is a messy and potentially dangerous event in which smoke and soot are released into the furnace. Puff backs often result in oily black "webs" of soot being distributed throughout the house, requiring extensive cleaning and sometimes professional restoration to clean up. Worse than the mess is the potential damage that a puff back can do to the furnace itself. To better understand puff backs you should know what causes them and how they can be prevented.

Puff Backs

Puff backs occur when an oil-burning furnace doesn't ignite when it should. Oil vapors build up in the ignition chamber, causing an explosion when the igniter finally triggers. The explosion blows soot and other debris through the furnace's exhaust system and into the heating system, which carries it into the house. If the furnace is connected to a forced air heating system, the ducts can carry the puff back to every room of the house with an open vent.

Causes

Puff backs are caused by problems with the furnace, which leave oil in the ignition chamber that doesn't get burned. This can be caused by leaks in the oil system, bubbles in the oil line which expand and press oil out of the oil burner nozzle, the shutdown valve on the oil burner nozzle not working properly or a clog in the nozzle. Each of these problems can result in oil leaking out of the nozzle and into the combustion chamber when it isn't in operation. Oil will accumulate in the chamber until it finally ignites with a puff back explosion.

Warning Signs

Most oil-burning furnaces in danger of having a puff back give off warning signs that should indicate a problem with the furnace. Black soot on the furnace, walls or ceiling indicate that oil is burning improperly in the furnace and is leaking out of the unit. Noises such as those made by the combustion chamber while it is burning may continue after the furnace has stopped, indicating that something is still burning within the furnace even though it shouldn't be. Noises at the beginning of the burn cycle, such as a puff or bang, also indicate that unburned oil has pooled and ignited.

Preventing Puff Backs

Preventing puff backs in oil-burning furnaces is largely a matter of performing regular maintenance on the furnace to keep it in proper operating condition. Oil-burning appliances should be cleaned and serviced once per year, ensuring that the service person opens the unit and inspects it for signs of problems or damage. Inspect the furnace periodically for signs of oil leaks, paying attention to any odd smells or soot in the furnace room. You should also look for debris in the flue vent connector which could also be a sign of problems with the furnace.

Are you air ducts in order?

10/19/2017 (Permalink)

When was the last time you inspected the ductwork in your home or business? 

If you cannot remember, it may be time for some much needed attention.

Heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) units combined with dirty ducts can circulate odors, contaminants such as mold and irritating dust throughout your building or home. SERVPRO of Hicksville/Plainview can inspect your ductwork and recommend the best way to address any indoor air quality concerns.  

Keeping your HVAC system and ductwork clean not only provides cleaner, fresher air, but can also extend the life span of the equipment by allowing it to operate at peak condition. SERVPRO of Hicksville/Plainview use a portable ventilation and air duct cleaning system to examine ductwork and make a clean sweep, removing years of dust and grime.

An inspection of your HVAC system and duct-work can save you money, provide peace of mind and prolong the life of your equipment. Contact SERVPRO of Hicksville/Plainview to schedule an appointment today! 1-516-733-1800!

Prevent Home Fires

10/19/2017 (Permalink)

Home fires are preventable! The following are simple steps that each of us can take to prevent a tragedy.

Cooking

• Stay in the kitchen when you are frying, grilling, or broiling food. If you leave the kitchen for even a short period of time, turn off the stove.
• Wear short, close-fitting or tightly rolled sleeves when cooking.
• Keep children away from cooking areas by enforcing a "kid-free zone" of 3 feet around the stove.
• Position barbecue grills at least 10 feet away from siding and deck railings, and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.

Smoking

• Smoke outside and completely stub out butts in an ashtray or a can filled with sand.
• Soak cigarette butts and ashes in water before throwing them away. Never toss hot cigarette butts or ashes in the trash can.
• Never smoke in a home where oxygen is used, even if it is turned off. Oxygen can be explosive and makes fire burn hotter and faster.
• Be alert - don’t smoke in bed! If you are sleepy, have been drinking, or have taken medicine that makes you drowsy, put your cigarette out first.

Electrical and Appliance Safety

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

Portable Space Heaters

• Keep combustible objects at least three feet away from portable heating devices.
• Buy only heaters evaluated by a nationally recognized laboratory, such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL).
• Check to make the portable heater has a thermostat control mechanism, and will switch off automatically if the heater falls over.
• Only use crystal clear K-1 kerosene in kerosene heaters. Never overfill it. Use the heater in a well-ventilated room.

Fireplaces and Woodstoves

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

Children

• Take the mystery out of fire play by teaching children that fire is a tool, not a toy.
• Store matches and lighters out of children's reach and sight, preferably in a locked cabinet.
• Never leave children unattended near operating stoves or burning candles, even for a short time.

More Prevention Tips

• Never use stove range or oven to heat your home.
• Keep combustible and flammable liquids away from heat sources.
• Portable generators should NEVER be used indoors and should only be refueled outdoors or in well ventilated areas.

Dangers of Mold

9/21/2017 (Permalink)

Understanding Mold

Microscopic mold spores exist almost everywhere, outdoors and indoors, making it impossible to remove all mold from a home or business. 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 flood damage is not properly mitigated, lingering moisture from floodwater may elevate the risk of mold growth. SERVPRO of Hicksville/Plainview Professionals can properly remediate mold damage in your home or business. CALL TODAY 516-733-1800

Even a small fire can cause odors in your Hicksville/Plainview home

7/11/2017 (Permalink)

Any fire in your home is bad. But when you try to clean it up yourself, it can be a disaster. Especially considering that smoke and soot from even a small fire can permanently damage contents throughout a home and cause odors that may resurface for years.

Fire, smoke and soot damages in your home can create unpleasant and permanent problems if not properly addressed. As various materials burn, the smoke produced travels throughout the home leaving odorous residues and deposits on surfaces and in those hard to reach places. Unless fast, professional action is taken, these residues and deposits can cause permanent damage to contents and may result in periodically resurfacing odors. Unfortunately, such damages are often made more severe when unprepared homeowners attempt to perform the cleanup themselves. 

SERVPRO of Hicksville/Plainview professionals are equipped to find sources of smoke odor and to effectively eliminate them from your home. Proper deodorization is vital. 

All your restorable items in affected areas will be professionally cleaned and deodorized to preloss condition. This includes furniture, draperies and upholstery, electronics, art, flooring, walls, ceilings, HVAC air ducts, and so much more.

SERVPRO professionals do not merely cover up lingering odors with a fragrance, they seek out the sources of odor and remove them. Before you risk doing more damage by attempting to clean it up yourself, call your local fire, smoke and soot cleanup and restoration experts at SERVPRO of Hicksville/Plainview 516-733-1800

Bio-hazard , Vandalism & Crime Scene Remediation & Cleanup in your local town

5/17/2017 (Permalink)

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

SERVPRO of Hicksville/Plainview Professionals are trained to safely and effectively remove hazardous biological substances and prepare waste for proper disposal according to OSHA, EPA and state and local health regulations. Equipped with the necessary safety equipment and cleaning products. Our professionals help turn unsafe environments into clean , safe homes and businesses. We can help with

• Bloodborne pathogens & Crime Scene Residues: Our Professionals remove and dispose of bodily fluids, tissue, and other potentially pathogenic substances resulting from accident, trauma, crime or death. Our trained professionals thoroughly clean, disinfect, and deodorize the structure.
• Arson & Vandalism: Our SERVPRO Professionals are recognized as leaders at helping property owners recover quickly from fire and water damage. Our Professionals also provides general cleaning and deodorization services for situations resulting from vandalism including graffiti, egg, spoiled foods, and human or animal waste. 
• Sewage Backup & Black Water Intrusion: are more than nasty, smelly deposits- these damages, also introduce harmful microorganisms into a structure. Our Professionals help ensure the structure is cleaned, disinfected and deodorized

Call SERVPRO of Hicksville/Plainview if you find yourself with one or more of these problems. 516-733-1800

Dealing with a commercial water damage in Hicksville/Plainview

4/5/2017 (Permalink)

Water damage to a home is a mess, but when it occurs in a commercial property it can be catastrophe. Commercial buildings present many different issues than residential homes when it comes to dealing with water damage 

One of the biggest differences between commercial and residential structures is size and scope. Most residential homes are a few thousand square feet and are three stories at most. While commercial properties can be thousand or more square feet and have more than ten stories. If a pipe breaks on the third floor of an office building and flows down multiple floors, it can create a huge disaster.

SERVPRO of Hicksville/Plainview response time is fast and is something you need to prevent secondary damage. From extracting to drying SERVPRO of Hicksville/Plainview is guiding you through the whole process quickly and efficiently to get you back to business. 

SERVPRO of Hicksville/Plainview is a 24/7 emergency water extraction & flood clean-up restoration company.

How to recognize a puffback in your Hicksville/Plainview home

3/1/2017 (Permalink)

What is a Puff Back?

Most of us have never heard of a puff back. A puff back occurs when an oil burner backfires sending soot throughout your home or business. It can happen all at once (like a balloon popping) or more gradually (as if someone was holding the end of a balloon and letting the air seep out slowly).

How do I know if a Puff Back has occurred?

It is usually quite easy to tell when one has happened. Soot covers all areas of the home or business and may range from light to very heavy. Sometimes the disbursement of soot is so light and fine it appears to be ordinary dust. This "dust" however, reappears hours after being cleaned. There is often a strong odor of oil accompanying a puff back. 

Can I prevent a Puff Back from occurring?

The best defense against a puff back is to have your oil burner inspected annually and kept in good repair.  This is no guarantee against having a puff back, but it greatly reduces your risk. Keep debris, animal hair or anything that could interfere with proper functioning away from your oil burner.

What are the possible health concerns?

While the soot is suspended in the air, occupants are at risk of inhalation exposure. Since the particles are less than 1 micron (m m) in diameter, they potentially can penetrate the deepest areas of the lung. While some studies have looked at the health risks associated with microscopic soot generated from diesel exhaust and factory emissions, none have considered the residential exposure due to furnace puff back. 

What to do if a puff back occurs...

Notify SERVPRO of Hicksville/Plainview  immediately. We will have our qualified disaster restoration specialists assess the damages and set up a crew to clean all affected areas immediately - soot travels and will reappear if not properly cleaned.

Call in SERVPRO of Hicksville/Plainview Professionals Today! 516-733-1800

The Issues Air Duct Cleaning Can Help

1/23/2017 (Permalink)

When mold becomes a problem for your business, your HVAC system is often the source of the trouble. HVAC systems can not only contribute to mold growth themselves but also transport mold spores throughout your building.

Mold thrives in warm and damp conditions, with access to ready food sources such as drywall, carpeting or wood. HVAC systems, which include drain pans, coils and piping, are excellent sources of indoor moisture if they are not properly installed, operated and maintained. Once mold spores find a damp location in which to grow, indoor environments usually offer moderate temperatures and plenty of food.

 HVAC Duct Cleaning

Coming into the 2017 New Year

12/23/2016 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Port Jefferson will help your business clear out the old and bring in the new for this coming new year. Providing you with a commercial cleaning for your company. Our experts can perform a variety of services to ensure you won’t bring the muck from 2016 into 2017!

As commercial cleaning experts, the staff at SERVPRO of Port Jefferson are qualified and experienced in techniques designed to make your office or property look as good as new. We can handle a number of different jobs or sites including: 

• Small Office Buildings
• Large Office/High-Rise Office Buildings
• Apartment Buildings
• Restaurants
• Hotel/Motels
• Small Retail Stores
• Large Retail/Big-Box Stores
• High-Rise Residential
• Manufacturing & Industrial
• Government/Military

Many companies employ janitors or cleaning crews to handle the day-to-day maintenance of a property.  However, some jobs require special equipment and techniques to fully tackle and make a great impression. 

Another great way to breathe fresh air in the new year is to have your air ducts inspected and cleaned. Over time, air units can circulate pollen, dust, dirt, and debris which your employees and customers breathe. A thorough cleaning will tackle odors and mold and restore efficiency to your system.

Also, if your property contains carpets, rugs, blinds, or window treatments. A routine vacuuming and dusting are great preventative maintenance; but a deep cleaning will do wonders for the image and smell of your business. 

Call SERVPRO of Port Jefferson today an get a jump start on your new year goals! 631-476-5300

Call on SERVPRO of Hicksville/Plainview to Restore your water damaged property

11/22/2016 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Hicksville/Plainview is a reliable and trusted water damage company with plenty of experience to get the job done quickly and efficiently. We always advise our customers to address the damage issue before it escalates and causes more damage to their property. We are available around the clock, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. We are dedicated professionals that are ready, willing, and able to clean up after any size disaster.

Discovering Sources Of Water Damage

If you discover a water leak in your home, the first few minutes are critical.  The top priority is to avoid panic and focus on getting the source of the water stopped.  The most common water leaks in a home can be traced to the kitchen or a bathroom. 

Most all common water supplies in a residence have a cut-off valve nearby and all valves can be turned off with a clockwise turn.  If the source of the leak is your washing machine, the valves to turn off the flow are located behind the machine.  Do not disconnect the hoses.  Instead, turn off the water flow where the hoses are connected in the wall. 

In the kitchen, you will find shut-off values for the faucet under the sink.  This is also where you will most likely find the shut-off valve for an ice maker, if your freezer is equipped with one.  The valve that controls your sink is usually the same valve that provides flow to your dishwasher.  In a bathroom, cutoff valves are below the sink and may be within a sink cabinet if you have one.  The supply line for the toilet is commonly located under and behind the seat. 

A water heater can also be the source of your leak.  If it is a gas tank, turn off the gas supply first then turn off the water.  The water supply valve is usually located near or above the top of the tank.

Stopping the leak at its source as quickly as possible will minimize damage to cabinets, floors, walls and contents.  Within a single minute, several gallons of water can flow into your home and saturate anything in its path, including adjacent rooms. 

Some leaks cannot be stopped with an inside valve so the water supply to your house has to be interrupted.  Lines carrying water into your home come from a main line outside that can usually be found close to the street where your water meter is located. 

At SERVPRO® of Hicksville/Plainview we are experts at mitigating water damages. Our skilled technicians work quickly and efficiently to extract the water, remove dampness, and restore your property to its pre-loss condition. While also providing you with the information and services you need to make water damage “Like it never even happened.”  Call us today 516-733-1800. We are here to help! 

SERVPRO of Hicksville/Plainview - Fire Damage

11/2/2016 (Permalink)

Fire damage in a home can be a stressful event for a homeowner. Damage to your personal belongings and home are just some of the concerns you may experience. Timely response and thorough mitigation can alleviate these concerns.

 SERVPRO of Hicksville/ Plainview understand your home is more than four walls. Your home includes your memories and personal belongings. SERVPRO Response Teams are trained in caring for both you and your home. By responding quickly with a full line of fire cleanup and restoration services, SERVPRO of Hicksville/ Plainview can help you restore your home and personal belongings.

So, before you risk doing further damage by attempting to clean up the damage yourself. Call SERVPRO of Hicksville/ Plainview's professionals Today at 516-733-1800!

Available 24 hours, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

SERVPRO - Emergency Ready Profile

9/29/2016 (Permalink)

As many as 50% of businesses close down following a disaster, according to the latest 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. And knowing you are "Ready for whatever happens" speaks trust to your clients and employees that in the event your business is affected by a disaster, they don’t necessarily have to be.

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.

• 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.

• 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.

•  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."

Storm Ready

9/2/2016 (Permalink)

Storm Basics

A thunderstorm is a rain shower during which you hear thunder. Since thunder comes from lightning all thunderstorms have lightning. A thunderstorm is classified as "severe" when it contains one or more of the following:

• Hail
• Winds in excess of 58 mph
• Structural wind damage
• Tornado

Tornado Facts

Tornadoes are arguably nature's most violent storms. Generated from powerful thunderstorms, tornadoes generally appear as rotating, funnel-shaped clouds extending from the cloud base to the ground. With winds that can reach up to 300 miles per hour, tornadoes can cause massive destruction within seconds. Damage paths can be in excess of one mile wide and fifty miles long. 

• The average tornado moves southwest to northeast, but tornadoes have been known to move in any direction.. 
• The average forward speed of a tornado is 30 miles per hour, but may vary from stationary to 70 miles per hour
• Tornadoes can accompany tropical storms and hurricanes as they move onto land.
• Tornadoes are most frequently reported east of the Rocky Mountains during spring and summer months.
• Tornadoes are most likely to occur between 3pm and 9pm 

Hurricane Facts

A hurricane is an intense tropical storm with powerful winds and heavy rain 

• Other names for a hurricane include cyclone, typhoon and tropical storm. While they are essentially the same thing, the different names usually indicate where the storm took place. Tropical storms that form in the Atlantic or Northeast Pacific (near the United States) are called hurricanes, those that form near in the Northwest Pacific (near Japan) are called typhoons and those that form in the South Pacific or Indian oceans are called cyclones.

• Hurricanes usually form in tropical areas of the world.

• Hurricanes develop over warm water and use it as an energy source.

•  Hurricanes lose strength as they move over land.

• Coastal regions are most at danger from hurricanes.

• As well as violent winds and heavy rain, hurricanes can also create tornadoes, high waves and widespread flooding.

• Hurricanes are regions of low atmospheric pressure (also known as a depression).

• The wind flow of hurricanes in the southern hemisphere is clockwise while the wind flow of hurricanes in the northern hemisphere is counterclockwise.

• Flood rank as one of the most common and widespread natural disasters in the United States. Whether you live near a coastline, along city streets, in the mountains, near a river or even in the desert, there is a potential for suffering flood damage. 

 Before the storm 

• To begin preparing, you should build an emergency supply kit and make a family communication plan.
• Remove dead or rotting trees and branches that could fall and cause injury or damage during a severe thunderstorm.
• Postpone outdoor activities
• Remember the 30/30 Lightning Safety Rule: Go indoors if, after seeing lightning, you cannot count to 30 before hearing thunder. Stay indoors for 30 minutes after hearing the last clap of thunder.
• Secure outdoor objects that could blow away or cause damage
• Get inside a home, building, or hard top automobile. Although you may be injured if lightning strikes your car, you are much safer inside a vehicle than outside.
• Remember, rubber-soled shoes and rubber tires provide NO protection from lightning. However, the steel frame of hard-topped vehicle provides increased protection if you are not touching metal.
• Shutter windows and secure outside doors. If shutters are not available, close window blinds , shades or curtains.
• Unplug any electronic equipment well before the storm arrives 

During the Storm 

• Use your battery-operated NOAA Weather Radio for updates from local officials 
• Avoid contact with corded phones. Use a corded telephone only for emergencies 
• Avoid contact with electrical equipment or cords. Unplug appliances and other electrical items such as computers and turn off air conditioners. Power surges from lightning can cause serious damage
• Avoid contact with plumbing. Do no wash your hands, do not take a shower, do not wash dishes, and do not do laundry. Plumbing and bathroom fixtures can conduct electricity.
• Stay away from windows and doors, and stay off porches.
• Do no lie on concrete floors and do not lean against concrete walls
• Avoid natural lightning rods such as a tall, isolated tree in an open area.
• Avoid hilltops, open fields, the bench or a boat on the water.
• Take shelter in a sturdy building. Avoid isolated sheds or other small structures in open areas.
• Avoid contact with anything metal-tractors, farm equipment, motorcycles, golf carts, golf clubs, and bicycles.
• If you are driving, try to safely exit the roadway and park. Stay in the vehicle and turn on the emergency flashers until the heavy rain ends. Avoid touching metal or other surfaces that conduct electricity in and outside the vehicle. 

After The Storm

• Never drive through a flooded roadway.
• Stay away from storm-damaged areas to keep from putting yourself at risk from the effects of severe thunderstorms
• Continue to listen to a NOAA Weather Radio or local radio and television stations for updated information or instructions, as access to roads or come parts of the community may be blocked. 
• Help people who may require special assistance, such as infants, children and the elderly or those with access or functional needs.
• Stay away from downed power lines and report them immediately.
• Watch your animal closely. Keep them under your direct control. 

Unexpected emergencies like severe weather call for immediate action. If you have storm damage to your home or business, call our SERVPRO Professionals for immediate action to your disaster. 516-733-1800 !

24/7 Emergency Services

Commercial Property Services

8/17/2016 (Permalink)

24-Hour Emergency Response

• Catastrophic Storm and Wide Area Event Response 
• Large Loss and Single Event Response

Water Damage Services

• Water Removal and Dehumidification
• Mold Mitigation and Remediation
• Building Stabilization and Climate Control

Fire Damage Services

• Smoke and Soot Cleanup
• Pretesting (For Best Cleaning Methods)

Biohazard & Crime Scene Services

• HAZMAT Cleanup
• Vandalism Cleanup

Total Project Management 

• IICRC Certified
• Mobile Command Centers
• Electronic File Documentation 
• Online Data Reporting 
• Mitigation Performance Validation

Facilities Cleaning & Restoration

• Air Ducts and HVAC Cleaning
• Carpet, Upholstery, Drapes and Blinds
• Ceilings, Walls and Hard Floors
• Odor Identification and Deodorization
• Post Construction Cleanup and Selective Demolition
• Reconstruction
• Specialized Media Blasting
• Over Spray
• Power Washing
• Construction Drying 
• High Volume Capacity 

Contents Cleaning & Restoration

• Move Outs and Contents Restoration
• Electronics and Equipment Cleaning and Restoration
• Document Restoration
• Art Restoration
• Data Recovery
• Contents Claim Inventory Service
• Inventory Control and Documentation
• Cargo Recover (Trucking Industry)

Emergency Ready Program 

• Minimize Business Interruption
• Disaster Recovery
• Back Into Business Faster
• No Cost Assessment

Overview of SERVPRO Emergency Damage Process

8/11/2016 (Permalink)

One Hour: Within one hour from notice of loss, a SERVPRO Professional will contact you to arrange for service. You will know help is on the way.

Four Hours: Within four hours of loss notification, a SERVPRO Professional will walk you through the job process step-by-step, explaining what to expect and the anticipated outcome.

Pretesting:  A SERVPRO Professional will begin pretesting for restorability, working from the source of the damage outward

Eight Hours:  Within eight business hours of on-site arrival, a verbal briefing of the scope will be communicated to the appropriate person, normally the adjuster or property manager.

Cleaning & Restoration: SERVPRO Professional will work neatly and efficiently to help you regain control of your property when a damaging event has taken over. They will use state-of-the-art restoration techniques to ensure the property is taken care of right the first time. 

Final Walk-Through: After the work has been completed, a final walk-through will be conducted to help ensure satisfaction. 

What is lurking in your ducts?

7/27/2016 (Permalink)

Sweeping Away Years of Dust and Dirt - Helping Reduce Potential for Damage and Health

Since the ventilation system is often the biggest culprit in poor indoor air quality, inspecting the ductwork should be a high priority. In most cases, the HVAC system has been operating for some time without much attention. Dirty ducts can circulate odors, contaminants such as mold and irritating dust as mold and irritating dust throughout your building or home.

A routine part of our SERVPRO Professional's service is inspecting the heating, ventilation and air conditioning unit (HVAC). Keeping the HVAC system and ductwork clean can potentially extend the life span of the equipment by allowing it to operate at peak condition, which may save you money. 

The SERVPRO Duct Cleaning Process

• The process begins by using patented equipment including a roto-scraper, which automatically adapts to the duct's shape and diameter while traveling through the duct, removing debris and filth before vacuuming begins.
• Next, a powerful push-pull air delivery and collection system transfers the debris from the ducting to a    16-gallon container.
• Air is filtered through a HEPA filtration system, removing 99.97 % of particles in the airstream. HEPA filters capture debris and keep the environment clean.
• As an option process, a sealant or coating product may be sprayed to address odor or microbial concerns.
• Filters will either be cleaned or replaced to remove odor and dirt.

Duct Cleaning May Not Always Be Necessary

SERVPRO of Hicksville/Plainview Professionals will inspect your HVAC system and ductwork and make recommendations about the best way to address any indoor air quality concerns. This inspection can save you money and provide peace of mind on the health of your HVAC system and ductwork.

In some circumstances, such as after fire, smoke or suspected mold growth, duct cleaning becomes an essential part of the cleanup process. In these cases, your SERVPRO Professional can often restore the HVAC system and ductwork to pre-damage condition. 

Who you gonna call?

7/25/2016 (Permalink)

In the event of an emergency....

SERVPRO of Hicksville/Plainview is a professional cleanup & restoration company & is dedicated to being faster to any size disaster. We can respond immediately to your emergency and have the expertise to handle your restoration or cleaning needs. call SERVPRO 24/7/365.

Licensed for emergency service restoration, disaster cleaning and complete construction services. No damage is too large or too small for SERVPRO of Hicksville/Plainview. We have trained & certified professional to quickly make it "Like it never even happened". In any of these emergency situations call SERVPRO for immediate action!  516-733-1800

Home Healthy Home

7/25/2016 (Permalink)

Check list 

• Do you smoke in your home?
• Do your kitchen, bathroom and laundry room have adequate ventilation and exhaust fans?
• Do you change your air filters once a month?
• Is your gas fireplace and/or gas stove check yearly for emissions?
• Was your home built before 1978? If so, has it been check for lead-based paint?
• Do your bathrooms have carpet?

Causes of Indoor Air Pollution

• Asbestos building products when dislodged (no longer intact)
• Biological contaminants such as mold, dust mites, viruses and pet dander.
• Carbon Monoxide
• Formaldehyde found in pressure treated wood
• Lead (pre-1978 house paint)
• Nitrogen dioxide
• Particulates found in dust, pollen, cleaning sprays and poorly ventilated areas
• Tobacco smoke
• Volatile organic compounds including household cleaning products, pesticides and aerosol propellants. 

The Trust about MOLD

Mold spores are everywhere in our environment and can enter homes easily. Most types of mold grow quickly if they have a water source, an organic food source and temperatures between 60 and 86 Fahrenheit.

An institute of Medicine study found excessive dampness indoors is a public health problem by encouraging growth of molds, dust mites and other organisms.

Control Moisture and Reduce Mold

• Correct any water leaks or standing water
• Remove standing water under cooling coils or air handling units.
• Replace washing machine hoses with steel mesh lines.
• Move large objects away from the walls to provide good air circulation.
• Use exhaust fans in bathrooms, kitchens and laundry rooms.

Cleaner Air Means a Healthier Home

Dirty ducts can circulate odors and contaminants like mold and irritating dust throughout the home. SERVPRO of Hicksville/Plainview uses a proven Portable Ventilation and Duct Cleaning System to examine ductwork and make a clean sweep, removing years of dust and grime.

Benefits of Cleaning Ducts & HVAC:

• Lowers indoor air pollution
• Reduces pet dander
• Eliminates offensive odors
• Restores peak operating condition
• Prolongs the life of your system

Understanding Mold

7/13/2016 (Permalink)

Microscopic mold spores exist almost everywhere, outdoors and indoors, making it impossible to remove all mold from a home or business. Some restoration businesses advertise “mold removal” and even guarantee to remove all mold, which is a fallacy. Consider the following mold facts:

Ah, isn't mold quite the sight? Though it is mesmerizing to look at, it can also be toxic for your health. If you're dealing with a mold infestation on your commercial or residential property, call SERVPRO of Hicksville/Plainview. We have the knowledge and tools to make it "Like it never even happened." Call us today. 516-733-1800

Government Facilities

7/12/2016 (Permalink)

Government Facilities have to stay opened, even when they need to be cleaned or restored

SERVPRO's Commitment 

When disaster strikes a government facility, SERVPRO of Hicksville/Plainview Professionals answers the call quickly to assess the damage and start mitigation procedures, helping to ensure minimum service interruption and lower recovery costs.

The SERVPRO Difference

SERVPRO of Hicksville/Plainview Professionals respond to disaster situations with the right personnel and equipment to provide timely mitigation - the key to controlling damage, lowering recovery costs and minimizing interruption to the public and employees. From large disasters to those special cleaning needs that exceed the capabilities of a facility's janitorial service, SERVPRO Professionals are committed to timely response and total customer satisfaction.

You can trust the SERVPRO Franchise System

When disaster strikes a government facility SERVPRO of Hicskville/Plainview Professional answers the call quickly to assess the damage and start mitigation procedures, helping to ensure minimum service interruption and lower recovery costs. 

Plainview-Old Bethpage Chamber of Commerce

7/12/2016 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Hicksville/Plainview - is a part of Plainview-Old Bethpage Chamber of Commerce - SERVPROs Marketing Manager  Paula Mauro is a Committee member for the 9/11 Memorial.

September 11, 2016 will mark the 15th Anniversary of the horrific terrorist attack on New york, our city, our nation and our world.

The Plainview-Old Bethpage Chamber of Commerce is creating a unique memorial for our community that will enable furture generations to learn about, reflect upon and never forget September 11, 2001. 

David Haussler is a master Long Island sculptor. He is bringing his creative passion and unique talent to the Plainview-Old Bethpage with an outdoor sculpture for the Public. David has produced other memorials using his talent for combining a powerful presence with sensitive display. 

The POB sculpture will be orginal and exceptional and we will be proud to present this to our community on Sunday, September 11, 2016. 

The students from POBJFK High School Media Arts Department will add an educational component to recount for those too young to know and help others take a moment and remember the events and ramifications of 9/11. Using a QR (Quick Response Code) the sculpture will engage viewers and open the book of the history of that day. 

The POB Chamber wants to engage the entire community and is now reaching out to large companies in Plainview-Old Bethapge to join our campaign. 

Your donation will be used to make a lasting tribute to a day that changed the face of the world forever. This undertaking is expensive but we are optimistic and have already raised several thousand dollars. Twenty Thousand Dollars is the goal and we hope to reach it with a $1000 contribution fro 20 of Plainview-Old Bethpage's most prominent companies. Contributions will be recognized in respectful accord. 

Thank you for your time and consideration and for further information or any question please contact: POBCOC President Elan Wurtzel @ elan@wurtzellaw.com or Francesca Carlow; francescacarlow@gmail.com 

Donate Today!

Clean Homes Sell Faster

7/7/2016 (Permalink)

Get it clean - Get it Sold

Dirty Ducts can circulate odors and contaminants like mold and irritating dust throughout a home. SERVPRO of Hicksville/Plainview Professionals use a portable ventilation & air duct cleaning system to examine ductwork and make a clean sweep, removing years of dust and grime.

Duct & HVAC System cleaning can:

• Reduce allergens and pet dander
• Eliminate offensive odors
• Improve operating conditions and efficiency  

Be Informed:

Molds are found in every environment, and mold spores reproduce rapidly when moisture is present. An Institute of Medicine study found excessive dampness indoors encourages the growth of molds and other organisms, causing a public health problem. The EPA advised that the potential health concerns from molds are an important reason to prevent moisture problems leading to mold growth. It is especially important to clean up existing indoor mold growth to increase property appeal and retain its value. If a property has experienced a water intrusion, SERVPRO of Hicksville/Plainview professional can inspect the damage to see whether moisture has penetrated materials or is allowing mold growth.

Control Moisture- Reduce Mold

Prior to listing a property, the following steps can be taken to reduce the potential for moisture buildup or mold growth. Should a damage event occur, timely response is the key to preventing further damage - act within the first 24 to 48 hours.

• Correct any water leaks or standing water
• Remove standing water under cooling coils or air handling units
• Properly maintain humidifiers, if used
• Replace wet or visibly moldy insulation materials
• Steam cleaning and other methods involving moisture should not be used on any kind of duct work 
• Install a ventilation system

Pass More Home Inspections

Your sellers may have trouble spots to address before you list a property or schedule an inspection. The clients may choose to handle these issues themselves to avoid filing an insurance claim for the damage because it may not be covered by their policy and can affect the homes CLUE report. CLUE (Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange) is a database which records reported loss and damage information, and it is utilized by most insurance companies. Unfavorable CLUE reports can lead to increased premiums and policy renewal issues for property owners. 

Top Show Condition an Ready to Sell

It is 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 show. 

Veteran realtors encourage clients to keep their hoes in top condition for very important reasons:

• Increased market value 
• Reduced list to sale conversion times
• Enhanced reputation for quality listings and quick sales

SERVPRO of Hicksville/Plainview offers a variety of services to help revive your listings to show condition:

• Carpet, Upholstery, Drapery and Blind Cleaning
• Ceiling, Wall and Hard Floor Cleaning 
• Deodorization
• Duct & HVAC Cleaning
• Mold Mitigation and Remediation

The Science Behind Drying

6/29/2016 (Permalink)

The science of drying is known as psychrometrics. It is essential to know in order to properly dry and restore a structure to its preloss condition. SERVPRO of Port Jefferson follows a strict industry approved standards to help lower the chances of any secondary damage.

Your initial reaction to clean up a mess may be to grab a few towels or mop up the mess or place a fan or two around the damage area. However, when the carpet itself may be dry. There may be hidden moisture you cannot see or feel creating the potential for further damage.

Water can seep through pinhole cracks and crevices in floors; surfaces such as wood, drywall and carpet readily absorb water, pulling moisture further into the structure. Measuring moisture levels of the visibly affected areas, as well as surrounding areas, helps ensure proper drying and prevention of secondary damage.

SERVPRO strict industry-approved standards to measure the extent of moisture saturation and to offer drying, deodorizing and disinfecting services to help reduce the chance of any secondary damage. The Franchise Technician will:

• Inspect the building to detect every area and component that is wet, preventing damage from occurring due to overlooked areas.
• Measure the moisture levels in the wet materials and monitor these levels to ensure materials are drying properly.
• Expedite the natural drying process by using professional drying equipment.

What does it mean to "expedite the natural drying process?" The environment always seeks equilibrium, because of this; a wet building can often dry naturally. When materials are wet, moisture will naturally move to drier air at the surface, but this can only happen if the air is actually drier. The trouble with the natural process is the length of time it can take to dry naturally. When drying takes too long, secondary damages may occur.

Our SERVPRO professionals have been trained to use top-of-the-line equipment, designed to expedite the natural drying process including equipment to help dry hardwood floors, tough to reach places inside walls and much more. State of the art monitoring equipment and a proven scientific method allows SERVPRO professionals to dry you home or business fast.

Stay safe from summer storms

6/24/2016 (Permalink)

While the spring season is known for the potential to experience severe weather, the threat exists throughout the summer months as well,. In fact, the potential for severe weather even increases in some areas. Hurricane season in the Atlantic begins June 1^st and runs through November 30^th. The Eastern Pacific hurricane season begins May 15^th also ending November 30^th.

While it may be difficult to prepare for the unpredictable, there are steps you can take now to ensure you are ready when disaster strikes. One way to prepare your business for any type of disaster, is to establish an Emergency READY Profile (ERP). Contact your local SERVPRO Franchise Professionals to learn more about the ERP and how it can help you. Consider the following tips when preparing for an approaching storm. 

Before the Storm

• Build an emergency supply kit and develop a communication plan.
• Unplug any electronic equipment before the storm arrives.
• Secure outdoor objects that could blow away or cause damage.               
• If you are outdoors, get inside a building, home or hard top vehicle (not a convertible).
• Shutter windows and secure outside doors. If shutters are not available, close window blinds, shades or curtains.

During the Storm

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

After the Storm

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

Below is a recommended items for basic emergency supply list

Emergency Supply Kit

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

SERVPRO

6/22/2016 (Permalink)

One of SERVPRO of Hicksville/Plainview specialties  

This SERVPRO of Hicksville/Plainview  home’s basement flooded due to heavy rains.

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 -SERVPRO of Hicksville/Plainview

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 Hicksville/Plainview and let our trained, professional crews handle the situation safely and correctly. We have earned the tust 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 SERVPRO Of Hicksville/Plainview

Call Today: 516-733-1800

Staying Safe this Summer

6/22/2016 (Permalink)

Each Summer, families and friends across the country enjoy the summer months with barbecues, camping trips, or by cooling off in the pool, lake or beach. In order to enjoy these occasions, it is important to keep safety top of mind to ensure you have fun in the sun. 

According to the United States Fire Administration, just under 8,600 Americans are injured by fireworks and almost 5,000 are injured by charcoal/wood-burning and propane grill fires, annually. A barbecue 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 of the grill.

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.

Summertime should be a time to make memories and enjoy the great outdoors. The following tips provided by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) , will help keep you safe all summer long.

•When using a charcoal grill, only use starter fluids designed for barbecue grills; do not add fluid after coals have been lit.

•When using a gas grill, ensure the hose connection is tight; check hoses for leaks. Applying soapy water to hoses will easily and safely reveal any leaks.

•Always wear a U.S. Coast Guard - Approved PFD (personal floatation device) when boating, jet-skiing, tubing or water-skiing, air -filled swimming aids, like water wings or inner tubes, are not substitutes for approved PFDs. An adult should always supervise children using these devices.

•Be sure to extinguish all smoking materials and shut down motors and heating devices before fueling a boat, In case of a spill, wipe up fuel and check for fuel leakage and odors.

•When camping, always use a flame retardant tent and set up camp far away from the campfire. Only use flashlights or battery-powered lanterns inside the tent, not liquid-filled heaters or lanterns.

•Always build a campfire downwind from the tent area. Clear vegetation and dig a pit before building your campfire. Always extinguish the fire before going to sleep or leaving the campsite. To extinguish, cover with dirt or pour water over the fire.

•Store liquid fire starter (not gasoline) away from your tent and campfire and only use dry kindling to freshen a campfire.

 •Consider leaving firework use to trained professionals. Stay back at least 500 feet from professional fireworks displays.

SERVPRO of Port Jefferson is Wishing you a Safe and Happy Summer.

Call Today: 631-476-5300

Please Join SERVPRO

5/27/2016 (Permalink)

"Planning is key for emergency evacuation. Learn how to prevent damage to valued or sentimental property, and receive insurance tips. Be prepared for the rough weather, understand fire safety, mold and their damaging health hazards." Join SERVPRO of Hicksville/Plainview on June 7, 2016 at 2:00pm at the Plainview-Old Bethpage Public Libraby for this enticing seminar on Preparation!

SERVPRO of Port Jefferson & Hicksville/Plainview News:

5/13/2016 (Permalink)

Paula Mauro, Marketing Manager for SERVPRO of Port Jefferson & Hicksville/Plainview is proud to announce she is now a Community Relations Ambassador with the American Red Cross on Long Island. As a Community Relations Ambassador, the focus will be on the Town of Oyster Bay. Our Responsibilities will be to sharing information about Red Cross programs, services and activities; including preparation initiatives. Paul is willing to work with the community leaders, schools, faith based organizations and local civic/service organizations to identify opportunities to partner and collaborate on Red Cross mission related activities.

We are very excited to volunteer with the Red Cross and I look forward to working with you. Paula can be reached at 515-984-3674 or via email at paula@SERVPROofhicksvilleplainview.com 

June 1st -Hurricane Season Starts

5/5/2016 (Permalink)

SERVPRO OF PORT JEFFERSON/STONY BROOK & HICKSVILLE/PLAINVIEW

Hurricane Season is amongst us starting June 1, 2016 – November 2016. It’s never too late to take simple steps to make your house and personal finances more wind-and water resistant. While hurricanes give us the advantage of knowing days in advance if they will hit, NOW is the time to get prepared so you can be ready in advance of such a storm, know what to do when a hurricane strikes and how to recover after the storm has left.

The American Red Cross provides tips and lists of materials you should have before a hurricane "Hurricane Checklist."

Pinktie.org

5/5/2016 (Permalink)

SERVPRO OF PORT JEFFERSON & HICKSVILLE/PLAINVIEW 

Are proud to announce we have joined The Pink Tie Organization. 

The Pink Tie Organization is a Business Professionals Networking for a cause, was founded by Mike Cave, CEO of 1st Equity Title & Closing Services, after losing his beloved aunt to breast cancer. 

Pink Tie Organization goal is to hold upscale networking events within the real estate community, where they can synergize their vast network with your company and provide exposure to other professionals in this dynamic industry, and work together to raise funds for various foundations who support research and education, for disease which are prevalent in their respective communities.

Pink Tie align their efforts with charities that are 100% charitable organizations; in other words, every single penny raised goes towards the cause and makes the most direct impact in the community.

Through strategic partnerships, sponsorships, ticket sales, as well as silent and live auctions, The Pink Tie Organization aims to make an impact in our community. With everyone’s support, The Pink Tie Organization is certain they can make great strides. 

On May 9, 2016 The Pink Tie Organization is hosting the 4th Annual PinkTie.org Event benefiting the Don Monti Memorial Research Foundation 

MEMORIAL DAY PARADE

4/28/2016 (Permalink)

SERVPRO OF PORT JEFFERSON/STONY BROOK & HICKSVILLE/PLAINVIEW

Monday May 30, 2016 Join SERVPRO at the Annual Plainview-Old Bethpage Memorial Day Parade.  We will be in the parade.

When: 9:00AM (Parade Starts at 9:30AM)

Where: 700 Old Country Road, Plainview NY 11803

The festivities begin at 9:30AM with a march on Old Country Road to the Town Park on Washington Avenue. Please join us as we greet the crowds lining our local streets in support of our country and our community.   

A Fire in one office can damage a whole business

4/21/2016 (Permalink)

In 2004, direct property loss due to fires was estimated at 9.8 billion dollars. However, when one of your properties suffers a fire, only one fire matters. Business documents are priceless, and a reflection of hard work and achievements. Photographs, books, and other personal items have a value to your customers and tenants that cannot be put into words. SERVPRO professionals have the ability to help restore belongings. To your business, there's no such thing as a small fire. Regardless of the size of the event, a fire in one room can damage belongings and surfaces throughout a facility and cause odors that may last for years.

SERVPRO professional understands how events like a fire can disrupt your life. Concerns may range from getting back in business quickly to the expense of replacing tenant's belongings and equipment to the emotions associated with losing a keepsake. Typically restoring an item will save you money versus replacing the item, relieving your tenant's or customer's concern of losing a priceless treasure. SERVPRO consist of a 24-Hour emergency response team, trained in caring for both property and belongings. By responding quickly and help protect property and personal belongings.

Before you risk doing further damage by attempting to clean up the damage yourself call SERVPRO the fire damage cleanup and restoration professionals 1-866-928-7668

April 14, 2016 - " Understanding Mold For Property Insurers & Real Estate Professionals"

4/15/2016 (Permalink)

Risa Kluger, Franchise Owner

SERVPRO of Port Jefferson/Stony Brook & Hicksville/Plainview would like to give a big Thank You to Larry Hackney Executive VP at Robkat, Inc. and Continuing Education Instructor for presenting a very informative seminar on Mold.

Below are a few key things we went over:

*Preventing Mold Growth

*Where to look for moisture & Microbial Growth

*Moisture Control

*Mold Remediation Work Standards

*Nassau County- Local Law 13-2014 (Environmental Hazard Remediation)

SERVPRO would also like to thank all who attended! We hope that you enjoyed our seminar. The primary goal was to increase your understanding of Mold. If you have any further questions regarding anything we went over during this seminar feel free to contact Paula Mauro 

Reminder SERVPRO is hosting NYS CE 3 credit course

3/31/2016 (Permalink)

"Understanding Mold For Property Insurers." NYS Continuing Education Seminar.

Presented by: Robakt, Inc.

Provider # NYPO-100256

Licensees eligible for credit: BR, PC, C3

Date: April 14, 2016

Time: 9:00AM to 12:00 PM (Breakfast to be served) 

Venue: Four Points by Sheraton

           333 S. Service Road,

           Plainview, NY 11803

At a Glance:   

Robakat Course Fee: $60.00 (Fee waived by SERVPRO)

Complimentary continental Breakfast to be served (8:30AM- 9:00 AM) 

For more information: Paula Mauro (516) 984-3674

E-mail: paula@SERVPROoficksvilleplainview.com

*Please Note* New York State requires attendees to present a Photo ID at registration and be present for 100% of the course presentation. Therefore, please allot time for traffic and weather conditions. Class will start promptly at 9:00AM. 

It's that time again.... Spring into clean

3/18/2016 (Permalink)

A clean environment is a healthy environment. Review these tips  to improve your living and work spaces this spring. If you need a little help, don't worry SERVPRO of Hicksville/Plainview has all of the tools to make your home or business sparkle in no time.

Clean your work space - It doesn't take long for clutter to pile up. Begin spring cleaning by decluttering and organizing your work space. Sort files and determine what you really need. Removing excess clutter will not only allow you to find things easier, but will also create a more productive environment.

Start an archive - While organizing your work space, you may come across files you don't use daily, but still need to keep. By creating an archive, you can save these files and keep your desk clutter-free. Maintain your archive by scheduling one day a month to sort through files and keep files organized

Organize your inbox - Is your inbox overloaded? Organize e-mails by creating folders within your inbox. Organizing files may require an initial time investment, but still be a tremendous timesaver in the future. Consider backing up important electronic files and programs as well.

Deep clean your facility, including the floors. - Over time, floors bear the brunt of your daily business. If not properly maintained, they can become dull and dingy. Having floors deep cleaned can improve the overall look and cleanliness of you facility

Clean HVAC units.- Most air conditioning units remain dormant throughout the winter. To ensure the best indoor air quality, consider having your HVAC and ducts professionally cleaned.

Spring cleaning is a tradition that allows us to freshen up our environment and get a head start on the hectic seasons of spring and summer.

Contact SERVPRO of Hicksville/Plainview Today!

(516)-733-1800

With any leak, It's the water you don't see that causes the most damage

3/17/2016 (Permalink)

Happy Saint Patrick's Day! - From Your SERVPRO Professionals

Any water damage in your home is bad.

But trying to clean it up yourself can be a disaster. Especially when the water you don't see contains bacteria-or cause mold, rot and other unseen damage that can affect the value of your home. So before you risk your health or the valve of your home by cleaning it up yourself.

Your local SERVPRO® of Hicksville/Plainview is highly trained to safely clean and RESTORE your building, utilizing the following procedures:

Step 1 - Emergency Contact

The restoration process begins when you call us. Our representative will guide you through the crisis and may ask several questions to help us better understand the equipment and resources.

Step 2 - Inspection and Water Damage Assessment

We determine the scope of your water damage at this stage. We inspect and test to determine the extent of damage and how far the moisture has traveled to ensure proper and complete restoration.

Step 3 - Water Removal / Water Extraction

The water removal process begins almost immediately and removes the majority of the water. We use powerful pumps and vacuum units to quickly remove hundreds or thousands of gallons from your property, which helps prevent secondary water damage and mold growth.

Step 4 - Drying and Dehumidification

We use specialized equipment to remove the remaining water that is harder to access. Our Professionals will use room measurements, temperature, and relative humidity to determine the optimal number of air movers and dehumidifiers needed to dry your home or business.

Step 5 - Cleaning and Sanitizing

We clean all of the restorable items and structures damaged by the water. We are adept at cleaning contents using a number of techniques. Our professionals are trained to provide sanitizing treatments and to remove odors and deodorize your property.

Step 6 - Restoration

Restoration is the process of restoring your home or business to its pre-water damage condition. Restoration may involve minor repairs, such as replacing drywall and installing new carpet, or may entail major repairs, such as the reconstruction of various areas or rooms in a home or business.

Every water damage event is a little different and requires a unique solution, but the general process stays the same.So, before you risk further damaging the value of your home or facility by attempting to clean up the mess yourself, call your local SERVPRO® of Hicksville/Plainview water damage cleanup and restoration specialist at 516-733-1800. We look forward to restoring your property "Like It Never Even Happened"

Don't Let Mold Grow!

3/3/2016 (Permalink)

Intrusion of water into your home or place of business can result in mold growth. Water intrusions can result from storm damage, plumbing or equipment failures, long-standing leaks and poor humidity control. When water intrusions are not addressed right away, the resulting damage can present increased risk of harmful mold growth. Some amounts of mold spores are normally present in most environments. If the humidity and moisture levels in a water-damaged environment are not promptly returned to normal, mold spores may grow and multiply. Organic materials found inside a building, such as wood, paper, drywall and insulation, provide food sources for mold to flourish. Excessive mold growth can lead to indoor environmental conditions that can cause health effects. 

SERVPRO of Hicksville/Plainview handle water damages every day and know prompt action is required to prevent mold growth. Mold is more likely to spread when an environment has been subject to moisture for a long period of time. If your property has sustained recent water damage, it is vital to remove excess water and dry the structure promptly. If there is an ongoing moisture problem in the building, it is important to be alert for:

These conditions may require the expertise of a qualified Indoor Air Quality/Environmental Professional to inspect the building for mold growth and water damage problems 

If you think you might have a mold problem, call today (631) 476-5300. 

Our trained SERVPRO Professionals trained in mold remediation will examine the structure for any visible signs of mold.  If extensive mold growth is present, additional assistance may be required. Some situations require the addition of an Indoor Air Quality/ Environmental Professionals with the specialized equipment and services needed to assess and/or repair property. You may wish to consult your adjuster if needed.  

SERVPRO cares about proper restoration of your structure. In most water damage situations excessive mold growth is not a problem for your SERVPRO Professionals. We can safely restore your building to pre-loss conditions. The need to address the presence of mold can only be determined by an on-site, indoor environmental inspection. 

New York Insurance: Continuing Education - 3 Credit Hours

2/25/2016 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Port Jefferson/Stony Brook & Hicksville/Plainview

is hosting "Understanding Mold For Property Insurers." NYS Continuing Education Seminar.

Presented by: Robakt, Inc.

Provider # NYPO-100256

Licensees eligible for credit: BR, PC, C3

Date: April 14, 2016

Time: 9:00AM to 12:00 PM (Breakfast to be served) 

Venue: Four Points by Sheraton

           333 S. Service Road,

           Plainview, NY 11803

At a Glance:  

Robakat Course Fee: $60.00 (Fee waived by SERVPRO)

Complimentary continental Breakfast to be served (8:30AM- 9:00 AM) 

For more information: Paula Mauro (516) 984-3674

E-mail: paula@SERVPROoficksvilleplainview.com

*Please Note* New York State requires attendees to present a Photo ID at registration and be present for 100% of the course presentation. Therefore, please allot time for traffic and weather conditions. Class will start promptly at 9:00AM. 

Fire Safety

2/19/2016 (Permalink)

10 Key Fire Safety Tips

Though some fires are unavoidable acts of nature or unpredictable accidents, many fires in the home and workplace are avoidable. The following tips, courtesy of the National Fire Protection Association, can help reduce the likelihood of a fire in your business or home. 

1. Watch your cooking - Stay in the kitchen if you are frying, grilling or broiling food. Never allow young children around the stove or oven, especially if they are not closely attended. 
2. Give space heaters space - Keep space heaters at least three feet from anything. 
3. Smoke outside - If you must smoke inside, have a sturdy, deep ashtray. Never smoke in bed.
4. Keep matches and lighters out of reach - Keep matches and lighters in high cabinets, preferably under a child lock.
5. Inspect electrical cord - Replace cords that are cracked, damaged, have broken plugs or have loose connections. 
6. Be careful when using candles - Keep candles at least on foot from anything that can burn. Blow them out before you leave the room or go to sleep.
7. Have a fire escape plan- Make a fire escape plan and practice it at least twice a year.
8. Install smoke alarms - Install alarms on every level of your office or home and inside bedrooms. Interconnect them so they all sound at once.
9. Test smoke alarms - Test alarms once per month. Replace batteries once per year or as needed.
10. Install sprinklers - Sprinklers can help maintain and sometimes even extinguish fires, giving your local fire department a better chance of saving your property.

Fire Escape Planning Tips

The following are several tips that could potentially save your life or the life of a loved one should a fire break out in your home or business. 

• Install a smoke alarm on every level of your home.
• Test smoke alarm batteries every month and change them at least once a year.
• Consider installing a 10-year lithium battery-powered smoke alarm. 
• Practice findings your way out of the house with your eyes closed, crawling or staying low and feeling your way out of the house.
• Remember to escape first, then notify the fire department. 

Do's & Don'ts - Building Emergency Tips

2/11/2016 (Permalink)

Helpful tips on what to do until help arrives....

Fire & Smoke Damage:

Do:

Don't:

Vandalism Damage:

Do:

Don't:

Harmful Waste (Sewage, Blood borne Pathogens, Etc.)

Do:

Don't

• Attempt cleanup of any kind.
• Touch or handle items that might be contaminated with bodily fluids.
• Eat, drink, smoke apply cosmetics or handle contact lenses in affected areas.

If exposed to harmful waste, OSHA recommends a post-exposure medical evaluation. Consult your local health department or physician.

Water Damage:

Do:

Don't:

Preventing and Thawing Frozen Pipes

1/21/2016 (Permalink)

The American Red Cross provides information and suggestions around how to prevent water pipes from freezing, and how to thaw them if they do freeze. 

Why Pipe Freezing is a Problem

Water has a unique property in that it expands as it freezes. This expansion puts tremendous pressure on whatever is containing it, including metal or plastic pipes. No matter the "strength" of a container, expanding water can cause pipes to break. Pipes that freeze most frequently are those that are exposed to severe cold, like outdoor hose bibs, swimming pool supply lines, water sprinkler lines, and water supply pipes in unheated interior areas like basements and crawl spaces, attics, garages, or kitchen cabinets. Pipes that run against exterior walls that have little or no insulation are also subject to freezing. 

Preventing Frozen Pipes

Before the onset of Cold weather, prevent freezing of these water supply lines and pipes by the following these recommendations:

Drain water from swimming pool and water sprinkler supply lines following manufacturer’s or installer's directions. Do not put antifreeze in these lines unless directed. Antifreeze is the environmentally harmful, and is dangerous to humans, pets, wildlife, and landscaping. 

Remove, drain, and store hoses used outdoors. Close inside valves supply outdoor hose bibs. Open the outside hose bibs to allow water to drain. Keep the outside valve open so that any water remaining in the pipe can expand without causing the pipe to break. 

Check around the home for other areas where water supply lines are located in unheated areas. Look in the basement, crawl space, attic, garage, and under kitchen and bathroom cabinets. Both hot and cold water pipes in these areas should be insulated.

Consider installing specific products made to insulate water pipes like a "pipe sleeve" or installing UL-listed "heat tape," "heat cable," or similar materials on exposed water pipes, Newspaper can provide some degree of insulation and protection to exposed pipes- even 1/4" of newspaper can provide significant protection in areas that usually do not have frequent or prolonged temperatures below freezing. 

During Cold Weather, Take Preventative Action

Keep garage doors closed if there are water supply lines in the garage. Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing. Be sure to move any harmful cleaners and household chemicals up out of the reach of children. 

When the weather is very cold outside, let the cold water drip from the faucet served by exposed pipes. Running water through the pipe-even at a trickle-helps prevent pipes from freezing. 

Keep the thermostat set to the same temperature both during the day and at night. By temporarily suspending the use of lower nighttime temperatures, you may incur a higher heating bill, but you can prevent a much more costly repair job if pipes freeze and burst. 

If you will be going away during cold weather, leave the heat on in your home, set to a temperature no lower than 55°F

To Thaw Frozen Pipes

If you turn on a faucet and only a trickle comes out, suspect a frozen pipe. Likely places for frozen pipes include against exterior walls or where your water service enters your home through the foundation. 

Keep the faucet open. As you treat the frozen pipe and the frozen area begins to melt, water will begin to flow through the frozen area, running water through the pipe will help melt ice in the pipe

Apply heat to the section of pipe using an electric heating pad wrapped around the pipe, an electric hair dryer, a portable space heater (kept away from flammable materials), or by  wrapping pipes with towels soaked in hot water. Do NOT use a blow torch, kerosene or propane heater, charcoal stove, or other open flame device. 

Apply Heat until full water pressure is restored. If you are unable to locate the frozen area, if the frozen area is not accessible, or if you can not thaw the pipe, call a licensed professional.  

Check all other faucets in your home to find out if you have additional frozen pipes. If one pipe freezes. others may freeze too. 

Future Protection

Consider relocating exposed pipes to provide increased protection from freezing. Pipes can be relocated by a professional if the home is remodeled.

Add insulation to attics, basements and crawl spaces. Insulation will maintain higher temperatures in these areas.

SERVPRO of Hicksville/Plainview are the Disaster Recovery Experts and are here to help! 

Article by: The American Red Cross

Protecting Your Property From Winter Weather

1/7/2016 (Permalink)

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

To help prevent costly damages due to weather, consider taking the following actions before the harsh winter weather hits.

• Check your business property for downed tree limbs and branches. Weather, such as wind, heavy rain, ice and snow, can cause branches to fall, which could cause damage to the property and potentially cause personal injuries.
• Inspect property, especially walkways and parking lots, for proper drainage to alleviate flood hazard potential.
• Inspect all handrails, stairwells and entryways to address and correct potential slippery or hazardous areas. Install mats or non-slip surfaces and post caution signs where water could be present.
• Roofs, water pipes and gutters should all be inspected to ensure they are in proper order. Gutter downspouts should be directed away from your building. Clear gutters of debris that may have gathered during the fall. Leaves and other obstructions can lead to a damming effect, that can lead to roof damage and interior water problems.
• Protect water pipes from freezing by simply allowing water to drip when temperatures dip below freezing. If pipes are under a cabinet, leave the cabinet doors open allowing warm inside air to circulate around the pipes. If the building has outdoor faucets, consider shutting water off at the main valve in the basement or crawl space. Once the valve is off, open the outdoor faucet to ensure it drains, preventing any remaining water from freezing in the pipe.

When winter weather stikes... SERVPRO of Hicksville/Plainview strike back! Call Today 516-733-1800

Trust Matters

12/29/2015 (Permalink)

If Disaster strikes your home or business in the New Year, bring in the cleanup and restoration professionals you can trust. You can feel confident in your trained SERVPRO of Hicksville/Plainview Professional can handle the situation and reduce your stress. Communication throughout the process can help lead to customer satisfaction. 

• Cleaning Contents to use in temporary residence reduces the cost of purchasing temporary items.
• Pretesting shows clean ability of damaged area and prevents additional damage.
• Document Drying/Reconstruction offers the ability to salvage documents, books, valuables and more.
• Immediate and qualified evaluation provides a comprehensive cost breakdown to help you understand how the estimate is calculated. 

'Tis The Season For Safety

12/16/2015 (Permalink)

Pretty lights and deorations add to the mood of the holiday season, but if they are not used properly your holidays can go from festive to frightening, fast. Fortunately, by following these simple safety tips, you can greatly reduce the fire risk in your home or business this holiday season.

Candle Safety

Candles are widely used throughout the holidays, and December is the peak month for home candle fires. The National Fire Protection Association's (NFPA) statistics show, more than half of all candle fires start because the candles were too close to flammable objects. Consider using flameless candles instead of real candles. However, if you do use traditional candles, Kepp them at least 12 inches from anything flammable, and remember to extinguish them when leaving a room or going to bed. Use sturdy candle holders that are not likely to tip over and place candles on clear, uncluttered surfaces. 

Christmas Tree Safety

The NFPA also reports, loal fire departments respond to an average of 250 Chritmas tree related fires each year, with the majority of these fires caused by the manufacturer as fire retardant. If you choose a live tree, pick a tree with fresh, green needles that do not fall off when touched. Make sure the tree is at least three feet away from any heat sorce, like fireplaces, radiators, candles, heat vents or lights. The tree should also be clear of all exits. Make sure the tree has plenty of water every day. After the holidays, properly dispose of your tree. Dried-out trees can be a fire hazard and should not be left in the home or garage or placed outside the home. 

Decorative Lights

When purchaseing decorative lights, make sure they are properly labeled and have been inspected by an independent testing laboratory. It is also important to ensure you have the correct type of lights; some lights are designed for only indoor or outdoor use, but not both. Carefully, inspect light strands before placing them. Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections. Connect no more than the number of light strings recommended by the manufacturer. Remember to turn off outside decorative lights and Christmas tree lights before leaving or going to bed. 

SERVPRO of Hicksville/Plainview Professionals wish you a Safe and Happy Holiday Season!