Resources Hicksville Businesses Need for Water Damage Repair

3/25/2024 (Permalink)

Our state-of-the-art equipment and experienced techniques will restore your building after you have a water damage disaster.

Safeguarding Property and Reversing the Water Damage 

Hicksville, NY, is a census-designated place with a population of 43,869. It's historically significant as a former Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) hub. Various landmarks can let you know that you are in Hicksville, including Broadway Mall, Hicksville Public Library, and Hicksville Fire Department Museum, which features antique fire apparatus and memorabilia. Local events such as the Hicksville Street Fair bring people together for fun and interaction. 

If an incident requires water damage repair at your Hicksville premises, you must be well-prepared. Otherwise, mishaps and improper tools might interfere with the process, costing you time and money. SERVPRO® prioritizes four key areas when handling incidents, ensuring the process runs smoothly. 

The Focus Areas

• Safety
• Moisture management
• Material removal
• Material disposal

Water creates several hazards, including slippery surfaces, short circuits, and unstable structural areas. Therefore, your premises might be unsafe for customers, visitors, and workers. Enhancing safety before starting repairs minimizes the chances of mishaps, so we bring accessories such as wet floor warning signs and barrier tape to isolate the affected areas. Enhancing safety is critical, especially when handling tasks such as demolition to remove carpets, insulation, and electrical and deteriorated structural materials. Our crews have different tools to cut, dislodge, and strip materials from surfaces.

Handy Tools for Safe Demolition of Wet Areas

• Utility knife
• Pry bars and crowbars 
• Circular saws

Water damage repairs are not over until the intruding moisture and the waste materials accumulating within the premises are removed. Depending on how you prepare, this part of the process can be tedious. Our SERVPRO crews bring wheeled trash cans or heavy-duty plastic bags to keep the debris and soil removed. We also have water extractors, air movers, and dehumidifiers for moisture management. 

SERVPRO of Hicksville / Plainview manages water damage repair professionally. Call (516) 733-1800. Faster to any size disaster™.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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 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.

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." 

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.

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.

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.

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.

See more about Hicksville.

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.

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.

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. 

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/

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.

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.

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

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. 

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.