Baby, It's Cold Outside

11/7/2018 (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.

Back in Business!

11/5/2018 (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.

Water Damage: Category 1

8/31/2018 (Permalink)

There are many ways water damage can affect your home. However, the severity of damage can vary depending on the class of water that caused the damage. There are three categories of water damage:

Category 1: Water damage caused by clean water that does not pose a substantial threat to humans.

Category 2: Water Damage that contains chemicals, biological or physical contaminants that can cause sickness. The term "grey water" is used when dealing with category two water damage.

Category 3: Water damage that is known as "black water". This class of water damage contains unsanitary agents and harmful bacteria that can cause severe discomfort or sickness. Sewage mainly causes this class of water damage.

But what are the leading causes of category one water damage? Broken water supply lines, melting ice/snow, heavy rains, and appliance overflows that do not contain contaminants.
Broken water supply lines are more common than you might think. Water supply lines break for many reasons. However, freezing temperatures are the leading cause. When the air temperature is at or drops below freezing, the ground above the pipes freezes causing increasing external stress.
Heavy rains are another common category one water damage. The city has back up water reservoirs that help to drain water during the heavy rains, but occasionally these systems get backed up which causes flooding.
Can appliances cause water damage? You bet. Besides the washer and the dishwasher, AC units can cause water damage. The condensation that AC units cause can lead to the growth of mold in any part of your house that contains the unit.
Category one water damage, while it is clean water, can cause significant damage to your home or apartment. If you or anyone you know is experiencing water damage, call SERVPRO of Port Jefferson so we can stop the mitigation of loss.

What is Smart911 & How does it work?

8/30/2018 (Permalink)

Smart911 is a service that allows residents to create a free Safety Profile for their household that includes any information they want 9-1-1 and first responders to have in the event of an emergency. Then, when anyone in that household dials 9-1-1 from a phone associated with their Safety Profile, their profile is immediately displayed to the 9-1-1 call taker providing additional information that can be used to facilitate the proper response to the proper location. At a time when seconds count, Smart911 provides details that could impact response the second an emergency call is placed, which could be the difference between life and death.

You can sign up for Smart911 and create a Safety Profile for your household to give 9-1-1 valuable information about yourself, family members, your home, pets and even vehicles that will display automatically on the 9-1-1 call taker's screen when you make an emergency call. It's private and secure and you control what information is in your profile. These details can save seconds or even minutes during an emergency.

Knee Deep: A Popular Children's Entertainment Company Flooded

8/21/2018 (Permalink)

This picture was taken of an arcade area in the building before SERVPRO of Port Jefferson began the restoration process.

On July 19th of 2018, SERVPRO of Port Jefferson began work on a flood case in Staten Island. The popular children's entertainment company faced sprinkler suppression system failure which caused the entire building to be flooded.  Treading through water, our SERVPRO professionals didn't hesitate and began work immediately. Luckily, the water damage was a category one damage, so the carpet could be dried, cleaned and preserved. A category one water damage is classified as only involving clean water, whereas a category two and three both include dirty to black water. From the walkway to the back rooms, SERVPRO of Port Jefferson was able to restore the popular children's entertainment company by the 25th, just a mere seven days after the damage occurred. 

If you or anyone you know is having flood damage, don't hesitate and call SERVPRO of Port Jefferson so we can help you get your home or business back to its preloss state.

How Fast Does Mold Grow?

7/25/2018 (Permalink)

Mold can grow almost anywhere that there is moisture and a moderate temperature of around 70 degrees. Many different types of molds can grow inside your home without you even knowing. Most cases of mold go unnoticed until it covers an entire wall. How? Because mold mostly grows in places you don't see every day like an attic, garage, or laundry room. But how fast does mold spread? Unfortunately, mold starts growing immediately after spores are attached to an item. Mold will continuously grow and begin to colonize no later than 12 days after the initial invasion. Mold won't wait until you're ready, get the problem fixed now.
If you see mold growing in your home, call SERVPRO of Port Jefferson to start the mold removal to get your home back to being mold free. 

Distinguishing Common Fire Extinguishers

7/24/2018 (Permalink)

Fire extinguishers are a standard household item. However, not all extinguishers are made equally. Many different kinds of extinguishers are made to fight specific classes of fire. Here is a list and description of common fire extinguishers.
Water: Water extinguishers are used on Class A fires, that start when ordinary combustibles like wood and paper ignite. It is best not to use water extinguishers on electrical fires, as the water can damage the appliance.
AFFF Foam: This type of fire extinguisher is highly effective on class A and B fires. When extinguishing a class B fire that involves gasoline, the foam helps to prevent reignition. Some of these extinguishers may be used on or near electrical appliances, check to see if the extinguisher has been dielectrically tested before use on electrical equipment.
Carbon Dioxide (CO2): This extinguisher can be used on class B fires or class F fires. This extinguisher works by cutting off the oxygen supply to the fire and does not leave residue behind.
ABC Powder: This type of extinguisher is versatile across classes A, B, C, and electrical fires. However, it is recommended not to use ABC Powder in a small or confined room due to the risk of inhalation.
Water Mist: Water mist extinguishers are used to put out A, B, C, F, and electrical fires. "The unique design of the water mist extinguishers' supersonic nozzle creates a microscopic mist curtain, reducing the oxygen content. Water mist extinguishers are also safe on fires caused by electricity, as the water mist does not conduct electricity and the water mist does not form puddles which could lead to electrocution" (Safelincs, 2018).
Wet Chemical: Wet Chemical fire extinguishers are specifically designed to put out class F fires that involve cooking oil and fats. Some of these extinguishers may be used on class A fires as well.
If you or anyone you know is having a fire emergency call SERVPRO of Port Jefferson for immediate emergency services. Staying safe and staying educated on fire safety can help you keep yourself, your family, and your home safe.

A Renter's Guide to Flood Insurance

7/23/2018 (Permalink)

With the Atlantic hurricane season in session, renters who live on the fifth floor of their apartment complex are not worried about flooding. However, renters are more likely than they think to be a flood victim. SERVPRO® of Port Jefferson encourages all renters to check their area on a flood map to see if they are at risk of flooding. If to your unpleasant surprise you find yourself in an at-risk area do your research and get flood insurance.

                "According to a ValuePenguin analysis, there are 1,274 counties in the U.S. in which at least one in four residents rent their homes. In about a quarter of those counties, floods have caused at least $5 million in property damages over the past 20 years--reflecting modest but not insubstantial losses. However, more than 5% of counties--78 in all--have suffered more than $50 million in damage over the years, and in more than one in five of those, the losses totaled $500 million or more" (Forbes, 2015).

                Even more surprising is that basic insurance does not cover flood damages. Insurance agencies will not cover water damage if the water has hit the ground before entering your home. The aftermath for flooding can range from $10,000 to $50,000 in out of pocket expenses. Not to worry, flood insurance for renters costs much less than for homeowners since the renter will not have to pay for structural damages, which is often the most expensive part of the restoration process.

                Understanding your insurance policies and being prepared this hurricane season is essential for keeping you, your family, and your home safe. If you or your family are having a flood, call SERVPRO® of Port Jefferson's 24/7 call center so we can help you start the renovation process.

Different Classes of Fire

7/20/2018 (Permalink)

There are many different classes of fire based on what fuels the flames. Even though there are a variety of fires, all fires are dangerous. The first step in protecting yourself, your family, and your home from different types of fires is understanding what fuels them and what extinguishes them.
Class A fires are fueled by ordinary combustible materials like wood, paper, fabric, and most kinds of trash. Class A fires typically start at campsites, kitchens, backyards, schools, and forests. If a Class A fire does start and has not spread, pouring water or cutting off the oxygen supply will extinguish the fire.
Please call 911 in case of a fire emergency, then call SERVPRO to help start the restoration process.
Flammable liquid and gas fuel class B fires. Not to be confused with a greasy kitchen fire, Class B fires start when gasoline catches fire. When a Class B fire starts never pour water directly onto the fire, due to gasoline's hydrophobic makeup the water will cause the fuel to spread, thus making the fire spread. Extinguishing these fires should be left to professionals. However, if that is not an immediate possibility, a CO2 extinguisher will effectively stop the fire.
Please call 911 in case of a fire emergency, then call SERVPRO to help start the restoration process.
Electrical fires are categorized as a Class C fire. With the absence of an energized electronic device, it is classified differently. A Class C fire is extinguished the same as a Class A fire.
When cooking anything with grease, a Class K fire is possible. This class of fire starts when oil, grease, or vegetable fat ignites. Similar to the aforementioned Class B fire, never pour water on a Class K fire. Grease and oil repel water, and by pouring water directly onto the fire, it will cause the fire to spread. You can extinguish this fire by cutting off its oxygen supply with a CO2 extinguisher, but these fires need to be left to professionals.
Please call 911 in case of a fire emergency, then call SERVPRO to help start the restoration process.
Being educated about what to do and what not to do for different classes of fire can help you protect yourself, your family, and your home from disastrous fire damage.

Don't Let it Spread: Common Types of Mold

7/18/2018 (Permalink)

Let's face it. Mold can grow almost anywhere, and a comfortable house is one of the prime locations for mold to thrive. However, knowing what you're looking for can help you stop the spread and damage that mold can cause.

Below are the five most common household molds:

1. Alternaria

            Alternaria is a large spore mold that can cause health effects. This mold starts out as dark or gray spots which start to spread quickly.

Where to look for it in your house:

-carpets

-textiles

-house dust

-damp areas (i.e., window frames and showers)

- Plants, trees. grasses, and soil

What to look for inside your home:

-dark or gray spots which are spreading

-musty smell

            It's safe to say that Alternaria, while it is typically found outside, can easily wind up in your home. If you have any suspicions about mold being in your home contact SERVPRO® of Port Jefferson at 516-733-1800.

2. Aspergillus

            This mold is generally found in warmer climates where water damage has occurred. However, this mold can grow in extremely damp environments and has been found in household dust and compost piles.

            "Though only a lab test can truly verify the identity any variety of mold, you can suspect that mold is from the Aspergillus genus if it has a powdery texture and an extremely high growth rate" (IndoorDoctor, 2016).

3. Cladosporium

            This fungus is common outdoors but can enter your home through the HVAC and airflow entryways. When indoors, this mold can grow on textiles, wood and other porous locations with a damp environment. Whether it is growing indoors or outdoors Cladosporium can cause health affects.

Where to look:

-Wallpaper

-Carpets

What to look for:

-black, brown, or green spots

            These spots will start out small, but if left alone will keep growing.

4. Penicillium

            Penicillium is one of the most common molds indoors and outdoors.The Penicillium that we have all known are the types that cause food decay. When food starts to rot, we can easily see Penicillium appear to start the decomposing.

Where to look:

-Wallpaper

-Wallpaper glue

-Decaying fabrics

-Carpet

-Interior fiberglass duct insulation

            Since this mold is prevalent, if there is a leak in your roof it would be essential to have someone inspect for mold.

5. Stachybotrys

            The harder the name is to pronounce, the more toxic the mold is. Stachybotrys is a type of black mold that causes significant health effects. However, this mold is the least common in households and needs plenty of running water to grow and is easily identifiable with its black and slimy texture.

Help your home stay safe by staying educated. For more information about mold, fire, hurricane, and water damage safety go to SERVPRO.com. If you are concerned about mold in your home call SERVPRO® of Port Jefferson at 516-733-1800.

References

Mold Answers: A Home Owner's Guide to Mold Removal

Achoo! Allergy

Indoor Doctor