Causes of Possible Mold Damage in White Plains Homes

8/9/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO says that robust ventilation can help prevent mold growth and damage in your White Plains home. Call us for mold remediation.

SERVPRO Overcomes Mold Damage Threats

Mold development in your home is easier to understand and resolve when you can identify the cause and work on preventing recurrences. While there might be many reasons moisture could exist in your home, there are a few critical possibilities why mold is a threat right now.

Moisture and Water Damage Concerns

Even before you notice mold damage in White Plains properties, conditions must exist to support colony development and sustain their presence. Moist or damp areas of the residence are needed for this, which are not difficult to produce after disasters like burst pipes or leaks in the plumbing system. Drying must be complete to prevent mold and microbial growth, meaning that our sophisticated detection tools and sensors must get used to tracking moisture movement. Options include:

• Surface Moisture Detectors
• Thermo hygrometers
• Thermal (Infrared) Images
• Probing Meters

High Environmental Moisture Content

Humidity is one of the most direct influences on mold development in the house. After disasters, environmental moisture can continue to be a factor even if the surface water is resolved. Dehumidifiers can help collect humidity and lower these levels to prevent ideal conditions for colonization.

Poor Ventilation

Bathrooms and kitchens without adequate ventilation often see damp conditions persist, and water becomes a prevalent threat to these house areas. The lingering moisture content creates a viable location for mold development, so SERVPRO can resolve these threats by installing sufficient ventilation outlets at homeowners' request. 

Unknown Mold Damage Concerns

Mold damage can be challenging to track and identify until it breaches the surface materials of areas in the living space. Consequently, mold development can allow a continued spread of the organism through sensitive materials nearby until this threat gets resolved. You can look for surface spotting, persistent dampness, or a harsh odor to indicate the presence of colonies beyond what you can see.

Do you have mold damage? Call SERVPRO of White Plains and New Rochelle at (914) 684-1560.

Historic Playland Amusement Park

7/27/2022 (Permalink)

Everyone in this area knows Playland. Often known as Rye Playland, the amusement park that sits on The Long Island Sound, was built in 1928 and is a National Historic Landmark. They have been creating memories as metro New York’s top destination for family fun for 94 years! Whether you are looking to spend the day on the rides with all the amusement park food you can imagine, or a relaxing day on the beach with the sparkling Long Island Sound, there is something for everyone. 

Playland features one of the oldest wooden roller coasters in the country. The Dragon Coaster. I have spoken to a lot of people about Playland lately and everyone has a great memory of nights at Playland as a kid, and bringing their kids there, and now some people are bringing their grandkids. We all agreed that the Dragon Coaster was the ride we all feared and at the same time could not wait until the summer you would be tall enough to ride it! It is still operating since 1928 and you now have to be 48” tall to ride it.  

The park also features other rides, the Dragonator where riders sit on a giant disc facing outward, and it spins and carries you away into the night spinning and spinning. There is also a log flume (expect to get soaked), which is great for cooling down on the hottest days, go carts, The Whip – another ride that’s been there forever, and the YoYo, a swing like ride that takes you high in the air and goes round and round. The Double Shot launches riders through 2 cycles of positive and negative G “force” experiences.   

Every Friday night July 1st through September 2nd with a Season Finale on Sunday September 4th, Labor Day Weekend. 

There is something for everyone. Friday nights is a fire work show! There is a concert series for kids and adults and comedy shows as well. 

Check out their website at playland.com/shows for more information. 

All of us at SERVPRO of White Plains have memories of Playland and are continuing to make memories with our families there this summer as well. 

Enjoy the summer!! 

A Tragedy Changes a National Fire Safety Law

7/27/2022 (Permalink)

Almost 40 years ago a tragedy took place that changed the way fire codes and safety codes are written for amusement parks. For more than 40 years, people have gone to Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson, New Jersey, a short hour and a half ride from Westchester County, for a day of fun, riding roller coasters, playing boardwalk-style games and eating, walking around and taking in all the sights and sounds of an amusement park. 

On May 11, 1984, a day of fun turned into a day of terror and tragedy. There was a fire that took the lives of eight teenagers trapped inside the Haunted Castle attraction. 

A report on the tragedy released by the National Fire Protection Association said the structure was made of 17 interconnected commercial trailers and plywood frames. Fire consumed a foam pad inside the Haunted Castle and spread through the structure. 

As a result, Six Flags Great Adventure made some drastic changes that effected all Six Flags Parks nationally.  

They invested substantial resources in the safety of their operations and the training of their staff. They began an  in-house fire-safety team routinely checks for hazards and inspects all buildings and equipment. 

They worked with certified, local fire inspectors to ensure that they are in compliance with all state and national fire codes to meet and exceed. 

Peter Smith, author of "Doorway to Hell: The Mysteries and Controversies Surrounding the Deadly Haunted Castle Fire at Six Flags Great Adventure once said that everyone who was at Great Adventure that day and anyone who lives around here will never forget that day, as long as they live.  

The New Jersey State Legislature passed new fire-safety requirements for amusement buildings — such as haunted house — that required all structures designed to disorient, reduce vision, present barriers or impede the flow of traffic, be equipped with fire-detection and -suppression systems, as well as various other fire-safety provisions 

After the fire, Six Flags Great Adventure updated park structures with equipment that includes sprinkler systems, smoke and heat detectors and emergency generators, and added an in-house fire brigade 

The New Jersey Uniform Fire Code also requires a certificate of occupancy be obtained before certain attractions are opened to the public. 

Drawings of the attraction are required, showing entrances/exits, electrical switches, circuit breakers, layout of the visitor path, location of alarm systems and manual pull stations, and the locations of fire extinguishers and telephones. Fire safety and evacuation plans are submitted, with trained employees and staff conducting fire drills in case of an emergency. 

Now, the part of the park where the Haunted Castle was located, has been closed off to the public. 

The tragedy that occurred here prompted a National Law to be written for the safety of people at amusement parks, and it became known as the strictest fire code for the nation.  

Things to Know About Mold From The EPA

7/27/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of White Plains is a New York State Licensed Mold Remediation Contractor. We also have people who work here who are New York State Licensed Mold Supervisors, and Mold Abatement Workers. 

We are always doing research to learn any new information that the EPA puts out on mold.  

The potential health effects and symptoms associated with mold exposures include allergic reactions, asthma and other respiratory complaints. 

There is no practical way to eliminate all mold and mold spores in the indoor environment; the way to control indoor mold growth is to control moisture. 

If mold is a problem in your home or school, you must get the mold cleaned up and eliminate sources of moisture. 

Fix the source of the water problem or leak to prevent mold growth. 

Reduce indoor humidity (to 30-60%) to decrease mold growth by: 

• Venting bathrooms, dryers and other moisture-generating sources to the outside 
• Using air conditioners and de-humidifiers 
• Increasing ventilation 
• Using exhaust fans whenever cooking, dishwashing and cleaning 

Clean and dry any damp or wet building materials and furnishings within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth. 

A mold remediation company will clean mold off hard surfaces with water and detergent, and dry completely. Absorbent materials such as ceiling tiles, that are moldy, may need to be replaced. 

Prevent condensation: Reduce the potential for condensation on cold surfaces (i.e., windows, piping, exterior walls, roof, or floors) by adding insulation. 

In areas where there is a perpetual moisture problem, do not install carpeting (i.e., by drinking fountains, by classroom sinks, or on concrete floors with leaks or frequent condensation). 

Molds can be found almost anywhere; they can grow on virtually any substance, providing moisture is present. There are molds that can grow on wood, paper, carpet, and foods.  

We will always continue to research and bring you the most up to date information especially from the EPA 

What is Mold? Questions and Answers for Mold Concerns

7/27/2022 (Permalink)

What Are Molds? What a question. Here are SERVPRO of White Plains, we get calls daily for mold remediation. Last September when Hurricane Ida blew through here there were so many calls about water, flooded basements, etc. A few months later the calls started coming in about mold, mold in basements, garages, the smell of mold, etc.

We still get calls from people in this area who will tell us they just saw some mold and did have water from Ida. We talk about her so often we are less formal and dropped the Hurricane and just call her Ida.

Here is a little bit about mold. We talk a lot about how to get rid of it, but here is some information on what molds are. There are different kinds of mold, different shapes, sizes, colors and smells.

Mold can grow outdoors on firewood. Often you will see white, tan or black colored mold here.

Molds are a natural part of the environment and can be found almost anywhere that moisture and oxygen are present. They belong to the kingdom Fungi and live in moist places such as soil, plants and dead or decaying matter. Outdoors, molds play a part in nature by breaking down dead organic matter such as fallen leaves, dead trees and other debris; however, indoors mold growth should be avoided.

There are many types of mold – all of them need water or moisture to grow. When excessive moisture accumulates in buildings or on building materials, mold growth often occurs, particularly if the moisture problem remains undiscovered or unaddressed. Mold growth can occur on wood, paper, carpet foods, insulation.

The EPA finds the health risks associated with indoor mold growth include: sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, skin rashes, dizziness, headaches, and asthma attacks.

These risks can be especially harmful for children, elderly people and those with per-existing respiratory illnesses.

When mold spores land on damp spots or surfaces, they may begin growing indoors and digesting whatever they are growing on in order to survive. Eventually molds will destroy the things on which they grow.

By controlling moisture and reducing mold growth, you can prevent damage to building materials and furnishings, save money on mold remediation and avoid potential health issues.

Mold spreads by producing tiny reproductive cells called spores that waft through the air. Mold spores usually cannot be seen without magnification (ranging in size from 2-10 um) and are naturally present in both indoor and outdoor air. Some molds have spores that are easily disturbed and settle repeatedly with each disturbance. Other molds have sticky spores that will cling to surfaces and are dislodged by brushing against them or by other direct contact. Spores may remain able to grow for years after they are produced. In addition, whether or not the spores are alive, the allergens in and on them may remain allergenic for years.

If you are concerned about mold, call SERVPRO of White Plains at 914.684.1560 and we will respond walk you through it all.

The Beautiful Untermyer Park,- A Place to See in Westchester

7/27/2022 (Permalink)

Untermyer Park and Gardens is a historic 43-acre city public park, located in Yonkers, New York in Westchester County, just north of New York City. The park is a remnant of Samuel Untermyer's 150-acre estate "Greystone". Situated on the steep land arising from the eastern bank of the Hudson River to the bluff on top of it, the park features a Walled Garden inspired by ancient Indo-Persian gardens, a small Grecian-style open-air amphitheater with two facing sphynxes supported by tall Ionic columns, a classical pavilion, stoa and loggias, a rock-and-water feature called "The Temple of Love", as well as a long staircase from the Walled Garden to an Overlook with views of the river and the Palisades. Untermyer Park and Gardens  was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1974. 

The gardens were developed beginning in 1916 by Untermyer, a prominent lawyer and civic leader, and were designed by architect and landscape designer William W. Bosworth, with fountains by Charles Wellford Leavitt, and sculptures by Paul Manship and other artists. The gardens were regularly opened to the public, hosted performances of noted dancers, actors and musicians, and were considered to be among the finest gardens in the United States. 

When Untermyer died in 1940, he had hoped to donate the whole estate to the United States, or the State of New York, or at least to the City of Yonkers. Eventually Yonkers agreed to accept part of the estate. The parcel, which was the core of the gardens, and which has been added to since that time, was renamed Untermyer Park and Gardens in his honor. Untermyer Gardens have recently undergone a significant campaign of restorations, which is continuing the North Canal of the Walled Garden with the sphynxes in the background (c.1900) 

Untermyer had a passion for horticulture, which he said he inherited from his mother, and was an expert in the subject. According to his family, if he could have lived his life over again, he would have wanted to be the New York City Parks Commissioner. Untermyer wanted his estate to have formal gardens, and his competitive nature wanted them to be better than John D. Rockefeller's, whose estate Kykuit was not too far away, so in 1916, after buying additional property to the north and east of the original estate to expand it to 150 acres   Untermyer hired the École des Beaux Arts trained architect and landscape designer William Welles Bosworth – who had contributed to the architecture of Kykuit on and off for 20 years– to build "the finest garden in the world." 

The Walled Garden also featured the Temple of the Sky, an open-air circular 30-foot) colonnade of 14 Corinthian columns topped by an entablature, overlooking a swimming pool. The floor of the colonnade was a circular pink, grey and pale green mosaic, with the head of Medusa at the center. 

The result was, for a time, one of the most celebrated gardens in the United States. Untermyer opened the grounds weekly to the public in the 1920s and '30s and for special events, such as displays of his noted chrysanthemums and tulips. On a single day in 1939, 30,000 people visited the gardens. 

The gardens today are beautiful and Untermyer park offers tours, music in the park and movies in the park. If you are looking for something relaxing to do , this is a fantastic place Enjoy! 

Beware of The Bears!

7/26/2022 (Permalink)

Black Bear wanders through yard

If you’re tired of hearing about sharks for the past few weeks, another scary animal seems to be roaming through neighborhoods now. The black bear.! There have been many sightings here in the northeast, more than normal! From NY to CT black bears have been caught on home surveillance cameras in the swimming pool, on the trampoline, in the garbage, in a bird feeder and just roaming around neighborhoods seemingly up to no good. 

There are an estimated 3,000 black bears roaming the NY CT border. There are about 8,000 black bears in the wild. NY and CT have lots of mountains, hills and trails. I personally saw a black bear while hiking with friends last year. As the man on the trail turned to us to all be quiet, he motioned with his arms in the air and silently mouthed bear! I turned to my friends and saw their backs as they took off in the direction we had just been hiking. They had cut and run. I wasn’t too far behind them either! 

Saturday afternoon my brother who lives in CT, went to the store and while he was gone, a black bear wandered onto his driveway through his backyard to a stream that is there. I’m sure the bear was just trying to cool off from the blistering heat wave, but where did he come from?   

Ed McGowan, the director of Trailside Museum and Zoo at Bear Mountain State Park, said that in the 15 years he has worked at Bear Mountain, there has been a definite increase in bears roaming the area.  

Even though the zoo has its own bears, non-zoo bears sometimes end up wandering the premises. 

There have also been more bears in the park system in general. "They can be found anywhere with woods or natural cover," McGowan said. 

What to do? I researched a few things and came up with these tips 

The best way to prevent wildlife encounters from happening on your property is to remove any sources of food, water or shelter, which animals need to survive. 

During the summer months it is especially important to secure garbage and to keep pet food inside,  

Bird feeders tend to attract bears and popular consensus is that birds have no trouble finding food on their own in the summer months especially. 

Never approach, surround or corner a bear: Bears aggressively defend themselves when they feel threatened. Be especially cautious around cubs as mother bears are very protective. 

Never run from a bear: Stay calm, speak in a loud and calm voice, slowly back away and leave the area. 

If there is food out, they are going to try and get to it. Clean up after your BBQs ! 

 
A bear is nothing more than a large raccoon," Tom Koepf of the Department of Environmental Conservation told WABC-TV at the time. "If there's food out they're going to eat it, they're just scavengers." 

By April 1st bird feeders should be removed according to NYS DEC recommendations. Garbage cans should be emptied frequently and kept clean. Compost piles should be moved as far away from houses as possible. Grills with leftover grease can also attract bears, officials warned. 

The NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) advises that bears will only be encouraged to leave an area unless the bear creates a public disturbance, acts aggressively towards people or pets, attempts to enter homes or is injured and cannot move freely to escape. 

Any aggressive, attacking or emergency behavior should immediately be reported by calling 911.  

For more information on bears or how to avoid encountering them, visit www.dec.ny.gov   

Just When You Think It's Safe To Go Back Into The Water

7/25/2022 (Permalink)

Just when you think it’s safe to go back in the water, you find out it isn’t 

With no end in sight for the heat wave that has been suffocating the northeast, we are all looking for ways to stay cool. What better way then heading out to the Long Island Shore! Not so fast. As appealing as it seems with the ocean breeze and the waters of the Atlantic that never seem to get above 70 degrees, it’s just not going to happen. The shake your head reason it simple. Sharks! 

Shark sightings have been closing beaches up and down the eastern seaboard for the past week. Of all weeks! With temperatures hovering in the high 90s we are all looking for a little relief. A beach day sounds perfect! It seems locals are willing to battle the LIE (Long Island Expressway) to sit in the inevitable traffic for a couple of hours to spend a day with the hot sand and rough waves crashing at their feet. 

Then came the news that put all of that on the things to complain about list. 

There have been over 12 sightings of sharks, including 3 great white sharks at our local beaches. A life guard was bitten by a shark 150 yards from shore. Another man was bitten in the leg as he swam in the water.   Beach goers are definitely on edge. The New York City Police Department has been doing flyovers, the Coast Guard Helicopter's have been seen on the hour flying low and slow over the water, and New York State Park Commision has been sending out drones to search for sharks. Turns out they didn’t have to look too hard. They posted video of a great white preying on a school of fish not too far out of the swimming area.  

New York State Govenor Kathy Hochul ordered state agencies to increase lifeguard staffing, patrols and aerial surveillance on beaches to spot sharks and prevent encounters. 

So kids, the bottom line is you’re going to have to find alternative ways to stay cool as the heat wave continues into week 2 

SERVPRO of White Plains reminds you that Shark Week begins soon, timing is everything!  

Tips for Keeping Your BBQ Food Safe From Bacteria

7/25/2022 (Permalink)

Ahhhh the smell of BBQ! Nothing says summer like the smell of something cooking on the grill. It makes you want to eat even if you’re not hungry. You sink your teeth into that juicy burger and thrown some more mustard on that grilled hotdog. It’s light out late, the backyard is nice and cool and life is good! Ever eat out or eat a BBQ and then not be feeling so good hours later? If you have ever gotten food poisoning or food borne related illness, you will never forget it! It can be horrible.  

It will take a long time (if ever) before you can even imagine eating anything that was cooked on the grill.  You may have even shied away from eating anything but the potato chips at a BBQ.  

We would love to see you enjoy a fun backyard BBQ again. So, come back to the grill. When done correctly food can be kept safe and not get contaminated.  

SERVPRO of White Plains has a few tips for keeping food safe and preventing foodborne illnesses when BBQing or grilling. 

Wash Your Hands! Seems obvious enough right? Hmmmm not so sure this is happening as often as it should be. 

Keep Your Food Cold. We hear a lot from our favorite food shows and magazines to let the meat come to room temp before you cook it. This does not apply to cooking outdoors. Keep it cold and put it on the grill cold. Letting it sit can allow bacteria to grow.  

Keep your raw and foods to be cooked separate. Don’t ever put cooked meat back on the same plate you had raw meat on. This will prevent the bacteria from the raw food from contaminating the cooked. 

If you are marinating your food, leave it in the fridge and not out on the table. Once you put the meat on the grill, throw away the marinade. Don’t use it to baste food, but instead make a separate marinade for basting. 

A food thermometer can become your summertime best friend. To kill harmful bacteria, burgers should be cooked to 160 degrees and chicken should be cooked to at least 170 degrees. Don’t cross contaminate your thermometers either. Buy a separate one for chicken. 

The staple potato salad. Everyone has their own recipe and thinks theirs is better than anyone else's. Keep any salad, especially salads with mayo, think potato, macaroni, coleslaw in the fridge until ready to eat. If you are putting it on the table, have a large bowl with ice under it to keep it cold. Mayo can turn on the dime before you know it.  

Enjoy your summer BBQs and be safe! 

What To Do If Someone Is Struck By Lightning

7/25/2022 (Permalink)

Lightning strikes the United States about 25 million times a year. 

Lightning kills 20 or more people in the U.S. each year, and hundreds more are severely injured, according to theNational Weather Service. 

Here at SERVPRO of White Plains, we have some tips that came from a combination of research and local weather stations on what to do if someone is stuck by lightning  

WHAT TO DO IF SOMEONE IS STRUCK BY LIGHTNING 

Lightning may cause many injuries, including heart attacks, burns, shock, and sometimes blunt trauma. Treat each of these injuries with basic first aid until help arrives. Do not move victims who are bleeding or appear to have broken bones. 

When someone is struck by lightning, get emergency medical help as soon as possible. If more than one person is struck by lightning, treat those who are unconscious first. 

Lightning often causes a heart attack. Check to see if the victim is breathing and has a heartbeat. 

If the victim is not breathing, immediately begin mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. If the victim does not have a pulse, start cardiac compressions as well (CPR). Continue resuscitation efforts until help arrives. If the area is cold and wet, putting a protective layer between the victim and the ground may help decrease hypothermia (abnormally low body temperature). Perform hands only CPR 

Hands-Only CPR is CPR without giving breaths. Meaning there is no mouth-to-mouth contact. Recent guidelines developed by the American Heart Association, promote Hands-Only CPR as an acceptable way for a bystander to help a victim suffering from cardiac arrest.  

The method is gaining in popularity because it’s an attractive option to bystanders who are usually less than willing, to give mouth-to-mouth.  

How is Hands-Only CPR Done? 

The rescuer starts compressions over the heart, at about the nipple line, and compresses at a regular rhythm. That rhythm is approximately 100-120 beats per minute. 

When people perform Hands-Only CPR they are more likely to remember the correct rate when trained to the beat of a familiar song. Here’s a list of some common songs that coincide with the 100-120 beats per minute. 

• Staying Alive by the Bee Gees 
• Walk the Line by Johnny Cash 
• Crazy in Love by Beyonce 
• Hips Don’t Lie by Shakira 

Is Hands-Only CPR Effective? 

Hands-Only CPR helps to maintain brain and heart function and two studies have researched the effectiveness of it. B 

American Heart Association still recommends CPR with compressions and breaths for infants and children and victims of drowning, drug overdose, or people who collapse due to breathing problems. 

More Helpful Tips During an Emergency 

• When you call 911, you need to stay on the phone. Don’t hang up until the 911 dispatcher (operator) tells you to.  
• Put the phone on speaker and set it next to the victim. The dispatcher will ask you about the emergency.  
• The dispatcher will ask for details, such as your location. It’s important to be specific. Remember, mobile phones don’t have a fixed location or address and you may dial 911 and another district may answer.  
• Remember that answering the dispatcher’s questions will not delay the arrival of help. 

Best things to remember:  

No place outside is safe when thunderstorms are in the area. 

If you hear thunder, lightning is close enough to strike you. 

When you hear thunder, immediately move to a safe shelter - a substantial building with electricity or plumbing or an enclosed, metal-topped vehicle with windows up. 

Stay in a safe shelter at least 30 minutes after you hear the last sound of thunder. 

Stay safe, we are lucky as we rarely see lightning after the summer here in the northeast 

Severe Weather Warning for Monday 7.25.22

7/25/2022 (Permalink)

As the heatwave continues, it looks like we are going to get a break. Before we get that break, we are going to have to deal with some afternoon storms. 

Afternoon storms between the hours of 2:00pm-8:00 pm 

Flash flooding, damaging wind, hail and a potential tornado as we get this cold front moving in and slamming into the hot oppressive heat just hanging over us. 

It is already raining and thundering here in Harrison,  

Tune into your local weather link for up to date information. 

Severe storm warnings have been issued for our area. 

Take precautions, Don’t drive through flooded streets. Local warnings suggest stay off the roads and expect local flooding.  

Hold The Mushrooms!

7/25/2022 (Permalink)

Mushrooms in the wall.

They say you are never too old to learn something new.  

Today I learned that mushrooms will grow behind a wall if the atmosphere is right. As our technicians were working on a house with mold. As per the protocol, they were cutting out part of the wall and found white mushrooms growing. I had never heard of anything like this before, and of course had to do a little research. 

Mushrooms are fungal spores. They are tiny single celled organisms in the air, clothing, window screens, plants and other places. If you have mushrooms in your bathroom then your bathroom has to much humidity, heat and probably poor lighting. This is the perfect storm for conditions for mushrooms to grow. These conditions support single celled organisms to come together, begin germinating, and form mushrooms.  

Mushrooms can grow in your bathroom and can be white, dark green and black masses in different shapes and sizes. 

Mushrooms grow in the areas of the bathroom with the most moisture, often around the drain, bathroom walls, floor corners and grouted areas. 

Mushrooms are a type of mold and must be removed  

All types of molds including fungi like mushrooms flourish where there is water for growth. Mushrooms grow typically between 77-86 degrees. Bathrooms are usually warm and have a lot of moisture from taking long hot showers or have a heater running or low lighting. 

There are many kinds of mushrooms that can grow in the bathroom. While most of them can be harmless, some are dangerous when inhaled or ingested. Most often mushrooms do not pose a significant risk to health.  

Mold loves the same environment as mushrooms. If you see mold or mushrooms, give SERVPRO of White Plains a call!  

Mold In Your Car, It's A Thing!

7/25/2022 (Permalink)

Did you know that your car can have mold in it? Mold in cars can be caused by a variety of things, it is imperative to find out what is causing the mold and get that fixed as soon as you can, to ensure your car doesn’t get mold again. 

Here are a few things that could potentially be causing mold to grow in your car: 

• Water entering your car is one of the most common reasons for mold, it could be coming in through a crack in the underneath part of your vehicle, such as the footwell, or through a poorly sealed window or sunroof. Because the water has entered and not been dried or is continuously entering and not drying out at all, it will cause mold to grow. 
• Spilled food or drink is the other most common cause of mold; if a drink has been spilled onto the fabric seat and hasn’t been washed or dried, it will most likely form mold. If food has been dropped onto the floor and stood on or just left, it can cause mold to grow, and potentially spread. 
• Flooding of your car will cause mold, maybe the window was left open, and there was heavy rainfall while driving through deep puddle water managed to get in flooding the car. If the water isn’t drained pretty quickly and dried really well, it will become a breeding ground for mold, and soon starting growing. 
• Pets can also carry mold spores, so it would be a good idea to get a doggy seat or lay down a sheet for your pooch to sit on when in the car next. 

There are other factors which can cause mold, leaking air con units, not drying your car after washing it, or leaving it in the sun with no ventilation while the inside is wet, these are all ways that can cause mold to grow in your car. Ever come back from the beach or the pool and everyone sat on the seats in wet suits? Parked in the hot sun this can cause mold.  

You will be able to notice mold in the car pretty quickly; it only takes a few days to grow so you will soon be able to see it after it forms. It is a fast-growing and even faster spreading. As soon as you notice it, work on getting rid of it to prevent further and permanent damage to your vehicle. You don’t want to put on your air conditioner or heat and have it blowing in your car, blowing around mold spores! 

Mold can appear in different forms depending on what type of mold it is; you will need to work out which kind of mold is growing in your car to know how to treat it. But usually, mold looks dusty, fuzzy, or slimy and can vary in color to white, grey, green, or black, and more. 

Call SERVPRO of White Plains! 914.684.1560 

There Are Actually Different Ways to Get Struck By Lightning!

7/25/2022 (Permalink)

I never knew there was more than 1 way to get struck by lightning. As I was researching lightning, I soon discovered quite a few articles on lightning strikes. Basically where you are can make a huge difference. Best defense though is to seek shelter immediately. 

Direct Strike 

A person struck directly by lightning becomes a part of the main lightning discharge channel. Most often, direct strikes occur to victims who are in open areas. Direct strikes are not as common as the other ways people are struck by lightning, but they are potentially the deadliest. In most direct strikes, a portion of the current moves along and just over the skin surface (called flashover) and a portion of the current moves through the body--usually through the cardiovascular and/or nervous systems. The heat produced when lightning moves over the skin can produce burns, but the current moving through the body is of greatest concern. While the ability to survive any lightning strike is related to immediate medical attention, the amount of current moving through the body is also a factor. 

Side Flash 

A side flash (also called a side splash) occurs when lightning strikes a taller object near the victim and a portion of the current jumps from taller object to the victim. In essence, the person acts as a “short circuit” for some of energy in the lightning discharge. Side flashes generally occur when the victim is within a foot or two of the object that is struck. Most often, side flash victims have taken shelter under a tree to avoid rain or hail. 

Ground Current  

When lightning strikes a tree or other object, much of the energy travels outward from the strike in and along the ground surface. This is known as the ground current. Anyone outside near a lightning strike is potentially a victim of ground current. In addition, ground current can travels in garage floors with conductive materials. Because the ground current affects a much larger area than the other causes of lightning casualties, the ground current causes the most lightning deaths and injuries.Ground current also kills many farm animals. Typically, the lightning enters the body at the contact point closest to the lightning strike, travels through the cardiovascular and/or nervous systems, and exits the body at the contact point farthest from the lightning. The greater the distance between contact points, the greater the potential for death or serious injury. Because large farm animals have a relatively large body-span, ground current from a nearby lightning strike is often fatal to livestock 

Conduction 

Lightning can travel long distances in wires or other metal surfaces. Metal does not attract lightning, but it provides a path for the lightning to follow. Most indoor lightning casualties and some outdoor casualties are due to conduction. Whether inside or outside, anyone in contact with anything connected to metal wires, plumbing, or metal surfaces that extend outside is at risk. This includes anything that plugs into an electrical outlet, water faucets and showers, corded phones, and windows and doors. 

Streamers 

While not as common as the other types of lightning injuries, people caught in “streamers” are at risk of being killed or injured by lightning. Streamers develop as the downward-moving leader approaches the ground. Typically, only one of the streamers makes contact with the leader as it approaches the ground and provides the path for the bright return stroke; however, when the main channel discharges, so do all the other streamers in the area. If a person is part of one of these streamers, they could be killed or injured during the streamer discharge even though the lightning channel was not completed between the cloud and the upward streamer.  

List of Cooling Shelter Opened in Westchester County as the Heat Wave is extended.

7/22/2022 (Permalink)

This morning the news stations announced that the Heat Wave will continue through the beginning of next week.   They also alerted us to the Poor Air Quality  Index in our area.   SERVPRO of White Plains urges you all to stay cool and here is a list of Cooling Shelters in our Area.

Cooling Shelters in and around Westchester County  

Anthony J. Posillipo Community Center/Senior Center 

32 Garibaldi Pl, Rye Brook, NY 10573 

914-939-7904 

As needed 

Ardsley Public Library 

9 American Legion Drive, Ardsley, NY 10502 

914-693-6636 

M/T/W/S 10 AM -5:30 PM, Th 1 PM - 8 PM, CLOSED Sunday 

Bedford Free Library 

32 Village Green, Bedford, NY 10506 

914-234-3570 

M-F 10 AM - 6 PM, Sat 10 AM - 2 PM 

Bedford Hills Free Library 

26 Main Street, Bedford Hills, NY 10507 

914-666-6472 

M-Th 10 AM - 6 PM, F 10 AM -5 PM, Sa 10 AM - 2 PM 

Bronxville Public Library 

201 Pondfield Rd, Bronxville, NY 10708 

914-337-7680 

M/W/F 9:30 AM -5:30 PM, Tu 1 PM - 8 PM, Th 1 PM - 5:30 PM, Sa 9:30 AM - 1 PM 

Chappaqua Library 

195 South Greeley Ave, Chappaqua, NY 10514 

914-238-4779 

M-Th 9 AM - 8 PM, F 9 AM - 6 PM , Sa 9 AM - 5 PM, Su 1 PM - 5 PM 

Cortlandt Senior Center 

29 Westbrook Dr, Cortlandt Manor, NY 10567 

914-528-1572 

Days/ Hours - Based on Town Supervisor decision 

Croton Free Library 

171 Cleveland Drive, Croton-on-Hudson, NY 10520 

914-271-6612 

M 1 PM - 9 PM, Tu/Th 10 AM - 9 PM, W/F 10 AM - 5:30 PM, Sa 10AM - 5 PM, Su 1 PM-5 PM 

Dobbs Ferry Public Library 

55 Main St, Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 

914-693-6614 

M/W 10 AM - 8 PM, Tu/Th 10 AM - 6 PM, F/Sa 10 AM - 5 PM 

Eastchester Public Library 

11 Oak Ridge Place, Eastchester, NY 10709 

914-793-5055 

M/F 9 AM - 5 PM, Tu/Th 10 AM - 6 PM, W 9 AM - 8 PM, Sa 9 AM - 5 PM 

Elmsford Community Senior Center 

10 North Stone Ave, Elmsford, NY 10523 

914- 592-6555 

7 days a week, 9 AM - 9 PM (if needed) 

Greenburgh Public Library 

300 Tarrytown Road, Elmsford, NY 10523 

914-721-8200 

M/Th/F/Sa 9:30 AM - 5 PM, Tu/W 9:30 AM - 8:30 PM 

Harrison Public Library 

2 Bruce Avenue, Harrison, NY 10528 

914-835-0324 

M/W 9:30 AM - 9 PM, Tu/Th/F/Sa 9:30 AM - 5:30 PM, Su 1 PM - 5 PM 

Hastings on Hudson Public Library 

7 Maple Avenue, Hastings-on-Hudson, NY 10706 

914-478-3307 

M-Th 9:30 AM - 7 PM, F/Sa 9:30 AM - 2 PM, Su 1 PM - 5 PM 

Hendrick Hudson Free Library 

185 Kings Ferry Road, Montrose, NY 10548 

914-739-5654 

M-Th 9 AM - 8 PM, F 9 AM - 6 PM, Sa 9 AM - 5 PM, Su 10 AM - 5 PM 

Heritage Hills Activity Center 

8 Heritage Hills Drive, Somers, NY 10589 

914-377-6450 

Daily, 7 AM - 11 PM 

Hugh A Doyle Senior Center 

94 Davis Ave, New Rochelle, NY 10801 

914-235-2363 

M-F 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM 

Irvington Public Library 

12 South Astor St, Irvington-on-Hudson, NY 10533 

914-591-7840 

M/W/F 10 AM - 5 PM, Tu/Th 10 AM - 9 PM, Sa 10 AM - 5 PM 

Joseph G. Caputo Community Center 

95 Broadway, Ossining, NY 10562 

914-762-8953 

M-F 6 AM - 9 PM, Sa 6 AM - 6 PM, Su 10 AM -5 PM 

Larchmont Public Library 

121 Larchmont Ave, Larchmont, NY 10538 

914-834-2281 

M/Tu/W/F/Sa 9 AM - 5 PM, Th 9 AM - 8 PM, Su 12 PM - 5 PM 

Lewisboro Library (South Salem) 

15 Main St, South Salem, NY 10590 

914-763-3857 

M-Th 10 AM - 6 PM, F 10 AM - 5 PM, Sa 10 PM - 4 PM 

Mount Kisco Public Library 

100 Main Street, Mount Kisco, NY 10549 

914-666-8041 

M/Tu 10 AM - 6 PM, W/Th 10 AM - 7 PM, F 10 AM - 5 PM, Sa 10 AM - 4 PM 

Mount Pleasant Branch Library 

125 Lozza Dr, Valhalla, NY 10595 

914-741-0276 

M-Th 10 AM - 5 PM, F/Sa 10 AM - 2 PM 

Mount Vernon Public Library 

28 S 1st Ave, Mount Vernon, NY 10550 

914-668-1840 

M/W/F 10 AM - 5:45 PM ; Tu/Th 10 AM - 7:45 PM; Sa 10AM-4PM (JUNE), 9 AM - 12:45 PM (JUL/AUG) 

New Rochelle Public Library 

One Library Plaza, New Rochelle, NY 10801 

914-632-7878 

M/Tu/Th 9 AM - 8 PM, W 10 AM - 6 PM, F/Sa 9 AM - 5 PM, Su 1 PM - 5 PM 

North Castle / Hergenhan Community Center 

40 Maple Ave, Armonk, NY 10504 

914-273-3000 

As needed 

North Castle / North White Plains Community Center 

10 Clove Rd, White Plains, NY 10603 

914-948-6359 

As needed 

North Castle/ ArmonkPublic Library 

19 Whippoorwill Road East, Armonk, NY 10504 

914-273-3887 

M/W/Th/F 10 AM - 5:30 PM, Tu 10 AM - 8 PM, Sa 10 AM - 5 PM 

Ossining Public Library 

53 Croton Ave, Ossining, NY 10562 

914-941-2416 

M/Th 9 AM - 9 PM, Tu/F 10 AM - 6 PM, W 1 PM - 9 PM, Sa 9 AM - 5 PM, Su 1 PM - 5 PM 

Peekskill Nutrition Center 

4 Nelson Ave, Peekskill, NY 10566 

914-734-4254 

As needed (Decided by City Manager) 

Pelham Town House 

34 Fifth Ave, Pelham, NY 10803 

914-738-1021 

As needed 

Port Chester Police Department 

350 N. Main St, Port Chester, NY 10573 

914-939-1000 

M-Su 24 Hours 

Port Chester Senior Center 

222 Grace Church St, Port Chester, NY 10573 

914-939-4975 

M-Sa 9 AM - 4 PM 

Port Chester-Rye Brook Public Library 

1 Haseco Avenue, Port Chester, NY 10573 

914-939-6710 

M/Tu 9 AM - 8 PM, W/Sa 9 AM - 5 PM (JUNE); M 9 AM - 9 PM, Tu/F 9 AM - 5 PM, Sa 9 AM - 12 PM (JUL/AUG) 

Pound Ridge Library District 

271 Westchester Avenue, Pound Ridge, NY 10576 

914-764-5085 

Tu-F 10 AM - 6 PM, Sa 10 AM - 5 PM (JUNE), Sa 10 PM - 3 PM (JUL/AUG) 

Pound Ridge Townhouse 

179 Westchester Ave, Pound Ridge, NY 10576 

914-764-4206 

As needed 

Purchase Free Library 

3093 Purchase Street, Purchase, NY 10577 

914-948-0550 

M-F 9:30 AM - 5:30 PM, Sa 9:30 AM - 3:30 PM 

Ruth Keeler Memorial Library 

279 Titicus Road (Route 116), North Salem, NY 10560 

914-668-5161 

M 12 PM - 7 PM, Tu-F 10 AM - 5 PM, Sa 10 AM - 3 PM 

Rye Free Reading Room 

1061 Boston Post Road, Rye, NY 10580 

914-967-0480 

M 12 PM - 7 PM, Tu-F 10 AM - 5 PM, Sa 10 AM - 3 PM 

Somers Nutrition Program (D Wayne Van Tassel Memorial Park) 

98 Primrose St, Katonah, NY 10536 

914-232-0807 

M - F, 8 AM - 3 PM (can be extended if needed) 

Somers Public Library (Reis Park) 

82 Primrose St, Katonah, NY 10589 

914-232-5717 

M/W/F 10 AM - 5 PM, Tu/Th 10 AM - 8 PM, Sa 10 AM - 3 PM 

Stanley H. Kellerhouse Municipal Building 

1 Van Wyck St., Croton-on-Hudson, NY 10520 

914-271-5177 

As needed 

Tarrytown Senior Center 

240 West Main St, Tarrytown, NY 10591 

914-631-8347 

As needed 

The Field Library (Peekskill) 

4 Nelson Ave, Peekskill, NY 10566 

914-737-1212 

M/Tu/Th 9:30 AM - 9 PM, W 11 AM - 9 PM, F 9:30 AM - 5 PM, Sa 10 AM - 5 PM, Su 11 AM - 4 PM 

The James F. Galgano Building / Sleepy Hollow Senior Center 

55 Elm St, Sleepy Hollow, NY 10591 

914-366-5106 

M - F 8 AM - 6 PM (also Sa-Su as needed) 

The James Harmon Community Center 

44 Main St, Hastings-on-Hudson, NY 10706 

914-478-2380 

M - W 9 AM - 4:30 PM, Th 9 AM - 8 PM, F 9 AM - 1 PM 

The Warner Library (Tarrytown) 

121 North Broadway, Tarrytown, NY 10591 

914-631-7734 

M-W 10 AM - 6 PM, Th 1 PM - 9 PM, F/Sa 10 AM - 5 PM 

Town of Pelham Public Library 

530 Colonial Ave, Pelham, NY 10803 

914-738-1234 

M/Th 1 PM - 7 PM, Tu/W/F 10 AM - 5 PM, Sa 10 AM - 4 PM 

Tuckahoe Public Library 

71 Columbus Ave, Tuckahoe, NY 10710 

914-961-2121 

M/W 10 AM - 8:30 PM, Tu/Th/F 10 AM - 5:30 PM, Sa 10 AM - 5 PM 

White Plains Public Library 

100 Martine Ave, White Plains, NY 10601 

914-422-1400 

M-Th 10 AM - 9 PM, F 10 AM - 6 PM, Sa 10 AM - 5 PM, Su 1 PM - 4 PM 

Yorktown Community and Cultural Center 

1974 Commerce St, Yorktown Heights, NY 10598 

914-962-5758 

M - F, 8 AM - 4 PM (can be extended if needed) 

It Doesn't Just Happen to Other People, My First Experience With a Sewage Backup

7/22/2022 (Permalink)

Well, it happened No one wants to ever think it will happen to them but it happened. We had such a torrential downpour of rain on Monday, that the roads got flooded, the pipes got backed up and I had a sewage backup in my apartment. 

UGH! I speak to people all week long who have sewage backups. I sympathetically setup an appointment for our estimator to come out and then after they receive the estimate, set them up for service. I process their paperwork and before I know it, it’s the next day.  

This time it was me. This doesn’t happen to me. It happens to the people who call SERVPRO of White Plains. Right? Wrong! We were getting water here at work in our own parking lot and getting calls from people who had flooded basements and sewage backups. Through all of the business here, I missed the text from my neighbor telling me about the backup, and water that came into my apartment. When I left work that evening, all the parkways that I take to get home were closed.  

I carefully drove through neighboring towns and could not believe how many roads were flooded! I called my neighbor who’s dog I was walking and told her she would have to walk him because I was sitting in traffic and would be late. Her reply made my head spin. You have water, and a sewage backup. I literally felt like I could pull my car over get out and run home faster than I could get through the traffic.  

I work for SERVPRO of White Plains. I knew what the procedure was. I knew what should be done. I knew what to expect! Or did I? I thought I did until I walked in and saw my apartment a complete wreck! My neighbors were sweeping water and muck out into the hallway, which itself was a mess and flooded. My apartment was no different. What a disaster! 

 I have seen what our crews do, I have spoken to customers who have been through it, I have read the compliments we get on our Certificate of Completion form.  

I knew right away I needed to call in my coworkers. Luckily, they were able to get to me in a short time and extracted the water and mess. They washed the floors, sprayed anti-microbial throughout my entire apartment and setup drying equipment and a dehumidifier. They patiently waited for me to take pictures of everything that was ruined and bagged it up and threw it out.  As they went to leave another neighbor had just gotten home from work and found her own mess. She asked for the guys to please take care of her apartment and they immediately began to remediate her apartment. It was getting close to 9:00 PM when another neighbor came by and asked them to do his apartment. He had been waiting for hours for another company to show up and just couldn’t pass up the chance to have SERVPRO of White Plains take care of the mess.  

Next day I saw my neighbors and they both raved about how great the technicians were. They both said they were so nice, showed them so much empathy and went above and beyond what they expected to make them feel comfortable sleeping in their own apartments that night. I know the techs were exhausted, but they always showed the utmost professionalism and their experience in handling situations like this was a credit to them. Thanks to SERVPRO of White Plains for making it like it never ev

A Sting Operation, and What We Learned About Saving the Bees

7/21/2022 (Permalink)

They say you are never too old to learn something new. That was absolutely correct this week for us at SERVPRO of White Plains. We received a call from a property management company after the doorman in one of the buildings they manage, discovered a lot of bees swarmed on their canopy to the front door. They wanted the bees removed and were adamant they didn’t want them killed. We contacted a local neighborhood beekeeper. She set up a time to meet with the property manager and went to the building to assess the situation. The bees were not swarming around they were mostly covering a 2x4 area on the canopy. 

There was soon a small crowd standing on the sidewalk, disregarding the 98-degree temperatures to watch in fascination as she climbed up her ladder with no bee keeper suit on. She said she can sense that these bees were not aggressive, that they must have recently lost their prior home and were looking for another one. First thing she did was locate The Queen. As soon as she found her, she put her in a clear plastic box (a clip) that had holes in it. She said she does that to keep her safe and so that when she puts her in the box the bees will immediately follow her scent to their new location.  

It was amazing to watch as she put the clip onto the side of a banker's box. A regular banker's box that you see in your office daily. She held up the box under the canopy and gently scooped a handful of the bees with her bare hands (no gloves) and put them in the box. She said these were not aggressive bees at all and within 30 minutes they all made a beeline for the box (pun intended). She said she would take the box back to her yard where she actually “keeps bees”. She explained that she will put a honey comb from another colony of bees to help the bees acclimate to their new home and they will be able to fly around and continue to pollinate. 

I had to do some research. I was suddenly fascinated by bees. What did I learn you ask? A lot! 

 There are approximately 20,000 known bee species in the world and over 4,000 native to the United States. Non all bees produce honey. Who knew? For thousands of years, bees and bee related products have been used for medicinal purposes. 

Bees are one of the world’s most important pollinators for food crops. They help pollinate over 90% of the world’s most important crops. Bees are essential to almost everything we eat. 

Bees are very intelligent and people have applied their mannerisms and their socialization in creating human initiatives. Researchers have suggested that studying the action of bees can help develop emergency plans to evacuate people from an overcrowded situation. 

Bees farmed and wild, control the growth and quality of vegetation. When they thrive so do the crops.  

Pesticides have become the enemy to bees survival. It is essential to protect them to maintain our own well-being.  

We here are SERVPRO of White Plains plan to do our part to help save the bees! 

New York is in a Heat Wave and it is Hot Hot Hot!!!

7/21/2022 (Permalink)

Heatwave hits Northeast! Wow is it hot!!! When I left work yesterday the temperature was 99 degrees. Crazy weather for New York and the Tri State Area. This heatwave will be with us through the weekend. SERVPRO of White Plains urges you to be prepared and to take caution in this unprecedented heat. 

Today, New York State Governor Kathy Hochul urged New Yorkers  to prepare for dangerous heat conditions beginning Tuesday and through weekend as a combination of hot temperatures and high humidity levels are expected to cause heat index numbers in the low 100s in certain downstate areas.   

The threat of dangerously high heat will be downstate in New York City, Long Island, and the lower Mid-Hudson regions. Most of the state will be experiencing high heat and humidity with temperatures hovering around 95 degrees. On Thursday, downstate regions will likely experience the most dangerous heat conditions, with heat index values currently expected to break the 100-degree mark.  

Be Prepared Avoid heat exhaustion, avoid being outdoors during the hottest time of day- really all day if possible.  

• Reduce strenuous activities and exercises, especially from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., which are peak sunlight hours. 
• Exercise should be conducted early in the morning, before 7 a.m. 
• Eat less protein and more fruits and vegetables. Protein produces and increases metabolic heat, which causes water loss. Eat small meals but eat more often. Do not eat salty foods. 
• Drink at least two to four glasses of water per hour during extreme heat, even if you do not feel thirsty. Avoid beverages containing alcohol or caffeine. 
• If possible, stay out of the sun and stay in air conditioning. The sun heats the inner core of your body, resulting in dehydration. If air conditioning is not available, stay on the lowest floor, out of the sunshine, or go to a public building with air conditioning 
• If you must go outdoors, wear sunscreen with a high sun protector factor rating (at least SPF 15) and a hat to protect your face and head. 
• When outdoors, wear loose-fitting, lightweight, and light-colored clothing. Cover as much skin as possible to avoid sunburn and over-warming effects of sunlight on your body. 
• Try to check on your neighbors during a heat wave, especially if they are elderly, have young children or have disabilities. Make sure there is enough food and water for your pets. 
• Prolonged exposure to the heat can be harmful and potentially fatal. Call 911 if you or someone you know shows signs or symptoms of heat illness, including headache, light headedness, muscle cramps, nausea, and vomiting. 
• Look out for Signs of Heat Stroke- Symptoms of heat stroke include:  
• Hot, dry, red skin, A rapid pulse, Rapid and shallow breathing, A body temperature higher than 105°, Loss of alertness, confusion, and/or loss of consciousness. 

Keep Your Pets Cool During This Heatwave!

7/21/2022 (Permalink)

We just cannot talk about the heat wave without offering some tips to keep our most faithful friends safe. Our pet, our fur babies, dogs, cats whichever it is you love, they need to be kept safe from the heat and humidity as well. They rely on us for just about everything so we need to make sure they are well protected in this exhausting heat. 

Make sure they have fresh clean water throughout the day and night. They can get dehydrated so quickly.  

Excessive panting, difficulty breathing, increased heart rate, weakness, excessive drooling can be signs of your pet overheating. If you notice these or anything even worse than these signs contact your vet immediately. Move your pet into a cool area, apply cool water all over their body, get some cold wet towels to wrap them in, small drinks of cold water while you are getting them to your vet or waiting for a call back 

Pugs and Persian cats who have prominently flat faces, are more likely to suffer from heat stroke than other dogs and cats. These pets, and pets who are overweight, should be kept in air-conditioned rooms whenever possible.  

Stay indoors as much as possible. We all know how much our pets love to go out, but these temperatures are just too high. Try and walk early in the morning or late in the evening. Stay off of pavement whenever possible. If it is too hot for your bare feet it is too hot for their paws. Dogs bodies are so much closer to the ground, they heat up so much faster.  

 I learned something new today while researching keeping pets safe. Dogs sweat through their paws! Never heard that before, but they say it is one of the reasons that fans don’t help dogs cool off.  

Keep a cold water bottle and portable water bowl with you when you are outside or traveling in a car.  

Keep your pet inside and cool whenever possible. These guys need the same hot weather treatment that we do. 

Here at SERVPRO of White Plains we are animal lovers and hope you will follow our tips for keeping your pets as cool as possible!  

Lightning is Silent Until it Strikes

7/20/2022 (Permalink)

The odds of being stuck by lightning are less than 1 in a million. This doesn’t mean it couldn’t happen to you. Many people believe that you have to be out in a storm to be in danger, but in reality, the storm can be 10-15 miles away depending on who you ask. Some reports say lightning can strike 30 miles away, some say 50. Basically, if you can hear the thunder, you are close enough to be in danger of lightning striking you.

If you are caught in an open area, quickly find shelter. Crouching or getting low to the ground can reduce your chances of being struck but does not mean you are out of danger.

If you are caught outside with no safe shelter nearby, the following actions may reduce your risk

Immediately get off elevated areas such as hills, mountain ridges, or peaks. 

Never shelter under an isolated tree.

Immediately get out of and away from ponds, lakes, and other bodies of water. o

 If you are in a group during a thunderstorm, separate from each other. This will reduce the number of injuries if lightning strikes the ground.

If you are out in the open water and a storm rolls in, return to shore immediately.

Avoid open structures such as porches, gazebos, baseball dugouts, and sports arenas. These structures won’t protect you from lightning.

Seek shelter immediately.

Indoor Safety

Being indoors does not automatically protect you from lightning. Research shows that 1/3 of all  lightning-strike injuries occur indoors.

Here are some tips to keep safe and reduce your risk of being struck by lightning while indoors. 

Avoid contact with water during a thunderstorm. Do NOT , shower, wash dishes, or have any other contact with water during a thunderstorm. Lightning can travel through plumbing.

 Stay off of your TV,   computers, laptops and game systems

Lightning can travel through electrical systems and radio and television reception systems. 

If  you still have a landline, stay off of it!  I remember by Mom telling us to "get off the phone, get away from the window, get out of the shower" as she was trying to herd 6 kids away from windows. 

Do NOT lie on concrete floors or lean on concrete walls during a thunderstorm. Lightning can travel through any metal wires or bars in concrete walls - Had never even heard of this before.   A little research can do wonders.   SERVPRO of White Plains wishes you a happy and safe summer!

Just how Trained We Are

7/19/2022 (Permalink)

How trained are we! 

SERVPRO of White Plains is proud to have technicians, estimators, project managers and our office staff educated and certified in Water Damage Restoration, Mold Restoration, Mold Remediation, Fire & Smoke Damage Restoration, Health & Safety, Applied Structural Drying from the IICRC after taking classes and (hard) tests. We are also a Certified Firm and have certificates from the EPA in Lead Safe and an OSHA certificate.  

 We invest in training and development for our team so that we can offer you the best of the best.  

The IICRC is an accredited Standards Developing Organization by the American National Standards Institute  

What does that mean? Glad you asked. The IICRC is the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification, a non-profit organization for the Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Industries. The IICRC, originally named the International Institute of Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning Inc. (IICUC), was founded in 1972 by Ed York. Since starting in 1972, the IICRC has evolved into a global organization with more than 49,000 active Certified Technicians and more than 6,500 Certified Firms around the world. 

The IICRC is managed by its Board of Directors, which is comprised of 15 industry leaders elected by the IICRC’s Shareholders. The Board of Directors’ function is to represent the various interests of the applicants while leading the direction of the organization. The Board of Directors meets four times per year and is tasked with the responsibility of helping shape future policies of the organization and uphold the standards that help shape the industry. Their mission is to establish and advance globally recognized standards, credentials, and certifications for the inspection, cleaning and restoration industries. 

Most insurance companies require that remediation and restoration companies like us, have IICRC certification. This helps to ensure the insurance companies that they only have trained skilled people writing estimates and remediating or reconstruction on the projects they insure.  

Give SERVPRO of White Plains a call at 914.684.1560 

Keeping Your Pets Safe and You Safe From Your Pets

7/15/2022 (Permalink)

Fire Safety, we have talked about fire safety in your home, in a commercial building, and planning your safety route with your family. We have not however, talked about pet fire safety 

Today is National Pet Fire Safety Day so what better time to talk about our pets and fire safety than today? 

When planning your fire safety evacuation plans, do not forget to include your pets. Whether you have dogs, cats, fish, turtles, iguanas (there’s a story about iguanas to be told), make sure you have a plan for them as well. 

Never leave a candle burning on your coffee table or counter. Dogs won’t jump on the counter usually, but I know a lot of people who allow their cats on the counters. They have no idea how to be careful and can knock over the candle or worse set their tails on fire. Every have an overly friendly happy golden retriever around? How many picture frames did that wagging tail knock off the coffee table? Same with candles, a fire can start and spread so quickly from the swipe of a tail. I invested in some pretty cool flameless candles in case we lose power. 

You can purchase fire clings to put on your front door or window to alert first responders how many pets you have and what kind. Keep it updated. 

Keep leashes organized by the front door for easy access to them. Make sure everyone is assigned a pet to get out of the house in case of emergency so there is no last-minute scrambling looking for pets.  

If you have a curious cat that tends to jump on the counter, you might want to consider removing the turn on and off knobs from your stove when you are not using it.  There’s a story to be told about a curious cat as well. Next blog I’ll fill you in. 

Be safe, keep your families and fur families safe. If you are in the unfortunate circumstance of having a fire or smoke damage, give SERVPRO of White Plains a call at 914.684.1560. Our phones are answered 24/7/365. We are here for you! 

The Manhattanhenge a Sight to be Seen!

7/15/2022 (Permalink)

Are you obsessed with taking pictures of the sky? Of the sun? Of a sunrise or sunset? What did we do before our cell phones had cameras? For that matter what did we do before cell phones? Anyway, if you are a lover of taking pictures of incredible sunsets and have never experienced Manhattanhenge, then add it to your bucket list.  Manhattanhenge made an amazing return in New York City Monday night. 
 
Twice a year, the setting sun lines up with Manhattan's streets to provide one of the most amazing sunset photos you can capture in New York City. 
 
Manhattanhenge happens on approximately the same two days in May and then again on two days in July every year. This year was a clear night and the sunset did not disappoint. People standing in the cross walks looking west toward the mighty Hudson River hoping to get that perfect shot before the setting sun disappears into the night sky. Phones held high, people shoulder to shoulder, and in an instant it’s gone. It takes a lot to excite a New Yorker but Manhattanhenge is one of the few. People pick their spot and plot the best time to get in the cross walk before cross-town traffic bears down on them and the sound of horns blowing becomes just another night in the city. 

There are some prime places to watch this can planning is crucial. 
 

Plan ahead: Check the weather and stake out your spot well before the sunset. As with any big event in New York City, Manhattanhenge attracts crowds. 

Pick the right street: Find a street with an unobstructed view of the horizon.  

NYC Parks has outlined the best streets to witness the moment. They are: 
57th Street 
42nd Street 
34th Street 
23rd Street 
14th Street 
Tudor City Overpass, Manhattan 
Hunter's Point South Park in Long Island City, Queens 

If you are using a real camera, Bring the right equipment and check your settings: If you really want the perfect shot, bring a tripod. Make sure your settings are ready for the low-light conditions. My photographer friend suggests picking a high aperture setting such as F/16 and make sure your ISO is the lowest possible for your camera. 

Experiment with different subjects: Try picking something in the foreground to focus on, such as someone watching the sunset or a fountain. This creates a silhouette for a more appealing shot. 

Where did the name Manhattanhenge come from? Glad you asked. A little easy research found me with this information: 
 
Astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson coined the term in a 1997 article in the magazine Natural History. Tyson, the director of the Hayden Planetarium at New York's American Museum of Natural History, has said that he was inspired by a visit to Stonehenge as a teenager. It struck Tyson, a native New Yorker, that the setting sun framed by Manhattan's high-rises could be compared to the sun's rays striking the center of the Stonehenge circle on the solstice. 
 
Unlike the Neolithic Stonehenge builders, the planners who laid out Manhattan did not mean to channel the sun. It just worked out that way. 
 
Similar effects occur in other cities with uniform street grids. Chicagohenge and Baltimorehenge happen when the setting sun lines up with the grid systems in those cities during March and September, around the spring and fall equinoxes. Torontohenge occurs around Feb. 16 and Oct. 25. But Manhattanhenge is particularly striking because of the height of the buildings and the unobstructed path to the Hudson. 

Tag us in your sunset pics on Facebook or Instagram! We here at SERVPRO of White Plains look forward to seeing them! Happy Sunsets! 
 

Safety Tips on The Water

7/15/2022 (Permalink)

Summer is in full swing here in the Northeast. Boating season is short season here, and here at SERVPRO of White Plains, we want you to make the most of the boating season and maintain safety at all times 

Here in New York, we just witnessed a tragedy on the Hudson River. A 12-foot pleasure boat capsized in the choppy waters by one of New York City’s fames piers. 2 people lost their lives, on a boat that reportedly had 13 people on it.  

We would like to offer a few boating safety tips  

Life Jackets Life Jackets Life Jackets- Seems pretty simple right? It should be, but many boating casualties are from people not wearing life jackets. People say, “but I can swim”, So can I, I can swim in a pool, but can you swim in a river or ocean, or lake with currents and rough waters? People who fall out of a boat, can often be injured, or disoriented, or even unconscious. A life jacket can save your life. 

Everyone on the boat should have a life jacket. Many states require this. They should be size appropriate and worn at all times. Do not be laxed about this. Life Jackets are probably the single most important thing you can have on board. 

Familiarize yourself with boating state laws. People sometimes have a how hard could it be attitude. Knowledge is priceless.  

Take a boating safety course 

Plan Ahead- Let someone on land know your boating plan also known as a Float Plan. 

Have a first aid kit and a small tool kit on board 

Sunscreen and plenty of drinking water 

Have a designated driver who is boating familiar 

Check the weather, storms can come up pretty quickly out there, and what looks like a faraway storm can approach very rapidly. 

Use common sense. The water can be the most relaxing place to spend a sunny afternoon on. Don’t let a bad judgment call ruin your day or your summer. 

Enjoy and Be Safe!! 

Preventative Maintenance

7/15/2022 (Permalink)

A perfect example of why you should do preventative maintenance on your home is what happened to our client today. They had a pipe break and we were called in to do the water mitigation. A pretty standard job. Our technicians went to the home and began the mitigation. As they were taking down the wet sheet rock, they discovered 2 things: Mold and a leaking pipe. The pipe had obviously been leaking for a long time as they could see by the amount of mold. What happens now? Glad you asked. We have to stop work. A plumber has to be called in to fix the pipe and a mold assessor has to be called in to do some mold testing. Here in New York State, a licensed mold assessor must be called in to test when there is more than 10 square feet of mold. 

Now work has to stop until the mold assessor comes, tests the air and spores, gets the results, sends us the mold protocol (which NY state requires us to mitigate the mold based on what the report says), we have to create and estimate and send it to the homeowner for their approval. 

What’s the problem here besides the headache of the delay? Insurance. Many insurance companies will not pay to mitigate or repair any damage caused by a leaking pipe. Mold mitigation can be very costly. If the pipe has been leaking for a while, even a slow or small leak, mold can form and spread behind walls, under floors, and just keep growing. You can’t unsee a wall being taken down and a wall of mold behind it. Believe me it will stay with you forever.  

Preventative Maintenance. It all starts with the water. If you notice your water bill is higher than usual, and you know you have not been using an excessive amount of water, call a leak detection company in. Contact your local plumber and see if they offer a moisture testing program. The money you may spend in preventative maintenance can far out weight the cost of mold remediation from not doing it. 

If you need us we are here. Call SERVPRO of White Plains 914.684.1560  

Life Savers Building a local treasure

7/6/2022 (Permalink)

A picture of the original Life Savers Building

The Life Saver Building  

We’ve all had life saver candy since we were kids. Life Savers were manufactured in the Life Saver building in Port Chester until 1984. If you were lucky enough to live around the building, you knew what day of the week it was just by the smell in the air. 

Peppermint, cherry, lime, orange, pineapple and coconut were all manufactured here and many of the old timers love to tell “conflicting” stories about what flavors were made on what day of the week.   

Life Savers Building is a historic commercial and industrial building located on North Main Street between Horton and Wilkins Avenues at Port Chester, Westchester County, New York. It was built in 1920 and expanded in 1948–1949. 

 It served as a manufacturing facility and headquarters of the Life Savers Candy Company until 1984. It is five stories high and constructed of reinforced concrete, brick, and terra cotta. It features larger-than-life replicas of Life Savers rolls at the foundation line. 

 During its peak period of production in the 1960s, as many as 616 million rolls of Life Savers candy were produced each year in the facility. 

 It was converted into a condominium complex in 1989. The condos all sold quickly. Large and spacious with lots of natural light, not to mention living in Life Savers Building was a big draw.  

It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1985.[1] The larger than life replicas of Life Savers have since been removed. Still trying to find out what they did with them. 

We are SERVPRO of White Plains love the old traditional building in our community. Most people may not know where the village of Port Chester is, but when you tell them Life Saver Building is there it piques an interest.  

Water Water Water!

7/1/2022 (Permalink)

Summer is here and here in the Northeast we are about to experience some hot and humid weather this July 4th weekend. As many jobs as we do involving water, this is about drinking water, and lots of it. Water is imperative to staying safe in these July days. Here at SERVPRO of White Plains, we are still out working hard in this weather and we want to keep everyone safe. We have some preventative measures to avoid heat stress injuries and illnesses. As summer approaches and the days get longer, the dangers of working outside during hot weather also increases. Knowing how to work safely in hot weather can help prevent heat stress illnesses and heat stroke. 1. Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of fluids; drink about 16 ounces before you start to work, walk, exercise, or any strenuous activity and 5 to 7 ounces every 15 or 20 minutes during and after. Avoid alcohol, coffee, tea and caffeinated soft drinks when it is super hot. Stick with water and plenty of it. 2. How to Dress . Lightweight, light-colored and loose-fitting clothing helps protect against heat. Change clothing if it gets completely saturated. Drink water. 3. Pace yourself. Slow down and work at an even pace. Know your own limits and ability to work safely in heat. Drink water. 4. Take frequent breaks. Take time for rest periods and water breaks in a shaded or air-conditioned area. Drink water. 5. Keep a cold wet towel on hand,. Wipe your face or put it around your neck. Drink water. 6. Sunscreen . Use sunscreen and wear a hat if working outside. Drink water. 7. Be alert to signs of heat-related illness. Know what to look for- excessive sweating or not sweating at all, red rash, trouble focusing and slurred speech, shortness of breath and check on other workers that might be at high risk. Drink water. 8. Avoid direct sun. Find shade or block out the sun if possible. Drink water. 9. Eat smaller meals. Eat fruits high in fiber and natural juice. Avoid high protein foods. Drink water. We really emphasize the importance of water. Elderly people and very young kids are especially sensitive to the heat and dehydration effect. Stay safe out there and Drink water!!

Recipe for an easy July 4th BBQ

7/1/2022 (Permalink)

July 4th is here! Here at SERVPRO of White Plains, we have gotten some great recipes for red white and blue BBQ. Enjoy, be safe and have a great time! 

1st up is Potato Salad, Every BBQ has to have one, everyone makes theirs “the best” and here is ours 

4lbs Yukon Gold Potato boiled until fork tender, 1 Red Onion Diced, 1 Bunch Celery Diced, 6 Hard Boiled Eggs Diced. 

Add all ingredients to a large bowl. In a separate bowl make the dressing 

½ Cup Sour Cream, ½ Cup Mayo, 3 tablespoons Dijon Mustard, 2 Tablespoons White Vinegar, 3 Tablespoons Dry Dill, 1 Tablespoons Celery Seeds, Salt and Pepper to taste. With a whisk, mix well and reserve 1/3 of a cup. Pour the rest over the potato salad. Gently Fold until everything is covered. Place in fridge until ready to serve. Stir again and add remaining dressing. Enjoy! 

Next up Brie and Fig Caramelized Onion Burgers with Horseradish Sauce This is not your typical burger! A must try! Most of the work can be done in advance so it’s just throwing the burgers on the grill. 

4 Vidalia Onions sliced not too thin and not too thick, 3 Tablespoons butter, 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil. Heat on low, add the onions and slowly cook until caramelized. This can take about 20-30 min. Add salt and black pepper to taste. Prepare your burger patties and place in the fridge. Make the Horseradish Sauce- ¼ Cup Prepared Horseradish. 1 Cup Sour Cream, ¼ Cup Mayo, 1 Tablespoon Dijon Mustard, 1 Teaspoon Smoked Paprika, ½ Teaspoon Garlic Powder. Mix all together cover and put in fridge. Hollow out the top of a pretzel bun Brush the buns with butter and garlic powder and toast on the grill. Take a medium size wheel of Brie and place it on a piece of foil. Spread 3 Tablespoons of Fig Jam on it and wrap it up. Place on grill for 3 minutes. After your burgers are cooked, spoon the horseradish sauce on bottom bun, add the burger, the brie and fig and then the caramelized onions. Close the bun and take a big bite! You will not believe how amazing these burgers are!!  

Next up a crazy easy desert. Trifle Buy 2 of your favorite frozen pound cakes, you know the one with the lady’s name on it and the foil loaf shaped pan. 2 large can slice peaches, 1-quart Strawberrys, 2 pints raspberries, 2 pints blue berries, I pint heavy cream whipped up, 1 box vanilla instant pudding prepared according to the box and fold n the whipped cream.   Take a trifle bowl or pretty glass bowl and on the bottom start with a layer of thinly sliced pound cake, then the pudding mixture gets spread on that, then lay a layer of fruit on top of that and repeat until you get to the top ending in fruit. This desert is so impressive your family and friends will forget you didn’t have to even turn on your oven! 

Enjoy these recipes and enjoy your Fourth of July! Be Safe and remember SERVPRO of White Plains is there when you need us. 

Water and Money Saving Tips

6/29/2022 (Permalink)

With the cost of absolutely everything going up, what can we do to save on some of our bills around the house? Take water for example. Many people are seeing an increase in their water bill by 15-20% over the last 2 months. Most people didn’t budget for this, so we researched ways to lower your water bill, and leaving less of a foot print on the environment.  

We started by contacting some local village offices and then heard about the Rain Barrel Program. Many municipalities participate in this program. They give you a recycled barrel to put under your drain pipe to catch rain water. This water is not potable, but it is rain water. It can be used to water the garden, lawn, wash the car, etc. It will also cut down on the sprinkler system use and using your hose to water the lawn.   Suggested times for watering your lawn is to cut it down to 7 minutes at 6:00AM and 7 minutes at 9:00PM. Adjust the times accordingly as you see how your lawn looks. We want to save water but not at the risk of our lawn dying.  

If you can’t get a rain barrel check your garage, you probably have something, even an old garbage can will work. The cover must be sealed with just a 2-inch hole to catch the rain water. Think safety as far as animals or small kids being around.  

Next research was how to save on water use inside.  This was a little tougher it seemed. Most suggested cutting showers down to 3-5 minutes. That will take some getting used to.  Not letting the water run while shaving or brushing your teeth.  

 When doing dishes, run the dishwasher only when it’s full and on a shorter cycle. If you are washing dishes by hand, don’t let the water run the whole time.  

 When doing laundry, only use your washing machine when you have enough for a full load.   

Installing a faucet aerator, water saving shower heads, and water saving toilets are also going to help cut down on water use, but also water pressure. This will take some getting used to! 

It was also suggested to us that during the installation of faucet aerators, several people discovered slow leaks. SERVPRO of White Plains can certainly help with leak problems should they occur, but we also hope these water saving ideas, will help you our as well.

Fire Safety in High Rise Buildings

6/29/2022 (Permalink)

Fire Safety in Commercial Building 

Most of us have a fire safety plan in our homes. How well do you know the fire safety plans when you are in a commercial building? 

If you live in an apartment building as many people here in the White Plains area do, you will want to keep reading.  

Do you know what you would do if there were a fire? 

SERVPRO of White Plains would like to offer you some safety tips.  

If you live in an apartment building take a moment to see where the exit plan is for an emergency such as a fire. Typically, it is near the elevator, but not always. If there isn’t one there should be and we suggest contacting your building's property management team.  

If you hear the fire alarms go off and the fire is not in your apartment or surrounding area, stay where you are until you are rescued or are told to leave. This may take a long time.  

If you haven’t left your apartment and followed the emergency exit to safety, do not try to leave your apartment a long time after the alarm has been sounded. The longer you wait the more risk there is that heavy smoke will be in the hallways and stairways.  

If you smell smoke and cannot escape, use duct tape (or any kind of tape) to seal cracks around the door and place wet towels at the bottom. If you have air ducts cover with tape and paper if you can.  

If smoke enters your apartment, call 911 and tell them where you are. Move to the most smoke free room and close the door. If you can turn on the water in your tub and wet towels in there. Put along the bottom of the room you are in. 

Let emergency responders know where you are buy hanging a sheet waving an article of clothing out the window. Keep low to the floor where the air is cleaner. 

Wait for instructions from emergency responders.  

If the fire is in your apartment get everyone out and close the doors behind you. Alert your neighbors on your way to the emergency exit.   Pull the fire alarm on your floor. Leave the building using the nearest stairway. Call 911 when you are safe and give them the information on the fire.  

We hope these tips keep you safe and that you will never need to use them. 

Fire Pit Safety Tips

6/28/2022 (Permalink)

It’s a beautiful summer evening and the first fire in the fire pit of the year is about to be lit. Stop! Just for a moment, go through your checklist.  

Here at SERVPRO of White Plains, we have some advice for the newbies to the fire pit craze. First and foremost, enjoy yourselves. That can easily be accomplished by taking note of our safety suggestions for having a fire pit in your yard.  

There are different kinds of fire pits, brick or stone fire pits, copper bowl fire pits, wrought iron pits, pits just dug into the ground and the list goes on. The common denominator in all of them is to contain fire and prevent it from spreading. 

Research suggests that any fire pit should be at least 15-20 feet away from your house, structure, trees, fences, decks, vehicles. Fire pits should be in a clear spot with no low branches or hanging branches nearby. Check with your local municipality for their requirements. The ground should be cleared of any dead leaves, branches etc.  

Never put a fire pit on a deck, wood surface, or anything other than the manufacturer's directions.  

Check the direction of the wind and make sure conditions are favorable. Not all nights are going to be ideal for fire pits. Wind and wind gusts will cancel your fire pit nights, but making wise choices and remembering that there are plenty of clear, still nights to be had may ease your disappointment 

Use hardwoods such as hickory or oak. Hickory gives off that dreamy campfire smell that we all love. Oak does not have much smell at all. Stay clear of the softer woods that spark and smoke more like cedar or pine. 

If your fire pit didn’t come with a screen, we suggest investing in one. They are relatively inexpensive and can save you a lot of headaches. Have your yard or garden hose close by.  

Never ever leave an active fire pit unattended. Keep kids and pets away. Be careful with drinking alcohol around a fire pit. Alcohol can throw off your balance and you don’t want any accidents. 

Now for the fun part. Marshmallows, lot of them, and chocolate, peanut butter (you have to try it with peanut butter... game changer)! , and graham crackers if you are making smores. We suggest purchasing long skewers with a metal safe rod or the old-fashioned way a long skinny stick- you know the ones, not too skinny not too thick with the perfect point on the end to hold the marshmallow.  

After your night of fun, it’s time to put out the fire. Make sure there are no embers burning that can spark back up long after you’ve gone in for the night. 

Research tells us not to use a bucket of water to douse a fire in a pit. This can cause a hard crust to form and not get all of the embers or burning pieces underneath. Use your hose on wide spray or mist and give it a good dousing until the embers are all gone. 

Enjoy the wonderful memories you are creating and with our suggestions you will enjoy many nights around the fire pit.  

Being Prepared for a Rip Current

6/28/2022 (Permalink)

What a rip current looks like

Here we are heading rapidly towards July, the most popular beach going month for sand and surf lovers in the Northeast. Here are SERVPRO of White Plains, we all love the cool breeze and crashing waves on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean. What don’t we love? We don’t love biting in to sand in our sandwiches and we don’t love when seagulls steal food from our blankets and beach bags.

What we really don’t love is a Rip Current. We see signs warning us about rip currents.  These can be deadly if you don’t know what to do if you are caught in one. Not deadly because you will be pulled under or dragged out to sea. Deadly because you can become so exhausted trying to swim into shore you can then drown.

You probably should know what a rip current is, so that you can try and stay calm and remember some tips on how to navigate a rip current.  

We usually think of waves as washing stuff onto the beach—seaweed, shells and other ocean debris. But sometimes the waves hit the beach in a certain way to create a current that flows away from the beach. This is a rip current. You can often see a rip current from the beach. It looks like a smoother area of water with no waves breaking. 

Never try to swim against a rip current.   

Swim parallel to the shore and you will usually swim out of it.  

Don’t panic. Try and remain calm.  

Try and alert some one that you need help without tiring yourself out.  

Don’t swim alone or in an area without a lift guard 

When you get to the beach ask a life guard if they see any rip currents 

A little bit of knowledge and caution can help make your beach day memorable this summer. Wear your sun screen and enjoy your beach days!!

Turn Around Don't Drown Safety Tips for Navigating Flooded Roadways

6/28/2022 (Permalink)

Summertime is here and for us here in the Northeast we get our summer often end of day storms.   They bring high winds and are quick fierce storms that often don’t last more than an hour at a time.  

These Summer storms often dump several inches of water in a short amount of time.   They also seem to happen around 5:00 pm, just as rush hour is in its full glory.  

Here in the White Plains/Westchester County area we have several small rivers that run along parkways.   They are often no wider than 10 feet but are known to overflow and cause flooding on the parkways quickly. Often sections of these parkways are closed due to flooding. 

  The county and local police have seen their share of tragedies from people driving through flooded roads and have offered up some tips and rules.  

TADD- The universal acronym for Turn Around Don’t Drown.    

 It’s never a good idea to drive on flooded roadways even when you’re caught unexpectedly in the middle of a trip. If you encounter floodwaters on the road ahead, turn around – don’t drown.  

Unpredictable and quick moving storms can cause flooded roads and put you in a dangerous situation before you can safely get off the road.   If you find yourself driving through water here are some tips to help navigate your way to safety.  

Drive Down the Center- What part of the road is the safest to drive on during flood conditions? Forget about lanes and drive down the center. The water tends to be most shallow at the center of the road. 

Take Turns with Other Cars - Creating a single lane behind other drivers is safer than passing by and splashing water onto passing vehicles. The vehicle in front of you can help move water out of the way so you have a little better traction. Plus, stress is already running high when the roads are wet, there’s no need to add extra frustration to the mix by blasting past people. 

Only Cross When the Water is Extremely Shallow 

Only about ½ inch of water at any speed can cause you to lose control - badly. Never try and cross water that rises above the center of your wheels. That includes large puddles.  

Drive Slowly -The last thing you want to do is drive fast over watery roads. If you do have to cross water on the road enter at 1-2mph then drive at 3-4mph to avoid engine flooding. 

Drive in Low Gear -Drive in low gear to protect the car. If you’re driving an automatic vehicle, keep the speed low enough to stay in first or second gear. Keep your foot on the gas and use the brake to regulate speed. 

Best bet is to stay out of moving water. Period. Many people have been put in life threatening situations after thinking they could drive through water that was moving.  

Even larger vehicles, pickup trucks, SUVs and jeeps need to exercise caution.  If your vehicle cannot cross a stream on a good day, you should not attempt to drive through moving water.  Less than one foot of water will float your vehicle. Two feet can sweep most vehicles away even a heavy, lifted pickup truck.  

Turn around and wait it out or find an alternative route.    

SERVPRO of White Plains hopes you will take care driving this summer and remember our safe driving water tips.  

Getting Rid of the Smell of Cigarette Smoke

6/28/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of White Plains gets a lot of calls for many different types of odors to be removed. We recently had a homeowner contact us. He bought a small house that had been lived in for 30 years by 2 heavy smokers. He said he thought if he opened the windows and got the carpet cleaned and got rid of the curtains and blinds that were left behind, the smell would go away. He soon discovered he was wrong!  

Our estimator went over to take a look. It’s a good thing masks are still in style, because this house smelled from the driveway. The previous owners had smoked in the house and the smell had permeated everything.  

We gave the new owner our estimate and he liked the price and scheduled the work to begin. 

We sent our team out to get started. We had to clean every imaginable surface. Walls, ceilings, floors, doors, closets – the ceilings, walls and floors, cabinets, windows, screens. Every surface in the house got cleaned. The brown nicotine was running down the walls but was not match for SERVPRO of White Plains and our products. We scrubbed and wiped and mopped and wiped some more. Soon the walls, floors, and ceilings were cleaned and ready to be painted. While we were cleaning all of the surfaces, we had air scrubbers running. We ripped up carpets and padding and threw them into the dumpster.  

After all the cleaning was completed, we set up an Ozone Machine let it run for a day and came back the next day. Mission accomplished! The new owner came in and was so surprised. He could not believe the smell was gone. He was so impressed that he called his real estate agent to tell them. They said they should have called us first and then sold the house at for more money. They came over and were in shock the way the house smelled. We now have a happy customer and a real estate company that now has a company to call on to clean a house like this and make more money on the sale.  

Celebrate July 4th

6/27/2022 (Permalink)

July 4th, Independence Day,  On July 4, 1776, the Second Continental Congress unanimously adopted the Declaration of Independence, announcing the colonies' separation from Great Britain   

Celebrations are taking place all over the Westchester County area.  Cities and counties across the county continue to bring back many of the traditional Independence Day activities that were either canceled or modified the last two years.

Commercial Sponsors are helping to make it possible for many local municipalities  to put on Fireworks and Fun and are bringing their best to the parties this year. 

Thousands of Westchester County Residence will be out in full force for picnics, music, parades, and fireworks, and fun!

July 4 is just around the corner, so it's time to find out what Fourth of July fireworks and festivities are going on in the area.  Here is a list of some of the celebrations and fire works taking place. 

We are very lucky that we live in a county that has The Hudson River to the West and The Long Island Sound to the East.  The views along these water ways are fabulous enough as it is, add a night of fireworks and it just elevates it to a higher degree.

 Valhalla: Captain Lawrence Brewing Co and Westchester Parks are sponsoring The Westchester County Music Fest and Fireworks, Kensico Dam Plaza, Valhalla, Sunday, July 3. Pre-concert entertainment starts at 5 p.m.; fireworks, about 9:15 p.m.

White Plains: White Plains Fire Department sponsors Independence Day Celebration, Friday, July 1, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at White Plains High School. Free.

Poughkeepsie: Friends of the Walkway sponsors the Fireworks Over the Hudson River, Walkway Over the Hudson, Monday, July 4. Fireworks start around 9:30 p.m. Tickets required to be on the Walkway during the event.

Mamaroneck:  Neri's Bakery sponsors The Fireworks Display in Harbor Island Park will begin after sunset around 9:15 - 9:30 p.m. on Monday, July 4. (Rain date is Tues., July 5.) The Firemen's Carnival will take place each evening, between 6:45 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. from Friday, June 24, through Tuesday, July 5, in Harbor Island Park.

Mount Vernon: Daughters of the Revolution are among the top sponsor for the July 4th Celebration. St. Paul's Church July 4, 10:45 a.m. The annual Independence Day celebration, featuring a reading of the Declaration of Independence and tolling, 13 times, of the historic St. Paul's church bell. There will also be refreshments and music. Keynote speaker is scheduled to be Dr. Larry Spruill, longtime City Historian of Mt. Vernon (NY) and a Professor (Emerita) of History at Morehouse College.

Ossining: Ossining Chamber of Commerce Businesses Sponsor its summer RiverJam Friday night concert series July 1 with live music, food trucks and fireworks on the waterfront at Engel Park.

Port Chester: The 2022 Fireworks Celebration on July 4th with a special performance by the Westchester Brassmen. Along with the Town of Rye and the Village of Rye Brook, the Village of Port Chester extends gratitude to Neri's Bakery for once again being the grand sponsor for this year's Firework event at Port Chester H.S. Doors open for performance 7 p.m.. Fireworks 8:30 p.m.

Rye: Rye Playland features their annual  Fridays and July 4 Enjoy a beautiful fireworks show at Playland beginning 4th of July weekend and continuing all summer long. Working with Special FX Wizard, Playland will be bringing high energetic fireworks displays once again. With an increased fallout area this year, the display will fill the sky over the park with breathtaking scenes, including gold willows from approximately 500' in the sky cascading down as if to touch the ground. The show will also include crowd favorites like glowing red hearts, twinkly smiling faces and other impressive effects. Show times: July 2nd-4th at 9:15 pm, and on every Friday following.

New York City

Macy's 4th of July Fireworks Show 2022 begins at 8 p.m. on NBC and streamed on Peacock featuring the U.S. Army Field Band and Soldiers Chorus plus a lot more. The fireworks go off around 9:25 p.m. from barges in the East River.

Here at SERVPRO of White Plains wish you a Happy and Safe 4th of July!

Part 1 Iconic Businesses in our area to try!

6/27/2022 (Permalink)

The Armour Stiner House Aka the Octagon House

Who knew? Who knew the White Plans/New Rochelle/Westchester County area had so much to offer, so much history and legendary places to go? We did, that’s who?  

We here at SERVPRO of White Plains, have frequented many of these places ourselves and would love to share a very cool list of iconic places to visit. 

We’re going to start with food (of course). Here are some local iconic restaurants  

Walters Hotdog Stand has been around since 1919 and has been in the same building at 1928 Palmer Ave in Mamaroneck. It is a copper roofed Chinese Pagoda and is famous for splitting the hot dogs down the middle and grilling them in their secret sauce and served on a toasted bun. Their milk shakes are perfection and we highly recommend getting one to go with your hotdog. People have been sending postcards from all over the world to Walters Hotdogs, which they proudly display. Can’t miss this legendary place! 

Leno’s Clam Bar Aka Greasy Nicks is a well-known burger and seafood place in Pelham NY. Founded by Nick Perrotti in the early 1950’s The menu is small, burgers, clams, fried shrimp. They are now serviing 4th generation of customers. My Grandfather went, and took my Dad, my Dad took me, and I took my kids. Best burger and a bit of nostalgia! 

Johnny’s of Mount Vernon another legendary place known for their pizza pies. No slices just pies. They opened July 4, 1942 and are celebrating 80 years in business. They pride themselves on being both a local establishment where customer walk in hungry and a planned destination. Another local favorite that is seeing 4 generations of customers. 

Joes of Fleetwood A second pizza place rich in history. Since 1972 this famous pizza place opened up with 4 tables and a juke box and now seats up to 75 people. Known for their thin crust this pizza joint should not be missed 

La Manda Restaurant  This fabulous Italian restaurant was opened in 1934 and then bought by another family in 1967 who kept La Mandas name because it had become part of Westchester County Lore. From Pizza to their famous Chicken scarparo, you will not walk out of there hungry! Portions are generous and delicious! 

The Octagon House 

The Armour–Stiner House is an octagon-shaped and domed Victorian-style house located in Irvington , New York  in Irvington, New York. It was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1976. The house was built in 1859–1860 by financier Paul J. Armour based on the architectural ideas  that octagonal houses enclosed more space, provided more interior sunlight, and that its rooms were easily accessible to each other. Fowler's ideas gained significant traction in the mid-to-late 19th century. It is the only known octagonal house Tours can be booked at https://www.armourstiner.com/ This place is so beautiful. The Christmas Tour is amazing! 

Stay tuned for more local iconic places to explore! 

Safety Suggestions When Using Lithium-Ion Batteries

6/20/2022 (Permalink)

Fires from lithium-ion batteries on remote control cars, on scooters, on hoverboards have been in the news more and more lately in the White Plains NY area. There have been stories of entire houses burning down as a result of the lithium-ion battery. This morning as our technicians were dispatched to the aftermath of a house fire. A fire caused by a scooter with a lithium-ion battery. I wondered why are these fires happening? They tell us lithium-ion batteries but don’t really tell us why or how. I decided to do a little research.  

 I was truly surprised at what I found. I thought about my friends who have young kids with many of these toys. Do they know how to properly charge the battery? Do they know to remove the battery when the charging is complete? Tonight, I will of course, be making these phone calls to question them and throw them into absolute hysteria. I’m pretty sure my godson’s hoverboard will be listed for sale on social media after this conversation.    

These types of lithium-ion batteries are different then the cell phone battery that actually does not have ion in it. Still trying to think back on what my professor was trying to teach us about batteries, ions, chemical reactions, and still am drawing a blank. 

Lithium-ion batteries are so popular right now along with the devices that they are used with. They store about 150 watt hours of electricity compared to a Lead Acid Battery with stores about 25 watt hours. Way more time to ride, balance and have a blast using a device with a lithium-ion battery. 

Here are a few suggestions for safely using lithium-ion batteries  

1. Only buy batteries that are from reputable manufactures. 

1. Do not charge non-rechargeable batteries. 

1. Keep batteries away from high temperatures. 

1. Do not keep batteries on a charge is complete 

1. Never leave charging batteries unattended 

1. Use only the charger that came with the battery or a battery that is listed by the manufacturer as compatible with the battery. 

1. If possible, try to charge a battery in a fire-safe charging bag. 

1. When storing an item with a lithium-ion battery, remove the battery from the item if possible.  

1. Inspect batteries when they are first installed and after charging if possible. If you notice damage to the battery, do not recharge it. 

1. If you feel excessive heat coming from the charging device, remove the item from the power source and place it away from and combustible items until it has cooled down. If you are concerned contact your local fire department. Don’t feel like it’s nothing, they would rather come out and take a look at it then wait until the fire has already started.  

These few precautionary steps are a simple way to prevent fires and damage from lithium battery failure, and it is important to practice safety measures when dealing with lithium batteries due to their flammable nature.  

If you find yourself in the unfortunate situation of needing SERVPRO of White Plains’s services, please don’t hesitate to contact us at 914.684.1560 

Stay Safe! 

It's Flag Day June 14th

6/14/2022 (Permalink)

Today is Flag Day. I really never knew the history of Flag Day, so I did a little research. Fly your flags proudly and here is a bit of history. You never know when any of this information, might be an answer on Jeopardy! 

When the American Revolution broke out in 1775, the colonists weren’t fighting united under a single flag. Instead, most regiments participating in the war for independence against the British fought under their own flags. In June of 1775, the Second Continental Congress met in Philadelphia to create the Continental Army—a unified colonial fighting force—with the hopes of a more organized battle against its colonial oppressors. This led to the creation of what was, essentially, the first “American” flag, the Continental Colors. 

For some, this flag, which was comprised of 13 red and white alternating stripes and a Union Jack in the corner, was too similar to that of the British. George Washington soon realized that flying a flag that was even remotely close to the British flag was not a good idea for the revolutionary effort, so he began to think of a new design. 

On June 14, 1777, the Second Continental Congress took a break from writing the Articles of Confederation and passed a resolution stating that “the flag of the United States be 13 stripes, alternate red and white,” and that “the union be 13 stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constellation.” In 1916, President Woodrow Wilson marked the anniversary of that decree by officially establishing June 14 as Flag Day. 

Over 100 years later, in 1916, President Woodrow Wilson marked the anniversary of that decree by officially establishing June 14 as Flag Day.  

In 1885  Bernard Cigrand, teacher from Wisconsin, came up with the idea for an annual flag day, to be celebrated across the country every June 14th.  Bernard Cigrand  advocated respect for the flag throughout his life.  

 We were taught that Betsy Ross, who assisted the Revolutionary War effort by repairing uniforms and sewing tents, made the first American flag. It is now widely believed that Francis Hopkinson, a delegate from New Jersey who signed the Declaration of Independence, designed the American flag. 

The lyrics of “The Star-Spangled Banner,” America’s national anthem since 1931, are taken from a patriotic poem written by Francis Scott Key after he witnessed the Battle of Fort McHenry during the War of 1812.  

On January 3, 1959 Alaska officially became a state and was admitted to the Union. Designers began redesigning  the American flag to add a 49th star to the flag. Bob Heft, a 17 year old student from Ohio   disassembled his family’s 48-star flag and stitched on 50 stars in the pattern we see today. He handed in his creation to his history teacher for a class project, explaining that he expected Hawaii would soon achieve statehood as well.  Heft also sent the flag to his congressman, Walter Moeller, who presented it to President Eisenhower after both new states joined the Union. Eisenhower selected Heft’s design, and on July 4, 1960, the president and the high school student stood together as the 50-star flag was raised for the first time. Heft’s teacher promptly changed his grade from a B- to an A. 

The Flag Code stipulates that the Stars and Stripes should not be used as apparel, bedding or drapery. We see shirts, jackets, hats with everywhere, not sure how this developed but it is obviously not policed. 

Draping The American Flag over a coffin is a common practice in the military. This can actually be done for anyone, not limited to government officials or veterans.   

Flags are only supposed to be flown during daylight hours.  

 During the Vietnam War era, some demonstrators burned American flags as an act of protest. The Flag Protection Act of 1968 was enacted in response, making it illegal to burn or otherwise deface the Stars and Stripes. In two landmark decisions 20 years later, the Supreme Court ruled that the government couldn’t curb individuals’ First Amendment rights by prohibiting desecration of the U.S. flag. Respectful burning of damaged flags according to established protocol has always been acceptable. 

When flags are taken down from their poles, care must be taken to keep them from touching the ground. In fact, the American flag should always be kept aloft, meaning that rugs and carpets featuring the Stars and Stripes are barred by the Flag Code. 

 When the flags of cities, states, localities or groups are flown on the same staff as the American flag, Old Glory should always be at the peak. When flags of two or more nations are displayed, they should be of equivalent size and flown from separate staffs of the same height. 

The Flag Code strictly prohibits adding an insignia, drawing or other markings to the Stars and Stripes. Some American politicians have been known to defy this regulation by signing copies of the U.S. flag for their supporters. 

 Ever wondered how to correctly fold an American flag? You need 2 people to face each other, each holding both corners of one of the rectangle’s shorter sides. Working together, lift the half of the flag that usually hangs on the bottom over the half that contains the blue field of stars. Next, fold the flag lengthwise a second time so that the stars are visible on the outside. Make a triangular fold at the striped end, bringing one corner up to meet the top edge. Continue to fold the flag in this manner until only a triangle of star-studded blue can be seen. 

SERVPRO of White Plains, invites you to contact your local fire department if you have a flag that is torn, in disrepair or any other reason you have to get rid of a flag.   Stay tuned for the next blog which will highlight the local FD burning ripped and dirty flags here on our property on Flag Day

Surprise Visitors in the Attic

6/10/2022 (Permalink)

The start of summer can be a wakeup call for some of our rodent friends. Often times they have spent a sleepy winter and cold spring hiding in your attic.

Once you’ve heard them you can never unhear them.

What to do? Call the animal experts first of all, and when the Attic BNB seasonal residents have gone, and their access blocked off it’s time to call SERVPRO of White Plains. Why SERVPRO? What can SERVPRO do? Actually there is a lot we can do. Think about it, the whole time the raccoons were living there, they have been using your attic as their bedroom and bathroom. A guaranteed mess!

We recently had a family call us after the raccoons in their attic had been served their eviction notice. The trapper had taken pictures and the family was absolutely freaked out by the mess the raccoons left behind. They called us here at SERVPRO of White Plains to have us come out and take a look. They were beginning to have an odor in the house and were absolutely frantic to get this taken care of.

We really do have a glamorous job here sometimes!

We put together an estimate and the next day began the work to clean the attic. The wood beams were washed and disinfected, antimicrobial was applied and then had the pieces of insulation replaced. We were glad to have gotten this call before the weather turned too hot. It was a job well done, and the family was thrilled with the results. The raccoons, probably not so much. The good news is that they were caught and released in a wooded area on the other side of the county by the trappers.

You never know when you are going to need us here at SERVPRO of White Plains- 914.684.1560- Keep this number handy! We are a 24/7 business and will be there for you!

Keep your Summer Vacation Safe

6/7/2022 (Permalink)

Let  your vacation begin!  You've worked hard al year, you've planned, saved and dreamt about this trip.  Now you are finally at your hotel.   What could possibly go wrong?  Glad  you asked!!  Here are some great ideas for keeping safe in any hotel, whether you are traveling alone or in a group

Keep your bags next to you while checking in.  There are countless stories about people checking in at the front desk and leaving their bags behind them.   Someone walks by and grabs the handle of  your luggage and walks away with it.   What looks strange about a person walking with a suit case in a hotel lobby?  Nothing.  A bright color tag is often a deterrent.

Never put your name on your suitcase.   Even on the airline tag, put initials or write the work code name on the first line and then put in your code name.   

Never say your room number out loud in the lobby.   If you are with a group of people you might be inclined to ask what room other people are in.   That just let anyone sinister enough to break in to burglarize or worse, know what room you are in.

Avoid booking a room on the first floor.   Frist floor rooms are most often broken into for obvious reasons.  Suggestions by experts ar to book between the 2nd and 6th floors.   You are less likely to be broken into, buy also for safety in case of a fire.   A fire truck ladder can typically reach the 6th floor as it's highest point.  Know the hotel layout and the fire exits.    If  you do book a higher floor, don't be caught up in a false sense of security.  If  you booked  a beachfront room, the idea of sleeping with the sliding glass doors open to hear the  ocean is so very appealing, but not the best idea.   There are "balcony jumpers" who are known to enter rooms at night and take wallets and are gone before you even wake up. 

Once you get into your room do a quick inspection.   Look under the bed or beds, behind the curtains, in the closet and in the bathroom.  This is not only to make sure no one is hiding in there, but you can also determine cleanliness.  Check the top nightstand drawer and the headboard.   Pull the mattress away a bit and have a look.   This is where bugs often hide. 

Throw away the little cardboard sleeve your room cards come in.   The hotel will often write your room number on it.   Again, less advertisement of your room number.

Consider purchasing an extra hotel security lock..  You can find them online and there are many kinds.    They are portable and often TSA approved for carry on. 

Even when you are out of your room, make it look and sound like  you are in it.    Put the Do Not Disturb hanger on the outside of  your door and keep the TV on.  Hotel employees are typically trained not to disturb.  If someone is knocking on your door check with the front desk to see if they sent someone up.    Criminals are sneaky and will resort to any tricks to get what they want.   I heard a story about someone knocking on a door with a hotel welcome basket.  The guest checked first and there was no welcome basket sent up.   If  you are going to receive a welcome basket, chances are it will already be in the room when you arrive. 

As important as these tips are, the most important thing is to have a relaxing a fun vacation.   We are SERVPRO of White Plains would like to wish you a very Happy  Safe Summer!!!  

Being Prepared for Hurricane Season Part 3

6/6/2022 (Permalink)

Here we are at Part 3.   OK, you and your home were all prepared. Your cell phones were charged, your back up chargers for your tablets and phones were all set. Your flashlights on the kitchen counter were ready to shine the light Your important papers were safely tucked away in waterproof bags and you had plenty of water and non perishable foods. You had SERVPRO of White Plains information in your phone and on your fridge.

You look around at your home and cannot believe how much water there is in your basement, in your kitchen, in your garage. You have a pot under the leak in your skylight and another under the hole in the roof in the living room. You glance out the window still surprised to sees how many branches there are. You spot the big twisted branch that landed on the new fence you just had put in last October. You look at the kid's swing set a flash of memories goes through your head. A big sigh escapes from you and you ask yourself what now?

You will call your insurance company, or if you can get online file your claim there. Then call SERVPRO of White Plains. We will take your basic information over the phone and set up a time to have someone come out to evaluate your damages. We will take pictures and detailed notes. We will get your insurance information and claim number from you. We will speak to your insurance company and create an estimate to send to them.

We will as soon as possible begin to get rid of the water and begin the mitigation. We will take daily photos for the insurance company and document our daily work. We may receive a request by the insurance company to pack your belongings up and bring them to our warehouse to safely store them while the mitigation/demolition is taking place. Sound overwhelming? Don't worry, we are experts at this. We even offer reconstruction services, which we follow the same procedures with photos, documentation and communicating with your insurance company. Once it is all complete, we move your belongings back into your newly repaired home. We are confident you will look around and think I cannot believe this is the same house. The hole in the roof is repaired, the debris in the yard is gone, the fence is back standing straight and the broken section replaced. Your walls are freshly painted and your belongings and memories are back where they belong. Mission Accomplished as it is our goal to make it "Like it never even happened."

Don't let your Windows Eat Up Your Vacation Fund!

6/3/2022 (Permalink)

Leaking Windows the Water Damage Culprit 

I personally never knew that I should check my windows for leaks. One of our clients had water leaking through her ceiling and walls in her rec room in her finished basement. She returned from vacation to find several inches of water in her basement. We at SERVPRO of White Plains started the remediation process and then started the demo. Pipes were not leaking her plumber told us. More demo that led to the discovery of the source of loss as being the windows in her 1st floor living room leaking. The west side of her house seemed to take the brunt of the rain storms and the water was pooling in her house. Now she was dealing with a basement down to the studs. We did the reconstruction and she had the windows replaced in her living room. A lesson learned. After speaking to some experts, we came up with a few ways to check your windows for leaking. This process didn’t take too long and we did find a few leaks. Checking for water leaks is the same way you would check for air leaks. You might find your home to be cooler after repairs and your energy bills may be less.  

As windows are often the culprit for both water and air leaks into the home, it’s important to do both a physical and visual inspection of your windows to prevent future damage.     

A physical inspection of your windows for water and air leaks is the first step  

First close all of your windows. (You may not want to do this on the hottest day of the year, but you get my point) 

Lock the windows to make sure you are getting the tightest seal. Limit air flow as much as possible, so try and close all of your windows at once. This will help make the inspection more accurate  

Next step is to turn off the furnace, central air or fans. If you have air leaks there is a good possibility you could have these same leaks, be water leaks.  

To increase the accuracy of your inspection and best determine if you have any air leaks, you should turn off your home’s furnace or air conditioner.  Let the system cycle down so there is no additional air movement in the home.  You want your house as still as possible so turn off any floor fans, exhaust fans and any wall or window air conditioning units for the best results! 

Next step is to light a candle 

As the flicker of a flame or the flicker of smoke is the best way to determine if you have a leaky window, grab a lighter or some matches and light a candle.  Long taper candles work best, but pillar candles can work well too. 

You just need something that you can securely hold in a steady fashion.  If you don’t have any candles, a stick of incense can work as well.  While there isn’t a lit flame with incense, the smoke would be enough of a visual cue. 

Once your candle is lit, slowly move it around the perimeter, or edges of the window.  If you have a window with two operable sashes, like a double hung window or a sliding window, you could also move the candle along the place where the two sashes meet.  If you see the flame flicker or the smoke blow away from the window, you probably have a leaky window.  As you perform this part of the candle test, be sure to take caution to avoid any curtains or drapes which could catch fire. 

Not only is it a good idea to test window leaks from the inside, it is also important to inspect of all your windows from both the inside and outside of your home.  This is especially true if you performed the candle test on a day without a lot of breezes. Even if your test showed only a handful of windows may have a potential leak, it is still a good idea to give them the visual once-over to see if there are any other contributors to a leaky window. 

Interior Inspection 

Pull back your window treatments and look all around the window for any obvious signs of daylight entering your home where there shouldn’t be.  If you do have curtains or drapes, do they move when the wind blows? Even the smallest gap could be a problem so take a good look around all the window’s edges and make a note to further inspect that window from the outside. 

Exterior Inspection 

Now it’s time to take a tour of the outside of your home and inspect your windows from the exterior.  Look for any gaps in the frame around your windows.  Check to see if there are any cracks in the caulking around the top, bottom or sides of the windows.  If your window is single paned, check all the putty between the panes of glass to make sure it’s not cracked.  If you notice any of these issues with your window, you are probably experiencing water or air leaks, if not both! 

Now you have discovered that you do have leaks. What’s next? Here is an easy step  

Reapply Caulk 

One of the simplest fixes for a leaky window is to reapply caulk around the window.  The first step includes removing the old and dried out caulk.  This can be done best with a putty knife.  Then take your new tube of caulk and cut a hole in the tip at an angle, leaving the hole the same width of the gap you will be filling with new caulk.  Apply the caulk to the edges of the window and then smooth out and clean any excess.  Caulk is best applied outside when the temperature is over 45° and with low humidity. 

After it dries spray your window with water and check for leaks one more time. 

If you do have any water issues, from leaky windows or anything else, give us a call at 914.684.1560 

Tips on Finding Water Leaks

6/2/2022 (Permalink)

Many of us have experienced leaks at some point in our homes.  It can be an expensive repair if it goes undetected for too long. 

Here at SERVPRO of White Plains, we have put together a few ways to check for the possibility of a leak   

Under the guidelines from the United States Environmental Protection Agency, if you are a family of 4 and using more than 12,000 gallons on average per month, there is probably a leak.  

1. Smell – Follow your nose.   If you smell moldy or musty smells in places that you wouldn’t expect to, chances are there is a leak somewhere.  It could be a small leak of course, but a leak non the less.   Water building up behind a wall, a closet could potentially smell rather musty
2. What does your Water Bill say? -If you have received an exceptionally high  water bill you don’t believe your usage has changed this would be a good time to call your water company.   Some municipalities’ water departments will come out and look for no charge.   Some will come out and look, but if it is nothing wrong on their end they may charge you a fee.  Find out before you have them come out. I received a $1400 water bill one time a month after moving in to my house.    The water company said they would charge me $185 if it wasn’t anything on their end.   They came out and determined one of their lines was cracked causing a leak under the slab. They were giving me the run around about getting the repairs done.  This could have been disastrous, but luckily, I was persistent and made endless calls daily to get them to come out and fix it.   They did and the next month my water bill was an acceptable amount.   Anything that is leaking before the meter is the water dept, after the meter is the home owners.
3. Water Meter – This is a great way to check for leaks without having to call anyone in.   Turn off all of the water throughout your home, make sure nothing is running.  Check the meter and see if it changes at all- you can check right away, and then check again in 1-2 hours later.   If you notice it changes quickly, there is a possibility of a leak on a greater scale.   If it changes after a couple of hours, it might be a small leak.  .
4. Detecting a leak in your toilet- Add a few drops of food coloring to your toilet tank.   Wait about 15 minutes and take a look in your toilet bowl.  If the color you added to the tank is in the bowl, you most likely have a leak.
5. Outside Leaks-  Make sure your hoses, sprinkler system, or irrigation systems are not leaking.   This is easy enough just by walking around your yard, checking hose connections and stepping in soggy grass around inground sprinkler heads.     If this happens, check the hose for leaks, splits, holes, and check the sprinkler heads are on correctly.

Regular inspections can help save you a lot of money! If you find yourself with a leak and have water in your house or damage from water, give SERVPRO of White Plains a call at 914.684.1560 

What's Happening this Weekend Around the Area

6/2/2022 (Permalink)

Here are a couple of events taking place in our community this weekend. Hope to see you there!

FDNY 343 Ride Charity Event and Live Music by Shilelagh Law

Live Music from Shilelagh Law!!

50/50 raffle tickets and Tshirts available.

Beverage sponsors: Miller, Coors, and White Claw

Other vendors that will be taking part in this event will be Coffee Labs Roasters, Red Bull, and Westchester Bounce.

Also happening this weekend- It's the Feast of St. Anthony of Padua Festival.

Italian Music, Food, Wine, Games and a Weekend full of fun!!!

Jun 3- June 5th

Days/­Hours Open:Friday June 3rd open from 6pm-12 midnight, Saturday June 4th open from 5pm-12 midnight, and Sunday June 5th open from 2pm-10pm

Location: 85 Harrison Street, West Harrison, NY 10604

Looks like a great weekend for our community to come out and support these events!

Enjoy, have fun, and be safe!!!

Sanitizing and Disinfecting is the New Norm

6/2/2022 (Permalink)

Sanitizing and Disinfecting.  2 Words that have been integrated into our everyday language over the past couple of years.   We are sanitizing our hands disinfecting door knobs, high touch areas, such as light switches, printer and copier buttons, door handles, railings, counters, coffee makers etc.   

If you work in a commercial setting you are probably nodding your head to all of these things.  

Since the pandemic, SERVPRO of White Plains has been called on to disinfect many commercial buildings.   Many people who work in offices began returning to work over the last 6 months or so, and the demand for cleaning with an emphasis on disinfecting has been on the rise.   

We are now cleaners of all things touched daily by many employees, clients, patients, and others in work settings.   High traffic areas are now the focus of disinfecting. 

When your commercial building is in need of disinfecting call SERVPRO of White Plains.  We will come out after hours when the building is empty.  The equipment most often used is a fogger.   After the fogging is complete, we will disinfect all high touch surfaces, wipe down walls, window sills, elevator panels, doors, railings, etc.   

We can customize a disinfecting job to serve your needs from a Yoga Studio, a gym, a law office, a doctor's office, to a 4 story call center.   We will work with you to meet your needs.   Give SERVPRO of White Plains a call at 914.684.1560

Being Prepared for Hurricane Season Part 2

6/1/2022 (Permalink)

Part 2 in our blog series on Hurricane Preparedness is focusing on getting your home ready for a storm.  You've read our tips on personal readiness, and hope those are helpful.

If you live in a low lying area, or mandatory evacuation zone, or you're just not even sure, these tips can help get your home prepared.

If you have a basement in your home, take a look around on bottom shelves, on the floor etc. for things that are sentimental or that you just cannot lose.   Bring them up to higher shelves, or higher rooms in your home.  Beds, tables, kitchen counters, tops of closets are great places to store some of these things.  

Think of all of the items you have in your house that you keep on the floor.  Shoes, pictures, books, boxes of photos, things you store under your bed, and move them to higher spaces.  

Photos- this was a big one for me.  I lived in mandatory evacuation zone and the first thing that went in the car was 2 totes full of photos. I knew I had to put in a lot of things in my car, but photos always went in first.   I eventually  invested the money to have them all digital.  It was worth every penny.  If you are prone to flooding it is worth the consideration.  Ok, moving on to outside

Preparing the outside.  Move all potted plants, and ornamental things inside.  Whether you have a yard, balcony, deck bring it all in.  Outdoor furniture must come in.   If you are lucky enough to have a pool, you can put the furniture right into the pool. This doesn't apply to all furniture material, but it is so much easier than moving it all in.   You will of course have to shock your pool when it is all over, a small price to pay though.  

Look around the entire outside and take notice of anything that could become air born.   The big yard item that should be taken apart is a trampoline.   Smaller items can become part of the wind and break windows, etc.   The air born trampoline can be dangerous to your home and your neighbors.  

Gutters- ugh the dreaded gutters. We all put this task off for as long as possible.  This is the best time to get up there and clean them out.  If you have gutter screens even better.  Make sure your drain pipes are all connected and direct your ground drainage pipe away from your house. 

Windows- if you are in a direct path of a powerful storm board them up.  Purchase early! We have all seen the lines at the stores for plywood.   Measure and purchase your plywood.  Label each one for easy storage once you take them down.  The X on the window in tape is a waste of time.   It does nothing to protect your windows.   

These tips are super helpful in case you are expected to be impacted by a storm.   Stay tuned for Part 3 on what to do if you are affected by a storm. 

The Lawyers Objected to Their Rain Soaked Office

6/1/2022 (Permalink)

Early on a Tuesday morning, a frantic Law Office Manager called SERVPRO of White Plains from her cell phone.  She had arrived to work early to catch up on some paper work she had left in a neat pile on her desk.   She walked into the office to find that neat pile was now a soggy mess floating in 4 inches of water throughout the office.  Being the efficient Office Manager that she was, she grabbed sneakers out of her car and ran back in the office.   She made her way down the water-soaked hallway peering into offices as she went by.  There were water-soaked ceiling tiles everywhere.  On the desks, on the floor, wet papers, blank computers, a blank multi-line phone system,  and water everywhere.    

We arrived on site soon after and started the emergency service mitigation. Our estimator was taking photos, measuring and sketching each room. We were in contact with the insurance adjuster and were given instructions on what we could tear out and pack up. We packed up wet papers, files, and books. We emptied law office size filing drawers contents into boxes to be brought to our storage. We contacted specialized vendors for the antique furniture, the curtains, and an electronic specialist to try and dry out and get all 6 lawyers and the Office Manager up and running. 

We started in the conference room so that we could centralize a working space for them. We moved through the other rooms and began to tear out carpets, remove walls, ceilings, and a lot of debris. A wooden mallard made its way down the flooded hallway scaring some of our crew at first. The law office had a good laugh!  

The crew strategically placed equipment for drying and getting the moisture out. 

The lawyers were working in the conference room several hours later.  

We monitored the moisture levels and when the drying equipment could be removed we treated the surfaces with anti-microbial and explained the process as we went along. 

The law firm invited us to do the reconstruction and put in a request with their insurance company. We put walls and ceilings back, stayed out of the way of the Office Manager and her very skilled decorator, and in a short time the office looked "Like it never even happened."  

The law firm was extremely happy with our work, and suggested we contact some other commercial offices they are associated with in case they ever need our services again. 

Being Prepared for Hurricane Season Part 1

5/25/2022 (Permalink)

Hurricane Season officially begins on June 1st and ends on November 30th. Why should we care? We don’t live in the Caribbean or in Florida. The Northeast has suffered millions of dollars in damages over the past  years from Hurricanes, Tropical Storms and Tropical Depressions. This is Part 1 of Being Prepared for a Storm. We will offer suggestions in Part 1 for being prepared personally for a storm, Part 2 will cover preparing your home for a storm and Part 3 what to do if you are affected by a storm.  

 Last year Hurricane Ida affected 9 states! It shows us that just about anyone can be in the path of one of these dangerous and damaging storms. 

Here at SERVPRO of White Plains, we have experienced just how impactful these storms can be. We had 4 feet of water in our office and warehouse when Hurricane Ida blew through smacking us as she went by. There was significant loss of life due to water, flooding actually, on roads we travel on daily to get to and from work. People were killed who lived in basement apartments. Many people were without power, water and supplies for weeks. It was eye opening for many people in this area.  

We would like to help you be prepared for before the storm gets here with these pre storm suggestion   

Food Supplies: Experts suggest having at least a 5 day supply of food per person.  A manual can opener is a must. Canned foods that you can heat up on your grill, or canned foods that don’t require heating up. Canned fruit, tuna, etc. Granola bars, bread, peanut butter, jelly, the block of processed cheese. Things that do not require refrigeration. 

Water: The most important. Buy your bottled water before the word storm even becomes a topic of conversation. The rule of thumb is 1 gallon of water per person for 7 days. Water is easy to store and hard to find as major storms approach. 

Medical Supplies, Medications- refill and keep in water proof bag. Keep of list of what you take and why you take it. Add to this bag, a small first aid kit. hand sanitizer, soap, wipes, contact lenses, hygiene products. 

Pets: Keep extra food, vaccine records, and a carrier. If you did have to evacuate, you will need to show vaccine records to get into a shelter or hotel.  

Important Documents: Proof of ID, Insurance Paperwork, Mortgage or Lease Documents, Passports, Birth Certificates, in waster proof bag. Imagine if you had to replace anything, those would be the things to take with you. 

Cash: Many areas are without power after a  storm hits. After Hurricane Irma, we ventured out the next day no power anywhere and found this little coffee shop running on a generator. A huge sigh of relief, we were so excited, COFFEE!!!!!, We had cash! That was the only form of payment they could accept. No ATMs were operable in the area for days.  Get cash, smaller bills and plan on using that for everything soon after a storm. 

Stay tuned for Blog 2 being prepared in your home 

Prize Winning Pop's BBQ Baked Beans and Pop's BBQ Ribs Recipe

5/24/2022 (Permalink)

We've given you some great tips for grill safety in or last blog and now all you need is a couple of great recipes for your Memorial Day BBQ!   We here at SERVPRO of White Plains would like to share with you prize winning and crowd pleasing recipes for  BBQ Ranch Baked Beans and BBQ Ribs.   These recipes are  3rd generation family recipes that have won awards and have been requested at more BBQs than any other recipe.  We call it Pop's  but my Mom claims she created the BBQ Sauce recipe.   Since Pop did all the BBQing we always credited him and call it Pop's  

BBQ Ranch Baked Beans

1 Bag Pinto or Small White Beans soaked overnight

2 lbs Ground Beef Browned and Drained

2 Sweet Onions Diced and Caramelized

1 Cup Ketchup

1/2 Cup Water

3 TBL Apple Cider Vinegar

2 TBL Dijon or Spicy Brown Mustard

2 TBL Brown Sugar

2 TBL Real Maple Syrup

Mix it all together and cook over low flame in either a grill safe Dutch oven or a foil pan covered for 40 minutes   Serve piping hot with Pop's Ribs

Pop's BBQ Ribs

3 Racks Baby Back Ribs

Sauce-

2 Cups Ketchup

1/2 Cup Water

1/2 Cup Worcestershire Sauce (pronounced Wu Stuh Shr Sauce)

4 TBL Apple Cider Vinegar (white works too)

4 TBL Brown Sugar

Hot Sauce to taste

Mix sauce ingredients.   Cut ribs off the rack 

Dip in Sauce and place directly on hot grill   Sear 5 minutes on each side to burn off any fat

Place ribs in foil pan, pour sauce on top to cover

Cover with foil and cook on very low hear for 1 hour 20 minutes then let sit for 7 minutes..  The meat is so tender and just falling off the bones!!   Make extra!

My family serves with a side of heave duty napkins!!

We hope you enjoy these recipes and we wish you a Safe and Happy Memorial Day and weekend!!!

BBQ Safety for Memorial Day Weekend, The Unofficial Start to the Summer

5/19/2022 (Permalink)

We are finally beginning to see the light at the end of the cold and wet spring we have had here in the Northeast.   Memorial Day weekend is almost here and is typically known as the unofficial start to the summer.   

At SERVPRO of White Plains, we would love to share some BBQ Safety Tips with you starting with Gas Grills.  Many people have not seen their grill since covering it back in October.  Taking off the cover is a great opportunity to give your grill a once over and make sure it is in safe working order. 

Look over the grill and make sure there are no cracks or leaks.  

Place the grill at least 5 (or more) feet away from any structure.   

Check the hoses from the grill to the propane tank and make sure there are no cracks or holes.

Check your propane tank for any damages. 

Never use any liquid fuel to start a gas grill.

You're ready to start grilling.  Bring on the ribs and burgers!!!

After grilling -

Clean your grill according to the manufacturers guidelines.  Always check the grease box and empty when needed.  

In case of a BBQ fire,  remember these tips

If you can reach the tank valve without getting burned and the tank is not on fire,  turn it off

Call the fire department,  never try and extinguish a grease fire with water.  If you have a fire extinguisher use that until the fire department arrives. 

Enjoy grilling season and stay tuned for more grilling tips and fantastic recipes from the SERVPRO of White Plains team.

The Mold Removal Process

5/16/2022 (Permalink)

We here at SERVPRO of White Plains get a lot of calls from people saying they have black mold.  Often they are in a panic and want us to come out right away to get rid of the mold.   While we  are a licensed mold remediation company there are New York State Guidelines we have to follow.

  For mold over 10 square feet, a licensed mold assessor is required for mold testing.   The assessor will come out to your home and do sample testing.  Air samples, swabs on walls, ceilings, etc.    Once the test results are back from the lab, the assessor with write up a report.   That report will be the remediation protocol that we are required by the State of New York to follow.  The mold report and the estimate we give based on this protocol is what we submit to the homeowner and or insurance company if applicable.  The report will also tell the homeowner what spore of mold they have found.  Many times it is not the dreaded Black Mold, but just mold that is black in color.   

After Hurricane Ida came and smacked this area back in September 2021, so many people had never before seen amounts of water in basements.   While the water has been pumped out and drywall often replaced, we are still getting calls from people finding mold in their basements.   Often the calls start with, we had water in our basement during Ida, and now we are seeing mold.   We have been to so man of these jobs and have really given people piece of mind when we explain the whole process and get out there and get the mold remediated.   

Don't hesitate to contact SERVPRO of White Plains, not only for water and fire, but we are trained, and New York State Certified in Mold Remediation and abatement work. 

Hudson River Cleanup

5/13/2022 (Permalink)

The planning that goes into the RiverKeeper Sweep is started a year in advance.  The meetings take place throughout the winter and as the date of May 7th is mentioned often, the ideas of a warm spring day with balmy temperatures in the early 70s conjure up a perfect day for cleaning up the river.  

This year, well not so much.   We started the day in the early 50s with a cold driving rain and  wind gusts from the east.    

As we trudged our way down the banks of the mighty Hudson, armed with blue recycle bags, the thought was to pick up some trash and get out of there.    That was not at all how it ended up.

We weathered the storm and cleaned up the Pier Pointe Cove of over 45 pounds of recyclable plastic,  and 5 huge bags of garbage    There were only 3 of us on this miserable day.  We were out there for about 3 hours, but in that short time we made a huge difference. The community surprised each other by showing up at the river's edge Sunday morning armed with pickers and their own bags to clean up the rest of the river banks.   No one organized it, it just happened.  Countless bags of recyclables were picked up and an endless amount of trash.   We all learned the value of community pitching in and hope that next year's River Sweep is a huge success.   Will keep you posted with volunteer information!

Hudson Riverkeeper Sweep Sat. 5/7/22

5/4/2022 (Permalink)

This is a 1 day cleanup over 120 shore cleanups along the Mighty Hudson River from New York City to The Adirondack Mountains

Starting Time is typically 8:00 AM.
WHERE: Along the banks of the Hudson River in just about every town, village, city 

There are usually  more than 2,000 volunteers that come together across hundreds of miles of shoreline in New York City and the Hudson Valley for the 11th Annual Riverkeeper Sweep, a day of service for the Hudson River. Volunteers will clean up tons of trash, plant healthy vegetation, and remove invasive plant species at more than 120 locations.

Riverkeeper partners with schools, parks, religious communities, paddling groups and scout troops to plan nearly 150 service projects from Staten Island to the Adirondacks. Over 10 years, Sweep volunteers have completed a total of 950 projects and removed 304 tons of debris, including 1,675 tires, and planted or maintained thousands of trees and shrubs. Once-neglected areas have gained year-round stewards, and rivers and creeks are better for it.

Locations and registration links are available at Riverkeeper.org/sweep beginning April 1. Volunteers must register to participate.

Follow #RiverkeeperSweep on social media and follow @Riverkeeper on Instagram.

Please come out and join us to help clean up this majestic river.  We have come such a long way with cleaning up and still have a long way to go.  It is a great day of fun, community, clean up and such a sense of accomplishment!   

April Showers bring May Flowers

4/14/2022 (Permalink)

We've been hearing this expression forever! Here in the Northeast the April showers part is certainly true.   We here at SERVPRO of White Plains, have seen quite a few basements with water, rooms with wet carpets from leaky roofs, and muddy water coming in a first floor window.   The one thing that stands out is the older man with the water in the basement.   He kept all of his important documents in an old leather briefcase on a shelf in his basement.   The problem he had was it was on the bottom shelf.   The old worn leather with the zipper that didn't quite close all the way, was no match for the quick rain that flooded his basement.  Inside was a mess of wet papers, mud and more wet papers.   Insurance documents that had been stored in this case for many years and were his only copies.   He shook his head, and told us that he put his important papers in the case and forgot about them.  He had bank papers and other documents that were ruined as well.  Some, he couldn't recall what they even were.   

Lesson learned.  Valuable papers no matter what area of the country you live in, should always be kept in water proof bags, and be somewhere that you have easy access to.   Insurance information, bank information, prescription info, and emergency contact numbers.  

A great piece of advice for anyone

Wet Weather is on the Way

4/5/2022 (Permalink)

Remember when the weather forecaster said we'd have heavy rains, but nothing to worry about?    So do we!

Here at SERVPRO of White Plains we encourage you to save our number! 

914.684.1560

If you live in Harrison, White Plains, New Rochelle, Port Chester, Rye, Rye Brook,  Larchmont, Mamaroneck,  save our number!    We work with insurance companies and help you navigate through these unchartered waters, (ouch)  no pun intended.

After being flooded ourselves, we all keep a wary eye on storms.  As a precaution I start looking at what is on the lowest point of the house that IF we were to get water, would be affected.

Being prepared is the name of the game.   Think about before the storm,  what precautions you would take to move things above ground level.   Have important papers and phone numbers with you and most importantly don't hesitate to move to safety.   

After the storm is when it is  time to give us a call.   We can help with water remediation, demolition, mold abatement, reconstruction.  We understand because we have been there.   We offer prompt and efficient service and excellent customer service.    We are local and will be there when you need us to make it "Like it never even happened."  

Volunteer Day to help clean up the parks

4/4/2022 (Permalink)

PITCH IN FOR PARKS   APRIL 18-23 for Westchester County Parks.

Volunteers are the heart and spirit of the Westchester County parks system.  Every year even in the coldest months of winter, there are volunteer days to help clean up the park.   It is way more then picking up garbage and discarded water bottles.   

I volunteered at Tibbetts Brook Park in Yonkers (a Westchester County Park) for a glorious 15 degree sunny day with 6 inches of snow on the ground to help cut down invasive vines.   These invasive vines literally strangle trees.   I showed up at the park at 9 am (along with 25 other volunteers)  and was handed a lopper.  Had never held a lopper in my hand, but that didn't stop those in charge from telling me how it works and pointing me off in the right direction.  I was instructed to cut anything next to a tree that could potentially grow to choke it.   Off we went off the walking path into the wooded area of bushes and vine wrapped trees.  It was a morning of cutting vines, and removing the pieces into a large pile along the path.   A laborious but fun time with a feeling of accomplishment at the end.   A time for reflecting on what we were actually doing there.  Every little bit helps.     Helping to keep the trees alive and to prevent these invasive vines from overtaking a beautiful park.  

Pitch In for Parks
Every year, thousands of civic-minded individuals, organizations and groups volunteer their time and efforts to contribute making their county parks more enjoyable for the benefit of all Westchester residents.

Volunteers in the Parks
Volunteers in the Parks orient visitors to the parks, lead field trips through the nature preserves for local elementary schools, take photographs, help children learn to swim, lead tours of historic sites and help maintain our parks. Volunteers  come from all walks of life with a variety of skills, abilities, experiences and interests. But they all have one thing in common: a desire to be involved in protecting and preserving the park system for future generations. Westchester County volunteers enjoy a rewarding learning and work experience and have countless opportunities to develop their interests and utilize their skills.  April  18-23rd is Pitch in for the Parks in Westchester County.    Registration is required, sounds like a why, but it helps the people organizing know how much of everything to bring.   It is a great event and all ages are welcome.    Tell your friend and families.  Such a short amount of time can make a huge difference.   Enjoy!!

Don't Lower Your Expectations

3/25/2022 (Permalink)

These days, there is a lot of talk about people having to lower their expectations in all aspects of service.  If you go into a restaurant, they are under staffed, in a grocery store there are sporadic products out of stock,  and shopping for anything means longer lines, longer lines, less product and less staff.   

Here at SERVPRO of White Plains we beg to differ.

We firmly stands by never lowering your standards when it comes to our service!   We strive to provide outstanding service, from your first phone call to our office to the last day we leave your house, making it "Like it never even happened."

Our professional, friendly, and knowledgeable staff are here to help you  navigate through these unchartered waters.   We strive to make things as easy possible for you.  We are in contact with insurance companies, sub contractors, vendors, landlords, you name it, we have spoken to them.   

Our phones are answered 24/7 365 days a year. 

Keep SERVPRO of White Plains in mind for any unfortunate incidents that take place at your home or business.   We will strive to exceed your expectations!    

St Patrick's Day Irish Soda Bread Recipe

3/16/2022 (Permalink)

This is not our ordinary blog, but it is St. Patrick's Day and after a 2 year hiatus, the parades are back and the streets are painted with green lines here in the Northeast.  We here at SERVPRO of White Plains would love to put a spin on our normal blogs and add bit of The Luck of the Irish.  We would like to share an Irish Soda Bread Recipe that has been passed down 4 generations.   

4 Cups AP Flour, 3 TBL. Sugar, 1 TBL. Baking Powder, 2 TSP. Baking Soda, 1 TSP Salt, 1 Stick of Cold Butter cut in to small pieces or grated, 2 Cups of Raisins or Currants, 2 TBL Caraway Seeds, 2 Eggs, 1 Yolk for brushing the bread, and 1 1/2 Cups Cold Buttermilk.  Mix the dry ingredients and add butter, cut in with pastry cutter or fork.   Beat the 2 eggs and add to buttermilk.  Mix into dry ingredients and pour onto floured board.  Knead 15 times and put into a greased glass mixing bowl.   Cut a cross on top and brush with egg yolk.  Bake at 350 for 1 hour.   Let cool slightly and serve with plenty of cold butter and or your favorite jam.  Enjoy!

Spring is almost here!

3/15/2022 (Permalink)

First signs of spring are here!   We have seen robins and the first spring flowers popping through the ground.  It's time to step outside and breathe in the fresh springtime air.   This is a great time to get your house ready for spring and repair any of winter's marks.   It's also a great time to check out your house and get it ready for April Showers.   The April rain storms can cause flooding in yards and basements.   A few tips from SERVPRO of White Plains to help keep the showers out of your showers.

Clean up any debris in your yard, branches etc.

Clean your gutters and redirect drain pipes that the heavy snow may have moved or damaged.

Clear debris away from the side of your house and check basement windows for sealing and cracking.

Keep an eye on the weather.  The spring storms have become a bit nastier over the years and being prepared is always a plus.

If you do end up with any rain water (or any other kind of water) in your basement, call SERVPRO of White Plains at 914.684.1560  We work to make it  "Like it never even happened."

Keeping Safe Using Additional Sources of Heat

2/21/2022 (Permalink)

The cold February weather will soon be slowly fading away to the warm breezes of springtime. 

We’re not out of the woods yet here in the North East.  Here at SERVPRO of White Plains, we have recently seen an increase in fires in homes and apartments. While the temperatures have been well below freezing for many days, many people are turning to additional sources to help keep them warm. 

Fireplaces, wood stoves, and space heaters have been used often this month.  

While most often these extra heating sources are non-problematic, there have been several unfortunate cases of fires. Many from additional heat sources such as space heaters, wood burning stoves and fireplaces. 

We have found a few tips doing a bit of research and here they are: 

Never use a space heater with an extension cord. Plug directly in to the wall outlet preferably where nothing else is plugged in. 

Keep at least a 3 ft area around the space heater clear. No curtains, toys, stuffed animals, clothing etc.  

Set an alarm on your phone to turn it off intermittently 

For a wood burning stove: Keep a 3-foot area around the perimeter free of any household items, curtains, etc. Keep your Pets and kids away too! 

Fire Places: Always keep the screen/window in place Keep kids and pets away. Have your chimney swept annually before you use your fireplace.  

Bank ashes in a metal can with a top, and keep outside of your home far enough away from the structure. The experts suggest at least 10 feet. Ashes can often have hot spots in them and can reignite. 

Never plug more than 1 heat producing appliance into an outlet.  

Check your smoke alarms and Carbon Monoxide monthly.  

Spring is not far off, we’ve got this! 

For those who appreciate a non scientific approach to weather – Pumxsutawney Phil did see his shadow on February 2nd – predicting 6 more weeks of winter... Hang on folks, we are in the home stretch! 

PROTECT YOUR PIPES FROM FREEZING

2/7/2022 (Permalink)

Protect your Pipes from Freezing 

It’s that time of year again.  Old Man Winter is upon us and the long cold days of January and February are upon us.   This year we are facing freezing temperatures here in the Northeast and with these temperatures come the danger of freezing pipes in your home.  While we can’t do anything about the weather, we can offer a few tips to prevent your pipes from freezing and potentially cracking which of course can lead to flooding in your home.  The headache from having a pipe burst and flood your home is not something anyone ever needs to deal with anytime of year.    

All pipes are at a potential risk.   It’s not just the pipes in areas that are not usually heated, such as basements, garages, attics and crawl spaces, but also pipes on exterior walls, underneath bathroom or kitchen sinks.  

Here are a few tips that we have picked up from some experts when the temperatures outside are below frigid 

Insulate your pipes- you can purchase insulation for pipes very inexpensively at your local hardware store or big box store.    You can use pipe insulation on any pipe.   

Keep your garage door closed – Often water supply lines are in the garage, insulate these and keep the door closed 

Allow a little bit of water to drip from the faucet, a small amount of water trickling through a faucet can help prevent freezing pipes 

Keep the temperature in your house consistent.   Maintain same day and night temperature in your house. 

Keep cabinet doors opened in your kitchen and bathroom to allow the warm air to envelope the pipes exposed under your sink or where there are exposed pipes. 

Taking precautions is your best bet! If however, you have a pipe freeze and burst, turn off the main water, call a plumber to fix the pipe, then call us. Keep us in your contact. SERVPRO of White Plains 914.684.1560. We are 24/7 Emergency Service and strive to make it “Like it never even happened.”

Preparing for a Nor'Easter

2/2/2022 (Permalink)

Tips on preparing for a Nor’Easter 

Storms along the East Coast are called Nor’Easters. They pack their biggest punch between October and April, and are often full or powerful winds, rain or snow. 

Best way to be prepared is to plan ahead. Reach out to your insurance company for coverage and policy information, in case you have to file a claim. Keep your local SERVPRO’s phone number stored in your phone.  Keep plenty of water on hand, best bet is 1 gallon per person per day. Allow for at least 3 days. Stock up on dry nutritious food that can be easily stored and eaten if you lose power. Granola bars, bread, peanut butter, jelly, usually are the first things to disappear off of the shelves when there is an impending storm, so shop early. 

Follow your local forecast. If you have a fireplace, have plenty of extra wood on hand in case you lose power. Check batteries in carbon monoxide and smoke detectors.  

Keep important documents in water proof safe place. Take pictures and videos of personal belongings. If you store sentimental or irreplaceable items in a basement or lower level, move them to a higher point in your house. 

Have a plan and tell family and friends what your plans are. Keep your car filled with gas and your grill as well. If you lose power you can always use the grill for cooking , heating water and keeping coffee hot!  Keep cellphones charged and extra solar charges are a great investment.  

Most importantly do not panic! Being well prepared is game changer! Stay safe and call SERVPRO to take care of any flooding or wind damage your house sustains. 

Don't Slip... Or Slide!

1/10/2022 (Permalink)

Now that the holidays are over, the cold can seem dreary and unwelcome instead of festive and seasonal. The cold weather when mixed with precipitation can unfortunately turn into very serious, hazardous weather. Normally annoying but not necessarily dangerous weather can quickly turn the roads into a gigantic ice rink.  If you find yourself out on the roads during one of these occurrences, keep reading for SERVPRO of White Plains & New Rochelle's best tips and tricks to stay safe:

• Invest in winter tires.
• Take it EASY on the brakes. 
• Don't use cruise control. 
• If you find yourself actively sliding, don't hit the brakes. Gently steer in the direction of the way you are sliding to gain control. 
• Double your following distance from other vehicles. 
• Remember to turn on your headlights, they are crucial to ample vision on the road. 
• Keep adequate clothing, blankets, non-perishable food and water in your car in case you find yourself stranded on the roads. 

If you have any other questions about tips & tricks to keep safe on icy roads, don't hesitate to give SERVPRO of White Plains & New Rochelle a call. We can be reached at 914-684-1560. 

Got Germs? We Don't Think So.

1/10/2022 (Permalink)

Here at SERVPRO of White Plains & New Rochelle, we pride ourselves on not only remediating water, fire, smoke and mold losses, but also keeping things clean in the process. Our team is not only highly trained, but also very proficient when it comes to germs, how they spread and the best way to disinfect the surfaces they contaminate. With the cold, flu and COVID-19, staying clean is more important than ever for our health. While we understand not every person is comfortable with people entering their home, we highly recommend giving our office a call so we can come take a look at your residence and move forward with the deep-clean and disinfection process.

If you're set on keeping non-family members outside of the home, keep reading for the best tips & tricks we have to keep you safe this cold & flu season: 

• Make sure that you have the proper chemicals. Most labels list what viruses the specific chemical is successful in killing.
• Focus on cleaning major hot spots in the home. This includes light switches, doorknobs, faucet handles, remote controls, phones and keyboards.
• Be sure to wash, disinfect and sanitize your cleaning equipment on a regular basis. This includes mop heads, rags and cloths. 
• Make sure to regularly clean all bedding, blankets, pillow and furniture covers. 
• When in doubt... WASH YOUR HANDS! It's simple yet every effective. 

All of us here at SERVPRO of White Plains & New Rochelle hope that you stay safe! Remember, give us a call at 914-684-1560 if you need any help. 

What Goes Up Must Come Down

12/27/2021 (Permalink)

What goes up must come down.     

Sadly, it’s time to start thinking about taking down the Christmas Tree.  Deep in tradition, the tree de-decorating, takes place on the twelfth night after Christmas or Jan. 5th.  Historically, it signifies the end of Christmas and was celebrated by the Victorians with games, music and cake. 

Nowadays, it is often a matter of convenience and safety as well. 

If your tree has stopped drinking water and the needles are falling off like a bad set of false eyelashes, then it’s time to kick that tree to the curb!   

Most local municipalities will pick up your tree sans lights and decorations, and will mulch it to be spread around your community.   

Here are a few tips on when the tree should come down and the best ways to do so 

1. If the tree is drying out, unplug the lights and move it away from any heating source or electrical outlet 

1. Remove all lights and ornaments.  Grab a tarp or and old sheet and wrap it or drag it out  to prevent those needles from going everywhere!  We’ve all found a needle months later and wondered how it got there!. 

1. How many treasured ornaments didn’t make it on your tree this year because they were broken?   Finding the time before Christmas to repair them is just about impossible.   Repair them now, before wrapping and storing away, to ensure they will be happily swinging from a small branch next year. 

1. Try to sweep the needles away, many vacuum cleaners don’t do well with pine needles.  

1. Take batteries out of flameless candles, lights and other ornaments for storage. Extreme temperatures can cause the batteries to corrode,  potentially damaging your treasure 

Finally, take many pictures!  The memories you created this holiday season, will sustain until it’s time to do it all again next year.   

Light Up Your Home This Holiday Season- Just Don’t Burn It!

11/25/2021 (Permalink)

I know tons of people disagree when exactly the Christmas tree should go up, but many will agree that Christmas decorating begins the day after Thanksgiving. The red and green hues, sparkles galore, and bright lights bring cheer to the home, so it’s no wonder that people are rushing to hang the holiday lights. However, many people forget that a potential fire hazard lurks within those beautiful tree branches. Keep on reading to learn some helpful tips and tricks to keep your home in one piece this holiday season:

• Make sure that your tree is at least three feet away from any source of heat within your home. This includes candles, radiators, fireplaces or heat vents.
• Use lights that are listed by a qualified testing laboratory. 
• Make sure that your lights are appropriate for the space that they are hanging in- boxes should list whether they are indoor or outdoor use only. 
• Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections. Make sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions.
• NEVER use lit candles to decorate the tree.
• Always turn off Christmas tree lights before either leaving the house or going to bed.
  
  

If you find yourself in trouble this holiday season instead of gathering around the Christmas tree, be sure to call SERVPRO of White Plains & New Rochelle at 914-684-1560. We are always here to help! Remember to be smart, be safe and enjoy this marvelous time of year.

Don’t Burn the Bird!

11/18/2021 (Permalink)

It seems like the month of October flew by in the blink of an eye and suddenly the holiday season is fast approaching. While this time is filled with our loved ones, lively parties, good food and a sense of comfort- there is plenty of potential for danger. The biggest source of disaster lurks in the kitchen, so we must remain vigilant if we want to keep the holiday season running smoothly. Keep reading for some of SERVPRO White Plains & New Rochelle’s favorite fire safety tips to utilize this Thanksgiving:

• First off- make sure that ALL fire alarms in your home are working properly.  
• Look into and invest in keeping a fire extinguisher in close proximity to the cooking space you are using.
• Never leave your home while you’re cooking any part of your meal. Especially the turkey! Whether you are baking, broiling or deep-frying, keep a close eye out and check on it frequently. Unattended fires are the #1 leading cause of kitchen fires and deaths.
• Make sure to keep any sleeves rolled up and avoid wearing loose clothing that could hang down and catch on fire by mistake. 
• Keep all children away from the stove, matches or any utility lighters. 
• While candles are great for setting the holiday mood and making our kitchens smell even better- make sure to keep children, pets and flammable items far away. 

If you happen to need any additional tips, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the SERVPRO of White Plains & New Rochelle office by calling 914-684-1560. We are happy to answer any questions and hope that you have a fantastic holiday!

Fall is a beautiful time of year to grow mold!

8/5/2021 (Permalink)

Fall is coming up fast and the fluctuating temperatures can create condensation on doors and windows and lead to hidden mold growth if not addressed properly and attended to promptly. 

This is a common problem many people overlook and can lead to much bigger issues down the line. 

This is a common problem many people overlook and it can lead to much bigger issues down the line. 

If you see condensation around doors or windows, dry the area regularly and check for mold and water damage to the surrounding trim and walls.

SERVPRO is skilled at mold remediation and it is important to get on top of the issue and stop the mold asap.

If you see damage to trim or drywall around windows or doors that regularly hold condensation, call SERVPRO of White Plains and New Rochelle to come out and assess the damage and stop the mold. 

Protect Your Basement!

7/21/2021 (Permalink)

Last week intense rains spread throughout Westchester county and overwhelmed residents, and their basements, all over. Here at SERVPRO of White Plains & New Rochelle we’re always here to help, but we also want to make sure that you have all the knowledge to help prevent a disaster in the first place. Keep reading for some simple tips and tricks to potentially avoid a flooded basement in the future:

• Check your foundation! Make sure to check both the inside and outside of your home to identify any cracks that may be evident in the foundation. If they are simple enough, just use caulk to seal them. If the cracks are extensive you will need to seek out the help of a professional to make sure they get sealed properly. 
• Clean your gutters! You’ve probably heard this a million times, or read about it on our website, but this is SO important! If your gutters aren’t clear of all debris, they will most likely overflow during the next storm and potentially send water pouring into your basement. 
• Think about installing a sump pump, and make sure to maintain it! A sump pump will collect excess water and pump it outside before it can ever enter your home. Make sure to continually check the motor, ensure discharge lines extend far away enough from your residence, and your pump has a back-up source of power. All of these things will reduce the chance of your sump pump failing in the future.
• Check the grading of the ground near your home! If the ground doesn’t slope away from your home, you will need to get it re-graded. 

Just like many things in life, you’ll never be able to 100% guarantee that your basement won’t flood during a heavy storm, but these tips will give you the upper hand. If you do happen to find yourself in the middle of a disaster despite following all of our tips and tricks, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. SERVPRO of White Plains & New Rochelle is here for you 24/7. All you have to do is give us a call at 914-684-1560.

Inspect Your HVAC System!

7/5/2021 (Permalink)

Summer is the perfect time for routine maintenance to your air-conditioning, ventilation and heating systems, ensuring equipment runs smoothly. Keeping employees or tenants cool and comfortable during the sweltering summer months should be top priority as a commercial property owner. Keep reading for some easy tips and tricks to keep your property and/or business running smoothly during the summer months:

• Unmaintained HVAC units are a magnet for dirt, mold, bacteria, and many other pathogens, so it’s very important to make sure filters and coils stay clean. This will ensure that your tenants and/or employees and customers are breathing in quality air. 
• Be sure to check your filter monthly to ensure it isn’t dirty or clogged. If it is, just give it a good wash and run air over it. When it comes to changing the filter, once every three months is a good rule of thumb. If it looks dirtier than you’re used to seeing, then it’s in your best interest to replace it right then and there. 
• If you have a reusable filter, clean it carefully with a soft cloth. After that, just add some mild soap and water. If it’s not reusable, head to the store and buy a new one. It’s best to get a HEPA or hypoallergenic filter. 
• A professional check-up should be completed once a year, otherwise you can do the maintenance yourself. Getting your HVAC professionally serviced means that all the components will be cleaned and inspected. This makes sure that they are working at their optimal best, preventing excessive energy bills or any unexpected repairs.

We hope these tips and tricks help the commercial property owners out there! If you still have any questions don’t be afraid to reach out to us at 914-684-1560. 

4th of July Safety Tips!

6/30/2021 (Permalink)

Summer just arrived and it seems like it’s already FLYING by! This upcoming weekend is  approaching fast, and that means Independence Day festivities will begin. While grilling and fireworks are the highlight of every celebration, they can also pose large safety risks. Keep reading for some of SERVPRO of White Plains & New Rochelle’s favorite Independence Day safety tips:

• Make sure that your grill is located in a space away from any porches, overhangs and structures to prevent any possible fires.
• Designate one specific person who is knowledgeable enough, and not under the influence of alcohol, to tend to the grill. 
• NEVER leave a lit or hot grill unattended, even for a few seconds. 
• Before you decide to ignite any fireworks, be sure to read the safety and performance descriptions to ensure that you’re handling the fireworks safely. 
• Be sure to designate one responsible and sober adult to ignite all fireworks and keep children away.
• Make sure you are using the fireworks away from any vehicles and structures. 
• ALWAYS have a bucket of water, charged hose and a fire extinguisher nearby. 
• Remember, pets and fireworks don’t mix. Bring your fur babies inside and into a secure and isolated room while fireworks are being set off. 

All of us here at SERVPRO of White Plains & New Rochelle hope that you enjoy the upcoming holiday weekend, safely of course. If you do by chance need us, we are just one phone call away at 914-684-1560. 

Stay Cool This Summer!

6/30/2021 (Permalink)

With the scorching summer temperatures that have sprung upon us within the last few days, there’s nothing better than finding a way to stay out of the heat and still have fun. One memory that many of us here at SERVPRO of White Plains & New Rochelle have in regards to hot summer days as a kid is running through a sprinkler. While this is a simple way to keep both children and adults from overheating, if you’re not careful you could create the perfect environment for potential water damage. Keep reading for SERVPRO of White Plains & New Rochelle’s tips on how to avoid this and stay cool this summer:

• Instead of using multiple sprinkler heads, make sure to just use one singular head. If you do use multiple, make sure to use a timer for 10 minutes or less.
• Keep sprinklers away from the foundation of your home. If the runoff from the sprinkler isn’t absorbing into the ground, it can collect against the foundation. This causes the ground to swell and contract, and this can then cause the foundation to move and/or crack. 
• If the foundation isn’t exactly well-built in the first place the movement and cracks can lead to broken pipes and leaks, causing even more water damage. 
• Along with that, there are weep holes in brick walls. If the water gets above the foundation line, it can seep in through the holes and soak into your walls and flooring.

Have fun, be mindful and stay cool during these sweltering summer temperatures! If your fun day of water play turns into water damage, you know who to call. SERVPRO of White Plains and New Rochelle is just one phone call away at 914-684-1560.

World Environment Day is June 5th

6/2/2021 (Permalink)

The view from a local wildlife and bird sanctuary in Rye NY.

The theme of World Environment Day for 2021 is: Ecosystem Restoration

We often talk about ecosystems and restoration but do we really know what it implies and entails and what one can do for it locally?

Some helpful points about ecosystem restoration: 

• Ecosystem restoration implies "assisting in the recovery of ecosystems that have been degraded or destroyed".
• It also includes conservation of the ecosystems that are fragile or still intact.
• The ecosystem can be restored in many ways. Planting trees is one of the easiest and best ways of caring for the environment.
• People also need to eliminate pressures on the environment.
• Urban and rural landscapes have different ways to adapt and restore ecosystems.
  
  

Our local area has several different parks created to protect various marshlands and bird/wildlife sanctuaries.

There are many ways we can help with ecosystem restoration here at home. Simply not littering/picking up after yourself, staying on marked trails in local parks/hiking areas and not contaminating groundwater are some easy things most of us do naturally. 

SERVPRO of New Rochelle and White Plains works hard to reduce harm to the environment and we use products that are safer for the environment whenever possible.

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful,
committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”

Margaret Mead, American anthropologist (1901-1978)

Spring is the time for tenants to move! Don't forget a proper clean up!

6/2/2021 (Permalink)

New York comes alive in the spring and people get MOVING!

When tenants move it is very similar to a post-construction clean-up job and it is important to make sure that your building or complex is safe, clean, and ready for tenants.

Post-construction and moving cleanups can be tricky. When moving into a new space it makes a huge difference to start with a clean slate.

We created a cleaning checklist that explains everything you need to do to complete a post-construction/tenant move-out cleanup job right.

1. Vacuum all carpets
2. Sweep or dust hard floor surfaces
3. Sponge countertops
4. Mop hard floors
5. Clean all windows
6. Wipe all mirrors
7. Clean all windowsills
8. Clean exterior lights
9. Remove paint from/clean hinges
10. Dust all handrails and banisters
11. Clean toilets (don’t forget the base & tank!)
12. Remove boxes, tape, plastic, stickers, etc
13. Clean and dust the tops and sides of doors
14. Sanitize/clean doorknobs and light switches
15. Clean cabinets inside and out
16. Dust grates and vents
17. Clean the inside of closets
18. Wipe down the interior masonry
19. Pick up trash & debris on the lawn
20. Clean all appliances (pull out and clean)
21. Wipe down tables and chairs
22. Add mats at all doors to catch outside dirt
23. Freshen up the air by opening windows
24. Empty all trash cans/recycling bins and dispose of all trash

This list should give you a good outline to start but some people would prefer to pay an expert.
For jobs that are too big, require quick turn around or are just overwhelming please call in SERVPRO of New Rochelle and White Plains.

You can trust us to make sure the process goes smoothly.

Moving can be super stressful. 
Take out the cleaning component by trusting us to do it for you.

Trust SERVPRO for your post Pandemic Food Service Clean-up

6/1/2021 (Permalink)

From large to small, restaurants are finally back open for diners!
Food Service has become much more complex in cleaning and sanitizing.

SERVPRO professionals are trained to be mindful of the complicated health codes, food safety regulations, environmental concerns and Covid regulations when restoring your business. We’ll work to ensure that all surfaces are restored and sanitized to legal specifications, so that you can get back to business and your patrons can get back to enjoying good food.

We will help your patrons feel safe and well protected. 

We offer:

• Total Project Management 
• Facilities Cleaning and Restoration
• Flooding and Water Damage Cleanup
• Restaurant Cleaning
• Restaurant Kitchen Cleaning
• Restaurant hood Cleaning
• Odor Removal
• Mold Removal 
• Biohazard Remediation
• Air Ducts and HVAC Cleaning
• Smoke and Soot Cleanup

Call SERVPRO for all of your cleaning and sanitizing needs. 

We specialize in flooded Basement Clean-up

5/18/2021 (Permalink)

This local business called SERVPRO when their basement flooded

A basement can flood at any time and for many reasons, 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

If You Have Questions or Need Help, Please Call Us At  - (914) 684-1560

This local business had some flooding in their basement, as can be seen in the picture. They called SERVPRO of White Plains for remediation.

We responded promptly and inspected the damage, then began the Water extraction process.  In less than four days we had the basement dry. We use advanced inspection and monitoring equipment to determine your business or home’s structure is actually dry. 

If water damage isn't handled quickly and properly, it can cause severe damage to your home’s structure not to mention the potential harmful health effects of mold. Remember, the longer you wait, the worse the problem will get.

We are Flooded Basement Specialists:

• We are Available 24 hours/7 days per week
• We’re a Preferred Vendor to many National Insurance Companies
• We Bill The Insurance Directly – One Less Thing For You To Worry About
• Our Technicians are Highly-Trained  in Water Restoration Techniques
• We use s500 IICRC Restoration Standards
• Advanced Inspection and Extraction Equipment

Basement Flooded? Call Us Today – We’re Here To Help - (914) 684-1560 

SERVPRO is ready!

5/18/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of White Plains and New Rochelle specializes in storm and flood damage restoration.  

Our crews are highly trained and we use specialized equipment to restore your property to its pre-storm condition.

Faster Response

Since we are locally owned and operated, we are able to respond quicker with the right resources, which is extremely important. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces the restoration cost. We are on-call 24 hours a day , 7 days a week including weekends and holidays.

Resources to Handle Floods and Storms

When storms hit Westchester County, we can scale our resources to handle a large storm or flooding disaster. We can access equipment and personnel from a network of 1,650 Franchises across the country and elite Disaster Recovery Teams that are strategically located throughout the United States.

Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today (914) 684-1560   24 hours a day/7 days a week/ 365 days a years.

Mold and your Business

5/17/2021 (Permalink)

As you may have already guessed, mold can present a serious hazard to your business. It can cause health effects to both you and your employees, which results in lost work and productivity. It doesn’t matter if you’ve experienced a tiny roof leak or a massive water damage, keep reading for some tips and tricks to help you and your business avoid serious mold issues:

• Keep all flood insurance current and all documentation quickly accessible. 
• Install proper ventilation in areas that tend to accumulate a lot of steam and/or moisture. You can do this by installing fans or vents overhead. 
• Think about buying monitors that can give you simple moisture readings and alert you of any spikes. 
• Leave the cleaning to professionals and steer clear of bleach. It still has water in it, so while it may kill some of the spores, it will still add additional moisture to the area. 
• If you find any items that you suspect may have mold on them, get rid of the contaminated items as soon as possible. 
• If you suspect that you may have mold, do not hesitate to get an inspection done in your building right away. 

If you do find yourself with mold issues, SERVPRO of White Plains and New Rochelle is able to help. Our technicians are trained to properly remediate the affected areas and get your business running smoothly in no time. Give us a call at 914-684-1560. 

Specialty Cleaning Services

5/17/2021 (Permalink)

You don’t have time to worry about the common wear and tear that gradually soils your office.

When grime, odor, and moisture challenges go beyond the scope of your regular janitorial staff, you should call SERVPRO of White Plains and New Rochelle for prompt service. Whether it’s removing an odor problem or deep cleaning flooring or carpets, you can rely on us to make your workspace look its very best.

SERVPRO of White Plains and New Rochelle offers cleaning services ranging from cleaning restaurant hoods to removing biohazard contaminants.

We have the specialized training and products to get your property back to business. Our cleaning services include the following:

• Air Ducts and HVAC
• Biohazard and Sewage
• Trauma and Crime Scene
• Carpet and Upholstery
• Drapes and Blinds
• Ceilings, Walls, and Hard Floors
• Odor Removal and Deodorization
• Vandalism

Contact us for a quick estimate for your location. 

Storm Restoration

5/17/2021 (Permalink)

Storm and water damage affects not only the structure of your house but also your belongings. SERVPRO of White Plains and New Rochelle understands that your home is more than a structure; your family’s furniture, clothing, keepsakes, and other belongings help transform a house into a home.

SERVPRO of White Plains and New Rochelle specializes in restoring contents damaged by storms and other water damage events. Our expertise and our “restore” versus “replace” mentality can help you save money while preserving precious keepsakes that can’t be replaced.

We pretest your contents to determine what items can be restored back to their condition before the water damage. We utilize several methods of cleaning your contents, including:

• Dry Cleaning - Used for cleaning light residues or to pre-clean prior to cleaning.
• Wet Cleaning - An effective cleaning method for removing moderate to heavy residues.
• Spray and Wipe -Effective for items that can’t withstand cleaning.
• Foam Cleaning - Used for upholstery fabrics that might shrink or bleed if cleaned.
• Abrasive Cleaning - Involves agitation of the surface being cleaned. 
• Immersion Cleaning - Contents are dipped into a bath of the cleaning product.

Water-damaged electronics can present a serious hazard. Do not attempt to turn on or operate any electrical device that you suspect has been damaged by water. We will coordinate the restoration of your electronics, including:

•  Television sets
•  DVD players
•  Computers
•  And more

The key to restoring electronics is taking prompt action to prevent further damage. We start by cleaning the exterior of electronic devices to help stop further corrosion and damage. Electronics will be cleaned and inspected by a qualified electronics technician.

When your valuable documents, including photographs, are damaged by water, extreme caution should be taken to help ensure the water damage does not destroy the document. Although some documents may not be restored to pre-water damage condition, SERVPRO of White Plains and New Rochelle can save a great deal and help minimize additional damage. 

Depending on the type of documents and the level of water damage, we have five options for the restoration of documents:

• Air Drying
• Dehumidification
• Freezer Drying
• Vacuum Freeze Drying
• Vacuum Thermal Drying

When a storm event happens, the damage can often feel overwhelming. We can help ease the worry and confusion during the recovery process by offering our Contents Claim Inventory Service (CCIS), which provides a detailed and accurate list of your belongings. We take a room-by-room inventory of your contents, including digital photos, and in some instances, bar coding.

Our Contents Claim Inventory Service:

•  Preloss list and value of contents
•  Detailed and accurate report
•  Better information to settle claims quicker
•  Assistance with burden of proof for claims
•  Peace of mind when you need it most  

You can count on SERVPRO for peace of mind. 

Why SERVPRO?

5/13/2021 (Permalink)

Why SERVPRO?

SERVPRO franchise professionals understand your situation. As an agent or adjuster, you have a responsibility to keep claims costs down while still providing the best services possible for your customers.

SERVPRO Franchise Professionals are uniquely qualified to help. Our results create a measurable difference, giving you many competitive advantages.

Emergency Response to Claims

Restoring property is the SERVPRO franchise professional's first priority. Your customer will appreciate the immediate response and you will know everything is being done to limit the damage.

Pretesting Reduces Claims Expense

Restoring property is less expensive than replacing property. Claims Professionals know the rule is, "Restore whenever possible, replace only when necessary." SERVPRO franchise professionals make sure pretesting is completed on every loss to determine restorability.

Claims Inventory Service

SERVPRO franchise professionals can provide an itemized loss inventory. You will receive an Excel formatted report and pictures of important items.

Electronic Claims Information

Our Claims Information Center provides fast, accurate information you need to make sound decisions, including:

• A Complete Electronic Job File.
• First Notice of Loss.
• Detailed Estimate.
• Digital Loss Photos.
• Scanned Forms and Paperwork.
• All delivered by email or hard copy.
• On-line Access to All Files.
• New Assignments.
• Pending Jobs.
• Completed Jobs.
• Informative Reports to Improve Results
• Job Cost Data.

• Performance Comparison to Industry Standard.

Superior, Time-Tested Training

Effective training is the best way to help ensure your customers receive the service they deserve. Franchises are trained to IICRC standards in Fire and Water Cleanup and Restoration. In addition, continuing education classes are available to franchise professionals and insurance clients at our state-of-the-art IICRC Approved Training Facility.

Vendor Qualification Compliance and Professionalism

If you call SERVPRO, we will use only qualified vendors to service your customer. That commitment resulted in:

• A Customer Care Center to achieve prompt handling of the claim.
• Implementation of best practices and job process programs.
• National Accounts qualification criteria and annual compliance checks.
• Crew and vehicle standards.
• Insurance requirements.
• File documentation requirements.
• Quality assurance program.

Serving Adjusters and Their Clients

A SERVPRO franchise professional's job is to reassure the customer, perform quality service and to report to you quickly. We know your job is to interpret the policy and adjust the claim... and not to deal with problems from vendors! Working together we strive to save you time so you can focus on priority files, while having complete control of every loss you are assigned. 24-hour emergency response, damage mitigation, loss assessment, and an electronic file are available to you within hours. SERVPRO franchise professionals’ documented, measured performance increases value to you and your shareholders, managers and customers.

Hard-earned results have made SERVPRO leaders in the fire and water cleanup and restoration industry. The SERVPRO System is geared to achieve customer satisfaction and mitigation results, adding to your company’s competitive advantage.

April Showers bring May Mold

5/13/2021 (Permalink)

Spring is finally here, the temperatures are rising and the rains are coming. All this increase in humidity and moisture can create a perfect environment in homes or businesses. A water damage event in the home or business creates an even higher chance of a mold event occurring if it is not dried out properly. If you notice mold in your home or business give us a call here at SERVPRO at 914-684-1560

Microscopic mold spores naturally occur almost everywhere, both outdoors and indoors. This makes it impossible to remove all mold from a home or business. Therefore, mold remediation reduces the mold spore count back to its natural or baseline level. Some restoration businesses advertise “mold removal” and even guarantee to remove all mold, which is a fallacy. Consider the following mold facts:

Mold is present almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors.

Mold spores are microscopic and float along in the air and may enter your home through windows, doors, or AC/heating systems or even hitch a ride indoors on your clothing or a pet.

Mold spores thrive on moisture. Mold spores can quickly grow into colonies when exposed to water. These colonies may produce allergens and irritants.

Before mold remediation can begin, any sources of water or moisture must be addressed. Otherwise, the mold may return.

Mold often produces a strong, musty odor and can lead you to possible mold problem areas.

Even higher-than-normal indoor humidity can support mold growth. Keep indoor humidity below 45 percent.

WHY SERVPRO? SERVPRO has a proven history of re mediating mold successfully in homes and businesses throughout.

If your home or business has a mold problem, we can inspect and assess your property and use our specialized training, equipment, and expertise to re mediate your mold infestation.

If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today – (914) 684-1560 OR TOLL FREE AT 800-967-6663.

We handle it so you do not have to

5/13/2021 (Permalink)

Running a home or business can be stressful. The day to day tasks that need to be done to keep home and business running can be daunting and tiring. The last thing that you need is a sewage back-up, toilet overflow, pipe break, fire or even mold. SERVPRO of is the assurance you need to keep these issues from being overwhelming.

Our techs are IICRC certified and have years of experience dealing with the issues of flooding, sewage back ups, fire and even mold. The IICRC is a certification and standard-setting non-profit organization for the inspection, cleaning and restoration industries. The training received by our techs allows us to handle all of the unpleasant and difficult parts of a sewage clean-up, pipe break, fire or mold remediation. These tasks are handled in an experienced, timely and professional manner.

We work hand in hand with your home or business insurance and will work hard to get your home or business back to “Like it never even happened.” If your home or business has been affected by any of these issues, SERVPRO is here 24 hours a day 7 days a week, call us anytime.

Campfire Safety Tips

4/28/2021 (Permalink)

With Summer approaching fast you might already be dreaming of upcoming camping trips with friends and family. Camping is a great way to unwind and relax with our loved ones and decompress. However, camping usually means campfires will be started and they can pose a huge safety risk if not utilized properly. Keep reading for some of our favorite campfire safety tips over here at SERVPRO of White Plains & New Rochelle:

• A fire pit is the only place that a campfire should be built. If you’re in a remote area that doesn’t have a pit, dig your own in an open area away from hanging branches or power lines. Once your makeshift pit is built, make sure to circle it with rocks. 
• Once your pit is successfully built, it’s time to safely start your actual campfire. Start with items that will easily catch fire, such as dried leaves and grass. Next, kindle the fire with small twigs and sticks to allow the fire to build. Now it’s time for bigger pieces of wood to be slowly added to the fire. Remember, the fire doesn’t have to be roaring to be effective!
• Keep water and a shovel handy. The water will come in handy for any runaway flames and the shovel will allow you to throw any sand or dirt on flames that break the perimeter of your pit. 
• Ensure your fire is at least 15 feet away from anything flammable. A strong gust of wind can spread your fire in a split second and it’s best to keep 15 feet of distance to ensure it doesn’t gain any traction.
• NEVER leave a campfire unattended!
• Make sure the campfire is extinguished properly. To do so, you should dump water on the fire, stir the ashes with a shovel, then dump more water on the fire to ensure all flames are put out. Once the campfire is cold, you can leave it unattended. 

Be smart, be safe and remember the tips and tricks your friends here at SERVPRO of White Plains & New Rochelle have taught you!  

Protect and Prepare Your Business

4/24/2021 (Permalink)

If you own a business, you need to care for it like you would your own home. With the unpredictable Spring weather upon us, it’s time to prepare for strong winds and rainfall and protect your business. Keep reading for some tips and tricks to help avoid a major loss and blow to your business:

• Confirm coverage with your business insurance.
• Make sure to shore up your landscaping to prevent any damage that can be caused by trees.
• Hire a certified arborist. They can check the trees around your business and recommend steps to prune, stabilize and remove unsafe trees. 
• Get your roof checked by a licensed, bonded, and insured roofing professional to perform a commercial roofing inspection in either the spring or the fall. They will be looking for aging or weathering of materials, loose or missing shingles, bubbles, tears, cracks, etc.
• Think about securing your company vehicles in either a garage or carport. If you don’t have access to either, make sure they are in a secure location away from any unsafe trees, power lines or debris. 

If you do find yourself in the middle of a major loss due to pesky weather, give SERVPRO of White Plains & New Rochelle a call at 914-684-1560. We are more than happy to help get your business back to normal in no time. 

Mold & Your Business

4/24/2021 (Permalink)

As you may have already guessed, mold can present a serious hazard to your business. It can present a health hazard for both you and your employees, which results in lost work and productivity. It doesn’t matter if you’ve experienced a tiny roof leak or a massive water damage, keep reading for some tips and tricks to help you and your business avoid serious mold issues:

• Keep all flood insurance current and all documentation quickly accessible. 
• Install proper ventilation in areas that tend to accumulate a lot of steam and/or moisture. You can do this by installing fans or vents overhead. 
• Think about buying monitors that can give you simple moisture readings and alert you of any spikes. 
• Leave the cleaning to professionals and steer clear of bleach. It still has water in it, so while it may kill some of the spores, it will still add additional moisture to the area. 
• If you find any items that you suspect may have mold on them, get rid of the contaminated items as soon as possible. 
• If you suspect that you may have mold, do not hesitate to get an inspection done in your building right away. 

If you do find yourself with mold issues, SERVPRO of White Plains and New Rochelle is able to help. Our technicians are trained to properly remediate the affected areas and get your business running smoothly in no time. Give us a call at 914-684-1560. 

Thunder & Lightning Precautions

4/22/2021 (Permalink)

With Spring & Summer storms, come thunder and lightning. While they may be interesting to watch, they can pose some serious safety hazards. Due to this, it’s very important that you follow safety precautions when you find yourself in the middle of a thunderstorm. Keep reading to find out some of SERVPRO of White Plains & New Rochelle’s go-to thunderstorm safety tips:

• Lightning most often strikes individuals who work outside or engage in a lot of outdoor and recreational activities. If there is no substantial, non-concrete shelter nearby when a thunderstorm  is approaching, get in your car and wait out the storm.
• Make sure to follow the 30-30 rule. As soon as you see lightning, count to 30. If you hear thunder before you reach 30, go indoors or to your car. Make sure that you stop any outdoor activities for at least 30 minutes after the last clap of thunder.
• If no shelter is available, make sure that you crouch low, and that as little of your body is touching the ground. 
• Make sure that you stay away from concrete floors or walls. Lightning can travel through any metal wires or bars in concrete walls or flooring, putting you at a greater risk. 
• Avoid water during a thunderstorm as lightning can travel through plumbing.
• Avoid multiple types of electronic equipment during a thunderstorm. Lightning can travel through electrical systems, radio and television reception systems, and corded phones. Cordless and cellular devices are safe to use. 

Please keep all of those tips and tricks in mind next time you encounter a thunder or lightning storm. Your friends here at SERVPRO of White Plains & New Rochelle want you happy and healthy! 

Don’t burn the chicken… or the house!

4/18/2021 (Permalink)

With Summer comes the long awaited grilling season! There’s something that feels special about warm weather, sunshine and food on the grill. However, just because grilling season is fantastic, it doesn’t mean that there are no safety risks associated. Keep reading below to find out some of SERVPRO of White Plains and New Rochelle’s favorite grilling safety tips:

• Keep your grill at least 10 feet away from your home at all times. This includes the garage, any carports or porches. Along with that, don’t place your grill under any wooden overhangs.       
• Make sure you regularly clean your grill. Built-up grease and fat will only provide more fuel for a potential fire. 
• Consistently check for any gas leaks.
• Keep flammable items, including decorations, away from your grill at all times.
• Make sure you keep a fire extinguisher within reach of your grill. 
• You should also consider keeping a small spray bottle handy for any minor flare-ups that may occur. 
• NEVER leave your grill unattended.

This summer please stay safe and practice these safety tips while grilling for yourself, family and friends. If you do unfortunately find yourself in a situation where you need assistance cleaning up after a grilling session gone wrong, SERVPRO of White Plains and New Rochelle is here to help. Just give us a quick phone call at 914-684-1560.  

Soot Damage and the Shocking Facts.

4/18/2021 (Permalink)

Here at SERVPRO of White Plains and New Rochelle, we take the state of your home and your health very seriously. This includes soot damage, which our SERVPRO staff and technicians have been trained to deal with. Due to this, we are able to provide you with the best service possible if you are suffering from soot damage in your home. It may be from numerous sources, as any material that can burn is able to produce soot, including candles, cooking oils, tobacco smoke, etc. Regardless, SERVPRO is here to help as soon as possible, so the impact felt on both your health and your home, is as minimal as possible. Keep reading below to find out some information about soot damage that may shock you:

• Did you know that sustained exposure to soot-polluted air and particles can possibly result in a vast array of health effects? This includes asthma, bronchitis, etc.
• Within minutes of soot exposure, plastic surfaces in your home can discolor and turn yellow.
• Within hours, surfaces in your home such as metal can tarnish, fiberglass can yellow and tile grout can become stained.
• Countertops and appliances may also yellow within mere hours of soot exposure.
• Within days, painted walls can permanently yellow, clothing and upholstery can stain, metals can begin to pit and corrode and vinyl floors could need to be replaced. 
• Fast-forward a few weeks and glass, china and crystal can begin to etch and pit, audio and video tapes can begin to distort, and carpet fibers can become permanently yellow and discolored. 

Due to these very serious facts, SERVPRO of White Plains and New Rochelle do not take soot damage lightly. If you suspect you have soot damage in your home for any reason, please give us a call at 914-684-1560. We are more than happy to help.

Keep Up With Your Kitchen.

4/18/2021 (Permalink)

Water is essential for life. We are constantly using it, whether it be to drink, wash dishes, and cook our food. Due to this, our kitchens are one of the biggest culprits when it comes to potential water damages in our homes. The problem is there are so many different appliances, nooks and crannies, and when both of those are combined, it’s a perfect opportunity for a leak to go unnoticed. Keep reading to learn about some common culprits of hidden leaks in the kitchen... this way you can be aware and potentially save yourself from a costly situation. 

Dishwashers are one of the common appliances that can cause pesky leaks that when they go unnoticed, can become a huge issue. One way this can happen is when a leak occurs through the door. Sometimes this happens naturally but usually it occurs due to factors such as using too much soap, overloading the dishwasher or loading it in a way that disrupts the free spraying. Along with that, a dishwasher can also have a hidden leak underneath. These leaks are usually caused by gasket failures, cracks in hoses or faulty connections. Keep this in mind every time you go to use your dishwasher.

Refrigerators are another common kitchen appliance that can cause unsightly leaks in the kitchen. One thing you have to look out for is any broken pipes as they can develop cracks or have gasket failure. Along with that, make sure you’re careful while moving your refrigerator during a cleaning session or for any other reason. Water lines are notorious for breaking when moving the appliance back and forth. Freezers are also another pesky culprit, as ice can melt and leak if your freezer is not functioning properly. Make sure to keep an eye out next time you go to grab some ice cream. 

With all of that being said, make sure to give your kitchen some extra TLC. Make sure all appliances, whether big or small, are functioning properly, and clean up any messes and spills as soon as they happen. If you do happen to find yourself in the middle of a wet kitchen, don’t hesitate to call SERVPRO of White Plains and New Rochelle. We can be reached at 914-684-1560.  

How to Protect Your Property from Strong Winds.

4/14/2021 (Permalink)

While you can’t prevent stormy and windy weather from happening, there are some simple tips that can prevent your home from being severely damaged in the process. Keep reading below for some tips from your friends at SERVPRO of White Plains & New Rochelle, and how we know you can protect your property from strong winds:

• Make sure you review your homeowners policy and verify any coverage you might need.
• Protect any windows or glass doors with storm shutters. 
• Reinforce any doors that could fail under wind pressure.
• Think about trimming or removing any dead, damaged or rotting trees or limbs from your property.
• Secure any objects that are outside your home including patio and lawn furniture, gutters, etc.
• Think about replacing any gravel or rock landscaping material for softer options, like mulch. During strong winds, gravel and rock have the potential to do great damage, such as shredding vinyl siding. 

Follow our tips and tricks to prevent any serious damage if you find yourself and your home in the midst of strong winds. If you did everything you could and still fell victim to those pesky winds, SERVPRO of White Plains & New Rochelle is happy to help. Give us a call at 914-684-1560 and we will be happy to aid in any water damage remediation or tree removal services, 24/7.   

Keeping You Safe is Our Job!

4/7/2021 (Permalink)

Even though it has already been a year, we are still in the grasps of a global pandemic and trying to keep ourselves and our homes as clean as possible. Due to this, you may find yourself using household cleaners and chemicals more often. You may be wondering if there are any tips or tricks to prevent a hazardous situation from occurring, and you’re in luck. SERVPRO of White Plains & New Rochelle employees go through multiple safety training sessions to learn how to keep ourselves and our customers safe from chemicals, both household and industrial. Keep reading to find out some of our must-know tips:

• Keep any bottles containing hazardous chemicals properly labeled and stored. NEVER remove the label unless it is corroding. In that case, carefully re-package and label the container.
• Never store these containers near any food items.
• When using household chemicals, never use near an open flame. 
• Some chemicals should never be combined as they may react, ignite or explode. An example is chlorine bleach and ammonia. 
• Make sure that you have access to the phone number for the National Poison Control Center on both your cell phone and landlines. They can be reached at 1-800-222-1222.

If you ever find yourself hesitant to use chemicals you’re not sure about, SERVPRO of White Plains & New Rochelle is happy to help. Give us a call at 914-684-1560 and we would be glad to answer any questions, or schedule a deep-clean or disinfection of your property. We have the knowledge to keep you safe!

Your Oven Needs a little TLC.

4/6/2021 (Permalink)

It has been a very long year for everyone. We’ve spent more time than ever in our homes and more importantly in our kitchens. Now that Spring has sprung, everyone is focused on cleaning their homes and starting fresh. While we may think of mopping, dusting and sweeping when we think of cleaning, our kitchen appliances also need some TLC. Most importantly it’s vital that our ovens receive proper attention and are cleaned on a consistent basis. Keep reading below to find out why:

• Over time food and grease stick to the plating, grills and metal trays within our ovens. If these particles are not cleaned, they will continue to burn every single time that the oven is in use, increasing the risk for an oven fire.
• Cooking with a dirty oven creates carbon-based fumes and smoke that are hazardous to your home and your health. Not to mention it alters the taste of your food!
• If you don’t feel comfortable cleaning the oven with chemicals, utilize the self-cleaning option on your oven. 
• You can also use a DIY solution of vinegar, baking soda and water. This is an awesome solution for those who don’t like using potent cleaners. The baking soda acts as the abrasive component and the water softens and loosens any baked on particles. 

If you’re not sure where to start and you’re weary of cleaning the oven yourself, SERVPRO of White Plains & New Rochelle is happy to help. Give us a call at 914-685-1560 and we can help you get your home back to a healthy and happy state.

Make sure you have summer fun, not flooding!

3/30/2021 (Permalink)

Now that Spring has arrived, even though some may say it’s too early, we can’t stop thinking about Summer over here at SERVPRO of White Plains & New Rochelle. However, with the beautiful weather and all the fun that it brings, there is also the increased risk of unexpected water damages. For example, one of the most relaxing things to do on a hot Summer day is take a long swim by ourselves or with our loved ones in our pools. While it might be all fun in the sun, if you don’t take the proper preventative measures, it can end up as a not so fun water damage in your home. Here are some tips to make sure your fun summer day swim doesn’t turn into a disaster for your home:

• Ensure that you winterize your pool properly for the off-season.
• Make sure to check for any leaks, cracks or physical damage to the structure of your pool.
• Consistently remove any leaves or other debris from your pool to avoid any clogged filters.
• If you live in an area with heavy rain, make sure that your pool is placed strategically to direct any possible flooding away from your home.

If you do unfortunately find your summer fun ruined by some flooding, SERVPRO of White Plains & New Rochelle will be happy to help. Give us a call at 914-684-1560, we’re available 24/7.

Water your grass, not your home!

3/15/2021 (Permalink)

Here at SERVPRO of White Plains & New Rochelle, we’re passionate about not only remediating any water, fire or mold issues that may arise within your home, but we are also happy to provide you with tips and tricks to help prevent these disasters from ever arising. With that being said, warmer weather is approaching which means we can start thinking about maintaining our beautiful lawns and gardens this Spring and Summer season. Part of that maintenance includes making sure our grass and plants are adequately watered. For some, this might mean they utilize a sprinkler system to guarantee everything stays hydrated. Keep reading below to make sure your sprinkler system keeps your grass and plants hydrated, not your home! Here are some tips to ensure you don’t fall victim to a sprinkler system water damage:

• Clean that filter! This is usually located between the valve box and water main. It should be cleaned at the start of the season and at least once a month during irrigation season. 
• Keep an eye out for any areas where water is gushing or there are excess puddles. This will indicate if and where a repair needs to be made.
• Be aware of your system’s design. The spray from your system should be at least 2 ft away from your home.
• Don’t overrun your sprinkler. Instead of running it every single day, most experts recommend running your system 3x a week for 30 mins a day. 

If you do happen to become a victim of your sprinkler system, don’t panic. SERVPRO of White Plains & New Rochelle is trained to deal with any water damage that comes our way, including sprinkler systems. Give us a call at 914-684-1560 and we would be more than happy to help.

Spring is almost here!

3/8/2021 (Permalink)

Spring is just weeks away, which means warmer temperatures, more sunshine and overall better weather. However, before we can fully soak up all the benefits of Spring, we must endure the increased rainfall that the month of April tends to bring with it. While this precipitation paves the way for the bloom of beautiful flowers, it can be a real bummer while we find ourselves in the midst of multiple rainstorms. Keep reading to learn some tips and tricks on how to deal with, and how to prevent home damage from these pesky storms:

• Make sure that your gutters are completely clear from any and all debris. It’s ideal to make an effort to clean them at least twice a year.
• Make sure that your rain spouts are attached to downspouts that are directed away from the foundation of your residence. 
• Be sure to clear any limbs and trim any concerning trees on your property.
• If your yard tends to accumulate large puddles of water, look into different drainage options. 
• If you do have drainage systems in place already, make sure that they are functioning correctly. 
• Keep an eye out for any wet spots on ceilings and or any obvious leaks coming from the roof. This will require the help of a roofing professional to prevent any further damage. 

If you unfortunately find yourself in a situation where you have interior water damage from a Spring rainstorm, do not hesitate to call SERVPRO of White Plains & New Rochelle at 914-684-1560. We are here for you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 

How To: Keep your Business Happy & Healthy!

2/22/2021 (Permalink)

A tidy workspace is essential to not only the productivity and happiness of its employees, but so much more. Especially now, during a world-wide pandemic, cleanliness impacts much more than meets the eye. Keep reading to realize the benefits of keeping a clean office environment:

• Dusty surfaces, dirty carpets and stale upholstered office furniture can severely impact air quality over time in an office space. Make sure that you keep a consistent schedule that includes wiping down all hard surfaces, vacuuming carpets and cleaning all upholstered furniture, to keep air quality healthy. 
• Carpets and upholstered furniture are known for holding onto dust and debris, so look into getting them professionally cleaning once or twice a year. This will help drastically cut down on respiratory irritants.
• Keeping a clean and sanitized office space doesn’t only help air quality, but it will also reduce germs and bacteria from adhering to high touch surfaces. This will ensure that your office staff, and any visitors, have a decreased risk of getting sick. 
• Cleaning floors and reducing clutter in high-traffic areas, will ensure that there are less slips and falls and keep both employees and visitors safe. 
• Among all the other benefits, having a clean, sanitized and tidy workspace simply makes the business appear more professional to both employees and consumers. 

If you’re feeling overwhelmed and don’t know how to get ahead of workplace germs and clutter, don’t worry. SERVPRO of White Plains & New Rochelle are more than happy to help. We specialize in general cleaning, as well as sanitation and disinfection protocols, to keep your business not only looking fantastic, but also healthy and germ-free. We’re here for you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Just give us a call at 914-684-1560.  

Taking Control Back of Your Home

2/15/2021 (Permalink)

At SERVPRO of White Plains & New Rochelle, we know that any water damage situation can be very overwhelming for you. However, there are plenty of simple tips that we can provide you for initially dealing with water damage situations, that will help you keep calm and take control back of your home:

• Immediately call your homeowners’ insurance company to inquire about what damage is covered, and what is not.
• Take as many pictures of the damage when it initially happens. SERVPRO will always take plenty of pictures once on-site, but you can never have too much documentation of the loss.
• Make sure to identify the cause of loss and figure out how to stop any new water from coming in. 
• Be sure to wear proper personal protection including boots, gloves, etc. if you decide to expose yourself to the water. This helps prevent any potential infections from bacteria-ridden water. 
• Quickly begin to identify and protect any items of value that you can.
• Contact the proper water restoration company to begin clean-up within 24-48 hours if you don’t plan on remediating the loss yourself. This is vital as mold can begin forming 24 hours after a water damage. 

However, as much as we enjoy providing you with the knowledge to take care of your home, please know that we are always here to help here at SERVPRO of White Plains & New Rochelle. We are just one call away at 914-684-1560.

Mold & Your Home

2/12/2021 (Permalink)

While SERVPRO might be best known for helping restore water or fire damages, we’re also very passionate about our ability to help remediate mold infested areas. Mold is nothing to mess around with, and has the ability to strongly impact both your home and your health. At SERVPRO of White Plains & New Rochelle, we have technicians and project managers that take the time to go through rigorous training specialized in how to handle said mold. We know that dealing with mold in your home can be a very overwhelming and scary situation, so we want to make it as simple as possible for you. First, mold testing will need to be performed by a licensed mold inspector or hygienist, to figure out if there is a significant issue going on, and how exactly it should be remediated. Don’t worry if you don’t have someone in mind, as we have plenty of companies that we work closely with and can refer you to. Once we receive the proper protocol, our trained project manager is able to put together an estimate that our trained technicians follow to properly remediate the impacted areas. We also have the proper equipment, such as air scrubbers and HEPA filters to clear the area of any excess spores that might have been missed. Once SERVPRO is done with the remediation, the area will be re-tested to ensure the area has been properly cleaned. The process might take a little while, but it is vital for your home and most importantly your health. It is our goal to leave you with a healthy and happy home here at SERVPRO of White Plains & New Rochelle. Give us a call at 914-684-1560 and we’ll be happy to help!  

Burn candles, not your belongings!

2/8/2021 (Permalink)

With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, plenty of people are gearing up to spend a love-filled day with the individuals that they cherish the most. Most likely, a lot of these celebrations are going to include candles, which do create a great ambiance but pose the potential for fire damage. On average, 21 home candle fires are reported per day. Make sure to keep reading for some great tips on how to avoid danger during your festivities: 

• Keep lit candles at least 12 feet from anything that can catch fire and burn.
• When lighting a candle, make sure that you do not have on any loose or dangling clothing that can catch fire. 
• Don’t light candles in areas such as bedrooms or bathrooms, and if you do, make sure that any flames are blown out before leaving the room or going to bed.
• Make sure to place any candles in a sturdy candle holder before lighting. This will ensure that they don’t tip over and burn something.
• When you can, consider using flameless, LED battery-operated candles. They create a nice atmosphere without any of the risk. 

If you do happen to find yourself suffering from fire damage after Valentine’s Day, SERVPRO of White Plains & New Rochelle is here to help. We’re just one call away at 914-684-1560. 

Winter Storm Orlena & Potential Flooding

2/2/2021 (Permalink)

While the snow has now stopped, winter storm Orlena ended up dumping upwards of 12-24+ inches of snow in multiple areas of New England. When that much snow accumulates, you’re left with mountains of snow piled up on every corner. While it might be just an eye sore at first, once temperatures begin to rise, it’s not just pipes bursting that people should worry about. These piles of snow will begin to melt and the water left behind can easily start flowing towards the nearest body of water, and quickly overwhelm them. This will lead to rising water and consequently flooding of the adjacent land and roads. Remember if you end up experiencing flooding due to the melting snow, SERVPRO of White Plains & New Rochelle is always here to help. Our technicians are IICRC certified and have plenty of specialty training in how to remediate flooding issues that can potentially wreck havoc on your home. It’s our specialty to make it look like the damage never occurred in the first place, and get your life and home back to normal as soon as possible. Contact us at 914-684-1560, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week! 

Happy Healthy Homes

1/11/2021 (Permalink)

While it might be hard to imagine spring coming around in the next few months as the temperatures are dipping around us, however, it will be here in no time. I think we all know the famous saying, “April showers bring May flowers”, but spring also brings more than beautiful weather and flowers. As nature begins to bloom again, different types of pollen and allergens are released, and begin to wreak havoc on allergy sufferers. While we can’t always control the outside weather and pollen levels, there is another important factor when it comes to allergies… our homes. Dust and pet dander easily collect and get trapped on porous surfaces and in household materials, triggering allergies and even asthma. Due to this, it’s immensely important to keep your home clean on a consistent basis, and a deep-clean of your residence would also be highly effective in combating allergy and asthma woes. 

Here at SERVPRO of White Plains & New Rochelle, we understand that life gets crazy, and sometimes you just don’t have time to go above and beyond your daily cleaning. That’s where we step in! Our technicians might be specially trained in disinfection measures, but they are also experienced in deep-cleaning homes that are not impacted by hazardous materials or water/fire damage. Simply cleaning all wall-to-wall carpets, area rugs and paying attention to all hard to reach areas of your home, will dramatically reduce any allergens that are lurking around. We make it our goal here at SERVPRO of White Plains & New Rochelle to help our customers and assist in making their residences safe and healthy to live in, with or without a disaster. If you need us, give us a call at 914-684-1560, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week! 

Snow Safety

1/8/2021 (Permalink)

While the winter season brings the excitement of the holidays and spending time with loved ones, it also brings the possibility of winter storms. Snowfall can be a magical and lovely thing, but it can also pose great danger if it turns into a powerful winter storm or blizzard. Due to this, it’s immensely important to have a plan in place if you find yourself stuck in the middle of a storm. They can come fast and hard, and sometimes not everyone is able to get home in time. Keep reading for some tips to keep yourself safe during rough winter weather: 

• Prepare a disaster supply kit for your home and/or car. Make sure to include a first-aid kit, non-perishable food items, bottled water, a battery-operated radio, flashlight, protective clothing and plenty of blankets. 
• If you must drive, make sure that your car has a full tank of gas. This way, if you get stuck, you will be able to keep the car heated longer while you wait for help. 
• Make sure that your cell phone is completely charged so you are able to communicate with someone about where you are. 
• Make sure that you are dressed in multiple layers, as well as a hat, scarf and gloves, before you leave the house. 
• Stay with your car while you wait for assistance, unless help is visible within 100 feet. 

These tips should help keep you safe during this winter storm season, and remember if you have any issues with burst pipes after the freezing temperatures that come with winter storms, SERVPRO of White Plains and New Rochelle is just a phone call away at 914-684-1560.

Prepare your Pipes!

12/5/2020 (Permalink)

Winter is an exciting time of year for many people around the world, as it brings the holidays and a sense of comfort and joy, but it can also bring plummeting temperatures. This poses a possible problem as frozen pipes can burst once temperatures rise in the spring, so it’s vital that homeowners begin to think about winterizing their properties. Keep reading to learn some helpful tips and tricks that will help prepare your homes for the cold days ahead:

• The absolute best defense against pipe freezing is to buy specifically designed pipe insulation. If you do decide to insulate your pipes, make sure that you pay attention to pipes in unheated and interior areas of your home such as the attic and the garage. If you are unable to buy pipe insulation, you can make your own with duct tape and crumpled newspaper for a temporary fix. 
• Make sure to inspect your home for any holes, cracks or openings and then seal them. This will stop any drafts from freezing the water systems in your home. 
• If you plan on leaving your home at any time, make sure that the heat is on. However, the temperature doesn’t have to be as high as it would be if you were actually in the home, as anything over 55 degrees is optimal to keep your pipes safe. 
• Make sure to keep your thermostat temperature consistent to avoid any sudden changes in the environment of your residence. 
• Interestingly enough, opening your bathroom and kitchen cabinets periodically will allow warm air to circulate around the plumbing. If you are expecting a very cold night, try keep the cabinets open to keep pipes clear.  

However, even with taking the proper precautions, it is still possible that your pipes can burst. If you find yourself in that situation and are unable to handle it, give SERVPRO of White Plains & New Rochelle a call at 914-684-1560. We’re here for you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  

Focus on Fire Safety this Holiday Season!

11/25/2020 (Permalink)

Did you know that there is an increased incident of cooking fires on holidays such as Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day? While the holidays are time for family, laughter and new memories, they can also be the perfect opportunity for disaster if you aren’t careful. However, the good news is that cooking fires can be avoided by simply being attentive to your cooking materials and equipment, not just your loved ones, and practicing the following tips and tricks: 

• Never leave the kitchen if you are frying, grilling or broiling your food. If you have to step away, make sure to turn off the stove. 
• If you are baking or roasting something, make sure to set a timer to alert you when your food should be done, check it periodically and never leave your home while the oven is still on. 
• Make sure that you are fully alert while cooking. If you are tipsy, tired or under the influence of any medication that causes drowsiness, have someone else take over cooking duties.
• Keep anything that can catch fire, including oven mitts, wooden and plastic utensils, towels or any food packaging away from your stovetop. 
• Make sure that any loose or dangling clothing is tucked away so it is not able to come in contact with anything that will cause it to catch fire.

Follow these simple tips and use your best judgment to keep you, your loved ones and your home safe. Remember, SERVPRO of White Plains & New Rochelle is here for you no matter what happens this holiday season, just give us a call at 914-684-1560. 

Fireplaces and Our Homes

11/22/2020 (Permalink)

As the colder months approach, it’s only natural that we’re going to find ourselves trying to stay warm. This means that for many people, fireplaces are going to start being utilized. While they can provide a sense of comfort and bring a great amount of warmth, they do possess the ability to wreak havoc if not used properly. Here are some great tips to stay warm and keep yourself, as well as your home, safe:

• Keep your fireplace clean! Make sure to dispose of any ash and soot before lighting a fire. This allows for a better air flow and cleaner combustion. 
• Make sure that you’re using quality wood. Dry wood burns more cleanly than any other wood, so avoid any wet, rotten or diseased wood. 
• Make sure you are certain that the damper or flue is completely open before starting a fire. Keeping them open until the fire is out will ensure that smoke is drawn out of the house. 
• If possible, keep a window cracked for additional ventilation.
• Always keep a fire extinguisher handy!  
• Never, ever, leave a fire unattended. 
• Make sure to install both smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in your home. Test them every month and change the batteries at least once a year.

Stay warm, stay safe, and remember that SERVPRO of White Plains & New Rochelle is here for you 24/7, 365 days a year. Just give us a call at 914-684-1560. 

Autumn has arrived! You know what that means…

10/9/2020 (Permalink)

Fall is known for being a transitional part of the year. Leaves begin to change colors, the air becomes a little crisper, as a familiar chill surrounds you. However, all of these wonderful things also mean that water damage issues are also in flux. While you might not always think about it, those beautiful, colorful leaves that gracefully fall off their trees, also are a big source of potential damage. Autumn leaves whether we like it or not, clog gutters and downspouts. Now, when substantial rainfall occurs, gutters will then overflow and spill water down exterior walls, which will then penetrate siding and infiltrating wall cavities. Unfortunately, indoor water damage and mold growth can happen as a result of this. That being said, make sure those gutters get cleaned! If you’re not comfortable doing the task yourself, there are plenty of qualified professionals that are willing to take care of it for you. Keeping on top of them can help you avoid a costly and time consuming issue later down the road. 

However, if it does happen to slip your mind, SERVPRO of White Plains & New Rochelle is always here to help. Whether it’s water or mold, we’ve got your back! Our SERVPRO professionals will happily conduct a no-cost assessment of the damage. For more information on SERVPRO of White Plains and New Rochelle, please contact us at (914) 684-1560 or (800) 967-6663. 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year!

Disasters and What They Can Teach Us

9/9/2020 (Permalink)

As you may or may not have known, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) designates September as National Preparedness Month. This simply means that we use the entire month to talk about the importance of everyone, especially business owners, creating a thorough emergency plan for when issues arise, whether it be fire, water, mold or anything in between. Certain disasters bring specific aspects of destruction with them that can require special attention. Business owners need to plan for additional challenges like business interruption and continuation during these challenging times. This is why it is so important to have a plan together that includes not only immediate access to critical data like emergency contacts and insurance information, but also information that pertains to certain disasters and the unique threats that they can pose.

For example, when Tropical Storm Isaias made its way through parts of the US and Canada last month, there was plenty of destruction left in its path, especially in the Northeast. While flooding is often expected and businesses can only do so much to prepare, the more daunting issue Isaias posed was millions of power outages nationwide. While an emergency service plan can help during this time, there is often an extra level of limitation that no electricity can pose. Some businesses are able to invest in backup generators, including stationary or standby generators that will connect to your electricity line, and turn on automatically if you have a power outage. Portable generators are also a less expensive option that some businesses turn to, but they tend to be less powerful and unreliable when it comes to keeping a business up and running. Please note, that if you are able to obtain a generator, always put them outside and away from doors, windows and vents. Using a generator in an enclosed space can cause a buildup of carbon monoxide, which can turn very deadly in a short amount of time so it is important to be careful. This will ensure the health and safety of your employees while allowing your business to be up, running and able to serve the community around you.  

However, if obtaining a backup generator is not an option, risks include an outage of security systems or fire alarms, two essential systems that are meant to keep both businesses and employees safe. This is why when planning for disaster, make sure your alarm system has a fully charged backup battery that will prevent it from turning off if power is lost. It’s important to note that as technology advances, more security systems relying simply on internet connection are coming onto the market. As a business owner, it is important to think about how these systems go down without internet connection and how this will serve your business during a power outage. While general emergency plans are vital to you and your business, it is equally as vital to think about each different disaster and plan for the unique limitations they can pose to you.   

Here at SERVPRO of White Plains and New Rochelle our main goal is to provide you with information that keeps both your business and home running smoothly, even when we’re not needed. Along with that, we would love to be your designated disaster mitigation and restoration provider if that need arrives. Our SERVPRO professionals will happily conduct a no-cost assessment of the damage. We also have access to portable generators which allows us here at SERVPRO to get your business, or home, cleaned up in no time, even without power. For more information on SERVPRO of White Plains and New Rochelle, please contact us at (914) 684-1560 or 800-967-6663. 

Get the Facts, not the Flu!

8/27/2020 (Permalink)

Fall brings the excitement of so many things that we all look forward to every year… leaves changing colors, pumpkins, apple picking, football, Halloween and so much more. However, fall also brings the peak of the dreaded cold and flu season. While this year is a bit different as we are in the midst of a pandemic, the same threat remains from viruses that cause cold and flu illnesses. The CDC recommends taking personal protective measures such as getting up-to-date vaccinations, washing your hands, covering coughs/sneezes, staying home while sick and keeping your distance from others. While these tactics do aid in stopping the spread of these pesky viruses, sometimes it’s just not enough.

Viruses, including influenza, tend to be able to live on surfaces for multiple days. This means if you touch a contaminated surface and then touch your eyes, nose or mouth, you’ve just potentially infected yourself! That is the reason why now is the time to start thinking about calling us here at SERVPRO of White Plains and New Rochelle to deep clean your home or business. We don’t just take care of water damages, fires and mold… we do it all. We have been trained in disinfection and sanitation protocols, and strive to create a safe and germ free environment for you and your loved ones during the cold and flu season. Give us a call at 914-684-1560 to get the facts, not the flu! 

Shiver me timbers!

6/2/2020 (Permalink)

Here comes the thunderstorm with flashes of lightning, claps of thunder and damaging high winds. There are a few days coming up in the next week and a half where thunderstorms are in the forecast. The strong winds associated with thunderstorms can wreak havoc on your property with the destruction of trees and structures. Taking an inventory of the trees near your business will help determine what trees need attention and when to remove them. This is the time to manage the trees around your business before they come crashing down during a storm and affect your business even more than it has been affected with recent events.

Do you know what to look for when visually inspecting trees around your business? Here is a list of things to look for:

• Broken branches and tree limbs
• Inspect branches for growth. Make sure leaves are growing on the branches.
• Are the roots firmly planted in the soil? Does it look like the ground has shifted and the roots are lifting? Look for any suspicious areas of raised ground near the tree.
• Look for any areas of the trunk that might be hollowed out. Is it a significant sized area or hole located in the trunk?

If you have a tree or a few trees exhibiting these symptoms, please call a local arborist to come evaluate the tree or trees to help establish a plan of action. The work could be pricey to rectify but having your business completely out of commission for a downed tree would be more costly. Also keeping your customers safety at the forefront is important.

Here at SERVPRO of White Plains and New Rochelle we have the experience and expertise along with training to help you and your business if there is a tree fall. We will be able to get your business secured by boarding up any open areas from the tree fall, until the tree is able to be removed.

Getting back to business

5/21/2020 (Permalink)

These months of stagnant movement and traffic in places of business has left work spaces stale. Opening back up will entail cleaning, reorganizing, shifting schedules and staggered hours to meet requirements for social distancing. The requirements to establish for social distancing can be time consuming on top of the required cleanings needed to stay within recommendations for a safe community. Customers feeling a sense of security when they patronize businesses will be a priority because without customers there would be no business.

A benefit of having regular cleanings done not only takes care of any pathogens but it also helps keep pollen levels down in your business too. This time of year can be extremely agitating physically and mentally with high levels of pollen in the air. Customers who are comfortable will have a more pleasant experience and will not feel the need to rush out to sneeze , cough, or blow their noses. SERVPRO has established a cleaning protocol to handle in depth and follow up cleanings to help your business follow a cleaning protocol and have your customers feel a sense of safety and security.

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.

Let`s get soaking wet!

5/20/2020 (Permalink)

Memorial Day weekend is right around the corner. The large gatherings, cookouts, swimming pools opening, firework displays and other communal activities have been scaled back significantly for the health of our community and loved ones. The temperatures will be around 70 degrees as a high and there is rain coming on Saturday...BOOO! The rest of the extended weekend looks sunny to partly cloudy and pleasant.

Whether your celebration includes small fireworks, bonfires or swimming pools, safety is paramount. If you are using small fireworks, make sure there is a bucket of water or sand to extinguish them when done. Sparklers can reach 1200 degrees and can cause severe burns or the sparks coming off of it can cause eye damage. Make sure your children, friends or family are not running with them and put them into the bucket of water and sand when complete.

Having a swimming pool is a major responsibility, from keeping it clean to keeping the pH in a normal range. If you top off your pool with water keep an eye on the hose connections and the level of water. If you leave the water hose running for a couple days to top off the pool it can become disastrous if there is a leak that you are not aware of. Make sure the outside faucet the hose is attached to is not leaking, check the water pipe inside the house that is attached to the faucet outside and make sure there is no leaking. Also check the hose connection and the water line at least one to two times a day. Having a leak go undetected for a day or even a few hours can be disastrous and expensive. Trying to get a contractor over a holiday weekend can bestressful but here at SERVPRO of White Plains and New Rochelle we are available 24 hours a day and 7 days a week.

Have a safe and enjoyable holiday weekend. SERVPRO of White Plains and New Rochelle remembers and honors the military members who gave their lives in service to our country.

Hurricane Season

5/20/2020 (Permalink)

Hurricane season is from June 1st to November 30 and will begin in under 2 weeks. Located along the shores of the Long Island Sound our communities have a much greater chance of flooding than our neighbors further inland. Living in flood and hurricane prone areas require an extra level of awareness of the weather, especially during hurricane season. Here are some tips to prepare for a hurricane.

• Build an emergency kit that contains non-perishable canned food for at least three days, a gallon of water for each person in your household for 3 days, fully stocked first aid kit, disinfectant wipes, soap, hand sanitizer, non-prescription medicines for common ailments, prescription eyeglasses, contact lens cleaner, pet food and water, cash, traveler’s checks, important family and household documents, warm blankets for each person, change of clothes, comfortable and sturdy shoes, fire extinguisher, matches, personal hygiene items,paper cups and plates, plastic utensils, paper, pen, pencil, books, puzzles, deck of cards and other games. 
• Learn evacuation routes in case the need to leave arises.
• Sign up for emergency alerts in your area.
• Keep gutters and drains clear of leaves and debris to allow water to flow freely and not dam up.
• Cover all your windows. Permanent shutters are the best option but you can also board up your home's windows using at least marine plywood that has been cut and ready to install.
• Make sure your garage door is reinforced because if wind gets into your garage it can cause extensive damage.
• Make sure your generator is serviced and operational.
• Remove any outdoor furniture, lawn ornaments, or decorations that can become deadly projectiles during extreme high winds. Move them to the basement.
• Charge up all cell phones, laptops and portable batteries.

Staying safe and alive during a hurricane is very important. These items will help you before, during and after a storm has passed.

Keep it clean.

5/17/2020 (Permalink)

As of May 15th Phase One of reopening non-essential businesses has begun in the state of New York. The five types of businesses that can open are Construction, Manufacturing, Wholesale trade, Retail (curbside pickup only), Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing. There are shared requirements for each group of businesses:

• All employees must have masks and they need to be employer provided.
• All workers must practice social distancing and remain 6 feet apart
• Any visitors or customers visiting these places for business need to also wear a mask and maintain social distancing.
• Hand sanitizer must be provided

The retail businesses that will open will need to follow additional guidelines:

• During curbside pickup, employees and purchasers in vehicles must wear a mask; gloves are recommended.
• For in-store pickup, the customer has to order ahead or prearrange orders.
• No more than 50 percent of maximum occupancy
• Patrons in store must wear masks

Even though our area has not begun to open back up, preparations can be made if you are a small business owner in Westchester County. All other areas that did not begin Phase One remain on lock down and will be re-evaluated May 28th. This time also gives small business owners the time needed to get essential supplies and set up protocols to maintain requirements for Phase One. These guidelines also include having spaces cleaned by a professional and qualified company on a regular basis.

SERVPRO of White Plains and New Rochelle can help you with those needs with our experienced and trained technicians. SERVPRO has established a defensive cleaning program that goes beyond janitorial and carpet cleaning. This is a proactive viral pathogen cleaning that helps ensure the cleanliness of the restaurants, businesses and public spaces in the communities we call home.

But...we don`t have a pool?

5/17/2020 (Permalink)

The garden and lawn is an important feature of our homes. The upkeep and maintenance can be time consuming. The need to fertilize, weed and water can take a whole day or two. One of the greatest inventions to keep our lawns and gardens maintained, especially newly planted ones, is home sprinkler systems. Basically just set the timer and it will do the job, so easy and practical. Unfortunately it adds another system that needs to be maintained, not as time consuming as maintaining lawns and gardens but the trade off is worth it. How can you tell if it needs maintenance or if there is an underground leak?

• Recent spike in the water bill. A constant leak will drive your water bill up.
• Visible wet spots in your yard. Once the ground is saturated there is nowhere but up for the water to go.
• Discolored lawn and spots in the yard. Over-saturation of grass will eventually kill it.
• Plants and lawn that look extremely dry and brittle. Uneven watering can also affect plants and areas of grass that are not receiving the water they need to thrive. The leak affects the pressure in the lines and the water will not spray as far as it needs to maintain your lawn and garden.
• Water seepage into your basement. If there is a leaking pipe close to your home, eventually the water will find a path into the basement and create damage that can go unnoticed until there is significant damage.

There are several water damages every year that SERVPRO of White Plains and New Rochelle handles caused by faulty or leaking sprinkler systems. The water leaks have been found to come through window wells, seeping through foundations and even coming in under basement doors. A majority of these water damages had finished basements with carpet, carpet pad, drywall and furniture. A majority of these items that were damaged were ruined because they had been saturated for so long they either warped or became moldy and it needed to be discarded. The average water damage costs between $2,000 to $5,000. The average cost for lawn sprinkler maintenance is $50-$120 per service call. Maintenance is significantly cheaper than not maintaining your systems.

Rain, Rain GO AWAY!

5/17/2020 (Permalink)

Having a stretch of days without rain in times of social distancing and quarantining make these times a little more bearable. Outside activities from walking to riding bicycles are needed to combat quarantine / cabin fever. Enjoy the outdoor activities but also be aware: as the humidity rises, along with temperatures, so does the threat of thunderstorms and lightning occurring unannounced. Do you know how to stay safe during these powerful storms? Is your home prepared for heavy rains and winds? What do you do in case of a lightning strike?

Staying safe during a thunder and lightning storm is staying away from windows or anything that will conduct electricity. Do not sit or lean on any metal objects such as window or door frames and stay away from concrete floors and walls because the concrete contains moisture. All these surfaces conduct electricity and can cause physical harm if lightning strikes your home.

A storm happening quickly and unexpectedly can catch people off guard but make sure all your windows and doors are closed and secure. These storms usually are accompanied by high winds and can blow doors open if they are not closed properly, leaving a large area for rain to blow into your home and cause damage.

The heavy rains can cause damage but lightning striking your home can cause extensive damage. The electricity from the strike will follow all paths that are conductive. The plumbing and electrical systems of homes are susceptible to lightning strikes. If lightning strikes your home but you do not see damage or fire, call the fire department immediately. Lightning will smolder behind walls or short out electrical systems and create a fire. Eventually the fire will make its way out of the rafters or from behind the walls and into the home creating extensive fire damage.

If you are on the unfortunate end of these storms, rest assured SERVPRO of White Plains and New Rochelle is available 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. We have decades of experience and training to get your home back to pre-storm condition. We can mitigate water damage, remediate mold and clean your home of fire,smoke and soot damage. We can also install all new materials as needed with our rebuild department. We will take care of you from start to finish.

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned – a defensive cleaning program

5/13/2020 (Permalink)

Let us help you get back to business

As our communities re-open, 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 touch points, 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 the 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 White Plains and New Rochelle today at  914-684-1560 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.

ACHOO!!!

5/13/2020 (Permalink)

The pollen this year seems to be extremely high. Coughing, sneezing, itchy eyes, nasal congestion, runny nose and just general irritability are some of the symptoms of allergies. The misery of these symptoms combined with side effects of allergy medication can make this time of year uncomfortable and unbearable. SERVPRO OF White Plains and New Rochelle can help alleviate the irritants and allergens in your home with a thorough and professional deep clean. Maintaining a clean home is vital to a healthy breathing environment. If you suffer from allergies and are sensitive to the environment in your home, scheduling an initial deep clean and follow-up cleanings will help reduce the number of allergens affecting you, your family and guests.

SERVPRO of White Plains and New Rochelle has years of training, certification and experience to clean your home thoroughly. The company of SERVPRO started in 1967 as a painting business by Ted and Doris Isaacson and two years later in 1969 along with Ted and Doris`s experience in cleaning and restoration, SERVPRO was transformed into a clean-up and restoration business. The knowledge and their expertise has been handed down from them to all of their franchises for 50 years. Armed with that knowledge and along with IICRC certifications our technicians are trained extremely well and certified. IICRC is the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration is the non-profit certifying body for the cleaning and restoration industry. Our technicians and even office staff are certified to serve all of our customers in an informed and professional manner.

Re-opening and fire prevention

5/11/2020 (Permalink)

As the numbers continue to decline in Coronavirus deaths and new infections, we begin to think about what life will be like opening back up to the world. Our homes and businesses have been in a state of limbo for a few months.The downtime we have had gives us an opportunity to re-evaluate and refresh our policies at work and work on projects at home that have been put off due to busy schedules.

Now is the perfect time to ensure that your business or workplace is up to date and fire-safe.  The downtime can be used to improve the safety of your business or workplace. Here are some helpful tips:

• Organize any cluttered spaces. Clean out storage rooms and closets and discard anything that is unnecessary. Clutter will help fuel a fire if one happens, it can also block necessary paths of travel during an emergency.
• Designate smoking areas and make sure they are in an area clear of any flammables. Set up proper smoking receptacles such as smoking towers or containers with sand in them to extinguish cigarettes.
• Inspect all fire extinguishers and replace any if necessary.
• Have any electrical issues inspected and corrected. Faulty wiring is a major cause of fires.
• Maintain clear paths to electrical panels in case of an emergency and the power needs to be shut off. Having clear access to these panels can prevent extensive damage to property and workers.
• Now would be a good time to perform annual sprinkler and fire alarm tests and if there are any issues have them corrected quickly.
• Make sure emergency exit plans and diagrams are up to date. Have emergency exit plans and emergency numbers posted in a high traffic area for all to see in case of an emergency.

These fire prevention steps will help maintain a safe work environment and keep you, your employees, co-workers, vendors and customers safe. If you do have the unfortunate event of a fire, contact us here at SERVPRO of White Plains and New Rochelle. We have the experience and training to get your business back to “Like it never even happened.”

It`s ELECTRIC..Boogie woogie, woogie!

4/30/2020 (Permalink)

April showers bring May flowers. This rain we have been getting can seem to be overwhelming during these times of self quarantine and self isolation. I definitely love being able to go outside and enjoy the sun, warm temperatures and fresh air. Those days will be here soon but those days bring the threat of thunder and lightning storms. Storms are not an event we can avoid but we can prepare.

A lightning strike will cause a loud boom and rattle your home.Did you know that a lightning strike on a home causes fire a majority of the time? The lightning strike can reach temperatures of 50,000 degrees. That is some very intense electricity and heat. Homes that are newer are better prepared to absorb the strike than an older home, sometimes only creating minimal exterior damage. The real concern no matter the age of the home is the interior structure of water pipes and electrical wiring. Call the fire department immediately. There may be no visible damage inside the home but lightning strike tends to operate behind the walls and in attics. The power surge can blow circuits and burn wires leading to a fire behind your walls that can go unnoticed until it is too late. The lightning can also follow water pipes until they are able to get to ground and if it is within or located on or in flammable objects then a fire will happen.

Calling the fire company as soon as the lightning strike happens will help prevent further damage or loss in your home because if there is a fire behind your walls or in your attic you will not see or smell it until it is too late. Also call an electrician to check the electrical systems throughout your home for function and if they find any damage,  repair it immediately. One last option would be to have a lightning rod/rods installed on your home. They will help provide a path of low resistance for the lightning to follow if a strike occurs. Although they are pricey, it can be worth it to prevent damage to your home.There are some insurance companies that will provide incentives for installing a safety feature that will save for all involved as well as heartache and stress for you.

If you do have damage from a fire caused by lightning or any other source, reach out to us here at SERVPRO of White Plains and New Rochelle. Our technicians are certified and experienced to return your home to its original condition.

Keep an eye on your business

4/22/2020 (Permalink)

The lack of employees or customers in a business or work space means there are not a lot of eyes on the property.There should be a person assigned to building and work space monitoring during this time. If there is a water leak during these down times, active monitoring will be able to catch the leak and address it immediately.The average cost for a residential water loss is between $2,000- $5,000 but in a business these costs can be much higher due to inventory loss and the added cost of downtime from the mitigation and repair process. Here are some suggestions to help keep your business safe from water damages during the shutdown:

• Have an employee or trusted individual perform regular checks throughout the day. Checking the business 3 times a day. Morning, Noon and Night. A walk through to see if there are any unusual puddles of water or leaks , we have had some serious rain and wind recently .

• While walking through the business look at the ceiling for any water marks or browning areas which could indicate a water leak.

• Turn off the water to any toilets , sinks or any other water that is not being used . This will help prevent a major water loss from a toilet feed line or water line feeding the sink.

• Have the water main and shut off valves labeled in case there is a need to shut them off and someone unfamiliar with the space needs to shut them off.

• Make sure a list of emergency contacts for local police and fire departments is available to the person who is monitoring the property .

If there is a water loss at the business and you need to have it cleaned up and taken care of , remember SERVPRO of White Plains and New Rochelle is available 24 hours a day and 7 days a week.

OH MOLD SHE DIDN`T!!

4/22/2020 (Permalink)

Mold at your business can be a nightmare and with the current downtime it would be a good time to walk through and check for mold or mildew. Check areas that are prone to water and moisture such as bathrooms, kitchens and basement areas. If you do not see any mold but smell mildew, take a deeper look in cabinetry around sinks in the bathroom and kitchen and check behind and under shelving in the basement. Here are some tips to deal with mold:

• Keep insurance for floods up to date and keep it in an area that is accessible.

• If you have had moisture issues in any of those areas, now would be a great time to install proper ventilation. Install fans or vents where needed to alleviate the excess moisture.

• Install a dehumidifier in basement areas, this will help keep moisture at acceptable levels.

• If you do have a water leak, a small one that is not due to flooding, remove any items from the area that have been affected by the leak.

• If you do find mold, avoid bleach.There is still water in bleach and while it will smell great and remove surface mold, there will still be residual moisture left behind and the root of the mold will not be treated. Call a professional who has been trained in proper mold cleaning techniques.

Give us a call here at SERVPRO of White Plains and New Rochelle and we will handle the rest or all of it. Our certified and experienced technicians will handle your business with care and professional attention.

Damaging winds and storms

4/22/2020 (Permalink)

The wind and rain storms have been strong recently. Trees have been uprooted causing damage to homes, vehicles and even people. The high winds associated with these storms can be damaging to your home, even if you do not live in an area prone to hurricanes and tornadoes. With us being located along the shore and with these winds coming off the ocean and sound they can be severe at times.

Recent wind and storms have left a lot of people without power. This can be detrimental during the winter months with homes heated by electric heat. Here are some tips to keep home as safe as possible during these windy times:

• Have all the trees on your property that are close to your house inspected by a tree specialist. If they determine the trees are at risk , have them trimmed or removed. Trees can cause extensive damage or loss of life if they fall on your house.

• Make sure your windows are storm resistant and if they are not, have new ones installed or install shutters to protect them during storms.

• Secure or bring in any outdoor furniture including grills. They can become dangerous projectiles during high winds and severe storms.

• Have a home generator installed to handle any power outages that may occur due to downed wires. Generators can be a life saving tool during the cold winter months and hot summers.

These tips should help you stay safe during these stormy times.

Check your lines

4/16/2020 (Permalink)

We have received a large amount of water damage jobs through the years that have been caused by faulty water feed lines and usually are not noticed until hardwood flooring is buckled or cupped, carpets are wet or someone begins to smell mildew and mold. This can be prevented with some simple solutions.

If your refrigerator has an ice-maker the feed line should be replaced with a copper one. We had a job where a contractor accidentally put a nail through a plastic feed line and the leak went undetected for a long time. The damage from that included the entire wood floor of a kitchen and the drywall in the refrigerator surround as well as the ceiling in the finished basement below. This particular job cost thousands of dollars to rectify. A simple copper line would have prevented the piercing.

Dishwasher feed lines are usually undetected and tucked into the bottom of cabinetry. Check to make sure there are no kinks in the line. We have had several jobs in the past few months where a dishwasher line has leaked and ruined the hardwood flooring in the kitchen and the cabinetry around it. This was also a couple thousand dollar job to rectify.

When you initially order appliances request that the water supply lines be switched to metal braided lines. If you move into a home that already has appliances take the time to inspect the lines for any wear, kinks or holes. You can replace all the lines with metal braided lines, the metal braided lines are more durable and will last longer than plastic lines. If you take a vacation, even a mini vacation, make sure the water supply lines are turned off. When you come home turn them on one at a time to make sure there is no leakage.

The cost of an average water damage is between $2,000 - $5,000 but the inconvenience of not being able to use your kitchen, bathroom, laundry and other facilities because of necessary repair work hurts even more. Take an hour or two once a month and inspect your appliance water feed lines, it will save you time and money in the future.

If you find your kitchen floors buckled , finished basement carpet soaked , or bathroom floors flooded , call us here at SERVPRO of White Plains and New Rochelle. We have the experience and training to get your home back to preloss condition from start to finish.

Work, work, work

4/15/2020 (Permalink)

Home has become the new office. Turning a room into an office can be a process, from setting up furniture to setting up computers, printers, laptops, charging stations and any other necessary equipment to make the home office viable. In the shift from work office to home office be mindful to inspect equipment as you set it up. Here are some safety tips for setting your home office up:

• Check all cords for any frays or exposed wires and if you find a damaged wire replace it immediately.
• Only use extension cords on a temporary basis and unplug when not in use.
• Unplug any of the other equipment that is not in use to save energy and reduce the risk of fire.
• Do not overload outlets
• Be careful where you place cords. Do not run in areas that would create a tripping hazard. Do not run cords under carpets/rugs or under doors.
• Keep all papers or anything combustible away from any heat sources.
• Make sure you have functioning smoke alarms. Replace smoke alarms every 10 years and change batteries yearly.

These are unprecedented times we are living in and a large amount of people are working from home. Electrical and fire safety is paramount. According to the NFPA or the National Fire Protection Association, in 2018 there were 363,000 fires in home dwellings. A little bit of care and caution can prevent such fires in your home. Fires do occur unexpectedly and in the event of a fire get out quickly and call 911. Call us here at SERVPRO of White Plains and New Rochelle we have the experience and training to return your home to you “Like it never even happened.”

Come get your SERVICES!

4/15/2020 (Permalink)

A flooded basement, a fire damaged kitchen and a moldy bathroom all need attention. The proper attention. Here at SERVPRO of White Plains and New Rochelle we have the experience and training to handle any job that comes our way. We have been here 25+ years in the community and service our community with pride.

What do you do if you have a flooded basement? First get the source of the leak repaired by a professional or if it is storm related, wait for the storm to pass. Then give us a call we will come and extract the water and remove any of the affected materials and set up drying equipment. Our Project Managers will monitor drying until your home is completely dried out. If you need rebuild services we also offer that as well too. A one stop shop.

If you have fire and soot damage, we can handle that too. We will clean all surfaces with approved chemicals and sponges to remove all the soot. We will catalog any affected items and set up air scrubbers to help eliminate the smell of smoke. We will also discard any damaged item after cataloging it for insurance purposes. We can also offer painting and rebuilding after the clean up process is complete.

A moldy bathroom can be handled by us. First a mold test will need to be done by the proper Mold Tester or Hygienist . If the results say there is a significant issue we will follow the cleaning and removal protocol set up by the Hygienist and clean the affected area and remove anything that needs to be removed. We will also install air scrubbers with HEPA filters to clean the air of the excess mold spores. After the cleaning process there will be another test to make sure the mold spore levels are where they should be. If the test is passed then the bathroom can be put back together.

We have many services and work with insurance companies. We want to make these life experiences less stressful. Call us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including weekends and holidays. SERVPRO of White Plains and New Rochelle is in the community serving the community.

Windy City

4/13/2020 (Permalink)

The storm currently moving through our area is an intense one and it originated from the southern United States where tornadoes struck Louisiana and Mississippi. There are high wind warnings in effect until 6 p.m. tonight with the possibility of winds gusting up to 70 mph. The wind, heavy rain and localized flooding along the shore could be an issue.This storm has the possibility to down trees, power lines and also flood homes. Here are some storm preparedness tips:

• Keep a storm safety kit that includes a battery or hand crank operated radio, flashlight, batteries, first aid kit, drinking water supply for three days, non-perishable food, manual can opener, pet food, towels, toilet paper, sanitary items, work gloves, duct tape, copy of insurance documents, blankets, list of phone numbers of emergency services, hammer, nails, and a fully stocked toolbox with screwdrivers, wrenches and a small hatchet.
• Stay inside during the storm; with high winds there could be debris flying through the air that could cause injury.
• If the electricity does go out, use flashlights instead of candles, call the power company right away, and unplug large appliances to prevent surging when the power comes back on.
• Only open the refrigerator/freezer when necessary to keep food cold as long as possible and to prevent spoilage.
• Stay away from any downed power lines and consider any power line as live and extremely dangerous.

After the storm passes, assess your home and if you do have any flooding, need a window boarded up, and/or have a tree that fell into your home, call us here at SERVPRO of White Plains and New Rochelle. We have the training and experience to deal with flooded and damaged homes.

Cleaning house and chemical precautions

4/3/2020 (Permalink)

Cleaning the house is a normal necessary everyday task done on a regular basis. Some people clean certain parts of their house on certain days and some people clean it all at once over the weekend. Due to this pandemic it has been recommended that all high touch surfaces be cleaned which includes table tops, counter tops, switch plates, handrails, door knobs, cabinet handles, appliance handles, remote controls, toilet handles, faucets, computer keyboards, computer mouse and any other surface in your home that might be high touch.

There are various cleaning products used to clean homes due to different surfaces and which is safe to use on each surface. Some of your choices are from bleach, vinegar, ammonia and even isopropyl alcohol for sanitizing. Using these chemicals separately is ideal because mixing one chemical with another can result in breathing difficulties and even death. Here are some examples:

• Ammonia and bleach mixed create a dangerous and deadly chlorine gas.

• Bleach and vinegar mixed also create a dangerous and deadly chlorine gas.

• Hydrogen peroxide and vinegar mixed creates peracetic acid or corrosive acid.
• Isopropyl Alcohol and bleach mixed creates dangerous and deadly chloroform and hydrochloric acid.
• Bleach and toilet bowl cleaner (containing sodium bisulfate) mixed creates dangerous toxic fumes .

If you are unsure about using chemicals together, do not combine them and use one at a time. There is a lot of cleaning and sanitizing happening now. Cleaning is being done on a more regular basis now due to the pandemic. The need to keep our homes free of any harmful pathogens is a must, to prevent ourselves or our family members from getting sick. You can also reach out to us at SERVPRO of White Plains and New Rochelle and let us clean for you. We do offer deep cleans and proactive cleans to help get rid of nasty germs in your home. We want you and your family to stay safe and healthy.

Fish don`t fry in the kitchen, beans don`t burn on the grill

4/2/2020 (Permalink)

Working and schooling from home has become the new normal for the time being and family is home all day long during this pandemic. What do you do for meals with restaurants and cafes shutting down their seating areas and only having delivery or take-out? Do you take a chance and go pick your food up or do you have someone bring it to you? Do you cook at home for all your meals to keep your family safe? If you have your home stocked well with food and are cooking on a regular basis cooking safety is important. Here are some tips to prevent kitchen fires:

• Keep appliances clean,serviced and in good working condition. Make sure toaster ovens are free of food debris and cleaned regularly. Clean stove tops after each use and also make sure ovens are also cleaned on a regular basis. Check electrical cords to make sure the cords are not frayed or exposing any wires and if they are , stop using the appliance immediately. Replace any compromised appliance immediately or as soon as possible.

• Install a smoke detector in a room next to the kitchen. You do not want to have a smoke detector going off every time you cook. If your dining room is open and connected to your kitchen, place a smoke detector in the dining room area.

• Do not use metal in the microwave.

• Be careful to not overfill pots with water or pans oil. Pots over flowed with boiled water can create build up on the stove top. Grease splatter can cause fires also. Clean up stove tops as soon as cooking is done.

• Tie up long hair and roll up loose sleeves it only takes a few seconds for hair or fabric to catch fire.

• Do not leave cooking food unattended. If you are cooking in oil it is especially important to keep an eye on it. If you have to leave the kitchen or house while cooking for any reason such as keeping an eye on children or pets, turn off the stove or oven .

• Dish towels , pot holders and paper towels should be kept away from stove tops just in case a burner is left on accidentally or it has not cooled down enough.

• Keep pot and pan handles turned inward and not outward where they can be bumped or knocked over.

Stay safe at home during these trying times and if you need us for any water, fire, mold or proactive clean, we are here 24/7. We are in this together.

Spring has sprung but the lawn has sprung a leak

3/23/2020 (Permalink)

Spring started on the 19th of March but that would be hard to believe with the cold temps and snow falling today. The good news is by the end of the week temperatures will be close to 60 degrees and it will feel more spring like. With the spring-like temperatures yard work such as gardening and lawn care can be done to break up the monotony of being home.

Lawn maintenance is paramount to have a beautiful lawn and garden. Fertilizing the lawn and gardens will help provide nutrients that may be missing. Proper watering and irrigation combined are necessary to achieve lush gardens and lawns. One way to maintain proper watering is through an automatic sprinkler system. Sometimes those watering systems do not perform properly and we have had a few basement flood calls due to leaking or malfunctioning sprinkler systems. Here are some tips to keep your home dry and your lawn green.

• Before shutting the sprinkler system down for the winter time, blow out the sprinkler lines with compressed air to prevent freezing of the lines.
• In the spring before turning the sprinkler system on, contact a professional service. They have the equipment, knowledge and experience in case there is a leak.
• During the start up in the spring have the professional check the connections and valves for leaks and sprinkler heads that may not be operating properly.
• About 3 months after start up have a professional service come out and check your system again to check sprinkler head alignment and to do a check to make sure it is functioning properly.
• If you do have water entering your basement and it appears that there is no known source, turn off your sprinkler system until the source of water intrusion can be found.

If you do have the unfortunate event of having a flooded basement , call us here at SERVPRO of White Plains and New Rochelle 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Our technicians have experience and are trained to handle any and all water intrusion events.

Practice fire safety

3/18/2020 (Permalink)

Social distancing and the threat of serious illness due to this pandemic has closed schools and workplaces. Homes have become classrooms and home offices.The whole family at home can be stressful and children get bored quickly. One way to break up the monotony would be to get the whole family together to go over your home fire plan.

Going over your fire plan can be checking smoke detectors, making sure they are operational and changing batteries if necessary. It would also be a good time to install smoke detectors if you have not already. Assign the kids to test fire detectors and change the batteries when needed. Check all fire extinguishers in your home and review with the family how to use one. Using the P.A.S.S. method can be an easy way to remember how to use an extinguisher.

1. P. Pull pin at the top of the extinguisher.

1. A. Aim the nozzle at the base of the flames and keep it low.

1. S. Squeeze the trigger to discharge the extinguishing agent.

1. S. Sweep the nozzle side to side aiming at the base of the fire.

If the fire becomes too large and it can not be controlled or you do not know how to handle it, exit safely and immediately. Your life and the lives of your family members are more important than possessions.

Another important part of the home fire plan would be the home fire escape plan. Review with all family members the plan to get out of the home safely in case of a fire. You and your family should come up with a plan to get out of the home in 2-minutes or less. Here are some tips to create a home fire safety plan.

1. Everyone in the home should know 2 different ways to get out of every room and the home.

1. Stay low when exiting because smoke is dangerous.

1. Have a meeting place established outside the home and out of harms way. Call 911 as soon as possible without risking your safety.

1. Do not go back in the home for people, pets or belongings.

1. You may have less than two minutes to get out of your home once a fire begins.

1. Practice your escape plan multiple times throughout the year.

Having these plans in place will help keep you and your family safe.If you do have a fire event reach out to us here at SERVPRO of White Plains and New Rochelle. We have the necessary training and experience to get your home back to “Like it never even happened.”

We are cleaning experts

3/16/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is Here to Help during this time of need

During this unprecedented time caused by the global pandemic of coronavirus, this is a reminder to our customers that we are specialists in cleaning services, and we adhere to the highest cleaning and sanitation standards.

Specialized Training

We are prepared to clean and disinfect your home or business, according to protocols set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We have years of experience in dealing with biological contaminants, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform on a daily basis.

The CDC encourages cleaning of high-touch surfaces such as counters, tabletops, doorknobs, light switches, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets and tables. Other spaces mentioned in the CDC’s guidance for commercial spaces include:

• Kitchen/Food Areas
• Bathrooms
• Schools/Classrooms
• Offices
• Retail Spaces
• Water Fountains
• Shelving/Racks
• Sales Counters
• Carpets and Rugs
• Stair Handrails
• Elevator Cars
• Playground Equipment
• Fitness Equipment

Specialized Products

The CDC recommends usage of a labeled hospital-grade disinfectant with claims against similar pathogens to the coronavirus. Multiple products in the SERVPRO product line carry the EPA-approved emerging pathogens claims. While there is currently no product tested against this particular strain of the coronavirus, we are following all guidelines as provided by the CDC and local authorities.

If your home or business needs deep cleaning services, call the experts today –  SERVPRO of White Plains and New Rochelle  at 914-684-1560

Tornadoes and damaging storms

3/5/2020 (Permalink)

We have all watched the news or listened to the radio as the news unfolded about the tornado in Tennessee. The horrific damage that occurred and the loss of life is devastating. Our area had a tornado on July 13th, 2006 that affected Westchester county and cut a 20 mile path into Connecticut. With wind speeds up to 150mph the F2 tornado flipped cars, damaged roofs and ripped out walls of warehouse buildings. Luckily there were no serious injuries reported and the damage was mostly property. If a tornado would strike Rye, Rye Brook, Larchmont,White Plains, New Rochelle, Purchase, Mamaroneck or Port Chester would you know what to do?

One of the interviews on the news showed a resident who had heard the tornado warning and immediately grabbed his young child and ran to the basement. As the father was running down the stairs he looked back because of the noise and saw the roof of their home being ripped off. His quick action and knowing what to do ultimately saved his and his child's life. Would you know what to do in case of a tornado warning?

1. Seek shelter immediately. Find shelter in your basement. Stay away from any windows, shelves that might fall on you or under any heavy appliance upstairs that might fall through the floor. Cover your head. 
2.  Get off the road or out of your mobile home.Do not hide beneath an underpass because it becomes a wind tunnel as the high winds are squeezed through a smaller space and projectiles can cause bodily harm or death. Find a ditch and lay as flat as possible until it passes. Cover your head.
3. If your home does not have a basement, find a central location that does not have windows such as a bathroom and crotch down covering your head.

Tornadoes move quickly and when a warning is issued it means one is on the ground and safety measures have to be taken immediately. Unlike hurricanes which we normally have advanced warning before they make landfall, tornadoes are deadlier because of their unpredictable nature and their voracious appetite.

If you have storm damage, SERVPRO of White Plains and New Rochelle has the experience and certification to handle water damage, fire and smoke damage. We also have a rebuild department to help get your home back to prestorm shape.

Cold, Freezing,Warm and Freezing again...

2/28/2020 (Permalink)

Spring is under a month away but this current weather would make it seem like spring is already here. According to the Farmers Almanac, spring will be off to a slow start with winter lingering close to April. Until April there will be occasional wet snow and unseasonably chilly weather. Keep those shovels, rain boots and a bag of rock salt out and ready to go just in case.

These temperatures are fluctuating from freezing to mild and precipitation from snow to rain. These conditions can wreak havoc on your vulnerable pipes in your home. When the freezing temperatures happen over a few days followed by a quick warm up,pipe breaks occur more often. What can you do if you find a frozen pipe? Here is a list of some tips to help you keep your water pipes flowing.

1. Open up the faucet to allow the water to flow out once it begins to thaw..

2. Apply heat to the area of the pipe that is frozen. Use a blow dryer or some electrical heat tape to slowly thaw out the frozen pipe. You can also use both of them together. Do not use a propane torch or any other open flame device to thaw pipes out. Pipes need to thaw slowly and the open flame also poses a fire hazard.

3. Keep applying heat until the water returns back to a normal flow.

4. Check the other faucets in your home to make sure they are not frozen. If you find them frozen repeat the steps above.

After these steps have been taken you should have free flowing water in your faucets, if you do not, call a professional in to resolve it. If you have a pipe break in your home which results in causing flooding, call us here at SERVPRO of White Plains and New Rochelle. We service White Plains, New Rochelle, Rye, Rye Brook, Larchmont, Purchase, Port Chester, Harrison, Pelham and surrounding areas. We are here 24 hours a day ,7 days a week and 365 days including holidays.

Spring is on the way

2/24/2020 (Permalink)

Spring is a month away and it will be time to travel to vacation homes and beaches. If your vacation homes were closed up for the winter and hardly being used, a spring cleaning might be in order. What do you do if you arrive there and you have a water leak, a broken water or sewage pipe? After calling a plumber and repairing the leak, call us here at SERVPRO of White Plains and New Rochelle. We can handle and have the experience to clean up pipe breaks, water damages, water losses of any kind as well as sewage backups. We also handle mold remediation, fire damage and fire restoration. Our rebuild department is also available for rebuilding any type of water, fire or mold damage that has occurred.

If your vacation home is not in the Rye, Rye Brook, New Rochelle, Larchmont, Port Chester, Mamaroneck, Harrison, Purchase or Pelham, SERVPRO has 1700 franchises located throughout the country and we can service your home or vacation home. In case of a major storm or disaster SERVPRO and it's franchises are able to mobilize and work in conjunction to make sure your home, neighborhood and event town get back to “Like it never even happened.”

We handle it so you don't have to.

2/14/2020 (Permalink)

Running a home or business can be stressful. The day to day tasks that need to be done to keep home and business running can be daunting and tiring. The last thing that you need is a sewage back-up, toilet overflow, pipe break, fire or even mold. SERVPRO of White Plains and New Rochelle is the assurance you need to keep these issues from being overwhelming.

Our techs are IICRC certified and have years of experience dealing with the issues of flooding, sewage back ups , fire and even mold .The IICRC is a certification and standard-setting non-profit organization for the inspection, cleaning and restoration industries.The training received by our techs allows us to handle all of the unpleasant and difficult parts of a sewage clean-up, pipe break , fire or mold remediation. These tasks are handled in an experienced , timely and professional manner.

We work hand in hand with your home or business insurance and will work hard to get your home or business back to “Like it never even happened.” If your Rye, Larchmont, Harrison, White Plains, New Rochelle, Purchase, Port Chester, Rye Brook or Pelham home or business has been affected by any of these issues, SERVPRO of White Plains and New Rochelle is here 24 hours a day 7 days a week, call us anytime.

Cold SNAP!

2/14/2020 (Permalink)

The weather has swung back to a cold snap here in White Plains and New Rochelle. Today's temperature will not rise above freezing. Overnight the temperature will drop to the low teens and Saturday`s temps will remain below freezing as well. Sunday we will rise above freezing for the first time since Thursday. The higher than normal temperatures have made us a little too comfortable and checking to make sure your vulnerable water pipes and faucets are protected from freezing is vital. Here are some quick tips to prevent a broken pipe in your home.

1. Leave the water drip or a small trickle running from faucets that are connected to at risk water lines. This will keep them from completely freezing.

1. Make sure your heat thermostat is staying at a regular temperature and not fluctuating. Nest thermostats have an eco setting for when no one is home. I have recently had one installed and during one of our cold spells this year I checked the temperature of my home while I was working. It was a good call, my Nest had an eco temp of 40 degrees Fahrenheit when I was not home. That is way too cold and my home was more vulnerable to a pipe break because of it. I have adjusted the eco temp to 60 degrees Fahrenheit since then and all is well.

1. Open kitchen cabinets under the sink and in bathrooms to allow warm air to circulate around them. This will prevent freezing as well.

1. If a room still feels chilly during a cold spell consider using a portable heater temporarily for that room to raise the temperature to a warmer temperature.

Stay warm for the next 2 days and if you do have any issues with pipes freezing and breaking remember SERVPRO of White Plains and New Rochelle is here 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and that includes weekends. Call us anytime.

Rainy Winter

2/11/2020 (Permalink)

This winter has been a wash out. The expectation of snow has given way to the disappointment of rain, and lots of it.This time of year everything is usually frozen and there is no worry of flooding or leaking roofs but the ground has been over saturated ,basements are beginning to flood and roofs are leaking. Have you taken steps to protect your home from over saturation and heavy rain?

Here are some ways you can protect your home:

1. Sump Pump - Have a contractor install a sump pump in your basement to drain any water back outside that may enter your basement.
2. Backwater Valve - Have this device installed to prevent city sewage from backing up into your home.
3. Roof / Chimney Inspection - have your roof inspected on a regular basis to check for damage and repair as needed to prevent leaks. Water can seep in through cracks on your chimney so have any cracks repaired immediately.
4. Property Inspection - if you notice areas on your property that are collecting water or over saturated contact a landscaping company to see what your options would be to rectify those areas.
5. Gutter Cleaning - make sure your rain gutters are clear of all debris. Have your gutters cleaned on a regular basis to ensure there is no spill over of water into your home.

These tips will help you keep your home free of damage and dry. If you do have an issue with flooding and water intrusion , call us here at SERVPRO of White Plains and New Rochelle . We are open 24 hours a day , 365 days a year. We look forward to serving all the communities in our area:

• White Plains
• New Rochelle
• Harrison
• Mamaroneck
• Rye
• Rye Brook
• Purchase
• Larchmont
• Port Chester
• Pelham

Our certified and experienced technicians are ready to help you get your home back to “Like it never even happened.”

New Year, Same Pipes

1/2/2020 (Permalink)

As the New Year begins and the temperatures drop, now is a good time to make sure your business is prepared for the cold weather and freezing temperatures. One of the leading causes for loss of business over the winter months is flooding. If you have restrooms in your business, the increase of holiday traffic can lead to an overworked sewage draining system. The plummeting winter temperatures can lead to broken pipes. Any one of these situations can lead to loss of income at a time when business is getting ready to slow down or affect your holiday rush.

The holiday rush increases traffic dramatically to local businesses. Black Friday starts the intense shopping season until the days after Christmas. If your business has restroom facilities , they are inundated with traffic for months and having some safeguards in place to prevent overflows and drain blockage is vital to maintain income and steady customer flow. Here are some tips to help keep business going:

1. Have an efficient electric hand dryer installed into your facilities. This prevents paper towels from being thrown into toilets or drains.
2. Make sure you have sanitary napkin containers available to prevent sanitary napkins from being flushed.
3. Have an employee check facilities hourly to ensure all toilets and urinals are functioning correctly.

As the temperatures drop this winter and threats of arctic blasts with their extremely low temperatures move in, the threat of frozen and burst pipes increases quickly. Here are some tips to help prevent pipes from freezing:

1. Make sure you have adequate insulation in basements, attics, crawl spaces and around windows and doors.
2. Install a digital smart thermostat. It can be controlled and checked on from outside of your business. It also learns behaviors of the occupants and will adjust the temperatures to presets determined by you.
3. If you have an oil or gas heat system, set up automatic delivery to prevent running out of fuel over the winter months.
4. Open cabinet/counter doors to prevent freezing of pipes underneath counter tops during extreme temperature drops; this allows warm air to circulate around the pipes and prevent freezing.
5. Leave faucets dripping on extremely cold nights, the water flow will help them thaw out pipes that may have started to freeze.

If you have any flooding issues in your business , call us here at SERVPRO of White Plains and New Rochelle. We have a crew ready to go 24 hours a day and 7 days a week, holidays included. We can respond immediately and help you get your business back to “Like it never even happened.”

Holiday and Our Homes

12/26/2019 (Permalink)

Tis the season for family and friends to get together. Our homes are filled with love and joy celebrating the holiday season.Our kitchens are busy with food cooking and there is always the clean up. The fireplaces are blazing with the sound of crackling wood. With the increase of cheer and love there is also an increase of workload on a homes drainage and sewage system. The increase of people also leaves homes more vulnerable to back up of drainage systems and an increase of fires in the home. What do you do in case of an emergency? First call a plumber if you have a water emergency or if you have a fire call the fire department to get your fire extinguished . Second call us here at SERVPRO of White Plains and New Rochelle.

Did you know that SERVPRO of White Plains and New Rochelle is open 24 hours a day/ 7days a week? That is right, we have a crew available 24 hours a day even through the holidays for all your emergency needs for water mitigation and fire damage. If you are in Harrison,Rye, Rye Brook, White Plains, New Rochelle,Purchase , Port Chester, Mamaroneck, Larchmont , Pelham and surrounding areas. Call us here at SERVPRO of White Plains and New Rochelle if you have any water or fire damage this holiday season. We are here all day and night to help.

Clean your rain gutters.

12/3/2019 (Permalink)

The snow storm predictions and dusting of snow we did receive this last round of weather is a gentle reminder that the temperatures will be moving to the much colder side within the next month or so. Now is a good time to make sure your rain gutters are free of leaves and debris. The small amount of snow we received will be melting and draining from rooftops and back to the ground . The water draining away needs a clear path free of obstruction and away from the foundations of the home.

An obstructed or blocked rain gutter can create issues to your home and its foundation. If there is a heavy rain storm and the rain gutters are blocked the gutter will overflow and drain along the side of the house into the ground and seep down to the foundation. Freezing temperatures would allow that water to freeze and possibly crack your foundation. There is also the chance that a clogged gutter will freeze and begin to work its way under the overhang of your roof subsequently damaging your roof and during the thawing out process there would be water leaking into your home from the ice dam thawing out. A great way to prevent this from occurring is to have your gutters cleaned on a regular basis. Have your gutters cleaned at least twice a year or if you have many trees around your home , you will need to clean them more often.

Cleaning rain gutters on your home can be an arduous task and if you are not comfortable on a ladder I would recommend having a professional come in a clean the rain gutters for you. According to HomeAdvisor.com the average cost of gutter cleaning is $156 . Single-story homes may cost between $70 and $200. Two-story homes range between $90 and $225 per job. Three or more stories may cost an additional $75 to $200 per service. The service can definitely get a little pricey but is necessary to reduce and prevent damage to your home.

SERVPRO of White Plains and New Rochelle is here 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year for all your water mitigation, fire and soot cleanup, mold remediation and rebuild needs . Call us anytime day or night.

Candle Safety Tips

11/27/2019 (Permalink)

The holiday season is approaching us quickly and a good reminder for the season is candle safety. There is no denying that the ambiance that lit candles creates is beautiful and serene. The Christmas scene with candles lit, snow falling outside of the window and a fireplace aglow sets the seasonal mood just right. I can hear Christmas carols playing in the background with just the thought of that scene but if the candles are not handled properly with care the scene can be much more detrimental.

According to the National Fire Protection Association from 2012 -2016 , U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated 8,200 home structure fires that were started by candles per year. These fires caused an annual average of 80 deaths, 770 injuries and $264 million in direct property damage. Here are some tips on candle safety:

1. Use flame-less candles in your home. They create the same light without the dangers of candles. They are also great for homes with pets and children.
2. Blow out candles before leaving a room or going to bed.
3. Do not burn candles on plates or surfaces that could burn,break or shatter. Keep the candle in the glass container to burn.
4. Cut the candle wick to ¼ in before lighting
5. Keep wax pool free of any debris such as matchsticks to prevent flaring up
6. Keep candles at least 12 inches from anything flammable.

With these helpful tips your home should be much safer and if you do have the unfortunate event of a fire please call us here at SERVPRO of White Plains and New Rochelle. We have experienced technicians to help get your home back to pre-fire condition and “Like it never even happened.”

Do not burn the turkey!

11/22/2019 (Permalink)

The time is almost here when the stove tops and ovens will be blazing to cook turkeys, mashed potatoes, yams and an array of pies and desserts. Homes will be prepared to receive family and friends for a feast of gratitude for all we have given and received this past year. While preparing homes and meals for this celebration please be mindful of the food being prepared in the kitchen. Cooking fires are the number one cause of home fires and home injuries. The leading cause of fires in the kitchen is unattended cooking. Here are a few tips to help avoid a fire this holiday season:

1. Make sure you are well rested and not sleepy. If you have consumed alcohol do not use the stove or oven. Enjoy that glass of wine with the meal after the food has been cooked.

1. While frying, grilling, boiling and broiling food stay in the kitchen to monitor the food. All it takes is a small amount of grease to flare up into a larger out of control fire or a boiling pot to boil completely out and burn the food inside.

1. Always use a timer while baking,simmering or roasting food. Keep your smartphone timers set to remind you at this busy time to check multiple foods cooking at once.

1. Keep all flammable objects away from hot cooking surfaces or open flames.

Following these precautions will help to avoid a fire from occurring but in case a fire does happen, here are some tips to help:

1. If you do not know how to put the fire out , leave right away and make sure doors are closed behind you to help contain the fire.

1. Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number as soon as you are safe.

1. If fighting the fire is an option , make sure others are getting out and you are able to get out quickly too. Leave yourself an out.

1. If you are cooking with grease , have a lid nearby that will completely cover the cooking pan you are using . If a small grease fire happens, slide the lid over top of the pan it is in and turn off the heat source. Do not remove the lid until the pan has completely cooled down and the fire is out.

If you do happen to have a fire in your home this holiday season call us here at SERVPRO of White Plains and New Rochelle. We have years of experience and trained technicians to get your home back to "Like it never even happened".

Flu Free Turkey

11/21/2019 (Permalink)

In the United States , flu season occurs in the fall and winter. The influenza virus does circulate year round and most of the time peak flu activity falls between December and February but occasionally lasts into the month of May states the CDC.

. Did you know that the flu virus can remain viable on surfaces for up to 48 hours? Cleaning surfaces and objects that are frequently touched minimizes the likelihood of contracting the flu virus when you touch an infected surface. With the holiday season approaching quickly and families preparing for travel and quality time with one another, now is the time to step up normal cleaning processes and call us here at SERVPRO of White Plains and New Rochelle

As an emergency response company, we understand the hidden danger of contaminated surfaces in a workplace or home. This time of year, the flu virus can be a hidden danger at home, at work and in the community. It is a serious illness and we want our friends and neighbors to take it seriously.

So before your family and friends arrive from out of town call us here at SERVPRO of White Plains and New Rochelle to deep clean your home or business. Here at SERVPRO of White Plains we are experts in cleaning and sanitizing building materials, surfaces and contents after fire, water, or natural disasters. We are open year round and are able to deep clean after your holiday guests leave.

Reconstruction Department

10/9/2019 (Permalink)

We here at SERVPRO of White Plains & New Rochelle, offer a full Reconstruction department for all projects with interior construction.  Any and all kinds of mitigation work to be performed should be done in such concept to make reconstruction efforts as swift as possible.  If a restoration business is solely geared towards demolition, though never sees nor learns the reconstruction process, the demolition workers could ultimately make each reconstruction project very difficult without knowing better.  If we remove drywall and plaster, we do so in a fashion to make it easy for separate crews to reconstruct the walls and ceilings with a professional paint job to follow. Here at SERVPRO of White Plains & New Rochelle all of our Mitigation managers have much reconstruction knowledge, and do not perform demolition without the know-how plan to reconstruct any materials taken out.

Before performing 25K worth of mitigation work SERVPRO has the experience to detail and negotiate with adjuster to classify the scope of work as necessary and just.  Insurance adjusters do the same work as our managers here at SERVPRO, yet they handle many more jobs each since they have no crews to oversee and manage. Being well professed in their craft, insurance claims can sometimes be a tough battle to work through alone, without having much knowledge related to the claims process as far as the insured’s options, coverage, and most of all negotiations.  Many people think water will dissipate through materials and cause no harm, but do not realize how necessary it is for removing non-salvageable materials, drying equipment, containment, decontamination, determining quantity of flooring layers, asbestos and lead testing, and last but not least the importance of experience to know what can and cannot be saved to better serve the customer and keep claim costs down.  When a claim is not covered that does not mean it is permanent. Hence why it is important to have a mitigation professional determine the scope or work and it’s scientific necessity to save your property.

Clients can sometimes be confused by the terminology and process in our field, so to better clarify, there are three main parts to a claim.  The Cause, Mitigation, and Reconstruction are the stages which all have individual key importance in claims process. The Cause of loss, whether it be from: a broken pipe, back-up from drain, fire source, or mold source - is the factor that determines what shall or shall not be covered.  For instance, a flood in a basement with Cause of loss as ground water penetrating foundation wall in basement, would typically not be covered, unless an endorsement is specified in insurance policy. Meanwhile, a broken pipe in basement wall may appear as ground water, but you wouldn’t know unless able to find broken pipe by the aid of our moisture meter and experienced plumber.  The Mitigation is where all non-salvageable structural materials like drywall and flooring are removed only where necessary, and the remaining structure is dried by aid of drying equipment – dehumidifiers and air movers. Once all necessary demolition finished and remaining structure confirmed dry with no future damage possible by water remaining saturated, then it is time for the Reconstruction.  The last part is the Reconstruction, which is where we fully rebuild all removed materials in structure that were taken during mitigation. Reconstruction requires experienced and licensed professionals who understand the craft and know the best and safest way to repair the loss.

If a simple loss occurs, that is localized, mitigation is typically completed in under 7 days, unless factors present themselves which extend the time frame.  The reconstruction typically can take much longer, but if all costs are approved and negotiated beforehand, which we always do here at SERVPRO of White Plains & New Rochelle, then the rebuild process can be complete in a few weeks for a localized loss.  Before mitigation is complete, our rebuild department will usually have all necessary items in place to begin and approval of costs set so there is no waiting period due to us. That is not to say that a rebuild can take up to 6 months, which does happen.  But if there are no asbestos abatements, or hiccups in coverage, then we make every effort to reconstruct your home beautifully back to how is was prior or even better, to serve our motto and make it appear “Like it never even happened.”

If someone should need emergency services, mitigation, cleanup, mold remediation, mitigation reconstruction, separate reconstruction not due to a loss, or even project advice

Please call us at:   (914) 684-1560 or toll free at 800-967-6663

Open 24/7  - Typically onsite within 90 minutes  - Experience to make process seamless

September is National Preparedness Month

9/9/2019 (Permalink)

Fires happens quickly and unexpectedly. Prepare before disaster strikes.

No matter where you live or work, emergencies caused by weather, fire, wind, water, and other natural or man made disasters can strike at any time and are largely unpredictable. SERVPRO of White Plains and New Rochelle reminds home and business owners in Rye, Harrison ,White Plains, New Rochelle, Mamaroneck , Larchmont, Rye Brook and surrounding areas that preparing in advance is the best thing you can do to help minimize a disaster’s impact on your loved ones and your property. Each year, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) designates September as National Preparedness Month.This is a time to create, or update, your plan for when disaster strikes. In the same way that people make ‘resolutions’ at the New Year, National Preparedness Month is a great time to resolve to create a plan, or review your existing plan, each and every year .

Everyone needs a comprehensive emergency plan. Business owners also need to plan for business interruption and continuation. But equally importantly, families and businesses alike need immediate access to data like emergency and insurance contacts, shut-off valves, electrical panel locations, and the line of command to authorize work so emergency responders can react quickly and appropriately during the emergency. This month’s focus on preparedness is a great incentive for both families and businesses to put a plan in place and review it regularly. Creating an emergency plan is straightforward.No matter what type of threats exist where you live or work – wildfires, flooding, hurricanes, tornadoes, or other natural or man made disasters – tools are available from FEMA (https://www.ready.gov) with guidelines for preparing emergency food, water, and medical supplies; planning for special needs; and creating communication and evacuation plans. These tools and others, like the SERVPRO READY app, also help you store essential contact and property information electronically where it can be accessed with a mobile device in seconds if disaster strikes. Both home and business owners can download the free app athttps://ready.SERVPRO.com/home/mobileapp.

Local business owners can take an additional preparedness step by designating SERVPRO of White Plains and New Rochelle as their disaster mitigation and restoration provider. SERVPRO professionals will conduct a no-cost assessment of the facility and assist the owner in completing a comprehensive Emergency READY Profile® (ERP) to be stored in the READY app. The key to getting your life or business back on track is timely response after a disaster strikes. That’s why it’s important to take the time to record and store your information electronically, and then commit to a time – like National Preparedness Month – to review and update your records at least once each year. Remember, filing cabinets and their contents may be inaccessible or even destroyed in an emergency situation, so don’t depend on them to keep track of critical insurance, property, or contact information in the event of a disaster. Store your data electronically. If disaster strikes, you’ll have the information you need literally at your fingertips. SERVPRO of White Plains And New Rochelle specializes in disaster restoration, cleanup, and repair services, helping to remediate damage, making it “Like it never even happened,” for both commercial and residential customers.

For more information on SERVPRO of White Plains and New Rochelle , please contact us at (914) 684-1560 or 800-967-6663. For more information on SERVPRO® and the SERVPRO Emergency READY Program, please visit www.ready.SERVPRO.com. Providing coverage in the United States and Canada, the SERVPRO System has established relationships with major insurance companies and commercial clients, as well as individual homeowners. individual homeowners.

Tree Damage

6/11/2019 (Permalink)

The care and upkeep of the trees on your property is important to prevent property damage to your home or business. The initial spring clean up has been done for a few weeks now and taking a second look with a focus on the trees of your property is a good idea.

• Look for broken or damaged tree limbs
• Check to see that there is leaf growth on the branches
• Does the tree look sturdy, is the tree leaning ?
• Are there any hollow areas of the tree showing?

 If the trees on your property exhibiting multiple symptoms from the above list, calling in an arborist who is certified by the International Society of Arboriculture, to inspect affected trees is recommended. The certified arborist can inform you of the exact nature of your trees issue and help determine a plan of action. Whether it is removing affected branches or the entire tree , an arborist will know what plan of action to take.

 In case a tree does fall on your property and damages your home or business call us here at SERVPRO of White Plains and New Rochelle 24/7 . We will be able to extract any water that may have gotten into your home or business after the tree fall and we also offer boarding up and tarping services to cover any holes created by the fall. Boarding up and tarping your property will ensure that no outside weather affects the interior of your home or business and act as a deterrent to people not authorized to enter the property.

Tornado safety

5/30/2019 (Permalink)

Here in Harrison, NY where our office and shop is located, we have seen some severe storm warnings as well as tornado watches. South of us in Pennsylvania tornadoes have touched down in some areas creating major damage but luckily no loss of life. Are you prepared for a tornado? What do you do if you find out one is coming?

This day and age we are constantly connected to information worldwide, there will be an emergency alert from weather channels alerting us to incoming severe weather and possibly tornadoes. If the watch turns to a warning than that means a tornado has been spotted on the ground and you should:

• Seek shelter immediately in a structure that is well-built.
• Go to a basement or room central to the building ,preferably with no windows.
• If you have to use the bathroom as a safe room , get into the tub and cover yourself with a mattress.
• Avoid windows, outside walls and doors. Flying glass,collapsing walls and doors turning into flying projectiles can all cause serious bodily harm and even death.
• If you are stuck outside on a road or highway, do NOT seek safety under an overpass. The overpass actually creates a wind tunnel with the churning debris and air increasing in speed and velocity as it moves under and around the overpass. Find a low lying area and lay flat covering your face and head.
• If you are stuck in your vehicle, leave it running that way the airbags will deploy if necessary and buckle up. Tornadoes are fast and it is not advised to try and outrun one.

After the tornado has passed , assess the damage and call us. We serve White Plains, New Rochelle, Harrison, Rye, Rye Brook, Purchase, Mamaroneck, Larchmont, Port Chester and Pelham. SERVPRO of White Plains and New Rochelle has boarding up services, water extraction, pack-out services, fire and smoke clean up. We will work with your insurance company to ensure your home is returned to its pre storm state. “Like it never even happened.”

Memorial Day Weekend

5/24/2019 (Permalink)

 The Memorial Day holiday weekend is here and many local businesses will have Memorial Day sales this weekend and with people traveling, the influx of customers patronizing businesses could increase significantly. With the increase of customers patronizing establishments this weekend there is an increased chance of a water event whether it is increased use of the restroom facilities at rest stops or the increase water usage at local restaurants. The rise in  water usage can contribute to a water event that could threaten to affect business on this very busy holiday weekend.

  We have a proven track record of working in the community since 1996 to help you and your business get back on your feet as soon as possible to limit any more loss of revenue. SERVPRO of White Plains and New Rochelle is available 24 hours a day for your emergency water mitigation needs. We have staff on call around the clock since predicting a water event is impossible. That is why we stay ready and prepared for anything that may come our way.

 Here at SERVPRO of White Plains and New Rochelle we thank the military service members who gave their lives to protect the freedoms we have today.   

Thunder and lighting precautions

5/23/2019 (Permalink)

 According to the weather.gov website,lightning strikes the United States about 25 million times a year and kills an average of 47 people each year. Do you know some of the suggested safety measures to take in the event of lightning? What structures are safe to seek shelter ? What measures can you take to ensure your safety, your family's safety and even your pets? Here are some safety suggestions and guidelines to follow:

• Do not use phones that are attached by cords, cell phones are safe alternatives.
• Do not touch T.V`s ,computers or cords but you can use remote controls correctly.
• Do not shower, wash your hands or do dishes. Avoid plumbing.
• Do not lean on exterior doors or windows that might have metal components that connect the outside to the inside .
• Do not use your balcony, carport, open garage areas ,porches and avoid lying on concrete flooring or leaning against concrete walls
• Do not leave your dog outside in it`s dog house, a dog house is not safe shelter and if the doghouse is chained to a tree, there is even a higher risk to your pet. BRING YOUR PETS INSIDE DURING A SEVERE STORM.
• Do not unplug your equipment during a storm. Typical surge protectors will not protect your equipment from a lightning strike.

 I guess grandma was right when she said get off the phone, do not shower and turn off the television when there would be a thunderstorm. I assumed she was being overprotective but she was right. Here at SERVPRO of White Plains and New Rochelle we want our community to stay safe and follow precautions. Personal belongings and property can be replaced , lives can not.

Communities along the shore.

5/23/2019 (Permalink)

 SERVPRO of White Plains and New Rochelle serves communities along the Long Island Sound such as Rye, Mamaroneck, Port Chester, Larchmont, New Rochelle and Pelham. There is always a threat of flooding in these communities during spring times rainy season , thunderstorms during the summer and hurricane season from June 1st to November 30th

 Flood preparations are vital to help maintain your property and your lives. Before the flood strikes there should  preparations made.

• Have a plan in place to be able to communicate with family and friends in case of a disaster.
• Have an emergency kit that contains first aids supplies as well as enough non-perishable foods to sustain you and your family for at least a few days.
• Be aware if your home is on a floodplain, educate yourself on the route to higher ground in case of flash flooding and know the roads near you that flood faster than the others and plan accordingly
• Sign up for notifications from local weather stations as well  to be kept informed of weather changes and flood levels.
• Prepare your home by sandbagging and creating a wall to protect your home as much as possible. Ensure your sump pump is operational and check your home insurance to ensure you have flood coverage. Flood coverage is not normally apart of a regular insurance policy and will need to be added on to cover your home effectively.
• When notifications start for a flood warning immediately start to pack and make preparations to evacuate. Pack for your pets as well. Do not wait until the last minute.
• Charge all of your electronics cell phones, and portables radios. Pack back up batteries for your devices as well. You can also get portable solar charging panels for your devices at local outdoor adventure stores.
• Fill up the gas tank of your vehicles
• Be ready to leave if you notice your home will definitely flood, do not wait to be told to evacuate. Have a plan in place that includes arrangements to stay somewhere until the waters recede and you are given the o.k. to return by local officials. If you have pets make sure you are able to bring them with you or make arrangements for boarding in a facility that is safe from the flood waters.

The clean up process from flooding can be extensive, time consuming and tiring. Here at SERVPRO of White Plains and New Rochelle we have years of experience dealing with flooding and natural disasters. Give us a call and we help get your home back to “Like it never even happened.”

Late spring and early summer backyard oasis time!

5/22/2019 (Permalink)

 The sun is out and the temperatures are rising, which makes us here at SERVPRO of White Plains and New Rochelle happy. We get to work outside during the work week and enjoy our  backyard patios during the weekend. The upkeep on our backyard spaces can be grueling and expensive at times but the end result is so worth it. An oasis to call our own to enjoy after work and during the weekends.

 During the process of keeping our outdoor spaces in decent shape we maintain the lawn by watering them with sprinklers or move ground to make spaces enjoyable and to our liking. In the process of maintaining or upgrading these spaces, we can leave our homes susceptible to water intrusion. Whether it is from sprinklers placed too close to the home, dirt that has been pulled away from the home to waterproof the foundation, or filling the pool these activities can create a water event in our home by over watering of the yard and the excess water finding its way into the basement, a fast moving thunderstorm drops excessive amounts of water and the foundation is not being protected by the dirt or the pool is overfilled and water runs back into the house. If you do have a water issue this late spring into the summer , we are here 24 hours a day, 7 days a week so you can continue to enjoy your outdoor space while we take care of your indoor space.

Insure your business

5/21/2019 (Permalink)

Fire can strike anywhere and leave businesses in ruin. Get proper insurance whether you own or rent.

 A property owner having tenants that are residential or business can be time consuming with the day to day maintenance and upkeep of the property . The time and resources can exponentially increase when there is an emergency situation such as a fire or flood. Here at SERVPRO of White Plains and New Rochelle we can help . Recently a business owner contacted us about a tenant that had been evicted and left all of their inventory behind. Previous blogs have addressed tenants in residential situations having renters insurance but it is just as important for business/commercial tenants to have their own insurance to cover their inventory.

 A local 2nd hand shop suffered a loss of all of the inventory and place to do business after a neighboring business caught fire and the soot and smoke traveled through to their business. They were unable to do business due to the heavy smoke and soot damage. They had assumed the landlords policy would cover their store and its contents. The landlords policy only covered the structure of the building. Unfortunately the tenant was evicted due to not being able to pay their rent and the landlord was left to clean out all of their inventory that was left behind.

 Our crew is currently cleaning out the space and after 4 large dumpsters being filled to this point, there will be at least 4 more. If this shop owner would of been properly insured their inventory would of been replaced or reimbursed as well as rental assistance until they were able to get their shop back in business.

Asthma and Allergy Month

5/14/2019 (Permalink)

 The month of May has been declared “National Asthma and Allergy Month” since 1984 by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. As the weather warms and plants,flowers and trees begin to bloom they release different types of pollen and the chance of an allergy episode or an asthma attack increases exponentially. The OTC options  and quality of allergy fighting medication has gotten better over the years and with better asthma medications, allergy and asthma symptoms can be controlled. Another important step to take in managing allergies and asthma is environmental, meaning your home.

 An important aspect of taking care of allergies and asthma is home cleanliness. Everyday dust, animal hair and even pest droppings can affect allergies and asthma. Maintaining a clean home is vital to have a healthy breathing environment. Here at SERVPRO of White Plains and New Rochelle we can help with your cleaning needs. A deep cleaning of your wall to wall carpets and your area rugs will help to decrease dirt and allergen build up in your home. A thorough cleaning of those spots that rarely get attention such as behind large pieces of furniture and corners of barely used rooms need cleaning  attention too.

 Reducing the amount of dirt and allergens in your home will help the asthma and allergy sufferers in your life breathe a lot clearer and focus on the life around them and not the symptoms of their ailments. SERVPRO of White Plains and New Rochelle will help with that deep clean of your  Rye, New Rochelle, Mamaroneck, White Plains, Harrison,Purchase, Port Chester or Larchmont home.

May showers are on track to beat April showers.

5/14/2019 (Permalink)

The past few days here in the White Plains, New Rochelle, Rye,Purchase and Harrison areas it has been non stop rain. The month of May is for enjoying the bloom from April`showers but it seems Mother Nature has different plans this year. The steady rain has been falling for days saturating everything.The water table has risen and we don't know what areas will be over saturated and begin flooding soon. Low lying areas will show signs of flooding first but sometimes flooding occurs when we least expect it.

  When a flooding incident or water damage strikes, it is never a planned event. We can make preparations for heavy rain events or take precautions with our homes plumbing but it is impossible to know when water will flood and damage our home or business. Here at SERVPRO of White Plains and New Rochelle we provide 24/7 emergency response because our decades of experience has shown the unpredictability of these events. We have an emergency response crew on-call after business hours just in case of an emergency. Our on-call hours are everyday of the year including holidays.You can expect an immediate response day or night. We are “ Faster to any disaster.”

Fire Pit Safety

5/13/2019 (Permalink)

 The outdoors are calling as the weather begins to warm up. Lawns are gardens are returning back to their vivid spring colors and neighbors are coming out of hibernation. The sounds of lawn mowers and weed wackers are abundant. The smell of freshly mowed grass and barbq`s permeate the air. Spring is here to awaken all of our senses. With the arrival of spring and heading into summer, more and more people are coming outside to enjoy the fresh air .When night falls, fire pits are being lit to extend the day and conversations with friends and family carry on into the wee hours of the night. Even through conversations with friends and family around the firepit in the backyard are great ways to build memories, remembering fire safety and responsibility will ensure those times continue.  

1. When lighting your fire pit ,do not use highly flammable ignition sources such as gasoline or lighting fluid. Build a pyramid with three pieces of seasoned wood ( seasoned at least 6 months) stand them end to end like a rooftop and then fill in the gaps with crumpled up newspaper and some small dry kindling sticks.
2. Make sure your pit is 10-20 ft away from any building, plant ,trees and overhanging branches. Since hot embers can travel, be cautious and keep a bucket of sand, pail of water or working garden hose close by in case an ember goes astray. Having a Class B or C fire extinguisher nearby would be good too.
3. When extinguishing the fire make sure the fire is completely out , if you purchased a fire pit kit , most manufacturer`s include a safety guide to explain the proper procedure to extinguish the fire in the pit. If you use your garden hose to extinguish the fire , use the wide pray selection to keep from spreading hot embers with a direct, heavy stream of water. Thoroughly drench the fire pit to ensure it is out. If the fire is just hot embers and no flames a decent coating of sand should keep any fires from occurring.A coating of sand and a decent soaking should eliminate the threat of any fire re-igniting.

 These are just a couple of quick tips to ensure you and your family have a great backyard season. Safety first and if a fire does occur that becomes to large please call your local fire company immediately and evacuate the area.

Establish a safe escape route for your home

5/2/2019 (Permalink)

If there was a fire at your home, are you prepared to get out safely? Does your family know where to meet outside of your home? It is vital to have a fire escape plan in place that will help you and your family get out of your home safely in case of a fire. Here a few suggestions to get your family to safety in the event of a large fire.

1. Make a Plan.

Have a family meeting and walk through your home to identify all exits and possible escape routes. If you have children consider drawing a floor plan that identifies at least two exits out of each room, include windows and doors. Hang a copy of the floor plan in each child's room.

2. Practice your escape route.

Have a family meeting at least twice a year to practice the escape routes you have agreed on and meet at a predetermined safe meeting spot.

3. Determine a safe meeting spot outside of your home.

Find a spot in front of your home that would be a safe meeting spot for your family in the event of a fire. Make sure the spot is far enough away from the home to be safe but close enough to get to quickly and out of the way of responding fire departments. The mailbox at the end of a drive or a spot agreed upon by the family.

With these 3 tips you can help get you and your family safely out of your home. Property can be replaced but our families can not. Let us here at SERVPRO of White Plains and New Rochelle help you get your home back to “Like it never even happened."

Sump pumps need love too.

4/26/2019 (Permalink)

 April showers bring May flowers but they also bring flooded basements and leaky roofs. A number of homes that SERVPRO of White Plains and New Rochelle has been to recently was due to flooded basements or other living areas. During the initial inspection process to see what the cause of the water damage was and what was affected, it was discovered that a sump pump might have not been operating correctly and the damage was more extensive due to a malfunction of the sump pump.

   There are some steps that homeowners can take to help maintain their sump pumps and help avoid a costly and time consuming water event in their homes :

Every 3-4 months

• Clean pump inlet screen
• Check power cord / make sure the cord is plugged in
• Make sure the pump turns on by dumping a bucket or two of water into the sump, this will also help to determine if the float is operating correctly up and down.

Annually

• Take the pump out of the sump to clean and inspect it for any obvious defects
• Clean out the sump
• grease /lubricate any necessary bearings on the pump. Check owners manual for maintenance instructions.
• Lower the pump back into its correct position in the sump
• Test the pump and float by dumping a bucket or two of water into the sump.

 Most importantly, if you do not feel comfortable taking care of the maintenance or are not mechanically inclined, ask the company that installed it to do the maintenance or for a referral for a company that can. Regular maintenance of your sump pump will help keep your water prone areas safe from flooding and keep your home environment a safe livable space for years to come. A little maintenance will go a long way.

Tenants please get renters insurance

4/24/2019 (Permalink)

If you rent a home, apartment or any other type of housing you should have renters insurance. Renters insurance will cover loss of your personal items as well as assist you in temporary housing in case of a fire or any other catastrophic loss scenario. During an emergency situation it is best to have your own policies in place so you can act immediately and not have to wait or endure any more suffering while dealing with a small or large loss. A few reasons tenants might not get renters insurance is:

• They are under the impression that the landlords policy covers them.

            The insurance policy for the building will cover the structure but not the contents

             belonging to the tenants.

• Insurance policies are too expensive.

Renters insurance policies run between $100-$200 a year and usually average around $16.00 a month. Which is a small amount to pay for replacement of personal items and having relocation benefits in case of inhabitable conditions.

• They think the money could be spent better elsewhere.

             Insurance premiums  averaging $16.00/ a month  for renters insurance policies

             are affordable and offer security in emergency situations. The policy having the benefit  

             of replacing or reimbursement for damaged personal belongings and relocation

             benefits is priceless.

In this day and age with costs of goods and everything else rising it can be difficult to spend that extra money on a policy that might not seem important and for an event that might not happen. The security of knowing if a fire or water damage does occur at home that you are covered is priceless. Here at SERVPRO of White Plains and New Rochelle we work with insurance companies and can assist you if you have a fire or water event at your home, apartment, condo or wherever you rent. Call us 24 hours a day/ 7 days a week.

Tenants having renters insurance should be required

4/23/2019 (Permalink)

Requiring your tenants to have renters insurance will help you save money and help provide some protection from lawsuits. Why should landlords  require tenants to have insurance?

• Living expenses are covered with Renters Insurance

           Many policies will offer relocation assistance if the renters are not able to stay in their  

           homes due to a loss. Also a friendly relationship is sometimes established between          

           landlord and tenant and there could be a feeling of obligation to provide housing on top

           of dealing with the loss of property. The renters insurance would eleviate that extra  

           responsibility.

• The risk of a lawsuit is lowered

           If the property is damaged or an individual is injured because of the tenants

           carelessness, more than likely the landlord's liability policy will not cover the tenant.

           Renters insurance protects the tenants property against damage or loss and covers

           personal liability if an individual is injured while on the property. Also if there is an

           incident such as fire damage, flooding, pipe breaks, sprinkler system break, sewage

           back-up or any other potential event that is not the tenants fault, them having renters

           insurance will give the tenant the ability to recover losses on their policy and not try to

           pursue litigation against the landlord.

These are two major reasons for  tenants to have renters insurance. You will save money,time and stress by having this policy in place. The tenants will be able to focus on getting their personal belongings replaced with their policy and the landlord can get the property back to preloss condition. Call us here at SERVPRO of White Plains and New Rochelle we can provide the remediation, mitigation,fire and smoke clean-up, pack out or any other services the landlord or tenant might need with a water or fire event.

Water damage prevention tips

4/17/2019 (Permalink)

There are preventative measures you can take to reduce the likelihood of experiencing a water leak event in your White Plains, Harrison, Rye,Rye Brook, Purchase, Port Chester, New Rochelle, Mamaroneck, Larchmont or Pelham home.

The following are the five leading causes of water damage insurance claim and came up with solutions to help prevent them.

Plumbing Supply System Failure

The average cost was more than $5,000 after the deductible was paid.

Reducing the Damage

• Some indicators are increased monthly water bill, banging pipes, rust stains, moisture in the walls or on floors, and signs of wet soil erosion near the foundation.
• Reduce risk of frozen pipes by raising your thermostat to 60 degrees or higher in the winter, insulate pipes, or let faucets drip so that water isn't sitting still in the pipes.
• Install a leak detection system, just in case.

Toilet Failure

The average cost was over $5,500 after the deductible was paid. 1/3 of these incidents were caused by overflowing or clogged toilets.

Reducing the Damage

• Wait for the valve to completely refill the tank and bowl. If it looks like it may overflow, turn off the supply valve.
• Inspect a toilets components twice a year.
• Consider upgrading the supply line to a sturdier braided steel hose.

Water Heater Failure

Reducing the Damage

• Check the life expectancy and warranty for the water heater and replace accordingly.
• Make sure to maintain the heater. Flushing sediments and inspecting the heater's anode rod may lead to an increase in life expectancy of your heater.
• Inspect valves and use ball valves instead of gate valves whenever possible.

Plumbing Drain System Failure

The average cost per incident is $4,000 after the deductible was paid.

Reducing the Damage

• If the sewer system is connected to the city's sewer system or you are located downhill or below street level, contact a professional to install a backflow prevention assembly into the home's sewer system.
• Plant trees away from lateral drain lines to prevent roots from damaging piping
• Never pour grease down the drain.

Washing Machine Failure

Washing machine claims averaged more than $5,300 per incident after the deductible was paid.

Reducing the Damage

• One burst inlet hose and your laundry room is flooded in a matter of minutes. Replace rubber hoses every three years and consider upgrading to sturdier braided steel hoses.
• When leaving the house for an extended period of time, turn off the hot and cold water supply valve to reduce failure risks.
• Don't try to cut corners by overloading the machine, and use it only while someone is at home.

If you do experience a water damage in your home, give us a call here at SERVPRO of White Plains and New Rochelle. Call us 24 hours a day (914)684-1560 or toll free at 800-967-6663.

Moldy Days of May

4/16/2019 (Permalink)

Spring is finally here , the temperatures are rising and the rains are coming. All this increase in humidity and moisture can create a perfect environment in homes or businesses. A water damage event in the home or business creates an even higher chance of a mold event occurring if it is not dried out properly. If you notice mold in your home or business and you are located in White Plains,Harrison,Rye,Rye Brook,Purchase,Port Chester,New Rochelle, Mamaroneck,Larchmont  or Pelham give us a call here at SERVPRO of White Plains and New Rochelle at 914-684-1560

Microscopic mold spores naturally occur almost everywhere, both outdoors and indoors. This makes it impossible to remove all mold from a home or business. Therefore, mold remediation reduces the mold spore count back to its natural or baseline level. Some restoration businesses advertise “mold removal” and even guarantee to remove all mold, which is a fallacy. Consider the following mold facts:

Mold is present almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors.

Mold spores are microscopic and float along in the air and may enter your home through windows, doors, or AC/heating systems or even hitch a ride indoors on your clothing or a pet.

Mold spores thrive on moisture. Mold spores can quickly grow into colonies when exposed to water. These colonies may produce allergens and irritants.

Before mold remediation can begin, any sources of water or moisture must be addressed. Otherwise, the mold may return.

Mold often produces a strong, musty odor and can lead you to possible mold problem areas.

Even higher-than-normal indoor humidity can support mold growth. Keep indoor humidity below 45 percent.

WHY SERVPRO? SERVPRO of White Plains and New Rochelle has a proven history of re mediating mold successfully in homes and businesses throughout Westchester County.

If your home or business has a mold problem, we can inspect and assess your property and use our specialized training, equipment, and expertise to re mediate your mold infestation.

If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today – (914) 684-1560 OR TOLL FREE AT 800-967-6663.

Smoke and soot need specialized cleaning techniques

4/16/2019 (Permalink)

If you have fire damage and live in Portchester, Rye, Ryebrook, Harrison, Larchmont, Mamaroneck, New Rochelle,  White Plains, Purchase, Port Chester , or Pelham call us immediately. Our experienced and trained technicians have the expertise and training to handle your soot covered or fire damaged  home and belongings with professional care and trained cleaning ability. SERVPRO of White Plains and New Rochelle has specialized cleaning equipment and chemicals to handle all your soot , smoke and fire cleanup needs.

Smoke and soot is very invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your home, causing hidden damage and odor. Our smoke damage expertise and experience allows us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damage to develop a comprehensive plan of action.

Smoke and soot facts:

Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.

Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.

The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.

Different Types of Smoke

There are two different types of smoke–wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of White Plains and New Rochelle will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. The cleaning procedures will then be based on the information identified during pretesting. Here is some additional information:

Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber

Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.

Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood

Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke rises.

Protein Fire Residue – Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire

Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor.

Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions.  We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage. We will also treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care.

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?

Call Us Today – (914)-684-1560 or toll free at 800-967-6663.

SERVPRO of White Plains and New Rochelle is READY

4/15/2019 (Permalink)

If you live in White Plains, Rye, Ryebrook, Harrison, Larchmont, Mamaroneck, New Rochelle, Purchase, Port Chester, or Pelham call us immediately if you have storm or flood damage.

SERVPRO of White Plains and New Rochelle specializes in storm and flood damage restoration.  Our crews are highly trained and we use specialized equipment to restore your property to its pre-storm condition.

Faster Response

Since we are locally owned and operated, we are able to respond quicker with the right resources, which is extremely important. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces the restoration cost. We are on-call 24 hours a day , 7 days a week including weekends and holidays.

Resources to Handle Floods and Storms

When storms hit Westchester County, we can scale our resources to handle a large storm or flooding disaster. We can access equipment and personnel from a network of 1,650 Franchises across the country and elite Disaster Recovery Teams that are strategically located throughout the United States.

Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today (914) 684-1560   24 hours a day/ 7 days a week / 365 days a years.

Faster to any disaster.

4/4/2019 (Permalink)

Time is of the essence when there is a water damage to your home or business in the White Plains and New Rochelle area. SERVPRO of White Plains and New Rochelle is located centrally to reach  White Plains, New Rochelle, Rye, Rye Brook, Harrison,Port Chester, Mamaroneck, Purchase, Larchmont and Pelham and are on call 24 hours a day 7 days a week to meet your emergency water remediation needs.

 Our highly trained and certified technicians will arrive to your home or business quickly and immediately begin working to remediate the water damage to help reduce the impact of the water event to your home or business. We have the resources to handle a pipe leak or even a major flood or storm.

When a storms hit Westchester County, we can scale our resources to handle  a large storm or flooding disaster. We can access equipment and personnel from a network of 1,700 franchises across the country and elite Disaster Recovery Teams that are strategically located throughout the United States.

Call us today for all your water remediation needs (914) 684-1560 or toll free at 800-967-6663.

Fire Extinguishers and your home

4/3/2019 (Permalink)

 Having access to a fire extinguisher in your White Plains or New Rochelle home at all times is important to home safety but do you know what type of extinguisher to have ? Did you know that there are different types of fire extinguishers for different types of fires? Fire extinguishers are sorted into  different categories based on the types of fire they are used on there is Class A,B, C and K fires and the fire extinguishers are labeled according to the type of fire the extinguish. Here are the types of extinguishers and the types of fires they extinguish:

Class A extinguishers are water extinguishers and are used on ordinary combustibles such as:

• Paper
• Cloth
• Wood
• Rubber
• And many plastics

*** Never use water extinguishers to extinguish flammable liquid fires.

*** Never use water extinguishers to extinguish an electrical fire.

Class B extinguishers are CO2 Extinguishers and are used on flammable liquids such as:

• Fires in oils
• Gasoline
• Some paints
• Lacquer
• Grease
• Solvents
• And other flammable liquids

*** Never use CO2 extinguishers in a confined space, it can create a breathing hazard if proper respiratory equipment is not being used.

Class C extinguishers are a Dry Chemical Extinguisher and are used on electrical equipment such as:

• Fires in wiring
• Fuse boxes
• Energized electrical equipment
• Computers
• Other electrical sources

Class K extinguishers are used for kitchen fires such as:

• Fires involving combustible cooking fluids such as oils and fats

Multipurpose extinguishers combine Class A,B,and C  is a multi-purpose dry chemical extinguisher and can be used on:

• Class A,B and C fires.

Now that we have gone over the types of fire extinguishers in your home, what do you do in the event of a fire at your home?

1. Call the Fire department immediately
2. Make sure you have a safe exit strategy before approaching the fire. Do not allow the fire to come between you or your exit.
3. Identify the proper fire extinguisher needed ( Having an A,B,C extinguisher would cover all possible scenarios)
4. Use the P.A.S.S. technique to extinguish the fire . P.A.S.S. stands for Pull, Aim, Squeeze and Sweep.
5. Back away from the extinguished fire in case of a flare up.
6. Evacuate immediately if the extinguisher is empty and /or the fire progresses past the initial stage.

If the fire is out of control or you doubt your ability to extinguish it ...EVACUATE IMMEDIATELY! The safety of you and your family is of the utmost importance, personal belongings and homes can be replaced, your life can not.

After the fire has been extinguished by you or the fire department give us a call here at SERVPRO of White Plains and New Rochelle . We have years of experience in fire and water damage. Our team of technicians is experienced and trained in dealing with fire and water clean up. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week , 365 days a year. Call us at 914-684-1560 or toll free at 800-967-6663.

Flooded Out

3/25/2019 (Permalink)

 What do you do when there is water pouring into your home or business either from your basement  flooding , a  burst pipe in your upstairs bathroom or another cause of water damage to your home or business . Here are some Do`s and Don`ts we give our customers before we arrive.

 DO:

• Shut off the source of water if possible or contact a qualified professional to stop the water source.
• Turn off circuit breakers for wet areas of the building, when access to the power distribution panel is safe from electrical shock.
• Remove as much excess water as possible by mopping and blotting.
• Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removing lamps and tabletop items.
• Remove and prop up wet upholstery cushions for even drying.
• Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting.
• Remove to a safe, dry place any paintings, art objects, computers, documents and other materials that are valuable or sensitive to moisture.
• Use wooden clothespins to keep furniture skirting off of damp floors.
• Hang draperies with a coated hangers to avoid contact with wet carpeting or floors.
• Hang furs and leather goods to dry separately at room temperature.

 DON`T:

• Enter rooms with standing water where electrical shock hazards may exist.
• Enter affected areas if electrical outlets, switches, circuit breakers or electrical equipment are exposed to water. Always avoid electrical shock hazards.
• Leave books,newspapers,magazines or other colored items on wet carpets or floors to cause staining.
• Leave Oriental rugs or other colored rugs on wet wall-to-wall carpets to cause staining.
• Use your household vacuum cleaner to remove water,possibly causing electrical shock or damage to the vacuum cleaner.
• Use tv`s or other appliances while standing on wet carpets or floors, especially not on wet concrete floors.
• Turn on ceiling fixtures if the ceiling is wet or enter rooms where the ceilings are sagging from retained water.

 If the water leaking into your home or business is dark water or from a known sewage source the Do`s and Don`ts are a different from non- contaminated water. Below is a list of what to do and what not to do.

DO:

• Avoid all contact with sewage and items contaminated by sewage.
• Wash your hands thoroughly after contact with contaminated items.

DON`T:

• Spread contaminated water by walking unnecessarily on damaged or wet areas.
• Turn on HVAC system if there is a possibility of spreading contaminated air.
• Use household fans to dry the structure and spread contaminants.
• Use products for personal hygiene and cleanliness if exposed to the contaminated areas.

These are some useful tips for home or business owners to use prior to us here at SERVPRO of White Plains arriving to handle the water intrusion professionally. Call us for your home or business water remediation needs. Our technicians and staff are certified and trained along with years of experience. We are available 24/7/365, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Call us here at SERVPRO of White Plains at  914-684-1560 or

Fire and Smoke

3/20/2019 (Permalink)

 Finally the days are getting longer and temperatures are starting to rise. Before you know it kitchen ranges and bar-bq`s will be cooking up savory and tasty grilled appetizers and dinners. Friends and family will be flowing freely in and out of our homes as we socialize and catch up on lives,current events and future endeavors. Your home will be the center of your social interactions this spring and all its guests will be unaware of the fireplace or candle issue you had over the winter. Whether it was the absent minded relative who forgot to open the flue over the holiday seasons that created a cloud of smoke and  filled your home or one of your holiday candles falling over and setting the drapes on fire and subsequently burning the wall and surrounding areas.

  After the fire and smoke incident in your home, you called us here at SERVPRO of White Plains to help you clean up your fire and smoke incident. Here are the instructions we gave you on what not to do and what to do:

  First , what you do NOT do is:

• Attempt to wash any walls or painted surfaces .
• Attempt to shampoo carpet or upholstered furniture
• Attempt to clean any electrical appliances that may have been close to fire,heat,or water without consulting an authorized repair service.
• Consume any food or beverages that may have been stored close to fire,heat or water.    ( they may be contaminated)
• Turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet. Wiring may be wet or damaged and cause electrical shock, and air movement may create secondary damage.
• Send garments to the dry cleaner. Improper cleaning may set in smoke odor.

What you CAN do is:

• Limit movement in the home to prevent soot particles from being embedded into upholstery and carpet.
• Keep hands clean. Soot on hands can further soil upholstery,walls,and woodwork.
• Place dry, colorfast towels or old linens on rugs, upholstery and carpet traffic areas.
• If electricity is off, empty freezer and refrigerator completely and prop doors open to help prevent odor.
• Wipe soot from from chrome on kitchen and bathroom faucets,trim and appliances, then protect these surfaces with a light lubricant.
• If the heat is off during winter, pour RV antifreeze in sinks,toilet bowls,holding tanks and tubs to avoid freezing pipes and fixtures.
• Wash both sides of leaves on houseplants
• Change HVAC filter, but leave system off until a trained professional can check the system.
• Tape double layers of cheesecloth over air registers to stop particles of soot from getting in or out of the HVAC system.

  SERVPRO of White plains is available 24/7/365 for all your fire and water damage needs. Call us at 914-684-1560 or toll free at 800-967-6663.

Are you ready?

3/19/2019 (Permalink)

Only 5% of disasters affecting businesses are caused by nature. Man made disasters have the ability to cause just as much damage as a natural disaster whether it be a pipe break, sewer back-up or even a nearby train derailment that creates a bio hazard that causes a hazardous material incident.

Key to recovery is preparedness.

If a business has a completed an ERP Profile they will be able to better handle disruptions and minimize loss by developing a SERVPRO ERP for business you minimize business interrupting because you have 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 affect the business.

The SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile is a start up approach that provides the critical information needed to begin mitigation and recovery services. It is designed to serve as a quick reference of important building and contact information. By working with SERVPRO`S Emergency READY Profile, a business will receive the benefit of over 40 years experience in reducing the impact of any natural or man-made disaster. SERVPRO is a leader in water and fire damage response and can help you quickly get a property back in working order.

The SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile

A no cost assessment of your facility.

-This means there is no need to allocate funds, giving you a great value at no cost.

A concise Profile Document that contains only the critical information needed in the event of an emergency.

-It will only take a little time to complete and will not take you away from current projects. But it will save a lot of time if ever needed.

A guide to help you get back into your building following a disaster.

-This can help minimize the amount of time your business is inactive by having an immediate plan of action.

Establishes your local SERVPRO Franchise Professional as your disaster mitigation and restoration provider.

-You have 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 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.”

 The ERP Profile allows decision makers to have the necessary information at the time of disaster loss and allows them to respond in a timely, less stressful manner. Call us today at SERVPRO of White Plains to set up your no cost to you Emergency Ready Profile. 914-684-1560 or toll free at 800-967-6663.

April Showers Bring May Flowers

3/11/2019 (Permalink)

April showers bring May flowers was a phrase I heard growing up.The month of April would be an oversaturated event every year and the April rain served its purpose well with the rapid bloom of flowers planted a few weeks before, the lawn being revived back to its green glow after winter had turned it brown and the budding of the trees along the neighborhood streets. April showers had seemed to create a magical, colorful and new world every year as a child.

April showers was this marvelous event that helped usher in the spring blooms but one thing I failed to hear growing up was the other events created by the heavy rains. No one mentioned the flooded basements, over saturated yards which contributed to trees falling when they had no stable ground to hold steadfast to or the leaky roofs that had occurred from the freezing and thawing of ice and water between the shingles of the roof. I am sure it had to do with my young and naive mind not being able to deal with adult responsibility but that has definitely changed now. What can be done to prevent damages from happening to homes with the spring thaw?

• Make sure gutters are clear of any debris. Clean gutters at least twice a year.
• Rain spouts should be attached to downspouts that are directed away from the foundation of the house.
• If there is large puddles of water in your yard the installation of a dry creek bed, a french drain or other drain system could be the answer.
• If you are not confident in your ability to create a dry creek bed or one of the drains you can watch a DIY video or hire an experienced landscaper to do the work properly.
• When the first heavy rain occurs inspect for any leaks , water dripping would be the most obvious sign of a leaky roof but also keep your eye out for wet spots in your ceiling and if not caught in time the wet spots will turn brown. Do not hesitate in calling in a roofing professional, these problems do not go away on their own and will only get worse.

If water has saturated the interior of your home call us at SERVPRO of White Plains our trained and certified technicians will extract any standing water and set up proper drying equipment to help get your home back to “Like it never even happened." We are available 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. Call us at 914-684-1560 or toll free at 800-967-6663.

Winter Storm Wayne

3/4/2019 (Permalink)

Winter Storm Wayne made its way through the northeast last night and into this morning leaving a path of heavy wet snow behind. The trees are bowing under the weight of the snow on the branches and with the weight of the snow being heavy there has also been power outages due to broken branches or trees coming down on them. Trees and their branches are also in jeopardy of coming down on your home or business as well. What do you do if a tree does fall on your home or business?

• Do not run up to the tree to survey the damage until it is verified that there are no power lines down and no gas lines have been affected.
• If the power lines are affected or you smell gas ,do not approach the area and call the electric or gas company immediately. Also inform your local authorities.
• If the home or business is secure, then make sure everyone is out of the business or home and are safe.
• Take plenty of  pictures and inform your insurance company of the damage.
• Call SERVPRO of White Plains because we are faster to any disaster. We will be able to tarp the affected area to prevent the outside elements from creating anymore damage as well as extract any water they may have gotten into your home.

SERVPRO of White Plains is open 24 hours a day 7 days a week and have been serving the community since 1996. Our trained and certified staff is ready to help make your home “Like it never even happened.”

Experienced and trained technicians

2/27/2019 (Permalink)

          You come home from work after a long day at work and you find water in your basement , not just a puddle but a few inches of water or you come home and your living room ceiling has collapsed onto your living room furniture and water is dripping from the ceiling , what do you do next? Who do you call?   First you call your plumber to find the source and repair the leak and then you call us at SERVPRO of White Plains. We will send out a Project Manager during regular business hours and if it is after hours we will send an emergency crew to mitigate the situation and set up drying equipment. How do you know our crew will do the work correctly?

Our technicians are trained and certified through the IICRC which stands for Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification . The mission of the IICRC is to establish and advance globally recognized standards and certifications for the inspection, cleaning, restoration and installation industries. Our technicians also go through recertification at required intervals to maintain an up to date understanding of the work we do.

They have worked in homes and businesses that have sustained major water and mold damage as well as fire and smoke damage. Our technicians have years of works experience along with hundreds of hours of certification and training. They have in total handled thousands of water related issues from small areas to entire homes or businesses being saturated. SERVPRO of White Plains has been serving the community since 1996 and our technicians have from 5 to 25 years of experience . With the education and real life experience of our technicians you and your home or business will be back to “Like it never even happened” as soon as possible.

The groundhog was wrong!

2/25/2019 (Permalink)

The weather has been a little bit wild lately. We went from sub zero temperatures with snow and ice to close to 60 degrees with rain only days later. The extreme changes in the weather definitely takes a toll on the trees in our neighborhoods and our own yards. Today's weather only compounds the strain on our trees, with wind gusts up to 50mph there is likely to be many branches and trees that will be blown down. Here are some preventative measures we can take to help with the issue of falling trees in White Plains and the New Rochelle area.

1. Trees that are old or diseased should be removed in a controlled manner to prevent them from becoming  a dangerous and damaging projectile during a severe weather event.
2. Ensure that your property has proper drainage and that there is not large pools of water or oversaturated areas in your yard. Trees that are growing in loose, wet soil will give way and come crashing down a lot faster than trees that are rooted in solid soil.
3. If the tree has fallen on your home, make sure everyone is ok.
4. Do not walk up to the tree right away, look around for any power lines that may have been knocked down when the tree fell. If there are wires on the ground, do not go near the tree and call the police and the power company immediately.
5. Call your insurance company and if it is safe, take pictures for your records and for the insurance company too.

Contact us at SERVPRO of White Plains. We will place a tarp over your roof if needed and carry out any board up service that may be required. We can also clean up any water that may be inside your home. The process of boarding up any exposed areas as well as tarping will prevent anyone from entering your home as well as keep out any rain,snow or debris.

As a trusted leader in the restoration industry, SERVPRO of White Plains has highly trained technicians that are dedicated to responding faster to any size disaster. We provide 24-hour emergency service and have the training and expertise to handle your  restoration and cleaning needs. Contact us and we will make it “Like it never even happened."

Loss of Heat Source during a Water Emergency

2/21/2019 (Permalink)

Through the frigid winter months, uninsulated and poorly placed water pipes become susceptible to freezing and breaking. There have been a few home or business owners these past few months who have come home or into work with water flooding into their respective spaces. They have called us here at SERVPRO of White Plains, after speaking to their plumbers, to come in and mitigate the water damage by removing affected materials such as drywall, ceilings, wood floors, cabinetry or any other material that was affected. When the removal of the affected materials was done we would then set up containment and drying equipment.

A few of these winter jobs have lost heat entirely and due to the frigid temperatures the home or business was put at risk of being damaged more. Fortunately here at SERVPRO of White Plains we are equipped with portable heaters called Firebirds to keep any home or business here in Westchester County and the surrounding area warm until the heating system lines are completely repaired and operational.  When using the portable heaters on site in your home or business, we are also able to using our drying equipment from air movers, dehumidifiers and wood floor drying mat systems. The Firebird portable heaters provide enough heat to allow us to continue drying out the structure with the other drying equipment. Your home or business will still be able to be cleaned up and dried out in a timely manner, with the use of the many tools we have here at SERVPRO of White Plains. “Like it never even happened."

What is that smell?

2/19/2019 (Permalink)

A bathroom towel that has not been hung properly to dry, the load of wash that has not been moved to the dryer fast enough, the tiled walls of a shower that has some missing caulk around its base and starts to hold moisture and form black spots. The damp and mildew smell that invades our senses alerts us to the fact that something has not been dried properly, that something has been wet for too long and the result is that odor or black spots on the shower surround base. How do you deal with these issues on a regular basis? What do you do when that smell is more extensive or there is a much larger area of black spots forming elsewhere in your home?

Dealing with the everyday smells of clothing that has sat too long in the washer or a towel not hung properly after showering or even the black spots forming around the base of the shower surround can be annoying but they are manageable. A simple rewash of the affected clothes in the washer and timely placement into the dryer can prevent clothes from smelling. Hanging bath towels unfolded and completely open on a towel rack in an area with good air circulation to ensure quick and even drying will help prevent any odors from forming. Cleaning the shower surround and tub on a regular basis with a cleaning product containing bleach will help ensure back spots will not form or a resealing of the surround base with caulk would work too. Sometimes that smell is more extensive and there are areas in your home that are showing a larger area of mold growth. These simple everyday ways of handling it will not be effective. If there been a recent incident of a large water loss in your home, or a slow leak over time that you have been unaware of, or a basement that has a high level of humidity, these can be causes contributing to the smell or growth of mold that you see in your home. When this is happening it is time to call the mold remediation specialists at SERVPRO. Our staff is trained and certified in handling the removal of mold and affected materials. SERVPRO of White Plains has been handling water mitigation, mold remediation as well as other services since 1996. We will come to your home and get a free estimate together for your and figure out a plan of action to remediate the mold. We have the skilled and trained staff as well as proper equipment to ensure the mold is remediated “Like it never even happened."

Almost time for a spring cleaning.

2/19/2019 (Permalink)

There is under a month left of winter , it is time to think of that spring cleaning. The house has been closed up for months with the fireplace blazing and the family coughing. The house will be able to be opened up and aired out in a few weeks , hopefully taking some germs and dirt out on the fresh spring breeze. Only if it was that simple. Dirt , dust and germs have been able to stagnate in the house since the fall, fireplaces have been roaring and carrying soot particles in their flames and distributing them into the air. The families winter colds and flu  have been saturated into the air and a deeper clean will be need for that fresh spring feel to really set in.

As a child watching my grandmother clean the house from top to bottom and helping when I could was an arduous experience but well worth the result. The house seemed to brighten up afterwards , the walls and ceiling were glowing , the rugs looked plush and the carpet fibers danced under my feet while the air in the house smelled of fresh flowers and a hint of bleach. Even though she was exhausted from the cleaning ,she was able to relax with a cup of tea and a good book afterwards. She would curl up in her favorite chair next to the living room window as the spring breeze danced through the curtains and read for a few minutes and doze off for a well deserved nap.

The surface of the house was spotless and the furniture and all the contents were cleaned thoroughly but she was not aware of the dryer vent line or duct cleaning that could be done.    The dryer vent cleaning is necessary to help with effective and timely drying as well as fire prevention and safety. The HVAC duct system also needs periodic cleaning to remove any allergen ,dirt or dust build up . Following a regularly scheduled filter replacement will help maintain a clean and effective  HVAC system and provide a cleaner air those asthma and allergy sufferers in your family. SERVPRO of White Plains offers this service and can help meet your spring cleaning needs. Our trained and professional staff will be able to add a refreshing finishing touch to your spring cleaning.

Frozen pipes are a problem and how to prevent them

1/21/2019 (Permalink)

The recent cold artic snap can wreak havoc on your homes plumbing. The severe arctic dip in temperature in White Plains, New Rochelle, Rye and surrounding Westchester County puts your water pipes at risk. They can burst from freezing if they are not properly maintained.

The problem of frozen pipes

The reason pipe freezing is a problem is because water expands when frozen. The expanding water exerts a large amount of pressure on your pipes causing them to burst. Whether the pipes are metal or plastic the expansion of frozen water will affect them.

Pipes that are more likely to freeze are:

• exposed to severe cold such as water sprinkler lines, swimming pool supply lines and outside hose bibs.
• along exterior walls and have no insulation, even with a little insulation these pipes are still vulnerable to freezing.
• supply lines located in unheated areas such as garages ,attics , crawl spaces , basements and kitchen cabinets.

Preventing your pipes from freezing

There are some steps you can take to prevent freezing during the warmer months of the year.

• Drain water from the sprinkler system and winterize your swimming pool. Follow manufacturer`s and installers instructions on this process.
• Check insulation in vulnerable unheated areas and add insulation if there is none. This will help maintain a higher temperature in those areas.
• Disconnect ,drain and store outside hoses. After removing the outside hose leave the faucet open and close the interior water line supplying the outside connection.

In case a pipe breaks

With these precautions being taken a burst pipe can still occur if that happens here are some simple tips to limit the damage.

• Make sure no electrical appliances are submerged or saturated before entering the affected area. If electronics or electrical outlets are submerged do not enter the affected area and call a certified electrician.
• If you have safe access to the electric panel turn off the power to that area.
• Find the main valve supplying that line and turn it off.
• If safely accessible, inspect to see where the break occurred.
• notify a reputable plumber 
• Call us at SERVPRO of White Plains and New Rochelle to handle the water mitigation and drying.

Cooking Fire Safety

1/16/2019 (Permalink)

Research from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reveals that in 2017, on average, U.S. fire departments responded to a home fire every 88 seconds.[1] Cooking equipment was the leading cause[2] of home fires and fire injuries, causing 47 percent of home fires. These fires resulted in 20 percent of the home fire deaths and 45 percent of the injuries.

“Harrison families should keep these statistics in mind when the holidays approach. According to the NFPA, Thanksgiving is the peak day for home cooking fires, followed by the day before Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and Christmas Eve[2],” says Pelli. “Families should also be aware that frying poses the greatest risk of fire, in fact, the NFPA discourages the use of outdoor gas-fueled turkey fryers that immerse the turkey in hot oil.[3]

Pelli offers these additional cooking safety tips from FEMA’s U.S. Fire Administration.4
1. Keep an eye on what you fry: If you see any smoke or the oil starts to boil, turn the burner off.
2. Stand by your pan: If you leave the kitchen, turn the burner off.
3. Turn pot handles toward the back of the stove so that no one can bump them or pull them over.
4. Wear short sleeves or pull sleeves up: 18 percent of cooking fire fatalities in 2016 were caused by ignited clothing.2
5. Keep a pot lid or cookie sheet nearby to cover a pan if it catches on fire.

“Taking common sense precautions like these and keeping kids and pets out of the kitchen during meal prep can help keep you home safe,” says Pelli. “The precautions you take could help prevent a devastating home fire, a tragic injury, or even the loss of life. While SERVPRO disaster response professionals are fire damage restoration specialists, they know how important it is to keep the focus on fire prevention, because for some types of loss, there is no remediation.”

SERVPRO is an industry leader and provider of fire and water cleanup and restoration services. For more fire prevention and fire safety tips and information about fire and water damage restoration services, please visit www.SERVPRO.com. For more information on SERVPRO of New Rochelle, please contact Antoinette Pelli at 914-684-1560 or SERVPRO8270@optimum.net.

Citations
1 https://www.nfpa.org/News-and-Research/Fire-statistics-and-reports/Fire-statistics/Fires-in-the-US
2 https://www.nfpa.org/-/media/Files/News-and-Research/Fire-statistics-and-reports/Fact-sheets/CookingFactSheet.ashx?la=en
3 https://www.nfpa.org/Public-Education/By-topic/Top-causes-of-fire/Cooking/Turkey-fryers
4 https://www.usfa.fema.gov/prevention/outreach/cooking.html

About SERVPRO®
Founded in 1967, the SERVPRO Franchise System is a leader and provider of fire and water cleanup and restoration services and mold mitigation and remediation. SERVPRO’s professional services network of more than 1,700 individually owned and operated Franchises responds to property damage emergencies ranging from small individual disasters to multi-million dollar large-loss events. Providing coverage in the United States and Canada, the SERVPRO System has established relationships with major insurance companies and commercial clients, as well as individual homeowners.

Your Pets and Fire Safety

1/16/2019 (Permalink)

Prevent Your Pets from Starting Fires

The National Fire Protection Association estimates that nearly 1,000 home fires each year are accidentally started by the homeowners' pets.

The American Kennel Club and ADT Security Services have joined forces to provide the following tips:

• Extinguish Open Flames - Pets are generally curious and will investigate cooking appliances, candles, or even a fire in your fireplace. Ensure your pet is not left unattended around an open flame and make sure to thoroughly extinguish any open flame before leaving your home.

• Remove Stove Knobs - Be sure to remove stove knobs or protect them with covers before leaving the house - a stove or cook top is the number one piece of equipment involved in your pet starting a fire.

• Invest in Flameless Candles - These candles contain a light bulb rather than an open flame, and take the danger out of your pet knocking over a candle. Cats are notorious for starting fires when their tails turn over lit candles.

• Secure Young Pets - keep them confined away from potential fire-starting hazards when you are away from home such as in crates or behind baby gates in secure areas.

Help Firefighters Help Your Pets

• Keep pets near entrances when away from home. Keep collars on pets and leashes at the ready in case firefighters need to rescue your pet. When leaving pets home alone, keep them in areas or rooms near entrances where firefighters can easily find them.

• Affix a pet alert window cling and write down the number of pets inside your house and attach the static cling to a front window. This critical information saves rescuers time when locating your pets. Make sure to keep the number of pets listed on them updated.

SERVPRO First Responder Bowl

1/15/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO  SERVPRO First Responder Bowl was played at historic Cotton Bowl Stadium. The newly renamed bowl is designed to honor the sacrifice and service of the brave men and women who are the first line of defense in local communities when the unexpected or the unthinkable happens says Antoinette Pelli of SERVPRO of White Plains. Kickoff for the event was televised by ESPN, on December 26 at 1:30 ET, featuring Boston College and Boise State University.

“It’s a privilege to have the SERVPRO name associated with an event that celebrates the dedication and selflessness of first responders,” said Pelli. “These men and women are true hometown heroes and first on the scene when disaster strikes, helping to save lives and protect property.”

The SERVPRO First Responder Bowl honored first responders including police officers, firefighters, EMS workers, correctional officers, search and rescue teams, dispatchers, security guards, federal agents, border patrol agents, and military personnel who have specialized training and are the first to arrive and provide help at the scene of an emergency. Event organizers distributed  complimentary tickets to verified first responders and their families who signed up at https://www.firstresponderbowl.com/first-responders. These complimentary tickets were possible thanks to corporate sponsors like SERVPRO and individual fans who choose to “Sponsor a Responder” with a $15 donation when they purchased their general admission tickets.

“The SERVPRO First Responder Bowl was a celebration of the commitment to service demonstrated by the everyday people who willingly put themselves in harm’s way to protect the lives and property of their neighbors,” said Sue Steen, CEO of SERVPRO Industries, Inc. “SERVPRO is honored to have this opportunity to shine a spotlight on all of these hard working first responders, and their families, and to recognize them for the heroes they are.”

Unfortunately the game was called off after the area had experienced some very inclement weather. The safety of the fans, players and event staff are paramount. Safety First! 

SERVPRO is an industry leader and provider of fire and water cleanup and restoration services. For more information on SERVPRO of White Plains, please contact Antoinette Pelli at (914) 684-1560 or SERVPRO8270@optimum.net. For more information about SERVPRO, please visit https://www.SERVPRO.com.

About SERVPRO^®

Founded in 1967, the SERVPRO Franchise System is a leader and provider of fire and water cleanup and restoration services and mold mitigation and remediation. SERVPRO’s professional services network of more than 1,700 individually owned and operated Franchises responds to property damage emergencies ranging from small individual disasters to multi-million dollar large-loss events. Providing coverage in the United States and Canada, the SERVPRO System has established relationships with major insurance companies and commercial clients, as well as individual homeowners.

Learn How to Prepare for Disasters Now.

1/4/2019 (Permalink)

FEMA has prepared a week-by-week calendar of recommended actions property owners can take to be ready if disaster does strike:

Week 1.  Create an emergency plan that includes signing up for emergency alerts and making contingency plans for shelter, evacuation, and family communication.

Week 2.  Learn life-saving skills. CPR is a good place to start, but also be certain you know how to turn off the utilities in your home and ensure your smoke and CO detectors are properly installed and working.

Week 3.  Check your insurance coverage. Once the emergency is over, appropriate  and sufficient insurance will be the key to getting your life back to normal, or at least on track. 

Week 4.  Plan financially for the possibility of a disaster. This goes beyond having a "rainy day fund" for immediate needs. Gather and organize important home, business, insurance, financial, personal documents and keep them up-to-date. Store all your documents in a secure, water-and-fire proof location.

"There's a difference between surviving a disaster and recovering from a disaster," says Antionette Pelli, owner of SERVPRO of White Plains. "Families and businesses who take the time to create both a short- and long-term plan to deal with the unexpected are better able to respond quickly if the unexpected happens, which can improve their chances of survival. Having key information at their fingertips in the aftermath of the emergency can set them on the path to recovery more quickly and with less stress."

SERVPRO recognizes a fast response is critical in any emergency . Pelli reminds Harrison-area commercial and residential property owners they can download the SERVPRO Ready app for free at https://ready.SERVPRO.com/home/mobileapp . The app allows users to store essential contact and property information electronically, where it can be accessed with a mobile device in seconds, right from the scene, if disaster strikes. For local business owners who designate SERVPRO of White Plains as their disaster mitigation and restoration provider, SERVPRO professionals will conduct a no-cost assessment of their facility, help the owner complete a comprehensive Emergency READY Profile(ERP) ,and store that profile in the READY app.

"SERVPRO disaster cleanup and restoration specialists are ready to respond to emergencies big and small," said Pelli. " From SERVPRO`s Disaster Recovery Team, a group of elite large-loss specialists, prequalified and strategically positioned throughout the United States to handle any size disaster, to local SERVPRO professionals like SERVPRO of White Plains, we specialize in disaster restoration, cleanup and repair services, helping make it "Like it never even happened" for both commercial and residential customers."

For more information on SERVPRO of White Plains, please contact Antionette Pelli at (914)- 684-1560 or SERVPRO8270@optimum.net . For more information on SERVPRO and SERVPRO Emergency READY Program, please visit www.ready.SERVPRO.com .

About SERVPRO

Founded in 1967, the SERVPRO Franchise System is a leader and provider of fire and water cleanup and restoration services and mold mitigation and remediation. SERVPRO`s professional services network of more than 1,700 individually owned and operated Franchises responds to property damage emergencies ranging from small individual disasters to multi-million dollar large-loss events. Providing coverage in the United States and Canada, the SERVPRO System has established relationships with major insurance companies and commercial clients, as well as individual homeowners.

SERVPRO's Disaster Recovery Team mobilizes from across the country, as needed, to support large storm events. SERVPRO`s Disaster Recovery Team has responded to large and storm events across the country, including: 2018 California Wildfires,2017 Hurricane Harvey, @017 Hurricane Irma, 2016 Hurricane Matthew, 2016 Hurricane,2016 Louisiana Flooding, 2016 Houston Flooding, 2015 Siberian Express, 2014 Mid-Atlantic Flooding,2014 Polar Vortex, 2013 Colorado Floods, 2013Alberta,Canada Floods, 2012 Hurricane Sandy, 2012 Hurricane Isaac, 2011 Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee, 2011 North Dakota Floods,2010 Tennessee Floods,2010 New England Floods, 2009 California Wildfires and 2008 Hurricane Ike. 

Falling Trees and Storm Damage

8/3/2016 (Permalink)

Trees falling on your home can create a mess in your home. Let us clean it up and get you back in your home faster than anyone else in the business.

Late summer is upon us, which means possible serious storms in the North East

A common occurrence during large storms is trees falling on and damaging your property. Don’t wait until it happens. Be prepared for this type of storm emergency. Here are 5 steps to take to prevent the issues of falling trees in the White Plains and New Rochelle area.

1. Trees that are old or diseased can easily succumb to flooding and windy storms. Go ahead and remove hazardous trees before a storm approaches.
2. In the event a tree does fall on your property, first, make sure everyone is okay. Leave your home if you feel unsafe inside the property.
3.  Look to see if there are any wires or power lines hanging and if they are, call the police and the power company.
4.  Call your insurance company and if you can safely do so, take pictures.
5. Contact us at SERVPRO of White Plains/ New Rochelle. We will place a tarp on the roof if needed. We will also carry out any board up services required and clean up any water inside the home. Boarding up parts of the home that have structural damage will help with your insurance claim and also deter any vandals while you are away from your home.

*TIP: The nature of emergency situations, often do not allow you to check licenses or BBB reports. It’s best to have a trusted restoration and storm cleanup company in mind before things like this happen. Contact SERVPRO of White Plains and New Rochelle to receive a free Emergency Readiness Plan. This plan will organize all the necessary steps and information you will need in the event of storm damage, water damage, fire damage, and cleanup.

As a trusted leader in the restoration industry, SERVPRO of White Plains and New Rochelle has highly trained technicians that are dedicated to responding faster to any size disaster. We provide 24-hour emergency service and have the training and expertise to handle your restoration and cleaning needs. Contact us and we will make it "Like it never happened.”

A Letter from a Happy Client

7/25/2016 (Permalink)

Thanks to Natalie for this wonderful letter. We are glad she had such a great experience.

This is a letter of recommendation for SERVPRO of White Plains & New Rochelle, who we employed to mitigate mold  at our Townhouse located in Pelham, NY. 

In the past, I had owned several properties and have dealt with multiple contractors which in fact did bring me a lot of grief. Lack of timely completion, lack of control over subcontractors and a lack of general all around ownership of the job was something I had come to expect as the norm. 

In December 2015, we had a major flood in our Townhouse from a broken pipe in a bathroom located on a third floor. It took us over 6 months to negotiate overall damage price with the Insurance provider due to damage quote estimate difference, among other difficulties. 

After many months of detailed research, we were lucky to find  ServePro of White Plains & New Rochelle who did a great deal to change our views when it comes to working with a Mitigation company.

Antoinette from ServePro worked diligently to remove the multiple loose ends and questions that caused confusion, cost overruns and delays with the Insurance provider. She is extremely knowledgeable, very professional, has excellent communication skills and keeps everyone informed of all aspects of the project.

The SERVPRO Team utilized excellent project management skills to problem solve any issue that arose during the project. They were very detail oriented, focused on keeping the project on schedule and on budget. I find them to be very honest and straightforward on all issues.  They are efficient, work hard to keep the project in-line and are excellent in communication. This was a great experience for us to work with such a professional group of contractors!

I would highly recommend Serve Pro of White Plains & New Rochelle to anyone who wishes to undergo a mitigation project with as little anguish as possible. 

Do you use a Contractor or SERVPRO?

7/19/2016 (Permalink)

Make sure you save time and money by calling SERVPRO if you have water damage!

Imagine you come home one evening and you walk into your living room covered with water and your ceiling has collapsed.

What do you do?

Who do you call?

Do you call your contractor or a Water Restoration Company?

What is the difference?

There are many differences between contractors and Water Restoration Companies. Here are a few:

When you call SERVPRO of White Plains/ New Rochelle you can expect a First Responder on site within two hours. We will assess the situation with you and run through al of our options. We will get rid of anything that could cause more damage to your home and salvage as much as we can to save you time and money.

If you have a problem call: (914) 684-1560

We operate in Portchester, Rye, Rye Brook, Harrison, Larchmont, Mamaroneck, New Rochelle, and White Plains. 

Avoiding Water Damage

6/24/2016 (Permalink)

Make sure to use these prevention tips to save yourself money down the road.

The following are the five leading causes of water damage insurance claim and came up with solutions to help prevent them.

Plumbing Supply System Failure

The average cost was more than $5,000 after the deductible was paid.

Reducing the Damage

• Some indicators are increased monthly water bill, banging pipes, rust stains, moisture in the walls or on floors, and signs of wet soil erosion near the foundation.
• Reduce risk of frozen pipes by raising your thermostat to 60 degrees or higher in the winter, insulate pipes, or let faucets drip so that water isn't sitting still in the pipes.
• Install a leak detection system, just in case.

Toilet Failure

The average cost was over $5,500 after the deductible was paid. 1/3 of these incidents were caused by overflowing or clogged toilets.

Reducing the Damage

• Wait for the valve to completely refill the tank and bowl. If it looks like it may overflow, turn off the supply valve.
• Inspect a toilets components twice a year.
• Consider upgrading the supply line to a sturdier braided steel hose.

Water Heater Failure

Reducing the Damage

• Check the life expectancy and warranty for the water heater and replace accordingly.
• Make sure to maintain the heater. Flushing sediments and inspecting the heater's anode rod may lead to an increase in life expectancy of your heater.
• Inspect valves and use ball valves instead of gate valves whenever possible.

Plumbing Drain System Failure

The average cost per incident is $4,000 after the deductible was paid.

Reducing the Damage

• If the sewer system is connected to the city's sewer system or you are located downhill or below street level, contact a professional to install a backflow prevention assembly into the home's sewer system.
• Plant trees away from lateral drain lines to prevent roots from damaging piping
• Never pour grease down the drain.

Washing Machine Failure

Washing machine claims averaged more than $5,300 per incident after the deductible was paid.

Reducing the Damage

• One burst inlet hose and your laundry room is flooded in a matter of minutes. Replace rubber hoses every three years and consider upgrading to sturdier braided steel hoses.
• When leaving the house for an extended period of time, turn off the hot and cold water supply valve to reduce failure risks.
• Don't try to cut corners by overloading the machine, and use it only while someone is at home.

Will Home Owners Insurance Cover Mold Remediation?

6/10/2016 (Permalink)

Let us fix your mold problem!

Insurance companies will not always cover all mold damages which is why it is a good idea to contact your provider. Whether mold is covered under your insurer is something that varies from policy to policy. Occasionally it will specifically state whether they do or don't cover removal of mold. Others will only pay for removal but not testing despite the fact that tests may be necessary to discover if there is mold in the first place. In many cases they will only cover part of the removal process or you can pay extra to add mold to your policy.

Does the Cause Affect the Coverage?

Yes, in many cases the coverage will depend on the cause of the mold. If the mold is caused by something covered by your policy such as a pipe burst, which is covered by insurance, they are more likely to cover removal than if it is caused by neglect of home maintenance.

Water Damage From Flooding

After a flood, it is very common for mold to appear. If your insurance does not cover flooding then there is a good chance that the mold wont be covered either. If you live in a flood prone location it may be a good idea to purchase flood insurance and check if that would cover mold due to a flood as well.

Roof Leaks

Generally, roof leaks are not covered in insurance policies, therefore you will most likely get no coverage for mold as a result. If the roof leak, however, is caused by a falling tree which causes a leak, there is a good chance you will be covered.

Broken Pipes

Homeowners insurance does not typically cover leaky pipes, but often will cover a burst pipe. Again, if they cover the cause it is more likely that they would cover the mold as a result.

Water Damage Following a Fire

Homeowners insurance almost always covers fires. The thing that many people neglect to think about is the water used to put out that fire. This can lead to mold damages which most likely will be covered.

Remediation

Here at SERVPRO, we have trained crew members to help efficiently and completely remove the mold from your house and help work with you to solve the cause of your problems. 

If you live in Portchester, Rye, Ryebrook, Harrison, Larchmont, Mamaroneck, New Rochelle, or White Plains and have mold problems, call us at:

(914) 684-1560

What Would you do if your House Floods?

6/6/2016 (Permalink)

Floods can seem disastrous but with our help life will be back to normal in no time.

Floods can be caused by a variety of things and you will want to implement these practices to ensure the safety of you and your home, as well as having the best outcome with your insurance.

Avoid Risks

If you had to evacuate, make sure it is safe before you return. Check for any warping, cracked foundations, or other structural damage before entering the home. You may also want to speak to your utility companies to be sure it is safe from things such as electric or gas.

Health

The water that is now in your home could be contaminated by sewage. It is recommended that you wear waist high waders or waterproof boots that come waist high. Also, dispose of any food that comes in contact with the water.

Take Pictures

Before doing anything to your home after a flood be sure to take photos or videos of your home to prove the damage to your insurance company.

Contact your insurance provider

Make sure you have your insurance company's phone number in case you experience a flood. Let your insurance representative know the extent of the damage to your home and of any repairs you wish to make. 

Clean Up

This is where SERVPRO steps in. We will help remove water from your house and afterwards mitigate mold so that there are no long lasting negative effect on you or your house.

If you experience a flood in Portchester, Rye, Ryebrook, Harrison, Larchmont, Mamaroneck, new Rochelle, or White Plains call us at:

(914) 684-1560

Preventing Fire in Your Clothes Dryer

6/2/2016 (Permalink)

Dryer Fires are more common than you think!

Fires can occur when lint builds up in the dryer or in the exhaust duct. Lint can block the flow of air, causes excessive heat build-up, and result in a fire in some dryers.

To help prevent fires:

• Clean the lint screen/ filter before or after drying each load of clothes. If clothing is still damp at the end of a typical drying cycle or drying requires more time than normal, this may be a sign that the lint screen or exhaust duct is blocked.
• Cleaning the dryer vent and exhaust duct periodically. Check the outside dryer vent while the dryer is operating to make sure exhaust air is escaping. If it is not, the vent or the exhaust duct may be blocked. to remove a blockage in the exhaust path it may be necessary to disconnect the exhaust duct from the dryer. Remember to reconnect the ducting to the dryer and the outside vent before using it again.
• Cleaning behind the dryer, where lint can build up. Have a qualified service person clean the interior of the dryer chassis periodically to minimize the amount of lint accumulation. Keep the area around the dry clean and free of clutter.
• Replace plastic or foil, accordion-type ducting material with rigid or corrugated semi-rigid metal duct. Most manufacturers specify the use of a rigid or corrugated semi-rigid metal duct, which provides maximum airflow. The flexible plastic or foil type duct can more easily trap lint and is more susceptible to kinks or crashing, which can greatly reduce the airflow.
• Take special care when drying clothes that have been soiled with volatile chemicals such as gasoline, cooking oils, cleaning agents, or finishing oils and stains. If possible, wash the clothing and, preferably, hang the clothes to dry. If using a dryer, use the lowest heat setting and a drying cycle that has a cool-down period at the end of the cycle. To prevent clothes from igniting after drying, do not leave the dried clothes in the dryer or piled in laundry basket.

The Harmful Effects of Fire Damage

5/23/2016 (Permalink)

Fire damage can seem life shattering. Allow us to help make it "Like it never even happened."

If you live in Portchester, Rye, Ryebrook, Harrison, Larchmont, Mamaroneck, New Rochelle, or White Plains call us immediately if you have water damage.

Some of the biggest issues associated with fire damage don't come directly from the flames. The heat and water vapor from combustion can cause severe damage. There is also the smoke and soot from the fire that can cause lasting problems to your home. They contain toxic chemicals and also have a smell that lasts. 

Plastics and other synthetic materials can leave behind harmful chemicals that are dangerous to inhale. Wood smoke is usually the largest contributor to smoke in the building. It contains methane, carbon monoxide, benzene, sulfur dioxide, formaldehyde, formic acid, acetic acid, and traces of heavy metals. This combination of chemicals is quite hazardous and can cause major problems for anyone who inhales or comes in contact with the smoke or residue left behind. The smoke and soot can cover almost every surface in the house even in places that were not directly adjacent to the fire, traveling either through air vents or wall cavities.

Removing smoke and sot requires the proper machinery and expertise. Here at SERVPRO of White Plains we have all of the machinery and expertise you would need. Our certified professionals have been working with people in need of help for years.

It may seem like life will never be the same following a disastrous fire. With the help of our technicians we can get you back on track. Let us make it "Like it never even happened."

Preparing For Hurricane Season

5/20/2016 (Permalink)

Hurricanes can be devastating. Make sure you and your family are prepared and know you can have peace of mind that we are there for you 24 hours a day

Hurricane Season is June 1st through November 30th. Since it's right around the corner, SERVPRO of White Plains/ New Rochelle wants to help make sure you and your family are safe and prepared.

There are a few things you can do now to help reduce damage if there is a hurricane. Stock up on batteries and water, check to see if your flashlights are all working, and, if you have one, make sure your generator is in good working order.

Before the Storm

During a Storm

If you experience water damage call us at :

(914) 684-1560

We service Portchester, Rye, Ryebrook, Harrison, Larchmont, Mamaroneck, New Rochelle, and White Plains. Don't wait to call! the longer you wait the more damage could occur.

Faster to your Westchester County Water Damage Event

5/16/2016 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of White Plains provides 24 hour fire and water damage restoration service in Westchester County

If you live in Portchester, Rye, Ryebrook, Harrison, Larchmont, Mamaroneck, New Rochelle, or White Plains call us immediately if you have water damage.

Flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we. SERVPRO of White Plains provides emergency cleaning and restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—including all holidays.

Faster To Any Size Disaster

Flooding and water damage is very invasive. Water quickly spreads throughout your home and gets absorbed into floors, walls, furniture, and more.  SERVPRO of White Plains arrives quickly and starts the water extraction process almost immediately. This immediate response helps to minimize the damage and the cleaning and restoration costs.

Need Emergency Service? Call Us 24/7 – (914) 684-1560

Water Damage Timeline

Within Minutes

Water quickly spreads throughout your property, saturating everything in its path.

Water is absorbed into walls, floors, upholstery, and belongings.

Furniture finishes may bleed, causing permanent staining on carpets.

Photographs, books, and other paper goods start to swell and warp.

Hours 1 - 24:

Drywall begins to swell and break down.

Metal surfaces begin to tarnish.

Furniture begins to swell and crack.

Dyes and inks from cloth and paper goods spread and stain.

A musty odor appears.

48 Hours to 1 Week:

Mold and mildew may grow and spread.

Doors, windows, and studs swell and warp.

Metal begins to rust and corrode.

Furniture warps and shows signs of mold.

Paint begins to blister.

Wood flooring swells and warps.

Serious biohazard contamination is possible.

More Than 1 Week:

Restoration time and cost increase dramatically; replacing contaminated materials and structural rebuilding may be extensive.

Structural safety, mold growth, and biohazard contaminants pose serious risks to occupants.

About SERVPRO of White Plains

SERVPRO of White Plains specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Our highly trained specialists can restore your home.

5/13/2016 (Permalink)

If you live in Harrison,Purchase,Portchester, Rye, Ryebrook, Pelham, Larchmont, Mamaroneck, New Rochelle, or White Plains call us immediately if you have water or fire damage.

SERVPRO of White Plains and New Rochelle is an IICRC firm. The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) creates the standards for the restoration industry and provides training and certification to restoration companies. IICRC Certified Firms have the right to display the IICRC Certified Logo.

IICRC Certified Firms must

• Present accurate information to consumers and conduct business with honesty and integrity.

• Require a technician on all jobs who has been formally trained and passed all required tests.

• Require a continuing education program to keep technicians up-to-date on the latest changes in the industry.

• Maintain liability insurance to protect all parties in the event of an accident.

• Maintain a written complaint policy and agree to Better Business Bureau or similar arbitration to resolve disputes, and accept the conclusions and recommendations of arbitration.

The IICRC Develops The Standards For The Restoration Industry

The IICRC has been the driving force in establishing the main industry standards and reference guides for professional carpet cleaning, water damage restoration and mold remediation. These IICRC standards take years to develop and require the coordination of experts in the field: manufacturers, industry organizations, insurance professionals, training schools, contractors, and public health professionals.

Every five years, the standards are reviewed and updated. The water damage restoration field changes rapidly with advancements in technology and science, and therefore the standards must evolve to keep pace.

About SERVPRO of White Plains and New Rochelle

SERVPRO of White Plains and New Rochelle specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration and we are an IICRC Certified Firm. We believe in continuous training: from initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

When Storms or Floods hit Westchester County, SERVPRO is ready!

5/13/2016 (Permalink)

Our highly trained crews are ready to respond 24/7 to storm or flood damage in Westchester County.

If you live in Portchester, Rye, Ryebrook, Harrison, Larchmont, Mamaroneck, New Rochelle, or White Plains call us immediately if you have storm or flood damage.

SERVPRO of White Plains specializes in storm and flood damage restoration.  Our crews are highly trained and we use specialized equipment to restore your property to its pre-storm condition.

Faster Response

Since we are locally owned and operated, we are able to respond quicker with the right resources, which is extremely important. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces the restoration cost.

Resources to Handle Floods and Storms

When storms hit Westchester County, we can scale our resources to handle a large storm or flooding disaster. We can access equipment and personnel from a network of 1,650 Franchises across the country and elite Disaster Recovery Teams that are strategically located throughout the United States.

Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today (914) 684-1560

Does Your Westchester County Home Have A Mold Problem?

5/12/2016 (Permalink)

In Westchester County, mold can spread through a home in as little as 48 hours.

If you live in Portchester, Rye, Ryebrook, Harrison, Larchmont, Mamaroneck, New Rochelle, or White Plains call us immediately if you have mold damage.

Microscopic mold spores naturally occur almost everywhere, both outdoors and indoors. This makes it impossible to remove all mold from a home or business. Therefore, mold remediation reduces the mold spore count back to its natural or baseline level. Some restoration businesses advertise “mold removal” and even guarantee to remove all mold, which is a fallacy. Consider the following mold facts:

Mold is present almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors.

Mold spores are microscopic and float along in the air and may enter your home through windows, doors, or AC/heating systems or even hitch a ride indoors on your clothing or a pet.

Mold spores thrive on moisture. Mold spores can quickly grow into colonies when exposed to water. These colonies may produce allergens and irritants.

Before mold remediation can begin, any sources of water or moisture must be addressed. Otherwise, the mold may return.

Mold often produces a strong, musty odor and can lead you to possible mold problem areas.

Even higher-than-normal indoor humidity can support mold growth. Keep indoor humidity below 45 percent.

If your home or business has a mold problem, we can inspect and assess your property and use our specialized training, equipment, and expertise to remediate your mold infestation.

If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today – (914) 684-1560

Westchester County Smoke and Soot Cleanup

5/9/2016 (Permalink)

Smoke and Soot Damage Can Cause a Pervasive Odor in Your Westchester County Home.

If you live in Portchester, Rye, Ryebrook, Harrison, Larchmont, Mamaroneck, New Rochelle, or White Plains call us immediately if you have fire damage.

Smoke and soot is very invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your home, causing hidden damage and odor. Our smoke damage expertise and experience allows us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damage to develop a comprehensive plan of action. 

Smoke and soot facts:

Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.

Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.

The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.

Different Types of Smoke

There are two different types of smoke–wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of White Plains will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. The cleaning procedures will then be based on the information identified during pretesting. Here is some additional information:

Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber

Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.

Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood

Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke rises.

Protein Fire Residue – Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire

Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor.

Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions.  We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage.  We will also treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care.

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?

Call Us Today – (914)-684-1560

Westchester County 24 Hour Emergency Water Damage Service

5/9/2016 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of White Plains provides 24 hour fire and water damage restoration service in Westchester County

If you live in Portchester, Rye, Ryebrook, Harrison, Larchmont, Mamaroneck, New Rochelle, or White Plains call us immediately if you have water damage.

SERVPRO of White Plains is available 24 hours a day for water emergencies, large or small. When you are dealing with water damage, immediate action is crucial. A delay of just a few hours can greatly increase the severity of the water damage.

We Answer the Phone Ready to Help

Call Today - (914)-684-1560

We understand that when you call us, you may be feeling confused, stressed, and vulnerable. You need an expert to guide you through this crisis. SERVPRO of White Plains has the specific water damage training and experience to help you through this tough time. We specialize in water damage restoration—in fact, it's the cornerstone of our business.

What to Expect

When you call, we will ask several questions regarding your water damage emergency. These questions will help us determine what equipment and resources to bring, including how many trained SERVPRO Professionals may be needed.

Our SERVPRO Representative will ask several questions:

Your name and contact information

Your insurance information (if applicable)

The street address of the water-damaged home or business

When did the flooding or water damage occur?

What caused the water damage (if known)?

Is there electricity available (on-site)?

About SERVPRO of White Plains

SERVPRO of White Plains specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Mamaroneck Residents: We Specialize in Flooded Basement Cleanup and Restoration!

2/18/2016 (Permalink)

This Mamaroneck business called SERVPRO when their basement flooded.

If you live in Portchester, Rye, Ryebrook, Harrison, Larchmont, Mamaroneck, New Rochelle, or White Plains call us immediately if you have water damage.

A basement can flood at any time and for many reasons, 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 Scarsdale 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

If You Have Questions or Need Help, Please Call Us At  - (914) 684-1560

This Mamaroneck, NY business had some flooding in their basement, as can be seen in the picture. They called SERVPRO of White Plains for remediation.

We responded promptly and inspected the damage, then began the Water extraction process.  In less than four days we had the basement dry. We use advanced inspection and monitoring equipment to determine your business or home’s structure is actually dry. You can see the before and after photos here.

If water damage isn't handled quickly and properly, it can cause severe damage to your home’s structure not to mention the potential harmful health effects of mold. Remember, the longer you wait, the worse the problem will get.

We are Flooded Basement Specialists:

• We are Available 24 hours/7 days per week
• We’re a Preferred Vendor to many National Insurance Companies
• We Bill The Insurance Directly – One Less Thing For You To Worry About
• Our Technicians are Highly-Trained  in Water Restoration Techniques
• We use s500 IICRC Restoration Standards
• Advanced Inspection and Extraction Equipment

Basement Flooded? Call Us Today – We’re Here To Help - (914) 684-1560