Summertime Fun with our Furry Friends

6/20/2023 (Permalink)

Its that time of the year SUMMERTIME, as we begin to plan what fun activities we will be doing this year our furry babies are always in the back of our head especially when we can not bring them with us everywhere (even though we wish we could. Here are a few tips to ensure they are safe while we are out. 

Always make sure you leave your pet with water in an area they can always get too.

On those very warm and maybe humid days make sure your pet is kept in a cooler room to ensure they do not overheat. On those super hot days wait until it cools down a bit before walking them. If its too hot for us to walk barefoot on the floor its too hot for them since the asphalt gets hot it can burn their paws when its 87 degrees out the floor could be a whopping 143 degrees the best way to test it is by placing the back of your hand on the floor for roughly 7 seconds if its too hot wait for the sun to go down and try again. On those days you cant wait invest in some shoes for your fur babies they work magic but still keep an eye on your animal incase they overheat. 

Now for those trips you can bring them out keep these few tips in mind,

 Never leave them in a car alone with it off temps can easily rise in a car quickly.

Always travel with a small portable bowl for them as they will drink more because of the heat than during the winter.

If you do own a short snout dog like a Pug or Frenchie keep in mind since they have a harder time breathing summer might not always be fun for them paying attention to your fur babies breathing you can avoid overheating. 

But all in all enjoy the summer and bring those fur babies everywhere you can I know we will here at SERVPRO of white plains and New Rochelle. 

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! 

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. 

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 

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! 
 

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.  

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. 

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! 

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!!!  

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

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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.  

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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

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.”

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.

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.   

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.

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.

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.

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.