Hoarding

6/24/2019 (Permalink)

Many people with hoarding disorder do not find their habits to be a problem.

Hoarded items are often things others would throw away or look at as junk or garbage such as newspapers, junk mail and packaging.  Hoarding can lead homes filled with extreme clutter to full capacity from years of accumulation, making living conditions unsanitary and crowded.  Bugs, fleas’ rats and other vermin may be present.  

SERVPRO of Greater Smithtown encounter hoarding situation several different ways.  Often when SERVPRO for a fire or water loss and find the hoarding situation when they arrive on site.  SERVPRO will communicate with the insurance company regarding contents coverage, and after approval contents can be packed out and possibly cleaned, dried and stored by SERVPRO of Greater Smithtown or relocated to a storage facility so work on the fire or water loss can begin. 

If you experience this, please call SERVPRO of Greater Smithtown 631-265-9200

Bio-Hazard Clean Ups

5/8/2019 (Permalink)

Your disaster might not always be fire and water related but SERVPRO of Greater Smithtown is still here to help when it comes to other situations.

Bloodborne Pathogens: SERVPRO of Greater Smithtown professionals remove and dispose of bodily fluids, tissue, and other potentially pathogenic substances resulting from accident, trauma, crime or death.  Trained SERVPRO Franchise Technicians thoroughly clean disinfect and deodorize the structure.

Methamphetamine Labs: Many of the chemicals used in the production of illegal drugs, such as methamphetamine, are volatile and can leave harmful residues throughout a structure.  SERVPRO of Greater Smithtown’s Professionals follow federal and state guidelines to properly clean all surfaces.

Crime Scene Residues: From fingerprinting powder and evidence gathering chemicals to tear gas and pepper spray residues, SERVPRO of Greater Smithtown can clean and restore your property and contents.

Arson and Vandalism: SERVPRO of Greater Smithtown are recognized as leaders at helping property owners recover quickly from fire and water damage.  Your local franchise professional also provides general cleaning and deodorization services for situations resulting from vandalism including graffiti, egg, spoiled foods and humor or animal waste.

When disaster strikes make sure you have experienced professionals on the line.  No matter how big or small SERVPRO of Greater Smithtown will be ready to help make your property damage “Like it never even happened.”

Personal Protective Equipment

8/3/2018 (Permalink)

When it comes to SERVPRO of Greater Smithtown, our number one concern is safety: the safety of our clients and the safety of our employees.

To make sure the job is done right, employees need to take proper precautions when working in specific situations. Each job comes with its own safety concerns. For example, flood waters can come with contaminants from things like sewage; mold remediation jobs come with possible irritants to people’s eyes, skin and lungs; fire damage can come with worries like smoke inhalation and possible falling debris; and biohazard incidents can come with exposure to dangerous chemicals and bodily fluids.

SERVPRO teams are given the proper training and personal protective equipment (PPE) to ensure they are prepared to safely handle each one of those incidents and a wide range of others. They follow specific guidelines laid out by our company and by the National Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

Some of that PPE includes the following:

• Tyvek Suits and Booties: which are made of a strong, but lightweight material that can protect a person from contaminants in the air. These suits cover a person from head to toe (except the face).
• Dust Masks: which are lightweight masks worn around the nose and mouth to keep out less serious contaminants like typical, household dust.
• Full Face Masks: which are more heavy-duty, plastic masks, seal off the entire face and include respirators. These are used in more dangerous conditions. The respirators filter out any harmful airborne pathogens and mold spores.
• Gloves: different kinds of gloves are used depending on the situation. Nitrile gloves are used to protect from certain contaminants like bodily fluids. Whereas, stronger rubber gloves are used to protect when handling sharp or rough objects.
• Goggles: are used to protect the eyes in dangerous conditions.
• Hard Hats: are used to protect employees in situations where there is a risk of building collapse or falling debris.

By ensuring their own safety in the field, our team members are better able to ensure your safety and the safety of your home or business.

Remember, if you experience an incident that requires restoration work, you can count on SERVPRO of Greater Smithtown to get the job done in the SAFEST and most efficient way. Call us any time at 631-265-9200.

Hoarding

5/3/2018 (Permalink)

Hoarding disorder is a persistent difficulty discarding or parting with possessions because of a perceived need to save them.  A person with hoarding disorder experiences distress at the thought of getting rid of the items.   Excessive accumulation of items, regardless of actual value, occurs.  Many people with hoarding disorder do not find their habits to be a problem. 

Hoarded items are often things others would throw away or look as junk or garbage such as old newspapers, junk mail or packaging.  

Hoarding can lead to homes filled with extreme clutter to full capacity from years of accumulation, making living conditions unsanitary and crowded.  Bugs, fleas, rats and other vermin may be present, at which point an exterminator would need to be called.  At times, hoarding may spread to the outside of the home as well, to storage facilities, or even garage or yard.  SERVPRO of Greater Smithtown encounter hoarding situations several different ways.  Often, SERVPRO of Greater Smithtown is called for fire or water loss and find the hoarding situation when they arrive on-site.  SERVPRO of Greater Smithtown will communicate with insurance company regarding contents coverage, and after approval, contents can be packed out and possible cleaned, dried and stored by SERVPRO of Greater Smithtown or relocated to a storage facility so work on the fire or water loss can begin.   

Another way SERVPRO of Greater Smithtown encounter hoarding jobs is through calls from landlords, case workers, real estate agents, or family members, often after the death of a loved one.  In these situations, the crew will see if they should look for any items of importance while they clean the job.   Sometimes family members will come and try to help the hoarder sort through their contents as well.  

Each case is very different, and hoarding jobs are often sensitive situations, but SERVPRO of Greater Smithtown are here to help make "Like it never even happened." If you encounter a hoarding situation at one of your properties, or with your insureds, call SERVPRO of Greater Smithtown today.