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Fire & Water - Cleanup & Restoration

Archived General Blog Posts

CARBON MONOXIDE: A Silent Killer

7/26/2019 (Permalink)

You can’t see or smell carbon monoxide, but at high levels it can kill a person in minutes.  Often called the silent killer, carbon monoxide (or CO) is an invisible, odorless, colorless gas created when fuels, like gasoline, wood, coal, natural gas and propane burn incompletely.  According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, each year more than 400 Americans die from unintentional CO poisoning.  It is estimated another 20,000 visit the emergency room, and more than 4,000 are hospitalized due to CO poisoning.  All people and animals are at risk for CO poisoning, with some groups – including unborn babies, infants and people with chronic heart disease, anemia or respiratory problems – being more susceptible to the effects of carbon monoxide.

Symptoms of CO Poisoning

  • Dull headache
  • Weakness
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea/Vomiting
  • Shortness of Breath
  • Confusion
  • Blurred Vision
  • Loss of Consciousness

Tips to prevent mold in your Long Island Bathroom

8/7/2018 (Permalink)

Bathrooms are a common place for mold to occur in your home. Here are some tips on how to avoid mold in your Long Island bathroom. 

Tips on how to prevent Bathroom Mold

  • Use exhaust fans to remove moisture to the outside (not into the attic).
  • Use area rugs, which can be taken up and washed often instead of wall-to-wall carpeting.
  • Check for leaks around basins and tubs and have them repaired if necessary.
  • Open a window when showering.
  • Avoid leaving damp towels on the floor or in laundry hamper.

About Our Mold Remediation Services

SERVPRO of Greater Smithtown specializes in mold cleanup and restoration, in fact, it’s a cornerstone of our business.  Our crews are highly trained restoration professionals that use specialized equipment and techniques to properly remediate your mold problem quickly and safely.

If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today – 631-265-9200

Dangers of Extreme Cold

2/6/2018 (Permalink)

According to the National Weather Service, $2.84 million dollars of property damage was caused by extreme cold in 2015.  

Even Scarier? Fifty-three people died and three were injured due to extreme cold the same year. 

It is important to be aware of the effect extremely cold temperatures can have on you.  The two main conditions to be aware of are frostbite and hypothermia.

Frostbite is caused when your skin is exposed to extremely cold temperatures.  Physical symptoms are white or grayish-yellow ski, skin that feels unusually firm, or waxy numbness. 

Hypothermia is when your body temperature falls to an abnormally low temperature, caused from long exposure to cold weather.  Signs of hypothermia include shivering, exhaustion, confusion, fumbling hands, memory loss, slurred speech and drowsiness.  If someone's body temperature is below 95 degrees Fahrenheit , seek medical attention immediately.

To avoid these conditions, stay indoors if possible if not, dress warm in layers and try to keep dry, 

Happy Memorial Day

5/25/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Greater Smithtown wishes you a very happy and safe Memorial Day.  Thank you to all who are serving and have served the Military.

Memorial Day – The Official Unofficial kickoff weekend for “pretty much almost might as well be summer”!  If you are planning to Travel, barbeque or spend a weekend in the sun, here are a few simple tips that will help you keep safe this Memorial Day.

Grill & Fire Safety – Grills and smokers, while creating delicious cookout fare, have a great potential for danger.  It is very important that a lit or hot grill is never left unattended; a responsible adult should stand guard as grill master to control flames and keep children and animals away from hot surfaces.  Before your first grill of the year and often during grilling season, make sure your grill ready for the job.  Keep it clean of grease, inspect propane fuel lines and position your grill away from structures, trees and high-traffic walkways.  You should also take any precautions in case a flare up or fire were to occur; keep an extinguisher nearby and make sure to know how to cut off fuel lines if you’re using propane.

Picnic Food Safety – Proper food safety during barbecues can help to avoid tummy troubles later.  Make sure to take safe food preparation precautions and avoid cross contamination with plenty of hand washing.  Take steps to keep foods at safe temperatures; cold foods should be kept on ice or refrigerated and left out no longer than an hour, and warm foods should be kept heated to at least 140 degrees Fahrenheit until served.  Keep all outdoor buffet dishes covered and try to keep insects from depositing germs onto your delicious meal.  If you do end up with any sort of digestion problems after a barbecue, stay hydrated and seek medical assistance if you experience serious symptoms.

Summer Sun Safety – If you spent time in the sun, be sun safe!  Use sunscreen of an appropriate SPF and make sure to reapply as necessary, especially if you are swimming or sweating.  Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and to keep cool.  Don’t forget your eyes – wear a hat and sunglasses.

Memorial Day Travel Safety – Tens of millions of Americans travel during Memorial Day Weekend, so it is especially important to include safety into your weekend travel plans.  Prepare your car for road trips by making sure your car is in top working condition; check your tire pressure and filly our tank before heading out on your trip and make sure you are equipped with emergency essentials.  Plan your drive ahead of time to choose direct routes on safe roads and keep an eye on weather forecasts to avoid driving with dangerous conditions.  Never drive after drinking, travel with anyone who has been drinking, or allow anyone who has been drinking to drive.  Of course, when you are driving, always wear your seat belt.

Deodorization

4/27/2017 (Permalink)

Even a small fire can cause odors for years to come if the affected areas are not properly cleaned and deodorized.  Fire, Smoke and soot damage in your home or business can create unpleasant and potentially permanent problems. 

 As various materials burn, the smoke produced travels throughout the structure, leaving odorous residues and deposits on the surfaces and in hard to reach places.  Unless fast, professional action is taken, these residues and deposits can cause permanent damage to contents and may result in resurfacing odors.

 With Technicians certified by the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration (IICRC), SERVPRO of Greater Smithtown provide specialized services that can rid your home or business of offensive odors left by fire or smoke damage.   SERVPRO of Greater Smithtown do not cover up lingering odors with a fragrance; they seek out and remove the sources of the odor.  Once the source is found, SERVPRO’s own proprietary line of cleaning products is used to treat and prevent the odor from returning.  Any restorable item in affected areas will also be professionally cleaned and deodorized, including furniture draperies and upholstery, electronics, art,  flooring, walls ceiling, HVAC air ducts and more.

 Call SERVPRO of Greater Smithtown and we will explain the various deodorization methods available and which will work best for you.

If you or a customer suffer a fire damage or some other accident and require deodorization services, contact SERVPRO of Greater Smithtown.  Whether its’s fire, water or mold damage, or just a stubborn odor that refuses to go away, we’ll help make it “Like it never even happened.”

SERVPRO of Greater Smithtown is a Certified Firm

1/30/2017 (Permalink)

We are elated to announce that we are a Certified Firm with the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC).  This is the highest certification a firm can receive in our industry.  It means we have completed all of their advanced training programs and course studies which in turn seaways to the optimum professionalism and expertise regarding all of our services. 


For all your restoration needs contact the professionals of SERVPRO of Greater Smithtown.


 

Will you be READY for 2016?

12/30/2015 (Permalink)

The new year signifies a fresh start. With each new year, many people resolve to better themselves or some part of their life. This year, make a resolution to be READY. No one ever plans on a disaster, but you can at least prepare for it. The SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile (ERP) will help ensure you are "Ready for whatever happens."

In the event of an emergency, the ERP can help minimize business interruption by having an immediate plan of action in place for your facility. The ERP is a comprehensive document containing critical information about your business, including emergency contacts, shut-off valve locations, and priority areas. The ERP also establishes SERVPRO of Greater Smithtown as your disaster mitigation and restoration provider, giving you access to over 45 years experience and a System more than 1700 Franchises strong. The ERP is a no-cost assessment; all it requires is a little time, making it a great value that could save you time and money in the future. By downloading the free SERVPRO READY App, this information is stored electronically and can be accessed using your mobile device, making help just a few taps away.

Preparation is the key to making it through any size disaster, whether it is a small water leak, a large fire, or an area flood. Having a plan in place may help minimize the amount of time your business is inactive and get you back in the building following a disaster. Don't wait until disaster strikes. Call SERVPRO of Greater Smithtown to establish your Emergency READY Profile, and be "Ready for whatever happens" in 2016.

Advantages of the SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile

  • A no-cost assessment of your facility.
  • A concise profile document containing only the critical information needed in the event of an emergency.
  • A guide to help you get back into your building following a disaster.
  • Establishes your loval SERVPRO as your disaster mitigation and restoration provider.
  • Identification of the line of command for authorizing work to begin.
  • Provides facility details such as shut-off valve locations, priority areas, and priority contact information.

Is your property ready for winter?

12/11/2015 (Permalink)

Cold weather can have a huge impact on your home or business if you are not properly prepared. Whether it is heavy rain, freezing temperatures, damaging winds, sleet or snow, all can cause serious and costly property damage. While you cannot control the weather, you can take steps to be prepared and help take the sting out of winter weather.

To help prevent costly damages due to weather, consider taking the following precautions to protect your property before colder weather hits:

  • Check your property for downed tree limbs and branches. Wind, heavy rain, ice, and snow can cause branches to fall, which could cause damage to the property and potentially cause personal injuries.
  • Roofs, water pipes, and gutters should all be inspected to ensure they are in proper order. Gutter downspouts should be directed away from your building. Clear gutters of debris that may have gathered during the fall. Leaves and other obstructions can lead to a damming effect, which can cause damage and interior water problems.
  • Inspect property, especially walkways and parking lots, for proper drainage to alleviate flood hazard potential.
  • Inspect all handrails, stairwells, and entryways, and correct potential slippery or hazardous areas. Install mats or non-slip surfaces and post caution signs where water could be present.
  • Protect water pipes from freezing by allowing water to drip when temperatures dip below freezing. If pipes are under a cabinet, leave the cabinet doors open to allow warm inside air to circulate around the pipes. If the building has outdoor faucets, consider shutting water off at the main valve in the basement or crawl space. Once the valve is off, open the outdoor faucet to ensure it drains, preventing any remaining water from freezing the pipe.
  • Ask SERVPRO of Greater Smithtown about completing an Emergency READY Profile (ERP) for your business. The ERP is a no-cost assessment to your facility, and provides you with a plan to get back in business fast following a disaster.