Disaster Du Jour

Irreplaceable

2012-08-08T06:01:00.000-07:00

Have you ever experienced a fire? If you have, you know it is something you will never forget. If you have not, it is something you hope never happens! One thing I have noticed in almost every fire loss we’ve worked on, is that there is always one item that is irreplaceable. It is one sentimental item that the client focuses on and that means the world to them. It could represent hope to the client if restored. This then becomes our mission. We restore all that can be restored. Let me give you a couple of examples. So you can understand what I mean. You will easily relate if you have a family.

Can you imagine that all you have in the world are gone and the only thing left are the pajamas you fell asleep in? You no longer have a roof over your head or a cozy bed to sleep in. Thankfully, a kind neighbor was able to provide you with a coat to keep you warm. It is an absolute horror!! When the fire occurred this family was in the middle of planning a party. But the one sentimental item for this family was the plant that they purchased on their honeymoon 20 years ago in Hawaii. This plant symbolized the strength and growth of their marriage and the hope for the future. One of our crew members was able to prune it and replant it in fresh soil! That meant everything to this family.

Another fire story was when the Parents of one precious little girl were concerned about her American Girl Dolls. One was a look -a-like doll. Can you imagine how getting that doll would help this little girl transition from this traumatic experience? Folks let me tell you, a fire changes you! Well we were able to replace these dolls with brand new ones. The little girl could not have been more thrilled to get her 2 friends back. Although we specialize in restoration, we were able to speak to the American Girl company and have new dolls sent to us. That is just another example of how we can make it “Like it never even happened.”

Lastly I want to tell you about a family that had antique picture albums of their long gone relatives. You know the pictures that are black and white or sepia. This family was devastated and rightfully so. They wanted to preserve these pictures so that they can have them for their future generations. Our phenomenal crew, yet again came through. The house was considered condemned but our crew took the time to go through this house and open and lift everything that would lead to finding these albums and restoring them. And they found them! We were able to give these clients as well as the others irreplaceable items.

We at Servpro understand that sometimes money can't fix or replace what was damaged in a fire. We care about the little things.

SERVPRO® of Peekskill/Ossining SERVPRO® of Tarrytown/Elmsford

servpropeekskillossining.com servprotarrytownelmsford.com

(914) 788-1950 (914) 358-9000

Get our free App

servpro.com/ready

Visible Mold

2012-07-17T06:13:00.001-07:00

Have you ever wondered what mold looks like or smells like? Well, I have. The other day I went with our Operations Manager to a couple of Mold estimates. The homes were lovely to behold!

The first client was so sweet. She had water damage in her basement some time ago and called us to check for mold because her adult children had some concerns. At first walking into the basement it had that "basement smell." You know the smell, not bad, just expected. At first, we couldn't find any obvious signs of mold. But with a closer inspection, we found white mold that looked like cotton.

The second estimate was also in a basement. This basement was finished with a gym, office and play area for the children. It was so nice! But unfortunately you couldn't miss the mold! This home had black mold on the walls and white mold on the furniture. We also found puddles of water in this basement. We believe the homeowner didn't even know where the source of the water was from.

The statistics say that on average, every home over 10 years old has had some type of water damage. After visiting these homes, my throatt was irritated and later that night I had a headache. I rarely suffer from headaches. Today I feel better but it made me realize the potential hazards that mold can cause. If you suspect you have mold in your home or business, call us.

SERVPRO® of Peekskill/Ossining SERVPRO® of Tarrytown/Elmsford

servpropeekskillossining.com servprotarrytownelmsford.com

(914) 788-1950 (914) 358-9000

Get our free App

servpro.com/ready

The Bright Side.

2012-07-02T11:34:00.001-07:00

When a disaster strikes, it can cause stress, anxiety and serious damage. Believe me, I understand. I myself have suffered a disaster. I have had episodes with flooding in my basement. And I was worried about mold becoming an issue especially since I have a child with asthma. That is why having homeowners insurance and a game plan on how to proceed is so important.

Thankfully, there are restoration companies like ours! Honestly, what is a person to do when you open the door of your basement and water is filled to the top?

We work with insurance companies everyday. It helps to know that SERVPRO® exists. As a homeowner or business owner, it is important to know who to call in a disaster. Additionally you should have an ERP,an Emergency Ready Plan. An ERP consists of a folder or mini booklet that contains exits, contacts, photos and other pertinent information necessary if a catastrophe occurs.

If you have a disaster at 3:00am, who should you call? The police, your insurance agent, the fire department? Well, after the authorities, the answer is your agent's 24 hour phone number. The next call should be SERVPRO®! We can get to your loss ASAP and work with your insurance company. Sometimes in an emergency, we need to find a shut off valve or get into an HVAC closet. Believe it or not, you might not know where these things are. But if you allow us to put together an ERP folder for you, we will already have this information on file and we will be able to get started immediately. An ERP is a complimentary service of SERVPRO®.

So yes "stuff happens" but there is always a bright side! Don't be blindsided by a disaster... I was and it isn't fun.

SERVPRO® of Peekskill/Ossining SERVPRO® of Tarrytown/Elmsford

servpropeekskillossining.com servprotarrytownelmsford.com

(914) 788-1950 (914) 358-9000

Get our free App

servpro.com/ready

No job is to small or big!

2012-06-27T07:01:00.000-07:00

We had a client once that called in and said, " I think I have a little mold on my bathroom ceiling." Well it turns out that all the bathroom walls behind the wallpaper had mold all over them. Once we pulled down the wallpaper, we could see it. It looked like black spots and smelled horrible. It turns out that the source was from a leak upstairs that the client handled themselves.
Sometimes customers don't know and sometimes they try to paint or wallpaper over mold. People, this is a possible danger to your health!! The elderly and children with asthma could suffer greatly. Please try and solve the problem immediately. You may be covered by your insurance but even if you aren't, mold is too serious an issue to not have it taken care of.

Fortunately we were able to help this client. And we can help you. Don't be afraid to call even if you think it is "not much" or "no big deal". If you get it checked out early, hopefully it won't be a "big deal".

SERVPRO of Peekskill/Ossining SERVPRO of Tarrytown/Elmsford
servpropeekskillossining.com servprotarrytownelmsford.com

(914) 788-1950 (914) 358-9000
Get our free App
servpro.com/ready

Tag you’re it!

2012-06-21T08:34:00.001-07:00

Do you remember playing tag as a child? You ran around screaming hoping not to get tagged, but secretly all you wanted was to get all your friends? Well, living in an apartment is like a not so fun game of tag when your neighbor upstairs has an 8 inch ruptured sprinkler that sprays the entire apartment and floods the two apartments below. "Tag" I have water damage, you have water damage, we all have water damage! Not fun at all.

Yesterday we received an emergency phone call that an apartment's sprinkler system went off and had flooded the apartment as well as the two below. I went with our team to see the loss first hand. The homeowners were so upset. I listened as they told us how this water damage couldn't have come at a worst time. They had plans to go away for the weekend and I saw as they held back tears.

That's when I realized that the most important part of what we do is not cleaning and restoration, although no one does it better. But the most essential part, beyond the cleaning and paperwork, is the compassion. One word of comfort can make an unexpected disaster that seems like the end of the world turn into a small problem that has a solution.

Let me tell you I was shocked to see these losses. These clients had beautiful apartments overlooking the water! But unfortunately as I walked inside I was stepping in water. There was a smell and I thought how could there be a smell already? Our team informed me that it was the antifreeze I smelled. It is put in the pipes to keep them from “freezing”. Boy, was it awful!!

I was proud to see our crew at work and even more proud that we were able to comfort our clients in time of disaster!

SERVPRO of Peekskill/Ossining SERVPRO of Tarrytown/Elmsford
servpropeekskillossining.com servprotarrytownelmsford.com

(914) 788-1950 (914) 358-9000
Get our free App
servpro.com/ready

My First Fire Experience.

2012-06-18T09:18:00.000-07:00

You will never forget the first time you experience a fire. Before coming to work at SERVPRO® I never even thought about fire or the trauma one goes through during and after a fire.

We had a fire job a few months back and as the Marketing Representative, I wanted to visit our crew on the job site. I have to admit it was scary! It was a fourth floor apartment and the fire started in the bedroom. Thankfully, no one was hurt but it was absolutely devastating. The bedroom was covered in soot. It was pitch black and the smell of smoke was overwhelming. The local fire department did a great job putting the fire out but the water left a different kind of damage altogether. Sometimes what starts as fire damage can turn into water damage which can certainly lead to mold. So believe me when I say it is devastating.

I appreciate our crew and the work they do every day. They always follow SERVPRO®’s Service Response Guidelines! Our guidelines consist of three steps!

1. Within one hour from notice of loss, SERVPRO® of Peekskill/Ossining and SERVPRO® of Tarrytown/Elmsford will contact you to arrange for service.

2. Within four hours of loss notification, SERVPRO® of Peekskill/Ossining and SERVPRO® of Tarrytown/Elmsford will be on-site to start mitigation services (if necessary).

3. Within eight business hours, a verbal briefing of the scope will be communicated to you by SERVPRO ® of Peekskill/Ossining and SERVPRO® of Tarrytown/Elmsford

SERVPRO of Peekskill/Ossining SERVPRO of Tarrytown/Elmsford
servpropeekskillossining.com servprotarrytownelmsford.com

(914) 788-1950 (914) 358-9000
Get our free App
servpro.com/ready

Sometimes You Need A Hero!

2012-06-14T06:32:00.000-07:00

When fire and water cleanup is needed,

getting help is now quicker and easier using the SERVPRO®

Ready Plan App. The Ready Plan is an emergency preparedness tool for the home and business owners, property managers, risk managers and facility management. It allows for the creation of an Emergency Ready profile™ containing critical facility information to help speed up response time.

Download the App today on your smartphone!

SERVPRO of Peekskill/Ossining SERVPRO of Tarrytown/Elmsford
servpropeekskillossining.com servprotarrytownelmsford.com

(914) 788-1950 (914) 358-9000
Get our free App
servpro.com/ready

Like it never even happened.®

2012-06-13T06:39:00.000-07:00

Intrusion of water into your home or place of business can result in mold growth. Water intrusions can result from storm damage, plumbing or equipment failures, long-standing leaks and poor humidity control. When water intrusions are not addressed right away, the resulting damage can present increased risk of harmful mold growth. Some amount of mold spores are normally present in most environments. If the humidity and moisture levels in a water-damaged environment are not promptly returned to normal, mold spores may grow and multiply. Organic materials found inside a building, such as wood, paper, drywall and insulation, provide food sources for mold to flourish. Excessive mold growth can lead to indoor environmental conditions that pose a health threat. SERVPRO of Peekskill/Ossining and SERVPRO of Tarrytown/Elmsford handle water damages every day and know prompt action is required to prevent mold growth. Mold is more likely to spread when an environment has been subject to moisture for a long period of time.

SERVPRO of Peekskill/Ossining and SERVPRO of Tarrytown/Elmsford is the premier company for fire and water cleanup and restoration. We are here for you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. In an emergency or for your maintenance needs we will always answer your call!
Call us today for an estimate!

SERVPRO of Peekskill/Ossining SERVPRO of Tarrytown/Elmsford
servpropeekskillossining.com servprotarrytownelmsford.com

(914) 788-1950 (914) 358-9000
Get our free App
servpro.com/ready

SERVPRO® Never Sleeps!

2012-06-12T05:56:00.000-07:00

SERVPRO of Peekskill/Ossining SERVPRO of Tarrytown/Elmsford
servpropeekskillossining.com servprotarrytownelmsford.com

(914) 788-1950 (914) 358-9000
Get our free App
servpro.com/ready

TGIF!

2012-06-01T06:50:00.001-07:00

This weekend it is supposed to rain. Any water damage in your home is bad. Especially when the water contains potentially harmful bacteria that can affect the health of your family and the value of your home. Toilet overflows, sewage backups and other black water intrusions are more than nasty, smelly messes; these biohazardous damages also introduce harmful microorganisms into your home, as well as the moisture necessary to support their growth.

So, before you risk your health and that of your loved ones by attempting to clean up the mess yourself, call your local water damage cleanup and restoration experts at SERVPRO of Peekskill/Ossining and SERVPRO of Tarrytown/Elmsford.

SERVPRO of Peekskill/Ossining and SERVPRO of Tarrytown/Elmsford is the premier company for fire and water cleanup and restoration. Call us today for an estimate!

SERVPRO of Peekskill/Ossining SERVPRO of Tarrytown/Elmsford

(914) 788-1950 (914) 358-9000

Fire Escape Planning Tips

2012-05-23T06:29:00.000-07:00

The following are several tips that could potentially save your life, or the life of an employee, customer or loved one should a fire break out in your home or business.

* Install a smoke alarm on every level of your home or business.

* Test smoke alarm batteries every month and change them at least once a year.

* Consider installing a ten-year lithium battery-powered smoke alarm.

* Practice finding your way out of the building with eyes closed, crawling or staying low and feeling your way out.

* Remember to escape first, then notify the fire department.

Tips courtesy of www.usfa.dhs.gov

Every 18 seconds a fire occurs in the U.S. Are you ready. servpro.com/ready

SERVPRO of Peekskill/Ossining and SERVPRO of Tarrytown/Elmsford is the premier company for fire cleanup and restoration. Call us today for an estimate!

SERVPRO of Peekskill/Ossining SERVPRO of Tarrytown/Elmsford

(914) 788-1950 (914) 358-9000

Servpro Puts Property Owners Back in Control

2012-05-22T06:02:00.002-07:00

As a leader in fire and water cleanup and restoration, our number one goal is returning your home or business to its pre-loss condition, doing all we can to make it "Like it never even happened." SERVPRO of Peekskill/Ossining and SERVPRO of Tarrytown/Elmsford will step into every job with this goal in mind. It is about total restoration of the damage and the life of the customer being helped.

Like it was never dirty, like it never overflowed, like it never caught fire, like it never spilled, like it never smoldered - whatever the case, with SERVPRO our goal is to make it like it never even happened.

Every 18 seconds a fire occurs in the U.S. Are you ready. servpro.com/ready

SERVPRO of Peekskill/Ossining and SERVPRO of Tarrytown/Elmsford is the premier company for fire cleanup and restoration. Call us today for an estimate!

SERVPRO of Peekskill/Ossining SERVPRO of Tarrytown/Elmsford

(914) 788-1950 (914) 358-9000

Flood Warning

2012-05-18T06:26:00.000-07:00

TGIF!

To get current Weather reports and Warnings download the SERVPRO App today!
servpro.com/ready

Now that you know...spread the word! Everyone should be prepared.

SERVPRO of Peekskill/Ossining and SERVPRO of Tarrytown/Elmsford is the premier company for flood cleanup and restoration. Call us today for an estimate!

SERVPRO of Peekskill/Ossining SERVPRO of Tarrytown/Elmsford

(914) 788-1950 (914) 358-9000

After the Flood

2012-05-17T06:02:00.000-07:00

Happy Thursday!

* Listen for news reports to learn if the community's water supply is safe to drink.
* Avoid flood waters. Water may be contaminated by oil, gasoline or raw sewage. Water may also be electrically charged.
* Stay out of any building if it is surrounded by flood waters.
* Return home only when authorities indicate it is safe.

Now that you know...spread the word! Everyone should be prepared.

SERVPRO of Peekskill/Ossining and SERVPRO of Tarrytown/Elmsford is the premier company for flood cleanup and restoration. Call us today for an estimate!

SERVPRO of Peekskill/Ossining SERVPRO of Tarrytown/Elmsford

(914) 788-1950 (914) 358-9000

During the Flood

2012-05-16T06:38:00.000-07:00

Happy Wednesday Everyone!

* Turn off utilities at the main switches or valves if instructed to do so.
* Disconnect electrical appliances.
* Do not touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water.
* Do not walk through moving water. Even six inches of moving water can make you fall.

Now that you know...spread the word! Everyone should be prepared.

SERVPRO of Peekskill/Ossining and SERVPRO of Tarrytown/Elmsford is the premier company for flood cleanup and restoration. Call us today for an estimate!

SERVPRO of Peekskill/Ossining SERVPRO of Tarrytown/Elmsford

(914) 788-1950 (914) 358-9000

SERVPRO Duct Cleaning Process

2012-05-14T05:35:00.000-07:00

Happy Monday! It is going to be a great week. Today is all about your Ducts. If you have asthma or allergies like some of my family members, you are going to want to read this.

* The process begins by using patented equipment including a roto-scraper, which automatically adapts to the duct's shape and diameter while traveling through the duct, removing debris and filth before vacuuming begins.

* Next a powerful push-pull air delivery and collection system transfers the debris from the ducting to a 16-gallon container.

* Air is filtered through a HEPA filtration system, removing 99.97 percent of particles in the airstream. HEPA filters capture debris and keep the enviroment clean.

* As an optional process, sealant or coating product may be sprayed to address odor or microbial concerns.

* Filters will either be cleaned or replaced to remove odor and dirt.

SERVPRO® of Peekskill/Ossining and SERVPRO® of Tarrytown/Elmsford
are the premiere company for Duct cleaning! Call us today for an estimate!

SERVPRO® of Peekskill/Ossining SERVPRO® of Tarrytown/Elmsford

(914) 788-1950 (914) 358-9000

The SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile Advantage

2012-05-11T11:27:00.000-07:00

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 as your disaster mitigation and restoration provider.You have a 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 you 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."

Now that you know...spread the word! Everyone should be prepared.

SERVPRO® of Peekskill/Ossining SERVPRO® of Tarrytown/Elmsford

(914) 788-1950 (914) 358-9000

Get the App Today!
servpro.com/ready

SERVPRO Ready Plan Mobile App

2012-05-09T06:25:00.000-07:00

Help is at your fingertips.

When fire and water cleanup is needed, getting help is now quicker and easier using the SERVPRO Ready Plan App. The Ready Plan is an emergency preparedness tool for home and business owners, property managers, risk managers and facility management. It allows for the creation of an Emergency Ready Profile containing critical facility information to help speed up response time.

Available at servpro.com/ready

servpro.com/ready

2012-04-30T09:15:00.000-07:00

Put together your own Emergancy plan.

Download our New Free App.

Servpro.com/ready

Be Prepared

2012-04-30T08:49:00.001-07:00

As New Yorkers we survived 9/11 and we never give up. NY is still the coolest place to live! Let's be smart and have a ready plan. Download our new Free App at servpro.com/ready

With this App you can personalized a private emergancy plan for your home or business.

You can also get your local weather and tips for Fire and Flood. The best part about this app is it's Free.

SERVPRO.COM/READY

Get it today!

Smart Phone App!

2012-04-23T09:38:00.000-07:00

Download the App today on your smartphone! Get local weather and storm tips and check list. Save your info and create a personal disater plan for your home or office with this App...gotta have it! servpro.com/ready

Meet Our SERVPRO Clowns!

2012-03-28T06:22:00.001-07:00

We had a great time at the HVAC Chamber Event. All of the Hudson Valley showed up and showed out! Great vendors and a great day out with the family. The SERVPRO Clown entertained all the guest at our booth....especially the kids! :) Take a look at the pic's.

Floodsmart.com

2012-03-21T10:01:00.000-07:00

Educate Yourself

After getting flood insurance, there are several things you can do to minimize losses in your home and ensure your family's safety.
1. Safeguard your possessions.
Create a personal flood file containing information about all your possessions and keep it in a secure place, such as a safe deposit box or waterproof container. This file should have:

A copy of your insurance policies with your agents contact information.
Conduct a household inventory: For insurance purposes, be sure to keep a written and visual (i.e., videotaped or photographed) record of all major household items and valuables, even those stored in basements, attics or garages. Create files that include serial numbers and store receipts for major appliances and electronics. Have jewelry and artwork appraised. These documents are critically important when filing insurance claims. For more information visit http://www.knowyourstuff.org/.
Copies of all other critical documents, including finance records or receipts of major purchases.

2. Prepare your house.

First make sure your sump pump is working and then install a battery-operated backup, in case of a power failure. Installing a water alarm will also let you know if water is accumulating in your basement.
Clear debris from gutters and downspouts.
Anchor any fuel tanks.
Raise your electrical components (switches, sockets, circuit breakers, and wiring) at least 12 inches above your home's projected flood elevation.
Place the furnace, water heater, washer, and dryer on cement blocks at least 12 inches above the projected flood elevation.
Move furniture, valuables, and important documents to a safe place.

3. Develop a family emergency plan.

Create a safety kit with drinking water, canned food, first aid, blankets, a radio, and a flashlight.
Post emergency telephone numbers by the phone and teach your children how to dial 911.
Plan and practice a flood evacuation route with your family. Know safe routes from home, work, and school that are on higher ground.
Ask an out-of-state relative or friend to be your emergency family contact.
Have a plan to protect your pets.

For more information on emergency preparation, talk to your insurance agent or visit Ready.gov.
Stay Safe During a Flood >>
Learn your risk, and find an agent, by taking Your Risk Profile.

CE Class

2012-03-15T06:07:00.000-07:00

Sponsored By: SERVPRO^®of Peekskill/Ossining
SERVPRO^® of Tarrytown/Elmsford

Course Date: May 2, 2012
Insurance Agents: “Property Fire & Smoke Damage Mitigation 2011-2013”
Time: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM           Credit: 3 hours

Realtors: “Understanding Mold For Property Insurers 2011 -2013”
Time: 1:00 Am – 4:00 PM           Credit: 3 hours

Location: Comfort Inn & Suites

20 Saw Mill River Road    Hawthorne, NY 10532

Course fee: $20.00 per class
(Originally $50.00, discounted by SERVPRO Franchise)
Complimentary Continental Breakfast & Afternoon Snacks will be provided

IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, PLEASE CALL
SERVPRO^® of Peekskill/Ossining @ (914) 788-1950
SERVPRO^® of Tarrytown/Elmsford @ (914) 358-9000

A photo ID will is required at registration
Students must attend 100% of class for credits Classes will start promptly at 9:00 AM and 1:00 PM, respectively

Save the date! March 24, 2012

2012-03-08T11:23:00.002-08:00

Come see the SERVPRO Clown at the Chamber event. Don't miss it! Have a great time and bring the kids. We will be an exhibitor at the Hudson Valley Gateway Event and hope to see you!
https://www.hvgatewaychamber.com/events/2012/03/hudson-valley-gateway-experience