Water Damage: Category 1

8/31/2018 (Permalink)

There are many ways water damage can affect your home. However, the severity of damage can vary depending on the class of water that caused the damage. There are three categories of water damage:

Category 1: Water damage caused by clean water that does not pose a substantial threat to humans.

Category 2: Water Damage that contains chemicals, biological or physical contaminants that can cause sickness. The term "grey water" is used when dealing with category two water damage.

Category 3: Water damage that is known as "black water". This class of water damage contains unsanitary agents and harmful bacteria that can cause severe discomfort or sickness. Sewage mainly causes this class of water damage.

But what are the leading causes of category one water damage? Broken water supply lines, melting ice/snow, heavy rains, and appliance overflows that do not contain contaminants.
Broken water supply lines are more common than you might think. Water supply lines break for many reasons. However, freezing temperatures are the leading cause. When the air temperature is at or drops below freezing, the ground above the pipes freezes causing increasing external stress.
Heavy rains are another common category one water damage. The city has back up water reservoirs that help to drain water during the heavy rains, but occasionally these systems get backed up which causes flooding.
Can appliances cause water damage? You bet. Besides the washer and the dishwasher, AC units can cause water damage. The condensation that AC units cause can lead to the growth of mold in any part of your house that contains the unit.
Category one water damage, while it is clean water, can cause significant damage to your home or apartment. If you or anyone you know is experiencing water damage, call SERVPRO of Port Jefferson so we can stop the mitigation of loss.

Hurricane Prep. & Insurance

5/7/2018 (Permalink)

Call your insurance company or agent and ask for an insurance check-up to make sure you have enough homeowners insurance to repair or even replace your home. Don’t forget coverage for your car or boat. Remember, standard homeowners insurance doesn’t cover flooding. Whether you’re a homeowner or renter, you’ll need a separate policy for it, and it’s available through your company, agent or the National Flood Insurance Program at www.floodsmart.gov. Act now as flood insurance requires a 30-day waiting period.

National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) policies can be purchased through thousands of insurance agents nationwide. The agent who helps you with your homeowners or renters insurance may also be able to help you with purchasing flood insurance. Here is a list of participating Write Your Own (WYO) companies.

If your insurance agent does not sell flood insurance, you can contact the NFIP Help Center at 800-427-4661. NFIP flood insurance policies can only be purchased for properties within communities that participate in the NFIP.

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Hurricane Safety 5.10.18

5/7/2018 (Permalink)

A hurricane is a powerful tropical cyclone with sustained winds of at least 74 mph that often measures several hundred miles in diameter. All Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico coastal areas are subject to hurricanes and tropical storms. The Atlantic hurricane season lasts from June through November with the peak season from mid-August to late October.

If you plan to ride out the storm in your home, make sure it is in good repair and up to local hurricane building code specifications. Many of these retrofits do not cost much or take as long to do as you may think. Have the proper plywood, steel or aluminum panels to board up the windows and doors. Remember, the garage door is the most vulnerable part of the home, so it must be able to withstand the winds.

Electrical Fire Safety

12/20/2017 (Permalink)

Electrical Fires do not have to happen.  Use this checklist to help you find and fix electrical fire hazards in your home before they can start a fire. 

Smoke Alarms - Smoke alarms save lives!

• Do you have enough smoke alarms?
  • NO or I DON'T KNOW: Install smoke alarms on each level of the home, outside each sleeping area, and inside each bedroom.
    • Smoke alarms save lives. Nearly two-thirds of home fire deaths occur in homes without working smoke alarms. Do not use damaged cords. Replace the cord or the equipment.
• Are they working?
  • NO OR DON'T KNOW: Test smoke alarm once a month by pressing the TEST button. 
    • Smoke alarms can stop working without showing signs of failure, so regular testing is necessary to ensure they are working properly.
• Do you know how old the alarms are? Have you changed the batteries this year?
  • NO OR DON'T KNOW: Replace batteries at least once a year or sooner if they begin to "chirp". When Smoke alarms should be replaced at least every 10 years. Replace alarms if you are unsure of their age. The components inside smoke alarms can wear out over time, which could affect their operation. 

Switches and Outlets - Be on the look-out for signs of trouble.

• Are they working?
  • Have a licensed electrician check these switches and outlets.  
    • Improperly operating switches or outlets may indicate an unsafe wiring condition, which could be a fire hazard.
• Do they make crackling, buzzing, or sizzling sounds?
  • Yes: Have a licensed electrician check these switches and outlets.
    • Unusual noises from a switch or outlet may indicate a unsafe wiring condition, such as a loose electrical connection
• Are they warm to the touch?
  • Yes: Stop using these switches and outlets until they are checked by a licensed electrician. 
    • Usually warm switches or outlets may indicate an unsafe wiring condition. 
• Do plugs fit snugly?
  • No: Outlets without a snug fir should be replaced by a licensed electrician.
    • Loose-fitting plugs can cause overheating and fires.

Cords - Never use damaged cords.

• Is there fraying or cracking?
  • Yes: Do not use damaged cords. Replace the cord or the equipment. 
    • Damaged cords may have exposed wires that can be a fire and shock hazard. 
• Are they pinched or pierced?
  • Yes: Move furniture or relocate cords to prevent cord damage.
    • Pinching cords can cause damage to the insulation or break wire strands, creating a fire or shock hazard. 
• Do you use extension cords all the time?
  • Yes: Have an electrician install new outlets where needed or move equipment closer to an outlet. 
• Are cords getting enough air? Are cords kept wrapped up while being used?
  • YES: Unwrap cords.
    • Wrapped Cords trap heat, which can lead to melting or weakening of the insulation. 
• Are cords attached to anything with nails or staples?
  • YES: Remove nails or staples. Check cord and replace if damage. 
    • Nails and Staples can cut or pinch insulation or break wire strands, presenting a fire or shock hazard. 

Lamps and Appliances - Use them safely.

• Are you using the right bulbs? 
  • NO OR I DON'T KNOW: Replace incorrect bulbs with bulbs of the proper wattage. Use bulbs of 60 watts or less if you are unsure of the appropriate wattage.
    • A bulb with a wattage higher than recommended may overheat the light fixture, wiring or nearby combustible material, leading to a fire. 
• Do you use space heaters safely?
  • No: Move heater at least 3 feet away from combustible material, such as curtains, bedding, and newspaper.
    • Some heaters can produce enough heat to ignite nearby combustible materials.
• Are appliance cords protected from damage?
  • No: Move cords away from all heat sources, such as heaters, range and toaster. 
    • Cords can melt or burn from excess heat. This can expose wires and lead to a fire or electric shock. 

Electrical Panel - Know the basics.

• Are all circuit breakers and fuses the proper size?
  • NO OR I DON'T KNOW: Have a licensed electrician determine the correct sizes and install them. 
  • The wrong size fuse or circuit breaker can cause the wiring to overheat, creating a fire hazard.
• Do you have Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCIs)?
  • NO: Consider having a licensed electrician replace the standard circuit breakers with AFCIs. 
    • AFCI are advanced circuit breakers that provide greater electrical fire protection. 
• Have you tested your AFCIs?
  • No: Test AFCIs Monthly using the TEST button on the AFCI. Have a licensed electrician replace defective AFCIs. 
    • AFCIs can stop working without showing signs of failure, so regular testing is necessary to ensure they are working properly.

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Winter Storm Cleanup and Restoration

11/14/2017 (Permalink)

Cold weather, snow, and ice storms can cause severe damage to your home or business. When these types of disasters strike, immediate action is necessary to prevent additional damage to your property. SERVPRO Professionals have the winter storm experience, expertise, and the resources to remediate damage caused by winter weather.

Frozen Pipes

Extreme cold weather can cause pipes to freeze and burst. In general, pipes are more likely to freeze when the temperature is below 20 degrees Fahrenheit. The resulting water damage can be extensive. Outdoor pipes and pipes in unheated areas of the home can freeze if they are not properly insulated or if temperatures are severely cold. SERVPRO Professionals can quickly and safely repair water damage caused by frozen pipes.

Outdoor pipes most likely to freeze include:

• Outdoor hose bibs
• Swimming pool supply lines
• Water sprinkler lines

Pipes in unheated or partially heated areas are also at risk of freezing, including:

• Basements
• Crawl spaces
• Garages

Ice Dams

An ice dam is formed when snow melts unevenly on a roof and refreezes into a dam at the edge of the roof, near the eaves. This dam prevents any further snowmelt from draining off of the roof. This standing water can back up under shingles, leak into a home, and cause significant water damage to ceilings, walls, and other areas. Ice dams can also tear off gutters and loosen shingles.

Roof Damage

Snow and ice can cause significant damage to your gutters and roof. The additional weight of snow and ice can even cause a roof to collapse. When there’s a cold snap, water can get into cracks and small spaces and expand when it freezes, causing larger cracks and more damage. The repetition of freezing and thawing cycles can cause small cracks to get larger.

Damage from Cold Weather or Winter Storm? Call Today (631) 237-5505

Fall Tips

11/14/2017 (Permalink)

reminds you to keep electrical safety in mind as the cooler fall weather moves many activities back indoors. The following safety tips will help you stay safe during the change of seasons:

• Safely store warm weather tools like lawn mowers and trimmers. Check cold weather tools, such as leaf and snow blowers, along with their power cords, for unusual wear and tear. Repair or replace worn tools or parts right away.
• Unplug and safely store battery chargers that won't be in use again until spring.
• Use only weatherproof electrical devices for outside activities. Protect outdoor electrical devices from moisture. Make sure electrical equipment that has been wet is inspected and reconditioned by a certified repair dealer.
• Keep dry leaves swept away from outdoor lighting, outlets and power cords.
• Make sure electric blankets are in good repair and certified by an independent testing lab such as UL, CSA or ETL. Power cords should not be frayed, cracked or cut.
• Do not tuck your electric blanket under mattresses or children, and do not put anything, such as comforters or bedspreads, on top of the blanket while it is in use.
• Never allow pets to sleep on an electric blanket.

Staying safe during Summer Storms

7/26/2017 (Permalink)

It is difficult to prepare for the unpredictable however, there are steps you can take now to ensure you are ready when disaster strikes. 

Before the Storm

• Build an emergency supply kit and develop a communication plan. 
• Unplug any electronic equipment before the storm arrives
• Secure outdoor objects that could blow away or cause damage
• If you are outdoors, get inside a building, home or hard top vehicle (not convertible)
• Shutter window and secure outside doors. If shutter are not available, close window blinds, shades or curtains.

During the storm

• Use your battery-operated NOAA Weather Radio for updates from local officials. 
• Avoid contact with corded phones. Cordless and cellular phones are safe to use. 
• Avoid contact with electrical equipment or cords.
• Unplug appliances and other electrical items, such as computers. Power surges from lightning can cause serious damage.
• Avoid contact with plumbing. Plumbing and bathroom fixtures can conduct electricity. 
• Stay away from windows and doors.

After the storm 

• Never drive through a flooded roadway.
• Stay away from storm-damaged areas to keep from putting yourself at risk.
• Stay away from downed power lines and report them immediately 

Recommended items for basic emergency supply kit 

• Water (one gallon per person per day)
• Food (non-perishable 3-day supply)
• Manual can opener
• Battery operated radio, preferably a NOAA Weather Radio
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• First Aid Kit
• Whistle to signal for help
• Clothing 
• Dust Masks or bandanas
• Plastic sheeting, garbage bags and duct tape
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
• Hygiene items
• Important documents;copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account information
• Cash
• Fire Extinguisher
• Matches in a waterproof container

Hurricane season starts June 1st and runs through November 30th.

Be prepared in case of an unforeseen disaster. 

Storm Ready

9/2/2016 (Permalink)

Storm Basics

A thunderstorm is a rain shower during which you hear thunder. Since thunder comes from lightning all thunderstorms have lightning. A thunderstorm is classified as "severe" when it contains one or more of the following:

• Hail
• Winds in excess of 58 mph
• Structural wind damage
• Tornado

Tornado Facts

Tornadoes are arguably nature's most violent storms. Generated from powerful thunderstorms, tornadoes generally appear as rotating, funnel-shaped clouds extending from the cloud base to the ground. With winds that can reach up to 300 miles per hour, tornadoes can cause massive destruction within seconds. Damage paths can be in excess of one mile wide and fifty miles long. 

• The average tornado moves southwest to northeast, but tornadoes have been known to move in any direction.. 
• The average forward speed of a tornado is 30 miles per hour, but may vary from stationary to 70 miles per hour
• Tornadoes can accompany tropical storms and hurricanes as they move onto land.
• Tornadoes are most frequently reported east of the Rocky Mountains during spring and summer months.
• Tornadoes are most likely to occur between 3pm and 9pm 

Hurricane Facts

A hurricane is an intense tropical storm with powerful winds and heavy rain 

• Other names for a hurricane include cyclone, typhoon and tropical storm. While they are essentially the same thing, the different names usually indicate where the storm took place. Tropical storms that form in the Atlantic or Northeast Pacific (near the United States) are called hurricanes, those that form near in the Northwest Pacific (near Japan) are called typhoons and those that form in the South Pacific or Indian oceans are called cyclones.

• Hurricanes usually form in tropical areas of the world.

• Hurricanes develop over warm water and use it as an energy source.

•  Hurricanes lose strength as they move over land.

• Coastal regions are most at danger from hurricanes.

• As well as violent winds and heavy rain, hurricanes can also create tornadoes, high waves and widespread flooding.

• Hurricanes are regions of low atmospheric pressure (also known as a depression).

• The wind flow of hurricanes in the southern hemisphere is clockwise while the wind flow of hurricanes in the northern hemisphere is counterclockwise.

• Flood rank as one of the most common and widespread natural disasters in the United States. Whether you live near a coastline, along city streets, in the mountains, near a river or even in the desert, there is a potential for suffering flood damage. 

Before the storm 

• To begin preparing, you should build an emergency supply kit and make a family communication plan.
• Remove dead or rotting trees and branches that could fall and cause injury or damage during a severe thunderstorm.
• Postpone outdoor activities
• Remember the 30/30 Lightning Safety Rule: Go indoors if, after seeing lightning, you cannot count to 30 before hearing thunder. Stay indoors for 30 minutes after hearing the last clap of thunder.
• Secure outdoor objects that could blow away or cause damage
• Get inside a home, building, or hard top automobile. Although you may be injured if lightning strikes your car, you are much safer inside a vehicle than outside.
• Remember, rubber-soled shoes and rubber tires provide NO protection from lightning. However, the steel frame of hard-topped vehicle provides increased protection if you are not touching metal.
• Shutter windows and secure outside doors. If shutters are not available, close window blinds , shades or curtains.
• Unplug any electronic equipment well before the storm arrives 

During the Storm 

• Use your battery-operated NOAA Weather Radio for updates from local officials 
• Avoid contact with corded phones. Use a corded telephone only for emergencies 
• Avoid contact with electrical equipment or cords. Unplug appliances and other electrical items such as computers and turn off air conditioners. Power surges from lightning can cause serious damage
• Avoid contact with plumbing. Do no wash your hands, do not take a shower, do not wash dishes, and do not do laundry. Plumbing and bathroom fixtures can conduct electricity.
• Stay away from windows and doors, and stay off porches.
• Do no lie on concrete floors and do not lean against concrete walls
• Avoid natural lightning rods such as a tall, isolated tree in an open area.
• Avoid hilltops, open fields, the bench or a boat on the water.
• Take shelter in a sturdy building. Avoid isolated sheds or other small structures in open areas.
• Avoid contact with anything metal-tractors, farm equipment, motorcycles, golf carts, golf clubs, and bicycles.
• If you are driving, try to safely exit the roadway and park. Stay in the vehicle and turn on the emergency flashers until the heavy rain ends. Avoid touching metal or other surfaces that conduct electricity in and outside the vehicle. 

After The Storm

• Never drive through a flooded roadway.
• Stay away from storm-damaged areas to keep from putting yourself at risk from the effects of severe thunderstorms
• Continue to listen to a NOAA Weather Radio or local radio and television stations for updated information or instructions, as access to roads or come parts of the community may be blocked. 
• Help people who may require special assistance, such as infants, children and the elderly or those with access or functional needs.
• Stay away from downed power lines and report them immediately.
• Watch your animal closely. Keep them under your direct control. 

Unexpected emergencies like severe weather call for immediate action. If you have storm damage to your home or business, call our SERVPRO Professionals for immediate action to your disaster. (631) 237-5505 !

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Stay safe from summer storms

6/24/2016 (Permalink)

While the spring season is known for the potential to experience severe weather, the threat exists throughout the summer months as well,. In fact, the potential for severe weather even increases in some areas. Hurricane season in the Atlantic begins June 1^st and runs through November 30^th. The Eastern Pacific hurricane season begins May 15^th also ending November 30^th.

While it may be difficult to prepare for the unpredictable, there are steps you can take now to ensure you are ready when disaster strikes. One way to prepare your business for any type of disaster, is to establish an Emergency READY Profile (ERP). Contact your local SERVPRO Franchise Professionals to learn more about the ERP and how it can help you. Consider the following tips when preparing for an approaching storm. 

Before the Storm

• Build an emergency supply kit and develop a communication plan.
• Unplug any electronic equipment before the storm arrives.
• Secure outdoor objects that could blow away or cause damage.               
• If you are outdoors, get inside a building, home or hard top vehicle (not a convertible).
• Shutter windows and secure outside doors. If shutters are not available, close window blinds, shades or curtains.

During the Storm

• Use your battery-operated NOAA Weather Radio for updates from local officials.
• Avoid contact with corded phones. Cordless and cellular phones are safe to use.
•  Avoid contact with electrical equipment or cords.
• Unplug appliances and other electrical items, such as computers. Power surges from lightning can cause serious damage.
• Avoid contact with plumbing. Plumbing and bathroom fixtures can conduct electricity.
• Stay away from windows and doors.

After the Storm

• Never drive through a flooded roadway.
• Stay away from storm-damaged areas to keep from putting yourself at risk.
• Stay away from downed power lines and report them immediately.

Below is a recommended items for basic emergency supply list

Emergency Supply Kit

• Water (one gallon per person per day)
•  Food (non-perishable 3-day supply)
•  Manual can opener
• Battery operated radio, preferably a NOAA Weather Radio
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• First Aid Kit
• Whistle to signal for help
• Clothing
• Dust Masks or bandanas
• Plastic sheeting, garbage bags and duct tape
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
• Hygiene items
• Important documents; copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account information
• Cash
• Fire extinguisher
• Matches in a waterproof container

JUNE 1ST STARTS OFF HURRICANE SEASON

5/5/2016 (Permalink)

SERVPRO OF PORT JEFFERSON/STONY BROOK & HICKSVILLE/PLAINVIEW 

Hurricane Season is amongst us starting June 1, 2016 – November 2016. It’s never too late to take simple steps to make your house and personal finances more wind-and water resistant. While hurricanes give us the advantage of knowing days in advance if they will hit, NOW is the time to get prepared so you can be ready in advance of such a storm, know what to do when a hurricane strikes and how to recover after the storm has left.

The American Red Cross provides tips and lists of materials you should have before a hurricane "Hurricane Checklist."