Navigating the Storm: A Guide to Storm Preparedness & Recovery with SERVPRO of Freeport

8/14/2023 (Permalink)

The unpredictability of storms poses a real challenge to homeowners and businesses alike in Freeport. Equipping yourself with the right knowledge on storm safety and having a game plan for recovery can make a world of difference. Here's our comprehensive guide to ensuring you're well-prepared before, during, and after the storm.

Recognizing the Storm Threats

Each storm presents its own dangers. While heavy rain might lead to unexpected flooding, strong winds can damage buildings, and lightning can result in fires. Being aware of the types of storms Freeport might face will help you develop an effective plan tailored to our local challenges.

Getting Ready for the Storm

1. Protect Your Property:

The safety of your property often begins with preventive measures. Schedule regular check-ups of your home or office space to spot and fix any weaknesses. A sturdy roof and clear gutters are essential. Tie down or store away any loose items outside that could fly around during a storm. If possible, get storm shutters or board up windows with plywood.

2. Draft an Emergency Plan:

Formulate a plan detailing evacuation paths, rendezvous points for separated family or staff, and a go-to list of emergency numbers. Don't forget to factor in pets and any unique needs of your household or team.

3. Pack an Emergency Kit:

Equip yourself with a kit containing crucial items such as water, canned food, torches, spare batteries, a first-aid set, required medicines, important papers, and a radio that doesn't rely solely on mains electricity.

During the Storm

1. Stay Updated:

Keep an eye on the latest weather news and always heed the guidance of Freeport's local officials. If there's an evacuation order, follow it immediately. Your well-being comes first.

2. Secure Your Premises:

Before a storm approaches, do a final check. Move outdoor furniture indoors, turn off utilities if directed, and ensure all entry points are locked.

Post-Storm Actions

1. Check for Damage:

When it's safe to do so, cautiously inspect your property for any harm. Document any damage with photographs and detailed notes for insurance claims.

2. Cleanup and Recovery:

Cleaning up after a storm isn't always straightforward. It often necessitates expert help. That's where SERVPRO of Freeport steps in. Our specialized teams are equipped to manage the aftermath of storms, ensuring your property is restored to its original state swiftly and professionally.

Storms might be daunting, but with the right preparations and a reliable partner like SERVPRO of Freeport by your side, you can face them head-on. If the storm leaves you needing help with cleanup or restoration, don't hesitate to contact us at 516-774-2200. Your safety and speedy recovery are what drive us.

Choosing SERVPRO After a Storm

2/26/2022 (Permalink)

We Save You Money When We Cleanup After A Water Damage!

It is tempting for homeowners to want to save themselves money by opting to recover and repair damage on their own. Unfortunately, many individuals just lack the experience and efficient output that comes with years of training.

Often this decision is based on a need or want to save money over the perceived higher costs of restoring your home professionally after a situation like a flood or storm damage. There are many ways in which choosing the experience and knowledge of restoration professionals can save you money on restoring your property after a disaster.

After water damage occurs, the leaking water can often continually flow out from the source, spreading farther throughout the property as time presses on. While there are often clear signs of the damage of these water loss incidents that can occur, many homeowners lack the equipment and experience to identify the presence of moisture and dampness in areas of their property that they cannot see. This undiagnosed moisture can facilitate mold growth and other threats, leading to hazardous conditions and costlier remediation for your property.

The SERVPRO technicians that we dispatch to your home have the continued training to provide the most efficient and effective approach to extraction, drying, and other mitigation approaches that your home needs in this critical early stage of recovery. Without these techniques and advanced equipment, your home could experience further degradation from the saturation of construction materials and structural elements.

Without properly drying or addressing concerns like our SERVPRO professionals can when they enter your water damaged home, you can allow structural failures or decomposition to continue. When you battle these effects later, they often result in the need for removal of the damaged materials and reconstruction, which is far costlier than the initial restoration would have been.

There are many reasons why seeking the experience and advanced equipment that our SERVPRO of Freeport, Roosevelt professionals have can be beneficial to your home after a water loss incident. Make it “Like it never even happened,” and save yourself some money at the same time, give us a call today at (516) 774-2200

Flooding in the Basement

2/24/2022 (Permalink)

Your basement flooded, now what?

Flooded basements can occur after a natural disaster, such as a storm, or as the result of a pipe bursting or water left on. No matter the cause, it's important to call a professional cleanup company like SERVPRO of Freeport, Roosevelt AND your insurance company when a water loss occurs. Most importantly, after any water damage situation your focus should be safety.

Is it safe to stay in the house?

Electrical and "slip and fall" hazards are some of the most prevalent concerns after water damage occurs. When dealing in the immediate aftermath of water loss, it's important to take caution when navigating the affected area to prevent injury. Flooding can often be attributed to insufficient drainage around basement walls, heavy rains, a faulty sump pump, or a combination of these factors. SERVPRO of Freeport, Roosevelt Professionals are highly trained in water damage restoration including basement and crawlspace flooding.  We have the experience, and equipment to remove the water and dry your basement properly.  Our water removal and drying process emphasizes monitoring and documentation to validate your property is dry.  We have a 24 hour emergency service and we are highly trained water damage restoration specialists here at SERVPRO of Freeport, Roosevelt. SERVPRO of Freeport, Roosevelt has the expertise and equipment to quickly restore your property to pre-water damage condition.  We use a scientific approach to water removal and water cleanup that emphasizes monitoring and documenting the drying process from beginning to end.  Our technicians will also inspect your property's water damage, determining the type of water damage and the areas affected. This step is crucial step to creating an effective plan of action that will result in a successful restoration. After the bulk of the water has been removed, we use specialized equipment to target the water that's harder to access. We use less intrusive, scientific dying methods to draw the remaining water and moisture from your property with air movers and dehumidifiers. SERVPRO of Freeport, Roosevelt can also clean restorable items using a number of specialized cleaning techniques. We also sanitize with antimicrobial treatments and remove odors using industrial air scrubbers and fogging equipment.  The last step is restoring your home back to the pre-water loss condition.  The restoration steps can be relatively minor, such as replacing a few drywall panels, or could include major reconstruction, such as rebuilding your basement. 

Dealing with a flooded basement? SERVPRO of Freeport, Roosevelt can work directly with your insurance company. Give us a call at (516) 774-2200 to schedule.

Winter Storm Damage

2/21/2022 (Permalink)

It is truly getting cold in NY. Are you prepared for the rest of the winter season and the potential water damage that comes with it? Every winter, we have an increase in calls for winter-related water damages, such as frozen pipes or water leaks from melting snow. It’s very common so we decided to list a few things to look for in order to prevent or avoid further damage.

Stay Ahead of The Issue!

• Make sure you know what your home owner’s insurance policy covers related to water damage.
• Clean your gutters and have a professional inspect your roof.
• Inspect all your windows for any condensations or leaks. Seal your windows and doors.
• Inspect your ceilings for any yellow or water stains.
• Inspect your ceiling or walls for any loose debris or loose paint, it can be an indication of moisture.
• Remove your garden hose from the outside spigot.
• Install a frost-proof outdoor spigot.
• Turn off the water going to the outside.
• Know where your main water shut-off valve is.
• Insulate exposed pipes. Especially any exposed pipes in an unfinished attic or basement.
• Open the cabinet, vanity, or closet doors when temperature is below freezing (32°).
• Keep your home warm and consider putting a low-temperature detector to notify you about potential freezing temps.
• Run a trickle of water in your sinks.
• Test your sump pump and make sure it’s working.
• Install a water leak sensor near your main floor drain.
• Remove snow away from your home and from your roof!
• Remove ice dams if possible that are on your home.
• If traveling this season, keep your furnace on, shut off the water supply, drain water from pipes and appliances, and make sure you have someone check on your home daily.

Don’t hesitate to call us right when it happens, with water damages time is of the essence to prevent more problems. 

Keeping Your Gutters Debris Free

12/27/2021 (Permalink)

Why you need to keep your gutters clean for winter-

Your gutters are a one of the first lines of defense to prevent water buildup, putting water where it should go, but if they are clogged this is not going to work well. During the winter with snow and ice filling the gutters, this buildup can create serious problems. These clogged gutters can lead to leaks, floods, and severe water damages you don't want to deal with. We want to prevent you from having to deal with the hassle of this so we compiled some advice.

Below are some tips to follow to prevent damage and larger issues.  

Remove debris: Twigs, leaves, granules and other stuff can accumulate in your gutters, especially if you don't have leaf guards in place. Always make sure to check and remove all possible obstructions inside your gutters to minimize the chances of clogging and overflowing. Make sure to use the most adequate equipment while doing so.

Check for leaks: If your gutters have seen a few downpours, the best thing you can do is make sure they haven't suffered any damage, and that the seams are properly sealed. The best way to detect this problem is to hose your gutters and inspect every foot of your gutters to look for leaks. If you do find them, don't worry and apply a layer of sealant to solve the problem.

Make sure your downspout isn't clogged: This is really, really important. A clogged downspout is not only one of the main reasons rain gutters overflow, but they are also difficult to detect. To achieve this, hose down your downspout from the top and check that water is flowing freely at the bottom. If this is not the case, use a plumber's snake to get rid of the obstruction.

What to do When Water Enters Your Home!

12/21/2021 (Permalink)

Few moments in life are as overwhelming as discovering that your Freeport home has been flooded. Your home is supposed to be safe and a sacred space, but when either a natural disaster, or a hole in a roof causes water to come into your home you can be left wondering what to do now.

What to Do After Water Floods Your Home

First off you must take a deep breath and get your mind focused on the task at hand. Even though damage has been done, if you are alright and your home is still standing there is hope for it to be restored. 

Second you need to make sure that your home is safe to enter. If water is high enough to touch electrical outlets then the power must be turned off either by you or the power company (when in doubt call the electric company before proceeding). 

The third task is to take pictures and lots of them. These pictures will play a huge role in helping your insurance company understand the extent of the damage so that you can be reimbursed. Then any standing water should be removed from the home. 
It can be overwhelming to know what to remove and what can be saved. Consider calling SERVPRO of Freeport, Roosevelt. SERVPRO can help determine what can be saved and what needs to be removed to ensure that all moisture is gone from the home We make sure that you can rebuild without having to worry about hidden mold. While it may be tempting to try to walk through this process alone, a service remediation company like SERVPRO can help save you money in the long run as well as give you the peace of mind that comes with knowing your home in good hands.

Being Prepared for Winter Storms

12/10/2021 (Permalink)

When you are dealing with storm, flood, and water damage, immediate action is crucial. You should choose the company with storm damage experience and expertise that has the resources and equipment to handle the job. SERVPRO of Freeport, Roosevelt can respond immediately to storm and flooding conditions. Below we have included some useful tips to prepare your home and business during the cold winter months ahead. 

Staying Prepared Tips- preventing flooding and bursts

• Keep cabinet doors open during cold spells. This allows warm air to circulate around pipes.
• Keep a slow trickle of water flowing through faucets, especially if the pips for faucets run through unheated or uninsulated areas of your home.
• Consider shutting off outdoor faucets. Find the shut-off valve in the basement or crawl space and turn it off.
• If you follow the previous step, then open the outdoor faucet to help ensure it drains completely and the inner valve is shut off.
• Ensure gutters are clean and secure. Leaves and debris accumulate, causing a damming effect on gutters, which could lead to roof problems and water damage.

 PREPARE YOUR BUSINESS:

• Search your property for downed tree limbs and branches. Weather, such as wind, heavy rain, ice and snow can cause branches to fall, which could cause damage to the property and potentially cause personal injuries.
• Frequently inspect walkways, and parking lots, for proper drainage to alleviate flood hazard potentials.
• Inspect all handrails, stairwells and entryways to address and correct potential slippery or hazardous areas.
• Install mats or non-slip surfaces as well as post caution signs where water could be present.
• Ask SERVPRO of Freeport, Roosevelt to create a Disaster Recovery Plan for your business.

Everything You Need to Know About Ice Dams

2/19/2021 (Permalink)

Call 516-774-2200 if you're experiencing water damage due to a winter storm!

What Is an Ice Dam?

Ice that accumulates on the edge of a roof and keeps the water from melting snow from running off the roof is called an ice dam. These dams can lead to property damage if not addressed promptly.

Problems Caused by Dams
Because the water from melting snow can not drain from the surface of the roof, water may leak into the home. These leaks can cause several problems:

• Damage to ceilings, walls, insulation, and other surfaces
• Mold and mildew growth
• Roof damage

Causes of Dams
The primary cause of ice dams is variable temperatures across the surface of the roof. This variation is caused by heat loss from the home, snow cover on the roof and differing temperatures between higher and lower sections of the roof. If part of the roof surface is above freezing, the snow on the roof will melt. When the water from the melted snow contacts the part of the roof that is below freezing, the water freezes, forming the dam. As additional snow on the roof melts and the water comes in contact with the existing ice, the ice grows larger; however, the dam will only spread to the parts of the roof that are below freezing. This causes the remaining water to pool on the portion of the roof that is above the freezing point.

Repairing Damage
The first step to repairing damage from a dam that forms after a winter storm is to dry out ceilings, walls, and other interior surfaces affected by leaks. A water restoration company in Long Island can assist you with this process. Your homeowners' policy may include ice dam coverage that will compensate you for the cost of repairs.

Energy loss from your home can combine with snow cover on your roof to form an ice dam that can lead to leaks in your roof. Managing the heat loss from your home is the best way to avoid this issue.

Don't Get Caught By Surprise! Be Prepared for Storms!

2/17/2021 (Permalink)

Keep our # on File. Call 516-774-2200 and Be Prepared for Any Storm Damage!

Storm and flood damage can leave property owner’s overwhelmed and devastated. Thankfully, SERVPRO of Freeport, Roosevelt is an emergency service that is available 24 hours a day. Our crew is well prepared to deal with any size damage might have occurred on your property due to a storm.

Recently, SERVPRO of Freeport, Roosevelt was called to a home to resolve damage that was due to a storm. When our crew arrived at the home, they performed emergency services which included, setting up 4 dehumidifiers, and 8 air movers. Our crew then cut 1 access hole and ducted it to lay flat in the hallway, where most of the damage occurred.  The following day, we performed the remaining remediation in the home.

Our crew noticed a lot of water had accumulated in the ceilings of the closets, so they put 3 access holes with lay flats ducted to air movers and a dehumidifier. Then, they removed the base trim in the hallways and put another lay flat ducted to a dehumidifier, which they planned to check the following day to see the moisture level. By day 3 when we returned, the moisture levels in the bathroom had gone down significantly, but the ceilings still needed additional drying. When our crew went back a few days later to do a moisture reading, the flooring in the second hallway was still wet but the main hallway had dried.

When the damage after the storm was resolved, and we removed all our equipment, the homeowners were very satisfied with our work and appreciative that we were able to help so quickly. For all your restoration needs call us 24/7 at 516-774-2200

Is Your Office Ready For The Storm? We Are Here to Help!

2/17/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Freeport, Roosevelt specializes in both storm and flood damage restoration.  Our crews are professionally trained regularly, and we use specialized equipment to restore your business to its condition before the storm.

• Faster Response

Since we are locally owned and operated, we can respond quicker and with the right resources, which is extremely important. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces the restoration cost. Homeowners and Business Owners are advised to have a phone number on hand in case of storm damage. Be prepared for anything and call us at 516-774-2200 for immediate service!

• Resources to Handle Floods and Storms

When storms hit Long Island, we can scale our resources to handle a large storm or flooding disaster. We can access equipment and personnel from a network of 1,700 Franchises across the country and elite Disaster Recovery Teams that are strategically located throughout the United States.

Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today 516-774-2200

Preparing For A Winter Storm

12/15/2020 (Permalink)

Call the Storm Damage Professionals at 516-774-2200

As Long Island braces itself for it's first winter storm of the season, we wanted to provide our support and storm damage restoration services to our neighbors for peace of mind.

Storm and flood damage can be devastating.  Immediate action is needed, and you need the company with professional storm damage experience to get the job done right the first time.

SERVPRO of Freeport, Roosevelt have the expertise and the resources to handle any size disaster and can respond immediately to storm and flooding conditions.

Our team specializes in water and storm damage restoration, the cornerstone of our business.  Storms occur with little warning and can be especially devastating, so you'll need the company that you can trust to rise to the occasion. 

What to Watch Out For

Frozen Pipes
Extreme cold weather can cause pipes to freeze and burst, due to water expansion. If burst, 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. 

Most Common Areas for Frozen Pipes

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.

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.

Regardless of the type of storm, SERVPRO of Freeport, Roosevelt can handle any size disaster, and can respond quickly with additional resources to take care of your damage right away.7

Give us a call at (516) 774-2200 for immediate assistance