SERVPRO Provides Fire Damage Cleanup and Restoration Services in Plainview

11/24/2023 (Permalink)

Our FSRT fire and smoke restoration team cleans up your fire damaged Plainview home "Like it never even happened." Here to Help®

Call SERVPRO® for Help with Fire Damage Repair in Plainview

Even smaller fires can cause a great deal of damage to homes or businesses in Plainview. If the fire does not cause significant damage, fire retardants and smoke residues drift throughout the structure. Smoke residues are carried by the HVAC system, as well as the air current generated by convection from the heat of the fire. Hot fires tend to create light, fluffy residues, while oily fires from kitchen cooking can produce a heavy, sticky, or oily residue.

SERVPRO® analyzes the fire damage in Plainview homes and applies the appropriate cleaning processes and agents to remove residues from hard surfaces and porous materials. We remove damaged structures, cabinets, and contents and arrange for disposal. Everything that can be cleaned is returned to its original condition "Like it never even happened." Even the HVAC system is spotlessly cleaned to avoid further contamination of your home.

Fires can severely damage the home's structure, and it may be unsafe to enter. Electrical wiring may be exposed and present a safety hazard. If you are unsure about your safety, only enter the home after a fire once our experts have evaluated the situation. Let them know if there are particular documents, unique items, or heirlooms that you wish to retrieve from your house.

If you must go into the home after a fire, follow these tips in addition to those mentioned:

• Avoid touching walls and contents to prevent soot from embedding into porous materials
• Wash the leaves of houseplants on both sides
• Change the filters on your HVAC system
• Securely place double layers of cheesecloth over air registers
• Place clean towels in traffic areas to prevent driving the soot further into the carpets

Follow guidelines provided by our SERVPRO technicians. They follow industry procedures to ensure the best outcomes concerning fire damage cleanup, repair, and restoration.

Call SERVPRO of Hicksville / Plainview and nearby areas for fire damage cleanup and restoration assistance. SERVPRO is Faster to any size disaster™ 24/7. Call (516) 733-1800.

Principles of Initial Fire Damage Restoration in Hicksville Homes

4/25/2023 (Permalink)

We aim to restore your property as quickly as possible, “Like It Never Even Happened.”

First Cleaning Actions of Fire Damage Restoration

From the time SERVPRO professionals arrive, we aim to return your home back to preloss condition. We carefully assess the damage and the necessary actions to achieve this goal, working with you to learn pre-existing conditions before proceeding with the earliest soot and smoke damage removal components.

Locating Smoke Residues 

Fire damage restoration for Hicksville homes starts with determining where this damage exists. Any missed smoke damage can destroy the residence and threaten its returning occupants. Next, we thoroughly assess conditions and choose the best cleaning methods. 

Different Types of Smoke Damage 

Choosing the approaches between chemical sponges, solvents, and other products involves the type of smoke damage present. Environmental factors or the conditions surrounding the fire impact the residues that remain:

• Wet smoke
• Dry smoke
• Furnace puff back
• Grease/protein residues

Capturing and Removing Residues 

Effective post-fire clean-up follows four main restoration principles balanced for the most efficient results:

• Temperature - Temperature is a factor in effective cleaning because all chemical processes occur faster under heat. Warming areas where cleaning is happening helps the desired results appear more quickly. 

• Agitation - Mechanical action also helps increase chemical reactions and the reach of cleaning agents. Sponges, brushes, steel wool, and other products can be practical tools in removing soot and helping clean-up happen faster. 

• Chemical Action - The appropriate chemical reaction is vital to achieving how the soil is meant to behave to get removed most easily. Emulsification and dissolving are standard chemical actions for soot removal.

• Time - Time refers to how long chemicals are in contact with the soil on the surface. Our team must carefully consider exposure times for soot removal success.

Cleaning up surfaces and contents after fire damage happens quickly after first responders clear the structure. Our fast response and experience as leading FSRT-Certified technicians make us a strong choice for post-fire recovery. Call SERVPRO of Hicksville / Plainview at (516) 733-1800.

Can I Clean Smoke Stained Walls after Fire Damage in my Town of Oyster Bay Home?

3/30/2023 (Permalink)

After fire damage in your Nassau County home, our experts are able to help. Call SERVPRO; we are always available.

Professional Help is Preferable for the Town of Oyster Bay Fire Restoration

One of the most distressing parts about fire damage in your home is how unsightly your house might look after the blaze. It is hard to settle back into your home if you have soot-blackened walls and ceilings.

As well as blackening walls, fire damage in Nassau County homes also affects the air. The Environmental Protection Agency points out that burning materials release microscopic particles into the air. It is easy to see why it is better to clean up the sooty residue as soon as possible. But is it a wise idea to do the cleaning yourself? No. It is better to call SERVPRO first.

Why it is a Wise Idea to Call in the Professionals 

We understand that you want your home back to normal as quickly as possible. It is tempting to grab a bucket and sponge or some cleaning spray and start wiping down your walls immediately.

However, there are many benefits to calling our professional fire restoration technicians.

• We train our technicians to Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification (IICRC) standards.
• Our team can assess the marks on your walls and decide the best way to clean them.
• We have access to industry-standard tools and products designed to deal with fire restoration.

If you use the wrong fire damage cleaning method, such as wet cleaning a wallpaper that is not suitable for this method, you could worsen the problem. There is a risk of stubborn stains that won’t come off or unsightly streaks.

SERVPRO teams know how to tackle soot-stained walls during fire restoration. We are available 24/7, and we aim to leave your home “Like it never even happened.” When you call, we will take details of your situation and call you back within the hour to let you know when to expect our team.

Why Does the Type of Wall Cover Matter?

Walls can have many types of covering: 

• Wallpaper, both smooth and textured.
• Wood paneling can be either finished or unfinished.
• Metal or ceramic tiles.
• Stippling or textured plaster or drywall. 

Some walls even have fabric, flocking, or carpet on them. 

The wall covering makes a difference in how easy it is to clean the surface and which cleaning method is most suitable. For example, it would not be good to use wet cleaning on a paper or fabric covering that would soak up the moisture. Abrasive techniques are fine for walls that are going to be repainted. However, because scrubbing can damage the surface, abrasive cleaning is not suitable for walls that will not be repainted.

SERVPRO technicians assess the cleanability of the wall and choose the most appropriate cleaning method. Dry sponge cleaning is often enough for light soiling on painted surfaces. More heavily soiled wood paneling might require wet cleaning. We can also use scrubbing and powerful HEPA vacuums to remove dry soot residue. Vacuum cleaning is usually the first choice to remove surface soot.

Whatever method we choose, we always test an inconspicuous corner to ensure the results are of the high standard you expect.

We also pay attention to the most effective order of cleaning. When dry cleaning, it is better to clean the ceiling first, if necessary, to avoid soot from the ceiling falling on freshly cleaned walls. However, when wet cleaning, it is better to clean the walls first. If we cleaned the ceiling first, cleaning fluid could drip onto the blackened walls and cause streaks. 

If your walls have smoke damage from a fire, trying to clean them yourself might make them look worse. It is better to call for help. Call SERVPRO of Hicksville / Plainview at (516) 733-1800, and we can assist you.

Mitigation Before Hicksville Fire Restoration Services

11/22/2022 (Permalink)

With advanced equipment, SERVPRO restores property to pre-damaged conditions, "Like it never even happened."

Improving Fire Restoration with Emergency Services

When disasters strike, there is no mistaking the need for fast action and mitigation for your home. Our FSRT-Certified technicians are ready 24/7 to mobilize and offer effective emergency services that can shorten restoration times. 

Improving Indoor Air Quality

Fire restoration for Hicksville homes hinges on the indoor air quality our SERVPRO team first encounters. Removing airborne contaminants and carcinogenic particles is one of the first steps of successful recovery, using equipment from our inventory like HEPA 500 air scrubbers. 

Removing Fire Debris

It is essential to consider what is needed to remove debris and material buildup on the house's floors. This debris can help create a volatile environment that our professionals enter into, making the cleanup and safe removal of these remnants critical to mitigating fire loss effects. Removing debris helps to:

• Identify structural issues
• Reduce odors
• Lessen soot concentration

Clearing Water from Suppression

Putting out the fire is vital to protecting your home and its contents from irreparable harm, but this adds another layer of restoration work for our professionals. Standing water from the extinguishment process can pool in several areas of the property, requiring extraction and drying measures to coincide with other emergency services. Cleanup after a fire cannot be successful with pooling water in areas of the house.

Overcoming Structural Concerns

Another one of the focuses of our responding professionals is assessing the structural integrity of the building materials affected. A destroyed structure can be a hazard during restoration, providing false floor security or the potential for collapse. We assess the condition of these elements to determine if controlled demolition is necessary or if temporary repairs should happen not to slow down the recovery progress.

Fire restoration for Hicksville homes requires a focus on several emergency services when our team arrives. When disasters strike, you can count on the experience of SERVPRO of Hicksville / Plainview. Call us at (516) 733-1800. 

Helpful Tips During Fire Restoration at a Hicksville Home

6/27/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO offers fast and efficient removal of smoke residue, ash, soot, and other unwanted debris after a fire.

Handling Fire Damage after Incidents in Hicksville

Fires can happen anywhere and anytime, impacting a variety of items and surfaces. The cause of these fires varies from electrical overload on dated wiring to grease fires while cooking. The damage could be extensive as smoke and soot travel further than flames reaching every corner of your Hicksville house. The damages need to be repaired, and the smoke odor eliminated.

Fire restoration professionals in Hicksville should offer fast and efficient removal of smoke residue, ash, soot, and other unwanted debris after a fire. At SERVPRO, we can quickly and accurately identify the areas of your home that have been damaged. Our teams give you an idea of items and building materials to be restored and which ones need replacement. We also commuicate with your insurance company to develop a friendly solution.

Restoration Services May Include:

• Removing smoke and soot residues from the floors, walls, and furniture
• Removing smoke and soot odors from furniture, clothing, and draperies
• Using professional products to eliminate odors

Cleaning Soot Off Wood Surfaces

Even a small blaze produces a significant amount of smoke and soot. Soot clings to surfaces and items and is acidic. So it leaves thick black stains on almost anything. In certain cases, it is possible to salvage items that have been affected by fire, including kitchen cabinets that are still intact but covered in soot and charred a little. Before cleaning, SERVPRO crews remove contents from affected areas to avert additional damage. Also, our teams determine whether the soot stain is powdery or oily. This helps us choose the right cleaner for the situation.

Cleaning Resources

• Vacuum
• A dry, soft-bristled brush
• Chemical Sponges
• Wood oil soaps

SERVPRO of Hicksville / Plainview understands what you are going through and approaches your situation with compassion while performing the task at hand. For help with fire restoration, call us at (516) 733-1800. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.

You Can Count On Our Experts To Restore Your Syosset Home After A Fire

5/24/2022 (Permalink)

One step at a time we keep our customers informed to lighten the stressful burden they already bear after a fire disaster.

Fire Damage in Syosset? We Understand Your Emotions, and We are Here to Help

Customers often share their thoughts about the fire that engulfed their house or apartment as our SERVPRO technicians begin to move furniture back in and help families unpack boxes. Most everyone remarks about the shock from any level of destruction and that their family is blessed because no one was injured. As they go through the cleanup process, they share their experience of coming to grips with knowing their lives can go on, no matter how bad the losses.

In the hamlet of Syosset, we specialize in fire damage and water restoration. SERVPRO has trained professionals to work neatly and efficiently to help you begin regaining control of your property almost immediately after the firefighters leave. As you recover emotionally after a residential fire, our advanced training in the cleanup process, experience in eliminating smoke and fire damage, and the use of specialized equipment help us restore your property quickly.

We are available to respond to you any time —24/7/365 —including all holidays. When you call, our representative asks you a series of questions regarding the fire damage event that helps us dispatch our technicians to your home with the appropriate equipment and resources to handle:

• Fire & Smoke Restoration
• Odor Control
• Upholstery & Fabric Cleaning
• Water Damage Restoration

Within four hours of your call, a trained, uniformed and equipped SERVPRO professional meets with you at your fire-damaged home. We walk you through the fire damage restoration process and stay in touch with you throughout the project. You can count on us to preserve and protect, stop further damage from occurring, and restore damaged items to their initial condition when possible.

Customers often mention that before they hired us, they could not imagine their home ever looking the same after the fire. We respond that we love what we do because we help you at what can be one of the worst times in your life.

You can count on SERVPRO of Hicksville / Plainview to be there for you if you ever have fire damage. We take our promise seriously to return your home to its pre-damaged condition and make things "Like it never even happened." To learn more, contact us at (516) 733-1800.

Smoke Residue Removal Strategies for Fire Damaged Syosset Homes

4/25/2022 (Permalink)

Smoke residue is hard to remove. Call SERVPRO for fast, effective fire damage restoration.

How to Eliminate Smoke Residues After Fire Damage in Your Syosset Home

Any size fire can produce significant smoke, leaving soot and unpleasant smells that can penetrate carpets, clothing, upholstery, and other materials. After a fire loss, you can hire fire restoration experts from SERVPRO to help you deal with the problem. Our technicians can use different techniques to restore your home to normal, depending on the extent of the damage.

The fire damage in your Syosset home may include soot, smoke, and ash residues even in the rooms that the flames did not ruin. If you let the residues remain in the house for a long time, removing them can be more difficult. Soot can cause discoloration of clothing, draperies, walls, and ceilings the longer it stays without being removed. It can also discolor plastics and appliance finishes. Windows and glass surfaces may etch, and you may have to replace them.

Restoring your home after a fire requires special tools, enough workforce, and proper cleaning techniques. SERVPRO has the resources and skills needed to deal with soot damage. Our Fire & Smoke Damage Restoration Technicians (FSRTs) can assess the extent of smoke damage and inform you what we can do to bring your home back to its original condition.

Our technicians can use several strategies to clean up your home. We can pre-clean the affected areas through vacuuming or dry brushing to eliminate lingering dirt and ash. Our crew can then use general surface cleaners to wet-clean various surfaces such as appliances, painted walls, ceilings, hard surface furniture, countertops, plastics, and paneling. The alkalinity of general surface cleaners is low enough, and these products do not ruin semi-gloss interior paint.

We can effectively eliminate smoke residues from your home's interior and exterior surfaces. The fire may have severely ruined some structures in your home, such that it is impossible to restore them to the preloss state. Our restorers can dispose of the items that the flames have charred or heat has blistered. To eliminate odors, our technicians can use thermal foggers and air scrubbers.

We provide off-site restoration services for severely ruined contents. We offer move-out services, which involve removing affected items from the home and taking them to our facilities for complete smoke damage restoration. We return the items to a home after the restoration process. Regardless of the smoke damage cleanup services you need, we can coordinate with your insurer to minimize stress and provide you with peace of mind.

If you need to remove smoke residues after a fire loss in your Hicksville, Plainview, or Woodbury home, call SERVPRO of Hicksville / Plainview at (516) 733-1800 for prompt restoration. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.

We Have The Proper Techniques To Restore Your Hicksville Home After A Fire Disaster

3/21/2022 (Permalink)

A fire can destroy your home quickly, and our experts are here to pick up the pieces.

Types of Fire Damage Cleaning Methods Used in Hicksville Homes

When we mitigate fire damage in a home, the training our technicians undergo teaches them the best practices for restoring home structures and contents through different cleaning methods. Our goal is to always assist homeowners in saving as much as possible to help them avoid costly replacements for possessions. 

After arriving on-site to a Hicksville living room with fire damage, our technicians immediately set up containment using heavy plastic over doorways and vents to limit the spread of soot in the rest of the property. We then pre-tested belongings in the room to determine which had the potential for restoration to a pre-fire condition through cleaning. 

Our certified Fire and Smoke Damage Restoration Technicians use several different types of cleaning methods depending on the surface or object, such as: 

• Dry Cleaning-our technicians use this type of sponge to pick up light residues or pretreatment before wet cleaning.
• Wet Cleaning-used when we need to lift heavy residues off surfaces. 
• Foam Cleaning-normally used by our technicians to clean upholstered items that have the potential to shrink or bleed if we apply wet cleaning methods.
• Abrasive Cleaning-used for stubborn or stuck on residues and removal via light scrubbing or, in some cases, an agent such as soda blasting.
• Immersion Cleaning-used for deep cleaning non-porous items by dipping them entirely into a cleansing agent.

The homeowner had a concern regarding his large television and was pleased to find out electronics in the room may not be a fire loss. We did not test it and advised him not to turn on the television as consumer electronics damaged in a fire can be a shock hazard. Smoke residues contain acids that corrode metal surfaces, and exposure can damage devices beyond repair. During fire damage mitigation, our SERVPRO team coordinated with a qualified electronics technician regarding the restoration potential of his television and a laptop computer to determine the restorability of the devices for the homeowner.

SERVPRO of Hicksville / Plainview has the training and expertise to mitigate any fire damage in your home. Call us 24/7 at (516) 733-1800. Our emergency response team will arrive on-site soon after your call because We're Faster to Any Size Disaster.

How to Perform Fire Damage Restoration in Plainview

1/6/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO fire damage restoration specialists use the latest technology and equipment for every size of disaster.

Homeowners Should Hire SERVPRO to Conduct Fire Damage Restoration in their Plainview Homes

A fire's damage on a property is often severe, and dealing with it can be daunting. You do not need to face this significant task alone. The right way to handle it is to contact a reliable restoration firm like SERVPRO. Since we understand how traumatic a fire event in your residence can be, we work hard to deliver high-quality services and make the fire repair process efficient and quick.

We have the expertise and equipment required to perform fire damage restoration in your Plainview residence. After a fire, air quality diminishes. Therefore, some of the equipment that our SERVPRO team uses during the fire restoration process is designed to clean the air. For example, we can use air scrubbers to achieve this. They are portable filtration systems that seize airborne particles. They have upright-type cabinet designs, high-efficiency backward-curved blowers, and high rpm motors. Air scrubbers also have HEPA filters that help remove 99.97 percent of airborne particles.

SERVPRO uses various methods to remove smoke residues from affected surfaces. For instance, we can use agitation to dislodge or free soils. This means moving the surfaces we are cleaning, moving the cleaning solutions of moving both. After the bond between a surface and soil is broken, the soils are washed away. The methods we can use to agitate during cleaning include:

• Air pressure
• Water pressure
• Scrubbing
• Rotating brushes
• Sandblasting
• Wiping

Burnt items also usually leave foul odors in a home. Our SERVPRO technicians can use ultra-low volume (ULV) foggers to deodorize your residence. These devices work by vaporizing solvent-based deodorizers. They use large volumes of air at lower pressure to convert liquids into droplets, which may be dispersed into the atmosphere.

If you need fire restoration services, call SERVPRO of Hicksville / Plainview at (516) 733-1800. We can make the fire damage seem, "Like it never even happened."

Basic Cleaning Principles for Removing Soot Soils from Hicksville Homes

11/26/2021 (Permalink)

Fire damage restoration is no DIY project. SERVPRO IICRC certified techs are ready at a moment's notice for every size fire damage disaster.

We must utilize a wealth of information to overcome soot damage in Hicksville properties.

Our experience and knowledge of cleaning practices ensure that we choose the right soot removal techniques no matter the affected material or the severity of this damage. Based on the composition of the soot deposits, we have several cleaning and restoration techniques that can help.

Removing Loose Debris and Soils

Among the first steps of soot removal during fire restoration of Hicksville, homes are to rid bulk soils heaped on impacted surfaces. Cleaning up after smoke solids and debris is more effective and efficient when mechanical actions eliminate loose deposits from structural elements and contents. Some of these options include:

• Brushing
• Steel wool scrubbing
• Media blasting
• Compressed air

When Is Dry Cleaning Possible?

Dry cleaning practices are needed when chalky residues exist. High heat fires burn materials more completely, leaving a thinner soil deposit on vertical surfaces and horizontal planes. Chemical sponges and mechanical actions like HEPA vacuuming can remove these threats.

Dissolving vs. Emulsification

When wet cleaning products are used, they typically create a chemical reaction of some type with the residue or soil on the affected surface. In some cases, products like solvents are used for dissolving, a process designed to eliminate oily residues chemically. Emulsification can also be possible, which pulls substances from the surface to wipe them away.

Cleaning up soot and smoke damage in the house after a fire loss can be critical in getting families back home after these disasters. Our SERVPRO of Hicksville / Plainview team has multiple strategies specifically designed to overcome various types of soil deposits and protect underlying materials. Give our professionals a call today at (516) 733-1800.

Trusted Fire Cleaning & Repair Services in Hicksville

7/27/2021 (Permalink)

Fire damage restoration for your home is a job for SERVPRO. Our techs are ready at a moment's notice for the help you need.

SERVPRO's Fire Restoration Teams Are Experts at Restoring Hicksville Homes

When a fire breaks out, homeowners end up trying to cope with a catastrophe. Getting professional help to deal with the situation is vital. SERVPRO provides that help.

Can SERVPRO Handle the Multiple Needs of a Fire Damaged Home?

Any size fire can cause problems. A severe fire that spreads throughout the home can leave a family in shock. What happens next? What needs to be done first? Calling SERVPRO for fire restoration in Hicksville should happen as soon as possible. We work with your insurance company, offer move-out services, and mitigate fire damage. Here are some things we typically handle:

•    Safety First – Creating a safe workplace is crucial. Boarding up the home may be necessary.

•    Water Extraction – Firefighting efforts and burst pipes can cause water damage. It is important to remove any water.

•    Debris Removal – We remove all charred and unsalvageable debris.

•    Structural Damage – We inspect for weakened floors, woodwork, stairs, and framing. 

• Build Back – We rebuild areas that collapsed.

•    Smoke Removal – We use the correct chemicals for the type of soot present.

•    Move Out Services – Your home's content may need to be taken to our warehouse for cleaning.

•    Restoration & Cleaning – We decontaminate, clean, and restore furniture, personal items, and other materials if possible.

Fire and Smoke Damage Restoration and Cleanup

SERVPRO of Hicksville / Plainview provides house fire cleanup, fire restoration, and smoke remediation. You can reach us at (516) 733-1800. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.

What Is The Best Action If Immediate Fire Damage Restoration Is Not Possible at My Plainview Home?

7/9/2021 (Permalink)

Fire damage restoration by SERVPRO is second to none. Our technicians are trained and experienced in all phases of fire restoration.

SERVPRO Helps Secure Plainview Homes Before Fire Restoration Processes Can Start

Fire incidents are not only destructive but can also lead to emotional strife, especially when you have to vacate the damaged property. Whether cost or personal reasons delay fire restoration, it is essential to protect the property to prevent secondary damages.

One way to protect a house before fire damage restoration starts in Plainview is to board up any openings on its exterior. If only a section of the property is affected, boarding up hallways or interior openings like doors can help contain soils such as soot and ash from spreading to the rest of the house. As part of our fire response services, SERVPRO offers board-up services that help secure the property and retain its aesthetic appeal despite the damage from the fire. 

Common services needed after a fire include:

• Smoke remediation
• Water & fire damage restorations
• House fire clean up

Boarding up a fire-damaged property can be done differently depending on factors such as the skills of those doing the board up and how long the protection is expected to last.  Our SERVPRO IICRC certified technicians are fully trained on the different approaches they can use for the best outcome. 

Typical board up methods include:

• Inserts
• Cover over
• Bolt with tension 

When boarding up, our SERVPRO technicians pay close attention to how secure a setup is and whether it is possible to destroy other structural materials when setting it up. For instance, the cover-over approach in which boards are nailed to surfaces can destroy other structure parts. Such coverings are also readily removable by pulling the nails out so they cannot prevent vandalism.

SERVPRO of Hicksville / Plainview takes care of any issue related to fire damage restoration. Call us at (516) 733-1800 when you need assistance. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Our Professional Fire Damage Experts Can Restore Your Hicksville Home

6/10/2021 (Permalink)

After a fire in your home, our experts are able to help. Call SERVPRO, we are always available.

What To Expect From Professional Fire Damage Remediation In Hicksville

After you and your family endure the chaos and fear of a fire in your Hicksville dwelling, it is natural to feel overwhelmed and perhaps a bit hopeless. The emotions are real and the concerns understandable, but lining up a reliable fire mitigation business can significantly ease stress. Innovative equipment and well-trained and prepared technicians can transform a badly damaged building to “Like it never even happened.”

Our team of experts prepares for effective fire damage restoration in your Hicksville home through training offered through the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) and on-the-job experience with our seasoned managers.  We are ready to take on all aspects of your remediation project with skill and compassion.

Water & Fire Damage Restorations

The first task in a fire damage recovery job is often water and chemical extinguisher residue removal. Firefighting uses large quantities of water, and for safety from slip and fall and electrical shock risks, the water must go. Then a SERVPRO IICRC-certified Fire and Smoke Restoration Technician (FSRT) evaluates the sooty residue coating surfaces, matching characteristics with appropriate cleaning techniques, products, and tools.

Light and ashy debris from wood or paper fires respond well to dry sponging and HEPA-filtered vacuuming. Thicker coatings from fires started from overheated electrical cords and connections, or smoldering burns-consuming fabrics need loosening with wetting agents and surfactants in some cleaners. Agitation also helps dislodge the soot. SERVPRO frequently sees protein-based residues as well, deposited after kitchen and grease fires. Difficult to remove and highly odiferous, this type of soot needs abrasives and even solvent to dissolve and wipe away.

SERVPRO team members attempt to retain as many original structural materials as possible. If deeply charred and weakened, some structural components and fixtures need demolition and replacement. We can brush and sand down the charred wood in less severe instances and ready it for restoration.

Smoke Damage

The lingering smell of a fire needs SERVPRO’s professional expertise. Once cleanup completes, we use various strategies to eliminate the remaining odors, not just cover them with perfumes. Thermal foggers, ozone machines, and hydroxyl generators change the odor-bearing particle’s chemical composition to rid your home permanently of the stench.

Rely on SERVPRO of Hicksville / Plainview when you need fast, professional fire damage mitigation. Contact us at (516) 733-1800 for a quick assessment and development of a remediation plan.

Can Residents Eat and Use Food and Personal Care Products from Plainview Fire Damaged Homes Safely?

5/10/2021 (Permalink)

Fire damage restoration service done by SERVPRO is top-notch. We are second to none. Call now!

SERVPRO advises fire, and smoke damage to stored food and health and beauty aids Plainview residences can pose health effects 

Most Plainview fire damage restoration seekers have probably not considered the safety of food and products like shampoos, lotions, medications, and other personal care goods impacted by the smoke, soot, and heat of a fire. Common sense and caution during a house fire cleanup guide Plainview homeowners that when the safety of food or other products is in doubt, the smartest option is to throw it out.

• Soot and its toxins can enter even tightly wrapped items and closed refrigerators and freezers. 
• Heat can cause chemical changes that compromise the safety of fire and smoke-damaged products.

Can SERVPRO Safely Perform Fire and Smoke Damage Restoration and Cleanup for Furnishings and Household Goods?

Fire-damaged home contents in Plainview can emerge safely for use after SERVPRO’s specially trained water, and fire damage restoration production facility technicians evaluate, clean, disinfect, and dry items. Count on your possessions arising after best practices centered on the targets below employed to combat harm and return items to preloss condition:

• Smoke Damage
• Smoke Remediation
• Fire Restoration

SERVPRO of Hicksville / Plainview evaluates all aspects of heat, fire, and smoke damage when making decisions regarding restoring contents after a household blaze. Constant us at (516) 733-1800 to explore your options. 

Professional Fire Restoration Can Save More in Plainview Homes

3/1/2021 (Permalink)

Fire restoration should be left to the professionals. SERVPRO technicians are IICRC certified for any size fire damaged property.

Local Plainview Residents Rely on SERVPRO for Fire Restoration

When a fire occurs in a home, even a small fire can leave behind numerous issues. When homeowners attempt to clean up the damage independently, it can create more significant challenges or render portions of the structure or articles without the potential for reuse. 

When Plainview properties need fire restoration, it is best to bring professional help. SERVPRO technicians have the training to deal with:

• Burned articles and building materials
• Perform controlled demo as needed
• Removal of soot and smoke residues
• Eradication of fire odors

SERVPRO techs have access to some of the most advanced equipment and cleaning agents available in the restoration services industry to remove smoke damage and eliminate odors within the structure. 

Devices such as air scrubbers and movers for ventilation improvement and photocatalytic oxidizers to neutralize airborne soot particulate using ultraviolet rays. In the event of deeply embedded smoke odors, the techs can use thermal foggers or the Vaportek system, which delivers vaporized oils through a membrane that attach themselves to odorous molecules rendering them inert.

SERVPRO of Hicksville / Plainview at (516) 733-1800 serves the local Plainview community for any size fire restoration services needed in their properties. 

Removing Harsh Smoke Odors from Plainview Properties

2/1/2021 (Permalink)

Fire damage restoration is no DIY project. Call SERVPRO their technicians are IICRC certified for the job.

Lingering burning smells can be a damaging presence for the property. 

Fires can develop quickly in Plainview homes and present multiple layers of loss effects to contend with when our technicians arrive. Mitigation is one of the most critical stages of recovery. This allows our team to address the most pressing concerns and protect the property as much as possible in multiple ways. Restoration seeks to finish what mitigation starts by taking necessary steps to make losses “Like it never even happened.”

Deodorization of Plainview Homes After a Fire 

Combustion can leave behind many noxious odors in the property, making the odorization a vital part of fire damage restoration for Plainview homes. Depending on where these smells might exist, different strategies exist to remove harsh odors after a fire gets extinguished. Some of the most common of these include:

• Thermal / ULV Foggers
• Ozone Machines
• Hydroxyl Generators

Despite how rapidly loss effects can spread, you can count on an efficient and thorough cleaning and restoration from our SERVPRO of Hicksville / Plainview team. Give us a call today at (516) 733-1800.

How Does SERVPRO Prepare to Handle Fire Damage in My Home?

9/21/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO uses advanced equipment like this air scrubber with negative air pressure to improve IAQ indoor air quality after a fire in a Syosset home

Syosset Homeowners Need a Fire Damage Crew They Can Rely On

Staying organized is key to getting everything done. Whether you're trying to keep up with projects at work or finish planning Aunt Muriel's birthday meal, staying organized is a must. The same is true for any Syosset home projects. And although you might not have thought about it before, the same is true of restoration crews.

If you need help with fire damage to your Syosset home, you want to know the attending crew is well organized. It is not enough to understand how to remediate smoke and soot damage. Preparation and organization are essential for an effective service.

Who is involved in fire damage restoration?

Fire damage restoration is a complex project with many moving parts. There may be multiple areas of your home that need attention. For example, the walls might need soot removal, while the site closest to the blaze requires the ceiling repaired. There will be several team members on-site, too, including:

• A project manager who is responsible for devising the best plan of action for your home
• A crew chief who is responsible for executing that plan as safely, quickly, and effectively as possible
• The restoration team who carries out remediation tasks and puts your home back "Like it never even happened."

What kind of preparation do remediation specialists need?

You would not go on a road trip without ensuring you had enough fuel for your vehicle and snacks for the journey. SERVPRO of Hicksville / Plainview does not leave for your home without making thorough preparations, including:

• A plan of which rooms need cleaning if any places are off-limits, and how we are going to handle the contents of each room (cleaning in situ, or removal)
• A briefing to make sure each team member knows what is expected of them that day
• A list of any equipment required beyond the standard fire restoration equipment, such as extra high ladders or additional personal protective equipment

These things are just as important as our restoration equipment. We also assess each SERVPRO crew member's strengths to pair technicians in the most efficient way.

What happens when the technicians arrive?

We start with a walk-through of your property. Doing this allows us to spot any additional issues that have arisen since we last spoke with you.

The next step is to set up a staging area before beginning restoration activities. A staging area keeps everything we need in one place and stops our workspace from becoming cluttered. It also minimizes how often our technicians have to walk through other parts of your home than the one they are working on.

What happens after you set up the staging area?

The next step is contents management. We can clear a space where we do our work – sometimes this is by moving your belongings around, sometimes it is by performing a pack-out and removing your items to our warehouse.

If we are doing a pack-out, we will carefully inventory your contents before moving them. Our CCIS Contents Claim Inventory System program simplifies and documents our coordination with you and your insurance company. We work on one small area at a time, moving contents in preparation for cleaning.

If any part requires controlled demolition (such as a sagging ceiling or burnt-out wall), we do that before cleaning. When everything is prepared, we can begin cleaning.

What can SERVPRO clean?

We train our team to the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) standards. They will assess the damage and decide on the best cleaning method. For example, we can use:

• Dry scrubbing and HEPA vacuuming to get rid of dry soot particles
• Wet cleaning and foam cleaners to handle more stubborn stains
• Baking soda blasting for crawl spaces, attics, and basements
• Spot cleaning for delicate upholstery
• Dry cleaning and ultrasonic cleaning for items that cannot withstand wet cleaning

We generally clean rooms top to bottom, starting at the ceiling. Preparation and organization are essential during cleaning too. We make sure our technicians have a clear plan of what to clean, which method to use, and in which order to carry out cleaning tasks.

What happens after cleaning?

When your home is clean, we deodorize it. We know lingering smoke odors are very unpleasant. We have a range of deodorization options, including air scrubbers, wet fogging, and ozone generators. Our teams emphasize thorough cleaning to remove the odor's source, but extra deodorization is sometimes needed.

If we removed your contents, we will bring them back and set them up in their respective places.

For help from a well-prepared fire damage restoration team, call SERVPRO of Hicksville / Plainview at (516) 733-1800.

Is Controlled Demolition Common After Fire Loses in Syosset?

9/9/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO makes the build back process easier on you by assisting you with every level of fire damage restoration. Call us for expert service.

When structure fires occur, significant damage can result, that requires our contractors to repair and rebuild. 

Structure fires in Syosset homes and businesses can have an undeniable damaging result. The more materials and surfaces in the path of the blaze, before it gets extinguished by first responders, the more of your home that requires cleaning and recovery. While it is always a priority of our technicians to restore before replacing, the severity of the property's loss effects and the condition of building materials can be indicators for when controlled demolition might be necessary. This practice reduces the later time and material costs for reconstruction by only removing compromised structural elements. 

There are multiple layers of fire damage restoration for Syosset homes. Before we can get involved with common mitigation tasks like soot and smoke residue removal from building materials, fixtures, and contents, a thorough inspection of the property can determine when demolition might be necessary first. Demolition can happen for several different reasons evaluated in the job scoping phase, including:

• Material is Partially Combusted 
• Excessive Soot/Smoke Damage 
• Require Access to Fire/Water Damaged Structural Cavities 
• Structural Deterioration

When Does Build Back Begin for Damaged Homes? 

Often there are several types of mitigation and restoration steps that must occur before your property is ready for the build back and reconstruction. With a team of in-house contractors that can oversee the controlled demolition in the pre-mitigation phases, these same professionals can begin the necessary repairs and material replacement when restoration completes. The seamless transition between recovery and reconstruction can often get you back into your home more quickly than third-party subcontractors. 

After a fire, it is not uncommon for your home to need repairs and reconstruction, especially after controlled demolition designed to mitigate overall losses. Our SERVPRO of Hicksville / Plainview team can help with restoration and rebuilding - give us a call today at (516) 733-1800.

Find out more about Syosset.

Is It Safe To Clean My Walls After Fire Damage In Hicksville?

8/10/2020 (Permalink)

Whatever the situation, we are on hand to help.

Hicksville Residents Worry About Homes After Fire Damage

People living in Hicksville know that a clean, welcoming home is one of the best things. A lovely home is a place to come back to after a hard day at work or to look after your kids or relax with family and friends.

The psychological effects of fire damage in Hicksville cannot be understated. It is distressing to see your home grimy and black with soot stains. It is natural to want to fix the damage as soon as possible.

Can I clean my walls after fire damage?

SERVPRO strongly recommends that you do not attempt to clean your walls after fire damage. We understand the urge to scrub your home and make it look, “Like it never even happened.” However, it is much safer to wait for the professional cleanup crew to arrive.

We train our technicians in structural cleaning of walls and ceilings. Our teams know which cleaning methods are best, and which ones to use for your home. A professional team will get a much more satisfactory result than cleaning by yourself. Not to mention, we are equipped with the proper safety equipment.

Is there anything I can do while waiting for SERVPRO?

There are some things you can do while waiting if it is safe to do so:

    •    Cover carpets and upholstery with old linen or colorfast towels to protect them from further damage
    •    Gently wash plan leaves on both sides with plain water
    •    Cover chrome faucets and trim with a lubricant such as petroleum jelly

Please do not attempt these actions if it is not safe. Also, we suggest asking family members to keep moving in the affected areas to a minimum, to prevent further damage and spreading of soot.

How will SERVPRO clean my walls?

The cleaning method we choose depends on how heavily soiled the wall is, the material it is made from, and whether it is painted or wallpapered. Some options include:

    •    Dry sponge cleaning for surfaces that cannot get wet
    •    Wire brushes for robust surfaces and softer brushes for delicate surfaces
    •    General surface cleaners for paint and washable surfaces
    •    Heavy-duty cleaners for more stubborn stains

Whatever the situation, we are on hand to help. Call SERVPRO of Hicksville / Plainview at (516) 733-1800.

What Are The Biggest Fire Damage Risks In My Hicksville Home?

7/15/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Hicksville / Plainview technicians is waiting to help you.

SERVPRO Helps Hicksville Residents Deal With Fire Damage

Fire damage is a frightening thought, and as a result, many Hicksville residents are eager to do all they can to prevent a home fire.

It is essential to know the most significant fire damage risks so you can keep your Hicksville home safe. There are several steps you can take to help prevent a fire in your house.

What are the biggest fire damage risks to look out for?

SERVPRO recommends all homeowners stay aware of the following potential risks:

    •    Cooking. A home-cooked meal is delightful, but if you are not careful, it can also be a fire hazard. Always stay aware in the kitchen.
    •    Candles. Candles are a leading cause of fires. Be careful when burning candles, and do not ever leave them unattended.
    •    Appliances. An old or damaged appliance can spark a fire. Maintain your devices properly and be alert for worn cords or damaged casing.
    •    Dryers. Make sure you unclog your dryer's pipes regularly and clean the lint filter regularly.
    •    Smoking. We all know that smoking is not beneficial for our health, but it is also a terrible fire risk. If you or anyone in your home is not ready to quit, be mindful not to leave cigarettes burning, or even better, smoke outside.

How can SERVPRO help me is there is a fire?

In the unfortunate event of a fire, SERVPRO technicians are on hand to mitigate the damage. We know the steps to take to restore your home:

    •    A thorough assessment of the situation
    •    Boarding up windows and placing a tarp on the roof if the fire has caused structural damage
    •    Removing excess water from the initial efforts to quench the fire
    •    Remove smoke and soot from your home using a range of specialized equipment
    •    Clean and sanitize damaged items
    •    Restore your home and deal with physical damage such as replacing drywall.

SERVPRO of Hicksville / Plainview technicians is waiting to help you. If your home has suffered fire damage, give us a call today on (516) 733-1800.

A Fire Has Damaged My Hicksville Home, What Steps Should I Take?

5/21/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Hicksville / Plainview can help you restore your home quickly.

Call a Company that Performs Fire Damage Restoration in Hicksville

Watching your property and valuable items engulfed by fire is among the most heartbreaking things a property owner can experience. After such a devastating incident, reassurance comes from having clear guidance in restoring your property from fire and smoke damage. Seek help immediately from a reliable restoration company like SERVPRO.

Why hire professional restorers?

The professionals at SERVPRO have years of experience. We are certified by the (IICRC) Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification to restore Hicksville homes with fire damage. Our response team is always available and responds fast to our customers’ emergency calls.

We use advanced equipment and tools as well as edge cutting techniques to restore homes in a brief period. With our expertise and experience, we can prevent further smoke and soot damage. Our team of technicians can repair most items and dispose of extremely damaged items.

How do you clean up the smoke residues?

As we restore smoke damaged materials, we seek to restore them to their preloss condition. We apply some basic principles of cleaning to accomplish the task. They include:

    •    Carefully inspecting the affected areas in locating smoke residues.
    •    Identifying the type of residues present.
    •    Identifying the type of surface that is affected.
    •    Capturing and removing residues
    •    Disposing of the debris and cleaning waste

How do professionals deodorize the affected property?

Whether small or significant fire damage, the odor can be present in your property. Depending on the intensity of the damage, the odor can persist even after a thorough cleaning. We can use a ventilation box fan to deodorize your property. The equipment generates a high velocity of airflow, which replaces the odor with fresh air from outside. The machine also helps in speeding up the drying process since the dry clean air from outside increases evaporation even in hard to reach areas.

Fire damage is devastating for homes, and you need technicians who can respond fast to it. SERVPRO of Hicksville / Plainview can help you restore your home quickly. Call us 24/7 at (516) 733-1800.

For more about Hicksville click here.

Fire Damage Incidents in Hicksville

4/16/2020 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of Hicksville / Plainview at (516) 733-1800 to help manage the process.

Addressing Time Issues when Handling Fire Damage Incidents in Hicksville

Fire damage incidents present diverse challenges. However, the issue of time can be complex to address. For instance, there is a need to establish how long the repair of resulting damages is likely to take. It is not very easy to determine the restoration time by merely checking the loss site. Assistance from a professional restorer like SERVPRO helps with estimates and other time-related issues.

Determining the Period of Restoration
Many factors affect the time it takes to restore fire damage in affected Hicksville properties. The total surface area affected by the fire matters because restoration requires removal, cleanup, and replacement of materials, among other actions. The kind of damage left matters. Even cases, where smoke residue deposits are the main issue, can take longer to resolve if they involve wet smoke or other hard-to-clean residues. Our SERVPRO crews include qualified FSRT, Fire and Smoke Restoration technicians who rely on their training or past experiences to come up with estimates of how long the process might take.

Addressing Time-based Secondary
The damage from a fire doesn't stop when the fire is contained. Some secondary damages develop if no action is taken or the actions taken are not adequate. From experience, our SERVPRO technicians understand which issues can lead to secondary damages. For instance, the water released into the property when fighting the fire can lead to water damage. Soot can also stain or corrode surfaces. We can prevent adverse outcomes by prioritizing water extraction and protection of surfaces from the effects of soot. Simple actions such as setting up a dehumidifier in the property immediately after arrival and pre-cleaning surfaces help.

Limiting Exposure for Health Reasons
Fires leave some particulate matter and aerosols suspended in the air. Breathing in such air over extended periods can lead to irritation or respiratory issues. Our crews help limit exposure in different ways, including ventilating the property with axial air movers to push out the particulate-filled air or using protective gear when venturing into the property, thus limiting exposure.

Restoration of fire damage involves several time-related aspects. Call SERVPRO of Hicksville / Plainview at (516) 733-1800 to help manage the process. We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster.

For more about Hicksville click here.

We Put The Flames Of Worry Out In Syosset

12/2/2019 (Permalink)

We discard non-salvageable material eliminating some odor-causing sources and we board up to secure the property from the elements.

My House Smells Like Fire

As winter descends upon us, we start lighting fires, using space heaters, and generally warming things up.   With the drop in temperatures, we also see an increase in fire incidents in the Syosset and the greater Long Island area, many of which are preventable.  Just a pinch of caution can help prevent disaster, but sometimes it is inevitable. Whether flames engulf a large portion of your home, or you quell it quickly, a reliable restoration company is your best resource to wipe away any traces of soot and smoke and return your house to mint condition.  However, many homeowners do not know whom to call in case of an emergency.

If you are a homeowner in Syosset looking for a reputable fire damage restoration team, SERVPRO is your answer.  Our technicians hold certifications by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification (IICRC) and habitually handle jobs of varying sizes.  As simple as fire damage cleanup can appear, it is not easy and can pose a risk to your health and the structural integrity of your home. By calling our Green Fleet, you save time in anticipating any future issues as well as addressing your current needs.

When you see our SERVPRO crew in action, you appreciate the extent of our expertise.  For example, removing the odors left behind by the fire can be an exercise in futility if you do not apply specialized techniques with the proper tools.  A professional technician knows that containment of the odor is the first crucial step in eliminating it from your home. We achieve this goal by preventing odor molecules from moving and vaporizing into the air and moving freely throughout your home. Chemical deodorizers are usually the first line of defense, and we apply them while keeping in mind any potential damage to the surfaces we spray.  As the deodorization process continues, we control the vapor in your home and ultimately strive to scrub your air free of odor molecules, making the fire a thing of the past.

Warm-up this winter knowing that SERVPRO of Hicksville/Plainview has your back.  A call to (516) 733-1800 connects you to your team of experts to help you restore your home as soon as possible. Together, we can leave your house, “Like it never even happened.” 

See more about Syosset.

What is a Puff Back and How does it Cause Fire Damage to Syosset Homes?

9/17/2019 (Permalink)

This client didn't have to wait long for SERVPRO to arrive! We restored his home and he was completely satisfied with the restoration.

Puff Back is a Form of Fire Damage and can Affect Your Syosset Home's Interior 

Every season, homeowners across Syosset check different appliances to ensure they remain in proper working order. In the fall, furnaces come into use, and some residents find themselves looking for a new unit to heat their homes. Others slip through and seem fine for a month or two.

When loud bangs or small explosions start coming from your home's furnace in Syosset, soot and fire damage might not come to mind right away. Puff backs not only makes your furnace a source of strange noises, but it also dumps soot from partially combusted fuel into your home's living space.

Visual evidence of puff back appears around the walls next to vents and on the ceilings directly above them. Inside the ducts, a coating of soot gradually grows thicker every time your furnace heats your house. Because puff back is a sign of a failing furnace and repairs typically cannot sufficiently remedy the problem, a new furnace becomes the only way to fix puff back.

After the installation of a new furnace, SERVPRO's team of specialists can clean your home's interior of the darkened areas near vents. These surfaces might require more than cleaning if the deposits hardened. Slight abrasive action with a stiff brush might suffice. However, some cases require sanding and then repainting.

The items you have on display within your residence also become covered in a thin, slightly sticky layer of soot from a furnace with puff back. We use special cleaners that cause the soiling to disintegrate quickly and then rinse these items. Several items also become soot-free during a water bath in our ultrasonic machine. We have a method for practically every item in your home affected by soot, smoke, or fire damage.

Our building services team also assists us in restoring homes and businesses by cleaning the HVAC systems, including the ducts. These can continually release into the air loosened pieces of soot you and your family breathe. This contaminated air can also smell stale or heavy. A thorough cleaning of the vents and ducts eliminates this from continuing.

SERVPRO of Hicksville / Plainview can rid your home in Woodbury and Lake Grove of the residue left on your walls, ceilings, and other interior surfaces by a failing furnace. Call us at (516) 733-1800 for technicians who can arrive at your earliest convenience.

More about Syosset.

What To Do Until Help Arrives After a Fire in Your Hicksville Home

12/14/2018 (Permalink)

Care Must Be Exercised in the Removal of Ash and Smoke Deposits After a Fire to Prevent Further Damage

Seek Assistance from a Restoration Professional Immediately After a Fire

Fear, uncertainty, stress, and doubt about your Hicksville home after a fire is immense. SERVPRO of Hicksville/Plainview understands these emotions. Before you risk doing further damage by trying to clean up the damage yourself, give us a call at (516) 733-1800

There are potential dangers in a house that has sustained fire damage. Safety is of primary concern. If the blaze damaged the structure of you building, floors and ceilings could collapse or fall-through without warning.  Wait until the fire department has cleared the structure before re-entry, and exercise caution.  

In addition to the health and safety hazards after a fire, some measures should be taken to protect the materials and contents of your home or business until a professional restoration company can assess the damage and begin the restoration process.  The chemical composition of the soot and ash deposits on your materials can corrode, etch, or dissolve finishes and fabrics.  Professional restoration companies like SERVPRO of Hicksville/Plainview are certified and equipped with the proper cleaning products to safely remove soot and ash deposits to preserve and restore the contents and finishes in your home. 

Here are a few things you can do until we arrive on the scene to help reduce the likelihood of further damage:

• Put down clean towels or old linens on rugs and high traffic areas.
• Coat chrome faucets, trim and appliances with oil or petroleum jelly.
• Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpet.
• DO NOT wash any walls or painted surfaces.
• DO NOT shampoo carpet or upholstery.
• DO NOT clean any electrical equipment.
• DO NOT send clothes to a dry cleaner.

Look here for more information on the fire restoration process.

SERVPRO of Hicksville/Plainview is available 24-hours a day, 365 days a year to help you regain control quickly.

Home (Safety) For The Holidays!

12/13/2018 (Permalink)

The holiday season is here! No matter if you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa or all three, we’re excited to share in the holiday spirit. It’s easy to get caught up in the festivities, and while you’re busy decorating the house, safety may be one of the last things on your mind.

According to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), there were 15,000 injuries related to holiday decorations in 2012. Mishaps send about 250 people to the ER daily, with falls, cuts and back strains topping the list of injuries. To ensure you have a safe, healthy, and happy holiday season with your friends and family, here are 12 tips to keep in mind as you deck out your home:

1. Keep live trees away from heat sources.

Place your tree away from fireplaces and heaters, and keep a fire extinguisher near your tree. Live trees are highly flammable, due to needles and sap.

2. Hydrate your tree.

A dried-out tree can catch fire faster than one that has been properly watered. Check the water level every other day to ensure proper hydration. Starting with a green tree is one way to keep it from drying out so quickly.

3. Fake it!

If you buy an artificial tree, make sure it’s labeled “fire resistant.” Fire-resistant trees are less susceptible to catching fire.

4. Don’t burn wrapping paper in the fireplace.

Paper can catch fire very quickly and can cause flash fires. Instead, recycle (or better yet, reuse!) your wrapping paper.

5. Work as a team.

When stringing lights and decorations above your normal reach, make sure you use a proper ladder with someone supporting the base.

6. Double-check your lights for safety.

Replace any lights with frayed wires, broken sockets, and loose connections. The CPSC issued new guidelines for seasonal light safety in 2015, setting a minimum wire size, and standards for strain relief and over-current protection.

7. Power down before you turn in.

Turn off all lights when you go to bed and before leaving the house to avoid a short that could start an electrical fire.

8. Prevent electrical cord damage.

Don’t mount lights in a way that might damage the cords, and avoid using nails or tacks. Use hooks or insulated staples instead.

9. Secure candles.

Keep candles on a sturdy base to prevent tipping. Never leave a lit candle unattended.

10. Use unbreakable ornaments.

If you have fragile ornament, place them out of reach from pets and kids.

11. Skip the fake food.

Avoid decorations that look like candy or food if you have young children — or pets — in the house.

12. Beware of poisonous plants.

While festive, poinsettias are poisonous when eaten, so keep them out of reach of kids and pets.

Happy holidays!

The One Medical blog is published by One Medical, an innovative primary care practice with offices in Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, Phoenix, the San Francisco Bay Area, Seattle, and Washington, DC.

Any general advice posted on our blog, website, or app is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace or substitute for any medical or other advice. The One Medical Group entities and 1Life Healthcare, Inc. make no representations or warranties and expressly disclaim any and all liability concerning any treatment, action by, or effect on any person following the general information offered or provided within or through the blog, website, or app. If you have specific concerns or a situation arises in which you require medical advice, you should consult with an appropriately trained and qualified medical services provider.

Holiday Cooking Safety Tip

11/15/2018 (Permalink)

Thanksgiving is a time for family and holiday traditions including taste tested, Thanksgiving recipes. It's also a time where family members may want to join in the food preparation so fire safety is important. With the speed of deep-frying a turkey, the irresistible flavor, and juiciness that results, turkey frying has become a Thanksgiving tradition for some. But turkey fryers have the potential to cause fire and serious injury, which is why organizations like Underwriters Laboratories and the National Fire Protection Association advises against using them. If you plan to deep-fry your holiday bird, be sure you know how to safely use the fryer, and take these precautions to protect yourself, your guests and your home.

Many first-timers fill the fryer with too much oil or attempt to fry a turkey that isn't entirely thawed. Both mistakes can cause serious fires. U.S. fire departments respond to more than 1,000 fires each year in which a deep-fryer is involved.

Tips to help prevent deep fried turkey accidents

• Keep outdoor fryers off decks, out of garages and a safe distance away from trees and other structures.
• Make sure the turkey is thawed and dry before cooking. Ice or water that mixes into the hot oil can cause flare-ups.
• Watch the weather. Never operate a fryer outdoors in the rain or snow.
• Place the fryer on a level surface and avoid moving it once it's in use.
• Leave 2 feet between the tank and the burner when using a propane-powered fryer.
• Follow the manufacturer's instructions to avoid overfilling. Oil can ignite when it makes contact with the burner.
• Choose a smaller turkey for frying. A bird that's 8 to 10 pounds is best; pass on turkeys over 12 pounds.
• Never leave fryers unattended.
• Purchase a fryer with temperature controls and watch the oil temperature carefully. Cooking oil that is heated beyond its smoke point can catch fire. If you notice the oil is smoking, turn the fryer off.
• Turn off the burner before lowering the turkey into the oil. Once the turkey is submerged, turn the burner on.
• Wear goggles to shield your eyes, use oven mitts to protect your hands and arms and keep an "ABC" or grease-rated fire extinguisher close by. Do not to use water or a garden hose on a fire related to Turkey Fryers.
• Skip the stuffing when frying turkey and avoid water-based marinades.
• Keep children and pets away from the fryer at all times.
• Once finished, carefully remove the pot from the burner, place it on a level surface and cover to let the oil cool overnight before disposing.
• Opt for an oil-less fryer. This uses infrared heat, rather than oil, to cook the turkey.

The information in this article was obtained from various sources not associated with State Farm^® or SERVPRO. While we believe it to be reliable and accurate, we do not warrant the accuracy or reliability of the information. These suggestions are not a complete list of every loss control measure. The information is not intended to replace manuals or instructions provided by the manufacturer or the advice of a qualified professional. Nor is it intended to effect coverage under our policy. Neither SERVPRO or State Farm makes any guarantees of results from use of this information.

START A QUOTE

Recovering From Fire Damage

11/13/2018 (Permalink)

The first 48 hours after a fire damage can make all the difference between restoring versus replacing your property and personal belongings. SERVPRO Hicksville/Plainview can help prevent fire damage from creating long-term problems. SERVPRO Hicksville/Plainview provides timely response with mitigation services ranging from fire, smoke and soot removal to contents claims inventory and document restoration. These services can help ensure your property, belongings and memories are restored to preloss condition when possible. SERVPRO Hicksville/Plainview is available 24-hours a day, 365 days a year to help you regain control quickly.

What Kind of Fire Extinguisher You Should Have in Your Home

7/24/2018 (Permalink)

State laws do not require you to have a fire extinguisher at your residence. However, knowing what kind of fire extinguisher to buy in case of a fire is imperative. Not all extinguishers can be used across the different classes of fire. So what type of fire extinguisher should you install into your home or apartment? The two most common areas a fire starts are the kitchen and the garage.
The most common type of fire to start in a kitchen is a class F fire that is fueled by cooking oils and grease. Ordinary water will not extinguish these fires due to oil's hydrophobic tendencies. In fact, using water on a class F fire will cause the fire to spread. Having a CO2 extinguisher in the kitchen can help to protect yourself from this common type of fire.
There are a few potential fire hazards that can be present in your garage. The most common are electrical fires and propane fires. These fires can be efficiently and safely put out with ABC powder extinguishers. However, if you are to use this extinguisher, make sure the area is well ventilated because inhaling the powder can cause harm to you or others.
Always know how to safely operate a fire extinguisher before using and check the expiration date every month. If you or someone you know is having a fire emergency, do not attempt to put out the fire yourself. Call SERVPRO® of Port Jefferson for immediate emergency services.

FIRE PREVENTION FOR BIG KIDS

11/6/2017 (Permalink)

FIRE PREVENTION FOR BIG KIDS

Big kids are curious about fire. Teaching your children about the hazards of playing with matches and other flammable materials, as well as practicing a fire escape plan with your family, can help prevent accidents and injuries.

Top Safety Tips

1. Working smoke alarms reduce the chances of dying in a fire by nearly 50 percent. They are a critical first step for staying safe, but in order to be effective, they have to be working properly. For the best protection, install smoke alarms on every level of your home and in every sleeping area.
2. Consider installing a smoke alarm that has a 10-year battery.
3. Teach kids never to play with matches, lighters or fireworks.
4. Keep candles at least 12 inches away from anything that can burn, and always blow them out when you leave the room or before you go to sleep. Teach older kids not to use candles in their bedrooms, unless supervised by an adult.
5. Use common sense in the kitchen. Limit distractions when cooking and don't leave a hot oven or stovetop unattended.
6. Have a fire extinguisher in the kitchen in case of emergency, and make sure you know how it works. You might be surprised that most people don't know how to use one.
7. Children should know how to respond to the sound of a smoke alarm. Teach them to get low and get out when they hear it. A child who is coached properly ahead of time will have a better chance to be safe. Watch our video to learn more.
8. Practice feeling the door, doorknob and cracks around the door with the back of your hand to see if they are too hot. Help your children practice this step.
9. Together, have your family plan and practice a home fire escape plan with two ways out of your house in case of a fire. It is important to have an alternate exit in case one is blocked by fire.
10. Choose a place to meet outside that is a safe distance away from your home.
11. If you cannot safely escape your home or apartment, keep smoke out of the room by covering vents and cracks around the door and call 911 or your fire department as quickly as possible. Then signal for help at the window with a light-colored cloth or a flashlight.
12. To prevent possible fires, avoid plugging several appliance cords into the same electrical socket.
13. If using gasoline-powered devices, store gasoline in a locked location where children cannot access it. Keep only small quantities in an approved container that has child safety features. 

CARBON MONOXIDE SAFETY TIPS

11/6/2017 (Permalink)

Install Carbon Monoxide Alarms

1. Make sure your home has a carbon monoxide alarm. If you don’t have one, please go out and get one.
2. As with smoke alarms, make sure you have a carbon monoxide alarm on every level of your home, especially near sleeping areas, and keep them at least 15 feet away from fuel-burning appliances.
3. You won’t know that you have a carbon monoxide leak without a working alarm. So test alarms regularly and replace them every five to seven years depending on the manufacturer’s label.
4. For the best protection, have carbon monoxide alarms that are interconnected throughout the home. When one sounds, they all sound.
5. Carbon monoxide alarms are not substitutes for smoke alarms, and vice versa. Combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are available.

Understand How Carbon Monoxide Can Be Harmful

1. Don’t use a grill, generator or camping stove inside your home, garage or near a window.
2. If you need to warm a vehicle, remove it from the garage immediately after starting it. Don’t leave a car, SUV or motorcycle engine running inside a garage, even if the doors are open.
3. Never use your oven or stovetop to heat your home.
4. On the outside of your home, make sure vents for the dryer, furnace, stove and fireplace are clear of snow and other debris.
5. Carbon monoxide can accumulate in or around your motorboat, so install an alarm on your boat.

Leave the House If the Alarm Sounds

1. If the alarm goes off, immediately go outdoors or to an open window or door for some fresh air. Make sure that everyone inside your home is safe.
2. Call 911 or the fire department. Stay outside or by an open window until emergency personnel arrive to assist you.

Store Gasoline Properly

1. If using gasoline-powered devices, store gasoline in a locked location where children cannot access it. Keep only small quantities in an approved container that has child safety features.
2. Keep gasoline away from any source of heat, spark or flame. Even common household appliances such as water heaters and clothes dryers can start a gasoline fire. Be sure to store your gasoline away from anything that could ignite it.
3. Store gasoline in a well-ventilated area outside your vehicle and living space. The safest place to store the container is in a detached garage or shed.
4. Never mix gasoline with fire. There is no safe way to start a fire with gasoline.

What Causes a Furnace Puff Back?

11/3/2017 (Permalink)

Furnace puff back is a messy and potentially dangerous event in which smoke and soot are released into the furnace. Puff backs often result in oily black "webs" of soot being distributed throughout the house, requiring extensive cleaning and sometimes professional restoration to clean up. Worse than the mess is the potential damage that a puff back can do to the furnace itself. To better understand puff backs you should know what causes them and how they can be prevented.

Puff Backs

Puff backs occur when an oil-burning furnace doesn't ignite when it should. Oil vapors build up in the ignition chamber, causing an explosion when the igniter finally triggers. The explosion blows soot and other debris through the furnace's exhaust system and into the heating system, which carries it into the house. If the furnace is connected to a forced air heating system, the ducts can carry the puff back to every room of the house with an open vent.

Causes

Puff backs are caused by problems with the furnace, which leave oil in the ignition chamber that doesn't get burned. This can be caused by leaks in the oil system, bubbles in the oil line which expand and press oil out of the oil burner nozzle, the shutdown valve on the oil burner nozzle not working properly or a clog in the nozzle. Each of these problems can result in oil leaking out of the nozzle and into the combustion chamber when it isn't in operation. Oil will accumulate in the chamber until it finally ignites with a puff back explosion.

Warning Signs

Most oil-burning furnaces in danger of having a puff back give off warning signs that should indicate a problem with the furnace. Black soot on the furnace, walls or ceiling indicate that oil is burning improperly in the furnace and is leaking out of the unit. Noises such as those made by the combustion chamber while it is burning may continue after the furnace has stopped, indicating that something is still burning within the furnace even though it shouldn't be. Noises at the beginning of the burn cycle, such as a puff or bang, also indicate that unburned oil has pooled and ignited.

Preventing Puff Backs

Preventing puff backs in oil-burning furnaces is largely a matter of performing regular maintenance on the furnace to keep it in proper operating condition. Oil-burning appliances should be cleaned and serviced once per year, ensuring that the service person opens the unit and inspects it for signs of problems or damage. Inspect the furnace periodically for signs of oil leaks, paying attention to any odd smells or soot in the furnace room. You should also look for debris in the flue vent connector which could also be a sign of problems with the furnace.

Even a small fire can cause odors in your Hicksville/Plainview home

7/11/2017 (Permalink)

Any fire in your home is bad. But when you try to clean it up yourself, it can be a disaster. Especially considering that smoke and soot from even a small fire can permanently damage contents throughout a home and cause odors that may resurface for years.

Fire, smoke and soot damages in your home can create unpleasant and permanent problems if not properly addressed. As various materials burn, the smoke produced travels throughout the home leaving odorous residues and deposits on surfaces and in those hard to reach places. Unless fast, professional action is taken, these residues and deposits can cause permanent damage to contents and may result in periodically resurfacing odors. Unfortunately, such damages are often made more severe when unprepared homeowners attempt to perform the cleanup themselves. 

SERVPRO of Hicksville/Plainview professionals are equipped to find sources of smoke odor and to effectively eliminate them from your home. Proper deodorization is vital. 

All your restorable items in affected areas will be professionally cleaned and deodorized to preloss condition. This includes furniture, draperies and upholstery, electronics, art, flooring, walls, ceilings, HVAC air ducts, and so much more.

SERVPRO professionals do not merely cover up lingering odors with a fragrance, they seek out the sources of odor and remove them. Before you risk doing more damage by attempting to clean it up yourself, call your local fire, smoke and soot cleanup and restoration experts at SERVPRO of Hicksville/Plainview 516-733-1800

How to recognize a puffback in your Hicksville/Plainview home

3/1/2017 (Permalink)

What is a Puff Back?

Most of us have never heard of a puff back. A puff back occurs when an oil burner backfires sending soot throughout your home or business. It can happen all at once (like a balloon popping) or more gradually (as if someone was holding the end of a balloon and letting the air seep out slowly).

How do I know if a Puff Back has occurred?

It is usually quite easy to tell when one has happened. Soot covers all areas of the home or business and may range from light to very heavy. Sometimes the disbursement of soot is so light and fine it appears to be ordinary dust. This "dust" however, reappears hours after being cleaned. There is often a strong odor of oil accompanying a puff back. 

Can I prevent a Puff Back from occurring?

The best defense against a puff back is to have your oil burner inspected annually and kept in good repair.  This is no guarantee against having a puff back, but it greatly reduces your risk. Keep debris, animal hair or anything that could interfere with proper functioning away from your oil burner.

What are the possible health concerns?

While the soot is suspended in the air, occupants are at risk of inhalation exposure. Since the particles are less than 1 micron (m m) in diameter, they potentially can penetrate the deepest areas of the lung. While some studies have looked at the health risks associated with microscopic soot generated from diesel exhaust and factory emissions, none have considered the residential exposure due to furnace puff back. 

What to do if a puff back occurs...

Notify SERVPRO of Hicksville/Plainview  immediately. We will have our qualified disaster restoration specialists assess the damages and set up a crew to clean all affected areas immediately - soot travels and will reappear if not properly cleaned.

Call in SERVPRO of Hicksville/Plainview Professionals Today! 516-733-1800

SERVPRO of Hicksville/Plainview - Fire Damage

11/2/2016 (Permalink)

Fire damage in a home can be a stressful event for a homeowner. Damage to your personal belongings and home are just some of the concerns you may experience. Timely response and thorough mitigation can alleviate these concerns.

 SERVPRO of Hicksville/ Plainview understand your home is more than four walls. Your home includes your memories and personal belongings. SERVPRO Response Teams are trained in caring for both you and your home. By responding quickly with a full line of fire cleanup and restoration services, SERVPRO of Hicksville/ Plainview can help you restore your home and personal belongings.

So, before you risk doing further damage by attempting to clean up the damage yourself. Call SERVPRO of Hicksville/ Plainview's professionals Today at 516-733-1800!

Available 24 hours, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

Staying Safe this Summer

6/22/2016 (Permalink)

Each Summer, families and friends across the country enjoy the summer months with barbecues, camping trips, or by cooling off in the pool, lake or beach. In order to enjoy these occasions, it is important to keep safety top of mind to ensure you have fun in the sun. 

According to the United States Fire Administration, just under 8,600 Americans are injured by fireworks and almost 5,000 are injured by charcoal/wood-burning and propane grill fires, annually. A barbecue grill should always be supervised when in use. Keep children and pets a safe distance from the grilling area to prevent accidental burns or tipping of the grill.

If you enjoy lounging by the pool or going for a boat ride to cool off from the summer sun, make sure you exercise caution, especially when children are present. Only swim in approved areas and supervise children at all times when near the water.

Summertime should be a time to make memories and enjoy the great outdoors. The following tips provided by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) , will help keep you safe all summer long.

•When using a charcoal grill, only use starter fluids designed for barbecue grills; do not add fluid after coals have been lit.

•When using a gas grill, ensure the hose connection is tight; check hoses for leaks. Applying soapy water to hoses will easily and safely reveal any leaks.

•Always wear a U.S. Coast Guard - Approved PFD (personal floatation device) when boating, jet-skiing, tubing or water-skiing, air -filled swimming aids, like water wings or inner tubes, are not substitutes for approved PFDs. An adult should always supervise children using these devices.

•Be sure to extinguish all smoking materials and shut down motors and heating devices before fueling a boat, In case of a spill, wipe up fuel and check for fuel leakage and odors.

•When camping, always use a flame retardant tent and set up camp far away from the campfire. Only use flashlights or battery-powered lanterns inside the tent, not liquid-filled heaters or lanterns.

•Always build a campfire downwind from the tent area. Clear vegetation and dig a pit before building your campfire. Always extinguish the fire before going to sleep or leaving the campsite. To extinguish, cover with dirt or pour water over the fire.

•Store liquid fire starter (not gasoline) away from your tent and campfire and only use dry kindling to freshen a campfire.

 •Consider leaving firework use to trained professionals. Stay back at least 500 feet from professional fireworks displays.

SERVPRO of Port Jefferson is Wishing you a Safe and Happy Summer.

Call Today: 631-476-5300

A Fire in one office can damage a whole business

4/21/2016 (Permalink)

In 2004, direct property loss due to fires was estimated at 9.8 billion dollars. However, when one of your properties suffers a fire, only one fire matters. Business documents are priceless, and a reflection of hard work and achievements. Photographs, books, and other personal items have a value to your customers and tenants that cannot be put into words. SERVPRO professionals have the ability to help restore belongings. To your business, there's no such thing as a small fire. Regardless of the size of the event, a fire in one room can damage belongings and surfaces throughout a facility and cause odors that may last for years.

SERVPRO professional understands how events like a fire can disrupt your life. Concerns may range from getting back in business quickly to the expense of replacing tenant's belongings and equipment to the emotions associated with losing a keepsake. Typically restoring an item will save you money versus replacing the item, relieving your tenant's or customer's concern of losing a priceless treasure. SERVPRO consist of a 24-Hour emergency response team, trained in caring for both property and belongings. By responding quickly and help protect property and personal belongings.

Before you risk doing further damage by attempting to clean up the damage yourself call SERVPRO the fire damage cleanup and restoration professionals 1-866-928-7668

Fire Safety

2/19/2016 (Permalink)

10 Key Fire Safety Tips

Though some fires are unavoidable acts of nature or unpredictable accidents, many fires in the home and workplace are avoidable. The following tips, courtesy of the National Fire Protection Association, can help reduce the likelihood of a fire in your business or home. 

1. Watch your cooking - Stay in the kitchen if you are frying, grilling or broiling food. Never allow young children around the stove or oven, especially if they are not closely attended. 
2. Give space heaters space - Keep space heaters at least three feet from anything. 
3. Smoke outside - If you must smoke inside, have a sturdy, deep ashtray. Never smoke in bed.
4. Keep matches and lighters out of reach - Keep matches and lighters in high cabinets, preferably under a child lock.
5. Inspect electrical cord - Replace cords that are cracked, damaged, have broken plugs or have loose connections. 
6. Be careful when using candles - Keep candles at least on foot from anything that can burn. Blow them out before you leave the room or go to sleep.
7. Have a fire escape plan- Make a fire escape plan and practice it at least twice a year.
8. Install smoke alarms - Install alarms on every level of your office or home and inside bedrooms. Interconnect them so they all sound at once.
9. Test smoke alarms - Test alarms once per month. Replace batteries once per year or as needed.
10. Install sprinklers - Sprinklers can help maintain and sometimes even extinguish fires, giving your local fire department a better chance of saving your property.

Fire Escape Planning Tips

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

• Install a smoke alarm on every level of your home.
• Test smoke alarm batteries every month and change them at least once a year.
• Consider installing a 10-year lithium battery-powered smoke alarm. 
• Practice findings your way out of the house with your eyes closed, crawling or staying low and feeling your way out of the house.
• Remember to escape first, then notify the fire department.