Flooding After the Storm... What Next?

8/31/2022 (Permalink)

What to do-

The second you notice flooding in your home do not hesitate to call SERVPRO immediately! Time is the biggest factor in preventing further damage, as well as slowing the spread of water into places like your floors and walls. With a quick enough reaction to the issue we can make a huge difference. Regardless, if you notice damage days after a storm we can still help. With a team of experts who know the ins and outs of storm damage we can find the source and solution to your issue. Not only do we perform the cleanup and treatment of the area, we restore what was ruined. When we leave it will be, "Like it never even happened".

NYC Disaster Cleanup

8/25/2022 (Permalink)

A disaster in New York City is a popular movie scene, but unlike a movie set, disasters don't just disappear. If your kitchen sets on fire from spilled grease, or your commercial office building gets flooded, it's important to respond quickly, let us help set up provisional and protective measures to avoid further deterioration. SERVPRO of Midtown Manhattan is available 24 hours a day every day of the week, with efficient and skilled restoration technicians prepared to clean up any mess ranging from the upholstery in your home to the removal of water damaged flooring in your office building.

SERVPRO of Midtown Manhattan offers restoration and cleanup from any of the following and more:

• Fire Damage
• Water Damage
• Smoke Damage
• Storm Damage
• Mold Damage/Remediation
• Cleaning & Building Services

Save yourself time and money by hiring SERVPRO. We will be there for every stage of the recovery preventing you from carrying the burden of the rebuild knowing a trusted pioneer of the Restoration and Renovation industry will respond.

When disaster strikes, depend on the professionals at SERVPRO. In times of distress our capable and highly-skilled technicians will make sure your problem is resolved.

No matter what the elements throw at you, whether it is a bathroom flood or severe smoke damage from a fire, SERVPRO will have your property clean again. At SERVPRO we are a trusted leader in commercial and residential restoration throughout the US. 

We are there to fix any kind of disaster you may face: water, fire, smoke, mold or storm damage. Hundreds of franchises are ready to dispatch highly-trained restoration professionals 24 hours a day, seven days a week. New York City is an iconic staple of the United States and SERVPRO of Midtown Manhattan is the best at keeping it clean.

Preventing Fires in Your NYC Apartment

8/1/2022 (Permalink)

Soot on the walls from a fire

How to prevent Apartment Fires-

Fires are frightening for everyone, but living in an apartment the fear can be greater and the risks are more present due to many factors. Living in close proximity to others it is impossible to control what they are doing, but there are steps you can take to make yourself more prepared. Below we have listed a few ways to keep yourself safe living in your NYC apartment. 

Test fire alarms and change fire alarm batteries frequently- press the test button on your fire alarms monthly to ensure they are working properly. If you cannot replace them yourself contact your landlord or super as soon as possible.

Keep a fire extinguisher in the kitchen- most fires begin in the kitchen, make sure to keep an up to date fire extinguisher rated for grease and kitchen fires. 

Blow out candles- never leave a lit candle unattended, always blow them out before leaving even for a few minutes. 

Keep it clean- make sure you avoid clutter in the way of exits as well as near any heat sources as this can feed a potential fire

Do not overload outlets- make sure you do not have too many things plugged into your outlets. Electrical fires can happen while you are not home and cause serious fires.

Plan how to get out- make an escape plan for you and anyone else living in your apartment, plan ahead to get you and your family out. 

Be aware- finally, if you smell smoke coming from another unit call your landlord or super immediately, and if necessary dial 911

Kitchen Disasters

7/16/2022 (Permalink)

Cleaning up behind appliances is crucial!

What Happened?

The common cause for these water leaks is the plastic water line behind the refrigerator will crack, a slow drip begins and water pools behind the fridge unnoticed. Another common cause is excess condensation buildup which has the same effect. Water damage from your fridge can cause numerous problems in your home especially since the problem can go unnoticed for so long, at this point the damage has already taken a toll on your floors and surrounding areas. Moisture and heat in the dark environment create perfect conditions for mold to form and your floorboards to rot. Somewhere like an apartment or enclosed area these mold spores can cause issues and a problem like this should not be overlooked. Over at SERVPRO we are experts in mold remediation and will gladly remove and prevent further frustrations for you.

Now What?

It is important to first clean up any visible water to avoid further damage and possibilities of mold occurring. Once this is done you should inspect your fridge and see if there are any noticeable leaks or areas where condensation may be forming to excess. It is important to replace any faulty connections to stop the immediate leak if possible. If you are able to, assess the damage done to the area under and around the fridge. Most of the time floorboards will show visible damage, but the real problems can occur underneath where you cannot see. We recommend you give us a call at SERVPRO of Midtown Manhattan (212-768-9400) where we are available 24/7 to assist. We will send a team out to stop any further damage and spread of mold and help prevent this issue from occurring again. While you may be able to swap out the damaged areas of flooring, mold can continue to grow and cause more problems in the future. With many years of experience we will make the cleanup a quick and easy experience.

Pro tip: add a water alarm behind/under your fridge to catch any further problems from getting far

Community Connections

6/21/2022 (Permalink)

Members of our team at the sponsored hole

Warm Weather Connections

We have had the luck of experiencing some amazing weather lately on the east coast. With this great weather we have had the chance to connect with members of our community in the outdoors, and on the golf course. We sponsored a hole at a nearby course and it was a lot of fun to meet new people and tell them about what we do. Overall the team had an amazing day and met some incredible people along the way

Community-

We are big on getting to know hats going on around us and the people we are helping. When you see a SERVPRO truck you should think about all the awesome things we do! Whether it is cleaning up a flood in your basement or restoring your entire home after a fire damage, SERVPRO of Midtown Manhattan is their for our community members when they need us!

Spring Brings Thunder and Lightning, How to Prepare

4/30/2022 (Permalink)

Thunderstorms Have the Potential to be Dangerous-

Below we have listed some advice to stay safe during a thunderstorm. Make sure you follow these tips to prepare yourself and your household for a potentially dangerous storm. Thunderstorms occur often and can cause a lot of damage to your home you don’t want to deal with. Of course, there are ways to help prevent or minimize any damage, to prepare for a Thunderstorm, you should do the following:

Create a Plan and a Store Supplies-

• Remove dead or rotting trees and branches that could fall and cause injury or home damage.
• Secure outdoor objects that could blow away or cause damage to your home.
• Stay inside your home or a secure building until the storm has passed.
• Shutter windows and secure outside doors. If shutters are not available, close window blinds, shades/curtains.

Some Thunderstorm Facts You May Not Have Known:

-Thunderstorms can occur in clusters or in a line formation.

-A single thunderstorm can be severe if the storm stays in place, pummeling a location for a prolonged period of time.

-Warm, humid conditions are highly favorable for the development of Thunderstorms.

-Dealing with Storm Damage can be made easy, call our team at SERVPRO of Midtown Manhattan for help at 212-768-9400!

Spending Less Money on Your Home in the Long Run

4/29/2022 (Permalink)

Routine Maintenance to Save You Money

Your homes’ maintenance cost can add up to a considerable sum over time. The best way to keep maintenance costs low for any structural system, or appliance is to handle the issues sooner rather than later, as well as anticipate potential problems. Most home systems, such as HVAC or plumbing, can be maintained for years without major incident, as long as homeowners schedule routine upkeep. Here are the three best ways to keep service costs low and maximize the lifespan of every system in your home.

1. Take Care of Minor Fixes-

It’s a good idea to start small when it comes to maintenance. Addressing issues that seem minor when they arise can help to prevent serious issues from developing down the road. In general, scheduled or preventative maintenance is more affordable than emergency repairs in terms of the cost of parts, labor and incidentals.

2. Perform Preventative Maintenance-

Homeowners should schedule periodic inspections of the structural systems, appliances and other aspects of a residence. Inspections may draw attention to issues that require maintenance. Cleaning components and getting the parts necessary to prevent problems from occurring down the line tends to have a lower maintenance cost than fixing ruined parts and restoring damage it can create.

3. Get The Job Done Right-

It is important to have trained professionals install, service and repair home appliances and systems such as HVAC and plumbing. Maintaining high management standards may cost a little more per job, but the risk of experiencing major problems that prove to be very costly is significantly reduced. Bonded and insured professionals also typically guarantee their work.

The longer a problem persists, the more severe it may become and the higher the maintenance cost will become. When it comes to structural systems and appliances at a home in Manhattan, regularly scheduled inspections, maintenance, preventative measures and timely repairs can help homeowners avoid costly emergency fixes for major problems that can cause major damage.

Why Choose an IICRC Certified Company?

4/29/2022 (Permalink)

What Being an IICRC Certified Company Means-

SERVPRO of Midtown Manhattan is an IICRC-certified firm. The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) creates the standards for the restoration industry and provides training and certification to restoration companies. As a result? Our technicians are amply qualified to take care of any commercial or residential loss you may encounter.

The IICRC Certification Requirements We Follow-

In order to keep and maintain our elite status as an IICRC Firm, our office takes steps to meet the following requirements:

• Present accurate information to consumers and conduct business with honesty and integrity.
• Require a technician on all jobs who has been formally trained and passed all required tests.
• Require a continuing education program to keep technicians up-to-date on the latest changes in the industry.
• Maintain liability insurance to protect all parties in the event of an accident.
• Maintaining a written complaint policy and agreeing to Better Business Bureau or similar arbitration to resolve disputes, and accept the conclusions and recommendations of arbitration.

The IICRC Develops The Standards For The Restoration Industry-

The IICRC has been the driving force in establishing the main industry standards and reference guides for professional carpet cleaning, water damage restoration and mold remediation. These IICRC standards take years to develop and require the coordination of experts in the field: manufacturers, industry organizations, insurance professionals, training schools, contractors, and public health professionals.

Every five years, the standards are reviewed and updated. The water damage restoration field changes rapidly with advancements in technology and science, and therefore the standards must evolve to keep pace. This benefits our customers, as they directly benefit from our trained and certified technicians.

About Us, SERVPRO of Midtown Manhattan-

At SERVPRO of Midtown Manhattan we specialize in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after fire, smoke or water damage. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration and we are (as you may have gotten by now!) an IICRC certified firm. We believe in continuous training: from initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

For behind the scenes footage, be sure to follow us on social media where we post almost every day!

Why Choose SERVPRO of Midtown Manhattan for Restoration?

4/28/2022 (Permalink)

More Than 50 Years of Experience

Since 1967 SERVPRO corporate has been the leader in the restoration industry. With over 1,800 franchises nationwide, even stepping outside of the States, SERVPRO has created a system that allows for personal touch while giving access to resources on a much larger scale. As a part of that system, we at SERVPRO of Midtown Manhattan believe that part of the importance is in the name itself, to “serve” and to be a “pro”, as in a professional. Here are some values we believe it takes to provide service and professionalism.

Nothing is more important to us than the people and community we serve. With every job, starting with our initial call to the last interaction, our clients will know that their wellbeing and peace of mind matter to us most. We consider ourselves a company of helpful problem solvers, that value people first, and happen to be excellent with the work of restoration. Much of our love for our community can be seen in our involvement, and programs we have developed to help our local community outside of our work with restoration. If you are looking for a company that will treat you with professionalism as well as compassion you deserve then you have come to the right place.

Restoring Hope-

With the occurrence of disasters, we see many people come home and walk into something terrible: like severe water damage. Ceilings caved in, a house filled with water. We are there to tell you that it'll be alright. At our core SERVPRO is a team of problem solvers. Our team of technicians are excellent at what they do. Most importantly? We want to help our customers find hope in a seemingly hopeless situation. 

Excellent workmanship-

Over the years some of the most consistent feedback has been about our quality of workmanship, because for us, a home that has been affected by damage isn't just about walls and a roof, it's about the memories and experiences those things carried. Our passion to give our best on every job is driven by our heart for restoring your most valuable assets, your home, and your heart. We know that excellent workmanship should come with excellent care in these situations, and it is our pleasure to deliver both 

If you are looking for restoration done to the highest standards, by a crew who will care about what it means to you, then you have found the right place to help! Contact our SERVPRO of Midtown Manhattan Team by calling us up 24/7 at 212-768-9400

What to Avoid After a Flood

4/23/2022 (Permalink)

Keeping Yourself Safe During a Flood

In the midst of a storm, water can invade your home and cause considerable damage to your property in the form of flooding. However, your main priority should always be to keep yourself, your family members, and your pets to safety. Let the storm pass and when conditions are safe, you can return to assess the damage, and then begin the cleanup process. Below are some things you should not do when returning to the site of a flood:

Do Not Make Contact With the Water-

Floodwater can contain many different types of contaminants including bacteria, viruses, chemicals, and debris. Help protect your skin from harmful water by wearing rubber boots and gloves and keeping your hands and face from making contact with the water. If contact occurs despite your best efforts, wash immediately with soap and clean water.

Do Not Enter Standing Water-

After a flood, homes, yards, streets, and other areas can be covered in standing water. Powerful winds often accompany heavy storms, so it is not uncommon to find downed powerlines after a storm. Since water from a flood is usually murky, you cannot always tell what lies beneath the surface. If the water has been electrically charged, you could experience an electric shock if you enter a flooded home. Rubber boots will help protect against the risk of electrocution.

Do Not Let the Water Sit

The longer water sits, the more time bacteria have to multiply. When items are left to sit in water for long periods of time, the structural integrity of those items can begin to break down. The water should be safely extracted as soon as possible. By cleaning the water faster, you can help to lessen any water damage to your home. Since mold can begin forming in as little as 24 to 48 hours, it is important to begin the drying process as soon as the water has been extracted.

By following a few precautions, you can help keep yourself safe from the dangers of floodwater.

If you ever experience a flood or some type of water damage in Midtown Manhattan, a professional restoration company like SERVPRO can help get your home back to its original condition- or better. Call us 24/7 at 212-768-9400 for a free assessment and quick help!